Leo Reyna's Reviews
Castlevania Dominus Collection sets a new standard for classic game re-releases. When Nintendo still struggles to make its classic gaming library legally accessible, Konami unintentionally provided the perfect history lesson on the Nintendo DS through this amazing handheld trilogy. The collection puts equally nostalgic but much lazier cash grabs to shame with how much it offers to both franchise veterans and newcomers at such an affordable price. Until Dracula is resurrected yet again in the next official Castlevania game, this collection and other retro Castlevania sets like it will provide plenty of whip-cracking fun to pass the time until that fateful day comes. Or, at the very least, until a new season of Castlevania: Nocturne is ready to stream.
Intentional or not, the release of Metaphor: ReFantazio and its politically charged tale of governmental figures using hate and fear to rule over its people couldn't have come at a better time. Regardless of what 2024's tail end and beyond will bring, the game argues in favor of indulging in optimistic fantasies, especially when the harshness of reality can make these dreams seem impossible. However, one shouldn't lose their head in a book, or a game in this case. These fantasies won't become reality until someone takes the first step forward and fights for it.
Despite being a sincere love letter to Atari and retro gaming in general, Yars Rising is more of a warning of blind nostalgia's follies than an affirmation of it. It’s also a reminder of why hacking minigames are just that: minigames. These repurposed Atari titles were better in small doses, and should arguably never have been turned into an entire title's gameplay loop. Their high frequency and tedious difficulty just made Yars Rising a chore to play through. It’s far from the worst game of this year or of its kind, but Yars Rising just can’t stack up to the proud legacy of Atari and WayForward itself.
Octopath Traveler II proves that with the right number of updates to the classic formula, turn-based RPGs can still deliver a satisfying cinematic experience, even when the heroes are little pixelated baby-men.
Sometimes, a remaster doesn't always have to be filled with bells and whistles. If the fun from the original game is preserved, than it's a job well done.
It's a fun, classic RPG that offers a lot of content to immerse yourself with. If you missed the original PC release, then consider picking the Enhanced Edition up.
As previously stated, there's nothing wrong with the game. It offers a decent racing experience and nothing more. But considering all the high-profiled racing games on the market, it's a shame motorcycle enthusiasts have to settle for average.