Zack Reese


61 games reviewed
74.6 average score
80 median score
55.7% of games recommended

Conception II is an unusual beast. On one hand, the game could have used a lot more creativity when it came to the dungeons themselves, the throwaway plot is discouraging, and it doesn't do any one thing exceptionally brilliant in the gameplay department. On the other, the game looks incredible, the music is fantastic, and the combat system can be intense when the difficulty goes up. For fans of the genre, this is definitely one worth picking up, but for those on the sidelines, it may be an easier purchase later on.

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Mar 9, 2016

An easy recommendation for those who watched the anime back in the day and those who have kept up with the series.

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[M]any of the same problems from the previous entries remain. Monster designs are recycled with a few additions. Combat can get somewhat repetitive and maps are reused constantly in which some of them reverse the direction that you approach it.

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7 / 10 - Blackguards
Feb 5, 2014

Loading times and voice acting drag down a decent title.

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May 5, 2015

While the original PC release of Napishtim had been brought to Japan nearly a decade ago, fans in the West had to deal with either the PlayStation 2 or PSP versions of the game. Thanks to XSEED's efforts in flushing out their Steam library, a much wider audience of gamers are now able to try out the sixth entry into the series for themselves.

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While it may have its fair share of shortcomings, like its clunky combat and relatively few places to visit, there is plenty of here to to enjoy such as the high degree of customization and a script that the translators appeared to have a lot of fun working with. That along with the strong presentation, beautiful art design, and slick UI, there's plenty here to enjoy and a definite purchase if you're big into otaku culture. For everyone else, you may want to consider your options a little more carefully more before diving in.

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7 / 10 - Omega Quintet
May 3, 2015

The combat and music are the highlights here, even if the game doesn't capitalize on the hardware.

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8 / 10 - CrossCode
Sep 22, 2018

After a long period of development, this may be one of the breakout indie titles of the year.

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8 / 10 - Shenmue 1 & 2
Aug 24, 2018

Yu Suzuki's magnum opus may still retain many of its core flaws, but this remains a series that is well worth experiencing for yourself.

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Apr 23, 2018

It's pound for pound the best the series has been, illuminating all of its strong points in a more robust and better-looking package. While a few of these changes won't be everyone's cup of tea, fans will appreciate the added interactivity and quality of life improvements. I just have a hard time recommending this if you already beat the original Megadimension VII.

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Mar 15, 2018

This is an example of a sequel that improves upon its predecessor in almost every possible way.

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8 / 10 - Lost Sphear
Jan 22, 2018

Tokyo RPG Factory plays it safe in this follow-up to I Am Setsuna, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

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Oct 23, 2017

Its bleak story and strong ambiance will do a number on your emotions in this nerve-wracking adventure.

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The gameplay may be lacking, but the amount of depth that exists plus the fantastic story makes this an entertaining adventure.

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8 / 10 - Toukiden 2
Mar 21, 2017

It's the console monster hunting game you've been wanting, but with a far bigger emphasis on story and exploration.

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Gust's most ambitious game to date may have a few flaws, but is definitely an effort worth commending.

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Technical issues aside, this is clearly the best version of the game that does a lot to improve the main complaints of the original release.

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It’s not for everyone, and the action can be overtly simplified at times, but Koei Tecmo crafted an incredibly addictive experience.

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Oct 18, 2016

I don't think I'll ever forget the bone-chilling reaction I had in the opening moments of Yomawari: Night Alone. It was the perfect way to grab someone's attention and immerse them into the tone of the game.

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Aug 4, 2016

While it can't escape looking like a 5-year old game, this enhanced remake is one hell of a package at a low price.

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