The Gunk (PC via Game Pass)

A lot of podcasts I listen to were discussing this game, not necessarily praising it, but saying it's worth checking out.  I'd agree, it's worth checking out, and while I finished it, I can't say it's a must play.  It's a relatively friendly platformer that's not overly difficult.   It comes from the team who made the Steamworld games which received critical acclaim (although not from me), and well, maybe this studio just isn't for me.  Their games just seem fine to me.  Pass.

Top 10 Games of 2021

 

Halo Infinite (Xbox Series X via Game Pass)

So long in the making and so highly anticipated, finally we have Halo Infinite.  They released the multiplayer portion of this game early, I didn't want them to.  At the time I was knee deep into Call of Duty: Vanguard and Forza Horizon 5.  I started playing it because of the hype and have put maybe an hour or two back into Vanguard.  The gameplay feels fresh, it looks great, and has some satisfying hooks.  I have a bunch of friends playing as well and even get the kids in the mix.  It's Halo multiplayer at it's finest and hopefully some new maps keeps the game fresh in the months to come.

The campaign is really good.  I really enjoyed my time with it an wish there was more, however the lack of environments and the repetitive gameplay loop (even though I loved it) has me thinking this game could have been much more.  You're free to explore, but there's little incentive.  Given how long Breath of the Wild has been out, I find it hard to believe they didn't pick up some cues from that game and tuck a few more little secrets throughout the vast environments.  

Regardless, if you're a fan of Halo or a fan of games, this is definitely worth checking out.  Recommend.

Forza Horizon 5 (Xbox Series X via Game Pass)

It's January 1 2022, and I feel I still haven't completed this game.  I'm late to review it but it's tough to decide to wrap it up when I'm still playing it every day.  I've played every Forza Horizon game, but after putting some serious time into this one, I now feel like I've played all the previous games wrong.  I always got a little "bored" after some time grinding out races, but the funny thing about Forza Horizon 5, is I like the actual racing the least. There is a lot to explore and discover, there are some dumbed down "Tony Hawk" like challenges, huge ramps, photography missions, then there's the weekly seasons giving you new reasons to play the game differently every week.  I finally played with the livery editor and had a great time.  This will always be my game of quarantine and of Christmas 2021.  So much time spent in Mexico and more to come.  A masterpiece in gameplay.  Highest recommendation.