Hayes Madsen
Game industry critic and reviewer
Writing For
Game Skinny
Twinfinite
Screen Rant
InverseLatest Reviews
I can’t think of a single other game that lets you manage museums, and it’s baffling it hasn’t been done before now. Two Point Museum clicks within minutes of taking control, and it only grows more captivating with time. It delicately strikes a balance between complex and approachable, and it’s genuinely hard to imagine how Two Point Studios can improve on its formula from here.
With Fantasian, it’s clear that Sakaguchi wanted to take a hard look at the key games that have defined his work, namely Final Fantasy VI, and find a meaningful way to advance his craft — to create something that can appeal to both the old guard and brand-new fans. In my mind, he and Mistwalker have wildly succeeded in that endeavor, creating one of the defining RPGs of modern gaming. It’s an enthralling experience that reminds me why I love video games so much and simultaneously makes me excited for where they can go in the future.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero feels like it breaks the curse of anime arena fighters, finally giving players a complex fighter with real depth that’s simultaneously a gorgeous celebration of a seminal series. It’s a game that absolutely revels in its massive rosters and the absurdity of Dragon Ball, embracing both every step of the way.
Reynatis is obviously made by a small team with a lot of passion for the world and concept, but the game’s disparate ideas simply don’t come together into a truly cohesive package. There’s greatness hidden in Reynatis and even bits that I truly loved, like the text conversations, but it all comes with some caveats. I don’t regret the time I spent with Reynatis, and think there could be the spark of something truly interesting if it gets a sequel. But for now, it feels a bit like RPG junk food, satisfying in some ways, but leaving you wanting more.
Dead Rising still has the occasional frustration of survivors’ AI not working very well or zombies feeling a little too relentless, but the Deluxe Remaster has improved or tweaked nearly every aspect of the original. Dead Rising was always an underrated masterpiece in my eyes, but with this remaster it feels like it has the polish to be truly deserving of that title, and the streamlined approachability means it can appeal to an entire new generation of fans. It’s a game that was clearly ahead of its time, both narratively and mechanically, and Capcom has done a brilliant job of recognizing that and retaining the special spirit at its core.
Platformers have so long followed in the footsteps of Mario, with so many titles trying to emulate what the mustachioed plumber has achieved. Astro Bot’s utterly overflowing creativity and ingenuity make it one of the first platformers that feels like it can stand outside the long shadow cast by Mario. It’s a grand celebration of PlayStation’s legacy and a sign of what its future can become.
What’s amazing is that, despite those issues, I still look fondly on almost all of my time with Outlaws. There are frustrations at every step, but Outlaws wildly succeeds with its big memorable moments and sense of place. Not since Knights of the Old Republic has there been a Star Wars game that feels as vibrant and exciting to simply spend time in. Walking around bustling cities and underworld hubs never got old, especially as I could hear rumors popping up left and right, catch some Imperials giving someone a hard time, or watch a courier frantically trying to reach his destination.
Past all that, though, if you love Elden Ring, Shadow of the Erdtree is a no-brainer of a must-play, an expansion that builds on the main game and makes it richer in almost every imaginable way. But know what you’re getting into. Make sure you’re completely re-familiarized with the game, have a strong build ready to go, and be ready to get crushed to a pulp.
All that being said, the way all of Infinite Wealth’s content is implemented is what makes it shine. Nothing outside of the main story is ever forced on you, but it’s all there if you want to engage with it. The game lets you pick and choose what you want to do: just like you would on your own tropical getaway. And when you do engage with that content, it all ties into those wonderful overarching themes of valuing life and togetherness, working with others to build something better.