Jason Hidalgo's Reviews
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.
In short, I need a chill pill right about now. On the plus side, it looks like I finally made it to the fourth state of grief — anger — after wallowing in sadness through the first couple of chapters. As I mentioned in my reviews of "Episode 1: Iron From Ice" and "Episode 2: The Lost Lords," Telltale's interpretation of Game of Thrones continues to elicit a strong emotional response with its writing. Even the quick-time combat, which I normally don't like, felt good this time because I was able to relieve some stress by implementing my martial plan on some dudes. Will it bite me in the behind at some point? Who knows? One issue I have with the series so far is that choice feels more like an illusion sometimes. The drama continues to deliver, though, making Episode 3 a solid point-and-click adventure.
Overall, LEGO Jurassic World continues to employ the same familiar features seen in the LEGO series with a few additions to change things up. The changes may not be major enough for folks who want a completely new experience. For fans of the series or people looking for a family-friendly game, however, LEGO Jurassic World just might scratch and claw that itch.
In short, this is not a game for everyone. Still, I had a cousin who totally enjoyed playing this game and bashing the undead all over the place. If a first-person, Splatterhouse-type game is your idea of a good time, though, you'll want to give this game a look.
While the story is still solid overall, Episode 2 feels a bit less exciting than its predecessor.
Overall, The Old Blood is a nice addition to the new Wolfenstein world. It understandably isn't quite as filling as The New Order but it's still pretty solid for DLC. Grab it if The New Order left you yearning for more.
For the most part, however, the journey through The Consequence is a good one thanks to a solid combination of tension, mood and environment. If you're looking for a survival horror game that's a bit more intimate and doesn't have you armed to the teeth, "The Consequence" is worth taking out of the holster.
For an introductory chapter, it sets up Telltale's take on the Game of Thrones universe very well.
THE LOWDOWN, YO
Overall, I think Splatoon is a much needed shot in the arm or tentacle for a genre that could really use some new blood. With its fresh core mechanic, a solid campaign and an addicting and buttery online mode, Splatoon delivers a new and wonderful experience while adding Nintendo's trademark gameplay to the shooting formula. I give two thumbs — and nearly eight tentacles — up.
Overall, though, Swords and Soldiers II is a fun romp with a nice healthy serving of strategery that can be fun for adults as well as younger players. Get it if you're pining for a refreshing strategy game on your Wii U with quirky humor and personality.
From its expansive world to its improved combat, Witcher 3 hits all the right spots for an action RPG and gives you a richer experience the more you put into it. It's not just one of the best games so far this year, it's one of the best games released period.
Overall, though, Project Cars is a welcome addition to the racing genre, with special emphasis on the racing part. If you're looking for sim racer that surprises in a good way, you'll want to give Project Cars a spin.
Overall, though, MKX provides a great fighting experience with an extra helping of fixins to keep players coming back to the table. If you enjoyed MK9 and Injustice or are looking for a solid alternative to Street Fighter, you'll want to chuck a chain spear toward MKX and yell "get over here." Sorry, I just couldn't resist.
Despite its issues, Life Is Strange continues to deliver a solid experience thanks to its nice mix of storytelling, hidden stuff and colorful art style. I was so interested to see how things turn out that I ended up finishing Out of Time in one sitting despite starting late at night. Here's hoping that the ensuing episodes end up being just as interesting as well.
I do wish that more new content was added to the original storyline, especially for folks who have gone through it before. As it is, even the extra stuff in Record Breaker right now might not be enough to sway some folks who played the original to death. For folks who have never played the DS game or fans who love the idea of a new storyline to experience after the main adventure, however, Record Breaker is an excellent example of the JRPG genre. If you love the Megaten series and old-school, turn-based JRPGs, this is one devilish game that's well worth experiencing.
Overall, Scholar of First Sin can be a hard sell for folks who played the original Dark Souls 2 to death already (pun so totally intended). If you've never played its predecessor before, however, or are a rabid fan who wants to re-experience everything again on the newer consoles, this is one game you'll want to prepare to take a stab at.
Despite the large wart that some of the more hardcore puzzles present, however, Broken Age remains a beautiful game, overall. Yes, it has its blemishes and frustrating personality flaws. Deep inside, though, Broken Age is a good guy — or girl — with its heart in the right place. Give it a shot if you like classic point-and-click adventure games.