Worth Playing

If you only intend to play Gears of War: E-Day's campaign, it has thus far been stunningly mediocre. Neither the story nor the gameplay takes any risks, and everything feels like it was designed by committee. That's not counting the technical issues. After the multiplayer servers are live and stable, we'll post a follow-up review that includes coverage of the multiplayer experience, so gamers can make an educated choice as we head into the crowded holiday season. [Review in Progress]

Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave is a genuine classic of a game. It's ambitious beyond belief, filled to the brim of content, constantly exciting and engaging, and I was barely able to put it down. Even with the obviously trimmed content, it doesn't feel like it's lacking anything. If anything, it's the most cohesive and fully featured Fire Emblem game I've ever played. The low difficulty level can be a touch of a drag, but it's the smallest of complaints and absolutely won't get in the way of the game being a true masterpiece.

Minecraft Dungeons II improves on the original without abandoning what made it appealing. The open world provides plenty of opportunities for exploration, secrets, and loot, while the expanded equipment and enchantment systems offer greater flexibility without becoming overwhelming. The shops have improved as well, and combat can be chaotic when playing solo without ever feeling unfair. Players looking for a deeper action-RPG may still find the experience lacking, but those who want a straightforward adventure with a lengthy campaign will find Minecraft Dungeons II to be a satisfying sequel.

Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is a very good flight-combat game. Its story has surprising depth while still delivering the series' signature dose of action. The arcade-focused controls remain approachable, and additions such as wingman commands, midair refueling, and takeoff and landing sequences give simulation fans a few more mechanics to appreciate without making the game significantly more intimidating. The lengthy campaign is complemented by a multiplayer mode with plenty of staying power, even if its rotating game types can be frustrating. Add in the excellent presentation, strong audio, and impressive visuals, and Wings of Theve delivers an experience that should keep Ace Combat fans occupied until the next entry arrives.

Overall, Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition is a solid Switch 2 port with few bells and whistles. It's essentially Dragon Quest XI on a newer console rather than a major upgrade, so existing owners have little reason to buy it again. For RPG fans who haven't played it yet, however, there's a lot to love. The Definitive Edition is an excellent portable version of a long, charming, and consistently enjoyable adventure.

Like the duo's previous games, Well Dweller is a polished take on the genre that understands what makes Metroidvanias enjoyable without overcomplicating the formula. Fans of the genre should find plenty to like, and the Thompson brothers have once again delivered a strong entry in their growing catalog.

Silent Hill: Townfall is a solid Silent Hill-flavored game held back mainly by being too obvious and too slow. When it hits, it hits hard, and some moments are genuinely compelling. At the same time, it occasionally stretches beyond what its mechanics can support, and the gameplay barely holds together across its roughly 10-hour runtime. It's a more consistent game than Silent Hill f, but it's also a less ambitious one, which is both a strength and a limitation. Fans of the franchise will find plenty to like, particularly those who disliked Silent Hill f's Soulslike combat and more extravagant atmosphere. For them, Townfall offers a return to form.

The biggest obstacle is the combat's difficulty, particularly when enemies attack from outside your view or provide unclear tells. You can either adapt to the game's demanding combat or use the extensive assist options to tailor the experience to your preferences. Either way, Resonant successfully expands what a Control game can be while retaining the strange atmosphere that made the original stand out.

Dragon Quest Heroes: Torneko's Mystery Dungeon - Classic HD is an excellent, if bare-bones, Mystery Dungeon game that's held back by some awkward porting issues. The core gameplay is still incredibly fun, and it's easy to understand why it became a massive franchise. However, the slow pacing drags it down compared to other games in the franchise and makes it a tad difficult to recommend over a Shiren or similar title unless you're a huge Dragon Quest fan. If nothing else, it's great to play the game that started it all in English, and hopefully a few patches can smooth out the rough spots.

Trails in the Sky: 2nd Chapter is a darn fine RPG and exactly what its title promises: the second half of a two-part game. It doesn't try to reinvent the formula, and its modest combat additions don't substantially change the experience. Instead, its greatest strength is the story, which finally delivers the payoff to Estelle and Joshua's journey and builds toward an exciting conclusion. If you enjoyed 1st Chapter, 2nd Chapter is an easy recommendation. It may not dramatically change the gameplay, but its stronger story, satisfying character arcs, and excellent climax make it one of the standout entries in the Trails series.