role-playing

At the time of this writing, Fable: Anniversary is an eight year-old remaster of an eighteen year-old classic, and that’s exactly how it plays. While clumsy mechanics and a bland story drag the game below enjoyable levels, its enduring humor and early innovations in player choice continue to shine. 6 / 10.

Jedi: Fallen Order delivers a tight, linear, story-driven experience that puts the player in the shoes of a young Jedi during The Purge. The slick combat and Force-enhanced platforming are thrilling, but the real heroics are found in how the protagonists believe in one another and heal in the face of trauma. 8 / 10.

In a triumphant return, Ori and the Will of the Wisps does everything a sequel should and more, bringing additional depth to all aspects of the experience. With the exception of some frustrating bugs, Ori’s beautifully rendered environments, lovingly crafted characters, and slick platforming and combat mechanics have set the bar for metroidvania so much higher. 8 / 10.

By genuinely adapting to your choices, The Outer Worlds captures a real sense of creativity usually restricted to tabletop role-playing. The characters feel alive with memory and distinct personalities, and the world seamlessly integrates with the narrative. However, the path of least resistance is usually the violent one, and supposed cliffs of consequence are often just short ledges. 9 / 10.

Despite a wacky story that attempts to justify its central interdimensional conflict, this game gives a polished turn-based strategy experience without too many roadblocks to free-to-play progression. The roster of playable heroes, villains, and minions is wide, and the many mode variations on the core mechanics work in concert to keep things fresh. 8 / 10.

What begins as a jarring and somewhat counterintuitive experience slowly unfolds into a truly beautiful work of art. To explain Undertale is to spoil it, but I echo many other reviews of this game when I say that it is a must play, especially for the introspective. 9 / 10.