Casey Scheld's Reviews
The experimental nature of Heal Hitler pays off in dividends. By focusing squarely on the script, this visual novel features a real human element that makes every choice truly matter. Those looking for an enthralling tale with one of history's most infamous dictators have certainly found it in this psychologists' office.
Those with a taste for speedy fighters will be right at home with Melty Blood: Type Lumina. The series' in-depth mechanics are alive and well in this reboot, making this arguably the best entry yet.
Designed for short burst sessions, TechBeat Heart encourages players to come back for just one more run. This vertical shmup doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t have to - its focus on the fundamentals pays off in dividends.
Methodical puzzle games and frenzied roguelikes sound like apples and oranges, but Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon makes a delicious smoothie out of the two genres suitable for all tastes.
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.
Break out the personal pan pizzas - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection is the best way to experience these heroes in a half shell. This is more than just a collection; it’s a tribute of the highest order.
Hi-Fi Rush is a stone-cold stunner, one with gameplay in lockstep with the beat. While finding one’s groove takes some getting used to, those with a keen ear will be in tune in no time flat.
The Dimension Shellshock DLC for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge makes an already great beat-em-up even better, providing plenty of ways to flex one’s fighting chops – just be ready for a challenge.
While it wears its inspiration on its sleeve, Bomb Rush Cyberfunk manages to evoke a style all its own with its always-stylish REP. For those pining for days gone by – or for those looking for something funky and fresh – be sure to hit the streets of New Amsterdam.
Deathwish Enforcers Special Edition is a true love letter to 70s movies, 90s arcade run-and-guns, and countless pop culture legends. While players will have to take on the syndicate locally, Deathwish Enforcers Special Edition is a modern-day throwback classic.
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number is the type of game that will get your heart racing and test your reflexes at each and every turn. It’s late-80s-early 90s-infused world proves that arcade-style gameplay isn’t dead — it just moved.
Resident Evil HD is a remake done right. Rather than bend over backwards to please a new generation of gamers, it proudly sticks by its roots and is better because of it. Those looking to try something "new" should look to the past with this spot-on remaster.
D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die will likely be the most unique title you’ll play this year. Playing on the serialized format of episodic games, it weaves a tale that hits all the right notes while still being its own unique beast. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, you most certainly have found it.
Seeing how PC owners never got the original title, this newest iteration of BlazBlue is practically a no-brainer. It might not be as drastic a change this time around, but those itching for more content and depth can find both in spades here.
Despite cribbing notes from a number of gaming vets, Cloudbuilt manages to be its own beast. Its debut effort is a love letter to fans of all things stylish, those of us who live for perfect ranks, achievements, and the top of the leaderboards.
Journey's journey to the PC is a successful one, barring some minor technical issues. Between its incredible atmosphere and unique mechanics, this is one title worth exploring.
In many ways, Revelator can be seen as the definitive version of Guilty Gear Xrd. Packing in more characters, more stages, more modes, and more unlockables, this is what -SIGN- should have originally been. Though it is a shame that this is a standalone release rather than a downloadable upgrade, the sheer amount of content available more than makes up for it.
Persona 4: Dancing All Night maintains the high pedigree the Persona series is known for while still being its own thing. Fans of both rhythm games and all things Persona will find a lot to love here – and who knows, maybe you’ll learn a move or two too.
Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultimate Despair Girls hits all the right notes for a spinoff, retaining the spirit of its source material while still trying something new. It might not be the most challenging game around, but those looking for a bit more despair in their life have come to the right place.
Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight combines the best elements of Castlevania, Dark Souls, and even Shantae to create something great. What it lacks in scale it more than makes up for in attention to detail and care.