Jason Hidalgo's Reviews
Ultimately, though, The Assignment serves up an engaging experience for the genre. Folks who prefer more action with their scares might find its formula lacking. If you want your survival-horror to emphasize the survival part and a healthy dose of suspense, however, this is one assignment you'll want to finish up and turn in.
Overall, though, Life is Good is a good first attempt — pun so totally intended — that sets up the series for what could shape up to be a solid multi-episode run. Certain aspects of the game certainly could use a bit of polish. At the same time, it builds a nice foundation for its upcoming chapters, and I'm already nervously anxious about how the choices I've made will impact the next episode. Let's just say I'm now looking forward to the ways the series will delight or break my heart. Life is strange, indeed.
You can go home again after all.
Ultimately, Battlefield Hardline is a solid shooter that controls well and marks a lot of the items off the FPS checklist. At the same time, it is also faced with the same problem that confronts any new shooter in this day and age.
In addition to having solid gameplay elements it actually felt like, well, a Final Fantasy game, especially when compared to efforts such as "Lightning Returns." It also make me wonder why it's not on the Vita given its PSP roots, though I'm just glad the game finally made it to Western shores. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a red cape to iron.
Overall, however, Mario Party 10 is a nice entry into the series that makes some nice additions as opposed to just a simple tweaking of the formula. Amiibo functionality adds something different to the mix while Bowser Mode feels like a new and welcome experience, especially when controlling Bowser. If you're looking for fun party game to play with friends and family and want to humor the inner troll within, Mario Party 10 is one bridge you'll want to cross.
That being said, Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. is a solid entry overall in a genre that I certainly would like to see more new games for. It's always nice to see companies taking a chance on a new intellectual property and the nod to Valkyria-style gameplay is much appreciated as well. If you love strategy games and have a need to scratch that Valkyria itch, you'll want to try out Code Name: S.T.E.A.M.
Even with its issues, Assault Horizon Legacy provides a solid Ace Combat experience on the 3DS. Yes, the game may have landed on the small screen. When it comes to the overall gameplay experience, however, Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy+ delivers a solid spike on Nintendo's portable console, just like make-believe, volleyball savant Tom Cruise.
Overall, XenoVerse is a welcome change of pace for the Dragon Ball fighting formula, which was starting to get stale even for some die-hard fans. Admittedly, the fighting can feel unwieldy at times and it isn't the most technical entry you'll find in the genre. The addition of online RPG elements, however, is something I really liked so I hope Bandai Namco builds on that in the future.
[A] solid puzzle game that uses the right approach.
Ultimately, the first episode of Revelations 2 sets up a good followup to the first Revelations — which I actually liked — and portends a solid addition to the Resident Evil series. It's quite amusing when you find yourself in a desperate situation where you're out of ammo, low on life as your screen flashes bloody red, and running away from a large hammer-wielding brute.
Overall, however, Rainbow Curse is another solid entry in the Kirby series. If you're looking for a game to play with kids and family or simply want to indulge a charming platformer that's different from most entries in the series, Rainbow Curse will be for you. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a man card to track down.
Ultimately, MH4U certainly won't be for everybody. If your idea of fun action involves the hyper fast gameplay of titles such as Devil May Cry or Bayonetta, MH4U more deliberate pace might feel plodding to you. Every swing in a Monster Hunter game must be done with thought and purpose as well as an exit strategy in mind as being rooted to one spot is a recipe for being hit by a monster attack. Like Mordor, one doesn't simply walk into Monster Hunter and button mash. You need to think about positioning, not tripping your teammates and cancelling attacks via rolling so you can re-position and attack again. It might sound complicated but it really isn't in practice. Just be careful and don't be greedy and you should do fine. The payoff is certainly worth it. For folks who give Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate a chance and jump on it, the game should prove to be a fun and wild ride.
Overall, Majora's Mask 3D does a great job of bringing a beloved title back. The action remains solid and players have a bunch of stuff to do, including several well-designed side quests. If you loved the original or happened to miss it and would like to see what all the fuss is about, Majora's Mask 3D is a classic that stands the test of time. It definitely won't be a terrible fate to play it — in fact, I'd say it would be the opposite.
Overall, Citizens of Earth is a game that has solid underpinnings, though it could also use some extra polish. Folks who prefer more modern titles with all the 3D fixin's will likely pass on this. If you like games that don't take themselves too seriously and also have an old-school flair, however, this'll be worth checking out, especially given it's affordable price.
Will Capcom ever do a completely overhauled remake of the original story with an over-the-shoulder perspective? No one knows, though that sure would be neat. In the meantime, the Resident Evil HD remaster — despite showing signs of aging — remains an excellent time capsule that brings a classic back to life.
The lack of any significant additions to this year may not be enough to sway owners of last year's game to take the plunge. If you don't own the previous game, however, and want to get in some Formula One racing action, F1 2014 just might be worth getting into.
Overall, WWE 2K15 shows promise for the series moving forward with its great presentation and solid game engine. At the same time, the omission of certain content as well as aggressive DLC implementation also means the game hasn't quite hit its stride just yet.
If you're looking for a family friendly title that also provides a workout to your noggin, you'll want to try out this Wii U exclusive.
Overall, though, Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U is an excellent addition to the series. It's solid when played by your lonesome but really shines when played against other people whether it be online or on your couch. Personally, I recommend gathering up as many people as you can and squeezing them in your living room for the best Smash experience. Just be warned that they might not want to leave so get ready to kick them out.