Benjamin Bell's Reviews
Anima: Gate of Memories I & II Remastered is a fun callback to the adventure games of days gone by. Players can easily immerse themselves in its unique, dark world filled with mysteries, but it is the exploration that will keep them coming back for more.
BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW is an unforgettable chapter in the series that tackles multiple serious themes. The subject matter is something many players will relate to in one way or another, and the twisted manifestations of the protagonist’s traumas will leave players questioning reality. With spot-on environmental storytelling and an intriguing underlying mystery, this is an entry that both fans and newcomers will not want to miss.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is simply the game at its best. The 3.0 update added a surprising amount of new content and quality-of-life improvements that are truly game-changing. From streamlined crafting to improved controls and more, it would be difficult to return to the original version. While the Switch 2 upgrade itself doesn't offer much beyond 12-player multiplayer and visual boosts, it remains the definitive way to experience the game. Whether you are a returning fan or a new player, there has never been a better time to jump into the world of Animal Crossing.
Ring Fit Adventure is a fantastic indoor workout tool and arguably one of the best fitness games on the market. The RPG Adventure Mode is addictive enough to motivate players and push them to complete every stage, while the wide variety of exercises provides a great full-body workout, and the inclusion of a pure exercise mode makes it a perfect title for both gamers and non-gamers alike. If you are looking for an accessible, effective at-home workout to improve your health, then this game is a must.
Pac-Man World 2 Re-PAC is more than just a remaster; it is what the original title should have been. It contains double the content, introduces new moves and abilities, and refines the existing levels. While the original wasn't game-changing, Re-PAC is a solid linear platformer and a great callback to the "good old days."
AI: The Somnium Files is a fantastic mystery adventure game that explores just how far someone is willing to go to protect the ones they love. It features a memorable cast of characters, a unique dream-like investigation system, and countless plot twists that no one would see coming. Despite its dark subject matter, there are still plenty of laughs to be had, and those who reach the conclusion will find themselves wishing the story would never end.
The Imperial Capital Burns – Muv-Luv Alternative: Total Eclipse is a solid introductory chapter to the series. It features a compelling cast of characters and gives readers a glimpse of life before the BETA reached Japan, while perfectly capturing the horrors brought on by the alien threat. It is a must-read for fans, but it can also serve as a quick introduction for newcomers. Either way, this story deserves to be seen.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is a robust package and a companion title to 2024’s Black Ops 6. The game features a unique RPG-style co-op mode, sees the return of the fan-favorite Zombies, and contains a solid multiplayer offering that fans and newcomers alike will enjoy. While the lack of a true campaign is disappointing and the nonsensical story holds it back, the other modes are more than worth the time.
Kirby Air Riders is a dream come true for fans of the original Kirby Air Ride, as well as an excellent party and racing game. It is packed with content, bringing back all the classic game modes and featuring a deep cosmetic customization system for the Air Ride Machines. Additionally, the online mode ensures everyone can enjoy the title to the fullest, the way it was meant to be played—with others.
Meg's Monster is an unforgettable and deeply heartwarming tale of a young girl and the powerful bond she forms with a monster. While its simple gameplay and RPG mechanics effectively propel the narrative forward, it is the overarching mystery and the charming cast of characters that truly resonate and leave a lasting impact.
The Grinch: Christmas Adventures is a very interesting game. While I cannot recommend it to anyone looking for a solid platforming experience, I can recommend it to families who want to play through it together. At the very least, the full digital storybook alone is worth the price, and the hours spent playing with your kids are simply priceless. It is not a good platformer by any means, but the overall novelty can still provide some enjoyment.
Neon Inferno is a vibrant throwback to the classic run-and-gun shooters that defined the '80s and '90s. While it perfectly captures the nostalgia one might crave, the unique shooting gallery mechanics put a fun spin on the genre, and it is an absolute joy to play—if you can handle the difficulty.
Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter is the perfect example of what a remake should be, plus more. It goes above and beyond the expectations set by the original title, while also keeping things fresh. The incredible world development and amazing cast of characters make this a universe you will never want to leave, and seeing it brought to life in full 3D is a wonderful experience.
I Write Games Not Tragedies is a short story that has potential. On the surface, it is a story of the emo lifestyle, but in reality, it is a story of regrets and discovery. Not everyone will be able to relate to Ash and his struggles, however, and that alone is what makes it hard to fully recommend. The flashy emo art style is outstanding, and the foundation is solid; however, many might step away from the experience wanting more.
Overall, Tales of Xillia is still a worthy JRPG all of these years later, and fans really shouldn't sleep on it. The battle system alone is what carries this title, but the great cast of characters doesn't hurt either.
Although I wasn't initially sold on the open-world and the shift from giant robots to mecha suits, Daemon X Machina: Titanic Scion is a fantastic game. Its high-speed action combat, thousands of customization options, and addictive gameplay loop make it a title you can easily lose yourself in. Unfortunately, it is held back in a few areas, mainly graphically, but despite this, it's a fun experience that mecha fans will not want to miss out on.
I enjoyed my time with Full Metal Schoolgirl. Its simple, repetitive gameplay loop managed to hook me from beginning to end, and the pure chaos brought on by raiding an office building filled with robots was entertaining, to say the least. There were moments where I had to take a break and step away, but after a quick recharge I was back at it and ready for more. It might not be the greatest or most ambitious roguelite on the market, but there is still fun to be had here.
Raidou Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is a fun action take on the classic Shin Megami Tensei series. It draws players in with its initial mystery and keeps them coming back for more as they dive deeper into this rabbit hole. It might have some rough edges, but it is still an unforgettable journey.
The Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit isn't just a fun retro throwback to days gone by; it is a legitimate modern-day NES game that captures what made these games special. Drawing heavy inspiration from Mega Man, it successfully blends the series' classic gameplay mechanics with stages and ideas from other NES titles, and the end result is a game all platforming fans can enjoy. While you do not need to be a fan of AVGN to enjoy this title, it is packed full of fan service that will put a smile on your face, and the live-action skits are nice to see as well. This game is in fact an Angry Video Game Nerd episode in disguise; it's just you are the one playing it this time, and not the Nerd. Either way, if you are a fan of retro platformers, and especially the classic Mega Man series, then this is a game you will not want to miss out on.
Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga is a fun arena fighter that successfully blends the hectic boss fights the Ys series is known for with classic player-versus-player action. No two fights will ever be the same thanks to the game's vast customization options, and being able to play as fan-favorite characters is a real treat. The game will not be for everyone, but those who are fans of both series and are itching for something different to play should look no further. There is a learning curve to overcome, but once you climb that hill, you will be in for a great time.