Jason Hidalgo's Reviews
NHL 17 builds on the solid mechanics of its predecessor while adding several new features such as World Cup of Hockey, a more beefed up GM mode, lots of customization options and the return of player classes to name a few. Some might feel the actual gameplay on the ice does not represent a huge improvement over NHL 16. If you missed out on last year’s game or are interested in a more polished version, however, then NHL 17 merits a trip down the virtual ice.
The Dead Rising Triple Pack is a faithful adaptation of three classic games in Capcom’s Zombie survival series. The upgrade to 1080p and 60 frames per second will be welcome to folks who want to play using more modern console standards. The lack of new upgrades to the gameplay as well as the Case Zero and Case West DLC, however, is a bummer that makes the collection feel less complete. Still, if you loved the originals or missed out on them entirely, then this is another chance to play the games or see what the initial series is all about.
Hatsune Miku: Project Diva X is a meaty entry in the rhythm genre featuring bright visuals, catchy songs and plenty of stuff to collect for obsessive-compulsive gamers. The game is a bit grindy and can be intimidating to newcomers. Track selection also can feel limited when compared to certain Hatsune Miku titles. Still, it’s a cute, fun and mechanically solid idol-based rhythm game that you can enjoy without feeling like a creep, especially if you’re a dude who’s starting to get up there in age like I am.
Like a delicious cronut, Touhou Gensou Rondo: Bullet Ballet combines two fun genres while throwing in some beloved characters with a dedicated cult following. The shmup and bullet hell parts of the equation have their fun moments but the melee can be cumbersome and awkward. The game also has some nice bones but could admittedly use more meat as both the gameplay and story, while cute, can feel shallow after extended play. It's not a game that would float everyone's boat for sure, but fans of Japanese titles with both an otaku flair and indie feel might still want to check this one out. Now bring over the main Touhou games!
“Shiren the Wanderer: Tower of Fortune and Dice of Fate,” is a classic either-or proposition. You either get it or you don’t, with rarely any middle ground in between. Folks who don’t like retro roguelike gameplay will find the dungeon crawling tedious, outdated and unforgiving. Gamers who appreciate old-school roguelikes, however, will love its sprite art and the diverse challenge the game provides. If you have a soft spot for classic dungeon crawling, you’ll be quite pleased after rolling the dice on Shiren.
“Spirit of Justice” continues to do what the “Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney” series does best, which is serve up kooky cases with a bunch of kooky characters with some drama sprinkled in between. The game continues to be linear to a fault and it sometimes tries too hard to misdirect its audience. A likable cast of characters combined with funny and poignant storytelling that leverages those characters’ relationships, however, leaves me no objections in recommending this to series fans and newcomers alike.
Abzu is one of those pleasantly surprising titles that feels likes it's on the cusp of being a great game with just a bit more fleshing out. Its deep, undersea world is absolutely gorgeous and its metaphysical take on "show-don't-tell" storytelling evokes thoughts of the excellent game INSIDE. Folks who prefer traditional gaming mechanics and storytelling might consider the overall gameplay to be barebones and lacking purpose. If you're a fan of non-traditional gaming that has a bit of an indie feel to it, however, you'll want to dive into Abzu.
Whether you're a gung-ho Leeroy Jenkins wannabe or a more measured warrior of the shadows who likes skulking around, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided features diverse, mechanically sound gameplay that will entertain. Storytelling could be a bit more fleshed out especially toward the end but it still provides a nice take on a serious and uncomfortable topic. It stops short of being an outright revolution but it's also a tight, polished experience that should satisfy fans itching for either a stealthy reprise or adventurous action.
God Eater Resurrection updates the series original with new weapons and combat that brings it more up to speed with today’s times. The stylized visuals will be a hit for folks who love Japanese anime and the more accessible gameplay makes it friendly for newcomers to the genre. While some will say that it has more style than Monster Hunter, however, this enhancement to what is essentially a five-year old game doesn’t quite have the same substance as newer entries in Capcom’s more popular hunting series. That being said, it’s still a solid game.
All in all, KOF XIV is a great addition to the franchise that launches with a full feature set unlike its more popular rival Street Fighter V. It doesn’t look as fancy as Street Fighter V and some veterans might feel that it doesn’t add anything revolutionary to the mix. Its fundamentals, however, are rock solid and the classic KOF style and humor shines. If you’re looking for a fully-fleshed arcade fighting game experience from home, you can’t do wrong in picking up this one.
Federation Force is a solid, polished addition to the Metroid franchise, though it admittedly is missing that “it” factor that makes the Metroid games with Samus Aran a great experience. Campaign co-op can be a blast thanks to fun mechanics and multiplayer hijinks while the Rocket League-style Blast Ball is an enjoyable diversion for sure. For players dead set on a new main-line Metroid title, though, the game might feel more like an appetizer instead of a main course.
Don’t mistake “Style Savvy: Fashion Forward” for mere shovelware, dahling. This game is dedicated to serving up the fashionista lifestyle with solid production and oodles of content for wannabe fashion consultants, designers and runway models. The lack of male options are a bummer and the game certainly won’t be for everyone. If you love lifestyle fashion games and don’t want to sell your soul to Kim Kardashian, however, this is a solid option.
Republique lands on the PlayStation 4 with all its chapters and its own take on the stealth genre. Its use of security cameras adds an interesting touch to stealth while its dystopian tale should keep players hooked. Admittedly, the slow, methodical pace won't be for everybody and even the otherwise solid story runs into some hiccups later on. Overall, however, it's an engaging experience for folks who want a little Orwell in their stealth games.
“Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven” looks spectacular thanks to gorgeous character models that bring a large number of its kooky cast to life. Gameplay, however, feels a bit flat and lacks the engaging action seen in “All Star Battle.” The AI is also about as reliable as the electronics of a Land Rover. Fans of the series might still enjoy this arena brawler but folks expecting a more polished fighting experience likely will feel differently about it.
Street Fighter V continues the tradition of its predecessors when it comes to providing technical 2D-style fighting for genre purists. Admittedly, the sparse number of features and lack of an arcade mode at launch killed a lot of good will from the less competitive members of its fanbase. The release of a cinematic story mode and steady stream of additional characters, however, is giving SFV that additional polish it really needed.
Chambara represents a compelling idea in the multiplayer duel arena genre thanks to visuals that are not only unique but play an integral role in the gameplay. The lack of modes and online hamper the longevity of its gameplay. Overall, though, it’s definitely a more than “OK” start for Team OK.
Fans looking for a totally new experience might be disappointed by the sameness of the gameplay for the most part. Gamers who prioritize graphics also might be turned off by its bare bones visuals. Personally, though, I love the game’s honest simplicity and lack of pretension. For folks who loved the original and want more, BoxBoxBoy definitely shapes up quite nicely.
Like Darth Vader and Obi Wan Kenobi, things come full circle as the property that started it all serves up one of the more enjoyable entries in Traveller's Tales' ongoing LEGO franchise. Admittedly, some annoying glitches scuttle the experience at times. Overall, however, new mechanics combined with nice set pieces and the classic LEGO touch make LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens the best title in the series in a while.
There's no sophomore slump here. Playdead delivers an excellent followup to Limbo with INSIDE, a puzzle platformer that turns up its predecessor’s concepts to 11 thanks to well-designed mechanics and a compelling setting that elegantly drifts between light and shadow. Add an engaging “show, don’t tell” story that is seamlessly integrated into the gameplay and you’ve got one of the best titles of the year.
I Am Setsuna is an unabashed love letter to fans of classic JRPGs, featuring solid, turn-based combat and a beautiful snowy world that looks like a moving painting. It’s a tad on the short side for an RPG and the journey can feel rushed, especially with the lack of extra content. Overall, it feels like it's at the cusp of JRPG greatness but just needs that little extra something to reach its full potential. Still, if you’re looking for an old school-style JRPG fix, I Am Setsuna will hit the spot.