Casey Scheld's Reviews
Street Fighter V is an unfinished game. The engine present is solid enough, but it could have used much more fleshing out. Like many Capcom releases these days, give this one a few more months (if not years) so the company can iron out the kinks.
Firewatch has got an interesting style to it, but it just doesn’t have the follow-through. It’s not a terrible game, but rather an undercooked one. Those looking for something new will likely appreciate its unique style, but even the most fervent of fans will be aware of its faults.
Nitroplus Blasterz is one of those games that caters to its audience quite well. Those looking for gratuitous anime fanservice or solid fighting action will eat this game right up, but those wondering what a “Super Sonico” is will be left scratching their heads in confusion.
Undertale has personality in spades, paired with one of the most unique hooks in recent history. Those looking for something new need not look any farther – Undertale is your game.
Encompassing many different genres, Skyshine's Bedlam will appeal to fans of a number of different genres. It may not be revolutionary, but the harsh world of Bedlam calls out to almost all types of gamer.
Rodea the Sky Soldier is one of those games that has good intentions and great dreams, but fails to capitalize on them. With a bit more time in the oven (or a few patches), this game could be the next big thing. Unfortunately, as it stands right now, this is one title only for the most diehard of action fans.
Just Dance 2016 has got its dancing game down to a science. It may not revolutionize the world of dancing as we know it, but it is the best iteration of the series thus far. Here’s to another year of hits.
Transformers: Devastation isn’t just a good Transformers game, it’s a good game period. More depth and environments would benefit the game tremendously, but as it stands right now, it’s one title for both Transformers and Platinum fans alike.
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.
Act of Aggression wears its inspiration on its sleeve, but it just doesn’t have the gusto to be its own beast. Those dying for a new RTS may find something to enjoy, but the masses are better off sticking with the classics.
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.
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.
Dungeons 2 is two so-so games that could be one great one. The idea of building an evil empire is an intriguing one, but things could be so much more fleshed out. Those with a penchant for cheeky humor will find much to love here, but those looking for some speedy, depthful gameplay best take heed.
The fact of the matter is that Etherium doesn’t do enough to differentiate itself from the competition. The new concepts it does bring to the table (like its space battles) are a breath of fresh air, but they are not fleshed out enough to make enough of an impact. Etherium isn’t a terrible game, but it isn’t a noteworthy one either.
Hand of Fate wears its inspiration on its sleeve, but its deck has a few new surprises. Those looking for something new will find something to like here, but diehard dungeon crawlers might be better off waiting for the next edition.
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.
Dead or Alive 5: Last Round is not a bad game — just the opposite. The cast and crew of Gamers Heroes has spent countless hours throwing down with the cast and crew of DoA. However, there is not enough here to justify upgrading so fast after Ultimate. If this is your first foray into Dead or Alive 5, this is the one to get. However, those who already fought their way to the top might want to hold off until the inevitable revision.
Life is Strange is full of so much squandered potential. What could have been a great coming-of-age tale is hindered by bad writing, characters, set pieces, and gameplay. Those willing to give it a shot are better off playing better-executed cinematic titles like The Walking Dead or Heavy Rain.
Those looking for an homage to the arcade vertical shoot-em-ups of the 80s and 90s will find a lot to like in Super Galaxy Squadron. It might not reach the lofty heights of its inspiration, but it is still a solid title for those looking to flex their itchy trigger fingers.
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.