Jim Hargreaves's Reviews
If you've bonded with the series before then it's a small concession to make. However, for first timers, Mario Party 10 isn't the immediate smash hit you may be expecting off the back of Super Mario 3D World and Mario Kart 8. Bringing the game to Wii U has meant a facelift and some nice new bells and whistles to fiddle around with. However, Mario Party 10 is much like the latest iteration of an established board game: although it may look different, love them or hate them, the rules are still very much the same.
Overall, SuperChargers is a competent sequel and one that's bound to keep the Skylanders fandom transfixed for yet another year. Where previous iterations have kept the series afloat using fun albeit superficial gimmicks, this latest edition feels more like a genuine step in a new direction. It's great news all around, yet the developers at Vicarious Visions and Toys For Bob will definitely be feeling the pressure in trying to top this latest effort next year.
Disney Infinity 3.0 steers the series back on track after last year's small spanner in the works. It's a fun and enjoyable game that never outstays its welcome while also striving to innovate within the existing framework. To say 3.0 is without its own shortcoming would be a lie, however. Disney Interactive and its patchwork of studios have yet to forge something that feels truly cohesive and consistent throughout.
Danganronpa’s break from the visual novel genre doesn’t produce the best results. It was definitely an experiment worth trying yet the action gameplay does little to hold up its side of the bargain. Once again, it’s the story and character development that really drive the experience, serving up plenty of fan service. For that reason, I’d easily recommend Another Episode to those who adored the first two games – newcomers, on the other hand, may struggle to see the appeal, especially when wading through shooting segments just to watch the plot unfold.
Over the years, Koei has clearly continued to refine it's original strategy template, layering an interlocking mesh of game systems and mechanics. When the cogs start turning, Nobunaga's Ambition becomes this intriguing spectacle as clans employ a variety of strategies in order to adapt, survive, and expand. Although far from perfect, this is likely the best grand strategy title you'll find on a home console.
Despite this being my first Pirate Warrios game, my years of experience with Warriors titles goes back to its reincarnation as a 3D action brawler. After all these years, there's something refreshing about Pirate Warriors 3. Although familiar, the combat takes on a new feeling thanks to the change in setting. That said, I'm sure those who have played previous One Piece adaptations won't get that same sensation.
Although presented in a nice package, Onechanbara Z2 feels outdated compared to most modern day action games. Tamsoft may have upped the ante on a number of fronts, yet it's the core gameplay where this sequel suffers most. It's all well and good creating an offbeat world in which to put players, but Onechanbara is missing the depth to keep them there.
With its immersive world, branching narrative, and lifelike character work, Until Dawn will have players on the edge of their seats while pounding them with jump scares and a bone-chilling soundtrack. Having previously worked on ports and smaller titles for Sony, Supermassive Games have shown that they can play with the big boys and we can't wait to see what they come up with next.
As much as I wanted to fall in love with Submerged, it's standing proof that a game needs more than good looks and a unique angle to win me over. With the 'emotional' story-driven approach slowly receding from the frontline of gaming, I'm left craving fun and challenging experiences that have us do more than haplessly roam within the confines of a digital sandbox.
Where episodic gaming has usually left me nonplussed, King's Quest has had an enthralling effect, leaving me in eager anticipation of the next chapter.
Whether looking to relive a forgotten favourite or simply in the mood for an old school action platformer, The Legend Of Kay is more than just serviceable. It's a fun, inspired take on the genre that plays well despite its lack of ground-breaking features.
Although not exactly risky or adventurous, it's the follow-up many have been dreaming of for years and now it's finally here.
Manga die-hards are bound to get a real kick out of J-Stars Victory VS+. The level of fan service here is on point and there's a solid fighting game to back it up. That said, after just a few hours it begins to lose steam, becoming less and less appealing as something you'd want to play for long sessions.
There's nothing wrong with modernising older games. However, therein lies the problem for Miracle Cure: it's just a modernisation. Over the years Nintendo has continued to innovate with its stable of core franchises, yet this feels more like a simple repackaging. Dr. Mario fans will no doubt jump at the chance to play it on 3DS, but for those used to cheaper, more fulfilling puzzle games on other platforms, Miracle Cure will prove a tough pill to swallow.
Although it hits the marks in several key areas, there's no shying away from the fact that Magicka 2 can feel monotonous in parts. This may be eradicated (in part) when playing with friends locally or online, but not everyone will have that same privilege. There's an overriding focus here on combat that could have been invested in other, more interesting pursuits such as puzzle solving or even platfoming. Still, it's a competent action game that has made a beautiful transition from its original PC roots and one that will no doubt garner a new console-based coven.
Needless to say, those with a short attention span best stay clear, unless they have another monitor or tablet handy. That said, there is likely to be a pocket of (perhaps younger) gamers who will extract genuine pleasure from the game's dreary pacing and lack of pizazz.
Omega Quintet is a competent role-playing game that builds on Compile Heart's previous successes. The combat system works well and there's an absolute glut of content for those willing to stray from the beaten path. That said, it's not a particularly stunning game to watch, looking more like a remaster than a title genuinely meant exclusively for PlayStation 4. Then there's the inevitable culture clash that comes from Omega Quintet's story and setting, as well as its emphasis on popstars as opposed to armoured knights and space travellers that just won't have the same appeal outside its original market.
There's nothing majorly wrong with Toren. Although barren, its gameplay systems operate well enough, going hand-in-hand with developer Swordtales' minimalist approach. That said, mechanically, it fails to do anything that truly immerses players any more than the game's pretty visuals.
If you're pining for a Monster Hunter style game on console or simply waiting for Dragon's Dogma Online or Deep Down to come along, Toukiden Kiwami offers more than just a stopgap. Although still in its infancy, the IP is certainly going places. It will be interesting to see what Omega Force will do next when, hopefully, it decides to launch a sequel.
Bar that, there's little else I can do to defame the game without slagging off the entire JRPG genre. It's a slightly more active, engaging iteration on the traditional Final Fantasy experience and one that works well, even away from its native platform. If you've been avoiding the series for a good few years then Type-0 is a great place to pick up the thread once again.