Bobby Pashalidis
Game industry critic and reviewer
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Mafia: The Old Country is a no-nonsense, back-to-basics experience, and its dedication to authenticity serves as its best attribute. By sticking to a tight, linear experience, The Old Country allows the performances and writing to do the heavy lifting without losing the allure of the Sicilian countryside. By bringing to light a specific place in time that few movies or games have gone before, there's a wealth of details you'll come to appreciate.
Drag x Drive is fun, but it doesn't pack enough content to retain players. The three-on-three matches are a blast with the right teammates, and nailing some sweet tricks for bonus points is satisfying, but the magic quickly wears thin.
Dead Take is a surprise standout experience from Surgent Studios. It's got a stacked cast with a focus on storytelling over anything else, using the allure of Hollywood as the gateway to unconventional horror. While there are some predictable moments, the environment, the performances, and immersion make up for it. It is an emotionally charged horror experience that punches well above its weight and serves as a commentary on ambition and exploitation.
Shadow Labyrinth is an idea with immense potential, but it has some growing pains to work through first.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 does a lot to reenergize these two games from the early 2000s. At the time, the series was something every kid would talk about with their friends. Now, the series is given another moment in the spotlight, offering a new generation access to a series that feels as timeless as ever, thanks to its eclectic gameplay, excellent music, impressive skaters, and memorable levels. The personality, humour, and flow of these games are all still intact, and that makes them unforgettable.
Donkey Kong Bananza offers surprising depth and truly stands out as one of this year's top games. It's definitely the most exciting Donkey Kong adventure we've seen so far.
Patapon 1+2: Replay brings one of Sony's most unique franchises to the masses, and you have no reason to skip it. Although the absence of Patapon 3 doesn't make this feel like a complete release, and it remains to be seen whether it'll be added later, the first two games are still filled with fun and charming moments that more people need to experience.
Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is a standout example of what bringing an older title to modern consoles should be.
Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster is a good port, and it holds up well a decade-plus later thanks to some incredible gameplay choices, excellent music, and exciting twists midway through.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a bigger and bolder expansion that will once again split fans and critics. The improvements across the board are felt immediately, bringing about a significant amount of much-needed change to the formula.