Jason Hidalgo's Reviews
Overall, Mad Max is a game that's solid but could've used just one more extra push to really reach its true potential. Folks who are burnt out from standard open world gameplay or don't like driving won't get as much bang for the buck from it. If you love great car combat and wandering around a large sandbox while checking off side missions, however, this is a game you'll get lots of extra mileage from.
Despite its issues, however, Super Mario Maker remains an enjoyable title that makes the Mario world your oyster, er, Koopa shell. Whether it be the game's ability to nurture your inner level creator or inspire future game designers, Super Mario Maker is a great example of the potential that lies in tapping the power of the crowd. Even if you're terribad at stage design, being able to enjoy the crazy creations of other folks makes it worth the prize of admission. Now how about a Super Mario RPG Maker, Nintendo?
Despite its issues, Disney Infinity 3.0 is a worthy entry in the series that really improves upon last year's effort. If you're a fan of the toy and video game franchise and are also intrigued by the addition of the Star Wars universe to the Infinity series, this is one game you'll want to stay on target with.
Ultimately, the Legacy Collection is a solid tribute that serves as a love letter to hardcore fans and a gateway to newcomers eager to experience the glory of classic 8-bit platforming. If you loved the classics or simply want to know what the fuss is all about, the Mega Man Legacy Collection is one you'll want to add to your gaming inventory.
Then again, I can see certain types of gamers enjoying this, too, especially with its lower price point. If you welcome the challenge of a technical 2.5D hack and slash and the quirks that comes with a roguelike, however, this game will be more up your alley.
There's certainly a lot to digest in this episode, which is good on one hand because it moves the plot along as we approach the finale but also bad in the sense that parts of it seemed a bit rushed and could've used a bit more fleshing out.
Overall, however, King's Quest is a solid reinterpretation of a genre once buried in the annals of gaming history. If you like classic adventure games and have an affinity for a whimsical art style and classic storytelling, this is one quest you'll want to sign up for. Who knows? It just might make you feel like a kid again.
All this, however, is mitigated by the game's solid dungeon crawling and core combat. Fights are especially rewarding every time you triumph, thanks to the game's penchant for encouraging players to think about attack diversity and synergy alongside status infliction and damage mitigation. It's like a chess game within a videogame where you have to think several moves ahead. It's certainly a lot more intellectually stimulating than shirtless beach volleyball in jeans with lowered nets.
Overall, though, Tales of the Borderlands remains a fun and an enjoyable romp. I also like how choices made in earlier games seem to have more consequence than the choices I made in Game of Thrones. If you're looking for a story-driven adventure that features a ton of laughs while still serving up some thoughtful moments, Episode 3 is one ride you'll want to catch.
[W]hile I quite enjoyed the change of pace from having to use my brain for some logic crunching, some folks may feel that the episode's puzzles bog down the flow of the game.
Still, the game is an enjoyable romp, especially due to its inclusion of the turncoat mechanic into the mix to freshen up its more standard JRPG elements. If you're looking for a solid Japanese RPG that's a tad different from the norm, Lost Dimension is worth taking a stab at.
Despite some of its more questionable gameplay choices, however, excellent presentation combined with tight controls make Tembo a terrific start for what hopefully ends up being a new franchise. If you're itching for some classic 2D platforming in the vein of the old Sonic games and yearn for a new "badass" character, Tembo hits all the right spots.
All in all, Tales from the Borderlands is a story-based point-and-click adventure that continues to deliver thanks to interesting characters and a solid story that features excellent balance between seriousness and levity. If you like the storytelling style of the Borderlands series of games, Atlas Mugged continues to be a hoot.
I'm still hopeful for a fulfilling closure to the emotional roller coaster that the game has subjected players to so far. I just hope that it involves giving a dish to the Whitehills that's best served cold. Perhaps with a frozen cherry on top. Hey, Iron from Ice, man.
Granted, the game isn't perfect. Pinpoint accuracy can be a problem when trying to do intricate work with the stylus and touchpad. You also don't have the scope and breadth of features like you would with Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, which honestly should be expected. For aspiring artists or weekend creative warriors who own a Wii U, however, Art Academy: Home Studio is an inexpensive and fun way to dabble into art of your own. Just be careful that it doesn't make you want to wear tight pants, striped shirts and a beret, um-kay?
Admittedly, the QTE portions won't be for everybody. I've also noticed minor glitches like character lips not moving sometimes during dialogue. If you like point-and-click adventures, however, Tales from the Borderlands is another solid and entertaining addition to Telltales' lineup of games.
Despite its issues, however, Arkham Knight is a great addition to the series overall thanks to excellent visuals and presentation, solid storytelling and tight gameplay. If this is indeed Rocksteady's swansong for the Arkham series, the developer will be ending it on a great note by serving up one of the best games of the new console generation or any console generation, for that matter.
Overall, Sons of Winter focuses on moving the plot along but doesn't quite have the impact "Episode 1: Iron From Ice" and "Episode 3: The Sword in the Darkness." It appears to set up the table quite nicely for Episode 5, however, so it'll be interesting to see where the story moves on from here.
Admittedly, Miracle Cure can get repetitive after long jaunts and the harder stages can be frustrating for folks who aren't used to puzzle games. I also wish it added more new things to shake the formula up, even if it's just something as simple as a wacky story mode like Puyo Puyo does, for example. Still, it's a pretty solid title that introduces a classic to newcomers who may not have had the opportunity to try its earlier incarnations. If you like Tetris-style puzzle games, then Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure might be a pill you'll want to swallow.
Ultimately, the special edition isn't quite the new Devil May Cry game folks might be hoping for from Capcom's Japanese team. It's certainly still solid but its age also shows a bit when compared to the more polished gameplay of the genre's new standout, Bayonetta 2. For folks who want to experience the classic Devil May Cry experience, however, it's a nice bridge to help tide folks over, at least until Capcom decides to unleash yet another devilish addition to the franchise. Don't forget to order some pizza while you're at it.