Az Elias's Reviews
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.
[T]he fact that this delightful game is now readily available to even more players through Steam means they can be glossed over by the majority that haven't had the pleasure of playing Risky's Revenge before. If this is a taster of what to expect in Shantae's next two adventures, platform fans are in for a treat.
Compared to the prices being asked for so many rehashes and mediocre titles today, £17.99 is nothing, so support New 'n' Tasty and Oddworld Inhabitants, and show them that Abe's Exoddus must be next on the remake list!
Despite following in Bastion's footsteps, Transistor doesn't quite manage to deliver as compelling and memorable an experience, even though it has clearly been crafted with such heartfelt intent. Whilst the premise is full of mystery and intrigue, during the course of the short story it never really draws players in as it would have many people believe after its promising start. A case of style over substance, but still a game that deserves the attention of those after something original and rather beautiful - only wait till it goes on sale first.
It's obvious a sequel will be coming, but Ubisoft really needs to take a good hard look at this title and address the glaring issues and stereotypical plot if it wants the future of Watch Dogs to be a successful one based on quality, and not the result of a huge marketing push that hides the fact this isn't the next level in the genre it was touted as being.
There are some irritations relating to bosses, odd glitches and questionable AI at times, but this is a quality start for MachineGames, who should definitely be given a chance to work on a sequel built specifically for the newest set of home consoles.