Scott Ellison II's Reviews
The popularity of “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” was at a fever pitch in the early 90s. Playing through this game evoked so much nostalgia and I really enjoyed the twists on the genre. The music is a wonderful compliment here that pulls in familiar themes, but has a whole lot of new to be heard. There’s a whole lot of sequel potential here, and I hope they come to fruition, because I’m eager for more of this. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind is the game Power Rangers fans have been waiting for.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is greatness and there’s no shortage of Nazi-punching excitement to be had, because “Nazis…I hate these guys.” MachineGames was able to capture everything about “Indiana Jones” so well, and Troy Baker is a great Indy/Harrison Ford-alike. The locales, combat, stealth, and exploration are just superb, and I loved every minute of it. I think a lot of what works here is relying on your enjoyment of the franchise, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a grand adventure that looks and feels like a lost entry from the movies. The first-person perspective is sublime, because I’m not playing as Indiana Jones, I am Indiana Jones.
Through COVID-19, an invasion, and a war, GSC Game World capture the soul of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series wonderfully and shows the heart of those who made it. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl has so much to love, and features a thoroughly engrossing open-world, fantastic quest design which can be approached in a manner of ways, and gunplay that is unmatched. While the core game is something I will be replaying for years to come, I’m equally excited for the mods and spin-offs that will give us another 15 years of new experiences to have and share. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a game like no other, and even with its issues, doesn’t stop it from being my Game of the Year.
Digital Eclipse has crafted a love letter to Tetris, a comprehensive collection that caters to both die-hard fans and curious newcomers across 40 years. The sheer volume of content, thoughtful presentation, and innovative additions like Remix mode make it an absolute joy to play. It’s a beautiful reminder of the game’s enduring appeal, a testament to the power of simple mechanics and elegant design. Whether you’re a seasoned Tetris veteran chasing high scores or someone with a vague recollection of that childhood Game Boy classic, Tetris Forever has something to offer. It doesn’t have all the Tetris games you’d want, and the Game Boy omission is palatable, but it’s worth the price of admission for this museum to ensure preservation.
Drova – Forsaken Kin is a compelling isometric RPG experience that delivers a hefty dose of atmosphere, challenging combat, and a world brimming with secrets to uncover. While some minor UI issues and a lack of voiced dialogue might hold it back from true greatness, Drova offers a captivating world for you to explore. Drova – Forsaken Kin is a game that since its release has been overlooked but not underrated, it’s a gem that’s waiting for you to uncover.
However, in its current state, Mirthwood is a game that only the most patient and forgiving players will find truly charming or amusing.
Goat Simulator: Remastered is a decent refresh of a cult classic. It’s not going to win any game of the year awards, but it’s a guaranteed source of goofy fun for a short while – just don’t expect anything groundbreaking. If nothing else, shows how far Goat Simulator 3 has actually pushed the series forward, and gave it some focus it sorely needed. There’s a lot of game here with all of the DLCs and improved visuals that give it new life for a new generation. Goat Simulator: Remastered is now a solid and less buggy game, but it’s still as aimless as it was before.
The existence of LEGO Horizon Adventures should do two things: make new fans and get them interested in the mainline Horizon games, and to also create demand for new LEGO sets based on this series. Beyond that, LEGO Horizon Adventures is fantastic, if not a bit weird, especially for fans who know the world and characters really well. It’s a game that has a runtime on the shorter side, but it keeps your attention, and gets to the point. LEGO Horizon Adventures is great entry point to the Horizon or even a compliment to existing fans, even if the gameplay doesn’t translate equally, you’re bound to have a great time for players of all ages.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate might not be a revolutionary entry in the roguelite genre, it’s a really enjoyable and new kind of experience for TMNT fans. The diverse combat styles of the turtles, coupled with the engaging skill tree and well-designed levels, create a compelling core gameplay loop. The co-op mode shines even brighter, allowing players to team up and combine their turtle power in a truly satisfying way online, and off. While the repetitive enemies and sometimes uneven difficulty hold it back from greatness, Splintered Fate offers enough charm, challenge, and TMNT spirit to warrant a playthrough, especially for those who grew up yelling “Cowabunga!” alongside their favorite shelled turtle – I even found myself shouting it during my own runs.
In terms of price, I do feel it is worth it; but given how much time has passed, should be something slightly cheaper despite how much work has been put into this. Red Dead Redemption is a fantastic spaghetti western in video game form that still has, and is only surpassed by the equally fantastic 2018’s Red Dead Redemption 2. In the 14 years of its release, this remains a blueprint of incredible open-world design from its characters, missions, and things to do. This is not a game of just nostalgia, but endurance over time. Red Dead Redemption is still a masterpiece, and can now finally be enjoyed to the fullest on PC.
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.