Final Fantasy Explorers is layered with systems and mechanics, some of which are great and others that aren't. It all works best when it's dripping with nostalgia, which might not make for an amazing game, but it makes for a good time if you're a fan of Final Fantasy. It doesn't have the nuance or depth of a Monster Hunter game, but it's a decent, enjoyable experience that is well worth checking out, especially if you can play locally or online.
At the end of the day, the lack of character doesn't weigh heavily on the quality. This is a balls-to-the-wall, lightning fast racing game that soars with gripping gameplay and excellent visuals. If you've been longing for a new F-Zero or another rad racing game, this is for you.
But to me, those few issues are worth wading through because moment-to-moment puzzle gameplay in Pokémon Picross is dependable and excellent. It's a perfect gateway drug to nonogram puzzles if you've never tried them before. And if you're a Picross vet hankering for more, this is well worth diving into as long as you're okay with the fact that, if you want to play this free-to-start game without mindlessly repeating puzzles ad nauseum, you're going to have to spend some money.
Even with the disappointing Live mode, Guitar Hero Live is a refreshing take on controller-based rhythm games. The streaming focus in GHTV works extremely well despite some technical hiccups, and as long Activision keeps rolling out new songs to the library, this is the kind of game I'll be regularly playing for a long time. This is a fantastic start to a new era of Guitar Hero games.
As a single-player experience, Tri Force Heroes has its moments but playing through it solo is just a stark reminder of the game's multiplayer focus. At its best, single-player can be nice when you're trying to lock down a specific material for an outfit. But, if you're planning on getting Tri Force Heroes and playing it by your lonesome, I don't recommend it.
Extreme Exorcism is a fun game bolstered by an extraordinarily unique concept. The game's campaign wears a little thin by the end, but the ride from start to finish is delightful. If you have friends to play with, the multiplayer is well worth the price of admission, as the weapon variety and unbridled insanity make it a hell of a time.
Skylanders: SuperChargers is just bursting with content, and fortunately, all of it is great fun. If you're invested in the series, SuperChargers is on par, if not better, than the best the series has offered in the past. If you're a newcomer, SuperChargers is a fantastic jumping-on point, as it has the lowest barrier of entry to see the majority of the content. As opposed to past games, which were filled with eight different elemental gates, the only gated story content is with sea and air vehicles. Even factoring out the sea and air segments, SuperChargers is still stellar. The Skylanders series is now into year five and as long as they keep being this entertaining, varied, and lively, then each one should still be worth playing, whether you're 7 or 27 years old.
The limitations might be bothersome, but at the end of the day, it doesn't matter because crafting your very own Mario levels makes for an incredible feeling, especially with how easy-to-use the interface is. Super Mario Maker is a supreme early leap into the world of game-making software for Nintendo, and I want to see them make more fascinating games like this, even if I can't place a Charging Chuck on screen.
Runbow is a top-shelf Wii U eShop game, bringing a wide selection of modes and options that can all be played with a stupid amount of players at once. It's frantic and insane, but in the best way possible. It works best as a party game, but even those just looking for a fun, difficult platformer should get ready to Runbow.
There is potential in Roving Rogue with its unique narrative presentation and teleporting platforming ideas, but it's squandered by a middling execution. With a glut of superior platformers out there, this is a Wii U eShop game worth passing over.
Overall, Splatoon makes for an amazing online game, likely the most engaging online experience Nintendo has ever made. The multiplayer, regardless of its lack of voice chat or randomized parties, is sublime, successfully making a shooter that is easy to hop into but tough to master. The single-player might be short and linear, but it's a wonderful change of pace from the frenzy of online play.
The only real downside to Boxboy is that there are so many ideas that I wish some of them were expanded upon more. Each new mechanic really only gets about a half-dozen levels to shine, and each one is so rich that they might even be able to support their own game. Because of that onslaught of fresh ideas, Boxboy never gets boring, which makes it a fun experience for your 3DS.
But everything is something you might want to do in this game, as it is all so much fun to discover. Combat manages to stay fresh over the 50-60 minimum hours required to finish the story, and the story is great at carrying you through any lulls. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D might not be the best version of this modern-day classic, but it's a satisfactory way to play one of the boldest, biggest games in recent memory.
This is a tremendous game that, if you have any affinity for aspects of Zelda II and Metroid games, is something you should be getting as soon as possible.
If you're looking for a Mario Party game to play, you're likely better off trying to find Mario Party 9, as that 2012 release features more boards and mini-games than Mario Party 10. The Wii U debut of the series is a big disappointment, with little reason to throw too many celebratory Mario parties to play it.
Gunman Clive 2 doesn't last long, as the initial playthrough takes less than two hours, but it's such a consistent, entertaining ride that length isn't a major issue. It feels like a full experience and the end only left me wanting more. Gunman Clive 2 is a fantastic 2D platformer that improves upon the original in just about every single way.
As one of the first eShop releases of 2015, Chariot is a fine adventure to kick off the year. It's a unique take on the physics-based platformer that feels fresh and inspired. While the overt focus on co-op might make it less appealing to the solo gamer, it's still a worthy adventure to embark on even if you're all alone. After all, you still have the ghost of the king, even if he won't return your high fives.
The heart of Sportsball is in local multiplayer, so if you can't wrangle together a few friends, it's not a game I'd recommend getting. But even if you have the sliver of a chance of having the people needed to play, Sportsball is well worth diving into. It's an incredible multiplayer game that takes a simple concept and transforms it into a deep, competitive experience.
Skylanders Trap Team is a fantastic, well-made game. The lengthy story mode is filled with excellent gameplay set in gorgeous environments with top-shelf graphics and sound. The bonus modes, while focused mostly on combat, are a lot of fun. Outside of the over-powered and integral nature of the new Trap Master figures, Trap Team is close to being the best Skylanders game yet.
The second version of Disney Infinity has refined half of the experience into something even better than before. The Toy Box mode is more fun in this second edition, layered with more gameplay elements while making it easier to create fun worlds. As for the other half, the Play Sets are a little underwhelming after last year's more interesting options. It's fun to be Star-Lord, Iron Man, and Spidey, but sometimes their own stories aren't engaging. You're much better off making your own awesome Disney Infinity environments (or scouring the Internet for others) in Toy Box instead.