The concept behind Absolver is intriguing, but its execution and lack of staying power make it a very tough recommendation. If you're willing to put up with tedium, maybe joining a guild and learning new moves will be for you. For others, I'd say give this a pass.
If you can get friends interested, though, Windjammers makes for an almost no-brainer local purchase. The intensity of the gameplay and sheer attitude the game exhibits is truly a joy. I do wish the Vita version had ad-hoc multiplayer, but since this is a cross-buy title, you'll have access to the better realized PS4 version regardless of which console you buy this on.
While Mages of Mystralia might not live up to its full potential, the game has some charm and is fun enough to be worth a look. The $20 price tag is also pretty solid.
Really, you can't go wrong with Kiwami. I would have liked it if every aspect of the game had been fully redone, but we don't see remakes like this come along often. I can deal with a few stumbling blocks when the core quality of what makes Yakuza so unique and engaging remains untouched. At least now more people can have a chance to experience this classic, which is the best thing about Kiwami's existence.
Really, Immortal Planet is mostly a game for Souls fans that just cannot get enough of FromSoftware's particular brand of action. While it could also work as an introduction to the series proper, what with its short length, Immortal Planet doesn't bring enough new to the table to really justify a purchase for anyone not already familiar with the Souls series. That it starts to recycle content in such a short time frame is also a crime, even if the combat can be engaging.
So overall, Redeemer is a bit of a dud. While it certainly has a good premise and delivers on its promise of blood and brutality, it just feels like the game came out of the oven too early. Hopefully after a few patches and some more polish, Sobaka Studio can iron out the bugs present and tighten up the flow to create a decent little brawler. Until then, give this a pass.
Sadly, YANKAI'S PEAK is yet another in a long line of mechanics driven puzzle games. Its goal is simple, its execution is sound and it provides a hefty amount of individual challenges to keep you engrossed to see it through to the end, but it never does anything more to remain in your mind.
Were it not for the successful conversion of the multiplayer mode for this port, I would have rated this game lower. Even without an active player base, though, the prospect of getting friends involved for a night of classic fragging is really tantalizing. Hopefully more people get this in the future, because letting these crazy weapons go to waste is a damn shame.
Unless you're just dying for something different, Valkyria Revolution isn't worth your time. Its attempt at genre blending just leads to a confusing mess of styles that never quite works.
With better care given to the other modes and maybe some concrete rally tracks, this could have been the definitive rally racing game. As it stands, though, DiRT 4 is a hardcore simulation with limited appeal beyond a specific audience. Those fans will absolutely love this game, but any newcomers should try to cut their teeth somewhere else.
OVIVO may be a bit artsy for some people, but the game is relatively short and always throwing something new your way. Even if it doesn't leave a lasting impression, the game is good while it lasts.
In the end, isn't that exactly what Danger Zone should be? It may be short, but it is ever so sweet. Hopefully we can see more of this, either with a full-on sequel or some DLC, because it's been too damn long since we've had a proper Burnout game. Arcade racers need a comeback and Danger Zone would be a perfect reigning champion.
The low price of admission is also nice, since spending $5 is hardly what I'd call expensive. I don't know if I care for choose-your-own-adventure games (they, effectively, have no drama), but Emily is Away Too does enough right to make it easy to recommend.
Simplicity is the biggest strength of Old Man's Journey. It doesn't require you to be a genius or a master gamer, but to have a penchant for something more oft-kilter. That it manages to be a satisfying experience all without saying a single word is remarkable and definitely worth a look.
Really, anyone should be able to pick up and play Super Rude Bear despite its perceived difficulty. It may not be a classic, but it does enough right to warrant your time and attention.
STRAFE may not be a classic and it definitely has issues, but it's fun enough for anyone who wants a nostalgia trip. Hopefully others feel the same way, but I kind of expect most people will pass on it. That is their loss.
Rain Games definitely knows how to make a quality title. If you have any fondness for Zelda, you should really check this out. Even if you don't happen to enjoy Nintendo's classic series, World to the West is fun enough to warrant a playthrough from even the sternest of players.
While the combat may have some depth and the game is certainly tongue-in-cheek, it just doesn’t present enough new ideas to sustain itself. I think it’s worth a playthrough, but I don’t believe we’ll be talking about Mr. Shitfy for years to come. Just as quickly as Shifty himself enters and leaves a room, so too does this game enter and exit your mind.
If you only ever experienced the original on consoles, though, Full Clip Edition might be more enticing. It speeds up the framerate, includes all the DLC, and even provides an insane new way to experience the campaign. Whether or not Duke adds to that is yet to be seen, but at least the main package lives up to its title.
Even if I'm not in love with HackyZack, I still really like it. It only lasts a few hours, but it's a few hours of genuine fun that makes you feel good. There is no need to complicate that further.