Mike Splechta


172 games reviewed
81.9 average score
85 median score
76.9% of games recommended
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Unscored - Pokemon X and Y
Oct 17, 2013

The core Pokémon franchise has largely remained unchanged, both graphically and mechanically, since its inception with Pokémon Red and Blue. While Game Freak has kept adding on various elements to keep the games fresh, each new title didn’t really present a whole lot in terms of variety. I also admit that both Pokémon Black and White 1 and 2 completely lost my interest. I never even got past the second gym. It was Pokémon fatigue at its worst. Pokémon X and Y changed all of that. I was a fan again. I couldn’t stop playing. I couldn’t stop catching and collecting.

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Oct 28, 2013

With a heavier focus on ship exploration and combat, a giant map to explore full of cities, settlements, ancient ruins as well as loads and loads of hidden collectibles to find, your time spent in the West Indies is going to be largely enjoyable.

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Nov 17, 2013

For a game that touts speed in its name, Need for Speed: Rivals delivers on every front. It's gorgeous, fast and definitely furious.

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Nov 18, 2013

With multiple characters to play as (harking back to Super Mario Bros. 2) and an unlockable fifth, a fantastic and unobtrusive multiplayer component and enough new power-ups to make even Mario's head spin, you're bound to have a highly enjoyable time with one of the best 3D platformers released thus far.

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Nov 25, 2013

Sure, Ryse: Son of Rome is a gorgeous game, possibly the best looking Xbox One launch game despite its sub-1080p resolution. But really, it's more than that. It's slower paced, tactical combat is fun, even though it never evolves throughout the game.

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8 / 10.0 - Just Dance 2014
Nov 29, 2013

Much like its already established predecesors, JD2014 doesn't really mix it up all that much in terms of gameplay, so if that's what you were hoping for, you might as well look elsewhere. However, if it's a party you're after, you definitely came to the right place.

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6 / 10.0 - Zoo Tycoon
Dec 1, 2013

Keep in mind that Zoo Tycoon will most likely keep your kid's attention way longer than it will keep yours, and that's fine, it's that type of game. But where Zoo Tycoon cuts corners to appeal to a wider audience, it also alienates it with overly cumbersome menus.

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2 / 10.0 - Fighter Within
Dec 4, 2013

Fighter Within really showcases the larger problem with Kinect only games: they just don't work.

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7 / 10.0 - LocoCycle
Dec 5, 2013

While LocoCycle is the worst looking game of the Xbox One launch, it's saved thanks to its over the top and fun gameplay. It can get repetitive at times, but the game does mix up what you're doing relatively often, which keeps things from becoming overly monotonous.

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8 / 10.0 - Warframe
Dec 5, 2013

If you're willing to put in the time, Warframe is an extremely enjoyable, albeit somewhat repetitive game that's way better when playing it with friends. If you just picked up a PS4, Warframe needs to be one of the first things you download.

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8 / 10.0 - Super Motherload
Jan 19, 2014

Out of all the digital launch games, Super Motherload is one to give you hours of enjoyment, simply based on its high replaybility. Not only are the level layouts different each time, skills and upgrades shift around as well, which will usually drastically change up the way you play.

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Jan 19, 2014

Doki-Doki Universe isn't a game for everyone. As much as I enjoyed playing through it, I highly recommend checking out some gameplay videos of the game before committing. For those that want to take a cute journey of self-discovery, I can't think of a game that does it better.

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Jan 22, 2014

It's got gorgeous visuals, and it's some fun, occasionally, and it's also got some great level design.

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Feb 17, 2014

The LEGO Movie Videogame isn't bad by any means. Chances are, if you love the movie, you won't mind experiencing it all over again. It's just a little ironic that for a movie that touts the importance of imagination, and not just sticking to the script, that the LEGO Movie Videogame does the exact opposite.

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6 / 10.0 - Thief
Feb 24, 2014

Some might be able to look past Thief's shortcomings and instead only focus on the moments of brilliance. However, I imagine long-time Thief fans hoping for Garrett's grand return might be somewhat disappointed.

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Mar 5, 2014

Don't let the thought of a Plants vs. Zombies shooter scare you off; it actually is a really fun game. Yes it needs more game modes and split-screen play options, but everything else about the game shines.

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Unscored - Titanfall
Mar 18, 2014

Titanfall isn't the most amazing shooter I've ever played. It doesn't live up to the unreasonable amount of hype it has received, but it is a fun game, and a good one at that. What it lacks in depth and variety, it makes up for in map design, maneuverability, action and balance. Titanfall is probably the most balanced and versatile shooter that equips players with multiple tools to get the job done.

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Mar 18, 2014

At full disclosure, my score fully reflects my willingness to dive deeper into the game, and also the fact that I'm genuinely into the Metal Gear franchise. For me, the short mission time wasn't completely awful. If anything, Ground Zeroes helped me build excitement for what's to come.

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Mar 24, 2014

inFamous: Second Son might not be leaps and bounds ahead of its predecessors in gameplay, as it never really strays from the core inFAMOUS mechanics, and doesn't take any heavy risks with storytelling. However, it's undeniable that beating up bad guys with various super-powers in a seemingly living and breathing city is a perfect combination for a hell of a good time.

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9 / 10.0 - Trials Fusion
Apr 16, 2014

Trials Fusion doesn't change up the formula drastically from its predecessors, but adds some nuances that helps it distinguish itself. It might come with a few graphical hiccups that detract from its beauty, but the fun factor eclipses any of these issues.

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