Jason Hidalgo's Reviews
Just when you think you know the answers, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim changes the questions as you’re left guessing with how its sci-fi mystery unfolds. Admittedly, the game’s non-traditional narrative approach can be confusing and its reliance on popular science fiction themes can also make it feel derivative at first. Stick with it, however, and you just might find an unexpected treat. Add some fun giant robot tactical combat to the mix and 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim actually lets you have your peach tart and eat it, too.
As someone who remembers playing the original Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles, I’m surprised about how well the game holds up after more than a decade and a half. Admittedly, some aspects of its visuals and mechanics feel dated and schlepping around on bucket duty can be a pain. Overall, however, the game remains fun to play, especially when doing so with other people thanks to its new online features and crossplay. Pick up the free "Lite" edition if you want to try it out first.
Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris boasts one of the most fun combat systems I’ve seen in a SAO game to date, replete with a nice selection of weapon types and playstyles to boot. It’s just unfortunate how that fun combat is gated behind an unevenly paced narrative that tends to overstay its welcome at times — and I’m a proponent for more storytelling in games. The game won’t be for everyone. Folks who are willing to break through its wall of text, however, will find some great action hidden behind all that exposition.
Robots! Robots everywhere! Like a Las Vegas buffet, Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme Vs. MaxiBoost ON features an impressive roster that’s sure to whet your appetite for Gundam mechs. Admittedly, the Extreme Vs. series’ age is starting to show and the lack of a worthy campaign mode reduces players’ options. That being said, fun arena combat combined with the inclusion of oft-ignored mechs alongside the franchise’s more popular units make this a delight for Gundam fans of all generations who take the time to master its mechanics.
Trail of Cold Steel III brings its classic JRPG hijinks to the portable confines of the Switch for folks who like to have their cake and eat it on the go, too. Visuals on the TV are not as crisp as the PS4 version and performance also has some occasional hiccups at times. If the thought of getting your Cold Steel fix anytime and anywhere sounds appealing, however, then this is the version for you.
Origami King — even with its imperfections — is a bold attempt at reimagining the franchise. Fans who pine for the series classic RPG mechanics will likely be disappointed in the game’s combat system. A colorful and imaginative open world, however, combined with witty dialogue and poignant storytelling, make Origami King a welcome addition to the Paper Mario fold.
SpongeBob Square Pants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated is akin to a time capsule, not just of the golden age of the SpongeBob cartoon but the 3D action genre that was popular two console generations ago. When it works, you can’t help but have a stupid smile on your face. When it gets bogged down, the mechanics can feel dated and the pacing a bit too long. For fans of the original, however, it’s worth a return trip for the nostalgia alone.
Hatsune Miku: Project Diva MegaMix is the kind of rhythm game that does wonders for your confidence. And by that, I mean you’ll be wondering where all your confidence went after the game grinds it into boba tea powder. Visuals continue to be a strong point and its nice selection of songs both old and new will have you tapping your feet unconsciously. Just be ready for a fight, especially in its harder modes, as this game definitely hits back.
All in all, Resident Evil Resistance and its various concepts certainly show promise. Heck, it can even be an adrenaline rush when things go right. As it is now, however, the lack of content prevents it from reaching its true potential. It’s not dead on arrival like Umbrella Corps was. Unless it gets more fleshed out, however, Resistance is more akin to an ambling zombie that’s holding on to life.
Sometimes, I feel like I was pretty much dragged kicking and screaming into this age of DLC and microtransactions. With its on-point, classic gameplay and plethora of easter eggs and unlockables, Streets of Rage 4 reminds me that you can punch back and maybe throw a Grand Upper or two to reclaim those good old gaming days from before. It’s just a joy to be able to happily walk those familiar streets once again without having to rage about what was once lost. From one old-school gamer, well played Streets of Rage 4 dev team. Well played. Now go and remake Guardian Heroes.