Luis Gutierrez
Game industry critic and reviewer
Writing For
MonsterVine 
Digital Trends 
Game Informer 
TechRaptor Latest Reviews
It’s been about a year and a half since Helldivers was released on the PlayStation 5 and PC. Since its release, I’ve felt like that meme of Squidward looking at SpongeBob and Patrick having fun outside while he’s alone in his room. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case because Helldivers 2 is now playable on the Xbox Series X|S. Because of this, I’ve joined in on the fight to help spread managed democracy across the galaxy in the name of Super Earth.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War is often considered one of the best games in the Warhammer community. Until recently, I had missed it mainly because it was released when I was seven. Thankfully, Relic Entertainment has helped me right that wrong by releasing Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War Definitive Edition. As the name suggests, it brings the classic 2004 RTS to modern-day standards by polishing it up while staying true to what made the original game so iconic in the first place.
Explore, fight, die, repeat. This quickly became the cycle I found myself in while playing Bandai Namco‘s 2D Metroidvania Shadow Labyrinth. This game shouldn’t work on paper because it contradicts everything we’ve known about Pac-Man since its creation in the ’80s. However, in practice, it evolves into something rather unique, as the team takes the franchise in a bold new direction that is both challenging and engaging.
FBC: Firebreak is an apparent attempt by the studio to try something new, and misses the mark. In a world where games like Left 4 Dead exist, it's hard to justify a reason to play this game. The gameplay loop is less than ideal, and the same can be said about the gunplay, which is a core feature. Many major story beats can easily be missed, and it's a shame.
Elden Ring Nightreign is a bold new take on the critically acclaimed 2022 Elden Ring. Even though Nightreign shares the same name as Bandai Namco’s previous title, it’s drastically different in various ways, making its entry into the Souls-like genre much more approachable than most players would expect.
If you're looking for a fun new fighting game to play in 2025, then Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is a great contender. There's a little bit of everything for players in the genre, and it does a great job of teaching newcomers the basics. The Rev system helps it stand out from others in the space. But at the same time, it does have some core issues that mainly stem from specific guest fighters being in it and the story mode.
What do you picture when you hear the word “punk?” Is it someone wearing bright and outlandish clothing, or could it be someone being loud and challenging the status quo? However you interpret the word, that’s what NetEase’s latest tactical shooter, Fragpunk, is in many ways.
Players will essentially have two load-outs that they’ll be able to switch from on the fly, and depending on your build, they can be vastly different from one another. To give you an idea of how different they can be. My first load-out was 100% magic with a wand in one hand and a spell book in the other. My second load-out consisted of me holding a shield in one hand and a pistol in the other. Did it make sense? No. But did it look cool? Absolutely. This is just another reason why I enjoyed my time with Avowed.
This is unfortunate because the Quiet Place films are generally known for telling compelling human stories. However, one thing that separates the two is that the films do a great job of having the characters express themselves and talk via body language. The Road Ahead, on the other hand, has the characters whispering to one another, and because of that, a part of the franchise’s charm is lost.
Despite those two issues, the game is very enjoyable, and it’s something that I hope they fix sooner rather than later. The gunplay is fun because even with the base weapon, you can put countless attachments to make it your own Frankenstein monster. For all the content you get for the price, the games at it can feel like a steal.