Casey Scheld's Reviews
Rigid Force Alpha doesn't commit any cardinal shmup sins, but it doesn't stand out either. Those looking for the next Gradius or R-Type will find comfort in its familiarity, but the whole experience does not leave a lasting impression.
The Pizza Delivery Boy Who Saved the World lays on the cheese thick, but its humor often misses the mark. The actors and actresses behind Doug's adventure no doubt had fun making this visual novel, but the end result feels more like an in-joke than a laugh riot.
Wonder Wickets turns the game of golf on its head with its vibrant worlds and saccharine stylings. Gameplay can be somewhat gimmicky, but those looking for a far out take on the time-tested sport will find a lot to like here.
When the game launcher has a typo in it, you just know that you have a broken, buggy mess on your hands. Playing Freebot: Battle for FreeWeb is an experience in the worst way possible, and is without a doubt the worst title released this year.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum Session! has rock-solid drumming mechanics and a fair difficulty curve, but the amount of DLC available at launch is a little extreme. Buyer beware – this is one game that will cost completionists a pretty penny.
Shudder's score-based gameplay is both simple and complex at the same time. Though this package is somewhat barebones, its reliance on defense as well as offense help to give it an alluring quality that encourages replayability.
Goinund's endless waves of generic enemies will leave players bored rather than scared. When paired with the brain-dead AI and lack of challenge, you've got yourself a title that overstays its welcome in no time flat.
Black Bart attempt to immerse the player into its world fails miserably due to its poor storytelling, muddy graphics, and wonky engine. Its Western world is unique, but its execution leaves something to be desired.
Driftpunk Racer's small selection of tracks and poorly designed controls take away any semblance of enjoyment this game may have had. Don't be fooled by its futuristic aesthetics – this racer's a relic.
Soul Calibur VI is the best looking and best playing game of the series, but the number of available options and characters is lacking. Fighting game fans will still have a blast in this stage of history, but don't be surprised if it leaves you wanting more.
Whirlygig does absolutely nothing to improve the time-tested Tetris formula. Everything that makes this title unique ultimately takes away from the game, rendering it borderline unplayable.
Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition shakes up the MetroidVania space with excellent worldbuilding and the challenge to match. Though the game does not hold your hand, those willing to face the world of Hallownest will find a game with a lot of “Soul.”
Up Left Out has got an interesting proof of concept, but the spartan stylings and lack of content hurt its long term replayability. This is a simple game, one that is good for a single playthrough and nothing more.
Wheelchair Simulator has got a good heart, but it is simply too frustrating to play. Those looking for a touching story can find it here, but don't be surprised if you want to smash your monitor in frustration before it is over.
MochiMochi's one button setup and sugary sweet presentation hides some serious challenge. Those willing to cut their teeth will enjoy a physics-based platformer that can "hang" with the greats.
Squirgle's complex nature makes for a high barrier of entry that practically eliminates any sort of mainstream appeal. As a result, it simply does not have the lasting power of other puzzlers on the market today.
Dare Course's broken physics and bad camera deserve a big red ball to the head. Traversing its obstacle courses proves to be a royal pain and is, put simply, no laughing matter.
Hinedere's retro-inspired presentation can't be beat, but both the story and the gameplay could use some fine tuning. There is a unique experience to be found here, but the lack of focus and the awkward parkour will alienate a number of players.
Guilty Summer Kiss 2 – Bloody Secret will leave players confused, frustrated, and out seven dollars. It's a poor excuse of a visual novel, lacking in everything from story to art.
Jack B. Nimble is far from the deepest game around, but what is here is fun in short bursts. Though it may lack variety, it is still an entertaining romp for those looking to whip their way to a high score.