Nazih Fares's Reviews
The Caligula Effect is as fascinating as it is technically failing as a game. This is the kind of title that will be probably remembered for its art style, story and innovative gameplay, but will sadly at the same time, be known as a technical mess and bland progression.
Eagle Flight is a satisfying experiences for the PlayStation VR at the time of launch, but despite its excellent thrills of speed, its originality and successful aesthetics, it lacks a lot in variety and depth. Would've particularly appreciate that its very multiplayer part could have more than a single mode. Nevertheless, a good demonstration of what Ubisoft could do in the future with more time on a VR platform.
If the core gameplay mechanics becomes quickly repetitive and boring, The Trail: Frontier Challenge is still an original game from 22cans and Kongregate. I would advise you to try it on mobile devices first, before jumping the gun and get this console version especially with a $15 price tag.
With Fear Effect Sedna, Sushee has managed to create a different yet faithful new episode in a long forgotten cult franchise. While the gameplay mechanics are not optimal for most, and the graphics engine is sub-par for what you would expect from a 2018 title, but it's worth picking if you're a fan of Fear Effect. Here's hoping Fear Effect Reinvented, a remake of the original Fear Effect and Sushee's other project, will be a better way to showcase the French studio's talent.
Human: Fall Flat is original in its concept and frankly funny for a few hours, but runs out steam unless you have a friend to rely on.
SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy is a weird fighting game. It tries to appeal to newcomers by banking on hypersexualization of its characters and downplaying game mechanics which might push away fans.
Adventure Time: Pirates of the Enchiridion is exactly what a franchise tie-in game is, mixing known gameplay mechanics and ideas to a world built by an iconic animated series, without really excelling anything. It's still a great entry point into the world of turn-based RPG for some and will definitely appeal to fans of the animated series for sure.
A bit more demanding than usual, NBA Playgrounds fits in the right line of NBA Jam and NBA Street, without a constant comparison. The game may be arcade in looks and gameplay, but it tries to compensate for a slightly more demanding timed control schemes, which might not be fun for all. Too bad that the solo as the multiplayer part have been shipped almost half-baked at launch, and I really hope that the updates and patch will be coming fast to keep the momentum.
Portal Knights is a game that will satisfy lovers of the Minecraft-like genre, but unfortunately remains too much of the same despite the extra adventure and RPG side of it. It's nevertheless a great building game with a squeeze of action-RPG flavor for good measure if you have friends.
Kholat succeeded where many failed: to create a superb horror mood for a game, mixing great visual settings and a soundscape that is bewitching. In terms of gameplay, however, the game is limited by simple interaction and no jump system, plus frustrating death and errors with no reasons or explanation, which might test even the most patient players.
Disgaea 1 Complete brings back the franchise to life and gives a chance for newcomers to experience a stellar game that amazed players humour in the days, it does it so with impressive combat, characters and a stellar soundtrack. Disgaea 1 Complete falters graphics wise, still managing to look aged even with the updated visuals and with a system that requires much grinding.
Shape of the World is more of an interactive experience than a game, but that shouldn't push you away from trying it.
State of Decay 2 is a disappointing game but not really a failure. While Undead Labs have managed to add so many elements that were missing in the original title, they sadly failed to fix the same bugs that kind of plagued the first game. Good intention, but bad execution, yet I'm sure some hardcore sandbox and survival management players will enjoy it.
Atelier Lydie & Suelle switch to a twin heroine concept is both funny and entertaining, but the game overall is technically outdated and doesn't add much in terms of gameplay from its predecessors.
The Longest Five Minutes has the allure of a JRPG, yet hiding an interesting and quick visual novel experience that might entertain some players. An interesting gaming experience, but not deep enough for JRPG fans.
Monopoly for Nintendo Switch will satisfy those who want to play the iconic board game with friends on the screen or with a digital portable experience. It lacks the serious singleplayer experience with a dumb AI and performance issues when playing online, but overall is still a fun and kind of overpriced title for the Nintendo console.
Destiny 2's first expansion Curse of Osiris could've been a unique opportunity to tell an exciting story around a legendary figure of the lore, but instead added a disappointing amount of new content and bland story. It still is worth some praise on the front of couple of area's artistic direction, the new raid and some weapons, but even as a big fan of Destiny, it's hard for me to recommend buying this expansion.
Playing on a minimalist gameplay and offering the worst experience as an FPS, Get Even nevertheless succeeds as a suspense story experience. With a great mood, clean soundtrack, and well narrated story, Get Even can be captivating even if filled with some clichés.
LEGO Worlds will surely fill those who have always been fascinated by the idea of a digital version of the Danish construction game. The possibilities are interesting and everything has been done to please LEGO fans, but on the level of pure gaming, the adventure is soon struck with redundancy. LEGO Worlds is a promise that one could hope it gets better in the years to come.
Now out on the Nintendo Switch, Ubisoft's UNO does not reinvent the wheel in this reissue. Nevertheless its use of the Switch multiplayer function as well as adding 3 themed decks might be a good pick for families that never played the game on previous platforms.