Francis DiPersio's Reviews
If you’ve already played the game when it released on the Vita, it’s hard to call this spiffed-up console port a must-buy. Apart from the visual bells and whistles, there simply isn’t a whole lot of new stuff going on here. However, if you missed out on the adventure the first time around, Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls is an excellent addition to the PlayStation 4 library that no fan of the series should be without.
Worms: W.M.D may not pack the glitziest graphics or a compelling narrative, but the consistently hilarious blend of wiggly warfare and wealth of wacky weaponry make it stand out from the pack. If you’re a veteran of the series who’s been waiting for these segmented superstars to return to their former glory, look no further than Worms: W.M.D. And if you’re a newcomer looking for a bit of lighthearted destruction, there’s never been a better time to enlist.
If you’re looking for a pair of games that will test your thumbs’ dexterity as well as your patience to reward you with pure gaming zen, look no further than this curb-crushing compilation.
When all is said and done, you’ll be hard pressed to find another game that rivals Touhou Genso Rondo: Bullet Ballet’s bizarre yet captivating premise in the PlayStation 4’s library. While it may not be much of a looker, don’t let the scaled-down presentation fool you: CUBETYPE and NIS America’s latest release is a high-energy mashup that fans of both fighting games and shoot ’em ups who are looking for craving something a bit different should definitely add to their collection.
Danganronpa 1-2 Reload unloads two full clips of murder mystery mayhem into the PS4 that no fan of the genre will want to miss.
Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality throws players into madcap mad scientist Rick Sanchez’s meticulously recreated garage-lab to explore its every filthy crevice.
If you don’t mind an adventure that lays the story on thick while keeping the gameplay to a minimum, then this is definitely worth checking out.
Crossing Souls is a game that wears its pixelated heart proudly on its cut-off denim sleeve. From its blocky character sprites to its neon-saturated title screen and grainy, static-filled VHS-esque cutscenes, it’s obvious the game is geared to players with a fondness for the era that gave rise to such riches as E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Bonkers fruit chews, and the ever-looming specter of nuclear annihilation.
SEGA’s Sakura Wars reboot marks a welcome return for a series that’s gotten criminally little exposure to western audiences since it first released nearly 25 years ago. While the game’s real-time, hack-and-slash approach to its combat left me wanting more, the superb writing and lovable cast of characters kept me glued to my controller right to the very end. And with multiple endings and romance options to unlock, I hope to do it all again very soon.
While not perfect with its lackluster sounds and just passable framerate, Panzer Dragoon: Remake is about as close to a definitive version of SEGA’s cult classic Saturn shooter that fans could ask for on the Switch. With its gorgeous visuals and a superb soundtrack that’s aged like fine wine, MegaPixel Studios and Forever Entertainment have done an excellent job of modernizing one of the most memorable games of the 32-bit era.
As a longtime fan of the Thunder Force series, I couldn’t be happier to see SEGA AGES Thunder Force AC soar onto the Switch. With a satisfying blend of challenging gameplay, great visuals, and an incredible soundtrack courtesy of composer Toshiharu Yamanishi, it’s an exceptional shooter that no fan of the series should miss.
Even though I have to admit that I’m not crazy about some of the changes implemented by Chara-Ani, these complaints are almost entirely cosmetic. When all is said and done, these decisions don’t do anything to take away from what remains an exceptional pair of SRPGs. And when it comes to content, there’s no denying Langrisser I & II delivers lots of bang for your gaming buck. It’ll take you roughly 40 hours to play through both of the games featured in this collection. Additionally, with Langrisser II’s branching story and a New Game+ Mode that unlocks after completing each game’s campaign, there’s plenty of reason to come back for more after the credits roll.
While some of the game’s mechanics, such as your limited defensive options, come across as a little half-baked, the oppressive atmosphere and genuine chills Infliction: Extended Cut delivers make it a standout survival horror title on a system that’s somewhat starved of them. Though many players will probably burn through the game’s five-hour story in just a few sittings, the New Game Plus Mode also does a good job of adding replay value with its revamped puzzles and more challenging gameplay.
If you have a Dark Souls-shaped hole in your heart, I promise Mortal Shell will climb inside and fill that void quite nicely.
Online woes aside, Samurai Shodown NeoGeo Collection is an excellent addition to any fighting game fan’s library. Each of the games featured in the compilation is worth experiencing. And many of them are just as enjoyable to play now as they were in the series’ heyday. With seven great games and a treasure trove of bonus content, what’s not to love? If you’re a fan of SNK or retro fighters in general, don’t hesitate to take a stab at Samurai Shodown NeoGeo Collection.
Overall, I have to say that I really enjoyed the time I got to spend with New Super Lucky’s Tale. It’s a charming little platformer with superb stage designs and a whole lot of heart. It’s perfect for younger players or those just looking for a relaxing romp in a fantastical world. Sure, I wish it was a bit longer and packed more of a challenge. But at the end of the day, I found it easy to overlook these issues, considering just how much fun I was having.
One part Corpse Party, one part Limbo, The Coma 2: Vicious Sisters is an indie gem no fan of the horror genre should miss.
When I first fired up Fight Crab, I expected a gimmicky brawler that would be good for a few laughs and quickly wear out its welcome. Lucky for me, that wasn’t the case at all. It’s a feature-rich romp with enough meat in its shell to satisfy the most discerning gilled gladiators. With a surprisingly lengthy campaign, addicting multiplayer, and plenty of customization options, it’s a game that will keep you coming back for more. If you’re fishing for a quirky, physics-based title in the spirit of Gangbeasts or Human: Fall Flat, then look no further. Fight Crab is an absolute keeper.
If you’re a fan of SNK’s previously-released Neo Geo Pocket ports to the eShop, don’t hesitate to pick up The Last Blade: Beyond The Destiny. Despite making a few concessions to fit onto the Neo Geo Pocket’s 8-bit framework, the game does a remarkable job of staying true to its 16-bit roots.
As someone who was left wanting more after completing Bubble Bobble 4 Friends, I found the new levels offered in The Baron is Back to be the perfect salve to soothe my bubble-bursting itch. The addition of a few more power-ups to go with them would have been nice for sure, But really, that’s just nitpicking. At the end of the day, this update succeeds in making Bubble Bobble 4 Friends feel like the game it should have been when it was initially released earlier this year.