Francis DiPersio's Reviews
Make no mistake about it, this is one game that will steal your heart from your chest. If this is the future of Persona, I can’t wait to see where Atlus takes us next.
When all is said and done, what’s perhaps the most impressive thing about The King of Fighters XIV is that the game has managed to do what many thought was impossible by putting SNK back on the map as a world class developer.
A modern masterpiece, Yakuza 0 is a game crafted with the meticulous care of the colorful irezumi that adorns the back of a hardened Japanese gangster, and stands as one of the most fun and emotional adventures I’ve played in years.
When all is said and done, Ys VIII is an utterly engrossing and nostalgic adventure that no fan of the action-RPG genre should miss.
Building upon its predecessor in every conceivable way, Lost Judgment is a superb sequel that tells a story that will leave you asking yourself what justice means to you. It’s a gripping thrill ride full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. And even after the credits roll, the city streets will call you back for more with their countless distractions.
Look, I know I’ve been piling on the praise in this review, but believe me when I say this is a game that deserves every last bit of it. I’ve probably played hundreds of them over the years. However, precious few manage to do what Dotemu and Tribute Games have managed to do here. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is nothing short of lightning in a bottle; one of those rare examples of a game that simply doesn’t miss a beat from the moment it starts until the credits roll. Sure, you may come for the nostalgia and irresistible retro-inspired presentation, but it’s the rock-solid core mechanics that offer the perfect balance of depth and approachability that will keep you coming back time and time again. If that sounds even remotely up your alley, then go, ninja, go, ninja, go and add this game to your collection. It’s a true testament to Turtle Power.
It’s not often we see a Game of the Year contender so early in the year, but here we are. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an unforgettable follow-up to one of the finest remakes ever produced. Deftly building upon the rock-solid foundation of its predecessor, it evolves the combat and progression systems in subtle yet exciting ways while setting you loose in a massive world that you’ll want to explore to the fullest. With countless activities to keep you busy and a gripping story that will leave both Final Fantasy VII veterans and newcomers alike on the edge of their seats, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an unmissable adventure. If you only buy one RPG this year, make it this one.
If you’ve fought your way through Nioh and are looking for yet another quality action-RPG to deliver that Souls fix, look no further. The Surge is a finely-tuned machine that fans of the genre won’t want to miss.
I certainly have a soft spot for the beat 'em ups, and I'm happy to report that Le Cartel's debut release is one of the best ones I've played in my nearly thirty year love affair with the genre. It's a bone-breaking homage to such classics as Final Fight and Streets of Rage that's guaranteed to both shock and entertain. Whether you're diving in solo or teaming up with friends or paint Russia red, Mother Russia Bleeds is a damn good time, and a masterclass brawler that deserves a spot in your library.
To be perfectly candid, I didn’t expect to be floored by Titanfall 2. Given publisher EA’s relative radio silence on this title and my personal lack of enthusiasm for the original game, I went into this titanic sequel hoping for the best but honestly expecting more of the same. That said, I can’t think of the last time I was so eager to eat some crow with a side of humble pie, because Titanfall 2 is a shooter that defies all expectations.
With a broad selection of maps, dozens of weapons, and an engaging leveling system, Killing Floor 2 demands the attention of anyone with at least a passing interesting in online shooters.
Much like its weathered and minimalist setting, Colorado smartly abandons the excessive clutter and distractions we’ve seen in previous chapters. And honestly, it’s all the better for it. What’s left is a deeply utilitarian contract that smartly trims the fat, allowing players to focus purely on perfecting their bloody craft.
Without question, Sniper Elite 4 marks a high point for Rebellions’ stealth-shooter series. The game’s excellent main campaign provides a great mix of stealth action and the franchise’s trademark sniping shenanigans.
If you’re a die-hard fan of the series, adding this gem to your collection is a no-brainer. If you’re a newcomer in search of some hot and heavy bare-knuckle action, there’s no better time to join the fight.
From the perfect cast of characters to the superb writing and puzzle designs, Thimbleweed Park is a must-play title that no fan of the point-and-click genre should miss out on, and hopefully the latest of many more adventures in store from Ron Gilbert and Gary Winnick.
If you’ve been waiting for Sonic’s grand return to the spotlight, your wish has finally been granted. Sonic Mania is as good as it gets, proving that sometimes a franchise needs to rediscover its roots to move forward.
While the game is undoubtedly starting to show its age, Rebellion has done an excellent job of bringing this cult classic to the Switch while sacrificing surprisingly little in the process. With a lengthy campaign, addicting horde mode, and some of the best cooperative gameplay you can find on the Switch, it’s a gleefully gory shooter that no fans of the genre should pass up.
Online woes aside, Streets of Rage 4 is the gold standard for what a beat ’em up should be and a triumphant return to form for the series. The road to its release has been long and at times uncertain, but Dotemu, Guard Crush Games, and Lizardcube have managed to deliver a game that was well worth the 26-year wait. With stellar visuals, an unforgettable soundtrack, and a wealth of modes to enjoy, this is one game you need to have in your collection.
Persona 4 Golden on PC could probably benefit from some added optimization. The occasional blurry visuals and dips in performance are surprising missteps that slightly blemish what is otherwise an outstanding game. But it’s easy to overlook its minor quirks when considering just how engrossing of an experience the game offers. If you’re an RPG fan who somehow managed to miss out on the original release, then adding this to your Steam library should be a no-brainer. And if you already played and enjoyed Persona 4 but have yet to see everything Persona 4 Golden has to offer because you didn’t own Vita or a PlayStation TV, then there’s never been a better time to tune into the Midnight Channel.
Post Void is, without question, the strangest game I’ve played in ages. It violently blends the neon-soaked surrealism and bloody mayhem of Hotline Miami, the roguelike elements of Binding of Isaac, and the rigid gunplay of a mid-1990s FPS to create an experience that’s unlike anything I’ve ever played before.