Photo illustration: Vulture. Photos: Massive Entertainment, RedCandleGames, Bungie, SEGA
It's mid-May, and you're probably itching to get some real grass instead of virtual. That's understandable, but a slower-than-usual summer for video game releases is likely to provide plenty of entertainment for lazy afternoons when you just want to kick back with a controller. What can you look forward to? An expansion (if only a pseudo-sequel in scope) to one of the most beloved action-RPGs of recent times. Star Wars A game that finally lets you live out your space-faring movie fantasies, and a life simulator that even surpasses them The Sims In terms of its ambition to simulate pure existence, it's testament to how diverse gaming has become that there's practically something for everyone hitting (virtual) shelves in the coming months.
This year has already brought us a handful of great 2D action platformers, and the genre's seemingly indomitable streak could continue with the intriguing Taopunk. nine soles. It was developed by Taiwan-based studio Red Candle Games, whose previous work was his 2019 first-person psychological horror. dedication, nine sol It rocks a totally cutesy cartoon aesthetic, but that doesn't mean the sense of place isn't inspiring. You play as Yi, a sword-wielding protagonist who can deflect enemy attacks, reminiscent of From Software's 2019 His 3-D action game. Sekiro: Shadows Die TwiceAll of these elements, combined with the rich lore, pinpoint platforming, and direction-focused combat, make for a truly unique experience. nine sol It still has a chance to outperform the already outstanding 2D cohort in 2024.
of destiny This formula has proven incredibly durable, even 10 years after the original was released. Combining solid, top-notch gunplay with a fascinating sci-fi setting, and releasing semi-regular updates that take players to new locations, it has the makings of a modern multiplayer hit.However, last year's Light Fall The expansion was a dank squib, a surly dripping level that really should have been included in one big update. final form What to improve light fall It did not live up to expectations, gave a shocking ending to the “story of light and darkness”, and perhaps laid the foundation for the next work. destiny Franchise.
in recent years, Persona The series is Shin Megami Tensei Its waning popularity is a bit of an odd situation considering it started out as a spin-off of the series. Turn-based RPG Persona Exploring both the ordinary lives of the main characters during their school days and the fantastical elements, Shin Megami Tensei Darker, crueller, and more disturbing, this world requires you to recruit demons and gods to fight alongside you in a twisted post-apocalyptic world. Shin Megami Tensei V Originally released as a Nintendo Switch exclusive in 2021, this new version features upgraded visuals and additional story content for all major consoles. For newcomers, it might be the perfect place to start with this brilliant series, which has long offered a fun and deviant perspective on JRPGs.
The latest game from Chinese Room, makers of the groundbreaking walking simulator Dear Esther and everyone went away in joyis seen veering towards horror. awaken the abyss The setting is an oil rig off the coast of Scotland during Christmas 1975. As with the studio's previous games, there's no combat, but that's not to say the experience lacks action, as you're tasked with traversing an unstable rig while at the mercy of the elements, a task that's full of supernatural horror. awaken the abyss It could become a tense eco-horror.
What lurks in the shadows of Eldtree? If you've played the original Elden Ringyou know the answer is a rogues gallery of grotesque, menacing, and downright bizarre monsters, including, according to the reveal trailer, a giant worm with man-eating arms. Elden Ring It's clear that developer From Software has taken its brutal Souls-like formula and made it more friendly and open-world, and this DLC is essentially an old-school expansion that looks to offer more of the same in territory that's almost exactly in keeping with the base game's realm of Rimgrave. For those of us who have taken advantage of the lore of Elden Ring, This additional content fleshes out that world even more. Some people simply swing around big swords in the most visually appealing fantasy world ever created. “Blood must flow in that forsaken place,” says the trailer's narrator. Yes, the preparation is complete.
The first blockbuster MMO in 10 years Final Fantasy XIV We are setting sail for new horizons with Dawn Trail Extended version. The expansion features a major graphical overhaul, making the water-filled kingdom of Taruru look beautiful, as well as an all-new emotional story centered around the Throne of Taruru. This may seem like a small thing, but one of the things we're most excited about is the ability to further customize your outfits. dawn trail A second dye slot is added.Other MMOs (especially World of Warcraft), Final Fantasy XIV This is a game that will satisfy adventurers who are particular about fashion.
If the summer heat is stifling, cool off with this cool survival strategy sequel. Frostpunk 2The first is a modern classic, depicting society construction and stark moral dilemmas on a future Earth devastated by a second ice age. Frostpunk 2 The action begins 30 years later, with the frozen apocalypse effectively defeated but an immensely scheming enemy emerging: humanity, or at least what remains of it. Case in point: rebellious factions with delightfully on-the-nose names like the Engineers, Foragers, Technocrats, and our favorite, the Icebloods. How you deal with these groups while managing your growing city will determine the outcome of your political reign. It's safe to say that Frostpunk 2Fortune favors not the bravest, but the wisest and most ruthless.
With people like Naraka: Blade Point and Genshin Impact Chinese video games have enjoyed success in recent years, sparking a fad in the West. Black Myth: Goku The acrobatic Souls-like game, based on a 16th-century Chinese novel, could mark a new breakthrough moment for the country's game makers. Journey to the WestPlay as a cane-wielding ape and traverse a series of gorgeously rendered semi-open environments as you face off against enemies like Centipede Guai and Tiger Vanguard. By changing the way you hold your staff, you can use a variety of movements, and enjoy heavy melee combat supported by a spell system. Looking for a new twist on the soul-like formula? Black Myth: Goku This is one of the things worth noting.
Arrived quickly Avatar: Pandora's FrontierUbisoft's mostly successful open-world take on James Cameron's sci-fi franchise star wars outlaws is another high-profile licensing project from the French publisher. In this game, you take on the role of Han Solo-like villain Kay Veth and must pull off what Ubisoft describes as “the greatest heist in the history of the Outer Rim.” Kei, of course, can use his trusty blaster against enemies in a galaxy far, far away. He is also able to leverage his influence, reputation, and hard-earned (or maybe stolen) credit to avoid violent encounters altogether. Avatar: Pandora's Frontier Either way, this is perfectly crafted fan service and probably should be something more.
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