Brian Dumlao


284 games reviewed
72.9 average score
75 median score
48.6% of games recommended
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Nov 7, 2014

As the definitive version of the core Halo experience, Halo: The Master Chief Collection is one of the few games that should be in any Xbox One owner's collection.

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9 / 10.0 - Axiom Verge
Apr 9, 2015

Painted with a mostly authentic blend of 8- and 16-bit with a few modern touches here and there, Axiom Verge is the perfect game for those who can't get enough of the genre.

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9 / 10.0 - Child of Light
May 12, 2014

If you have even a small interest in role-playing games, Child of Light comes highly recommended.

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Jan 28, 2015

The Talos Principle can easily be called the next big puzzle game in the same vein as Portal. The story fosters some thoughtful discussion and sticks with you. The puzzles are clever and have a natural progression in difficulty, and the tools make them fun, even if none are completely new to the genre. The presentation is beautiful, and the game's overall length means you'll spend quite a bit of time on your initial playthrough. In a nutshell, you must pick up The Talos Principle.

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9 / 10.0 - Bayonetta
Jul 18, 2017

Even if all of the platform-specific flourishes weren't there, Bayonetta would remain a superb action title. The familiar story is buoyed by the absurd cut scenes, the action amplifies that ridiculousness, and the gameplay is still considered tight after the introduction of numerous fast action games in recent years. It's also a lengthy title by today's standards, and the constant grading of every fight will get perfectionists going. The PC version enhances everything and makes this the definitive version of the title, as long as you don't mind losing the Nintendo-themed costumes from the Wii U version. Unless you hate fast action games, you absolutely have to pick up Bayonetta.

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9 / 10.0 - Kalimba
Jan 30, 2015

Kalimba is a solid puzzle platformer that is trickier than expected. The puzzles and platforming are done so well that the ability to control more than one character simultaneously doesn't feel like a gimmick. The game may have a relatively short campaign, but there are many modes and difficult goals to keep the player coming back for more. Puzzle platforming fans should flock to this sleeper title.

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9 / 10.0 - Sunset Overdrive
Oct 26, 2014

Sunset Overdrive proves that Insomniac's signature brand of gameplay and humor can work well in big, open worlds. The guns feel different and are fun to use, and the game gives you plenty of opportunities to use those weapons. The flexibility in mobility opens up the game for both horizontal and vertical gameplay, and the combination of this and the guns, along with some good level design, encourages creativity. Coupled with a great presentation, it provides an open-world experience with more emphasis on fun than anything else. For action fans, Sunset Overdrive is a must-have title.

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9 / 10.0 - Quantum Break
Apr 4, 2016

As a game, Quantum Break is solid. There's a good balance between the shooting and exploration sections, and while some people may dislike the simplicity of the core shooting, the time-related powers augment it enough to make it fun. As a TV show, it does a good job of staying interesting without wearing out its welcome. As a whole, the story nicely melds together both pieces, and the different avenues the tale takes gives you a reason to replay it. Quantum Break is another excellent game from Remedy, and it belongs on the shelves of all adventure game fans.

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9 / 10.0 - SteamWorld Heist
Aug 24, 2016

SteamWorld Heist continues the series' tradition of being simple yet compelling. The game may be easy to grasp, but it delivers a nice difficulty boost that feels fair. The aiming system proves to be a great way to add some strategy to the title while also solving the limits of the 2-D perspective. The whole thing is fun to play, and with a good presentation accompanying a great game length, SteamWorld Heist is a worthy addition to any game library.

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9 / 10.0 - Shadow Warrior 2
Dec 14, 2016

Shadow Warrior 2 is amazing. The shift from linear to semi-open-world shooter hasn't hurt the game since the action remains constant and adheres to the classic shooter style over the more modern one. The multitude of new weapons gives the game some variety, even when taking artifacts into account, and the solid combat ties everything together into a very enjoyable package, whether you're going solo or cooperatively. It ranks up there with Doom as one of the best pure shooters of the year and one of the best timed exclusives on the PC in this genre.

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Sep 7, 2016

Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir takes a good game and makes it incrementally better. The tweaks to the overall title, including better inventory management and more emphasis on combat, opens it up to those who weren't enamored with the original. The option is there for those who want to play it as it was originally intended. It provides lots of gameplay time, which is something of a rarity in console titles nowadays, though there will be a few who take offense to the fact that a good chunk of content is recycled a few times. It does all this with a presentation that still manages to impress after all these years. No matter which of the three platforms you own, you owe it to yourself to add Leifthrasir to your library.

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If you consider the original title to be a proof of concept, then Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 is the true realization of the game. The fun of the original title is still here but has been amplified with the addition of new maps and classes. The expansion of the split-screen local multiplayer is very much needed, but the new single-player modes round out the package. This is especially true of Backyard Battleground, which proves to be an enjoyable time-waster, especially since it can also be played online. Though there are still some heavy hitters in the multiplayer space this year, don't be surprised if GW2 has the most staying power.

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Apr 11, 2016

Android Assault Cactus is a brilliant addition to the PS4 library. Whether you're playing solo or with friends, the action is solid, and the different variations to the androids make experimentation fun. There are a good number of modes, and the various options can give the game some legs. The presentation of the visuals and audio is top-notch, and that's made more impressive since this title was developed by three people. Android Assault Cactus is something that should be experienced by anyone who loves action in an almost pure form.

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Mar 9, 2016

The Flame in the Flood delivers a brilliant twist on the survival genre. The inability to linger in one place makes the game feel like a proper adventure with some additional survival trappings. The randomization gives it a roguelike feel, and the streamlining of elements makes it feel fair even when almost everything is working against you. Coupled with a beautiful presentation throughout, it's both a high-water mark in the genre and a title that's worth trying out. Unless you absolutely hate the survival game genre, be sure to check out The Flame in the Flood.

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9 / 10.0 - Gears of War 4
Oct 6, 2016

If anything, Gears of War 4 shows that The Coalition can handle the series going forward. From the single-player to the co-op and multiplayer, every aspect of the game sings with quality as they successfully blend old traditions with new mechanics. There's already a ton of content in the game, which is great at giving you many possible ways to access it all. While the PC is the preferred platform to play the game, the Xbox One version is no slouch, as it still comes up with a solid experience. Overall, action fans will have a blast with this title.

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9 / 10.0 - INSIDE
Sep 12, 2016

Inside shows that Playdead has a knack for the short but powerful puzzle-platformer. The puzzles are logical and challenging, while the story is told well without a reliance on the usual things like dialogue and cut scenes. The balance between both creates a game that has a ton of memorable moments, and the flow is smooth enough that you're compelled to keep playing until you reach the thought-provoking ending. With a presentation that adds greatly to the narrative, Inside is well worth your time.

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9 / 10.0 - PAC-MAN 256
Aug 5, 2016

There's a very good chance that Pac-Man 256 will become your new guilty pleasure when you want a break from the bigger titles. The premise is as simple as can be, but there are enough changes here to make things intriguing. There are plenty of things to unlock and challenges to conquer, and the grind to get them all and power them up doesn't feel as daunting thanks to the generosity of coins and points being given to you. Most importantly, the sessions are short enough that you can spend a few minutes with it and be done, but that call of "one more round" is enough to keep you glued for hours. Cheap but ultimately satisfying, Pac-Man 256 comes highly recommended.

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9 / 10.0 - Tyranny
Nov 16, 2016

Although it's conventional in some ways, Tyranny feels fresh. The theme has been explored before in other games and genres, but not to this degree. The characters are extremely interesting, whether they're tragic or humorous. Dialogue choices are expansive, and the sheer number of permutations that can arise from your decisions give the game near-limitless replay value. Supported by solid RPG mechanics, Tyranny is a game for those who couldn't get enough of Pillars of Eternity and its ilk.

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9 / 10.0 - Prey
May 10, 2017

Prey is simply exceptional. The story is twisting and confusing in a way that is exciting, and it makes you crave the next scene. The survival-horror approach to combat and gameplay creates the right amount of tension, while the crafting elements and ability to use almost anything in the world allows for emergent solutions thanks to the different approaches to almost every situation. Most of the flaws are technical in nature, and they're not enough to severely impact the game, so Prey earns its place as one of the hallmarks of this platform generation.

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Apr 19, 2017

Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a gem of a shooter. The frantic action you'd expect from a bullet hell shooter has been improved with interesting attack patterns and mechanics that reward quick kills and exhibiting some flair. There's a nice balance for veterans and genre newcomers, with the latter being served especially well since the difficulty level and lack of continues foster a need to get better while ensuring that death isn't as immediate as in other games. Topped off with a great presentation, Danmaku Unlimited 3 is a watermark in the genre, and fans shouldn't miss it.

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