Brad Lang
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Writing For
The Escapist
Screen Rant
CBRLatest Reviews
Metal Slug Tactics faithfully adapts the beloved run-and-gun action of the franchise into a deep tactical roguelike RPG loaded with content and some of the best pixel art of the year. When one thinks about Metal Slug, it's difficult to imagine a game that isn't a side-scrolling romp filled with explosions, massive guns, and some of the coolest-looking tanks the world has never seen. Taking that concept and pivoting into a genre that's arguably the counter-opposite of a shoot-'em-up was a bold idea, but thanks to some clever mechanics, it works better than one might expect.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter is a prequel that chronicles Jango Fett's life shortly before his introduction in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. An entirely linear game divided into levels, the story follows the anti-hero as he becomes embroiled in a plot to assassinate a Dark Jedi and bring down a strange cult known as the Bando Gora. A third-person action-adventure game in the style of classics like Ratchet & Clank, Aspyr has visually overhauled the experience to look significantly better than the original 2002 release while still retaining its charming retro jank.
That experience effectively sums up my whole time with A Highland Song. Despite the often confusing world design and the anxiety-inducing timer, every other aspect of the game was strong enough that those complaints became mere blemishes on an otherwise fantastic experience. Elevated by tight controls, some excellent writing, and an art style that only becomes stronger the more you look at it, A Highland Song is such a unique and touching experience that I can’t help but recommend it. Get in, indeed.
The Callisto Protocol is the sum of its inspirations. While it's easy to write it off as a Dead Space clone that implements The Last of Us' combat, that would be a grave disservice to everything else it accomplishes. Its satisfying combat system, meaningful progression, and spectacular atmosphere should be more than enough to satisfy survival horror fans if they can stomach some repetitive sequences. Oh, and all the gore, although that's more a win than anything else.
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands doesn't reinvent the wheel that is Borderlands. Instead, it throws on a coat of paint, a selection of sparkly charms, and a couple of bedazzled stickers to create something that's not wholly unique but different enough to stand apart from the original. While it may not convert those gamers who never clicked with Borderlands, it offers up enough changes to appeal to long-time fans and players desperately looking for a compelling action RPG.