Consider it or not, we play loads of video games right here at Sport Informer, but it surely isn’t at all times simple getting our arms on all the things, not to mention ending them and writing a correct evaluation. We’re at all times in search of extra methods to level readers in direction of probably the most attention-grabbing video games obtainable – particularly people who may simply slip via the cracks – so we’ve created Highlight to spotlight the cool video games we’ve been dabbling with lately that we consider could also be value your time. We love chatting with one another in regards to the video games we try every day, and we wish to add you to the dialog. Here’s a choice of noteworthy titles a few of the editors have been sampling and wish to shout out.
Bionic Bay
Platforms: PS5, PC – Launch: April 17
Bionic Bay’s surreal and oppressive ambiance has drawn flattering parallels to Limbo. However this journey carves its personal success because of its satisfying physics-based platforming. You management a scientist who, after an experiment goes horribly awry, should now survive an alien biomechanical world.
The platforming feels nice and deceptively exact regardless of how floaty the scientist feels, and tough obstacles made each edge-of-my-seat bounce really feel achieved by the pores and skin of my tooth. A particular gadget that allows you to swap locations with sure objects is a straightforward mechanic utilized in more and more intelligent methods, corresponding to stacking bins to succeed in excessive perches, utilizing objects as protecting cowl, or making a midair platform path. Every zone additionally presents a unique platforming mechanic to maintain the journey recent, corresponding to lasers that bounce the scientist round like a pinball, a time-slowing energy, or continuously shifting gravity. Every mechanical twist adjustments the way you discover this unusual world in cool and considerate methods.
Loss of life usually comes swiftly and unexpectedly – anticipate to be crushed, sliced to bits, and melted usually earlier than you understand what occurred. Fortunately, fast and beneficiant respawns take away the annoyance of what’s usually an train in trial-and-error. I’m having a good time throwing myself, and the scientist, at Bionic Bay many times. – Marcus Stewart
Monaco 2
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Collection X/S, PC – Launch: April 10
Over a decade has handed Pocketwatch Video games’ authentic launch of Monaco. The sequel fortunately maintains a lot of the attraction and arcade sensibility of the unique, however with a brand new and fewer retro artwork type that capitalizes on the heist-caper vibes.
Gamers management one member in a group of thieves, infiltrating closely protected motels, yacht golf equipment, and different bastions of the well-to-do, and relieving them of their most dear possessions. Gameplay is simple and approachable, centered on the strain between cautious sneaking stealth moments that invariably devolve into mad dashes for the getaway van, all whereas navigating an isometric digicam view that makes it really feel such as you’re shifting via a constructing blueprint. Every character has completely different talents and upgrades, and extra pick-ups within the stage enable for further shenanigans with the guards (assume smoke bombs and disguises).
The actual win right here is the power to play and benefit from the recreation both solo or with as much as three pals. Having the sport playable in each on-line and sofa co-op is an enormous win. A household or good friend group in search of a easy, enjoyable caper may fortunately wile away a number of evenings with this crew. – Matt Miller
Sonic Rumble
Platforms: PC, iOS, Android – Launch: Might 8
In late 2020, whereas I used to be nonetheless largely staying residence, I spent many nights taking part in Fall Guys with pals. The frantic battle-royale-meets-gameshow format hooked me with its approachable gameplay, zany competitions, and colourful visuals. Should you observe me or my writing in any respect, you additionally know that I’m a reasonably large fan of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Sonic Rumble appears to be like to mix these two pursuits with a round-based elimination-style recreation starring Sega’s mascot and his pals.
Although the sport isn’t out but, I’ve had an opportunity to play a number of rounds via 32-player rounds and have discovered it to be fairly enjoyable. Although a lot of the phases don’t really capitalize on the velocity the franchise is understood for, as an alternative emphasizing cautious platforming, ring assortment, or avoiding obstacles, Sonic Rumble aptly leverages the IP via the usage of myriad collectible character skins, challenges involving iconic enemies from Sonic’s previous, and acquainted music.
The sport is in its third pre-season, providing premium battle passes and purchaseable foreign money, which could possibly be trigger for concern. Nevertheless, up to now, I’ve discovered the distribution of skins, icons, emotes, and different beauty rewards well-paced. I nonetheless have to play extra to totally crystallize my ideas on Sonic Rumble, however up to now, it’s letting me scratch that Fall Guys itch whereas competing as and towards a few of my favourite characters in gaming. — Brian Shea
Star Overdrive
Platforms: Swap, PC – Launch: April 10 (Swap), June 19 (PS5, Xbox Collection X/S, PC)
I first grew to become conscious of Star Overdrive because of a Nintendo Direct: Companion Showcase in August final 12 months. The adrenaline-fueled recreation trailers don’t fairly nail the tone of the particular recreation. As an alternative of what I assumed could be open-world SSX with melee fight, what I discovered as soon as I fired Star Overdrive up this week was one thing extra approximating Breath of the Wild, however with a lot faster-paced traversal.
Don’t get me fallacious: the hoverboard traversal is an enormous element of the sport, and as you undergo the world, you encounter all types of challenges involving time trials and navigating, however the exploration and puzzle-solving are extra methodical than I anticipated. As somebody who considers Breath of the Wild his favourite recreation of all time, I’m joyful to see extra video games use that format in new and distinctive methods. You even unlock talents just like Hyperlink’s in Breath of the Wild, together with one which means that you can use magnets to elevate big objects to assist with platforming.
That stated, don’t go into Star Overdrive with the expectation that it carries the greatness of Breath of the Wild. The fight feels far shallower and extra finicky than in Nintendo’s beloved journey, and the exploration hasn’t been as rewarding up to now. Regardless of how good the hoverboard usually feels in motion, I’ve a number of frustrations with the digicam and occasional issues with how the hoverboard controls, and the efficiency dips on the Swap fairly ceaselessly. Nonetheless, I’m excited to proceed my journey throughout this barren planet and uncover the mysteries it hides. If you wish to test it out for your self, the studio put a demo on the Swap eShop. — Brian Shea
