Benjamin Bell's Reviews
Despite not adding anything major, Steins;Gate Re:Boot is an excellent retelling of one of the greatest time travel stories in all of media. With a lovable cast of characters and an unforgettable, emotionally charged narrative, it truly is an experience everyone should have at least once. El Psy Kongroo.
Agefield High: Rock the School is a poorly executed title that set out to be a spiritual successor to a classic. Those looking for 2000s nostalgia surprisingly won't find it here, and fundamental issues plague the entire experience. In its current state, I cannot recommend it.
Truxton Extreme is every arcade-goer's dream—though it is certainly not for the faint of heart. Its high-speed, precision-based gameplay, outstanding soundtrack, and challenging stages make it a worthy successor, while its unlockable modes, model gallery, and animated manga really help complete the package. It is a memorable experience to say the least, but players should be fully aware of what they are getting into before taking the plunge.
Blue Reflection Quartet is a great way to experience the series. While Second Light truly steals the show, having the original game alongside the remake of Sun are really nice additions. Sadly Ray’s adaptation isn't anything to write home about and a few cuts were made to the original game, but those are small flaws in an otherwise enjoyable package.
Disgaea Mayhem is a flawed and generic hack-and-slash that will not be for everyone. Those who enjoy grinding and watching their stats go up to insane heights might find themselves sucked into an extremely addictive gameplay loop, but for others, it will simply not be worth the time. The Carnage Dimension is where the game truly shines, but reaching it is a high bar to clear.
70s-Style Robot Anime Geppy-X is a one-of-a-kind shoot-'em-up that puts players directly into what feels like a 1970s anime. While it might not be the most mechanically solid entry in the genre, its transforming mech with over-the-top attack capabilities, catchy theme songs, fake commercials, and incredible overall presentation make it something you won't forget. It is simply a fun time, and now Western players can finally experience it for themselves.
Culdcept BEGINS is an addicting title that expertly blends together the worlds of both board and trading card games. With matches that can completely flip at the drop of a hat, and an in-depth deck builder with 400 cards to choose from, it is a game that can easily become your new obsession.
DUSK INDEX: GION is a disappointing visual novel with a very interesting premise. The long-winded monologues, inconsistent lack of voice acting, poor translation, and underdeveloped main plot hold it back, while the art style, setting, and general themes tackled during its story are fantastic. It is frustrating because there is plenty to love here, but every step forward also comes with a step back. The end result is an average title that could have been so much more, though some might still enjoy it for what it is.
Dead or Alive 6: Last Round is the definitive version of the original 2019 outing, but there is no denying that the lack of new additions and modern online features is a letdown. Thankfully, the underlying game is still as solid as ever due to its addictive gameplay and an overwhelming amount of content, and because of that, it is still easy to recommend. Although not everyone will find the upgrade worth it, the free-to-play Core Fighters version can be a great substitute.
Rise of the Tomb Raider is an excellent action-adventure game, packed full of content. Outside of its engaging story mode, Expeditions offer endless hours of fun and will keep players coming back for more. While the Switch 2 version had to make some cuts, it doesn't impact the enjoyment of the game, and Nintendo fans should really consider picking it up. In fact, if you could only choose one entry in the Tomb Raider Survivor Trilogy to play, it should be this one.
Mousebusters is a compelling tale of a human transformed into a mouse, following the residents of an apartment complex as they navigate the struggles of daily life. It is an unforgettable story, rich with heart, that may even move players to tears! While it might not be Odencat's strongest title, players will not regret seeing it through to the end.
NBA The Run is an extremely addicting return to 3v3 streetball. With its easy-to-use controls and stylish gameplay, it is a perfect title to just pick up and play when the mood catches you. It's a bit of a letdown that there are no true single-player offerings, but that is easy to forgive when you're having such a blast.
Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk DX is a wonderful slice-of-life adventure and a great introduction to a unique world on the verge of coming to an end. With a great cast of characters and an extremely developed crafting system, it is a game players can easily sink countless hours into. While the battle system isn’t anything to write home about, this cozy game is well worth it for fans of the genre and newcomers alike.
Overall, Echo Isle is a fun trip through nostalgia, but its short run-time will leave you wanting more.
BrokenLore: FOLLOW is a short but fun little teaser for future episodes in the series. While it isn't as strong as its predecessor, UNFOLLOW, fans will still enjoy stepping back into Anne's story and taking yet another step toward unraveling the greater mystery at play. This truly is a title for those already invested, however, so newcomers should start somewhere else—ideally with LOW.
Rugrats: Retro Rewind Collection is a great compilation for fans of the series and those who are nostalgic for the original releases; however, it offers very little for anyone else. There is some fun to be had here, sure, but nothing has changed in the decades since these games were first released. All of the original annoyances remain, and the minigame-focused titles might not be for everyone, but thankfully, the new rewind feature can help players get through these frustrations. Overall, I do not regret my time playing through these classics, but players should be aware of what they are in for before diving in.
R-Type Dimensions III is a standout remaster of an SNES classic. Its challenging gameplay demands total dedication, and the unique stage design remains just as memorable today as it was decades ago. While the graphical overhaul is visually pleasing, the inclusion of the original style as an option is a welcome touch for purists. Thankfully, the new Infinite Mode allows players of all skill levels to see the end, but even then, expect the journey to be filled with constant death.
ChainStaff is a fun yet challenging tribute to the golden age of the run-and-gun genre. Its hand-painted, grotesque aesthetic and pulse-pounding soundtrack feel like stepping into a living '80s rock album, while the titular ChainStaff offers a unique twist as you navigate each stage and face off against massive bosses. With sprawling areas to explore and various upgrade paths to master, ChainStaff encourages multiple playthroughs—an easy feat given how addictive the experience truly is.
Directive 8020 is simply captivating. With a story that invites players to question the very nature of the protagonists they control—and an alien that can impersonate anyone—the game is an intriguing tale about what awaits mankind beyond the comfort of our home on Earth. Even after the credits roll, there are plenty of secrets left to discover, and it is thanks to the Turning Point system that players can easily explore every branching path and outcome that awaits on the Cassiopeia.
Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream is a simple yet fun simulation game that fully doubles down on the bizarre and provides players with an island canvas to create nearly anything they can imagine. How much enjoyment one can get out of the game completely hinges on your own creativity, and those willing to invest their time will simply have a better experience. It is a slow burn, however, and players wanting instant gratification will not find it here. Instead, Living the Dream encourages players to stop by each day and live this life with the Miis themselves, simply enjoying the ride.