One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 remains one of the best Musou games out there, and that status is further solidified with the slight changes made by the free current-generation console patch. The core gameplay loop remains engaging in its simplicity, but the additions of an expanded move set and a wide variety of characters who play differently assuage any concerns of fatigue. The quests can start to feel too similar, but the various modes give fans plenty to do. The presence of multiplayer for a good chunk of the game also greatly extends the life of the game. If you're a fan of either Musou titles or One Piece, this title is well worth having.
Octopath Traveler 0 might be a rebuild of a gacha game, but it's a fun, engaging and excellent stand-alone JRPG. There's no trace of the microtransactions and monetization, and what remains is a game that captures much of what makes the Octopath franchise so beloved. I expected something half-baked and got what might be my favorite entry in the franchise to date, and it's a title that I'd consider to be a must-play for fans of turn-based RPGs.
As mentioned before, Marvel Cosmic Invasion is a very good title, and Tribute Games shows that it knows how to do a beat-'em-up well. The additions to the standard brawling mechanics make it a deep game for those wanting an evolution in the genre, but it remains simple enough for button-mashers to enjoy. The game runs at a good length and initially seems easy, but that changes once you start unlocking the modifiers. The amount of unlocks and challenges provide completionists with a good reason to return again and again.
A.I.L.A. is a game that has potential but fails with the follow-through. The idea of AI generating experiences meant to terrify you while also affecting you outside of the game still works. The games that represent different horror experiences do a good job of taking something familiar and making it its own. While the puzzles are fine, the combat drags down everything greatly, and the pacing means that the whole game becomes an unenjoyable roller coaster ride. There's a chance for improvement with patches, but at the moment, you'll want to wait and see if things get better before diving in.
As stated earlier in the review, Marvel's Deadpool VR is a good game overall. While the title may not contain the usual expected elements in a VR title, it helps the medium become more mature by being as long as an average non-VR title and by being more than a glorified shooting gallery. Except for the grappling hook issue, the game controls well and plays spectacularly. Combat is inventive and features diverse weaponry. This is a well thought-out title that fans of action games and Deadpool will enjoy, provided they haven't gotten tired of his antics yet.
Dispatch is a genuine delight from start to finish. Aside from the minor (and as of this writing, now irrelevant) nag of having to wait for the entire "season" to be done, I can't think of any strong complaints. The characters are fun and likable, the plot is pretty darn enjoyable, and it's probably the most fun Telltale-style game I've ever played. Add to that the fun dispatch-themed gameplay, and you've got something that's firing on all cylinders. If the crude humor and concept don't turn you off, Dispatch is a must-play for any superhero fans.
Atari 50: The Anniversary Collection - The Namco Legendary Pack DLC marks an excellent addition to the base game. These are some classics for the Atari family of systems, and considering that Namco barely addresses these iterations, it is good to see them on modern platforms, warts and all. As usual, the documentary sections make this collection worthwhile, so if you're a retro enthusiast, be sure to snag this piece of DLC.
Where Winds Meet has potential. We're starting to see RPGs in a Wuxia setting, and this is perhaps the most compelling one yet. The number of activities varies greatly, and the combat feels wonderful. The game's vastness means that there's loads of longevity, even if the experience can feel like a grind at times. The many systems at play can lead to a confusing experience, especially since the game does a poor job of teaching you the gameplay mechanics. The spotty presentation doesn't do the game any favors when coupled with the lack of translation in places. If you're willing to put up with all of these hindrances from the start, you'll find a game that does a good job of keeping you interested. Most people will be better served by waiting to see if the team can add some much-needed polish before jumping in.
Hotel Barcelona has a handful of flaws, but if you're willing to stick it out, there is a gem of a game underneath the rough surface. While I would've liked to see more polish and a few more levels to explore, the core gameplay loop is solid. I continually went back to Hotel Barcelona for "just one more run," even after I'd beaten the main story. It's also a good choice for busier gamers with limited play time, since a single run can be completed in a 15-minute setting. Hotel Barcelona is not a game for everyone, but if you're a fan of cheaper, quirky titles (like me), this is your jam.
Once Upon a Katamari is another excellent title in the series. The game design is still timeless, and the act of picking up everything in your path never gets old. The additions of power-ups don't change the game dramatically, but the solid level design and varied objectives do a good job at keeping the game fresh. The time travel concept also helps in that regard. Still bathed in that joyful but lo-fi presentation, Once Upon a Katamari is a game that's benefitted from long stretches between releases and remains a great title for both veterans and newcomers alike.
