Jordan Ryan
- Halo: Combat Evolved
- Resident Evil 4
- Castlevania
Jordan Ryan's Reviews
It’s not often that a game can be re-ported and re-mastered nine different times, but Resident Evil 4 isn’t just any game. In a time of constant remasters and re-releases flooding our current gaming market, Resident Evil 4 stands above the rest as a worthy re-release. If you’re a fan of Resident Evil, I highly recommend revisiting arguably the best game the series has ever offered. If you’ve never played a Resident Evil game before, this is a perfect time and place to jump in.
It's fitting that this game follows the series’ 20th anniversary, because it’s basically Capcom’s love letter to their series, and to horror in general. If you’re a fan of Resident Evil or horror movies, you’ll enjoy the game. If you’re a fan of both, as I am, you’ll love it.
In the end, I really enjoyed Sonic Mania. The 16-bit adventure is a true return to form for the series, and an installment that many fans have been waiting for since Sonic 3 and Knuckles. The gripes are minor, but the fun is major. And at a modest $20 price tag, you really can't go wrong picking the game up.
Deep Sky Derelicts is a decent little adventure that cares more about the journey than the destination. The problems are enough to keep me from loving it, but the combat is addictive and the exploration, while annoyingly simple, rewarding. If you're a fan of roguelikes, dungeon crawlers, or sci-fi RPGs, it's worth checking out.
Operencia: The Stolen Sun is very clearly a love letter. Not just to RPGs and dungeon crawlers, but to fantasy and mythology as a whole. There’s a lot to like, and while there’s gripes to be had, it’s still very fun. If you’re a fan of the old-school dungeon crawlers, I’d definitely recommend it.
Coteries of New York is definitely a game made to be experienced in the context of a connected universe. As an introduction to that universe, it works. As a game on its own, it's just okay. Fans of the franchise will likely love it, and those who are interested in trying the franchise will find plenty to enjoy. But it's hard to recommend this as a game for everyone to jump on.
Shinsekai: Into the Depths is a beautiful game of exploration and discovery. The standout mobile game is right at home on the Nintendo Switch, and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone looking for their next adventure.
Grimvalor might not be the prettiest or most complicated game on the Switch, but the fun factor is hard to argue with. It's a pretty standard, simple hack and slash platformer, but it knows exactly what it is, and does it well. It's not the most challenging game in the world, but it's enjoyable from start to finish.
Dead Lands does a great job combining these two franchises. At the core, this is still Kingdom Two Crowns, but the additions improve upon the base game and bring an update that both Kingdom and Bloodstained fans can be happy with.
Blair Witch is a bit of a mixed bag. The graphics, sound design, and unique gameplay elements are all really cool, but the lack of a solid story and never truly taking advantage of being a horror property hold it back. Fans of the film franchise will no doubt find something to like here, but it’s not the interactive horror experience it could’ve been.
All told, Spacejacked is a really fun game that comes in a really neat package. The gameplay is fluid, quick, and engaging while the graphics and sound, while not perfect, are charming. This is a game that I can easily recommend to anyone who enjoys arcade-style games, tower defense, and action shooters.
SUPERHOT: MIND CONTROL DELETE truly does live up to its own promise of MORE. The additions to gameplay take the already winning formula and expand upon it, without taking away from what made the first two entries so memorable. It’s some of the most fun I’ve had playing a game, and it’s a game that will definitely have me coming back for MORE.
Paper Mario: The Origami King might seem like a mixed bag on the surface, but in my mind the good outweighs the bad. The music, while forgettable, is still functional. The combat, while annoying, is far from the worst thing I've played. And the just pure enjoyment I got from exploring and experiencing the world is enough for me to still give the game a hearty recommendation.
At the end of the day, Kill It with Fire knows exactly what it wants to be, and succeeds at it in the best way. It's an arachnophobic power fantasy that's just pure, unfiltered fun the whole way through, even if the ride isn't as long as I'd like it to be.
Avengers is definitely a mixed bag. The game looks great, and does what it can to immerse you in the story as you take on the role of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. But a repetitive combat system and borderline broken online multiplayer, the core of the postgame, keeps me from saying anything beyond "I liked it."
My second foray into the World of Darkness franchise unfortunately has left me wanting for more. There's definitely some fun to be had here, but the majority of the game manages to just feel dated and lazy, which makes even the most fun aspects get old before too long. I truly hoped for more from Werewolf: The Apocalypse - Earthblood, but what I'm left with is a game that I don't think I'll be re-visiting any time soon.
As a horror fan, this game scratches every itch I want when it comes to a horror game, and it does so while allowing me to experience it with friends. It's fun, spooky, and keeps me effectively frightened every time I get into it. Definitely recommended for fans of all things horror, or if you're just looking for something new to play with some buddies!
True to its name, Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection offers players both the revival of a classic, and plenty of changes to shake things up. Able to be as new and different, or as traditional, as you'd like. Despite this it never waivers from its roots as one of the most difficult retro games out there, rather enhances upon them and evolves. It's an easy recommendation to both old and new fans alike.
Solasta: Crown of the Magister leaves me conflicted; as a long time Dungeons & Dragons fan, I think it's an absolute blast and I love how faithful and accurate everything is to the tabletop experience. But limited customization options, a poor story, and unpolished character graphics keeps me from loving this game as much as I want to.
Light on content, but high on entertainment value, Evil Dead: The Game is an asymmetrical multiplayer experience that brings the humor, gore, and high-octane thrill of slaying deadites to fans of both mediums.