Jason Hidalgo's Reviews
The monster hunting genre has always been big enough to support more games besides Monster Hunter. It’s just that previous games haven’t quite scratched that itch the same way that Monster Hunter does. Wild Hearts is the first one to come pretty close. That’s good news if you’re a Monster Hunter fan because it means you now have one more good hunting game to play. It’s honestly good for a first crack at the genre — the Koei Tecmo’s solid Toukiden series notwithstanding — and I look forward to seeing how it further evolves in the future.
Labyrinth of Galleria is an excellent take on classic, first-person dungeon crawlers of old, boasting a fun class-based combat system and solid floor design. The game can suffer from some pacing issues and could do a better job in making your objectives more clear. But its great dungeon-crawling mechanics combined with one of the better told and voiced stories in the genre make this worthy to dive into.
Dead Space is a perfect example of how a classic game can get new life with the right treatment. Not only does it polish up the game for modern audiences with remade and vastly improved visuals, it also throws in new gameplay additions while keeping the feel that made the original so special. The changes are not only great for newcomers who never played the original, they’re also great for Dead Space veterans who want to experience the game again in a new way. Now bring on the remake of Dead Space 2.
Raiden IV x MIKADO Remix is a great example of the classic shmup. From its solid shooting mechanics to the extra bells and whistles from the MIKADO Remix, the game hits almost all the checkboxes for what a great shmup should be. It doesn’t quite have the pulse-pounding action or unique mechanics of the upper echelon of classic shooters. It’s also missing a key feature from the Switch version. For folks looking for an old-school shooter, however, Raiden IV x MIKADO Remix remains a worthy representation of the genre.
Ultimately, Forspoken is a game that is just like its main character. At first glance, it appears flawed and suffers from several issues. Dig deeper and give it some time, however, and it just might grow on you thanks to a compelling story that tackles some tough issues and a really good combat system that dishes out some serious fun. It’s certainly far from perfect. But it’s also not the horrible game that some make it out to be. I only wish the pacing was better as it starts out really slow and takes a while for it to really get going.
Fire Emblem Engage represents a return to the more singular storytelling of past games prior to Fire Emblem Fates. Gone are the multiple stories experienced through various factions. Instead, you have one main story to go through that's more centered on the protagonist. The streamlined experience is a common theme that pervades other aspects of the game. The new Somniel hub gets rid of extracurricular activities such as teaching and serves more as a base for services, unit training and development, and PVP. Combat, meanwhile, while still rock solid, also gets a rewind mechanic so players no longer have to waste time reloading saves. Some might decry the changes as a watering down of the game as well as features from Three Houses. Others will see them as much needed quality-of life additions that strip out the fluff and allow players to concentrate on battles. As such, your mileage and enjoyment of Fire Emblem Engage depends on which side of this debate you fall under.
Nearly seven years after first releasing on Vita, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana holds up incredibly well even today. Despite its old-school aesthetics, the game looks nice and runs especially well on the PS5, thanks to its high and consistent frame rate. Granted, the old-school gameplay might not float the boat of folks who want something more modern. For fans of classic JRPGs, however, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana’s interesting characters combined with its fun action combat and base-building and crafting mechanics make it one of the best games I’ve ever played in the genre.
While One Piece Odyssey doesn’t revolutionize the genre, it does provide a pretty good JRPG experience that proved to be better than I expected. Add the hilarious hijinks of the Straw Hat crew and what you have is an entertaining romp overall. It might not quite satiate the appetites of folks who don’t particularly care about One Piece. If you love Luffy and the gang as well as JRPGs to boot, however, One Piece Odyssey is like hitting two South Birds with one stone.
The Gungrave series harkens back to the heyday of Red Company when the developer was churning out excellent games such as the Sakura Wars and Tengai Makyo series. Nearly two decades later, Gungrave G.O.R.E. returns to a much changed world with different tastes. For its part, Gungrave G.O.R.E. faithfully sticks to the trademark mechanics of the past games. It’s definitely a risky decision as classic Gungrave is an acquired taste that isn’t for everybody. If you loved the old games and protagonist Beyond the Grave’s top-notch drip, however, Gungrave G.O.R.E. is essentially the Gungrave that you know and love.
Kukoos lost pets harkens back to a time when 3D mascot platformers were the bees knees. While it has some rough spots and doesn’t reinvent or revolutionize the genre, the game boasts some solid and, at times, challenging platforming. Add some fun boss fights, four-player multiplayer and an affordable price and you have a game that lovers of old-school platforming just might go cuckoo for.
Marvel’s Midnight Suns provides a fun and addicting experience, especially with its tactical combat. It’s not exactly XCOM. But it also shares that XCOM feel despite the different mechanics. Storytelling and dialogue, meanwhile, perfectly emulates the style of Marvel movies, which can be good or bad depending on your preference. Admittedly, the game's visual aesthetic can feel like you’re playing a mobile game sometimes. The gameplay, however, is quite good and has that familiar Firaxis tactical polish. It’s one of the nice gaming surprises of the year for sure.
Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion goes the extra mile in bringing back the story of Soldier First Class Zack Fair and how it ultimately shapes several key characters in the FF7 franchise. From its greatly improved visuals and production values to its faster-paced combat, Reunion goes above and beyond even the best remasters out there. Some parts can still feel dated despite its best efforts. Overall, however, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion is a remake done right.
Kratos may not always know best but, boy, does this father know how to serve up some story-driven action in God of War: Ragnarok. The storytelling remains top-notch and the new mechanics help freshen up the previous game’s combat. The game remains highly linear, however, and can feel like you’re playing an interactive movie at times. That being said, its excellent narrative combined with engaging combat makes God of War: Ragnarok worthy to pick up Thor’s hammer from a gaming standpoint.
Star Ocean: The Divine Force is the latest entry in the long-running JRPG series, which has hit some stumbling blocks with its last release. The decision to have dual protagonists is a nice touch, especially given how likable they both are. Combat is also good for folks who prefer a more action-oriented system, with the DUMA mechanics adding even more options for players. The storytelling’s pacing can be uneven and its vast areas can also feel empty at times. Overall, though, it’s a solid addition to the Star Ocean franchise and a step back in the right direction.
Bayonetta 3 is another excellent addition to the franchise that pushes the series’ already excellent gameplay to a whole new level. Storytelling can be a bit uneven and the visuals, while boasting great concept design, can suffer from texture and performance hiccups. Bayonetta 3 delivers where it counts the most, however, and that’s its fast-paced, combo-licious combat. Throw in a new playable character to the mix and you’ve got another entry that can stand toe-to-toe with any of the best action games out there, crying devils included.
Twelve years after it first released, Trails From Zero finally makes it to western shores. Admittedly, the visual inconsistencies between the PS4 version and the graphically superior Switch and PC versions is a bit of a bummer. Despite being more than a decade old, however, Trails From Zero has aged quite well and remains one of the best JRPGs out there. Gamers who especially like classic JRPGs should definitely pick it up.
Yomawari: Lost in the Dark features the franchise’s trademark dichotomy that combines a disarmingly cute art style with disturbing suspense-horror sensibilities. Admittedly, the gameplay can feel a bit repetitive and drawn out as you find yourself constantly running away from things instead of truly confronting your fears. The story, however, is a high point that manages to keep you on your toes while also touching your heart at the same time. Give it a look if you like the Yomawari series or a survival game that’s different from the norm.
No More Heroes 3 might have missed the extra point with some of its flaws. But a zany cast, fun combat and a nice selection of boss fights make Travis’ latest adventure still a touchdown in my book.
Don-chan and the gang are back with another thumping exercise in musicology with Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival. The versus toy mode and the co-op DON-Chan band mode are nice additions to the standard arcade experience that taiko fans know and love. Admittedly, the subscription model that provides access to 583 songs at launch can be polarizing for fans. A diverse set of 76 base songs combined with fun modes, unlockables and tight taiko drumming mechanics, however, make Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival one of the best rhythm games out there right now.
The first Splatoon game was a wonderfully novel experience and Splatoon 2 also managed to build on its framework while still feeling new. In comparison, Splatoon 3 doesn’t feel quite as fresh as those two initial games even with its new additions, opting instead to polish and refine the franchise’s tried-and-true formula. That being said, Splatoon 3 represents the pinnacle of the series’ shooting mechanics, which are further fine-tuned into splatting perfection. Add a campaign with fun and creative bosses as well as engaging multiplayer options and you have another colorful and addicting addition to the franchise.