Highguard is fast, fluid, and has top-notch gunplay that feels as responsive as Apex or Titanfall. The movement is solid, and using mounts to get across the massive maps is an incredible mechanic that leads to some high-tension chase moments. I especially loved the "shield clashing" phase; that buildup before the barrier falls makes the combat feel unique and exciting. Since it’s free-to-play, it’s worth a shot to form your own opinion, but for me, the game has too much "dead time" that kills the momentum. Between the three-minute base prep and the tedious resource mining, it feels like there’s way too much busy work and mindless padding that keeps you away from the actual shooting. The art style feels a bit disjointed, mixing medieval fantasy with assault rifles in a way that’s kind of incoherent, and the generic character designs don't really help it stand out. On top of that, the long respawn timers and the fact that 3v3 matches happen on maps built for 32v32 make every death feel like a frustrating, sisyphean trek across empty space. There’s zero narrative context to explain why you’re even fighting, and with the recent news of studio layoffs, it’s hard to feel confident in its future. I haven't played it much, and honestly, I don't have the "want" to keep playing.
Monster Hunter Rise is fast, beautiful, and incredibly fun on the Nintendo Switch. The new Wirebug mechanics add a crazy level of verticality and movement to combat, and riding the Palamute makes traversing the maps feel effortless while speeding up the overall pace. The game is exceptionally well-optimized and runs like a dream. The combat feels more "arcade-like" and punchy compared to previous entries, and the Yokai-inspired monster designs paired with the Japanese art style and immersive soundtrack make the world of Kamura feel unique. The only real downside is that the story is pretty forgettable and serves as a thin excuse to move from hunt to hunt, but for a game like this, the gameplay loop is what matters. I just recently reached the first set of credits after finishing the village quests (which honestly felt like an extended tutorial) and while I already have the Sunbreak expansion, I haven’t reached the point of experiencing that new content yet. If you want a refined, high-action hunting experience, this is definitely worth it.
If you’re looking for the best alternative to the Monster Hunter formula, this is it; provided you grab it on a deep sale and have the hardware to muscle through its optimization quirks. The "Karakuri" building system is a genuine game-changer, allowing you to construct traps, gliders, and massive hammers mid-combat that make every encounter feel like a fast-paced, creative puzzle. The creature designs are breathtaking, drawing heavy inspiration from Japanese folklore, and the weapon variety offers enough depth to keep you grinding for hours. It’s a "hidden gem" that brings a refreshing, breezy momentum to the genre, making hunts feel more interactive and vertical than its competitors. However, the "EA tax" is real; the game remains a bit of a technical gamble. You’ll likely deal with inconsistent frame rates and the occasional stutter, and it’s heartbreaking that the developers stopped providing updates before reaching a state of perfect polish. That said, when it works, it’s an absolute blast. Don't pay the full $70 price tag, but if you see this for under $15, it is an essential addition to your library. It’s a bold, beautiful, and slightly broken masterpiece that deserved a much better launch than it got. Rating: 8/10
I love playing Revenge of the Savage Planet with my girlfriend in split-screen co-op. The game is vibrant, weird, and full of surprises. We explore alien planets, craft gear, unlock cosmetics, and decorate our base with items we find. Capturing creatures to study them and unlock new features adds depth to the adventure. The third-person view and co-op gameplay tie it all together. Combat can be challenging at times but never frustrating, with cool bosses that keep us engaged. The puzzles, humor, and customizations make the experience feel fresh. Overall, Revenge of the Savage Planet offers a delightful co-op experience. It's a game that doesn't take itself too seriously, making it perfect for shared adventures.
Super Mario Odyssey is a must-play and a modern classic, with every kingdom bursting with charm and each world showcasing its own unique personality. The innovative Cappy mechanics feel fresh, making exploration pure joy, and just moving around is the most fun part of the game (that’s a good thing). The game looks fantastic, runs smoothly at a steady 60 fps, and offers interesting mechanics alongside beautiful worlds. Compared to other 3D Mario games, it feels refreshing, with accessible yet deep gameplay that truly makes it a standout title on the Nintendo Switch.
Split Fiction is a co-op triumph from Hazelight, blending dazzling gameplay and Unreal Engine 5 brilliance into a fresh, if familiar, experience. Polished, creative, and a blast to play with a friend—so far, it's a solid 2025 GOTY contender for me!
Diablo IV is one of my favorite ARPGs. A modern isometric hack-n-slash dungeon crawler. Dark, immersive world. Slick combat, satisfying loot drops. Perfect for genre newbies—easy to pick up, hard to put down.
