Casey Scheld's Reviews
If you’ve ever played a visual novel in your life, you’ll know exactly what to expect in The Sound of Fireworks: The Haiku. This title is a walking, talking cliche, cribbing notes from the best without doing anything unique.
Cleaning garbage in a video game is about as fun as it sounds, and Vacuum Story doesn’t make a compelling case to pay for the privilege. Not even its vague story can hide how dreadfully dull the whole affair actually is.
Neodori Forever might look the part, but the stiff driving quickly gives away the fact that this racer is a poser. Those pining for days gone by best stick with the tried and true.
For those itching for some new oldies, Donut Dodo is the tribute you need. The controls take some getting used to, but those weaned on the classics will take to it like a dodo to water.
BALLYGON’s tribute to SEGA’s Super Monkey Ball might border on plagiarism, but it has got the physics and overall action down to a science. Those that don’t mind a package lacking an aesthetic charm will enjoy its roly-poly action.
While everybody loves the game of skee-ball, Extrorb does not make a compelling case to switch to the world of video games. Do yourself a favor and stick to the analog version of the game.
Void Prison is good for short bursts of play, but there’s simply not enough meat on the bone. It doesn’t do too much to stand out, and while it does have a solid foundation, it does not have too much more beyond that.
The titles found in Deathsmiles I・II are still some of Cave’s finest, but this slapdash port is a disservice. Between its rampant slowdown and its steep price tag, this collection is only suited for the most diehard of shmup fans.
While DNF Duel’s MP system adds a new layer to the fighting game genre, this title plays things far too safe. Fans of Arc System Works’ other fighters will enjoy throwing down as wind wielders and puppet masters, but the studios’ other titles manage to do everything on offer here.
Sonic Origins is a raw deal, providing little content with questionable edits. The widescreen support, drop dash, and Mission Mode are welcome additions, but they all come at a (steep) price.
The Capcom Fighting Collection has some of the greatest CPS2 and CPS3 titles ever to be released, but this barebones package leaves something to be desired. It’s the best legit way to play these games, but don’t be surprised if it leaves you wanting more – unless you like Darkstalkers.
Redout 2 is a spectacle that will have players on the edge of their seat. Just be warned; one will need to cut their teeth with its difficulty curve – one best bring their A game.
A top-down Crazy Taxi clone is the stuff nostalgia is made for, doubly so if it references one of Keanu Reeves’ finest moments. However, Deliver or Die! misses the mark in almost every way imaginable, exploding in a fiery blaze that even Michael Bay would be proud of.
While there are some notable omissions and questionable additions in this collection, PAC-MAN MUSEUM+ is just the thing for those looking for a trip down memory lane.
Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Mega Mix+ is all killer and no filler, offering up the finest Vocaloid action to date. Rhythm game fans, arcade junkies, and music lovers, rejoice; this is your game.
New Meaning tries to feature a deep message about mental illness, but absolutely fails the landing. With everybody reduced to a brief stereotype, it’s hard to care about anything that happens in this visual novel.
For a game that’s supposed to be chill, the camera in Seaside Driving will do everything in its power to infuriate you. This lazy drive is anything but, and will make you take a quick U-Turn back to Outrun.
Andro Dunos II carries on the old-school Neo-Geo classic; almost to a fault. Its varied weaponry keeps things fresh, but there are far too many cheap shots for our liking.
For those who live and breathe arcade racers, making a perfect run in Rush Rally Origins is an absolute thrill. For those who don’t mind a fair amount of repetition and a steep price tag, this is your next addiction.
The team at M2 had an incredible eye for detail when creating G-Darius HD. Not only does it respect the already solid source material, it encourages shmup fans to pour over every last detail. G-Darius HD isn’t just a re-release; it is a love letter.