Ken McKown's Reviews
Turbo Overkill is definitely one of ‘those’ games, but it is a very well done one of those. I had a lot of fun mowing my way through it, and I cannot stress enough how much fun the chainsaw leg is.
Quote not yet available, Tales of Graces f is a commendable remaster of a title that may not have been widely experienced by many players. It successfully retains the classic Tales combat mechanics, memorable music, and endearing characters that fans cherish.
Snow Bros. Wonderland is a solid puzzle game that stays true to the original, while also bringing enough new tricks to make it feel fresh. Not having nostalgia for the series, I still had a great time.
Taito Milestones 3 has some of the best games in these collections to date, but I would really love it if they spent some time adding a sort of museum. I would love to learn more about these obscure arcade titles.
If you have nostalgia for the show, this is a no-brainer. Even for someone like me who is aware of the series, but didn’t exactly have fond memories of it, I get what they are putting down. Combat can be stiff at times, but the break ups between levels really carries the experience.
Victory Heat Rally transports me back to a time when whimsical games resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the joy and excitement that racing games can bring. It is a straightforward arcade racer that embraces its eccentricity and enjoyment, making it accessible to a wide range of players. Many developers strive to capture this genre, yet few truly comprehend what makes it enjoyable. It does not need to be laden with content or challenges; at times, I simply wish to disengage and accelerate, enjoying the thrill of the race without the pressure of complex mechanics. Victory Heat Rally accomplishes this on multiple levels, and for those who appreciate arcade racing games, I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of racing games that prioritize fun and creativity over excessive complexity.
Digital Eclipse continues to do the Lord’s work with these Gold Master collections. Being able to learn the stories behind them from the people that made them is the best form of preservation. I want them to do all the games, which is unfathomable, but I will be there for each entry into this series and every developer should be banging down their door to get one made for their game. Highly recommended.
I loved this game when it was released back in the day, and I still love it today. I do wish it stuck to its initial concept throughout the entire experience, but what is here is still tense and well executed here. Pair that with the excellent updates that Nightdive is known for, and this is a game I can wholeheartedly recommend. I really appreciate the mantra of Nightdive as they continue to remaster classics from a different time, and not just the well-known ones. The Thing is an encapsulation of gaming during the PS2 era, and I am all here for it.
The Legacy of Kain series deserves to come back, and this collection is a nice first step. These games are dated, but still excellent.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is the best iteration of the character and easily the best thing Xbox has put out in years. MachineGames understood the assignment and nailed every aspect of the character while making it feel like a new entry in the movie/adventure series. The performances are stellar, the puzzles are amazing, and this easily worked its way into my best games of the year.
LEGO Horizon Adventures is a weird game. On one side it is well-designed, looks good, and the voice performances are outstanding. On the other hand, I am not sure it will have a wide appeal. Horizon is the most successful polarizing game I have ever seen. Everyone has played it and it feels like a majority do not care for it. Combine that with a LEGO game and you get an awkward experience that feels like the definition of “who is this for?” Still, it is a solid game that anyone who wants more of that world will certainly enjoy.
The second IREM collection may not be packed with well-known games, but it includes important games. These titles set the stage for more popular games and launched the careers of these developers. It is worth knowing that from the outset. That is how I would market this collection, it makes it worth owning alone. Being able to see the origins of classic arcade games is great. Toss in making previously unavailable in the West games and you have a can’t miss collection that any gamer that grew up in 90s arcades would be disappointed to miss out on.
Planet Coaster 2 is a bigger, badder version of the original. I spent countless hours building parks in that as well as their other titles such as Jurassic World. These types of games just resonate with me, at least the sandbox portions do. I highly recommend this game, but if you have the option, go with the PC version just for mouse and keyboard support. It really does enhance the experience. Either way, there are dozens of hours of fun to be had in the world of Planet Coaster 2.
Horizon Zero Dawn is a game Sony really wants you to love. This update is technically impressive on every level. The upgrade price is fair, and kudos to Nixxes for not just upping the resolution and framerate, there is a TON of work done here around the entire world. If you enjoy Aloy’s adventures, this is a no-brainer.
Shadows of the Damned is the definition of a cult classic. The game is just fun, and I adore the wackiness I expect from Suda51 mixed with the core game design from MIkami. Toss in the excellent voice acting and score, and you have a game that should be a household name. Do not skip this title for a second time.
I wish I had more to say about the game in general, but it is a relatively simple experience. The campaign only lasts around 5-6 hours and never really switches up dynamics. With tedious combat and clunky controls, it is serviceable at best, and kind of boring at worst. Can we get a remaster of the move, the game. Kong deserves better.
Visually the game looks good. It is very colorful, and the level themes are really well done. The performance is solid, and the music is whimsical and familiar. The isometric perspective can be an issue at times with planning jumps, but it works for the most part. Developer Ocellus has done a really great job at mimicking the best in the business when it comes to just about every facet of the game.
Slitterhead is unique. That is the biggest compliment I can give it. There are things here that I love. The mood of the game, the music, and the concepts. It just doesn’t mesh well into a cohesive experience. It feels stuck in the past, which is fine in some instances, but when it comes to its crimes, it really drags it down. I promise I will never forget this game, and it is included in Game Pass, so definitely give it a whirl if you subscribe, but at full price, I might wait a little while to take the plunge.
This time of year is flooded with horror games, but we rarely see retro titles with as much love and care as RetroRealms provides. WayForward crafted a solid action platformer with recognizable characters. It is a little pricey and I worry we may not get future endeavors, but I would love to see Chucky, Freddy, and so many others get their own games. For now this is the perfect game to play during spooky times if you have a nostalgia for classic side-scrolling action titles.
Fear the Spotlight is a good first effort from the Blumhouse games initiative. It hits all the notes of a classic horror game with the hint of nostalgia for those of us who grew up with the 32-bit consoles. I am excited to see more and more of these drop over time and definitely recommend picking it up for a spooky weekend of fun during the holiday season.