Keith Mitchell's Reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
All in all, Hot Wheels Unleashed is a fun arcade racer that has a lot going for it, and unlike other arcade racers, it has enough going for it to keep you coming back. Even after the campaign is completed, there's still lots to do, such as finding all the secrets, getting the best time on all the tracks, the basement, and the track creator. Even if this wasn't a Hot Wheels game, this title is a solid arcade racer, and I'd recommended it to anyone who's looking for a racing game that isn't too serious.
Bandai Namco's Scarlet Nexus is an interesting mixture of hack and slash meets JRPG and succeeds in just about every department. However, it's not without its flaws, which are minor. If you're looking for a fun action game with some RPG elements sprinkled in, then you can't go wrong with Scarlet Nexus.
Despite having a few flaws, such as missing modes and the lack of being able to invite friends for some online bouts, Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown is a solid title. If and when Sega addresses the online issues, this will be a title that everyone will be playing, there's no doubt about that. Now if it was only available for the other platforms, it would be even better.
Easily one of my favorite Assassin’s Creed entries, thanks to the improvements made to the combat, health, stamina, and progression systems. The story was enjoyable, the NPCs both plentiful, colorful, and rememberable, even if some were annoying at times. Ubisoft has taken everything that worked in Origins and Odyssey and improved them, thus making Valhalla easily the best game in the past few years. And I simply can not get enough of Orlog.
While Watch Dogs: Legion lacks a main protagonist and has some performance issues, it is a solid entry in the Watch Dogs series.
Easily the best out of the two expansions, yet again, one that ends all too soon. I need more!
It took 23 years, but I'm happy to say that Streets of Rage is back and then some. The gameplay is reminiscent of games of the past while bringing in new mechanics that push the game further. Thanks to the insight from the developers, there's still plenty to do after the game has been beaten, which ensures players will be picking up the controls for a long time. I couldn't have asked for a better follow-up to the classic series. All that's needed now is for the online components to be fixed and this is will be perfect in my opinion.
Fans of Remnant from the Ashes will finally have a reason to revisit the title with the addition of the new survival mode, and the revamped Corsus region. While the quality of life changes improve on an otherwise fantastic experience and give melee a much-needed boost. Oh, and Apocalypse will consume you.
MechWarrior 5 is a glorious return to the MechWarrior universe. Lots of mechs from the past return, while the gameplay stays true to the original formula. The campaign is lengthy, insuring you won't beat this anytime soon. The wait was definitely worth it. If you're a fan of the mech simulator genre, don't sleep on this.
Deck 13 has taken everything that made the first game a solid Soulslike entry and has refined everything. The Surge 2 doesn't change the game but will provide an enjoyable time for those who enjoy the genre.
Fans of the mecha game genre finally have a reason to rejoice as Daemon X Machina is just what the doctor ordered. Lots of mecha on mecha action, tons of customization options and despite some shortcomings, this is the best Mecha game available on the consoles. If you enjoy these sorts of games, definitely don't pass this up.
Remnant: From the Ashes finds a nice balance of emulating the Soulsborne games while retaining what makes a great third-person shooter, all set in an Action RPG world. Possessing a nice amount of combat, interesting gaming world mechanics, and a healthy amount of replay value. This is a must-play sleeper of 2019.
Blazing Chrome is a game that makes feels like I stepped into a time machine and arrived back during the heydays of the forgotten Run N' Gun arcade shooter genre. Challenging, fun and one of the best games 2D shooters I've played in quite some time.
For a free DLC, Resident Evil 2 Ghost Survivors isn’t bad – unless you’re not a fan timed runs and minimalist approaches. With an amazing sound direction, as well as several compelling scenarios, it’s definitely worth giving a try. Be forewarned, some of these are even more stress-inducing than the 4th survivor. My only complaint is that I wish this was story-driven. Maybe we’ll see this next time.
In the end, Unruly Heroes is a lot of fun as both a game you can just sit back and enjoy with friends and family. It has all the makings of an entertaining platform, which you'll enjoy for hours on end. It also makes for a fun party game, just make sure you're not drunk – you might die a bit too much. I just wish the game lasted a bit longer than it did. However, if you enjoy platformers, I'd definitely recommend giving this game a try.