"NBA 2K Playgrounds 2" Review

A fast-paced, over-the-top two-on-two basketball game in the tradition of "NBA Jam" meets the card-collecting, fantasy team-building aspects of EA's "Ultimate Team" side modes in "NBA 2K Playgrounds 2."

More freewheeling and accessible than its basketball sim counterpart, the Saber Interactive creation goes far beyond the side mode it could have been to stand alone as a formidable basketball title in its own right.

A colossal swath of current and former players are unlockable, ranging from superstars to obscure benchwarmers. Harvesting points that can be cashed in for card packs to unlock new players is an unending thrill, providing you ample reason to return to the playground. It also helps that the basketball is damn fun.

Online multiplayer is where "NBA 2K Playgrounds 2" really comes into its own, taking on the feel of street ball pickup games, with all four players being controlled by people. This "we've got next" style, king-of-the-court feel is addictive and enthralling, and gives you incentive to not only hone your own skills, but refine your communication and cooperation with your teammate in order to maximize your court time, success and accompanying rewards.

Although the rewards loop is well designed and executed, there is a creeping money-grubbing, pay-to-win mentality that creeps in, feeling more in place in a free-to-play mobile title than a full-figured console release.

That said, "NBA 2K Playgrounds 2" is perfectly enjoyable without spending a penny of extra money. Everything you want can be won with honest, sneaker-squeaking grinding, and the fact that it takes a while to build up to the blind-drop hoopster of your dreams somehow adds to the charm of the hustle rather than detracting from it. Like a real-life game of playground ball, sometimes the going is rough, but the thrills that await you make the struggles well worth it.
Publisher provided review code.

"Castlevania Requiem" Review

While some argue the early NES and SNES "Castlevania" games are the series' high point, while some swear by the last-gen "Lords of Shadow" action adaptation, just about all "Castlevania" fans hold soft spots for the two iconic 1990s  entries, which managed to bridge the classic exploration aspects with the intricate flourishes of the gothic art style that had evolved with the franchise.

"Castlevania Requiem" rounds up the inseparable duo: "Rondo of Blood" and "Symphony of the Night." Both games maintain their original aspect ratio, graphical fidelity and audio tracks. Bucking the trend of re-imaginings and remasters of 1990s games that have flooded the PS4/Xbox One generation, Konami went the route of directly porting the games.

Purists will adore the choices, although some quality-of-life improvements, such as the rewind feature of "Rare Replay" or a more friendly checkpoint system, might have made the games as accessible as they are enderaing.

Both games ooze haunting charm. While neither is a stranger to rereleases -- the games have popped  up on both handheld and home console previous-gen PlayStation consoles -- there is something deeply satisfying about witnessing the old standbyes claw their way out of the grave once again to raise their particular reward loop of explore, unlock, backtrack and advance that defined the term "Metroidvania."

It's a testament to the craftsmanship of these now ancient artifacts of gamedom that they hold up so well. Both games are just as able as ever to sear their brand of horror into your psyche, challenging you to redouble your efforts to take on the tremendous challenge and see your way through the morbid, elegiac sagas. The games are still cruel and unforgiving, just as they should be.
Publisher provided review code.

"Lego Overwatch Omnic Bastion" Review

As "Overwatch" has planted its stake in various corners of pop culture, dominating eSports and streaming sites while making headway in fields such as comics, it was only a matter of time until Blizzard's dynamo was ordained with its own Lego set.

It's finally happened with "Lego Overwatch Omnic Bastion," which lets you construct a towering warrior capable of swiveling at the waist, moving its arms and aiming a humongous machine gun at all comers.

Meant to stand guard at desks, book cases, dorm rooms and lockers, the intimidating yet disarmingly adorable creature is as fun to pose as to build.

The 182-piece set, recommended for ages 10 and up, is a blast to put together, deconstruct and -- as is the beauty of Lego -- modify to your whims. Want to add a robot crane arm? Just take it off another set and snap it on. Prefer a pair of mechanical wings? Knock yourself out.

Just keep that snazzy "Lego Blizzard" exclusive placard at the front, because this is "Overwatch," after all, and you should never pass up a chance to humblebrag.
Publisher provided review set.

"Diablo III Eternal Collection" Switch Review

Since its 2012 PC release, "Diablo III" has stood as one of the most fascinating and content-rich action RPGs in all of gaming. Blizzard has taken its time to spread the game to other consoles, in each instance managing to release a bigger, bolder version of the towering adventure -- gracing PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2013, then the PS4 and Xbox One in 2014 -- that it seemed to have been coded from the ground up for the new platform.

Now the game finally makes its Switch debut. What some expected to be a pared-down version of the game instead is a robust release that makes a strong, virulent case for being the definitive version of the game. Rounding up all previously released DLC, as well as the myriad updates and enhancements that developers have trotted out over the years, this is a slickly playing, gorgeous-looking, impossibly deep version of the game that easily stands alongside the substance you'll find on the Xbox One and PS4, surpassing those versions in many ways.

Blizzard casts the template for how hardcore multiplayer co-op should have been done all along, and must be followed in the future. With lobbies that boast masterful matchmaking and friend pairing, the multiplayer aspect of "Diablo III," which is integral to its makeup, shimmers in a way that had not yet been even hinted at on the Switch. Only "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" and "Splatoon 2" have even hinted at such a level of well-honed infrastructure, and although hampered by Nintendo's insipid approach to voice communication, it smooths over the rocky roads with a satisfying suite of communication tools. 

With all modes unlocked from the start -- including the instanced rift modes that continue to dole out high-powered enemies and rare loot ad infinitum -- it's easy to jump back into the maelstrom even if you're a veteran who has poured dozens of hours into the game over the years. You're reading that right. The likes of "Reaper of Souls," "The Rise of the Necromancer" and "Kanai's Cube" are all accessible from the get-go. Seasonal additions that were previously native to the other platforms are also promised to come, along with the online challenge ladders.

Nintendo-specific enhancements are also there, including a Legend of Ganondorf armor set, Triforce portrait frame and other Easter eggs add a Zelda seasoning to the mix. Naturally, the Pro Controller is supported. The game looks gorgeous at home, but playing it on the go makes for a giddily fresh experience that seems almost too good to be true. For a frame of reference, think of that feeling you got while playing "Skyrim" on the go.

Perhaps the game's greatest triumph has little to do with "Diablo III" itself, but what it portends for the future of the Switch, as well as gaming as a whole. This is an adaptation that's likely to open the eyes and minds of other publishers and developers to see what's possible for Switch ports of top-tier games. "Well, if Blizzard can do it with 'Diablo III' then we can do it with Game X," may well become the mentality for the creative class moving forward.

If that proves true, this "Eternal Collection" will prove to be even more of a legendary drop indeed.
Publisher provided review code.

"Call of Cthulhu" Review

A haunting and eerie take on horror game, "Call of Cthulhu" is arguably the most mature H.P. Lovecraft video game adaptation to date. Cyanide Studios' first-person game blends adventure, walking simulator and branching-path RPG elements into a surreal and torturous trek into the dark resources of the mind.

Set in 1920s Boston, you play as a private detective who is haunted by traumas suffered during service in World War I. A hard drinker who struggles with mental health and tortured relationships, he struggles to keep things together as he takes on a case from a wealthy client who insists on proving that there was more to the death of his daughter than the police managed to uncover.

Your efforts to crack the mystery lead you down a long, winding road of destruction and decay. You're confronted with choices that let you decide whether to seek a short-term gain in favor of longer-term suffering. Your choices during conversations shade the inner workings and motivations of your character, leading down potentially varied paths.

As you struggle through your obsessive quest toward some measure of redemption, you face down demons both personal and actual, locked in a struggle with your own heart, mind and even eyes. You  are rarely fully sure whether your adversaries are real or hallucinatory.

Occasional hiccups in controls and visual fidelity tend to snap you out of the suspension of disbelief, separating you from engagement with the spell cast by the writing. But trudge through the shortcomings and you're in for an arresting experience that stays true to the source material while pushing the genre forward in bold and meaningful ways. It takes a lot of effort to work your way through the world, but those who heed Cthulhu's foreboding call will be rewarded in kind.
Publisher provided review code.

"Goosebumps: The Game" Review

With the "Goosebumps" sequel in theaters and Halloween in the air, it was time to revisit the overlooked "Goosebumps" game. The Switch is just the platform needed to inject some life into the delightfully creepy, family-friendly adventure, which is occasionally more frightening than it has any right to be.

WayForward Technologies' port of the 2015 point-and-click adventure meshes well with the Switch's repertoire, making excellent use of the device's screen. The game thrives most in mobile play, in which the immediacy emphasizes the frightening moments.

True to the spirit of the novels and their TV adaptations, the horror focuses on dark, sci-fi-heavy twists on everyday life as a child and teen. You play as a student whose life goes off the rails, starting with a harrowing walk home from school. Nearby lurks wilderness plagued by deadly creatures.

Cut scenes, which play out in animations set to text, provide some harrowing moments, but the most satisfying scares come when you make a wrong choice that leads to a jump scare signaling your demise. Not only is the image itself off-putting, but the thought of having to lose your progress is equally horrifying.

"Goosebumps" plays at times like a game that came long before 2015. The lack of significant voice acting could be explained away as a conscious choice in an effort to stay true to the feel of R.L. Stine's source material, but it can more easily be attributed to the publisher's intent to favor expedience over quality.

While rough around the edges, the thrills the game provides make it well worth a pickup for "Goosebumps" fanatics in the mood for a visual novel-style feel that takes them back to their youth, reading the books late at night with a flashlight under the covers.
Publisher provided review code.

"Just Dance 2019" Review

The "Just Dance" series continues to thrive, superseding a graveyard of rhythm games, including other dance titles that fell to the wayside. The main reasons are ease of use, as well as the novelty of seeing how ridiculous -- and if you're lucky, even how good -- you look when you're busting moves in your living room.

With "Just Dance 2019," Ubisoft continues to refine what worked for the series in the past, get rid of extraneous fluff and innovate with compelling new features. A finely curated tracklist of some of the songs that made the most memorable impact on the pop culture landscape over the past year continues to freshen up the exergaming superstar, keeping "Just Dance 2019" front and center as not only the premiere party game on the market, but also one of the most efficient and fun ways to work out daily while gaming. Games from the series have become my personal go-to. I ditched jogging in favor of dancing like an idiot in front of the Kinect sensor, and have never looked back.

If you lack Kinect, a PS4 camera or a similar console camera, you can use a mobile device to track your movements. The ideal way to play the game, though, remains with video accompaniment.

The game comes with a 30-day trial subscription for Just Dance Unlimited, which opens up just about the entire back catalogue of the series' songs  -- around 400 total. The cost is $24 a year if you decide to go with it, and is well worth it if you're a daily user.

Kids Mode is a godsend for parents, not only rounding up the most innocuous -- if also the most ear-splitting -- tunes, but covering up the dancers' faces on videos in order to prevent any accidental exposure if the video is shared online.

The choreography is as creative and cutting-edge as always, and the visuals also get a significant boost, with media such as claymation making appearances.

One of the better-kept secrets of "Just Dance 2019" is how it doubles as a karaoke machine. While the likes of "Singstar," "Guitar Hero" and "Rock Band" have long since faded into the background, "Just Dance" continues to be the go-to place for musicians to get their work in front of would-be performers.

It's a tribute to the game's design acumen how it manages to stay replayable even after copious use. With loads of side modes, unlockables, a calorie tracker and online shenanigans to chase after, "Just Dance 2019" is yet another crowning achievement in a series that never fails to impress. Here's to yet another memorable encore.
Publisher provided review code.

"Red Dead Redemption 2" Review

I let my 11-year-old son play "Red Dead Redemption II" for a bit, insisting he start a new save file so as not to mess with my own. I usually let him hop in and out of the games I play, happy to have him score some achievements for me or see how he would react to certain scenarios as a way of cross-checking my 40-year-old point of view with his youthful perspective.

With this game, though, I wanted none of that. This is a game wrapped up in a living economy in which every choice you make has rippling affects toward everything else you will see and do as your journey unfolds. I couldn't bear to have my singular journey tainted by my boy's choices.

As he watched the majestic sequence he became antsy, wondering when exactly the action would start.

He was bored as hell and could hardly stand it.

He couldn't appreciate the majesty of the rolling, snow-sloped vistas, the way the snowflakes rested on your horse's mane, or the way the voice actors spoke as though their words were chilled by the biting nip of wind. He gave up before he saw any gun battles, looted any bodies or shivered at the sight of a wolfpack emerging from the forest to hunt him down.

As much as I respect my boy's fresh perspective of TV, movies and especially games, I was elated that he couldn't stand this one, which I hold up as my game of the year, if not decade, if not lifetime.

"Red Dead Redemption" is a game for adults only, and I would hazard to say best appreciated by middle-aged and older gamers. Its methodical, angst-ridden pace is ever plagued by the dreaded footsteps of old age and death that the young simply can't fathom. I selfishly want "Red Dead Redemption 2" for my generation alone, sparing it for those that follow to appreciate one day as a retro classic, when flecks of gray grace their own heads.

It's easy to fall into the trap of gushing with over-the-top praise for the game. I will try to restrain myself from that, in favor of analyzing exactly what it is that separates "Red Dead Redemption 2" from the work of mere mortals and elevates it to its status.

This is an elegant an elegiac journey leavened with haunting notes that reference life as well as pop culture. It's a truly great Western that should be compared to novels and films rather than games, because gamedom -- even the original "Red Dead Redemption" and especially its laughable predecessor, "Red Dead Revolver," aren't even in the same orbit as the though-provoking, soul-searching moments like the game offers. Above, all, the game favors deconstructionism of the American myth.

Its closest spiritual cousin is "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" for the way it ruefully exposes how much of the myth of heroism is absolute bullshit, as well as how important it is to fan the flames of such legends, because they are what light the embers that inspire the best among us to forge on, pushing humanity to the next stages of the opera in which we all play a small part.

This is a game that revels upon the grand scale, but what I most appreciate are the small moments that form the brushstrokes that make up the masterpiece. I like that the more you pet and feed your steed, the more he is willing to do for you. And I absolutely love the heartache that comes from your horse's inevitable death, which approaches the devastation you feel when a real-life pet dies.

It takes courage and determination to begin again in your recovery from the heartache, be it romantic devotion to a love one or the passion you felt for a career that has ended in a pink slip. To rebuild, with the Kintsugi-like cracks healed stronger than they were before, is the essence of endurance and growth as a person.

As the countless hours unfold, with sidequests and the main campaign intertwining into a bittersweet, indistinguishable morass, I tried to pause to savor the intricacies of this masterwork. I strove to appreciate my failures and the lessons I gleaned from them, not only in how better to approach and rectify how I fell short in my next attempt, but in the futility of my misdirection itself, and how sometimes the act of falling short can be a victory in itself. Discovering that a door is closed is somehow a triumph on its own. The dark, closed hallway is a sometimes gentle, often brutal shift in a the next direction on a path to better things.

In some time this game will grow. Missions and items will be added, quests will be unlocked and new areas of the map will open up. And also maybe next month or the month after, but before we know it the game will open up and reshape into the online mode that will redefine what "Red Dead Redemption 2" is.

To play this game again in the future will test the maxim that no man can cross the same river twice, for not only will the river have changed, but so well have the man. Not that you need all that much encouragement, because if you are at all inclined to gaming than you have surely been bombarded with breathless endorsements for this game. But nevertheless I add my voice to that chorus. If you are old, or at least can imagine what it's like to be old, you owe it to yourself to spend some of your ever-dwindling hours on this truly fantastic, unparalleled experience.

To die in this virtual tapestry is to taste redemption.
Publisher provided review code.

Book Report: "The Call of the Wild"

The Call of the Wild by Jack London
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

London takes the half-crazy, half-genius idea of writing a book from a dog's perspective, and goes scarily deep into the psyche of Buck.

A St. Bernard-Scotch Shepherd mix who is torn away from his easy life as a country dog when he's sold to a brutal, unforgiving prospector who seeks gold in the Yukon. Buck endures the monotony of dog sled life, vies against rivals for leadership, analyzes the pecking order of people and, in the most brilliant moments, waxes philosophically about what it all means.

London's writing is mesmerizing and spectacular. He communicates his thoughts effortlessly and naturally, with a down-home grit that borders close to satire without tipping over the edge. You can imagine Sam Elliot making such musings when he is high or drunk.

The narration by Peter Humann on the Audible version is the next best thing to Elliott. He brings a stoic grit to the story, making you feel as though you're listening to a made-up-as-it-goes story being spun over a campfire.

A strikingly bold and original effort, "The Call of the Wild" deserves its status as a recommended student read I never managed to get around to before now. I'm glad I finally made it inside Buck's head.

View all my reviews

PHIL ON FILM: "Hunter Killer"

For my written review, click here.

Book Report: "One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression is Destroying Our Democracy"

Anderson's book suffers from the tedious grind of a research paper, but at times breaks free for some righteous anger, heartfelt personal stories and biting insight. The writing gets stronger as it goes, and by the end it hits such a fever-pitch tone of righteous fury that it lives up to the promise of that potboiler title.

Still, much of the writing is bogged down in copious statistics that would have been best summarized and left as footnotes. There are droll, Leviticus-style listings of places, figures and sundry statistics that hold the main thrust of the book back rather than push it forward.

Still, even in the slow parts, this book has a whole lot to teach. Packed with a master class's worth of historical perspective, incisive examples of the evolution of Jim Crow laws and their implementation over time, the book is a chilling treatise on the decay of our democracy. She also over-relies on the word "disfranchisement," saying it so often that a related drinking game would lead to alcohol poisoning every few pages.

The sone-sided argument, well bolstered, is that conservative mechanations actively seek out to prevent the poor and minorities from voting. The conspiratorial sickness is prevalent, running from poll workers, throughout local and national political machines and all the way up through federal courts. Only a mass awareness of the adversarial nature of disenfranchisement,  a strong ground game and a determination by the affected to be more stubborn than those who seek to stop them from voting can lead to victory.

The Audible narration by Janina Edwards does Anderson's writing no favors. With a grim monotone that sometimes sounds like a voice-to-text program, she too often lacks the inflection that Anderson intended. It probably would have been best to have the author read it herself.

I spent much of the book annoyed and continuing mainly out of obligation, but found myself liking it more and more as it continued. By the end, in which Anderson gives a more incisive description of exactly how Russian hackers managed to manipulate the election via social media, I was won over. This is an important book that demands to be picked up, suffered through, appreciated and ultimately, put into action.

Publisher provided review copy.

"Nickelodeon Kart Racers" Review

Any go-kart racing game with a goofy, licensed character roster and power-up-filled tracks will seem lacking in comparison to "Mario Kart" games. The best way to appreciate what developer GameMill Entertainment has to offer is to separate such prejudices and take the game on its own merits.

But even after doing that, the racer sputters to reach the finish line. Mediocre visuals, rough controls and milquetoast design make the game average at its best moments, and mediocre at its worst.

With a decent level of polish and a solid base of mechanics, there is nothing inherently broken or unbalanced with the game but as you play you're always stuck with the nagging feeling that the execution doesn't come close to matching the promising concept.

Available on Switch, Xbox One and PS4, the game stocks its slate of racers with slim pickings. SpongeBob SquarePants, Sandy and Patrick are there, as are Angelica, Tommy and, bizarrely, the  Reptar doll from "Rugrats." The "Hey Arnold" crew also makes an appearance, as do all four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

The array of available racers play in distressingly similar manner, feeling like lackadaisical re-skins of one another rather than diverse competitors designed from the ground up with different strengths and weaknesses.

Best fit for the younger set who are more forgiving of the game's drawbacks and content just to see their animated favorites in action, or with friends who are willing to fill out the four-player multiplayer slate, "Nickelodeon Kart Racers" takes some effort to shift out of neutral.
Publisher provided review code.

"Zarvot" Review

Zarvot is a quriky brawler that's meant to make you smirk and chuckle as you work your way through levels filled with enemies that include bananas, milk cartons and walking crayon boxes.

Playing as two cubes -- named Charcoal and Mustard, because why not? -- you slice, slam and shoot your way through the madness.

Developer Snowhydra LLC excels at managing to convey its list of necessary skills to advance without resorting to pandering or handholding. You are on your own, stuck in the mayhem, forced to learn to survive on your wits and reflexes.

The challenge level ramps up quickly, but each level gives you adequate training, bestowing you with skills you'll need as you move on.

Much of the game plays out like a retro-styled arena shooter, reminiscent of the likes of "Geometry Wars" or even "Centipede." "Zarvot" lifts things to the next level by dressing everything up with a charming story and disarming visuals and music.

Like some sort of Adult Swim adaptation gone rogue, "Zarvot" keeps things fresh and lively by oozing equal parts unfettered personality and adamant dorkiness.
Publisher provided review code.

"911 Operator" Review

No matter how skilled and quick to react first responders are, they are only as effective as the dispatchers who field calls, siphon key, urgent information from frantic people at the worst moment of their lives, then break that info down into something actionable.

"911 Operator" from Jutsu games may be an exaggerated, over-the-top take on the career, but it's grounded enough to serve as a fitting tribute to the unsung heroes. As you field calls, it's on you to cut through the noise to help as many people as possible by getting the authorities to the places they need to be.

You provide instructions, dispatch crews or ignore a superfluous call, not letting it distract you from something more urgent. Expect to second-guess yourself often. You work at a rapid pace, scrambling to stay abreast of the tasks at hand. The stress level is high because the simulation is so convincing.

Two years after its release on PC, Xbox One, PS4 and mobile, "911 Operator" makes its way to Switch. Optimized to work well with the Switch's touch screen and Joy-Con setup, the game takes on a new vibrance and urgency.

While possibly too dry and clinical for some tastes, "911 Operator" manages to take what some might consider a perfunctory task and bestow it with the glory and reverence it deserves. While not a "fun" game by any traditional definition, it manages to get the adrenaline flowing, sucking you into its distinctive realm.
Publisher provided review code.

"Pizza Titan Ultra" Review

"Pizza Titan Ultra" is one of those "anything goes" types of games, where the off-the-charts weirdness level is so prevalent that oddity starts to become the comforting norm.

You play as a giant robot whose job it is to romp through destructible environments, bashing everything in sight in all-out pursuit of prompt pepperoni delivery.

Released in August on Xbox One, PS4 and PC, the game now comes to the Switch, where its pick-up-and-play accessibility translates well to low-intensity, on-the-go play.

Throwback visuals replicate the 16-bit era in tone and style, if not pixel count. The visuals are smoother than the finest Super Nintendo devs could have conjured.

While there is plenty of humor to enjoy, you may find that the laughs take on diminishing returns. Once the quirky trappings fade away into normalcy, what you're left with is a well-polished but perfunctory series of destructive delivery challenges.  The replay value dwindles within an hourlong session.

Still, if you're looking for a tight, charming experience that lets you take out your frustrations on hapless enemies and structures who can't contend with your wrath, "Pizza Titan Ultra" delivers.
Publisher provided review code.

"Child of Light" Switch Review

"Child of Light" is a game you sometimes just find your self staring at in admiration. Gorgeous enough to seem like a playable painting, the story follows a young girl tasked with the challenge of capturing three sources of power and defeating the evil queen, who has seized power.

It makes for a whimsical, involving journey, bolstered with clever writing and a resonant soundtrack. It finds a perfect new home on the Switch, which lets you both appreciate the gorgeous visuals and sound on your living room setup and plug away with missions while on the go.

Ubisoft Monteral's ethereal 2014 puzzle-strategy gem, emblazoned with light RPG elements, continues to shine, because many of its stylistic choices were timeless.

The characters all operate with distinct, often conflicting mannerisms, motivations and worldviews, and there are little nuggets of inspired writing and visual design lurking in every corner. I still smile when I open a treasure box, find that an enemy is hidden within, greating me with a telltale "What's inside? Homicide."

"Child of Light" is one of those games that you feel almost guilty for enjoying by yourself. You feel compelled to text all your friends and pressure them to play it as soon as possible, if only so you'll have people to chat up about the intricacies, contradictions and plot developments you experience in the deep, psychologically challenging journey.

Now there's a new opportunity to evangelize. "Child of Light" is born again on the Switch, shining as bright as ever.
Publisher provided review code.

"Joggernauts" Review

Adorably colorful, space helmet-wearing aliens trot in a line. They hop, dodge and weave their way past an array of obstacles that bombard them as the action flows from right to left. That's "Joggernauts," which milks a deceptively simple concept for more than its worth.

Developer Space Mace's co-op-focused rhythm-puzzle-platformer has much in common with "Patapon" and, well before the time of that game, "Lemmings." Your survival depends on the effectiveness of teamwork. No matter how skilled you are, you are only as good as your weakest collaborator.

As many as four players can join in the action. Success prizes communications, coordination and especially, synchronization. If you gather with three close friends to play, expect them to become three frenemies within a few minutes.

The game seems coded from the ground up to inspire dissent and suspicion among even the tightest of squads. The difficulty level ramps up considerably, forging an arduous challenge level that's closer to "Dark Souls" than that of a typical party game.

If you lack Switch-playing friends to delve into the meat of the mutiplayer, you're left with a perfunctory solo mode that tasks you to toggle back and forth between two characters as they barrel down the paths.

"Joggernauts," like Jenga, is a giddy time with friends but has almost no point at all alone.
Publisher provided review code.

PHIL ON FILM: "Halloween"

For my written review, click here.

Book Report: "The Fifth Risk"

The Fifth Risk by Michael Lewis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Michael Lewis, the aficionado of data deciphering whose exhaustively researched books inspired the brainy films "Moneyball" and "The Big Short," shifts his laser focus to the buried world of federal government work for his latest opus

This is a pure, unfettered hit piece on what Lewis frames to be the incompetence and willful ignorance of the Trump regime, which has dismissed much of the groundwork laid by previous administrations to chase childish, boorish ideologies, sacrificing the safety and benefits of the public. Trump supporters, of course, would counter-argue that the goal is to trim the fat out of a do-nothing government, and Lewis is out to undermine that perspective.

The risk specified by the title is that which the public doesn't bother to imagine, and in turn hasn't prepared for. Without key chess pieces in place to fend off unimagined catastrophes, Lewis argues, Trumpism has left us vulnerable to an array of threats ranging from nature, to terror, environmental abuse, foodborne illness and crumbling infrastructure.

The book feels like it could and should have been a magazine article instead of a full-fledged book. Lewis pads out his core points with superfluous personal stories of his subjects. The point is to humanize what many people imagine to be soulless drones, but the effect turns out to be monotonous small-talk and gratuitous oversharing.

The Audible adaptation adds to the sense of urgency, thanks to Victor Bevine's passionate, often mock-bewildered narration, which lends a frantic, the-sky-is-falling pace to the proceedings.

I credit Lewis for teaching me much about what I never comprehended about what exactly the various sectors of the federal government does, the earnestness of many of those in public service, and the ruthlessness of Accuweather, which Lewis contends has infiltrated the Commerce Department in an effort to block National Weather Service data so it can co-opt it and sell it to the public under its own label.

This book is a horror story of sorts, granting you a peak inside the sausage factory of government work to show you how close society may be teetering to disaster. You get the feeling he could have done the same in a third the amount of space, but I don't blame him for stretching it out into a more lucrative commodity. Hey, a guy's gotta make a living.

Publisher provided review copy.

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"Lego DC Super-Villains" Review

Being bad in the Lego-fied DC Universe feels oh so good.

"Lego DC Super-Villains" tells an irreverant, satirical tale that hits all the right action comedy notes, appealing to adults and kids alike throughout an endearingly sardonic tale worthy of one of the DC Lego films. Any sense of series fatigue wears away quickly as the crackling pace gets underway.

Probably the best-looking, smoothest-controlling Lego game to date, "Lego DC Super-Villains" recaptures the freewheeling magic of the "Lego Batman" games, which are generally seen as the series' high point.

The plot is loosely based on the "Suicide Squad" concept. Making a deal with authorities to shave some time off your sentence if you can put a gang of mysterious new superheroes in check, you go on a journey of shattered bricks and assumptions. Nearly every notable DC bad guy makes an appearance, complete with an impressive array of special abilities.

You join in on the fun by creating and naming your own character, who goes along for the ride as Solomon Grundy and some fellow roustabouts venture to break others out of prison. You find yourself at odds with police quite often, forcing you to shatter them into tiny pieces. It's an unorthodox move for the usually law-respecting, kid-friendly franchise, but a necessary lapse in morals if you're going to step inside the villainous perspective.

Puzzle-solving remains challenging, but an in-game hint system helps you out of jams without forcing you to retreat to online walkthroughs. Scads of unlockables keep you coming back for freeplay playthroughs. The purse sense of anarchic bliss that comes with romping through the twisted take on DC archetypes is also a major part of the draw. This is a game that puts the "super" in "super-villain."
Publisher provided review code.