Elias Blondeau's Reviews
Dynasty Warriors: Godseekers is a smart twist on the SRPG formula that pushes the genre in new, interesting directions while never losing touch with what makes these sorts of games so satisfying.
Sniper Elite 4 is the best entry in Rebellion’s long-running franchise yet, and a great title for fans of stealth gaming.
Here They Lie is grotesque and horrifying, but it’s also a thought-provoking, philosophical head trip that makes some of the best use of VR to date.
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is WayForward’s finest entry in the series yet. Platformer enthusiasts and people who can’t get enough of collecting virtual trinkets will undoubtedly find something to get lost in here.
Even without the IP, Dex manages to be the absolute best Ghost in the Shell game we’ve ever gotten.
It’s an easier experience with a story that’s markedly simpler than past entries, but Persona 5 is still operating on a whole different level than its peers. A simplistic yet ultimately winning JRPG with loads of content.
Akiba's Beat is both a stellar role-playing experience and a heartfelt yarn with bite. One of 2017's best RPGs so far, and a new personal favourite.
Dragon Quest Heroes II is arguably the best thing Omega Force has ever put out, and the best spin-off to come out of Dragon Quest since Dragon Quest Monster: Joker.
The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ is a perfect fit for the Switch, and barring some framerate problems in local multiplayer, is arguably the best way to play this modern classic.
Yooka-Laylee is both a joyful ode to Rare’s heyday and a polished platformer that stands head and shoulders above what few contemporaries exist in the genre.
Tyranny is an exercise in depicting humanity’s worst facets, and it does so in a nuanced, interesting way while being an engaging and accessible CRPG.
A novel twist on familiar gameplay elements, Yakuza Zero once again delivers a unique blend of real-world immersion, humanistic storytelling, and some of the best action gameplay on the market.
A charmingly old-school and endlessly engrossing title that boasts over a hundred hours’ worth of content, Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past earns a slot in any JRPG lovers’ library.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is a potent Genki Dama to the series’ longstanding issues, and a bigger, better game than the original by every stretch of the imagination. A true must-have for any Dragon Ball fan.
For anyone wanting a confusing yet ultimately rewarding adventure, Obduction delivers in spades.
Headlander is a perfect storm of thought-provoking sci-fi, biting humor, and pitch-perfect gameplay that comes wrapped in a stylish, affordable package, and is one of this year’s very best.
A clever take on two worn genres, Wasted is a funny and addictive genre hybrid that has scores of content at a low price point.
Nights of Azure overcomes its tropes and the occasional bit of fan service with a heaping helping of content, stylistic panache, and one of the most memorable gaming narratives in recent memory.
Earth Defense Force 4.1 is a smoother, more polished version of the same cheesy, excellent product that Sandlot's gotten so good at making.
Despite a niggling complaint or two about the overall structure, there is very little to dislike about Furi. It is, no doubt, a truly original title. I won’t soon forget my time with its anthropomorphized desk lamps, time-bending old geezers, and deceptive bunny people. I suspect other people craving something new and unique will feel the same.