Even with the inflated price tag, Azure Striker Gunvolt: Striker Pack features two highly underrated games well worth playing which many have missed. While it might be a bit a tough sell to those who have completed both games on the 3DS, to newcomers, it's a golden opportunity to check out the series which I've dubbed the unofficial spiritual successor of Megaman.
Hyakki Castle is a game with some clever ideas but falters in execution and implementation- leading to an experience that feels serviceable but decidedly bittersweet as I'm left wondering what could have been.
Apollo Justice for the 3DS isn't leaps and bounds better than the original with only a handful of meaningful updates to justify its re-release, but it stands as the definitive way to experience the classic misadventures of Apollo and Trucy.
Perhaps this is due to my less than favorable inclination for puzzle/platformer action games as I seldom search out for games of this genre, but Hob felt lacking an identity- a clear element to call its own that really makes it standout amongst the rest of the games in the genre.
The release of .hack//G.U. Last Recode is a celebration of what I consider to be CyberConnect2's greatest achievement in gaming thus far. It's an excellent way for newcomers to experience one of the most underrated JRPGs in the lengthy and excellent catalogue of PS2 games.
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is a game about moments. Encountering a brand new monster, obtaining a powerful weapon or when a Drake crashes your goblin slaying party with a storm of hellfire- all moments that are memorable and fun to experience. The issue is that getting to those moments are oftentimes an absolute slog of tedious stamina and weight management, battling the same group of wolves and bandits for the thirtieth time.
Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth continues the proud tradition of the franchise with its stellar character customization and level designs as it poses a daunting challenge, well worth conquering- one tile at a time.
My time with Superstar Saga has been a joy – filled with hearty laughs and exciting boss encounters. Even though I can't say whether it's a remake worth revisiting to those who finished the original back on the GBA, I can say with confidence that those who missed it the first time around are in certainly in for a good time.
One Piece: Unlimited World Red certainly looks and sounds the part of a solid One Piece game but it drops the booty with its stiff controls and unsatisfying combat engine.
Marvel vs Capcom Infinite makes a poor first impression with its lackluster visual style and a roster of characters that are missing many fan favorites.
It's an unforgettable journey full of love and betrayal- one that steps past the point of no return and bravely takes another leap forward to a world without hope or despair.
Despite the flaws with its pacing, Metroid: Samus Returns feels like true classic reborn- with all the polish expected of a modern release and stands proudly among the other fantastic 2D entries to the series.
We're currently at a time where remasters of classic games are becoming rather commonplace. Contrary to the practices of developers that make adjustments to the original experience to make it more palatable for the current generation, Blizzard played the role of an art restorer, being careful with their strokes to preserve the original and touching up the masterpiece known as Starcraft: Brood War in a way that is sure to garner the attention and appreciation of new fans all across the world.
Despite my many grievances, once I actually learned how to play the game, I did have fun. However, getting to that level of competence was certainly not helped by the game in any way, shape or form and as it becomes more and more difficult to find matches online as the weeks go by, I can't help but wonder if it's even worth it to take a risk boarding what may very well be a sinking ship.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana is easily the most ambitious entry in series to date, with an expansive world map and a greater emphasis on storytelling.
A title that asks its player to step into the role of a woman suffering from an extreme mental illness. In doing so, it offers a glimpse into a world unknown- one of suffocating dread but also, one of breathtaking beauty.
Fallen Legion is a title that showed promise, with great 2D sprite work and a combat engine that is reminiscent of Tri Ace's classic, Valkyrie Profile. However, due to a myriad of factors, it falls short of fully realizing its aspirations due to its humdrum story and chaotic, oftentimes dull combat.
Valkyria Revolution is a title that undoubtedly suffers due to the comparisons to its superior predecessor. However, when viewed as a standalone title, it features an interesting story with a cast of characters well worth exploring. Even though the combat engine is dull and flawed in many ways, it's serviceable for the scenarios that the game presents and at a bargain price, you could do worse than pick up Valkyria Revolution.
In theory, combining two of my favorite games into one sounds like a foolproof way to make one of the best games of all time. Unfortunately, the reality is not quite so grand as the mixture of the two elements has diluted the unique flavors to something that feels lacking but not entirely unpalatable.
There is a creeping feeling that this glorified update is lacking in content, though the discounted full price and the option to purchase an upgrade for owners of Revelator makes it easier to recommend. Here's to a more substantial installment for the next iteration of Guilty Gear.