Josh Hobbs's Reviews
Pixel Heroes excels at emulating the classic RPG formula from the 80's and 90's, albeit with a cool rogue-like twist. It certainly has some flaws and it's touchscreen mobile roots become more apparent the longer you play. However, those with a love for past games of this type will benefit most from what it has to offer. So finish that frothy mug of ale and get adventuring!
Toby: The Secret Mine is a fun platforming adventure whose art design alone is worth a look. The visuals are consistently amazing all the way through it's short playtime. The fact that it takes so little time to finish is it's biggest flaw. The odd technical hitch and a general lack of depth don't help matters. Fans of Limbo will be in circular saw heaven here and are probably the ones who will benefit most from Toby's stylings. For the rest, this is a game where the sights are breathtaking to behold but when examined deeper, it's a journey found curiously wanting.
While it has a few issues with combat, Sylvio definitely has that special something. It's a unique take on psychological horror that manages to be frightening without resorting to cheap scares. The ghost recording concept works perfectly, weaving a harrowing tale that unfolds at just the right pace. Turn the lights down and listen....the dead are calling!
Darksiders is the same game it was back in 2010; a fantastic experience. The addition of enhanced visuals and a smoother frame rate only bolsters that fact. For new players, the Warmastered Edition is an enjoyable journey that encapsulates all the things that makes Darksiders great. For veterans of the series, saddle up Ruin and join War for another adventure. The apocalypse never looked so inviting!
Wheels of Aurelia is unlike any game I've played. It's 1970's style and original approach to story telling make for an experience you won't find anywhere else. Good or bad is a matter of opinion; what we have here is something new and for that alone, it's a road worth taking!
Senran Kagura Bon Appetit: Full Course is straight up fan-service for those who are into light-hearted anime-style titillation. Those of us willing to look beyond the jiggling breasts will find a fun and well designed rhythm game that hits all the right notes!
Ittle Dew 2 improves on the original in all departments. A larger world to explore, much better visuals and some of the catchiest tunes in gaming to date. It's biggest weakness is it's lack of innovation. Despite that, a sense of fun and a quirky attitude make Ittle Dew 2 a worthwhile and enjoyable dungeon crawler for casual and hardcore gamers alike!
An enjoyably unsettling horror tale, Through the Woods will leave it's mark on you long after it's conclusion. Featuring superb sound design and gorgeous visuals, the story of a mother looking for her son on an eerie island straight out of Norse folklore, is definitely a journey worth taking!
Axiom Verge picks up the Metroid mantle and takes it in an entirely new direction while still retaining the best aspects of the classic from Nintendo. It's a wonderful adventure full of astonishing sights and sublime sounds, all created by a one man developer, Tom Happ. I'm very much looking forward to discovering his next project...if it's half as good as Axiom Verge, we are all in for a treat!
Firewatch excels at storytelling first and foremost. Thematic maturity and likable characterization only serve to complement the tale. Featuring gorgeous visuals that look amazing even in the dark of night, a visit to the Shoshone National Forest has never been this enjoyable! Get out there!
The Bunker weaves a compelling narrative packed with amazing performances, authentic sets and believable writing let down only by limited interactivity. If you love a tense, chilling story, The Bunker provides all the mystery and intrigue you could hope for!
Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas is a fun action adventure inspired by the classic Zelda series. While it mimics much of what makes those games great, it adds it's own brand of magic to the formula. Despite some simple combat, Oceanhorn is a worthy foray filled with peril and treasure. An enjoyable experience for adventure seekers everywhere!
Armello has many amazing qualities. It is certainly the most authentic take on digital tabletop gaming I have seen. While it could have benefited from the inclusion of a dedicated campaign, the lore and background infused into it's world make it a joy to play. Board game fans should beware - once Armello casts it's dice-dueling spell on you, going back to the tabletop will never be the same!
Valley ticks all the boxes - gorgeous visuals, soothing sounds and tight controls. A solid narrative is just the icing on the cake. Despite being low on the difficulty scale, Valley adds enough original features to make it a worthwhile addition to the collection of any budding archaeologists out there!
Sword Coast Legends has most of the parts but struggles to integrate them into a seamless whole. Based on the fanatically popular pen-and-paper RPG, Dungeons and Dragons, it attempts to emulate some of the classic isometric titles from the past like Baldur's Gate and the legendary Planescape: Torment. In some regards, it certainly succeeds. Unfortunately, the fact that it is set in such a rich fantasy world like the Forgotten Realms ends up hindering its success in the end.