Kyle Bradford
As someone who hase fallen so deeply in love with the genre, whose itch for a new brilliant shmup has been left unscratched for years, I can't help but feel disappointed – especially because of how promising NG:DEV.TEAM seem to be.
Warriors Orochi 4 will not turn a non-believer into a believer. If you are already uninterested in the Warriors franchise, or musou games in general, Warriors Orochi 4 isn't going to change your mind. Yet, I imagine that for most fans, they're merely looking for more of the same. Despite being formulaic and repetitive, you know what you're getting with a Warriors game. And if that's your thing, you'll no doubt have some fun with Warriors Orochi 4.
Mega Man 11 is one of the rare instances where I'm forced to ask myself, is this a perfect game? Unfortunately, the answer is no, but it's still pretty damn close.
I do love Valkyria Chronicles 4 for many reasons. Its characters are more endearing than any I had encountered in the series thus far and its systems and mechanics are still as engaging as ever. However, there is still plenty going against even its most positive attributes.
Like most games, how good of a time you have with Haunted Dungeons: Hyakki Castle will ultimately depend on what you bring to the experience yourself. If you're hoping for the next great dungeon crawler, then you most likely will be disappointed.
Sure, it may be a sport for the rich and aristocratic among us, but in the virtual world of The Golf Club 2019, we can all experience a little bit of the competitive high life. It may not land an ace, but it's still plenty under par.
Like the cast over your broken leg from the long jump you weren't able to finish, no matter how good the rest of the experience is, that is what people will remember.
It is indeed one of the best games in a series of greats, and a JRPG that is without a doubt an instant classic. One I will undoubtedly cherish for many years to come.
Gorgeously made, challenging in every way, Candle is a game that shines brighter than you'd expect.
With a cast of characters I won't soon forget, Yuma's personal story of dealing with the Shining Dragon is a tale I'm glad to have been apart of – even if there are some missteps along the way.
There's no more excuses. You should play NieR: Automata.
Slime-San: Superslime Edition goes the extra mile in almost every regard. As it makes its way onto more platforms, I can only be thankful that it got another shot in the spotlight. Because dammit, it deserves all the time there it can get.
Nobunaga's Ambition: Taishi is a game that feels like a more approachable version of what's come before, both for returning players and new ones alike.
With Ride 3 just around the bend most casual fans might be better off waiting. Anyone returning to the perennial racer may not be able to help but have a sense of déjà vu.
Mulaka feels deeply personal. A true passion for the Rarámuri culture shines through, as does an equal appreciation for games like Ocarina of Time.
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero - Ultimate Edition is without a doubt one of the best platformers out on a modern-day console.
In Atelier Lydie & Suelle: The Alchemists and the Mysterious Paintings, there's a charming story and intricate systems that help make it one of the best entries to date. I can't think of a better way to help celebrate 20 years of this long-running series.
All in all, TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge is a delightful recreation of the event itself yet it exists in a genre populated by games that far exceed it.
The foundation laid by the game offers a surprisingly fun experience, even for those who aren't that interested in the franchise, but thanks to poor AI, a boring story, and uninteresting characters, it isn't able to become a great JRPG in its own right.
If you were expecting Zwei: The Arges Adventure to be a hidden gem finally unearthed to play, you'll be plenty disappointed. While there's a lot to love within The Arges Adventure, it's mostly superficial due to a frustrating combat system that forces most of the game to become a slog.