Gabriel Jones

Central Florida
PepsimanVsJoe
PepsimanVsJoe

Favorite Games:

226 games reviewed
64.6 average score
70 median score
37.6% of games recommended
Dec 27, 2016

All of the praise that Dark Souls III receives is well deserved, because it gets most of everything right. However, it never strays from the established formula. This is something most gamers are willing to ignore, just because the formula is excellent. Although it's great that the Dark Souls series can retire on a high note, it's a shame that its crown has gone unchallenged. Hopefully that will change in the future. Videogame companies in competition with one another helps to bring out the best in them.

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Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight is, without a doubt, one of the finest action-platformers around. Given enough time, players might be able to come up with a couple of nit-picks, but what little there is to complain about simply pales in comparison. This is an adventure that one can't help but to play through several times over, long after they've gotten their money's worth. To sum it all up, this game is a required play.

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9 / 10 - Yakuza 0
Jan 19, 2017

Yakuza 0's focus on refinement over ambition proved to be the right decision. This game features a very well-told story that's filled with an assortment of great characters and memorable moments. It's also a breakout moment for Goro Majima. He tends to get the short end of the stick when it comes to characterisation, but here, Majima really comes into his own. The style select sub-system is a fantastic addition, because it allows for a level of flexibility that hasn't been seen in any of the previous entries. The expected massive amount of side content also benefits from an increased level of interdependency. Pursuing the multitude of amenities around town is rewarding in so many ways. This entry raises the bar for both the Yakuza series and action RPGs.

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9 / 10 - Xanadu Next
Nov 16, 2016

It's not uncommon for a video game to borrow ideas from other titles. However, it is very rare to see something like Xanadu Next. It takes full advantage of every influence to deliver an absolutely terrific adventure. The engaging combat is bolstered by a variety of sub-systems. These ideas are seemingly disparate in their inclusion yet harmonious in their execution, which is exactly why they work together to create something very unique and impressive. Despite being released in 2005 by a developer that didn't have a lot of experience with 3D graphics, the game has aged quite gracefully. Falcom's sound team delivers an atmospheric soundtrack that is simply stunning. Altogether, this makes for a classic game that genre enthusiasts should pick up immediately.

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9 / 10 - Nioh
Feb 13, 2017

It's almost shocking that Nioh turned out as well as it did. While Team Ninja is an exceptional talent, they took a pretty huge risk in crafting this game. It takes a lot effort to develop a polished 3D action game, let alone one that relies heavily on RPG elements such as levelling and equipment. Thankfully, they managed to put out a winner. Every single one of the game's multitude of sub-systems co-exists with one another in perfect harmony. There is a consistent feeling of joy thanks to the phenomenal combat and acquisition of sweet gear. Popping open a demon to see colour-coded weapons and armour pour out of its lifeless body like candy from a piñata is actually fun again.

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May 24, 2017

To put it bluntly, there's never been a better time to jump into this fantastic fighting game. Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2 is the total package. The new story content is nice, but the changes and additions to the roster really bring everything together. All of the characters are deep, complex, and rewarding to learn. The competition tends to be fierce, if not entirely on another level, but there's never any reason to feel put off. This title provides all of the necessary resources to help newcomers make meaningful progress. In short, you don't want to miss out on one of the best fighting games of the year.

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9 / 10 - Sonic Mania
Aug 21, 2017

Sonic Mania doesn't just stand shoulder to shoulder with the classics of yesteryear; it surpasses them. The level design is absolutely incredible. Each zone features a wealth of obstacles and secrets, and they're all superbly implemented. Players are given ample opportunity to explore, though there's also incentive in speeding to the end.

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Aug 8, 2017

Without a doubt, Collar X Malice is a required pick-up for fans of the genre. It features a thrilling storyline and some of the best characterization seen in an otome visual novel. Exploring every route will take dozens of hours, yet the viewer will never lose interest. Even the most mundane scenes are buoyed by the awesomeness of Ichika Hoshino and the rest of the cast. Also, it goes without saying, but the game is drop-dead gorgeous. Obviously, a game shouldn't be recommended on that quality alone, but the icing on the cake is quite nice.

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Nov 4, 2017

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.

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Mar 26, 2018

When it comes to RPGs, the Nintendo 3DS isn't lacking for quality, even this late in the system's lifespan. If there's one title that deserves a spot in the upper echelons, it's The Alliance Alive. Its battle system is reminiscent of the SaGa franchise, except taken to the next level through superb balancing and design. No matter the player's skill level, they are treated to an adventure that caters to them, without coming off as condescending or frustrating. Not only is the world filled with wonders to explore, anyone who takes the time to do so will find their efforts appropriately rewarded. Simply put, this game is a modern classic.

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It might have taken a couple tries to get the formula right, but Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition is exemplary. Much can be said about the absurd amount of content, but what really takes this game to the next level are the various refinements. The item card shop alone makes a world of difference for dedicated adventurers. There's also the enhanced frame-rate, which lends a better sense of control and situational awareness to the player. They are better equipped to notice those subtle changes in enemy behaviour, or realise when a massive attack is coming. Aside from a few nit-picks, there's hardly a reason to pass on this fantastic title.

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9 / 10 - KORG Gadget
Jun 18, 2018

At first, KORG Gadget is a lot like diving headfirst into the deep end. However, if someone is willing to dedicate a little time, they will have the opportunity to explore a world they never knew existed. As the hours pile up, the user will gain a new perspective on how music is created. All of their favourite songs and albums will be seen in a different light. They will start to notice every little thing, and in doing so gain a new appreciation for the artists and their talent. Perhaps they themselves will someday create a wonderful piece of music. Also, the time limit mode is, quite simply, awesome. Creating a piece of music in just a few minutes makes for a really fun and unique challenge. The lack of export options is equal parts strange and annoying, but it's not too much trouble to deal with. Those out there with even the slightest interest in music should definitely give this software a try.

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9 / 10 - Guacamelee! 2
Feb 13, 2019

Guacamelee 2! is a required pick-up. The Metroidvania genre has enjoyed a number of certified classics over the past few years, and this one of them.

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Jan 9, 2019

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is an exemplary compilation. Both games have received some quality of life enhancements, and playing as Toadette is pretty entertaining. More importantly, this is simply some of the best content in the Super Mario saga. It's amazing how every element comes together for a thoroughly refined platforming experience. The level design is nothing short of genius, and the flawless controls make every leap more joyous than the last. Everyone who hasn't already played through the Wii U version should pick this up immediately.

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9 / 10 - ZeroRanger
Jan 18, 2019

ZeroRanger is, by all accounts, just plain incredible.

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9 / 10 - God Eater 3
Jul 20, 2019

In short, God Eater 3 more than proves itself to be the best entry in the series. The new and revised abilities give combat an extra layer of depth. Marvelous did a fantastic job ensuring that each weapon-type, new or otherwise, is exceptionally balanced and entertaining to wield. Ash Aragami lend an interesting dimension to each encounter. Players essentially have to learn two move-sets, and one of them is capable of wiping out their entire squad in seconds. Numerous quality-of-life features round out this masterful game.

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The Castlevania Anniversary Collection is a required pick-up for fans of the classic whip-slinging series. Granted, there are a couple of minor problems with this set, most notably the lack of button-remapping. Hopefully they're being worked on. Still, it's hard to argue with having four of the all-time best action-platformers around. Plus you get four other games, which range from awful to pretty good. Whether you decide to pick this up now, or wait for the region-select and other fixes, you're guaranteed a good time.

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Altogether, Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors is an exemplary update to the 1994 original. Both the new and returning characters have impressive move-sets. Discovering how to implement these techniques is very rewarding. The eight stages aren't especially creative, but they all have strong fundamentals. If players want a spot on the online leaderboards, then they have to take as little damage as possible, and accurately gauge threats. While it is fun to mash on hapless grunts, targeting elites is the only way to survive. This is one beat em' up gem that you don't want to miss.

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9 / 10 - Hellsinker.
Aug 3, 2019

Hellsinker. is a showcase for the richness found in the heart of the STG genre. It's boundless creativity and complex subsystems offer a level of engagement that's rarely seen.

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Oct 19, 2019

With Mary Skelter 2, Compile Heart has shown that they can deliver a phenomenal DRPG. Every aspect of this entry has been refined to a near-flawless level.

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