The gameplay is generally fun and, given the large number of characters, offers a fair bit of variety despite the game’s accessibility. It looks good and the varied soundtrack is brilliant. The main story, right up to the end credits, is rather short – it took me 20 hours – but it’s entertaining.
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Overall, the spin-offs kept me well entertained, but I’d already been a fan of the main games and characters. I also like the direction they’ve taken. Thanks to the broader scope and the less repetitive structure of the character routes, I actually prefer the second spin-off slightly more. As with the main games, I enjoy the style, voice acting and music.
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I actually enjoyed the basics and found the story and characters entertaining. But the limited exploration, the sometimes chaotic combat and the unsatisfying ending detract from the experience.
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All in all, I do find *Full Metal Schoolgirl* quite entertaining. But the roguelite concept doesn’t sit well with me given the potential for repetitive play, especially as chance can really throw a spanner in the works.
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The Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX 1 + 2 Dual Collection contains two charming action titles that feature fairly simple core systems but also offer upward potential for interested players. The style of the pixel graphics and illustrations is pleasant to look at, and I enjoy the musical accompaniment. Simply playing through the games is very accessible, especially in the second installment, but more challenge is provided as well. That the former download contents are included is welcome.
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Samurai Maiden is a fairly simple action game featuring a fair amount of rather shallow dialogue between the characters. Anyone looking for depth in the combat system or the story won’t find what they’re after here.
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Overall, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is still a good RPG with partially interesting visual design, a solid story, and great music. Thus, it is the best way to experience the game on the Nintendo Switch 2.
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The combat system itself is quite enjoyable for a while. But the intense accumulation of various bonuses and extra effects during a run makes it hard to keep track of things, both in the menus and during fights.
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DATE A LIVE: Ren Dystopia offers entertaining gameplay and, despite its name, doesn’t really have a negative overall tone. The numerous characters are all unique and provide plenty of humour. The many individual routes and their varying lengths mean it’s also well suited to shorter sessions.
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Kukkoro Days once again offers its familiar light, entertaining experience. The contrast between Cattleya’s sense of chivalry and her more endearing, cute side is part of its charm. Her “kukkoro” exclamation does appear a few times, but it is more of a verbal habit she uses when she feels embarrassed or uncomfortable rather than any kind of serious plea. As mentioned at the beginning, nothing in this visual novel happens that is so severe that one would want to sink into the ground out of embarrassment or worse when it comes up in conversation.
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Kingdom’s Return: Time-Eating Fruit and the Ancient Monster was completed in about seven hours after all missions were finished, so it is by no means a time-consuming experience. The combat system is accessible, and the city-building mechanics are equally uncomplicated. However, this also means that some players may miss a sense of depth, and the story itself remains more of a thin framework with minimal presentation. The pixel art style is appealing, while the music, unfortunately, did not leave a lasting impression. Overall, Kingdom’s Return: Time-Eating Fruit and the Ancient Monster is a pleasant title for in-between sessions, but it could benefit from a greater sense of depth.
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All in all, I’d definitely recommend Code Vein 2, even if there’s room for improvement. The world and level design could do with a few more highlights, and the enemies’ move sets could, in some cases, unleash slightly shorter and less precise combos on the player.
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I had fun with the new Atelier title this time as well. The open world invites exploration, and the characters, style, and music are appealing. Unlike Yumia's more adult design compared to other series protagonists, she fits in character-wise, yet she is not yet in the middle of her life.
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Bunny Garden offers nice, undemanding entertainment. I happily conquered all three hearts.
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Is Crystar a tear-jerker? Anyone who’s a bit of a softie will probably shed a tear or two during the story, but it doesn’t go over the top.
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DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation is an entertaining package overall, even if you’re not familiar with the franchise.
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BAKERU offers an entertaining journey through Japan. The combat system is fun, the settings are varied, and levels with different gameplay provide additional variety.
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However, anyone who’s better at shoot ’em ups will surely get more enjoyment out of CYGNI: All Guns Blazing than I did.
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At many points one notices the games' age, and without the acceleration features it would often be slow as well. Overall, however, one can definitely give the games in Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster a chance.
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Anyone who has something for rhythm games and moaning anime girls can take a closer look and listen. Beat Refle entertained me for a few hours until I had played through the story.
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