Altogether, this is good enough to stand alongside the titles that inspired it.
When it comes to Dead Rising 4: Frank's Big Package, the same question comes up over and over again: Who is this for? Here's a title that not only fails to win over fans of Dead Rising, but it also fails to win over fans of videogames. Slaying hundreds of thousands of zombies is not compelling entertainment, especially when the combat mechanics are so unsatisfying. The entire adventure just feels tired and cynical, sapping players of the necessary energy to carry on with their day. This critic racked up well over 25 hours of play and didn't laugh, not even once. What else needs to be said? Maybe this game is for people who no longer wish to experience joy.
River City: Rival Showdown's best qualities are its unique method of progression and well-executed storyline. Admittedly, this critic was not expecting this to be the case. The appeal of this franchise has always been its simplistic but satisfying fighting; not to mention the depth and creativity that comes from having so many fun abilities to play around with. While these hallmarks are present in this 3DS brawler, they are buried under the relentless quest for higher numbers. The final result is a game that just isn't as accessible and endearing as it could be, but there's still entertainment to be had.
Although Embers of Mirrim doesn't last long, it has some unique ideas and stays entertaining throughout.
Every aspect of this game blends into one another quite nicely, creating an experience that any fan of the classic era is sure to appreciate.
Ridiculous fan-service aside, Caladrius Blaze is a very enjoyable STG. Each action-packed stage is filled with exciting moments, and they are all capped by thrilling boss battles. The eight pilotable ships offer a myriad of strengths and weaknesses, ensuring a high amount of replay value. While the graphics are far from cutting edge, at least they aren't unpleasant to the eyes. Everything from enemy ships to their bullets is clearly visible, so there's no chance that something life threatening will get lost in the chaos. The sound balancing is also a little suspect, so feel free to crank the music up, while turning the sound effects down. All in all, this is a worthwhile pick-up, so give it a shot sometime.
Although WWE 2K18 brings a number of changes and improvements to the long-running series, its handling of the MyCareer mode is truly baffling. Whatever ambitious qualities it might have had are buried under a snore-inducing grind. Almost everything from boots to suplexes is locked away inside loot crates. If the player wants to craft their own wrestler and guide them to glory, they're better off sticking to create-a-superstar and participating in the WWE Universe. Otherwise, their avatar is going to be a poorly-dressed schmuck with a very limited set of abilities. Take this critic's advice, and just ignore MyCareer entirely. The other gameplay modes are where the entertainment is at.
To put it bluntly, School Girl/Zombie Hunter is exploitative and perverted schlock. It's also a pleasant surprise. Despite its miniscule budget and plethora of issues, this game successfully manages to have solid shoot 'em up action, as well as an inkling of clever level and encounter design. Deciding on the right arsenal for the next stage actually matters, and the moment to moment decisions can seriously impact one's chances of success. Of course, the subject matter won't appeal to everybody, though it's hardly surprising. This is a Tamsoft title, after all, and they know their audience.
In every respect, Demon Gaze II is a superb follow-up. The revamped demon system makes for a much more involved and fulfilling adventure. Players are no longer obligated to build their entire offense around one or two mechanics, which lends battles a greater degree of flexibility. The storyline isn't particularly complex or thrilling, but it's at least adequate. All of the characters fit into standard tropes, yet they're also earnest and even endearing. Of course, this is all secondary to the great dungeon design and battle system. This entry has succeeded in carving out an identity in an increasingly crowded market.
Tower 57 is altogether a solid game. It doesn't quite deliver twin-stick gameplay on par with its presentation, but it's still pretty enjoyable. The variety of weapons is nice, and the scenarios presented in each stage make good use of them. It's also great to a visit a world that's so lovingly crafted. The sprite work and animations are very well done. If time permits, gamers should strive to fit at least two playthroughs into their busy schedule, just to see everything.
All in all, this title is worth a look; just don't expect to grow too attached to it.
Heiankyo Alien 3671, with its unique blend of high intensity action and devious problem solving, is the most engrossing game you will play all year. 2017 has seen a slew of excellent releases, but it's this title that will keep you coming back to it again and again. Many a sleepless night will be spent chasing high scores. Adjusting to the controls and scoring mechanics will take time, but the results are well worth the effort.
There are few worlds more exciting to explore than the one in ELEX. Each location is intelligently crafted and filled with valuables items. The factions are clever and have their own nuances, and working for them is beneficial in a number of ways. Growing from a chump that gets knocked down by a slight breeze to the mightiest warrior takes quite a long time, but it's very fulfilling. However, while players can get accustomed to the combat, it never becomes enjoyable. The glitches, minor as they are, still detract from the experience. That being said, it is impossible to imagine an impeccably polished open world RPG. For this game, Piranha Bytes focused entirely on its strengths, and the results are very impressive.
Overgrowth is a difficult title to recommend. Though there's entertainment value in whooping some cottontails, the included story mode doesn't offer nearly enough content, nor does it excel at showcasing all of the game's capabilities. However, there are plenty of fun mods to play around with. The various battle arenas and parkour stages are pretty decent as well, and there's even a downloadable grenade, because blowing up a crowd of rapier-wielding cats never gets old. In any case, if players are willing to test ideas and experiment, then their time is likely to be well-spent here.
Philosophical and bittersweet, yet also uplifting and wonderful, Bad Apple Wars is another fine addition to any Otome fan's library. This title's greatest quality is its storyline. While it is a slow burn, it's also well constructed and thought provoking. The protagonist does a great job of figuring out her place in this strange world, and doing whatever she can to help her friends out. The supporting cast is sometimes quirky, sometimes a bit dangerous, but they are all interesting. Aside from a few nit-picks, the aesthetics are pleasing to both the eyes and ears. All in all, it's a solid effort.
There's always fun in bopping crooks and knocking their soon-to-be-lifeless bodies every which way, and Deadbeat Heroes is a fine example as to why the concept is so appealing. The isometric perspective and emphasis on combos presents a unique vision. There's also a wide variety of baddies to keep encounters interesting. Local co-operative play is also available, so get a friend for additional fun. However, there will be moments where not everything clicks into place. They are not nearly enough to undermine the game, but they could create a tinge of uncertainty. Still, it's a title worth looking into, especially for fans of the atypical.
Altogether, Fight'N Rage is a superb effort. Very few throwbacks are fit to hold a candle to the classics of yesteryear, but this one admirably stands alongside. Every subsystem and game mechanic works wonderfully. The three playable characters are incredibly diverse and fun to play, while still retaining a simplistic three-button control setup. The multiple difficulties represent a challenge that grows with the player's skill. Even on the hardest setting, enemy stats aren't boosted to absurd levels, making every battle a slog. The ambitious routing system works quite well, giving every playthrough something new to look forward to.
Battle Cars can't be faulted for a lack of content. However, it begs the question: Who is this expansion for?
JYDGE is a strong entry in the twin-stick shooter genre. It employs a multitude of systems and features to create a fully customizable experience. Winning is not just a matter of building the ultimate killing machine. Each objective can require a different loadout, so there's reason enough to test a variety of weapons and gadgets. The bland yet serviceable visuals convey the action quite well. Aside from a few annoying objectives, this game is consistently enjoyable.
Ultra violent and very entertaining, Ruiner is quite an achievement. Not only does the game offer a meaty challenge, it doesn't bore and frustrate players with wave after wave of minions; each level is filled with just enough action to keep them invested. Some aspects aren't quite as polished as they could be but, again, a great soundtrack makes everything better. The effects could have also been dialled back a tad, but otherwise its inspired art direction is really impressive. On the merits of its presentation alone, this cyberpunk thriller deserves a look. Of course, it certainly helps that the rest of the game is solid, as well.