Evan Norris's Reviews
If you're looking only for the original Republic Commando campaign, in all its glory, with some enhanced visuals, then go for it... if you're looking for a true remaster or something that might justify double dipping on Switch, you may wish to pass.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is an essential platforming experience.
It's not a complete collection — it's missing bonus features and a mainline installment in Super Turrican 2 — but it's a solid investment nonetheless, due to the inclusion of four classic games, several modern quality-of-life features, and some fun display options.
While it doesn't bear the Trine name, Nine Parchments represents the best of that series: fun co-op action and high production values.
It's a welcome, unexpected addition to an already substantial experience, and represents a refreshing change of scenery.
Black Mirror needed more time to expand its mythology, flesh out its characters, beef up its puzzles, and smooth out its technical kinks.
School Girl/Zombie Hunter is a game that knows what it is, but what it is just isn't very good.
The game's commitment to survival horror is mostly skin deep. Artistically and thematically, it resonates. Mechanically, not so much.
Audiovisual assets notwithstanding, The Mummy Demastered is an average game.
Regrettably, the game's production design and player engagement are never quite as rich and expansive as its internal mythology.
Overall, this is an admirable first attempt from Airship Syndicate, but one with a lot of unrealized potential.
Ultimately, it's a grab bag of gameplay conceits never fully fleshed out. There are high points — boss battles and secret levels among them — but not enough to elevate it above others in the genre.
With Baja: Edge of Control HD, THQ Nordic has brought back into the limelight an undervalued gem of a racer.
This is a title that can go head-to-head with anything released in 2017, including Breath of the Wild. With charming characters, fun combat, lots of opportunities to explore, and a large set of role-playing mechanics operating like clockwork, it accomplishes everything it sets out to do.
The story is mysterious and cerebral, the pixel art evocative and opulent, and the combat system deep and versatile. With a more sophisticated upgrade framework and with more worthwhile RPG elements, it could take the next step towards greatness.
On the story front, Collar X Malice is a knockout. The premise is unique, the artwork stunning, and the voice-acting passionate and professional. In terms of gameplay, it's far less successful.
A procedurally-generated Metroidvania might seem like an oxymoron, but Sundered proves the concept's efficacy.
Intellectually and aesthetically, it's a knockout. However, it's held back somewhat by a stingy power-up system, a burdensome time mechanic, and a few mundane modes.
There are hundreds of stages, scores of collectibles, and over a dozen uniquely-themed levels in this game. But will you survive long enough to see them all?
Odyssey is one of Nintendo's most inventive, joyful, and audacious adventures, and one of the marquee games of 2017.