Welcome back to Beyond Co-Op Reviews, our critical look at games that don't feature co-op modes.
This month, we’re kicking it old-school as we review The King of the Fighters XV, the latest installment in SNK’s venerable KOF series, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass, the newest Taiko no Tatsujin music game, and even a pair of Turbografx-16 games that have been miraculously released on modern consoles. With so many games to choose from, let us help you find the best non-cooperative games in our Beyond Co-Op Reviews!
The King of Fighters XV (Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam)
“Although the single-player modes are a bit skimpy, KOF XV’s quality multiplayer modes make it a must-buy for anybody looking to face off with friends and online foes.”
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Booster Course Pack (Switch)
“While a couple of the courses included in the Booster Course Pass at launch aren’t particularly memorable, the overall lineup is quite solid.”
Taiko no Tatsujin: The Drum Master! (Xbox)
“As players successfully hit their notes without missing, the soul meter fills up above the playing field… [Meanwhile,] the characters and visual effects in the background get crazier and more frantic, which is a big part of the fun.”
Infernax (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and Steam)
“At various points throughout the game, Alcidor will have to make a choice: save or kill a man, let a group of squatters stay or go, etc. These choices are always fun and can lead to dramatically different outcomes such as an incensed man returning for revenge.”
Valis: The Fantasm Soldier Collection (Switch)
“The PC Engine versions of Valis (included here) feature CD-quality soundtracks and fully voiced, anime-style cinematics. Fans of 80s and 90s anime will certainly enjoy the beautiful, lengthy story scenes.”
Moto Roader MC (Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch)
“Games like [this one,] a 5-player, top-down racing game were common on the PC Engine, but it’s surprising to see Ratalaika release such an obscure racer on modern consoles.”
Download codes were provided by each of the publishers in this feature.