September 2018
Hollow Knight
This will probably be another “controversial“ pick and I wouldn’t fault anyone for disagreeing. For my money, Hollow Knight is the best game released this month. It’s as close to video game perfection as I’ve seen in modern games, but clearly influenced by games of old. Hollow Knight is a tough, 2D, action platformer with a Metroid-like approach to exploration. It’s dark, it’s oppressive, it’s obtuse. It punishes the player for mistakes but never feels unfair. Exploration is never easy, there’s no arrow pointing the way. Platforming and combat can be brutal, especially the bosses. But it all works so well. The game handles excellently. You learn from mistakes. The world is dark but beautiful, and the music is haunting but pushes you forward. The bosses provide such a rush when you manage to beat them, and a tough platforming section becomes a simple skill check once you’ve come to terms with the layout. And the price for the amount of game here is unbelievable. This is a lengthy game in its base form, but with the added free updates over the years it’s absolutely incredible value. I don’t know that there’s a better sub-$20 game out there for $-to-time. I love this game, and as much praise as I heaped on Dead Cells, Hollow Knight tops it. Give it a try, press on, and use a guide if it’s too tough. It’s worth it.
Huge month…Forza Horizon 4 and Shadow of the Tomb Raider could easily have been the pick, but you also have the console release of PUBG, Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition, Destiny 2: Forsaken, Gonner, Anodyne, My Brother Rabbit, Capcom Beat ‘em Up Bundle, Life is Strange 2, Valkryia Chronicles 4 (yay!), and the Amnesia Collection. Holy wow, what a month!
2 Likes
October 2018
Red Dead Redemption II
RDR is an event game. It’s an industry shaker, sales record breaking, mega release that other games are smart to get out of the way of. RDR sucks all the energy out of the room and for good reason. Rockstar’s series is one of the best in gaming, an excellent Western in the form of a video game. These games are basically the closest I’ve seen to a Wild West sim, the freedom offered to the player unmatched. RDR2 is gorgeous, huge, and breathes life. It’s a true sequel, bigger and better in every way over the first. The prequel story works so well here, the characters are relatable and you care about them, their plight, and the world itself. This is a game you can just ride around on your horse exploring for an evening, fish, hunt, or rob a train. You can also mainline the story if you want, and you’ll still be seeing and hearing things along the way that other players may never experience. It knows how to pace the player, with slower moments leading to heart-pumping action. RDR2 is AAA in every sense of the word and while I don’t agree with crappy work practices such as forced crunch, the art and quality on display here is simply unbelievable and unmatched. It’s a once in a generation game.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Lego Harry Potter Collection, Mega Man 11, The Missing,Lego DC Supervillains, Guns Gore & Cannoli 2, COD Black Ops 4, Starlink, and Soul Calibur VI all released this month. Odyssey is probably my favorite AC, and Lego HP is a fantastic package.
3 Likes
November 2018
Hitman 2
Hitman 2 is the second game in IOI’s trilogy of stealth-puzzle masterpieces. The last game IOI game published by Square Enix, Hitman 2 was a step up from the first in just about every way I can think. It featured bigger levels, better graphics, and simply more to do. The creativity of the series is in full swing, the game playing as much like a puzzler as a stealth game. The sheer amount of interactivity and variety of approaches you can take to complete a mission is astonishing. The ambient life, world building, and random conversations you come across rewards you for exploring, replaying, and mastering each and every level. The story of Agent 47 is interesting, giving you reason to see your way to the end. I love just doing whacky stuff, testing out every available item or entry, pushing the game to its limits. This is a modern classic, so snag the gold edition and dig in!
No real megahits for me, but this month saw the release of World of Final Fantasy Maxima, Chasm, Steamworld Dig 2 (nice game here), Fallout 76, Spyro Reignited Trilogy, Battlefield V, Darksiders III, The Gardens Between, and Horizon Chase Turbo.
2 Likes
December 2018
Donut County
After an absolute onslaught of huge, time consuming titles, I love to play a game like Donut County. Playable from beginning to end in one sitting if you’re so inclined, Donut County is a cute, humorous “puzzle” game that evokes memories of Katamari Damacy. The premise is as charming as it is odd: You’re a snarky, selfish raccoon in control of a hole in the ground that steals well, everything, in a little podunk town. Yes, you control an actual hole that moves around each level, starting small and growing larger over time as you consume larger and larger items. It’s an easy, chill game. This isn’t going to cause you to break a sweat, it’s just a breezy, breath of fresh air. Lighthearted, funny, colorful, vivid, relaxing. The perfect stress reducer, a great wind down game. The characters are charming, the story silly but fun. It’s great, cheap, so pick it up and have a laugh.
There’s a few standouts this month, with Forza Horizon 4 Fortune Island, Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom, Just Cause 4, Mutant Year Zero, Thronebreaker, and the long-overdue Ashen and Below all rounding out the year.
2 Likes
January 2019
Resident Evil 2
The release of Resident Evil 2 on PSX “way back when” was a big deal. It was an incredible game, ramping up everything from the first and establishing the series as one to watch in the gaming space. This 2019 remake takes that game and transforms it, modernizes it, and the result is one of the best games of the year (and perhaps generation). First, this is an amazing looking game but it’s truly gruesome. If you’re not into gore, blood, or other horror tropes, look elsewhere. RE2 is intense, balancing the quiet moments with action to perfection. And Mr. X! This big fella pursues you throughout, creating unease and dread wherever you are. Plus, the memes are amazing. Gone are the archaic tank controls, replaced with a scheme similar to that of RE4 with the added benefit of being able to move while aiming. The game also features two separate campaigns to play through, although they’re admittedly similar. I think it’s worth playing through both as each provides a unique perspective into the events that unfold. The original RE2 is a classic but hasn’t aged well and old fan or not, you owe it to yourself to play this remake…if you can handle the spooky. Perfect October game!
This month had something for everyone, with the release of Onimusha, Tales of Vesperia DE, Guacamelee 2, Ace Combat 7, Farm Together, Unruly Heroes, and Kingdom Hearts III all debuting on Xbox.
1 Like
February 2019
Crackdown 3
Many will probably laugh at my pick of Crackdown 3 as best game of the month and again, I don’t know that I can fault them. Crackdown 3 is a flawed game with a protracted development cycle and unearned hype. It doesn’t do anything new or innovate the series, it’s just more Crackdown. The thing is, “more Crackdown” isn’t a negative to me. I love a game like this, brainless and simple, the focus on having fun and causing chaos over trying to win awards. It’s a Summer blockbuster in game form, over-the-top and silly, making a great way to spend a chunk of time. Collecting orbs is an addictive as ever. The feeling of bounding about the city, leaping over cars while shooting a rocket launcher at a group of baddies is just fun. Your character grows in power rapidly, making you feel like an unbeatable powerhouse. They really don’t make games like this any more, and that’s a shame. I like the simple nature on display, the focus on fun over all else. Clouds be damned, Crackdown 3 kicks butt.
Metro Exodus, Salt & Sanctuary, Wargroove, Apex Legends, Astroneer, The King’s Bird, Glass Masquerade, Far Cry New Dawn, Trials Rising, and Yonder the Cloud Catcher Chronicles all saw releases and are a good time.
2 Likes
March 2019
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro is a game that wears its Souls-lineage proudly. Please understand, this isn’t a game for everyone. It’s brutal, dark, and punishing. It makes you want to pull your hair out. But like every Souls game, the moments of triumphing over a seemingly unbeatable foe are nearly unmatched in gaming. The setting is that of feudal Japan, an era of shogun and samurai and ninjas. You play as a ninja of sorts, traversing the rooftops and cliff sides to kill a multitude of incredibly challenging enemies and bosses. This game doesn’t hold your hand, and if ever there was a game to apply the “get good” monicker, it’s this one. You can’t level up or grind to overpower foes. You just have to learn from each battle, slowly and surely improving your skills until you manage to succeed, often by the skin of your teeth. I love the traversal in this game, it’s fast and elegant. The hook shot type device is really cool, and is something I hope FromSoft includes in future titles. The story can be obtuse as ever, requiring you to search out and explore to really invest yourself in the world and lore. It’s a game that can break you and you literally may not be able to finish. While I believe that difficulty options should be provided, there is something here that is undeniably satisfying despite its unforgiving and unwelcoming nature. It’s one of the best games of the year, and a great way to start the last few years of the generation.
I had a hard time choosing a game this month. Division 2 and DMC 5 released which are both amazing, and you also had DOA 6, Black Desert, Operencia, and Stories: Paths of Destiny to take your time and empty your wallet.
2 Likes
April 2019
FAR: Lone Sails
FAR: Lone Sails is my kind of game. It’s a somber, chill experience. Quiet and thoughtful with nothing that truly threatens. The story is told in silence, it’s just you and this beautiful, desolate world. The mechanics are straightforward and simple, the puzzles elegantly designed to tickle the brain but never frustrate. There’s a weight to the game in both gameplay feel and mood. It’s just a lovely, short, relaxing way to spend a few hours. The game stuck with me after playing and I can’t put my finger on why. It’s great indie art, something that couldn’t and wouldn’t be done in the AAA space and gaming needs more like it. Can’t wait for the sequel.
Mortal Kombat 11, Ace Attorney Trilogy, World War Z, FFX/X-2 Remastered, FFXII: The Zodiac Age, Truberbrook, and Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark all released and are all worth a look.
2 Likes
May 2019
Void Bastards
Yes, I’m aware that the beloved Outer Wilds released this month, but it wouldn’t even be my second favorite game of the month. Void Bastards was the game that I gelled with the most, the game I had the most fun with, and the game that surprised me the most. Void Bastards is a stupidly named game but don’t let that sway you from checking out this awesome game. It’s a rogue-lite, challenging, indie game with striking art style …ok, stay with me here. I know those terms often make people “nope out” right away, but Void Bastards’ core loop and accessibility make it rise above many other similar titles in the crowded genre. It’s an FPS in which you’re essentially a disposable body for a company, trying to pay off debt. I think. It doesn’t matter really, as the game has you going from level to level (more like ship to ship) in space, sneaking around, gathering resources, and choosing wise engagements with NPCs who are all vicious and out to kill you. It’s often challenging, with each run having randomizes that highlight strengths and weaknesses of a character. You’ll die a fair amount, but it never feels unfair and you’re rewarded for your time and efforts. The game is slower paced which lends well to the formula, as head on combat is often a foolish choice. I really loved my play through and reaching the finale felt awesome. That’s all I can ask for in a game.
I really loved A Plague Tale: Innocence as well, and special mention must be given to The Outer Wilds, SNK 40th Anniversary Collection, For the King, Rage 2 (eh), Castlevania Anniversary Collection, Dauntless, and Warhammer: Chaosbane.
2 Likes
June 2019
Timespinner
“Hot take” here: Timespinner was the best metroid/castlvania type game to release this month, besting even Igarashi’s triumphant return with Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. To put it bluntly, I think Timespinner is a better feeling and more fun game to play. Don’t get me wrong, Bloodstained is solid stuff but something mechanically felt off despite being true to the “Igavania” formula. Plus the music sucked. Anyway, Timespinner…it’s another one of those 2D pixel art metroidvania games that have become so prevalent in the modern gaming market as developers who grew up loving the genre begin to create their own games. Timespinner doesn’t do anything particularly new or unique, but the core is so solid and playable that it’s impossible for me to deny its appeal. The map design is excellent, traversal is smooth and precise and you’re never at a true loss of where to go next. Combat is also fun, and the bevy of upgrades your character earns over time leave you feeling like a you’re a beast. The story is another throwaway in my opinion, but I rarely come to a game like this seeking a riveting tale of intrigue. I also love that the game is fairly short, as you can reach the finale in under 10 hours quite easily. It’s just gaming comfort food for us old school gamers, and it’s done with love and care that most larger titles wish they could emulate.
Ok, so you know Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon debuted but I don’t want to forget to mention Omensight, Double Cross, Forza Horizon 4: Lego Speed Champions DLC, Crash Team Racing Nitro Refueled, and Samurai Shodown.
1 Like
July 2019
Blazing Chrome
July was a weaker month, in line with the typical summer release schedule, and Blazing Chrome was the standout that really saved the month for me. Blazing Chrome is yet another throwback indie game, but this time it’s not a metroidvania! It’s a modern take on Contra and actually outclasses that sites in most respects. With Rogue Corps on the horizon, I’ll just say that Blazing Chrome is the better of the two games by far. What you’re getting here in a tight, fast, 2D arcade shooter that brought me back to my childhood. It’s on the shorter side at six levels, but each is designed with high score chasing “replayability” in mind and three characters to choose from. It’s a great looking and sounding game as well, presenting as a rose-tinted version of games from the SNES/Genesis era. I love the feel of the movement and shooting, everything is tuned to perfection and impactful. It’s a simple, fun way to spend a weekend and revisit from time to time.
July was an average month which sat the release of Attack on Titan 2, They Are Billions, Stranger Things 3, Sea of Solitude, Streets of Rogue, Aggelos, Bear With Me, and Mighty Switch Force Collection.
1 Like
August 2019
Control
I’m admittedly not the biggest Remedy fan. I think they’re a technically talented studio but really don’t make games that feel complete. There’s always something missing that keeps them from really hurting with me, though I do understand why others may feel differently. Control is the closest they’ve gotten to nailing it though, and that’s why it’s the best game that released this month. Control is a stunning game from a graphical and technical standpoint which again, is nothing new for Remedy. It’s also well acted and features a bizarrely compelling world. The story certainly goes places and while I don’t think it’s anything beyond standard campy science fiction, it works well enough. Exploring the environment is twisted and confusing, the reliance on in-game signage equal parts engaging and frustrating. Where Control falls apart for me is the gameplay. The movement feels clunky as does any of the platforming or traversal. The combat sequences feature some incredible powers, but ultimately most went unused as I simply used telekinesis and gunned my way through each encounter. The enemies are challenging to the point of frustration, but pushing through a tougher area always felt good in the end. It’s not a game that sticks with me or that I’d consider a GOTY candidate, but it is a good game and made for some fun, gorgeous hours during the summer. Plus, big shoutout to the awesome female main character. We need more of this in the industry.
Another Summer month saw the release of some good games including Man of Medan, Blair Witch, Age of Wonders: Planetfall, RAD, Metal Wolf Chaos XD, Ape Out, Remnant from the Ashes, Kamiko, and Risk of Rain 1+2.
2 Likes
September 2019
Gears 5
Gears 5 represented something of crossroads for The Coalition. Would they continue to make games that were excellent but still walked in the shadow of the original trilogy, or would they move beyond to find their own light? Gears 5 is a bit of both, but definitely a statement of intent to innovate and move beyond what had been done before. Simply put, Gears 5 is the best looking, playing, biggest, and most fully realized Gears game. I don’t need to speak much to the improved graphics and gameplay other than to say that TC are wizards and know the series. While TC cut the fat in the title of the game, they expanded the rest of the body of the game immensely. Gears 5 is semi-open world in nature after the early hours, allowing you to traverse the landscape via hovercraft thing and explore. The world events aren’t particularly exciting, but that little bit of extra freedom really helps the game feel different from prior entries. At the very least, it represents a look into the potential of the series moving forward. The story is a direct continuation of the 4th, and I find the new crew continues to grow on me. Sure, they’ll never be Marcus, Dom and company, but they’re a fresh, new generation of characters to move the franchise forward. It’s a great game, a technical marvel, and some of the most fun I had that year. MIcrosoft Studios are starting to get on a roll!
Hitting the end of year stride, we saw the release of FFVIII Remastered, Torchlight II, Wandersong, River City Girls, Creature in the Well, Greedfall, Blasphemous, Borderlands 3, Overland, The Surge 2, Fight’N Rage, Tropico 6, Code Vein, and Monster Hunter World: Iceborne.
4 Likes
October 2019
The Outer Worlds
I really like The Outer Worlds and what it’s doing. It’s an Obsidian game so that’s already a plus, with their careful attention to crafting interesting stories, worlds, and characters on a limited budget. The Outer Wilds is semi-open world and because of this feels easier to approach as a player. Each major location is separated by a central hub (your space ship) and you travel to each, completing various main and side missions. The game is also on the shorter side for an RPG of this style, clocking in around 20-25 hours. Not bad! I don’t always have time for 50+ hour epics and while I appreciate them, there’s something refreshing about experiencing a well-told story in a condensed time frame. TOW isn’t a graphical stunner, but I love what’s here with bright colors amidst detail-filled environments. The voice acting and script is great, and the story is compelling to see through. Mostly though, I love the cast of characters. Obsidian created a group of friends and foes that are diverse, interesting, and likable. You come to care about them throughout the game, and each time you’re presented a decision you really think about how it might impact them. I can’t wait to see what Obsidian does next, with both Avowed and TOW2!
There’s a fair few incredible games this month. The Return of the Obra Dinn and Children of Morta are two of my favorites, but we also saw Worse Than Death, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Layer, Trine 4, Grid, Indivisible, Frostpunk, Baldur’s Gate 1+2 Enhanced Edition, Planescape Torment + Icewind Dale Enhanced Edition, Stela, PvZ: Battle for Neighborville, Eastshade, Lonely Mountain Downhill, Cat Quest II, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Close to the Sun, Afterparty, Xenocrisis, and Super Monkey Ball Banana Blitz HD.
3 Likes
November 2019
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Hopefully I got the colon right in that title…anyhow! JFO might be my favorite Star Wars game since Jedi Knight II. Sure, I’ve had fun with the Battlefronts, Rogue Squadrons, and the like, but nothing has ever hit with me quite like JKII until JFO. This feels like Star Wars - big budget, campy sci-fi in a universe I adore. It’s a fantastic looking game, Respawn really flexing their technical prowess on this one. Each planet and area you visit feels alive and lived in, with ancient tombs and futuristic space stations to explore. Sound is wonderful, with the familiar Star Wars tuned music and sound effects and high quality voice acting. The combat apes Dark Souls to some degree with an emphasis on a heavy feel and countering challenging foes. It’s can be a bit of a miss at times, as can the emphasis on backtracking through large levels, but it’s done well enough to at it doesn’t really impact the game much overall in my book. Most importantly, by the end of the game you’re left wanting more. You’ve been through an experience, an intriguing story, faced your fears and come out on top - if just barely. You feel like an actual Jedi, both powerful and confident. That’s about all I want out of a Star Wars game, and it’s how JKII made me feel. Play this game.
Blacksad, Need for Speed Heat, Sparklite, Valfaris, and CIV 6 all released this month to soak up your time. Especially CIV! Can’t say you can go wrong with any of these games (Blacksad has some tech issues be warned).
3 Likes
December 2019
Untitled Goose Game
Untitled Goose Game captured the attention of gamers everywhere at its initial reveal, mainly based on its bizarre name and premise. You were a goose, naturally a jerk, and your goal was to terrorize and cause havoc on a small town. Sound like fun? It is! Let me caveat that. Untitled Goose Game is definitely fun, but it’s not MY game. While I found the core concept fun, the finicky nature of some of the tasks and puzzles frustrated me at times. So why is this my pick? Well, this is a game my wife loved, adored, and played through from beginning to end in a few sittings, something she never does anymore. Watching her play was such a fun experience for me. How she deduced the next steps to take, laughed out loud at the mean goose’s antics, or simply messed around with the environments was incredibly sublime for me. She wanted to see every way she could pick on the gardener. She wanted to see if she could steal everything from a storefront. She wanted to take and ruin all the food at the restaurant. It was hilarious and so much fun, so much better than playing and is an experience I wouldn’t trade for any gaming session.
Only a few other games came close this month, with Shovel Knight Treasure Trove and My Friend Pedro coming closest. Wow, end of another year!
1 Like
I’ll post an actual pick again later today, but wanted to say that 2020 is likely the last year I’ll do. In some ways, it makes sense to stop in November 2020 at the launch of the Series consoles. There comes a point where it’d be a month between posts given the nature of the thread and trying to remember to post monthly is tough.
The other piece of it is that there’s a general lack of engagement in this thread that makes it feel like I’m writing but nobody is reading or actually chatting which was the point. I do appreciate anyone who has been though, and has put up with the 4:00 AM insomnia posts and other dumb opinions and things I’ve written. If anyone else wants to continue this silly project, you should! And truly, it’s been a really fun look at the history of Xbox and gaming over the past 20-ish years. Thanks again to those who have been reading and liking the poor quality, tired phone keyboard writing.
With all that said, 11 more posts to go!
7 Likes
January 2020
Kentucky Route Zero
I was one of those fools who bought KRZ when the first episode dropped. I was there for all the excruciatingly long waits between episodes. I was there for the weird lack of communication from the developer, the odd interludes, and the fiendish desire to see this thing through. And it was all worth it, as the journey and being part of the community of fans discussing the game was part of the experience. Naturally, I played on PC so I can’t speak to the TV Edition’s control scheme, so I won’t! I also don’t want to comment much on the story as it’s truly the core of the game. Yes, it’s stylish as heck and has a killer soundtrack, there are “puzzles” and areas to explore. But in the end, KRZ is about a tale of America, told through the eyes of various characters. It’s a strange game, bizarre at times and unreadable. It’s a fever dream that leaves you baffled but works. This isn’t a game for everyone, that’s for sure but if it clicks it really clicks. I loved my play through, seeing the characters change and deal with the situations they confronted. It’s a journey of an experience in every sense of the word and the worst you could do is give it a shot and not like it.
Slower month to start the year with Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, Iconoclasts, Journey to the Savage Planet, Coffee Talk, Hyperdot, and Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire all releasing.
3 Likes
February 2020
Yakuza 0
Xbox gamers rejoice! February marked the first time in many, many years that the Yakuza franchise graced an Xbox console. Yakuza 0 is a good one, perhaps the best of the entire series, marking a perfect entry point to Kiryu’s saga. Launching straight into Game Pass was a great strategy, allowing players unfamiliar with the franchise and its brilliance to check it out with little risk. Yakuza 0 is essentially Shenmue, but actually fun. Yeah, I know some people won’t like that but Yakuza takes the elements of Shenmue that stand out - the detailed living environments and locations, people, interactivity, etc. - and further enhances it with a great story you can actually finish and a combat system that doesn’t feel like junk. Yakuza 0 balances the seriousness of a crime drama with some super silly moments that add much appreciated breaks in tone. The main story is intriguing but the real joy comes from the city itself and slew of side quests. It feels like a real place. I’ve been to Tokyo and it’s my favorite city, but I have a fondness for just about the entirety of Japan (it’s in my blood after all!), and Yakuza’s take on a Japanese city is unparalleled in gaming. The restaurants, shops, people…it’s all here. This is a heck of a game and fresh start for the series. If you somehow haven’t played it yet, please do. It goes on sale for a fiver often.
A busy February saw the release of the Kingdom Hearts series and all its crazy names, Zombie Army 4, Underhero, Glass Masquerade 2, Darksiders Genesis, Vanquish & Bayonetta HD, Draugen, Hunt Showdown, Sayonara Wild Hearts, Mega Man Zero & ZX collection, Two Point Hospital, One Finger Death Punch 2, and Bloodroots.
4 Likes
March 2020
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
I’ve tried to make it a point to not include multiple games in a series, but let’s be real here…Will of the Wisps is an incredible, GOTY-quality game. The Blind Forest was already one of the best games on Xbox and Moon Studios had a tall task to top it. Somehow, they managed to do it in a huge way. WotW is better than the first game in every measurable facet. It’s bigger, longer, more diverse, more beautiful, better sounding, features smoother locomotion and traversal, has excellent and challenging combat…I could go on but you get the point. I love this game. The fact that it wasn’t up for a Keighley GOTY is a gaming crime, similarly to a person who’s never played Tetris. It absolutely stands toe-to-toe with any game released in 2020 and even the generation. It’s one of the best of the genre and one of the most gorgeous games ever made. If you haven’t played it, fix that now. Game Pass, Switch, PC, whatever. Just go play it.
Yet another solid month, with The Division 2: Warlords of NY, COD Warzone, Hidden Through Time, Pikuniku, Neon City Riders, Roundguard, Doom Eternal and 64, and Phantasy Star Online 2 all releasing.
4 Likes
