Casey Scheld's Reviews
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.
Taiko no Tatsujin: The Drum Master! Hits all the right notes in its jump to the PC. With a healthy amount of songs and a system that’s every bit as challenging as you want it to be, Don-chan and Ka-chan’s rhythm game is the place to be.
THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD: Remake is an absolute disservice to the light gun classic. From the pop in to the loading times to the broken control scheme, this re-release would make even Dr. Curien cower in fear.
Cyber Pool bends the rules of pool a little too much to make it worthwhile. Diehard pool sharks will want something more realistic, while those looking for a more casual experience will feel like things are a little off.
Wave 1 of the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Booster Course Pass breathes new life into the multiplayer favorite, adding some of the series’ best hits. While there are some noticeably cut corners in this inaugural launch, we’re eager to hit these streets at our next shindig.
One Gun Guy blatantly copies Mega Man’s homework and yet still manages to fail the assignment. The idea of the entire game being one screen has some merit to it, but that’s all it has going for it.
Although it's missing the go-karts and arcade machines, MiniGolf Maker perfectly captures the minigolf experience. The staggering amount of options (almost to an extreme) means that no two courses will ever play out the same - just the thing for those looking for an ace in the hole.
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax has remained an arcade staple for good reason - it’s got a perfect learning curve, fantastic sprite work, and oodles of fanservice. However, this lackluster port job is a disservice to the title. If you’ve never checked out the Midnight Channel, it’s a must play; however, those who have years of experience might feel like this is a rerun.
The pint-sized action of Moto Roader MC is too small for its own good. The almighty Micro Machines have cornered the market on pint-sized thrills, and this single screen racer doesn’t do enough to dethrone the king.
Drift King fixates on the things that don’t matter, pouring all of its energy into minutiae instead of what makes a racing game truly thrive. Its bland tracks and broken drifting mechanics are not conducive to a good game, and the grind to unlock content will turn people off sooner rather than later.
Robot Daycare lacks any sort of focus, trying to tell two different tales at the same time. While the idea of a robot AI companion is a novel one, the execution here is far too disjointed to make it stand out.
Dinoland’s billiards concept is squandered with its broken physics engine. The title is borderline unplayable, making even the simplest shots a major struggle.
PEOPLEDOWN wears its inspiration on its sleeve, blatantly copying Hotline Miami’s homework down to the letter. It’s just a shame they didn’t do a good job at it; the overall sloppiness of the presentation makes this a faded photocopy of the classic gamers have come to love.
Land of Screens is far too one-note for its own good, repeatedly hammering the message that screens are pure evil. Its heart is in the right place, but its execution leaves something to be desired.