Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is a thrilling return to a cult classic, embracing its unique blend of campy horror and dark humor. If its goal was to revive interest in this wild journey, it has definitely succeeded.
While the land-based exploration and fast-paced duo combat deliver the thrilling action Ys fans expect, the sea combat disappoints with its overly simplistic mechanics and slow pacing. Despite its shortcomings at sea, the game’s vibrant environments and energetic soundtrack make it a solid addition to the series.
Visions of Mana doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it knows damn well what makes a wheel work. It plays like a game we all remember from childhood, but with all the modern frills. The game delivers a beautifully crafted, nostalgic JRPG experience that’s worth checking out.
Trails through Daybreak is a triumph for both long-time fans and newcomers to the series. For veterans, it builds upon and expands nearly every aspect that makes the series great, from its intricate storytelling to its deep character development and strategic gameplay. For new players, while it’s a challenge to dive into such a complex series, the game makes a commendable effort to provide an accessible starting point into the rich world and lore without feeling overwhelmed.
MultiVersus could have been a multi-platform answer to Super Smash Bros. However, the staggering cost of characters locks much of the fun behind paywalls or extensive grinding which will turn most players off.
Rise of the Ronin puts you into the role of a masterless samurai amidst the chaos of war, disease and political unrest of 19th century Japan. Reviewed on PS5. Review copy provided by company for testing purposes. Rise of the Ronin is a fusion of many influences aimed at creating something more than the sum of its parts. A game that stands tall, echoing the spirit of its predecessors while carving its own path.
Ultros drips style, but does not skimp on substance. The psychedelic art style and dreamy soundtrack elevate the familiar, but not quite tired, gameplay loop.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League isn't horrible, but it's bland and uninteresting and that may be worse. The real insult here is that Rocksteady Games had all the tools to do something great and innovative and just made a by-the-book live-service game instead.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered does far more than simply justify its existence on the PS5, it elevates an already near-perfect experience.
House Flipper 2 builds on everything that made the first game so beloved. Some polish from future patches and DLC could go a long way in making the experience even better.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora has so much heart and soul in it's world and lore. Unfortunately, the core gameplay subtracts from this a bit too much to ignore.