Ken McKown's Reviews
Unravel is disappointing on several levels, simply because it rarely steps outside the box mechanically to deliver a fun or interesting experience. The narrative is what drives the game, and even some of that feels obtuse at times. I wanted to love Yarny and his adventures, but the game wrapped around it is simply mediocre in design to the point that as brief as the journey was, I simply wasn't having fun pushing through it, which is sad because Yarny appears to have more heart than most bigger-budget games.
While sparse on content, the actual fighting of Nitroplus Blasterz is surprisingly deep and enjoyable. Fighting game fans that usually scoff at these types of games should definitely check it out. It has been a nice title to tide me over until Capcom unleashes the big guns this month. I will likely come back to this game over time, as it is super easy to pick up and play; and most importantly it is easy to have fun.
Megadimension Neptunia VII is a bubbly game that I could easily see getting worn out with its abundance of releases. However, coming into it as a new player I really enjoyed the ride. There is a ton of content, fan service, and solid RPG mechanics to make it entertaining, if not a bit too cute for my own tastes. I have zero clues what happened in the story; as I said coming in on a conversation I missed three quarters of, but I still was able to appreciate the genuine humor in the writing.
LEGO Marvel's Avengers still boasts enormous amounts of content, and those that have not grown tired of the formula will find plenty to justify their money. Still it feels like the series is on autopilot and with LEGO Dimensions still fresh in everyone's mind it can be hard to justify spending another full sticker price for what feels like a rehash.
Low replay value aside this is an enjoyable romp, granted you have the patience and skills to finish these treacherous castles.
I cannot recommend this game enough if things like Transformers, G.I. Joe, and He-Man make you smile. This game will have you grinning ear-to-ear from start to finish.
Those looking for something new and exciting definitely need to give this a shot now that it has a second chance.
Fans of classic B-movies would be remiss to pass on this quirky action title. Its personality and charm make it worth playing through on their own.
There is nothing quite like Dragon's Dogma, even four years later revisiting it, I feel it made strides other games have still yet to imitate. For those that already made the journey though, this PC port feels more like a gesture of good faith, than a reason to return to Gransys. Still for those that have forgotten the glory, or never gave it a chance, this is the version to own.
Resident Evil Zero Remaster is exactly what the name implies. I had a blast returning to this entry, which is easily my least played in the series. It does enough different to help it stand on its own, even if some of those mechanics are archaic by today's standards.
Gemini: Heroes Reborn is certainly not a bad game, it is just excessively forgettable.
There is a lot to EDF 4.1, but nothing about it is going to change players' minds if they never enjoyed the series. The same rinse and repeat game play exists, the performance is still questionable, and the repetition is real. Still for those that enjoy it, this is by far the best the series has been to date.
Turok Remastered is exactly what I expected it to be, and I enjoyed the nostalgia trip. I hope they continue with the series, as Seeds of Evil is still my favorite in the franchise. Turok was a series that definitely had its chance, but I don't think ever got the proper game it deserved. I love revisiting these old N64 titles in a new light, and who knows, perhaps in a few years the dinosaur hunter can once again become relevant in gaming.
Chivalry: Medieval Warfare is not a good game. Perhaps if there was a single player campaign, some competent combat, or even some unique online modes, it might be redeeming, but as it stands it is a textbook example of how to ruin a great idea. I imagine the online community also died in the time it took me to write this review, so I guess my best advice would be to stay as far away from this game as possible.
Kung Fu Panda: Showdown of Legendary Legends was a surprise for me. I expected another quick license cash-in, and instead got a pretty solid Smash Bros. clone. The price feels a little hefty considering there is DLC also available, and let's be fair, these characters don't have the draw of Nintendo's roster, but for those without a Wii U, it is a solid substitute.
There isn't much else to say about the game, but I cannot recommend it enough. Fans of those types of racing games will be in awe of what Shin'en has accomplished here. I know it is cliché to say, but please give this team the rights to make a new F-Zero game. Fast Racing NEO is the closest and best thing to happen to the genre in years. This is one game not to sleep on.
Rainbow Six Siege is a nice return for the series, but know about its caveats before diving in. This is a team game. Communication is necessary, and it is not a twitch shooter. If those things sound appealing, then Siege is definitely worth the time.
Deadpool is a good game with baggage attached to it. The price is too high and some annoying game play quirks, but it is still a great romp, especially for fans of the character. It is cool that this game got a second chance, but I suspect not many will bother due to the high price for entry. Still if you have never played the game and only own the new consoles, it is definitely worth checking out. Maybe just wait for a sale or a price drop before diving in.
Snoopy's Grand Adventure is a great game for parents to check out with their kids. The price tag is a bit on the high side, and the performance is mind-boggling, but the design is perfect for kids age 4-7. My boy had a great time, and even related to Snoopy and Woodstock without having prior knowledge of them. I definitely recommend checking it out if you are looking for something to enjoy with younger kids. Hardcore platform fans will find little challenge here.
Just Cause 3 is truly a one-note experience, but one with a loop so addictive I can't stop playing it. This is the most fun sandbox I have toyed around in since the previous entry, and I can easily see myself sinking another couple dozen hours exploring the world of Medici. Those that found JC2 underwhelming or repetitive won't find much to change their mind here, but for fans like myself that simply can't get enough destruction, Just Cause 3 delivers on all levels.