Like its predecessor, The Caligula Effect 2’s greatest sin is that it is entirely average. The soundtrack is incredible, to be certain. Progress is clear, given that the dungeons work so much better. The general story feels stronger as well. But the supplemental elements, generic enemies, and need to only take advantage of the tactical parts of battle when facing bosses leave it feeling a bit lackluster.
Metroid Dread is constantly offering a player a challenge, then providing an appropriate reward for their efforts. It forces you to be better. You’re put in situations where it will be difficult, but paying attention and trying usually means you can get through it.
In review, there’s a lot to like about Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles even if it isn’t exactly perfect. It’s a strong first step. The Adventure Mode’s execution and ideas are sound, even if it can feel a bit simple in practice. The Versus mode works well, with characters who feel distinct and have personalities come through.
ActRaiser Renaissance arrived at exactly the right time. It perfectly builds on everything good about the original. More importantly, it makes the the city simulation portions even more engaging by adding RTS elements.
Mary Skelter as a series is good at surprising players. In many ways, Mary Skelter Finale is something of a grand finale that takes time to review what worked for the series.
In general, Knockout Home Fitness is a handy exercise game for the Switch and fills a niche. It isn’t as intensive or potentially lengthy as, say, something like Ring Fit Adventure. Rather, it invites someone to show up every day for a few minutes to be active.
Now Death Stranding Director’s Cut is on its way to the PS5 and makes the original game less cumbersome to play, more appealing to return to, and prettier than before.
Life is Strange: True Colors doesn’t deviate from the formula in any way, and in fact calls back more to the original game than before. But even though it is walking a familiar path, it does it well.
Photography games are undergoing something of a renaissance. Pokemon Snap is back with a new entry. A Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water remaster is on the way. We also have indies like Beasts of Maravilla Island and Umurangi Generation offering indie takes on the concept. Now we have Toem from Something We Made, a similar sort of game with Scandinavian roots and influences that brings yet another charming, cozy, and creative experience to the Switch.
In short, Tales of Arise feels satisfying. It’s gorgeous to look at and the battles fun to experience. Especially since you sometimes do get that “Ah ha!” moment when the right sort of Boost Attack or Strike comes up.
Olympia Soiree ends up feeling awkward for many reasons. The class system, the focus on getting the heroine married and pregnant, and the information dumps get to be so much. Once you do finally get to a route, the pacing improves, but before that it is just so much to take in and process.
Sonic Colors Ultimate is still an entertaining modern Sonic the Hedgehog game, and this latest version feels tighter and looks sharp.
No More Heroes 3 is exactly the sort of game people would expect it to be, with challenging fights and over-the-top, outrageous ambiance.
WitchSpring3 Re:Fine isn't bad, but the Switch version doesn't feel well optimized or especially exciting compared to the mobile release.
There are so many chosen ones in the world. People, animals, and now in Garden Story there’s even a grape. Each one involves doing your best to make your world a better place. And here, things feel a little more local and humble. You’re doing what you can for a community, even if that means running the same sorts of errands repeatedly.
One of the things that I believe is the mark of a fascinating game is the ability to inspire strong feelings about it. If it can also leave me wanting to discuss its primary characters with anyone else I know who’s also played it and marathon-play it until I beat it, those are added bonuses. While there are certain things about Boyfriend Dungeon that left me annoyed or frustrated, I also couldn’t get enough of playing it.
CrisTales is a game with a lot to do and say, all while looking gorgeous, but it isn't without its flaws.
Final Fantasy II Pixel Remaster still dares to be different and stands out with its unique mechanics, and now it looks a bit more stylish.
Final Fantasy III Pixel Remaster is an important piece of JRPG history and, UI issues aside, it's fascinating to finally experience it.
When I played The World Ends with You on my Nintendo DS back in 2008, I was struck by how vibrant and wonderfully unique the game is. I’d hoped for more for years, especially after teases found in the ports. Now we’re back in Shibuya for NEO TWEWY, and it is the sequel the original deserved. Yet, at the same time, it stands tall on its own merits and is a welcoming experience for people completely unfamiliar with the series.