Hardcore Gamer

• PC
• 4.5 / 5
• États-Unis

Ape Out is an absolutely fantastic action game with an incredible sense of style. While the levels are randomized, the near-constant introduction of new elements gives each area its own personality, forcing the player to regularly update their play style to avoid or take advantage of the latest changes. Each album can be played in standard progression with infinite chances to complete each track from the start or in Arcade mode, attempting to clear the whole album on a single life while racking up the best score possible, making for excellent replayability. The four albums’ worth of content (plus bonus EP) offer a huge amount of ape action, tossing guards around like blood-filled dodge balls in one new scenario after another and ending with a perfectly-themed final level. Combine that with its unique, iconic art style and amazing soundtrack and Ape Out is simply the coolest game with the hippest tunes 1959 can supply.

• PS4
• 3.5 / 5
• États-Unis

There’s no doubt that Trials Rising is the culmination of the entire series. Running races that are built around platforming elements with a bit of puzzle solving when things slow down is an experience you can’t find in any other game. Throw in a track editor and a ton of customization options, and there’s plenty to come back to and perfect. The downer, though, is the overemphasis on loot crates and putting all these customizations either behind a paywall or a really long grind. This also includes unlocking the other bikes in the game. The track editor also isn’t very approachable for new players, but having the option out there to download other’s tracks adds to the replayability of the game along with the multiplayer options. Trials Rising is a fun spectacle that puts the best of the nearly twenty-year-old series into one package.

• PS4
• 3 / 5
• États-Unis

While it can be enjoyable, Jump Force’s power level is nowhere near 9000. This is unfortunate, as the concept for Jump Force is a good idea at its basic level and it’s clear the developers are passionate about the source material but the title ultimately does not live up to the idea’s potential. The story fails to really explain what’s going on and who all these characters are, but also is able to do so in a way where you don’t really care that you’re missing out on what should be pertinent information. The gameplay itself is enjoyable though not groundbreaking, and while there’s a fair amount of fun to be had here, there are more worthwhile options out there.

• PS4
• 4.5 / 5
• États-Unis

Dirt Rally 2.0 may just be the most complete racing experience of this generation. The physics and handling model will be a treat for hardcore racing fans, even if it pushes away casual racers. The improved lighting engine brings an utterly realistic and beautiful dynamic to gameplay as the cars look fantastic inside and out. Replays are truly a marvel despite some visual issues hurting the immersion. Yes, there are some things behind a seasonal DLC paywall, but that doesn’t affect what is being offered at launch. Dirt Rally 2.0 feels like the true racing game to test everyone’s driving ability.

• XONE
• 3 / 5
• États-Unis

Sumo Digital have finally delivered Crackdown 3 after five years, but it feels like a product of a bygone era. The developer adhered strictly to the formula that made the original so enjoyable. It’s admirable and fans nostalgic for the original are bound to get a kick out of it, but going down this path has resulted in a product that, while fun, feels archaic in its design and gameplay. There are lots of missions to pursue, but the objectives are derivative and become stale the longer you play. New Providence is a giant open world, yet feels so empty to run around in. Gameplay and weapons are a real joy and give players the tools to create their own mayhem, but the lack of challenge dulls some of that fun. The game isn’t the visual masterpiece one would expect from a AAA production, but it isn’t without its charm. It’s with Wrecking Zone that Sumo Digital stretches their wings thanks to the chaos of destructible environments, but the glaring lack of content and missing features makes it more of a curiosity rather than a fully fleshed out mode. Crackdown 3 is fun to play in bursts and the perfect Game Pass title, but its adherence to the original game’s formula holds it back from achieving greatness.

• PS4
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

Far Cry: New Dawn is an unexpected but welcome continuation of Far Cry 5. Hope County was an enjoyable setting, filled with memorable characters in conflict against one of the more compelling Far Cry villains, so it’s nice to return to it and help clean up the mess from the disaster Joseph Seed orchestrated. As a standalone direct sequel the full package doesn’t seem as robust as its predecessor and no season pass has been announced nor is there any Arcade Mode, but the launch price is well below the standard MSRP for a title like this. The expedition missions and building up Prosperity change up the Far Cry formula a bit, but beyond that this does follow the same template they’ve been using since Far Cry 3, which depending on your opinion of sticking to that formula is either good or bad. People who enjoyed Far Cry 5 and its colorful inhabitants, however, should consider Far Cry: New Dawn a mandatory title.

• PC
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

• PS4
• 3.5 / 5
• États-Unis

Monster Energy Supercross 2 – The Official Videogame introduces some new and appealing aspects to the series. The Compound has the ability to be a game changer and the career mode is different on the surface. There are tons of customization options here, but ultimately it becomes a grind to purchase or unlock the items. Fans of the first game will ultimately love the changes, but the casual rider will have difficulty adjusting to the way the physics work and the actual racing. Learning the track and knowing when to accelerate and brake will require time to master. The online experience needs more of an investment to not only correct but also progress. Also, the game is still based on the previous season, and is missing fan favorite Ken Roczen. Capturing the essence of the sport for the fan is something Milestone has gotten right, but the game still lacks in the most important area, and that’s the racing.

• 3DS
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

It’s easy to look at Etrian Odyssey Nexus and say that there hasn’t been a lot of mechanical changes when compared to previous entries, but there really isn’t much that needs to be changed to make it a wonderfully enjoyable time. There are great difficulty options for those who wish to challenge or ease themselves into the series, new playable classes make for unique scenarios and new ways to approach combat while the ruins and enemies are still just as enjoyable as ever before. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a map and feeling as though the exploration is just as important as the combat when every little thing matters. It’s often difficult to overcome some of the monsters in the ruins, but it’s all a matter of trial and error to see what works best and how to conquer each challenge as it comes. Etrian Odyssey Nexus is a great time for those who want a long journey that will always keep them on their toes.

• PS4
• 4.5 / 5
• États-Unis

After seventeen years, the Dark Seeker saga finally comes to its emotional conclusion. Kingdom Hearts III wraps up Sora and Xehanort’s story in a satisfying way that still leaves just enough plot threads open for a new saga to begin. It’s the type of ending so few stories get these days, and it’s told with strong performances from talented actors and gorgeous graphics that capture all the spectacle. It also helps that Kingdom Hearts III is a fantastic game to play with high-flying acrobatics and a series of Disney worlds that show off the game’s mechanics. It’s not the perfect conclusion thanks to some pacing issues, uneven world selection and the Gummi Ship, but they do little to detract from what Kingdom Hearts III does well. From combat to story to graphics, Kingdom Hearts III delivers the magic, gut-punches and grandeur the series is known for. After nearly a decade of waiting, Kingdom Hearts III is the conclusion we’ve wanted and was well worth the wait.

• XONE
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is the best entry in the series yet and provides a near-perfect blend of action and strategy. Those looking for something to fill the void of the long-gone After Burner series will like the quicker pace offered here. Longtime AC vets will love the quicker pace and increase on craft customization. Dogfights are a rewarding challenge and every part of the presentation is impressive. Its graphics are the best ever seen for a flight-based game and the soundtrack is outstanding too.

• PC
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

It would have been nice if Pikuniku was longer and had a bit more to its story, if only because it means spending more time with its interesting and charming world. Still, what we have is a fun blend of physics-based gameplay, traditional platforming, exploration, eye-catching art and a fun cast that makes for one cute, highly-enjoyable experience. It’s a quick little romp through a gleefully bizarre world that you won’t regret checking out.

• SWITCH
• 4.5 / 5
• États-Unis

Unruly Heroes is a superb action game destined to go down as one of this year’s sleeper hits. Mind you, in a just world, it would be more than a sleeper. But high profile or not, this is still one expertly-crafted burst of action that surprisingly comes in many flavors. Between the absolutely gorgeous artwork, fun combat and platforming, varied gameplay, and an immense amount of charm that creates an amazing take on a classic legend, this is a title you shouldn’t miss. It truly is a case where our misfit heroes smashed their way to the top and did it with style.

• PC
• SWITCH
• PS4
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

Despite a few wonky issues with combat at times, YIIK: A Post-Modern RPG more than succeeds in delivering a fascinating and unique tale that isn't afraid to get bizarre and humorous while still making you sympathize with its cast and keeping you on the edge of your seat. Between the quirky visuals, stellar soundtrack and fun gameplay, Ackk Studios managed to polish the gameplay of late '90s polygonal games while not losing sight of what made RPGs from that era fun. It's an odd trip that may confuse some at first, but is worth taking a dive into.

• SWITCH
• 3.5 / 5
• États-Unis

If there’s one aspect Capcom has been banking on as of late, it’s nostalgia. Whether it’s remaking Resident Evil 2 or remastering the various Mega Man games, the Japanese publisher is doing well to remind players why they were the best in the business. Unfortunately, Onimusha isn’t necessarily the best example of this. The demon-slaying adventure hasn’t aged all that well in the last eighteen years, being profoundly short and limited in its scope. It’s hard to believe this only came out around half a year before Devil May Cry, a far superior and significantly lengthier character action title. Granted, Capcom has done a fantastic job touching it up and adding a more modern control scheme, but it becomes apparent that this was only the stepping stone for future iterations. It may sound like I’m being tough on Onimusha: Warlords, but it’s still a solid experience with entertaining mechanics; just don’t go in expecting a whole lot. All we can do is pray that this will lead to more Onimusha games, being remasters or new entries. Mind you, Onimusha 3: Demon Siege might run into legal complications being that Jean Reno is one of the protagonists, but here’s hoping. In the end, this is a decent trip down memory lane, but it’s nothing more than that.

• SWITCH
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

I’m of two minds with Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition. On one hand, this is the most complete version of easily the best Tales game in the last ten years. On the other hand, Bandai Namco has marred the phenomenal protagonist Yuri by splitting him between two fairly distinct voices. They apparently didn’t want to fully re-voice the character and not bringing back Troy Baker has only muddled the situation. Because of this, it will make those who loved the game wince every time they go between the two voices, while new players will no doubt be confused at the consistent change of tones. With that said, Tales of Vesperia as a whole is a masterful game that deserves to be played by anyone who enjoys a good story. It’s not only one of the best Tales games, but it’s up there in the pantheon of impeccable RPGs. With so much new and enhanced content on an already impressive base, Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition starts 2019 off with a bang.

• PS4
• 3.5 / 5
• États-Unis

Battle Princess Madelyn is clearly an homage to Capcom titles about slaying ghouls, ghosts and goblins but presented in an endearing, story within a story fashion. There are plenty of times where the unclear objectives can cause feelings of frustration to overrule the feelings of fun, and deaths that feel cheap aren’t exactly a rarity, but Battle Princess Madelyn nails the retro feel, capturing everything we love about these games along with everything that makes us thankful for modern advancements. The challenge in story mode is tough but not unforgiving, where patience and studying enemy behavior can eventually overcome anything the game can throw at you. For those who have conquered the titles that inspired this, arcade mode has ramped up the difficulty for gamers who want to take on a real modern retro challenge. Battle Princess Madelyn is a must play for fans of classic action titles from the ’80s and ’90s, but may be a tough sell for those who started their gaming career later.

• SWITCH
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

Katamari Damacy Reroll is just as fun today as it was fourteen years ago. The game can be completed in around six hours but offers a lot of replay in trying to capture all the different items hidden throughout the world. There aren't any noticeable upgrades or new features included, but honestly it doesn't really need any. Katamari Damacy was a unique and bizarre game that offered simple fun in lieu of a complex and twisting narrative. This title may be short and repetitive, but it's extremely difficult to play this and not have a good time. Whether a newcomer or a fan of the PlayStation 2 version, the odd gem of a game should be included in every Switch owner's library.