Sleep Awake is absolutely stunning visually and feels like walking through an art installation full of heavy themes and commentary. Combined with the impeccable soundscape crafted by Nine Inch Nails' Robin Finck and some of the best world-building I've ever experienced in a sub-10-hour video game, it's a title that will stick with me for a long time. Some occasional subpar stealth sections and an obtuse puzzle or two are the only blemishes on an otherwise incredible journey that had me riveted from start to finish, with a story and main character that were incredible to witness. I want more of this world and premise. I want a book. I want a movie. I'm not sure that I'll be able to sleep till I get it.
Cloudheim is, by all accounts, a good game, but it is marred by uncertainty about its direction. A sort of jack of all trades but master of none issue. It is very important to remember this game is still in its early days and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, in a few months, I think many of the issues I have with this game will either be solved or be on the way to being solved. Right now, though, Cloudheim struggles with its identity a little too much. If you can craft such a fun world to move about in, why punish me by giving me manual labor to do when I finally go home? The combat, when it works, is ludicrously fun. Using mobs like bowling balls and pins has never been better. The progression systems are a bit overwhelming, and there are probably a few too many in the game as a whole. Becoming a Nordic legend to save the world sounds amazing until you have to stop everything and deal with your overabundance of items in your inventory. [Early Access Provisional Score = 70]
Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a fantastic beat 'em up that understands what makes arcade games like X-Men so iconic. It's a touching love letter to both the source material and genre that's a blast to play from start to finish, whether you're playing alone or with friends. Part of the fun is not just experiencing the beat 'em up action, but also falling in love with specific heroes and various combinations to find a playstyle that matches your personal preferences. In an era that has more options than ever for co-op gaming, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is well worth your time and money, whether you're looking to spend a weekend together gaming or keep coming back to see everything the game offers.
Escape From Tarkov has changed significantly on its road to release, but there's little doubt over this being the best that Tarkov has always been. The story mode adds depth and meaning to the game in ways that were sorely missing before, making its standout environment and gameplay actually matter. It may not be the prettiest or the most approachable game, but Escape From Tarkov looks set to remain the premier post-apocalyptic first-person shooter in the market for the foreseeable future.
She’s Leaving has a great and unique concept with a solid story, which may be enough for players looking for their next survival-horror fix. However, you shouldn’t go into it hoping for amazing gameplay, since it’s pretty barebones across the board. While engaging with real-life practices of forensics is intriguing, especially if you’re into true crime, everything else revolves around cookie-cutter mechanics to an exhausting extent. The majority of a playthrough consists of finding and using keys, unlocking safes, and running away from a stalker that becomes less scary and more of a nuisance the longer you play. While She’s Leaving isn’t the best option out there for survival-horror enthusiasts, it has enough good stuff, such as interesting forensic mechanics, story, and voice acting, that make it worthwhile for a quick playthrough over a weekend. It’s also important to consider its low price of only $16.99.
Total Chaos is an exciting survival-horror game that follows a man descending into madness within his own mind. The story and combat are the standouts here, as both are engaging enough to keep the player on the edge of their seats, pushing them further into the depths of the game's world to learn more about the protagonist and take down deadlier foes. Discovering the lore of Fort Oasis, the game's main location, and how its hidden meanings connect to the main character's mental state and sickness shares a strong resemblance to Silent Hill 2, and it's fascinating to uncover. The biggest negative is the game's core survival mechanics and how it often feels too punishing because of its lack of resources, to the point that some players might be forced to go back to an earlier save depending on their situation. The extreme lengths it takes to make the player feel hopeless may be too much for the casual player, so it's definitely not a game that could be recommended to everyone.
Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE is clearly intended to be a love letter to the source material that's drawn many fans across the globe for its dramatic, protagonist-driven story, fascinating lore, thrilling fight sequences, and surprisingly emotional moments. However, the creative execution of that homage in this game leaves a lot of confusion and disappointment on the story front, which should serve as its foundation rather than a botched afterthought. As a result, it almost forcibly alienates Solo Leveling newcomers, who are left without a premise to base their experience on. The combat and endgame grind does make up for it well enough, as cutting through fearsome foes as Sung Jinwoo feels satisfying and seldom gets old. Time will tell if the development team fills the holes it needs to for this game to become a true retelling of Solo Leveling, or if it remains more about fan service.
I was one of the biggest Kirby Air Ride fans back in the day, so the fact that we're getting a sequel to the divisive cult classic is a dream come true. Kirby Air Riders is everything I could have ever wanted and more. It's a project filled with love, passion, and a celebration of all things Kirby. From the robust character roster, surprising depth of customization options, and an impressive amount of content to see, do, and unlock, Kirby Air Riders is easily my favorite racing game of the year. It's a triumph from start to finish, and I can't wait to spend countless hours in City Trial and beyond.
Hunter's Moon: A Sovereign Syndicate Adventure is a deckbuilder that I absolutely loved early on. The presentation is fantastic, and the Slay The Spire-esque gameplay is top-tier. Unfortunately, the more I played, the more I'd encounter substantial performance issues and an overall feeling of imbalance. Give this one some more time to be optimized, and it'll be one of the best titles in the genre. Until then, it's still a good time, but hasn't yet reached its full potential.
Constance is a fantastic game that I would recommend to anyone who’s a fan of the genre. It draws heavy inspiration from Hollow Knight, which is clear as day, but brings fresh ideas to the table that make it feel like a unique experience. The story, where players bounce between the real world and a world inside the protagonist's declining mental state, is a sad tale that sends a powerful message about depression and anxiety. Constance tackles subject matter that we don’t typically see enough of in the gaming industry, at least with this much depth, and it’s refreshing to see them explored here. The mix of a heartfelt story, addictive gameplay, and incredible platforming makes Constance easy to recommend.
