Benjamin Bell's Reviews
Toy Story: Retro Roundup is a great collection of the Toy Story and A Bug's Life titles that defined many of our childhoods, as well as a perfect introduction for a new generation. While some games included are a bit hit-or-miss, others are all-time classics and are just as fun as many of us remember!
Toy Story 3 Complete Edition is a fun reminder of what it means to be a kid again. With its fresh coat of paint, signature Toy Box mode, and countless ways to play, it is a game that is perfect for the whole family.
Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered is a must-have for fans of the original, as well as a great starting point for anyone looking to jump into the mainline series that spawned so many spin-offs and licensed titles. With impressive visuals, dozens of playable characters, a fun co-op mode, and countless hours of content, it provides the classic experience so many fell in love with back in the early 2000s, thoughtfully refined for modern platforms.
The Walking Dead: Streets of Survival is an okay beat 'em up based on AMC's version of the series. While the game employs some nice and unique ideas, its unbalanced difficulty and sometimes awkward gameplay hold it back. Fans of the show might enjoy a single playthrough or two, but others have little reason to look its way.
Culdcept: The First Saturn Tribute is an okay port of the classic that started it all. While Culdcept itself is a blast to play, the lack of modern features like online play is disappointing, and nothing has been done to address the issues that plagued the original release. Those looking for more Culdcept to play might want to consider picking it up, but everyone else would be better off playing a different entry in the series instead.
Dumb Ways to Build is a fun little title and a great way to kill time with friends. Chaos will surely ensue, and you'll have plenty of laughs along the way, but solo players will be left in the dark. It is easy to recommend to those who have others to play with, but everyone else might want to pass on this one.
BrokenLore: DON'T LIE is another entertaining episode in the BrokenLore series. With an interesting premise that begs you to question what is real and what is a delusion, alongside a unique mixture of twisted realities to explore, it remains captivating from beginning to end. This is only one small piece of the puzzle, but it is worth experiencing.
Robotics;Notes DaSH is a game for die-hard fans of the Science Adventure series and offers little for anyone else. While some will find its main story paths boring and overly drawn out, the game's ending is one that should not be missed. It is a shame the rest of the title could not live up to this same quality, but at least it can still be entertaining from time to time.
Donutal is a fascinating deduction-based game that is more than meets the eye. With a unique save-point-based timeline and countless mysteries to uncover, it is a title that will keep you coming back time and time again.
Ground Zero Hero doesn't reinvent the survivor-like genre, but its distinct art style and addictive gameplay loop make it hard to put down. It feels like a throwback to the games we used to sneak and play during computer class in the early 2000s—a nostalgic feeling few games capture today.
Valkyrie Saga delivers a cozy platforming adventure that encourages players to blaze their own trail. While its rough presentation keeps it from reaching greater heights, it remains an entertaining experience packed with secrets waiting to be uncovered.
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.