It doesn't make the games feel modern, but that likely isn't the point. This HD remaster is mainly here to provide fans with a new way to play some of their favorite games. I can't fault Sega too much for wanting to stick true to the original vision of Shenmue. If you were worried about compatibility issues or crashing, then you can rest easy. These ports are fine.
For my money, it is the best way to experience this particular story and improves enough of the game to make for a great time sink. Maybe certain aspects could have been tweaked to be more faithful to the source material, but the worst thing that could happen is you end up wanting to play the original to see the changes firsthand. That isn't such a terrible outcome.
If you believe you're ready to take the plunge on a journey that just might end you, La-Mulana 2 is highly recommended. Just be sure to look out for false tablets…and don't stand still too often…oh, definitely listen when the game tells you to stop reading.
Impulsion may not be the next coming of first-person platforming, but it is a solid game with good execution and no distractions. Definitely worth a playthrough.
I would have to nitpick to come up with anything else. I suppose The Lion's Song isn't what you'd traditionally call a "game," but it works as an engrossing experience that you're bound to relate to in one way or another. Its relatively cheap cost also makes it an easy pick for the mid-summer drought of games, though it does more than just exist as a cheap distraction.
Danger Zone 2 has all the groundwork set to make an explosive comeback for Burnout, but Three Fields Entertainment just needs to up its quality control. Also, how do we still not have Kenny Loggins on the soundtrack?!
With some more focus and better design, this could have been a relaxing and reflective trip about dealing with grief and loss. Instead, it just feels like an obstructive way of listening to an album.
Hopefully, some patches bring this remaster up to par, because it would be unforgivable to have Guerrilla fail a second time due to a rushed port.
Jurassic World Evolution is a very pretty looking game, but one that doesn't have a lot going on under the hood. It can be infuriating, engaging and baffling in equal measure, but is only really made for the most diehard of Jurassic Park fans.
The fusion of Dark Souls with metroidvania is something that can certainly lead to a great title. Unworthy falls just a bit short. Not much can be done about the level design, but a few key tweaks to item management and difficulty balancing could lead to this becoming a hidden gem. If nothing else, it scratches the itch for more Souls that From has left.
I don't regret having played this, but I do wish it was better. I love playing co-op games and I was excited by the idea of this minimalist platformer giving me an experience to bond over. Sadly, we both we pretty much in agreement on the final outcome. Unravel Two just doesn't quite have what it takes to be special.
The lack of players might be its undoing, but Laser League is well worth looking into if you're a fan of arena style multiplayer titles.
The game has potential and is loaded with a bunch of memorable characters, but it has general design flaws that are tough to overlook.
If you're a fan of noir thrillers, puzzle games or just creatively presented ideas, you're bound to find something you'll enjoy here. It also won't require a massive time investment, which is always a plus.
It is a shame the game doesn't end on a better note, but I definitely had a good time with Fox n Forests. It may not be the second coming of retro platformers, but it certainly feels like a lost gem.
There is a lot of potential here for a great idea and certain moments are truly awesome, but the whole experience just doesn't hold up and ends on a low point. If you have a stronger stomach for finicky controls, though, Inked might just be the game for you.
Even if games so relaxed aren't your normal forte, I would recommend checking out Solo. Everyone has rough patches in their lives and it can be cathartic to explore our thoughts in a more interactive manner. Not every aspect of the game is perfect, but that beautifully mirrors how complex love can be.
Shadow Bug is a unique platformer with some interesting ideas, but one that doesn't always stick the landing.
Star Allies is a respectable entry in the Kirby legacy, but it isn't likely to be held up as one of the better entries. Maybe with some more content, I'd be warmer to the whole experience, but I did have fun and definitely appreciate Nintendo making yet another co-op platformer I can enjoy with my family.
Bit Dungeon Plus isn't the worst game around, but it doesn't do anything particularly noteworthy with its mechanics. If you're just dying for a co-op roguelike, I suppose this will do, but you can find a lot of better examples elsewhere.