Keith Mitchell's Reviews
Contra returns in a new reimagining, with a very odd story but with the same great Run-N-Gun gameplay, the series is known for. Despite some issues with the audio mix and not being a fan of the visuals, this is the type of gameplay I've missed, and I'm glad to see that Konami has finally realized the Contra series had more than enough in the tank for another go.
Zoria: Age of Shattering is an engaging CRPG that doesn't reinvent the genre, but does improve on a number of systems, but could benefit from adding gamepad/controller support and perhaps some multiplayer coop.
Remnant 2’s first DLC, The Awakened King, is a change to how Gunfire Games tells its stories, and in that regard, it does a great job. However, adding a handful of new locations tossed into the pool of existing locations is frustrating as I encountered the older locations more than I did with the newer locations. This meant I constantly re-rolled my adventure until I encountered the new stuff. This needs to be addressed for this DLC to be worthwhile to new and existing Remnant 2 players. But outside of that, I enjoyed the DLC, and the closure to the storyline that started in the base game was refreshing.
Lords of the Fallen (2023) is finally here, despite a challenging development cycle, and it's a way better game than the original title. Everything that I had issues with the 2014 game has been addressed, and then some. Combat is fun, the world is beautiful, and I can't get enough of the unique way we can visit the world of the dead using a lamp. It really bugs me that the game on the PC has some slight performance issues that hold it back, and that's a shame. Still, Lords of the Fallen (2023) is a great Soulslike that fans of the genre need to play, despite a few flaws with the game.
Turn 10 Studios has taken what was already a decent simulator racer and improved on it in so many ways that it's impossible not to enjoy it as a car and racing fan. The attention to detail when it comes to the tracks, the cars, the mechanics, and even the performance. This trumps every previous effort, every prior Forza Motorsport game that Turn 10 has ever developed, and I'm sure that was the plan all along.
Lies of P started off as being a game that wasn’t even on my radar until a few months ago, and ever since I played the demo, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It’s easily one of the best Soulslike games I’ve played that didn’t come from FROMSOFTWARE, and that’s saying something. From the visuals, the sound direction, the gameplay, and just about everything else, Lies of P is a fantastic Soulslike, with few flaws. That aside, I do wish that the parry system had a longer window and that the bosses were as punishing as they are. But that aside, this is a must-play.
Hammerwatch 2 retains the same Dungeons and Dragons feel as the original game, but this time is less friendly for those looking to play the game by themselves. There's plenty to do, but sometimes it just feels like it was tacked on. Regardless, if you have some friends or randoms to play Hammerwatch II with you, it becomes a better experience.
Double Dragon Gaiden is a new take on a beat ’em up series that refuses to go away and is one of the better Double Dragon games released in a while. While some will be tired of the pixelated look that many retro games have adapted, it fits, and the combat is as apparent as a punch to the face. Tossing in a pinch of nostalgia with some new roguelite elements that don’t break the game, you have a beat ’em up that fans of the genre will gobble up and ask for seconds.
Gunfire Games has taken everything it learned with Remnant From the Ashes and expanded on it in such a massive way that I don't think it can top it. But I'm more than happy to see them try. There's something for Remnant junkies, action RPG and Soulslike fans to enjoy, but more importantly, the game screams fun.
For all its shortcomings, Redfall isn’t a bad game, a bit dated but not bad.
DNF Duel on the Switch is a fairly decent port of the game that was released for the PlayStation and PC. The game remains intact and is an enjoyable fighter. The downside is that the visuals have suffered, and thanks to Nintendo, you have to pay to play online, which may hamper any chance of a healthy online community.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a fantastic spin-off of the Nioh series, and while it feels like Team Ninja had a checklist of features it wanted to copy from other games, in the end, everything feels fresh and exciting. Outside of the performance issues, and the sometimes annoying AI-controller players, I found myself playing the game for hours. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is more than a Soulslike, more than an action game; it's a fun and enjoyable game.
Returnal was great on the PlayStation 5, and it's equally as good on the PC, with its punishing but enjoyable gameplay. There's also something to say about being able to play this on an ultrawide monitor. I just wish the game didn't stutter as much.
Vengeful Guardian Moonrider is yet another fantastic retro gaming experience from Joymasher, and it shows that the developer has really found its niche. However, with the game being way too short for it's own good, and speedrun games aren't for everyone, Vengeful Guardian Moonrider is in an awkward position. Great gameplay, great music, it's just too damned short.
Need for Speed Unbound is an impressive street racing title, and a proper return of the once-street racing game king. It's nearly perfect, and despite a few flaws, it excels at giving us a fantastic street racing experience, lots of stuff to customize, and, more importantly, it's a blast to play
I'll be honest, I've never played a Gungrave game, but I knew they were synonymous with action. Gungrave G.O.R.E is the continuation of the past games with better gameplay, better graphics, lots of action, more action, and bad guys who constantly curse at you. But you know what? It's pure fun, and I'm all about that.
Everything about Ghost Song screams quality, and it shows that Matt White and crew put a lot of love into this game. As a big Metroidvania fan, I fell in love as soon as I started playing and couldn't put my controller down until I beat the game twice. If I had anything negative to say, I would be that the game feels dated, especially after playing Metroid Dread.
The Outbound Ghost feels like a mixed bag; it doesn't know whether or not it wants to be charming or have a darker storyline. It fails at both.
SD Gundam Battle Alliance is a love letter to Gundam fans, full of recognizable characters, Gundams, and serves as a history lesson for newcomers and veterans.
DNF Duel is the total package and it has something for everyone. It's an easy to jump into fighting game, thanks to the simplified inputs while offering great depth and lots of opportunities to improve your skill. If ArcSys and Eighting can address those pesky infinities, and maybe make it not so much Kusoge, which I'm sure they will, and make address some character balancing, the DNF Duel will be at the forefront of fighting games for quite some time.