Impulsegamer

Gears of War: E-Day improves on its predecessors in almost every area, a brutal and thoroughly entertaining look at the early hours of the war with the Locust.

Echoes of Sekigahara is a content-packed single-player expansion with a riveting story and character writing that elevates the depth of Ghost of Yōtei’s tale of revenge and Atsu’s motivations significantly and has made me appreciate the quality of the base game’s design even more. Even if you aren’t interested in the side modes or unlocks, Sucker Punch’s latest narrative DLC makes the price of admission worth the cost.

Two more Hideo Kojima masterpieces finally on modern platforms. A fantastic collection of two of the greatest games of all time that stealth fans everywhere should play.

Ace Combat 8 is truly stunning. It’s no secret that Ace Combat games have always been lookers for their time, but Ace Combat 8 takes it to another level.

I have no real-world skills with sewing or dressmaking, but I thoroughly enjoyed being able to let loose creatively and make some stunning dresses. The low-stress aspect (after figuring out how to fulfill all the customer-required elements) meant it was easy to just focus on the creativity and really enjoy the process. If you have an interest in dressmaking, then I highly recommend Dressmaker!

I would say that I mostly enjoyed Blackshard. The visuals are striking, and the 2D artwork is just as captivating as the 3D. The elements of the labyrinth that are “more traditional” are enjoyable enough, but when things open up and you can end up taking a path a long way only to find there was nothing to find, it can be a bit frustrating and sometimes disorienting (granted, that aspect is somewhat expected of labyrinths). It may not be the best “walking simulator”, but it is a nice break from mainstream gaming, and it’s lovely to see what indie developers can come up with when they don’t have to fit into predefined genres and play styles. Worth a look if you like the surreal and walking simulators.

Overall, I think if you’re the kind of player who is more interested in ‘numbers go up’ than I am—for example, if you couldn’t stop playing Ball x Pit, MegaBonk, or Vampire Survivors for the progression rather than the gameplay—then this is probably right up your alley as a deeper version of the original Moonlighter. But if you’re like me, and you need the RPG elements or story as primary motivators for the dungeon diving or the mercantile gameplay, rather than simply earning gold, you might be left unsatisfied. I was left nostalgic for the 2018 original more than I thought I would be.

Garfield: Escape From Monday may not be the biggest or most ambitious Garfield game out there, but it is a fun little adventure that understands what makes the character work. If you’re looking for a straightforward platformer for yourself or a younger gamer, or you simply want more Garfield in your life, this is a solid way to spend a few hours.

A disappointing, missed opportunity for the Serious Sam franchise that doesn't make the most of its roguelite mechanics.

Control Resonant is an ambitious sequel that feels fresh and exciting while still retaining much of the same tone and feel as its predecessor. Moving from ranged to melee combat is a gamble; moving from a semi-open world to a full open world with some extended linear sections bolted on is a huge leap. However, Remedy has accomplished this tall order with aplomb, creating a game that still feels firmly rooted in the same world as the original Control, with the same dry, Lynchian sense of humour and a surprisingly heartwarming tale about forgiveness and finding your place in an increasingly nonsensical and hostile world.