I don’t think it’s a stretch to pronounce 2020 a real Low and WTF of a year.
Josh’s H/L/WTF of 2020
Author: Josh Tolentino
Kingdoms Of Amalur: Re-Reckoning Review
Day Of The Do-Over
HIGH A new chance to experience a game ahead of its time…
LOW …that still feels a bit dated today.
WTF It’s still nice to find the old Mass Effect 2 DLC armor, though.
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim Review
The Bot That Leapt Over Time
HIGH Gorgeous artwork complements an enthralling sci-fi narrative.
LOW Gameplay needed more Vanillaware visual flair.
WTF Press triangle to consider the Hemborger!
Necrobarista Review
A Short, Sweet Cuppa
HIGH Brilliant writing and characterization.
LOW What little gameplay it has tends to get in the way.
WTF “You’re not a crab, you’re a bin chicken!”
Persona 5 Royal Review
Peaked
HIGH It’s the definitive version of one of the best JRPGs around.
LOW There really can be too much of a good thing sometimes.
WTF “Cats turning into buses is a very widely-held cognition!”
Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition Review
The Road Less Raveled
HIGH Some of the moodiest atmosphere around.
LOW It’s a bit of a chore to actually play.
WTF Third Floor: Bears?!
Vampire: The Masquerade – Coteries Of New York Review
What We Scroll Through In The Shadows
HIGH Strong character writing. A great taster for the Vampire setting.
LOW Bare-bones features discourage repeat play.
WTF How’d it take this long to get some good Malkavians in a game?!
Mechwarrior 5: Mercenaries Review
All Systems Phenomenal
HIGH The mech combat is the best it’s been in decades.
LOW Rough edges and jumbled systems dilute the Battletech identity.
WTF What .INI file do I have to edit to get my joystick to work?!
Josh Tolentino’s Highs, Lows, and WTFs of 2019
2019 has certainly been a year, and while it’s had its ups and downs, I’d like to think it’s been a pretty strong one for games — in part because the expected crop of sequels, franchise entries, and long-anticipated debuts fell surprisingly flat, clearing the field for new and unusual titles to have time in the spotlight.
The Outer Worlds Review
A New Life Awaits You
HIGH Excellent writing, dialogue, and visuals.
LOW Superfluous combat, hard-to-read UI.
WTF Please give the man in the moon mascot head a hug.