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Still, as the name of the game implies, Metroid: Samus Returns is a homecoming for one of Nintendo’s most beloved heroes, and it’s a return to form that many had been anticipating for years. To revisit something said at the beginning of this review, it has been 13 years since Samus starred in a side-scrolling shooter and after playing through this latest title it’s odd to think of any rational reason as to why she ever left.

Play as Gaia, the Spirit of Life, and navigate stunning platforming environments in an abstract world to salvage the souls of extinct animals. Revive these creatures after learning their final fate: the last whale harpooned, the final eagle caged, the last deer hunted down, and more, while you survive encounters with dangerous, oil-covered Devourers that roam the wasteland in search of remaining life.

Call of the Sea struggles to maintain its momentum as it nears the end of the game in terms of gameplay, but the first few chapters are great and the story at least stays interesting. While its short length may understandably make some hesitant to buy it outright, it's an easy recommendation for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, especially anyone looking for a fresh experience on their Xbox Series X consoles.

Overall, Essays on Empathy is a great look into the lives of different characters and how they fit into the world around them. It may not be the most graphically or mechanically advanced, but that didn’t seem to be the goal of the games anyways. Essays on Empathy gives players a chance to step into the shoes of people different from them and understand them a bit better than before. While some players may struggle with certain subjects tackled in each game, the topics addressed are part of a bigger conversation worth having.

Overall, Temtem is a fine alternative to other monster-collecting games with plenty to do. The balance can be a bit troublesome, but that may vary from person to person. However, it offers enough differences to be unique, with its default two-on-two battles and mechanics adding variety to each fight. Plus, playing with friends is easy and a blast.

While Dead Synchronicity could have been something great, it misses the mark with depressing, difficult gameplay that will make any player feel hard pressed to stick around for at least five or six hours. The award winning art style is unique and intriguing, but it’s not enough to make up for the tedious dialogue and the sluggish plot. The ending is a massive disappointment, and may make players feel their hours spent in the world of Dead Synchronicity have all been for naught. Perhaps if the developers fix these issues in the next installment, it could be an enjoyable experience, but as it stands, Dead Synchronicity: Tomorrow Comes Today may leave players with a bad taste in their mouths.

WWE 2K Battlegrounds has significantly less online and technical issues than most of the WWE 2K games, but it still struggles to shake off its identity as a small-scale, "budget" game. A lot of it feels rushed or lacks depth, and the result is a relatively barebones, repetitive wrestling game that loses its appeal in mere hours. That being said, those looking to use it as a multiplayer party game may find it to be a worthwhile investment after a price drop.

Dawn of Fear is too broken in its current state to recommend it to anyone. Those desperate for an old-school survival-horror experience may want to hold out hope that other upcoming Resident Evil and Silent Hill-inspired games turn out to be a bit better because Dawn of Fear is a mess.