SCREENSHOTS — Scarlet Nexus

I saw Scarlet Nexus on several top RPGs with satisfying combat. It was also relatively short if you focused on the main story. I can report that both are true. Combat starts with vanilla slash attacks. Then it layers on degrees of more powerful telekinesis attacks, and continuously introduces teammate powers you can toggle that are tailored to defeating specific enemy types, like a large game of rock-paper-scissors. Your character also has phases from normal to powered-up (with Squid Game mask included) to the ultimate Brain Field phase, with retro, intense, neon visuals. However, by the end of the game, the enemies felt repetitive and more spongy. I think five hours of combat was enough, not 20.

SCREENSHOTS — MechWarrior 5 Clans

I recall going to a store called Future Shop and seeing a boxed copy of the MechWarrior video game for PC. Years later, I was the proud owner of MicroProse's 1999 MechWarrior 3. I skipped a few, and now, 25(!) years later, I have the nostalgia of greedily stuffing lasers onto my customized mech and seeing if I can one-shot the opponents' mechs right through the cockpit.

SCREENSHOTS — Allen Wake 2

I've described Allen Wake as Resident Evil meets the movie Stranger Than Fiction. It's a trippy game. But I like trippy. The game's crossover with Control was delightful, too. Now, you have a bunch of professionals bumping around in this world of magic realism where the government, scientists, and local vigilantes are all trying to deal with a dark supernatural presence. 

SCREENSHOTS — Homeworld 3

I've written about Homeworld before. I pre-ordered the deluxe edition of Homeworld 3 because I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Unfortunately, the story is probably the weakest in the series. But the gameplay is solid and it looks great. Check it out!

SCREENSHOTS — Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

There's a tradeoff in gaming. You have more time to play when you're younger but no money. When you're older, you have more money but less time to play. But when you play, just get the season pass deluxe edition and squeeze all you can out of it! That's how I ended up with Phantom Liberty.