At its core, Little Goody Two Shoes is a survival/management game that incorporates dating sim elements and Wario Ware-style micro-games. The micro-games can be obnoxious at times and the story won't be everyone's cup of tea considering the target audience this game caters to, but it is hard to not be swept up in the artistry poured into the presentation.
To its credit, Touch Detective 3 + The Complete Case Files offers a lot of value since it is three adventures games plus new DLC scenarios that were created for the iOS versions. These are milquetoast and boring adventure games where the humour probably landed better in Japanese. The hand-drawn backgrounds and character designs are appealing, but get used to seeing them be recycled across all three titles. The wait for the third Touch Detective does not seem like it was something gamers were begging for. Anyone who enjoyed the first two will likely be happy the with third entry since it is more of the same, but fans of the point-and-click adventure genre will probably find these to be uneventful and dull.
No matter which way players choose to experience Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars: Reforged, it's still a very compelling point-and-click adventure game with awesome art and animation. The compressed sound is unfortunate and the additions from the Director's Cut are sadly excluded. As it stands, there is no definitive version of Broken Sword - Shadow of the Templars and Reforged missed the opportunity to have it all.
In spite of its technical issues, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Legends of the Zone Trilogy is still an engrossing and tense collection of some of the best twitch-based survival-horror action RPG that also happens to be set in a radioactive Russian wasteland. The atmosphere in these titles are some of the best executed and the gameplay is very deep when it works. It is fair to see why many prefer S.T.A.L.K.E.R. over Metro since it offers an immersive sim-like experience on an ambitious scale for its time, while also having just enough magical elements that keep the universe a little bit of a mystery.
Despite its age, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD maintains exceptional quality, offering engaging platforming sequences, visually impressive set-pieces, dazzling vistas, and a high level of difficulty. While the majority of collectibles offer limited in-game value beyond unlocking mirror mode, their inherent appeal, driven by ingrained desire, compels players to seek them out. It's highly replayable and highly addictive, leaving gamers eager to keep playing. It is disappointing that this remaster doesn't include anything new for veterans, but when the foundation is so enjoyable, it's hard to be dissatisfied.
Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered presents definitive editions of two critically acclaimed yet imperfect experiences. While both titles share a distinctive gothic aesthetic and compelling narrative, they offer contrasting gameplay experiences. Soul Reaver is celebrated for its innovative level design and haunting atmosphere, while Soul Reaver 2 is praised for its rich character development and intricate plot. Despite their individual shortcomings, these games collectively deliver a memorable and immersive gaming experience.
Big Helmet Heroes offers a straightforward gameplay experience suitable for young players new to the genre. The game features a weapon system that allows players to experiment with different fighting styles and classes while maintaining their preferred character. The game's aesthetic is designed to appeal to children, and the visual gags offer mild amusement. Older gamers won't connect with this, but newcomers will welcome the presentation and simplicity, without getting bogged down in any grind.
In the end, Ellison/AM won. He got his game that slaps the player in the face, and yet it's hard to not stand back and be impressed by the sheer audacity of his creation. This is a monumentally messed up story wrapped up in a very hostile experience that has no interest in the player's enjoyment. Whether it's the playability, or the confusing puzzles, or the sadistic traps laid by the developers, I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream is not meant for average gamers. This is one for people with true grit in their hearts...and a little patience.
Withering Rooms boasts a surprising amount of content, rivalling some AAA titles. Players will encounter a variety of outfits, weapons, enemies, and challenging boss battles, offering a high value proposition. For fans of Bloodborne seeking a 2D action RPG with a focus on witchcraft, Withering Rooms provides a compelling experience despite its uneven rogue-lite mechanics.
Shadow of the Orient is inoffensive and delivers exactly what it promises, which is, admittedly, not a lot. The gameplay is as classic as it gets and is priced appropriately for its content. It's a solid effort that doesn't do anything wrong apart from some dirty level design and leans on being a bit forgettable.
Mullet MadJack emerges as a striking and intense experience, rooted in the legacy of cyberpunk anime's creative and artistic zenith. Its narrative subtly critiques the perils of artificial intelligence, transhumanism, and the multifaceted nature of addiction, seamlessly integrating these themes into the gameplay. Far from a simplistic excuse for destruction, the premise carries substance, delivering its commentary with a sharp, knowing edge. Compounded by its wry wit, it's one of the most original, gripping, and addictive first-person shooters of all time.
The Coma 2B: Catacomb is a worthwhile horror game, but one that will test one's patience. The randomisation compounded with the cruel and unfair AI throwing outrageously long QTEs will undoubtedly frustrate the most dedicated horror fans. However, it is fun to see Youngho again and to find out what he has been up to, and the scares deliver the chills.
Tales of Graces f Remastered's most compelling feature is its combat system. It's a serviceable JRPG experience, potentially appealing to younger players disinclined towards turn-based systems. While its emphasis on "the power of friendship" may resonate with this demographic, older gamers will find the narrative lame and its character motivations underdeveloped. Although the writing occasionally exhibits weaknesses, the narrative does offer moments of genuine emotional impact.
Nightdive Studios did the best they could with a mediocre game. The Thing was never a good game and the original developers often lamented over the final product. They had much grander ambitions that could have made it a genuine classic. While the remaster's technical execution is commendable, the source material's was questionable. Despite this, the remaster may serve as an impetus for future adaptations of John Carpenter's film. The film's core concept remains a compelling narrative foundation and has potential for more successful interpretations in the right hands.
Yars Rising offers a unique interpretation of the classic Yars' Revenge. While the narrative may be unmemorable and the cutscenes intrusive, the gameplay remains engaging, thanks to its surprising remixes of the original game and how they fit in the structure of a Metroidvania. The stealth mechanics, though simplistic, contribute to the overall experience.
Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist may not reinvent the Metroidvania genre, but it beautifully nails its thesis. Its tale of dystopian despair unfurls with elegance, carried by characters as striking as they are melancholic, and gameplay that borrows wisely from the genre's titans. Like Lilac herself, Ender Magnolia blooms amid the mist.
The off-colour humour won't be for everyone. Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is an unapologetically crass and vulgar action-horror game from another time. It is no surprise as to why it became a cult classic. Its gameplay is still stimulating and the art direction is way ahead of what's available on the market today. The gory imagery and cool designs made it resonate with gamers, and while the remaster is rather plain, New Game Plus, motion controls, and costumes breathe a little more life into it.
Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection is close to being enjoyable. There is a solid foundation to build from in these games, but the lack of variety makes them boring. Fans of the originals and of the movies will be unsatisfied since these versions are hopelessly broken, and the online play, which is supposed to be the main draw, is unplayable. If there is an update to address the technical failings, both Battlefront titles are still just a couple of average movie tie-ins from the 2000s.
Aside from its main gimmick of confining and leaning on a main human with medium abilities, Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero is a plain strategy RPG. It has no shortage of content and will keep gamers playing for well over 100 hours if they aim to defeat the optional superbosses or endlessly grind characters to god-like strength in hopes of surviving the hardest modes. It can be exhausting and sleep-inducing, but it is a well-made strategy RPG for anyone who has a tolerance for intense sweetness.
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a classic turn-based JRPG that has been reinvigorated with deeper gameplay and new ideas that will keep it relevant for years to come. It's faithful where it counts and improves upon the experience, justifying itself with innovations and rebalances that invite veterans and newcomers to see why this franchise keeps enduring.