Scott Ellison II's Reviews
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.
The Plucky Squire can be a bit hand holdy, but it’s something that’s also great for kids. It’s ultimately an adventure I want more of, even after the credits rolled. It leans well on childhood nostalgia and putting your imagination to good use. It’s a shame that the bugs detract from what would otherwise be a better experience. Where art and words comes together beautifully is a a page turner for some well-earned surprises, and The Plucky Squire is a delightful journey.
Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is a remarkable achievement that perfectly captures the spirit of the original game while introducing modern enhancements that elevate the experience. This is not a long game, and neither was the original, but even with the additional stage it’ll be over quickly. The controls can be imprecise at times, but it doesn’t detract from the fun it brings. Shadow of the Ninja – Reborn is a must-play for fans of the original game and anyone looking for a fun and challenging retro-style experience.
Parking Garage Rally Circuit does feel like a game plucked out of the SEGA Saturn or PlayStation 1 era. It’s a straightforward game where its ideas are all executed well, but I’d like to see the game grow and expand beyond what it is. While it’s not a long game, there’s lots of reasons for you to return to it, like to get all gold trophies, beat rivals, or participate in the multiplayer. Parking Garage Rally Circuit is a bite-sized game that I’ll always keep installed and revisit often, as it slides right into your heart.
Tiny Glade is simply fantastic, it offers a peaceful escapism in all the right ways. The graphics are beautiful, the gameplay is engaging, and the game’s ability to promote relaxation is an unexpected perk. While this isn’t a game in the traditional sense, maybe it’s time we reconsider a traditional game. As it stands, I’d much rather be cozy than stressing over completing a battle pass in time. If you’re looking for a serene and immersive virtual experience, Tiny Glade is definitely worth the price, because you’re buying joy in its purest form.
Wild Bastards feels scaled back and lacks the immersion that its predecessor excelled at. Being a “spiritual successor to the award-winning game Void Bastards” sounds great, but tends to feel like an out-of-body experience. Thankfully, the new mechanics and systems are great to interact with, and assembling a varied and diverse crew of thirteen outlaws gives you a lot of wiggle room for experimentation. Add in the personality layer, and needing to manage relationships is a welcome addition. Wild Bastards is about strategizing and optimizing your not-so-merry band of outlaws for a tactical first-person experience that’s more style over substance.
I Am Your Beast twists the formula of the prey becoming the predator, you’ll never tire of the “he’s-in-the-walls” reactions from enemies. The short runtime works in its favor to not overstay its welcome, but a healthy amount of replayability will keep you coming back for that next “S” rank. The game’s soundtrack will get your blood pumping as also you empty it from your enemies. I Am Your Beast is a blissful mix of speed and brutality that will make you a bogeyman among men.
Let’s be honest, WHAT THE CAR? isn’t for everyone. The chaotic physics engine and the constant barrage of unexpected challenges can be frustrating at times. This is a comedy racing game, with an emphasis on the humor first. With its impressive physics engine, it’s exceptionally well made and silly. WHAT THE CAR? is a game that defies definition. It’s a racing game, a physics playground, a comedy show, and all wrapped up in one ridiculously entertaining package.
Tactical Breach Wizards is a fantastic game that is less “must own” and more “why haven’t you bought this yet?” kind of turn-based tactics games. Those looking for something a little different will have that here, in spades. With its unique blend of strategy, humor, and character, it’s a game that is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Tactical Breach Wizards is accessible, brilliant, and most of all: Game of the Year contender.
Star Trucker competes with the likes of American Truck Simulator and is able to keep up without needing to catch its breath. Monster and Monster’s truck simulation is a game I thought would be a novelty, but it turned out to be so much more. There’s nothing like cruising through a system to deliver cargo while you’re leaking oxygen and you’re about to exceed the deadline given to you – do you risk it for the extra money? This and many other questions is what you’ll be asking yourself. Star Trucker is as challenging as it is rewarding, and it’s out of this world truck simulation not to be missed.
Sumerian Six is immensely replayable, both as a whole game and individual levels. The game is not as an impeccable as the games it was so clearly inspired by, but it is very good at what it does. I did find Sumerian Six to be a little easy, even on its hardest skill setting. That said, this is a game that’s very approachable and accessible, and could be someone’s first game in the genre to acquainted. Artificer is keeping the real-time tactics genre alive with Sumerian Six, an enjoyable romp as it delves into the occult and science, and of course killing Nazi’s never gets old.
Intravenous 2 is what sequel dreams are made of. If the first game didn’t click with you, the sequel won’t do anything to persuade you otherwise. It’s exquisite top-down stealth, and regardless of the difficulty chose, won’t be an easy game. It requires planning and improvisation in order to get through every level. The developer really cares about the player experience, and has been updated regularly. Intravenous was an evolution of the stealth genre, and Intravenous 2 is a stealth revolution sequel that can’t be overlooked.
Iron Meat is a bloody good time, offering a grotesque and beautiful arcade experience. Retroware once again nails the nostalgia of playing games like Contra while going above and beyond to deliver a retro experience on modern systems. Don’t let its short runtime be a deterrent, this is still a must-play because it is so well done. Iron Meat modern classic that’s accessible to everyone at any age to play and enjoy, solo or together.
What Respawn did with Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Massive has done with Star Wars Outlaws, and that’s creating a unique Star Wars experience we haven’t had before. Star Wars Outlaws does a lot of things, and at no point does it fumble with its ambition, and executes on it with truly epic moments, fun stealth, and freedom of choice. Massive Entertainment really knows how to make their game worlds feel lived in, and there’s no better setting than Star Wars, especially during the latter episodes of the original trilogy. Star Wars Outlaws epitomizes the Han Solo line, “Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid” so wonderfully.
Volgarr the Viking II is sometimes unfair, but it’s a throwback to the 8 and 16-bit platformers it is so clearly inspired by. It’s a game that requires precision, patience, and practice. It’s a straightforward game that has multiple endings to encourage replayability, but is a game that’s more about the journey than the destination. Volgarr the Viking II is a hardcore and uncompromising sequel that delivers.
SteamWorld Heist II can be as relaxing or as challenging as you want it to be thanks to its wide array of difficulty modes, it’s pure fun the whole way through. The shift from the first game taking place in space to this game shipping out to sea might seem like a step back, but it’s such a fantastic setting, filled with sea shanties and naval combat. Having direct control of your shots, being able to ricochet them, or perform a trick shot is still an incredible feeling each and every time. SteamWorld Heist II everything great about the first game, only more and better that you have to sea to believe.
EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 6 is an evolution and successor to EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 5 both in gameplay and as a game. There’s so many quality of life improvements, more missions, a far more intriguing storyline, and the best enemy variety the series has ever seen. EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 6 is a triumph of mindless fun. It delivers everything fans of the series have come to expect and more. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it refines the formula to near-perfection. With its over-the-top action and addictive replayable gameplay, EARTH DEFENSE FORCE 6 is a must-have.
CLICKOLDING is the best three dollars you can spend on Steam right now. It’s short, sweet bitter, and sure to leave an aftertaste. Strange Scaffold has crafted a fantastic thriller leaving you degraded at the whims of a deviant. CLICKOLDING is a different kind of clicker game, and you’ll be edging for more.