Keith Mitchell's Reviews
While I didn't think Playground Games could do it again, they absolutely have. Not only does Forza Horizon 4 surpasses their previous entries, but the addition of dynamic seasons helps to push longevity of the game and is well done. Tossing in a huge selection of cars and fun-filled challenges, this game does not disappoint. A game for both car lovers and gamers who love going fast, even if they're sideways while doing it.
To be perfectly honest, it feels good to get reacquainted with an old friend. The original Odin Sphere was one of my favorite RPGs on the PlayStation 2 and I'm happy to see that not only did the game survive the test of time but still offers just enough challenge and fun for even the most jaded gamer. On a presentation level, the game does so many things right; I wasn't really able to find any major flaw and my entire game-play session was a blur as I forgot what time it was after I started playing.
Witch Beam has created a title that incorporates old-school mechanics and game-play. Souped it up to 9000 and gave it a new coat of paint. The result is perhaps the single most fun title I’ve played in a very long time. A game that doesn’t take its self too seriously at all and more importantly, a title that anyone, regardless of skill level, can pick up and enjoy.
I have to hand it to Playground Games. They took everything that made Forza Horizon 2 great and refined it. There's basically nothing in Forza Horizon 3 that doesn't say perfection. From the moment you press start, the game throws everything it has at you, from flawless execution on or off the track, its presentation, and fun online session / matchmaking. This is, at least for the time being, the pinnacle of racing games for the Xbox One. Forza Horizon 3 has my vote as Game of the Year and if not that, easily the best title on the Xbox One by far.
At first glance, Nioh resembles a Dark Souls clone and that's an unfair comparison. While Nioh draws heavily from Dark Souls, Koei Tecmo has provided more than enough features to put Nioh on the same level as Dark Souls. Plenty of action, an engaging combat system that encourages you to develop your own style of play and it's own charming yet deadly world.
In the end, if you've played Ikaruga on any other previous platform, then you've played what is available on the Switch. However, that's also the beauty of it all. Ikaruga is a timeless classic and a game that is worth picking up again and again. The main question is should you pick it up. With the obvious answer being, HELL YES. Casual gamers will welcome the challenge, while SHMUP masters will feel right at home. And now you can take it on the go!
Death’s Door is a cutesy, yet challenging isometric game that takes many influences from Dark Souls and The Legend of Zelda, and shines just as brightly
King of Fighters XV is perhaps the most accessible game in the series so far. Rollback netcode, great fighting game mechanics, and amazing visuals and sounds flesh out the game, and make it one of the better King of Fighters titles we’ve played in a while.
Elden Ring Review - Elden Ring is the perfect mixture of the Soulslike genre and open-world games. It's simply that good. Fromsoftware has taken everything it has learned, from both the Dark Souls, Demon's Souls, Bloodborne, and Sekiro games, and combined with a vast and amazing open world, and it works better than it probably should.
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.
Metal Slug Tactics takes SNK's iconic 2D side-scrolling run-and-gun shooter and transforms it into a 3D tactical RPG with roguelite elements that work better than expected. The game shows plenty of love for the Metal Slug series, featuring fantastic artwork, fluid animations, and engaging gameplay mechanics.
I was never the biggest fan of Path of Exile—its overly complex systems always scared me off. But with Path of Exile 2, Grinding Gear Games has done the unthinkable. The changes to systems that bothered me from the first game. They’ve crafted an ARPG that’s not only more accessible but also improves on everything from the first game. It dials the experience up to 11, making it nearly impossible to put down. This is an enjoyable and approachable ARPG that practically begs to be played.
Monster Hunter Wilds stands as Capcom’s crowning achievement in the Monster Hunter series, showcasing years of refinement and passion. The combat is seamless, the environments are breathtaking, and the attention to detail is truly remarkable.
Dark Deity 2 builds on its predecessor with deeper strategic battles and richer character-driven storytelling. Assemble your team, forge unbreakable bonds, and lead powerful heroes through an epic struggle where every choice shapes the journey. But does it surpass the original? Watch the review to find out!
Bloodborne is perhaps the best reason to date to own a PlayStation 4. Despite several minor issues that I have with the game, it's easily the best looking title on the system and easily my favorite (I still love you Driveclub). It has fast based combat system, more than enough weapons to keep just about everyone happy, interesting locations that you'll wander and get lost in and more importantly, it's fun. Lots and lots of fun. Despite the game being so short, Bloodborne is exactly the shot in the arm the PlayStation 4 need and another notch on FROMSOFTWARE's games that kick ass list.
A throw back to the Golden Age of gaming, Castle in the Darkness is a fun, yet death filled adventure that should not be missed. If you loved another similar type of game, Shovel Knight, then you're going to be right at home with Castle in the Darkness! Hard as balls, indeed!
Platinum Games shining star from the days of the Wii U has made a huge comeback now that it's on the Nintendo Switch. With a heavy amount of action, a nearly 60fps experience, and huge replay value, Bayonetta 2 is right at home on the Switch. Fans of the game will fall in love all over again, while newcomers will be in for a massive treat.
All in all, if Dark Souls III is indeed the final chapter in the Dark Soul series then at the very least the game will go out with a supernova sized bang. Multiple endings, hidden paths for the adventurous, optional bosses and levels, tons of items to find and despite the forward linear progression this is perhaps the game in the Dark Souls series. While this review does cover the Xbox One version, nothing else will be any different on either the PlayStation 4 or PC versions as well. That said you can't do wrong regardless of which system to you decide to play Dark Souls III on, just make sure that you do play it.
After putting in over 40+ hours into The Surge, I'm happy to admit that this game was a pleasant surprise. I fully expected this to be a failed attempt to capitalize on the Soulsborne series, like some many others. Instead, I played a game with an interesting story, tons of hidden content, a cast crafting system and more than enough combat to keep me swinging away. Deck 13 Interactive should be applauded for what they've managed to pull off and more importantly, it will help to remove the blemish that is Lords of the Fallen.
You know the saying, that good things come to those who wait? Well, this wait for Chasm has definitely yielded an amazing fun title, that should appeal to even the more hardcore of Metroidvania games. Beautiful, lots of stuff to do and tons of items and secrets to uncover, makes Chasm the game that will keep you busy for a long time. In fact, we just might be playing it longer than it took for this gem to be released.