Az Elias's Reviews
It is a really slow one to get going, but no argument can be made against how much care Falcom has put into building and developing the world and characters throughout the opening stages of Trails of Cold Steel. It very much hits the typical JRPG checkboxes, but with solid and safe customisation, and a great tactical turn-based battle system that adds a little something extra to the standard formula, this is a title that JRPG fans cannot afford to pass on - especially PS Vita owners - and will most definitely last right up until the sequel hits Western shores.
If it weren't for the utterly brilliant turn-based battle system, freely customisable characters through new and old job types, and the breadth of accessible options that enhance the RPG experience tenfold, Bravely Second would be held in lower esteem, since the narrative that tries too much to hit comical notes and lacks a core that sets itself apart from other role-playing storylines is disappointing. There are some clever ideas thrown in that try to improve on the original game's plot, along with a handful of entertaining characters in amongst the obnoxious ones, as well as great use of 3D, but End Layer should be played for its battle and job systems first and foremost, provided the original title was enjoyed.
A delicious helping of fan service and cracking character diversity and interactions between one another is the reason to own Project X Zone 2. As anyone that has played the previous entry or Namco × Capcom will be fully aware, the appeal is in so many beloved characters, new and old, from up and down the industry coming together in an ultimate all-star SRPG, with references fans of the represented series will appreciate. The repetitious and overdrawn nature of PXZ has carried over here, and it rarely feels like much strategy is involved, but even with these issues and its naturally nonsensical plot, it would be remiss to overlook PXZ2; the very fact it exists is reason enough alone to pick this dream collaboration up, if not as a decent backup to the latest Fire Emblem entries.
Gravity Rush may have been the must-play game on PS Vita but, in coming to PS4 it is now one of the top titles on that system, as well. Each platform has its selection of games everyone needs to experience, and Gravity Rush Remastered is one of those. It doesn't last too long, but from start to finish this is a joyous romp, featuring a charming set of characters in a fascinating world, with fluid, mesmerising gravity-based gameplay that controls that much better on PS4. Packed-in DLC content and fun side missions with online leader boards add to the already excellent value, so make no mistake in picking this one up and preparing for Gravity Rush 2.
Unlike a number of remastered games that somehow tend to fall way off the mark, Bluepoint Games has crafted the optimum versions of each of the three titles in The Nathan Drake Collection, with Drake's Fortune, in particular, benefitting greatly from the work that has been put in in terms of visuals and gameplay. This is hardly a quick and dirty cash-grab; it is evidently a package that has seen a talented studio put effort into delivering the ultimate Uncharted trilogy experience, and the results are there for all to see, especially when going back to compare to the PS3 versions. There has been no better time to join Drake on his past expeditions and to prepare for his final adventure in A Thief's End.
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is a forgettable and shallow Metal Gear experience, and fans expecting this to be on par with any of the previous mainline releases will be disappointed, and, quite possibly, drop the game altogether before the lacklustre story decides to show up. It looks and plays fantastic, and the freedom to apply weapons and items to effective strategic use is second to none, but after hours of similar, tiring missions, with no incentive to drive forward or even return to once it's all done and dusted, it can't help but be wondered how on earth this turned out the way it did. This is no phantom pain, it's a physical one.
It's mindless and corny hack 'n' slash fun. It doesn't try to be much more, nor does it need to.
Like it or not, Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls is an essential part of the series canon, despite the vastly different take on the previous visual novel format. Whilst far from perfect gameplay-wise, and dragging on too much for its own good, many of the positive attributes Danganronpa is known for successfully transfer across to this entry, filling in the gaps left between the previous two releases. It is the plot that carries Ultra Despair Girls along, but had it not been for the entries before it, this may not have been received as favourably. Either way, this is still a must-play for Danganronpa fans.
The first entry on PlayStation 4, and the largest in the series yet, BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma Extend may not warrant purchasing for anyone that picked up the original edition last year, but it is easily the go-to 2D anime fighter on home consoles right now, packed with fan service and enough crazy Japanese over-the-top plot to keep entertainment going for weeks outside of all of the challenges and network play on offer.
Scram Kitty DX's twist on the shooter-platformer is one that requires perseverance. Its unconventional method of manoeuvrability has the power to turn away most people that pick up a pad to give it a go, but it makes the case for the perfect example of a game that allows the rewards to be reaped if taken the time to be mastered.
The small line-up of vehicles and non-existent unlockables really hurt the lasting appeal, though, and although newcomers can certainly get into it, there is the feeling that more could have been done to offer extra help for novices that aren't quite sure how to approach the game or what certain functions mean.
What should be the core appeal in Nihilumbra is less than three hours of extremely simple platforming, with an admittedly rather predictable storyline that tries too hard, presented through what might best be described as a fad in its invisible narrator. Some tough and frustrating platforming can be found if prepared to hammer through the initial easy-peasy main mode, but it never finds that middle ground of fun and balanced gameplay.
More stages, combo challenges, and a tag mode would have really helped to up the value, but don't let that be the downfall - Mortal Kombat X should satisfy any fighting game enthusiast.
There can be no denying the creative effort that has gone into turning the Wii U GamePad into a clever mechanic that cannot really be pulled off elsewhere on game consoles right now. It's just incredibly unfortunate that there are a number of factors that limit the amount of enjoyment to be had. Affordable Space Adventures fails to deliver a world that demands to be explored; it is far too generic and lacking in fun puzzles, instead only producing too many a tedious moment. Patience is a virtue with this one.
In trying to go bigger and better with Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number, the majority of what made the original so good has been lost. Levels are far too large, many enemies cannot be seen, and the mask system is effectively done away with for a poor substitute. This is still Hotline Miami; it's just not as exhilarating. Ironically, the planned level editor may be what saves it, where fans can potentially create surpassing stages akin to those found in the first game. For now, though, if yet to taste either title in the series, definitely make sure to buy the prequel over this for the ultimate and most thrilling experience.
There is so much to be pleased about in Dead or Alive 5 Last Round for hardcore fans, those that had stopped playing and are returning to the series again now, and complete newcomers that have yet to dive into the franchise. This is one of the most competitive Dead or Alive games thus far, striking a respectable balance across its large roster of characters, with fast gameplay and plenty of underlying mechanics.
It is often the case that a great little game will spring up out of nowhere, and that's definitely the situation here with Red Phantom Games' Minutes. Simple to play but very addictive, and challenging but rarely frustrating, Minutes delivers quick-burst, hectic puzzle-action gameplay with enough to come back to on a daily basis. It is well worth the money, and it will be good to see just what else the studio comes out with in the future after this great first independent project.
A dimensional switch to 3D, but Senran Kagura Shinovi Versus hasn't evolved into what potential it has after following on from the 2D exploits of the Nintendo 3DS predecessor. At the right price, its rather repetitive formula, variety-starved stages, frequent loading and basic plot can be tolerated because what lies beneath is a solid beat 'em up with some amusing moments outside of the obvious fan service. For a heavy dosage of butts, boobs and brawling, this is the go-to game on PS Vita, but don't expect much more than that.
With on-the-fly character switching and chaining moves together to enable free-flowing and fast-paced action, WO3U does a good job of trying to stave off the repetition complaint that follows the series everywhere it goes…but it only lasts for so long before the feeling kicks in. It won't be for everyone, and this port doesn't do much to show it's running on PS4 by any stretch of the imagination, but with how much has been packed into this game, series fans will care very little about such quibbles.
Over 25 years of history is crammed into Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call, and it is a marked improvement over the first game. Owners of the original won't find too much different, but online versus mode in itself, plus the substantial increase in the number of songs and characters is enough to dip on this sequel. Bursting at the seams with nostalgia, Curtain Call is a game no one Final Fantasy fan can afford to pass on.