Ken McKown's Reviews
I love the story, characters, and world. The unique graphics are gorgeous to look at, and the combat is fun and interesting. Being on Game Pass is just the cherry on top.
It doesn’t have a ton of extras that make this package feel as premium as it should, but the game makes up for it. This is a game that deserves to be played, so if you enjoy classic ninja action, this game would make Michael Dudikoff proud.
For anyone with reverence for these games, this is a solid collection. For anyone curious about the franchise, but the first collection and avoid this one.
With so much vying for your attention these days, this is one not to miss. If you enjoy stuff like Contra, Broforce, or any game of that ilk, definitely keep this on your radar. It is more than worth your time.
You can only polish a turd so much. The new visuals are nice, the content is cool, but playing the game is just a painful exercise in frustration.
This is the definitive version of the game. Under Defeat is a game that feels like it never got a chance to breathe, so it is nice to finally have the ultimate version of the game available for just about every modern console and PC. This is a must have for shooter fans, definitely worth the price of admission.
Avowed is a game that I was cautiously optimistic about. The Outer Worlds was fine but didn’t hit me as well as I hoped. I am also not a big fan of spending more time chatting with companions unless they are truly interesting, and here, they definitely are. This game just clicked with me and felt like the perfect marriage of stuff like Elder Scrolls and Mass Effect.
Yes, it is hard, but that is what makes it special. The game never punishes its players and instead encourages trying again with excellent checkpoints. I do wish the original was included in this package just so I could revisit it, but otherwise this is a fantastic sequel to one of the most unique platformers of all time.
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.