Ben Brosofsky

and represent fairly different implementations of Bethesda's open-world formula, but when it comes to their shortcomings, they both end up falling into the same trap. There's always a certain level of familiarity to Bethesda RPGs, from the strong points like worlds full of varied possibilities, to the weaker elements like outdated engine design. Not everything has stayed the same over the years, however, and the newer ideas in and are exactly why they don't measure up to the best qualities of Bethesda's most memorable games.

's ship builder is probably the easiest way to waste away hours in the space-faring RPG, and a big May 2024 update is adding a whole new dimension to the system. It makes sense that ship customization features heavily in, as quite a lot of time is generally going to be spent in space across the course of a playthrough. Although the fast travel system makes intergalactic flight irrelevant, exploring space within smaller areas can lead to plenty of memorable encounters both large and small.

Getting a complete story experience in can take a long time, but the process tends to feel fairly straightforward in most regards. From a linear main story to checklists for side content, there isn't much about that leaves potential for confusion, especially when compared to the less straightforward approach of the original Even after 100%ing a playthrough, however, it's actually impossible to have seen every scene that the game has to offer in one go at the story.

has made waves as a live-service game that offers the complete package of fun gameplay, an engaging community, and interesting updates, but one move could undo a huge portion of what it's built over the past few months. As a sequel to the modestly popular top-down shooter, the third-person follow-up has managed to go toe-to-toe with major IPs and stands out as one of the biggest successes of 2024. Not everyone has been able to get in on the fun – isn't available on Xbox – but that hasn't slowed its momentum much.

There's a lot to enjoy in the base version of , but one particular feature that didn't show up until DLC definitely should have been included for free. has always had a somewhat contentious space in the franchise, and a big part of it is a feeling that the game falls into a one step forward, two steps back problem. Enhanced gunplay and settlement building are just a couple of the significant new attractions, but missing roleplaying elements and fewer narrative complexities can be disappointing compared to prior titles.

pulls off a major narrative gambit with Orpheus's story, but when looking back at the game, it could hardly have communicated what was coming more clearly. Among the many strengths of, one that stands out in particular is how much work goes into foreshadowing and littering relevant lore across the world. It would be easy to have countless dangling threads in a world as vast and varied as Faerûn, but although not every single tease ultimately goes somewhere, very little is wasted on the whole.

's long-awaited next-gen update has now refreshed the game on both the Xbox Series X/S and the PlayStation 5, but it's still a better game on the former option thanks to one huge difference between the versions. Ever since first making its way to consoles with, the post-apocalyptic RPG series has had plenty of struggles with bugs and performance issues showing up in every game to varying degrees. The next-gen update does fix some key problems that have persisted in the game since launch, even if it introduces some of its own.

PlayStation Plus is getting some exciting new additions in May, allowing subscribers to pick up a variety of games and keep them as long as a subscription is active. A small selection of rotating monthly titles is available to download across all three tiers of the service, which offer varying degrees of benefits for different price points. On the more costly Extra and Premium tiers, May will also bring new entries to a more permanent catalog that consistently adds more games than it loses.

The soulslike genre has been shifting and evolving for over a decade now, and with the rapid release of recent entries like and , it's clear just how much has changed over that time. Although was the first game to codify many of the core soulslike mechanics, was the one that shot the concept to worldwide popularity. Within a few years, the ideas that made so compelling were starting to spread throughout the gaming industry, and plenty of titles have benefited from them since.

is a new cartoon brawler from Lightfox Games, tossing players into hazard-filled arenas to partake in everything from classic deathmatches to cupcake-chomping competitions. Published by Mad Mushroom, a label owned by content creator group OTK, the game is focused on the kind of wide appeal and simple fun that could make the experience appealing to streamers and their audiences. There's such a thing as too simple, however, and is definitely toeing that line.

The new is an interesting addition to , but more than anything, it's a reminder that one older game in franchise deserves to have a proper comeback. Although the release model of has long relied on extensive amounts of expansion packs, the series also spent much of its lifespan spinning things off into proper side games. Although this could sometimes get very far from the original concept (like in ), the franchise also had its fair share of games that fulfilled core concepts in their own interesting ways.

Based on rumors so far, the Nintendo Switch 2 seems to be mostly focused on keeping what people love about the Switch and improving on it, but a new report indicates that one iconic element of the system could be going away with its successor. The long wait for news on the console has been full of ups and downs, dating back to the time when a Switch Pro was expected before a new system entirely. More recently, a presumed 2024 date seemed to slip out the window in favor of a 2025 release, making the wait even longer.

recently received some exciting additions to its arsenal of guns with the Democratic Detonation Warbond, but one of the most powerful possibilities isn't obvious without taking an unorthodox approach. Unusual strategies are nothing new for, as the soldiers of Super Earth are constantly seeking out any advantage they can get against the Terminids and Automatons. Any absurd exploits tend to get patched sooner or later, but that's all the more reason to hop on any trick while there's an opportunity to put it into action.

Navigating the world of isn't that tricky as a whole, but one element that's easy to get tripped up on is the game's approach to relationships. makes a major departure from both the original and by making relationship progress with party members a central part of the game, with the ultimate payoff lying in a number of potential dates at the Gold Saucer. Although the basic thrust of the system is clear enough, some key aspects aren't actually revealed until after the credits roll.

has finally received a next-gen update to squeeze in some improvements on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, and it also makes some key changes and additions that are reflected on PC as well. Released in 2015 for the prior console generation, remains the most recent mainline installment in the post-apocalyptic RPG series. Anyone looking to scratch the itch has no choice but to stick with or previous games in the series, so the prospect of getting an update could be a tantalizing one.

might not look like a game that would have much of an emphasis on the story at first glance, but by the time it reaches the ending, it proves that its narrative ambitions are greater than might be expected. As an unusual twist on the soulslike genre, packs intense fights and a healthy dose of platforming into a package that's more charming than most of its peers. Although the framing might seem like it wouldn't dwell in the grim, quiet corners that most soulslike games frequent, the story ends up having some serious weight.

Playing through to the credits in can take a while, but anyone particularly enraptured with the game might want to keep the adventure going after the ending. tells the story of a futuristic soldier named Eve working to retake a ruined Earth, a task that requires fighting plenty of hostile creatures with uniquely challenging attacks to parry and overcome. It can be tempting to rush through to keep the focus on the action, but there's also an appeal in ferreting out secrets in its harsh world.

It's been a while since a new entry in the series, but there's good reason to believe that a reveal of the next game could be happening in the near future. released in 2019, so the signature series hasn't yet made a current generation debut with a new mainline game on the Xbox Series X/S. There isn't anything quite like its bulked-up brand of third-person shooter gameplay, and as the gap between games nears the five-year mark, it definitely feels like time for a new entry.

isn't content to just be an average, everyday city-builder, and the game's commitment to doing something unique goes beyond its central concept. The obvious thing that makes different from other games in the genre is its blend of tactical battles into the mix, which gives it an extra dose of appeal. This isn't the only feature that's hard to find elsewhere, however, and another fairly unique addition also contributes to making its medieval settlements feel more like real places with real people.

There's not a lot of information about whatdeveloper Larian Studios is working on next, but based on the little that's known, there's good reason to believe the studio is headed in a substantially different direction. Considering the striking success that has found since its release, pivoting to something different might seem like a dangerous choice that could alienate an enormous fan community. Depending on the approach, however, it's possible that what Larian is cooking up at the moment could be a more exciting prospect than another game like would be.

has a lot of memorable characters, from the main party members to NPCs on the sidelines. Not every person who appears in the game is necessarily a winner – any charm points that Chadley might have are hard to appreciate when he won’t stop popping up on screen – but it’s hard to call any significant figure bland. The problem of overuse isn’t exclusive to Chadley, however, and even more engaging characters do sometimes wear out their welcome by the time the credits roll.

is a new physics-based party brawler set on carving out a niche in a crowded market, and there's one element in particular that could help give it an edge. Developed by Lightfox Games and published by Mad Mushroom, the publishing label of creator group OTK, is angling in part to hook streamers and their audiences into the game. Finding success in this area can be something of a gamble, but Lightfox isn't leaving the prospect entirely up to chance.

When it comes to games focused on goofy fun, is the new kid on the block. Developed by Lightfox Games and published by Mad Mushroom, this goofy party brawler bears an obvious resemblance to cartoony physics-based titles like and, throwing twenty players into an arena to duke it out in various challenges. It's easy and free to pick up and play, and the element of chaos means that even newcomers should have a good chance against veterans.

Now is the perfect time to buy on Steam, and the window of opportunity isn't going to last forever. As a long-delayed sequel to a 2011 zombie-slaying hit, in 2023 after being passed around from developer to developer for years. Despite these troubles, however, the game released to a generally positive critical reception, accurately recapturing the mindless appeal of the original with just enough updates to flesh out systems that could feel unsatisfying in its predecessors.

is a great game under any circumstances, but it can be a much better one with mods. Released in a buggy state after a rushed development cycle, the various shortcomings of originally cast a shadow on all of its incredible strengths. When playing on PC today, however, it's possible to fix it up, and even try out unique improvements and overhauls to make for a maximally memorable experience.

Problems with mechs aren't any fun to deal with, but interestingly enough, the bugs that have been affecting mechs might be one of the more realistic aspects of the game. can't be accused of being a particularly grounded video game, facing squads of soldiers up against hordes of Terminids and Automatons on exotic alien planets. At the same time, there is some gritty realism in its legitimate sense of challenge, and the style of the game's weaponry and machinery tends to veer closer to legitimate military function than flights of fancy.

Xbox Game Pass is getting yet another exciting day-one addition on April 26, but despite how incredible this game looks like it could be, there's also some cause for caution. Getting to play new games as soon as they release without a purchase is one of the biggest draws of Xbox Game Pass, which opens up a large library of games for a subscription fee. The service is available on both Xbox systems and PC, and it often makes it possible to play games on either platform.

The future of might end up making the game a lot more exciting, and the update that could change everything isn't the DLC release. Although has plenty of fans, its reception so far has been a largely mixed one, especially when compared to the success of Bethesda Game Studios titles like Its expansive world can also feel empty, and the gameplay loop hasn't proven as universally compelling as the best RPGs to come out of the studio.

covers a big story with a wide cast of characters, but there are two in particular who could benefit from receiving an DLC treatment. introduced the idea of filling in story gaps with a DLC through the Yuffie-focused, which debuted the new version of the classic character and sent her on a mission to infiltrate Shinra. Although it's not 100% necessary to play through the side chapter before , it adds important context for her character and teases some threads that follows.

The next major update is adding more evil ending options to the game, and developer Larian Studios has now offered a glimpse at what some of those additions will look like. The story's conclusion has been repeatedly addressed across the course of the game's patches, with the epilogue notably getting some tweaks and new possibilities in one prior update. Sticking the landing is twice as important when it comes to an adventure with the scope of, where it's easy to sink well over a hundred hours into the game before seeing the credits roll.

Despite the lack of an official reveal, more information has emerged about the upcoming PlayStation 5 Pro model, and just how much value it's going to bring to the table is becoming increasingly clear. The idea of a mid-generation Pro upgrade was set into place during the last console generation, with the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X offering significant boosts to consoles that were struggling to meet high resolution and performance targets on some games. It's not surprising that both Sony and Microsoft appear ready to continue the tradition, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's worthwhile.

makes a fair few changes to the story of the original, and based on hints dropped throughout the story, there's one major location from the first game that's definitely going to get a very different treatment in the conclusion of the new trilogy. Making alterations to a classic title can come with a lot of pitfalls, and plays it safe in some key areas to avoid major mistakes. In some categories, however, the game makes significant overhauls that seem likely to precipitate even bigger changes down the line.

The upcoming adventure focuses on one of the most iconic villains in the tabletop game's history, but the return of another classic foe could have the potential to steal the show. As a multiversal romp through various settings, has its fair share of familiar faces from past adventures. All of these disparate pieces are linked by the Rod of Seven Parts, a separated and scattered artifact that needs to be reassembled if the party has any hope of defeating Vecna.

The series has a long history and a complex chronology, and figuring out where to jump in for the first time can be difficult. Since its debut in 1997, has undergone some major evolutions while retaining a unique flavor that helps secure its enduring appeal. The wasteland presented in the games mixes harsh realities of a radioactive post-apocalyptic world with a creative and often humorous personality, and it's hard not to be entertained by the sheer variety of things to do.

has addressed a key bug that made completing a particular side quest impossible, but even with that out of the way, actually progressing past this particular bottleneck is far from simple. Although released in a generally polished state, some mostly minor problems have been addressed in several post-launch patches. The biggest bug was actually introduced in one of these updates rather than being present at the launch, forcing those with physical discs to reinstall and complete a quest on the 1.0 version to tick the box and leaving digital players up the creek.

Being able to play and on the Nintendo Switch has been the dream of many console owners since its launch, but the smart thing to do at this point is to accept that it's not going to happen. Both of these classic titles made triumphant returns on the Wii U, but they've been stuck there ever since. Considering how many Wii U titles have received Switch ports, it's been odd that two remastered entries in one of Nintendo's biggest franchises never made the jump.

marks a major return for the most recent game in the franchise, and there's a lot to know about its upcoming release and how it differs from the original Although the game was originally released as a Nintendo Switch exclusive, is bringing it to a wide suite of modern platforms, ensuring that a lot more people will be able to access the title than ever before. It's also adding some major content additions, so it could be worth the double-dip for die-hard fans.

The upcoming PC and Xbox game seems well-prepared to deliver an interesting strategic experience, but whether it will be possible to experience that gameplay in multiplayer isn't as immediately clear. has a big focus on medieval city-building, but it pairs this prerogative with a side helping of tactical combat gameplay. This ambitious vision is being carried out by solo developer Slavic Magic, and from everything that's been shown so far, actually stands a good chance of delivering on its core promises in a satisfying way.

Side quests play a major part of , but even a game packed wall-to-wall with diversions has to eventually narrow its focus and get ready to cross the finish line. Having an idea of when this point is coming can be helpful to figure out the best pace for completing side quests, but it can be hard to discern. involves a lot of hopping around from region to region, and when backtracking starts to happen at the same time as the story is moving forward, it's easy to lose any sense of perspective.

It's a good thing that the woes of the modern world aren't quite as extreme as 's exaggerated take, but it's still fascinating to imagine a real-life version of Based on the reveal trailer, the series is far closer to photorealism now than ever before, and it's come a long way since the top-down view of the earliest entries or the chunky 3D introduced in Even so, there's still a ways to go, but a fan project bridges the gap in a way that the games never can.

packs a lot of memorable bachelors and bachelorettes into one small town, and seeing some of its most popular characters brought to life in brings them into a whole new dimension. series has always offered some powerful tools for creativity, and includes the most robust suite of character customization features to date. Making original characters from scratch is one fun possibility, but it's also been used time and time again for impressive recreations of familiar figures from other franchises.

mission modifiers can provide an interesting way to shake up the challenge of fighting Terminids or Automatons, but they work best when the changes add to the thrill of the gameplay rather than enhancing tedium. Although finding the right kind of balance in a game that's intended to reward complex strategy and high-level play can be difficult, is generally good at landing in the sweet spot. It's not completely consistent, but one new Booster could help counteract a particularly frustrating mission modifier to keep the game as fun as always.

The series presents a pretty dystopian post-apocalyptic wasteland, but one thing from within that world that's hard to resist is the allure of the Pip-Boy. This wearable, multi-functional computer has cemented its status as a strong piece of iconography over the years, and its impressive in-game utility finds the perfect balance between the versatility of a smartphone and the simplicity of not feeling like an all-consuming vortex of pocketable modern technology. Unfortunately, the fantasy of owning a Pip-Boy has mostly only been possible to live out in-game, but a new product seeks to change that.

is the next game coming in the classic platform game franchise, and it's likely to deliver the reliable fun that the series is known for. The fast-paced, frantic gameplay oforiginally debuted in arcades before coming to home consoles with arguably one of the best GameCube games, and it's enjoyed over two decades of popularity since. Although the series had a comparative dry spell for some time in the 2010s, it's made a major comeback on the Nintendo Switch and other contemporary platforms.

Amazon's Prime Video series is a big venture for the classic game franchise, and the company is celebrating its launch in style by making some past games available for free. Ever since the 1997 game that spawned the series, 's post-apocalyptic wasteland has captured the imagination with vivid characters and expansive plots, making it a strong fit for a television adaptation. Amazon recently announced that subscribers will be able to download the MMO for free on Xbox and PC starting on April 11, but that isn't the only title that the company is making available.

PlayStation Plus subscribers have a lot to look forward to in the near future, and May 9 is one date that marks a particularly exciting addition to the service. PlayStation Plus offers both a rotating library of monthly games and, on its Extra and Premium tiers, a less transient catalog of titles both classic and new. Accessing any PlayStation Plus perks requires a subscription, but that also throws online access for multiplayer services and more into the mix.

features a rich variety of rewards for overcoming its many trials, but there's at least one situation where losing is actually the path to a powerful boon. It's not all that shocking that a complex RPG with shades of gray doesn't stick to a perfect good versus bad binary for progression, as letting the results of every encounter be predictable would take a lot of wind out of its sails. It is intriguing, however, when a gag prize opens up extraordinary possibilities for those willing to deal with a slight inconvenience in the process.

is an ambitious console and PC strategy game, especially coming from the solo developer known as Slavic Magic, and there's one element of its approach that sets it widely apart from the competition. The title joins 2024 games like,, and more in bringing the medieval period to life, proving that this particular era of the past hasn't lost any of its staying power in the collective imagination. That familiarity can make experiences without a unique angle get lost among the shuffle, but seems more than ready to rise to the challenge.

The Soulslike genre seems to only become more popular with each passing year, but looks like a game that could offer a genuinely unique experience even in a deluge of releases. Developed by Moon Studios, the company behind and, leaves the Metroidvania mode of its predecessors behind for an entirely different experience. It definitely doesn't abandon the focus on lush visuals that Moon Studios is known for, but it could end up being one of its defining features.

As 's direct successor, takes it upon itself to improve in a variety of areas where the previous game was lacking. did a largely admirable job of translating the first segment of the classic RPG to a modern format, but it also had its fair share of shortcomings that sometimes threatened to overwhelm its strong points. Since sustaining momentum throughout a trilogy is necessary for the remake project to fully succeed, failing to take some strides forward could easily lose the goodwill that the first game generated.

has been on a steady path of improvement since its launch in early access, and the newest update brings a major quality of life addition to the process of catching Pals. Although nabbing weak Pals in the wild has never been all that much of a challenge, successful high-level acquisitions can be a lot more frustrating. Making a small mistake or having a bit of bad luck has often spelled the end of a chance at capturing an exceptional Pal, frequently killing it outright without any intention to.

has a large variety of crops to grow for the authentic farm simulation experience, but the 1.6 update puts the spotlight on one choice in particular that can yield higher profits than ever before. With fruits, vegetables, flowers and more, there's plenty to grow all year round, and deciding how to optimize a high-performing farm can be difficult. As the game has grown in complexity over the years, the sense of overwhelming options has only increased, making knowing a few tips and tricks more essential than ever.

Shadowheart has been one of the most beloved characters since the game first hit early access, and a new cosplay brings her to life with a degree of detail that's truly worthy of her iconic status. As an acolyte of the dark goddess Shar, Shadowheart is a memorably conflicted Origin character and potential party member that can add a lot to any campaign. There's a lot of room for her to grow over the course of the game, whether moving toward the light or fully embracing Shar's grim teachings.

is likely to be one of the most interesting console exclusives to release on Xbox platforms this year, but per the latest news, playing it on the Xbox Series X/S is going to come with a major compromise. As the sequel to the acclaimed returns to the story of a Celtic warrior as she pushes into the world of 9th century Iceland. Trailers and showcases for the game have been appearing for years, so the final release date of May 21, 2024, comes at the tail end of some serious anticipation.

A new collection of apparel is coming courtesy of fashion company BlackMilk, and it's sure to attract attention from fans of the tabletop game and alike. 2024 is a big year for, with a robust lineup of product releases planned to commemorate its official 50th anniversary. Some of these come in the form of new books for tabletop play, but a number of major brand collaborations branch out into different markets.

Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, seems set to be a major entry among the PS5's lineup of exclusives for 2024. It's an original IP, following a character named Eve on a combat-focused adventure in the ruined Earth of a dark future. At first glance, it looks a lot like a game operating in the same mode as, but is also pulling in a bit of 's over-the top flair and a lot of FromSoftware's nail-biting approach to action in

PlayStation Plus gets a lot of attention for its monthly catalog of rotating titles, but the more persistent library accessible through PS+ Extra and Premium is also a crucial part of the membership. Like Xbox Game Pass, this feature makes it possible to get some major releases on day one without making any individual payment, as well as providing an ever-expanding resource to swell backlogs. So far, 2024 has seen notable additions like and theand remakes, making for an increasingly attractive package.

Getting to go on a date at the Gold Saucer is an exciting moment in , but this iconic event doesn't get to properly play out on the first trip to the amusement park. From a narrative standpoint, it's probably a good thing that Cloud's break time is interrupted, as the sequence running from Costa del Sol to the Gold Saucer has quite a lot of downtime for an intense plot. All the same, it's hard not to spend a lot of time wondering when there is another chance to go on a Gold Saucer date.

The GTA+ service mostly acts as a way to get the most out of the experience, but the inclusion of some past Rockstar titles in the Games Included With GTA+ library is a major additional draw. This change was first made in September 2023 with the introduction of the remaster package, making the subscription a bit more appealing to those who aren't as thoroughly invested in With some new additions and more announced for later in the year, the debatable value of the subscription is definitely starting to become more tangible.

has all kinds of crucial interactions between characters peppered across the story, but there's one essential piece that can easily get passed over in a playthrough. As an expansion and modification of the original story, one of the main things that does with its vastly extended runtime is offer more memorable moments involving Cloud and his party. Although some can be minor or even questionable additions, others flesh out emotional beats and deep relationships in meaningful ways that help make the game a worthy successor.

is upping the firepower available to the soldiers of Super Earth, but as exciting as this news may be, it could actually be a cause for concern. Over the course of 's updates, there's been a good bit of debate over how strong weapons should be, with some key nerfs that addressed overpowered weapons causing community backlash from those who fell in love with these advantages. The nail-biting difficulty found on higher levels can make for thrilling gameplay, however, even if it dilutes the sense of a power fantasy.

offers a choice of swimsuits for Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith at Costa del Sol, and there's a reason to pay attention to the options at hand. Acquiring one vacation get-up for each character is a mandatory part of progression, as the beach doesn't allow anyone to step out onto the sands if they're not dressed for the part. Barret has this covered with his iconic sailor suit that he first dons in Junon, but for the others, this can be a somewhat more involved task.

Yuffie pops up several times throughout the earlier parts of , but she can't actually join the party until Costa del Sol, where the party is presented with a choice regarding the Materia-obsessed ninja. Here, she challenges Cloud to a fight to prove who should be the leader of the party, to which the mercenary can respond with either "" or " Unlike most decisions, this one can be a bit intimidating, as the implied possibility of failing to gain Yuffie as a party member could be disappointing.

The news that won't be getting DLC or a sequel from developer Larian Studios came as a big disappointment to many fans, but when looking at all the facts, it isn't that much of a surprise. This update was delivered at a GDC 2024 panel hosted by Larian, where CEO Swen Vincke clarified that the studio is leaving the license behind to turn its work in other directions. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's hard to imagine any other studio following up with something of equal ambition and quality.

Protorelic quests might not seem like critical content to play in , but there's one in particular that's well worth completing. As unique objectives that make up a part of the World Intel checklists found throughout the game, Protorelic quests task Cloud and company with tracking down pieces of ancient armor. Although this can lead to unlocking a powerful summon and gear late in the game, anyone uninterested in committing to the long haul could easily decide to ignore all the quests in favor of focusing on the main story.

Costa del Sol is home to a wide variety of minigames in , and there's no way to make it through the area without playing at least some of them. As a tropical beach getaway, it's not surprising that Costa del Sol has a lot to do, even if the original didn't pack as much into the area. As is the case with most side content, however, not every entertainment option in Costa del Sol is equal.

The objective known as Operation Swift Disassembly is an exciting push of momentum against the threat of the Automatons, but soldiers of Super Earth would be unwise to place too much stock in its success. Unlike most online multiplayer games, has a constantly updating narrative based around the tides of the Galactic War. Progress is partly determined by the community's efforts in each Major Order, but the overall path is also shaped by a game master who ultimately controls the story.

improves on in a lot of ways, but not every change made between the titles is a good one. As updates to one of the most iconic RPGs of all time, the remake games have a lot to live up to, and translating the strengths of the original games to a modern format comes with plenty of challengesWhile takes up this task to frequent success, it also has its fair share of pitfalls that are often different from the ones found in

From the perspective of modern computing, the Atari 400 seems like an awkward if charming object, boasting a difficult pressure-based keyboard and an unusual form factor with a central bulge for a cartridge slot. That cartridge slot, however, is the calling card of a machine that bridged home computing and gaming in a more intuitive way than its contemporaries could manage. Almost 45 years later, the Atari 400 Mini brings its namesake back to life in the now-familiar form of a downsized classic console, and it's a cleanly realized effort that could resonate within its niche.

is filled to the brim with World Intel to discover, but it can often be unclear just how much of a reward is in place for taking on this exhaustive task. As a somewhat open-world game that divides the giant map of Gaia into distinct but major zones, isn't shy about unfurling long checklists of activities to do. While some can be fulfilling in their own right, it doesn't take long to start questioning whether there are any rewards in place that could make some of the more tedious activities worthwhile.

The excitement around has run into some huge roadblocks thanks to performance issues and more, but the community has concocted one memorable solution to uncomfortably low framerates. Following up on the cult status of the original game, caters to a core audience with dynamic combat possibilities and a focus on avoiding common frustrations with the design of modern RPGs. Although it's easy to appreciate all of this in terms of game design, the release simply hasn't made the process of ignoring the problems particularly easy.

An upcoming update to Xbox consoles could finally make it possible to address some key graphical and performance shortcomings in major titles like , and it won't even require a hardware upgrade to do it. The standard for mid-generation updated models established with the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X has seemed like the obvious solution to keep hardware capable of running increasingly challenging games, but it can force owners of the original consoles to play compromised versions. The right software updates, however, have the chance to improve the play experience for everyone already invested in the ecosystem.

is an adventure of substantial size, but whether it's possible to keep playing after the credits roll is one question that's likely to come to mind over the course of the game. As an open-world experience, has plenty of side content that could be passed over while racing toward the story's climax. The game's developer Team Ninja included a variety of optional missions in prior games like , so it's no surprise that this element carries over to the more expansive historical setting of Edo in Japan.

has its fair share of unusual challenges, but one side quest that has caused a particularly notable amount of frustration doesn't necessarily have to be all that hard. Like many RPGs, focuses on delivering a consistently manageable main story experience while packing more difficult tasks into the optional content. The big difference, however, is that a lot of the hardest trials aren't based around combat at all, instead following in the original 's tradition of relying on unique mechanics that shake up the general course of gameplay through minigames or random challenges.

’s 1.6 update packs a lot of exciting changes into the farming and life simulation title, but there’s one in particular that could carry the future of the game on its shoulders. Ever since its release in 2016, has received a lot of support from its solo developer ConcernedApe, making what was already a polished experience at launch even better and more robust. Although the future is more likely to be focused on ConcernedApe’s next title,, it’s hard to ask for much more than what has already provided.

is an ever-changing, ever-growing game, and this ability to reinvent itself is part of why it's able to celebrate a 50th anniversary this year with an audience that's bigger than ever. It's also taking the opportunity to shake things up once more with a cavalcade of new books, including several core rulebooks that freshen up the ideas governing 's fifth edition for the past decade. Publisher Wizards of the Coast dropped the One D&D branding originally intended for the new products about a year ago, but it doesn't seem like it's reneged on any of its ambition.

Although isn't a particularly choice-oriented RPG on the whole, the game has its fair share of moments that present Cloud with a decision. One that seems like it could be big lies in deciding which party members to help in Costa del Sol, a junction point that comes up without much warning. The beach location starts out as a relaxing getaway, but par for the course, it doesn't take too long for things to go south.

Bringing the locations of the original to life is one of the most exciting things about , but one region is a clear example of how the game can miss the mark. From the slums of Midgar to the military fortress of Junon, packed a lot of flavor into a globe-trotting adventure. transforms these originally pre-rendered destinations into detailed 3D environments, expanding many of them in size while packing them full of more side content than ever.

The newest big crossover for pairs the collectible card game with the series, but there's a major reason why the collaboration might not be everything that it could be. Although there was a time when the fantasy CCG teaming up with a pulp history video game series might have seemed like a pipe dream, the brand has made IP crossovers a regular thing. From to an crossover, there's been something for just about everyone, but even fans might not love the newest venture.

LEGO has officially revealed an upcoming set for the 50th anniversary of the tabletop RPG, and it packs a lot of iconic elements into one design. The origins of the model come from a LEGO Ideas contest held in 2022, which picked one fan design as the winner to be produced as an actual set. Although the concept has undergone some revisions by official LEGO designers, the overall size, structure, and ideas of the contest winner all make it into the final product.