Torchlight III, while clearly wearing the franchise's skin like a badge of honor, never hits the marks of the previous entries. This is a very basic ARPG that frequently shows its free-to-play roots, and in a market overflowing with action-packed role-playing games, being a mediocre sequel isn't going to win you any favors -- especially from hardcore fans.
Hades is not only one of the best roguelites on the market today, but it's also one of the best games of the year -- if not the best. Supergiant Games, firing on all cylinders, has given us a wealth of content to explore, characters to meet, and challenges to overcome. If you're not a fan of roguelites, this one could easily change your mind.
Serious Sam 4 doesn't deviate from the other entries in the mainline series, and that's perfectly okay. The fourth installment looks and handles perfectly, though some players may succumb to the repetition before the campaign concludes. That said, it's still an absolute blast to play, and it should keep fans busy for quite some time.
Wasteland 3 balances solid turn-based gameplay with strong, tongue-in-cheek storytelling. Longtime fans of the series may despise the new streamlined interface, but those who were intimidated by Wasteland 2's dated presentation may find this one easier to approach.
Finally, after years of waiting, Samurai Jack fans finally have a game that captures the look, feel, and spirit of the cartoon series. It's not a perfect experience, mind you, but fans who've ever wanted to control the charming samurai now have an opportunity to do so.
Although players will find themselves on a blood-soaked adventure that sends its characters on a violent and controversial quest for revenge, The Last of Us Part II feels like the next logical step in this story. Technically and narratively, it's easily one of the best games available for the PlayStation 4 -- if not the entire generation. Gaming doesn't get much better than this.
Although it's hindered by performance issues, Maneater allows you to gleefully live out your wildest (and perhaps bloodiest) killer shark revenge fantasies. What's more, the game's dark sense of humor means you don't have to feel guilty about the carnage that ensues.
When it wants, the Sakura Wars reboot can deliver excellent combat and a story that's both compelling and emotionally sound. Unfortunately, the game spends way too much time wallowing in cheap sophomoric humor to truly make the most of its strengths.
Although it's incredibly easy and features one of the most stubborn cameras in recent memory, One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 is quite possibly one of the best Warriors-style experiences you'll have on modern consoles. It's slick, fast-paced, and weirdly charming, even if you don't know your Luffys from your Crocodiles.
Although it's super clunky and very unpolished, One Punch Man: A Hero Nobody Knows should amuse those who want to experience life as a flamboyant superhero.
