Owen Chan's Reviews
Ignoring leaks and datamines, the return to Switch feels like a revival and if this is supposed to be the B-Team's game, I think I know what games I'll be more interested in moving on. But that said, for a Monster Hunter game, the core game is only just better than World at launch but is open about stopping you from progressing further until a later date.
Not a bad expansion by any means. It's just that fundamentally its current balancing of monster hitzones, impediment of clutch claw mechanics, and process of endgame grinding/gearing elongate an already long process into a longer one than necessary.
As someone who's experienced and loves faster-paced fighting games, this is an easy win and Under Night's formula tweaks help keep just different enough you feel like you're mastering a weapon. However, this isn't for everyone and if you're after something more feature complete like a proper story mode.
I guess if the story and writing was sacrificed, it went to making a more concise and impactful gameplay with the addition of three new weapons into the series and the promise of additional content until Summer. This is a game that keeps in line with the previous entries. It's like that younger sibling who's managed to be more skillful and prettier than the elders, except for the rampant use of duct tape for clothes.
For every step forward Fumiko! makes, it takes two steps back - and makes the floor transparent.
Honestly, if the Low and High Rank portions wasn't as polished and an incredible experience to go through. This score would be 7/8 margin just because compared to previous games, the rotating event quests, RNG investigations for RNG loot, reduced weapon and quest pool, and less challenging solo player end game. But, with the incredibly constructed world, incredible combat experience, and cohesive experience. The downpoints are more just demands for more content.
Being as average as it is, it needs that average as possible score. It doesn't do anything new, but because of its execution and price. It just keeps a right balance of: "What did you expect" as an eroge, it falls far below the belt.
I would give this higher, but I know later down the line and looking back this is by no means a 9 or even 10 in terms of the game's scope. But if the writing kept its pacing from start to finish, it would've matched the astonishing soundtrack, blistering court cases, impeccable murders, and superb characters. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to find myself a tissue for the tears I shed to those lost in this Killing Game.
A high score with the caveat that it's a VN that kept me thoroughly entertained through its thick and thin, highs and lows, as well as the assumption that this is the culmination of series as whole.
If you've never played a previous Ys game, like me, this is a great game to experience despite the long history and number in its title. Lasting just over 40 hours for me, this is a relatively easy recommendation for even none JRPG fans who prefer more mechanically driven games.
For some people this is more a 7-8 game. But when its main feature is arcady without substantial main or side content. This is a game that is best appreciated as a recommendation for those looking for a short solid gameplay experience. As opposed to a game-changing, eye-opener of a title.
Not quite a must buy, this is an easy recommendation nonetheless. Especially for those in the mood of a 2D Anime fighting game that isn't Fighting Climax or other crossover fighting game. Obviously Arc System Works has their other iconic series, but this fighting game is up to snuff and definitely deserves a look. Even if the name reads like a weird out of the wood works isekai Light Novel.
Scoring any lower would be a bit far for what the game offers and does. It's like baked beans on toasts: nice and filling, but you wouldn't call it a proper meal. If you're into your “Rogue type” games, looking for something short, snappy and quick. This is a game for you. Personally, this just isn't my cup of tea with what it does.
Being rather positive of the game, it manages to stick the landing thereabouts with the narrative told and its escape room like puzzles. Even with the complaints of spoon force feeding, it gives the player enough leeway to think about world. With the abstract take working well, just not as fully realised as some might expect.
Leave me be, I'm only crying because of how much this is dumb fun. Being as well polished as it is, with its writing and content quality. This is Visual/Kinetic Novel that tops Steins;Gate from being the Gold Standard of features.
Honestly, if this was a slightly longer experience this could easily top my expectations of what a gold standard of VNs should be. But, when factoring the length and cost, as well as the main demographic. This is a fanservice game through and through. For better or worse.
Hurting wrists may be a similar problem to baking in real life, but that shouldn't be the case for games. Needs more depth of gameplay before it's ready to be served as an exceptional game, and not as a good one.
Forgiving it may be. This isn't your typical "easy" shmup/bullet hell. For its price, this is worth it with the available content and replayability. A definite permanent install my portable laptop for its endless mode.
I don't know what's left to say. If this was maybe at least half its cost I could easily forgive its misgivings, alas this isn't a 7. Yeah I'm kinda gutted it isn't better.
Whilst Kamio Recoil isn't broken, the game fundamentally lacks any form of core mechanic that feels polished or gameplay loop that will bring the player into any form of flow. With partly stunted game physics and level design, this is a game that's passable at best.