LJ Lowery's Reviews
The developers have been working hard to play catch up in a genre that they once held a title belt in. Microids had so much time to make something outstanding, and yet their effort feels half-hearted. Fans of the series will likely find the result of all those years to be underwhelming.
Having finally experienced the intense chaotic fun that Lethal League is known for, its no wonder why it was such a hit on PC. Despite a few minor setbacks, Lethal League is perfect for fans of Super Smash Bros. and anyone looking for some great multiplayer fun.
The Disgaea franchise is beloved for many reasons; the characters, humor, and unique mechanics make Disgaea 5 unlike any SPRG I have played. On the plus side, you can take it on the go Dood!
Injustice 2 is an overall improvement compared to the first entry. The developers mastered making a video game that hardcore fighting game enthusiasts and casuals can both enjoy. NetherRealm Studios also continues its tradition of great storytelling.
Thumper is one of the more artistic video games I have ever played, it puts a spin on a genre in such a way that no one else has. It may be challenging, but it begs to be conquered. One of the best video games you can buy on your Switch at the moment, especially with a great pair of headphones.
Shadow of the Beast may be presented as an indie video game, but has the production value of a triple-A title thanks to Sony being behind the project. Outstanding graphics, a well-crafted story, and great gameplay provide the full package. Though it may be short, there are plenty of reasons to replay your favorite levels again.
Despite Nintendo splatting themselves in the foot yet again, the Splatoon franchise remains fresh. Splatoon 2 succeeds in making a number of improvements while keeping everything we know and love when it comes to these odd Squid Kids.
Phantom Trigger's visuals and presentation bring nothing unique to the table, and the combat takes almost too much time to master. The true merit of the journey is the storytelling, which kept me invested down to the final moments.. Come for the story, but don't forget your sword and whip
Lawbreakers will forever be compared to Overwatch, but its much more than a clone. Thanks to the developers' roots, the fast-paced action calls back to the arena shooters of the old days. This-class based shooter successfully break the unwritten laws of the genre.
SteamWorld Dig 2 is much bigger and bolder than its predecessor with an improved level design. The recruited musical talent also successfully adds to the atmosphere of the world. Despite an odd segment that departs from the established formula, Image & Form strikes gold once again.
The only thing Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite has going for it is solid gameplay. The artstyle unfortunately suffers from cringe-worthy character design, and there isn't much replayability after players have finished the story and mastered every character via the mission mode.
There are times when Wulverblade can be very difficult, especially with some gameplay mechanics that work against players. However, the experience became more enjoyable as I became master over them. The finale is also one of my favorite gaming experiences of the year.
Forza Motorsport 7 is another great addition to the franchise. Its stunning visuals are going to be a sight to seen on the Xbox One X. It is really a shame that not everyone is a racing fan, because this will be the game that will be testing the horsepower of that new console.
Sonic Forces may be short and easy, but it is a fun experience. The darker story line and presentation is surprising at first, but becomes a great way to bring the player-created character into the fold.
Stick It to The Man! has a unique presentation that takes players back to the old school days of Nickelodeon. Such an art style needs a unique world with wacky characters and well written dialogue, and we get all of that during Ray's unfortunate adventure.
Soldiers of the Universe is simply an unfinished game. With inconsistent graphics, terrible AI, and plenty of bugs, it should have stayed in Early Access longer than two months. There are many other games out there that you and your wallet will be happy with.
Dynamic Pixels create in Hello Neighbor a unique experience in which the adaptive A.I. defies all expectations. Despite that, the final act is quite a miss-step when it comes to the puzzle elements. If you won't give Hello Neighbor a try for yourself then at least check out a stream of the game and enjoy it there.
Floor Kids is a well crafted rhythm game. The art style and music make it a unique addition to the genre, though you have to enjoy the culture to really appreciate it. Unfortunately we don't really get to know our favorite characters very much. Floor Kids is more style than personality.
Though its been a few years since Hammerwatch was released on PC, it is a welcome addition to the console platforms. It will take you back to the days of the original Gauntlet games, but feels lonely when playing solo. The maximum amount of fun lies within the multiplayer.
Dragon Ball FighterZ is not only for the fans, but also for enthusiasts of the fighting genre. It stays true to the source material down to the smallest of details, while offering an experience for both casual and experienced players. One of the best in this recent renaissance of the fighting genre as other long-running series seem to be falling short.