Scott Ellison II's Reviews
What Obsidian did with New Vegas to improve Fallout as Avowed does for Elder Scrolls. While in separate universes, this feels like Obsidian’s take on an Elder Scrolls-esque game, and does so much more. Avowed is gorgeous and delightful, but equally grim and dark as its story unfolds. You needn’t play Pillars of Eternity to understand everything, but you’ll be inclined to after the credits roll. Avowed asserts itself into the pantheon of great first-person RPGs, offering best-in-class combat.
X-Out is back thanks KRITZELKRATZ 3000 and Rainbow Arts, as the legendary developer returns in a big way for X-Out: Resurfaced. I can only fathom of a few retro remakes that look and feel this good to play. It was a game ahead of its time, and the depths it goes to be an engaging and challenging shmup. X-Out: Resurfaced is faithfully recreated, and this unique shoot’em up is for all to enjoy once again or for the first time.
Ultimately, Civilization VII feels like a safe bet. It’s a game where the additions are best for new players, and there’s not much new that returning players would care about. A lot of the changes feel like they exist simply for the sake of changing things up. Firaxis is aware that there are issues with the game, and successive patches have improved already since launch. Sid Meier’s Civilization VII introduces some interesting new ideas, streamlines the tech tree, and gives more control to city settlement and growth. It push the boundaries of the genre make it a refinement, not a revolution. In time this can be a great game, but for now, Sid Meier’s Civilization VII is simply okay.
Keep Driving is a heartfelt homage to the open road, capturing the freedom, challenges, and introspection that come with long-distance driving. The management and logistics aspects are such a great fit, though the shoehorned “combat” left a lot to be desired. YCJY Games has crafted an experience that resonates with the wanderlust in all of us, offering a journey that’s as much about self-discovery as it is about reaching a destination. Keep Driving is a unique and rewarding adventure that’s well worth the trip.
Eternal Strands is an impressive debut from Yellow Brick Games, showcasing not only what they’re capable of, but how to make it all work. With its engaging narrative, easy-to-use magic system, and rewarding exploration, there’s a lot to love here. There’s a lot of familiar ground tread here, but Eternal Strands is appropriately priced and an amalgamation of your favorite games into a tightly packed action-adventure RPG that’s easy to overlook – so don’t miss out.
Reality Break is a really clever with its rewrite mechanic, allowing you to play the game as a roguelite on your own terms, or simply as a traditional engaging space ARPG. There’s endless possibilities here, and Element Games gives you a power fantasy you’re in complete and total control of. Once you wrap your head around it, you’ll clamor to see all the ways you can break the game and tips the scales in your favor. Reality Break lets you reshape the universe with a prestige loop concept that , is an absolute gem.
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. is a solid fighting game that’s been remastered by the Like a Dragon developers at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio to be the “definitive edition” of Virtua Fighter 5. The combat system is deliberate and enjoyable for anyone to pick-up and play. Unfortunately the dated presentation and overall lack of content when compared to other fighters holds it back, but the inclusion of rollback netcode is essential. Ultimately, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. is a 20-year old game that will likely only appeal to the most hardcore of fighting games fans that are fiending for something new, but it’s modest price should attract many.
There’s some genuine moments in While Waiting that can pull at your heartstrings, where no words are ever spoken. But emotions are conveyed eloquently with no interpretation. It’s hard to sit back and let things play out, because everyone wants to control the uncontrollable. But that’s life, you don’t get to shape how things go every time. While Waiting is a true exercise of patience, understanding, and acceptance that you should experience for yourself.
The 17-year old game has been revitalized for modern day thanks to a lot of good people, and NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black is a throwback of a character action game that’s so rewarding. It’s an absolutely stunning game in Unreal Engine 5. NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black is gorier, with a wider cast of characters to become more difficult, yet more accessible with this remaster. NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black is great for anyone looking to relive past times, or dive into something they missed the first or even second time around. Receiving the “Black” treatment for NINJA GAIDEN 2 really gives this game the justice it deserves, and it bodes well for NINJA GAIDEN 4 releasing later this year.
The roguelike spin on missions is refreshing for a series that have had static maps and predictable routes in prior games. It’s a well-made game, yet it still feels all too familiar to its predecessors in this tower defense strategy game. What really put me off was how much grinding there is to do with skill trees per character, traps, and threads to invest in. This is a game where you’re in it for the long haul. Though I can’t deny the fact that it is a visual spectacle with lots of gore and blood to spilled the moment a game starts, it’s the simple things that the game gets so right. The lack of a proper campaign will leave you wanting more, but Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is still a chaotic good time.
Even without the storied protagonist we’ve been used to, this game soars to new heights thanks to the returning Invasion and new Propaganda modes. Sniper Elite: Resistance is uncomplicated but far from uninteresting, providing a complimentary side story and experience. Sniper Elite: Resistance is a Sniper Elite game through and through. Sniper Elite: Resistance hits its target with new and returning modes that make it another great stealth-action game with tons of replayability.
Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders is the quintessential winter escape, the tight controls paired with breath-taking vistas are this game’s bread and butter. While progression can feel slow, playing the game is anything but. I am looking forward to what more will be coming to the game in terms of updates, but for what’s here at launch, is a careful balance of challenging but fair slopes. Simply put, Lonely Mountains: Snow Riders is gnar, top to bottom.
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.