Alex McCumbers's Reviews
Despite all of my trepidations, Bloober Team have exceeded expectations with their remake of Silent Hill 2, but there is still some work to do to push the game’s quality as far as possible... Regardless, this adaptation of Silent Hill 2 is brilliant and captures the overall feeling and tone of the tragedy of James Sunderland in a way that is commendable on nearly all accounts.
RetroRealms: Halloween and Ash vs Evil Dead are two games that create buyer confusion rather than fully celebrate horror culture. Thankfully, a majority of the problems with RetroRealms can be fixed. We can only wait to see if the dead stay dead or rise from their graves for more bloodshed.
Despite shortcomings, Clock Tower: Rewind is the definitive way to play this deeply important horror game.
The Holy Gosh Darn is a brilliant time loop comedy that is as mechanically engaging as it is hysterical.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO stokes the fires of the Dragon Ball fandom, but it could be a raging inferno with the right post-launch support. My wish to Super Shenron is that the game gets lots of polish, new modes, better online connectivity, and as many characters as it will hold.
While A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead isn’t a masterpiece of a horror game, it is interesting and that is hard to accomplish, especially in horror.
While Gimmick! 2 isn’t for me, it’s a cute little game that might be just the thing some are looking for in the platforming genre. Personally, this game stands as a curiosity that reflects a game that many discovered years after its release and that’s a fantastic approach to game development.
Although this old school approach to game design might be a perfect fit for some gamers, for most the difficulty might be a bit much. Unfortunately, the stunning pixel art and catchy music are not enough to keep me playing.
Space Marine 2 satisfies the pervasive fantasy of putting on the heavy boots of an iconic science fiction soldier.
Core Keeper is the perfect introduction to crafting games, setting a new standard in approachability for the genre through clever game design.
I could see this game getting a larger sequel or additional modes but as it stands it is a family-friendly, affordable, approachable tribute to one of gaming’s greatest adventures and that is pretty special.
Castlevania Dominus Collection is a surprisingly competent collection of the franchise’s Nintendo DS legacy with the added surprise of a worthwhile arcade remake. This game is a tremendous value thanks to three meaty single-player adventures but it certainly has room for improvement.
Gundam Breaker 4 primarily appeals to hardcore Gundam fans, especially those deeply familiar with the Gunpla hobby. Its slow story, repetitive mission structure, and lack of flair probably won’t earn new fans. Maybe watch a bunch of Gundam anime and build a few model kits instead.
Five Nights at Freddy’s, the Into the Pit game is the most approachable game in the franchise, with no prior knowledge of the murderous robots needed to enjoy this tense time-traveling tale.
Tomba! Special Edition might not be for everyone but it is an important moment in video game history that hopefully leads to more games ported to modern platforms and more robust ways to interact with those titles. Out of everything happening in retro gaming, the Carbon Engine is one of the most exciting things happening. Games deserve to be preserved and this release is a godsend for anyone with a passing interest on the adventures of a pink-haired feral lad.
El Paso Elsewhere is steeped in emotion like an aged tea that took generations to cultivate a particular flavor. It’s a game that’s simple in its ingredients, constructed in a way that elevates each piece into a timeless piece of art.
Even among the never-ending mountain of shooters available these days, Trepang2 stands out by being a loud and mysterious endeavor that doubly rewards those committed to learning its ways. It’s an adrenaline-fueled roller coaster that is a ton of fun to play.
ArtePiazza and everyone involved nailed revitalizing this classic for modern audiences in practically every aspect.
All in all, Blasphemous 2 is a great game of this style... I hope –like the sculptor Montañés– that The Game Kitchen gets to further hone their latest title. There is an amazing game here that’s just shrouded in a thin veil of sawdust. An extra chip here, a little more varnish there, and Blasphemous 2 will captivate many for years to come like its elder.
My Friendly Neighborhood may not have the blood and guts that many crave out of their horror experiences but it accomplishes so much without violence in a way that feels new and interesting. The world and story are fleshed out wonderfully and there’s an amazing message behind the game’s final moments.