Scott Ellison II's Reviews
Metal Slug Tactics being a turn-based tactics roguelike was an unlikely deviation from the series’ norms, but it pays off incredibly well. There’s deep and flexible tactical experience here offering dozens of hours of gameplay. It’s tough but fair as you work through the campaign, and really satisfying when you’re able to clutch a victory in a single battle, or an entire run. Metal Slug Tactics is inventive, clever, and most of all in service of the legacy of the series – now it’s your turn to take up arms.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is an absolute thriller with plenty of bombast to spare The campaign offers a decent story with some memorable set pieces, zombies is back to being round-based, and the multiplayer is refined and engaging for the grind. Black Ops 6 a worthy entry in the series that continues from where Cold War ended and doesn’t let go, and it’s been many years since Call of Duty has been this good. As as George H.W. Bush put it: “The world could wait no longer.” Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is an evolution in player movement thanks to the stellar omnimovement system, and the game is a shining gem affixed onto a polished crown – because the king is back.
If you already own the game on PlayStation 4, it’s a no-brainer to upgrade to the remaster for $10. If you’ve never played, it’s absolutely worth the asking price.Horizon Zero Dawn is a great story with good gameplay, and Horizon Forbidden West is a good story with great gameplay, though they compliment one another so well. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered is still a masterpiece of its own, has a captivating story, a rich and vibrant world teeming with secrets, and thrilling combat that will keep you hooked for dozens of hours. Thanks to Nixxes, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered provides consistency in its environmental design and enhanced detail that are now present in both Horizon games, making this more than a remaster – it’s a remaster plus plus.
Slayaway Camp 2 is a masterclass in taking a winning formula and making it even better. The game’s darkly comedic tone, intuitive yet challenging puzzles, and violent deaths are nothing short of amazing. Blue Wizard Digital went hard on this one to make it endlessly enjoyable, and it’s incredibly silly as it is gory. Slayaway Camp 2 is much bigger and more diverse of a game, making it an intensely satisfying sequel with an absolutely perfect execution.
While being in a penitentiary is no easy task, being in one overrun by zombies and others trying to escape makes it even harder. Striking Distance Studios really knocked it out of the park with this one. [REDACTED] is a challenging and rewarding roguelike experience, where the tight gameplay loop, engaging combat, and oppressive atmosphere will keep you hooked for hours on end. [REDACTED] was a total surprise, but comes packing with deep systems, and a delightful arsenal to help fight your way to freedom that I have to expose.
Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered often breaks the fourth wall and embraces its own brand of humor to its credit and detriment. There’s a really stylish presentation akin to something like Devil May Cry, but its inconsistent gameplay mechanics and disappointing narrative hold it back. If you’re willing to overlook its flaws, this offers a decent adventure with some memorable moments. If nothing else, this is something that exists for the pursuit of video game preservation. Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is just hella OK, and it’s one of the least exciting remasters I’ve played, but it still has some charm going for it, even in 2024.
Botworld Odyssey is a delightful Pokémon-like with a surprising amount of strategic depth. The vibrant world, the diverse cast of bots, and the robust crafting system offer a compelling gameplay experience and steady treadmill to climb. While random difficulty spikes and repetitive quest design hold it back from greatness, the overall package is a charming and engaging adventure that deserves your attention. This is a quirky and strategic creature collector with a touch of mechanical mayhem. I’ve traditionally never been a fan of this genre, but it hit all the right notes, and Botworld Odyssey is built with all the best parts.
While the improvements are noticeable, it isn’t pushing visual limits or providing groundbreaking gameplay, the LEGO Harry Potter Collection is incredibly good, and this remaster doesn’t disappoint. With its charming visuals, witty humor, and expansive environments to explore, the collection successfully captures the magic of the Wizarding World so many fell in love with, making it a perfect title to revisit or discover for the first time. LEGO Harry Potter Collection offers an enchanting and engaging experience for all ages.
Until Dawn (2024) is a visually stunning remake that certainly has its merits of being on PlayStation 5, but it is also the least necessary and important remake yet. The gameplay was never groundbreaking, but it gave way to a genre of interactive horror movie that elevated it for a unique social experience. Some of the changes are rather quizzical and inexplicable like removing the faster player movement, overcomplicating totems, and having subpar performance. When the original runs better and doesn’t look too worse off, you can save money here. At best, Until Dawn (2024) should have been a remaster like the upcoming Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. There’s still a good game here, but it’s impossible not to compare it to the original that’s simply better in almost every way.
MechWarrior 5: Clans takes everything good about MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, but makes it better in every regard. The metagame has its own risks and rewards, every mission has stakes that can be felt immediately, or later in the campaign. MechWarrior 5: Clans is nostalgic and reminiscent of past games while being a great entry point for newcomers. Piranha Games has been working on the MechWarrior franchise for a decade now, and MechWarrior 5: Clans is their magnum opus. It’s a culmination of everything they’ve built and learned for one of the most fully fleshed out MechWarrior games to ever exist.
The horror is pervasive, and it’s absolutely worth the three hour runtime and $13 price tag. Every character is complicated and interesting, and you’ll have to pay close attention to every detail or you’ll miss something. There’s so much to revisit and deconstruct, it’ll have your brain buzzing long after credits roll. Mouthwashing is as compelling as it is unsettling, and this psychological sci-fi horror has heart that beats for this genre.
Age of Mythology: Retold is a faithful and visually stunning recreation of the classic RTS. Veteran players will undoubtedly find themselves transported back to an earlier time, reliving epic battles, using godly powers, and managing their booming mythological empires. Newcomers to the series will find a well-polished and accessible strategy game steeped in rich mythology. However, the lack of significant new content and the focus on nostalgia might leave some players yearning for more. Age of Mythology: Retold is no fable, it really serves as a reminder it shouldn’t have never been forgotten.
Ara: History Untold takes strides in pushing the boundaries of the 4X genre to new and exciting places. While it stumbles in its execution, it offers glimpses of an exciting future for the genre. If you’re a patient strategist willing to grapple with its systems, there’s an enjoyable game here. Though it’s going to take additional updates and DLCs to right the ship, as the mid-to-late game needs support. Like many civilizations in history, Ara: History Untold is on the cusp of greatness before it falls due to its own hubris.
Despite some minor stumbles, Parcel Corps is a thoroughly enjoyable experience, though the price of admission is a little steep. It’s a game that revels in its own silliness, offering a nostalgic blend of fast-paced action, exploration, and laugh-out-loud humor. If you’re looking for a game that will test your reflexes, tickle your funny bone, and keep you coming back for more, Parcel Corps is a more complex Crazy Taxi, and ride worth taking.
Frostpunk 2 builds upon the original by throwing everything out and starting over. The stakes are high with Frostpunk 2, and it’s not afraid to kill you. Though you do learn from this in order to retry and do better until you get that “a-ha moment” for the satisfaction of overcoming the odds for success. Unlike the inhabitants of my colonies, we’re eating good with the release of Frostpunk 2, as it’s an excellent survival game that despite its weather, has no chill.
While the campaign ends on a cliffhanger, there’s going to be continuity in all the endgame activities until what will likely be another expansion. In a lot of ways, this feels like a whole new game; as this expansion brings so many new and different things with it, from revamping the difficulties to adding co-op dungeons, a new class, and even a new season. There’s so much to do and see, Diablo IV is going to take over your life once again. I love the ride that Vessel of Hatred goes on, as it continues from where Diablo IV left off, only to build and improve on itself for a hellishly good time.
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster does a lot of heavy lifting thanks to the RE Engine. It’s a gorgeous engine, and a very fitting one for the zombie carnage that unfolds in the course of three in-game days. CAPCOM doesn’t reinvent Dead Rising with this deluxe remaster, but it does reintroduce it to those who’ve never played it. Returning players will find enough here to satisfy nostalgia while enjoying a whole new experience. The Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster shows how ahead of its time it was, and still is – it’s a charming and gruesome adventure worth revisiting.
CarX Street is undoubtedly fun, and has the potential to be an excellent open-world racing game, as it's only pretty good now. The core gameplay loop of racing and customization is solid, and the open world itself offers a decent playground to explore. However, the relentless grind for cash, the lack of meaningful activities outside of racing, and the technical issues all hold the game back. Despite its shortcomings, CarX Street on PC is a worthy contender to its triple A competitors.
For $50, Khaos Reigns expansion does not live up to the standards set by Mortal Kombat 1. The game as a whole is the best its ever been, and if you haven’t played MK1 yet, now’s a great time to jump in with a complete story. As an epilogue to the MK1 story, it does not stand on its own, and after the credits roll there’s only Invasions mode to compete in. Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns ends the story in an abrupt way that’s rather unsatisfying for what came before it.
The minimalist nature of this management sim offers more depth than a game that’s maximalist. It’s a game that is mesmerizing and nail biting as you have to stand by and watch events unfold. Golden Lap is another special game from Funselektor, and one not to be missed. Golden Lap is infinitely replayable as you embark on a quest to beat the best, and to be the best.