In a year filled with long epics, it’s the shorter games that stood out. “Elden Ring” is deserving of game of the year honors, but that long-form adventure was one of several that dominated the charts. Sometimes it’s better for…
“Elden Ring” is deserving of game of the year honors, but that long-form adventure was one of several that dominated the charts.
The short but satisfying game sessions and portability mean it’s great to play if you have a busy life that includes, say,With plenty of cards and strategies to pursue thanks to its rotating and randomized locations, it’s a game that tests players’ ability to adapt to their opponent and circumstances.
Despite all the jaw-dropping moments, it’s the acting and the quieter moments between father and child that separates this game from other adventures. “Ragnarok” will stay with you long after the credits roll. Platinum Games knows how to make action titles and its flagship franchise starring the Umbran Witch shows the extent of that mastery. For each chapter of the franchise, the developers have managed to one-up themselves in terms of creativity and gameplay.
Open-world adventures such as this often get bogged down with uninteresting side quests, but director Mathijs de Jonge and the team at Guerrilla Games find fresh ways to make these forays better than another paint-by-numbers chores. They offer a master class on how to turn these optional experiences into rewarding must-play adventures. BlueTwelve Studio arguably had the best new protagonist of the year.
All the modes are tied together with a progression system focused on gear and collectibles that will keep players busy until the next wave of content comes out. The pink puffball celebrated his 30th anniversary, and Nintendo pulled out all the stops withand this fantastic platformer from HAL Laboratory. It’s the first game in the series to be in full 3D and elegantly transitions the hero to the new style.