Cody Medellin
Genre fans will definitely have a fun time checking this out.
If you haven't played the previous game, then you're in for a good time with Attack on Titan 2. The combat is fast but not mindless, as mashing on the attack button without thought will easily get you killed. It may lack the political intrigue of the anime and manga, but there's a great deal of story to digest, and there's a healthy amount of playable content. The lack of enemy variety means that the game is best taken in short bursts, but those with even a passing interest in the series will enjoy Attack on Titan 2.
Age has treated Okami HD well. Even if it didn't come with the resolution boost, it would still be beautiful thanks to the art style alone, and the fact that the game is now on various platforms simultaneously helps greatly. Even with the game's slow moments, the overall gameplay length feels worthwhile, and the mechanics make everything feel tight. As it stands now, Okami HD is really the definitive version of a classic and well worth checking out, especially if you've never played the previous iterations. Let's hope this finally gives Capcom a reason to bring a sequel and not another re-re-re-release in the future.
That's the real thing that holds back Tiny Metal. There's no doubt that it has the basics covered, and the new focus fire mechanic works nicely when you can initiate it. The campaign and skirmishes make up a very lengthy game once you put them together, though you'll have to deal with a lackluster AI in the process. The lack of multiplayer wouldn't hurt so much if it weren't already promised, and the fact that the game launched without that feature makes it feel like an Early Access title rather than one with a $25 price tag. If you don't mind such things, then Tiny Metal is still worth checking out if you're a fan of simpler strategy. For anyone else looking for some challenge, it might be best to hold off to see if and when multiplayer goes live.
As a whole, Skeleton Boomerang is good. The game strikes a nice balance between being short enough for casual players to finish while also hiding lots of different things for completionists. Though the lack of checkpoints can be frustrating for those who aren't used to it, the game feels fair, since most of the enemies and obstacles can be easily overcome if you put some thought into it. There's nothing remarkable about the title, but for $10, it's a solid purchase.
Danger Zone is a good game if you can appreciate its simplicity. The sparse setting and presentation aside, the puzzle element is a fantastic spin for the game, and it's hard to deny the satisfaction of crashing into tons of vehicles. It also helps that the game's addictive nature and leaderboard presence can inspire multiple runs even after everything is unlocked. For fans of a title that's easy to pick up and quick to play, Danger Zone is worth checking out.
There's nothing wrong with Nightingale Downs being short. Indeed, a short and cheap RPG can be a primer to see if a player who's unfamiliar with the genre would like it before trying meatier fare. However, the imbalanced gameplay, odd pacing, and wonky battle system demonstrate a poor idea of what the typical RPG experience would look like. Paired with decent graphics but terrible audio, it's difficult to recommend Nightingale Downs, even if it is only $2.
Dungeons III is a good hybrid of real-time strategy and dungeon management. The quests are fun, the simple mechanics are tight, and the humor is nice, even if it can be grating at times. Its lack of difficulty will turn off anyone looking for a challenge, and the lack of a community means that those who like playing with others will find nothing here. The whole experience is worth it if you like what's on display here.
Tesla vs. Lovecraft isn't going to win you over if you crave innovation. There isn't anything here that hasn't been seen in other twin-stick shooters, but there isn't much for those wanting something off the wall, either. The story is lacking, but the game provides a solid and lengthy shooting experience, and even though there isn't a shortage of that genre on the PC, Tesla vs. Lovecraft is good enough for fans to check out.
Fighting fans and those who enjoy the DC universe should definitely own this game.
Raiden V: Director's Cut is a fine shooter. While it introduces some things to keep rookies engaged, it also has enough to keep veterans playing thanks to multiple routes and plane configurations. There's a limited selection of shooters for the bullet hell crowd to enjoy, and despite its issues with bullet visibility, Raiden V deserves a place in that library.
Megaton Rainfall is a game at odds with itself. It seems like it was built to be a VR title about being a superhero, but it lacks the hardware support on the PC to make that a reality. It tries to make you a more responsible superhero when it comes to protecting innocent lives, but the controls and lack of a good targeting system make it difficult to follow through. The game provides an open universe to explore but very few things to actually check out. In the end, Megaton Rainfall is a curiosity, and although it isn't a must-have title, it could be worth a look if the price is right.
Fe is a game that you want to get lost in. Even if you discard the beautiful visuals, the forest world has so many areas to explore that you'll enjoy wandering around aimlessly. Thankfully, the platforming and light puzzles are done well, so those who want some purpose have something to contend with, while the abstract storytelling will mesmerize others. Overall, Fe is an excellent game, especially for those who prefer exploration over violence.
EA Sports UFC 3 is a solid title that comes highly recommended for both die-hard UFC fans and those wanting to get into the series. Even with some fighters occupying several different weight classes, the roster count is huge, and it complements the improved striking system. The modes contain some depth and some twists that work well, while the presentation remains as good as it was before. The knocks against the submission system make it a little tougher for grapplers to deal some damage, and while the loot box system doesn't hurt the game as badly as the publisher's other titles, the additions to the economy seem extraneous. Overall, the combination of good and bad changes makes UFC3 a sideways upgrade rather than an essential one, especially if you're still deeply entrenched in the second title.
In the end, A Hat In Time features enough charm to overcome its shortcomings. If you can live with the unreliable camera, then you'll find a game that offers a pleasant platforming experience, tons of secrets to uncover, and a good amount of abilities to experiment with. The variety of environments and activities is appreciated, as are some of the breaks from platforming norms. The characters may be the main reason for playing the gamefrom beginning to end, just to see what they'll say or do next. For fans of platformers, A Hat In Time is well worth your time.
Cat Quest is an excellent and charming action RPG for all ages. Combat is enjoyable, and the usual elements in the genre, like inventory control and stat tracking, never become overwhelming. The quests flow smoothly into one another, and the adventure is just the right length. Most of all, the game is charming, and despite the story and game mechanics not delving too deep, thisis a title you'll want to keep playing until it's 100% complete. For adventure and action-RPG fans, Cat Quest is a must-have.
If this were any other platform or if this were released much later in the system's life, Ninja Shodown wouldn't be anything extraordinary. The multiplayer does the job, albeit without much flair, while the rest of the modes are more frustrating than enjoyable. On the Switch, however, the title barely has any competition, so those looking for a party-style combat game will find it more appealing despite the $15 price. If you can find Ninja Shodown for cheap and you're guaranteed to have a bunch of friends over often, then give this game a look until some of the stronger multiplayer combat titles hit the scene.
Conga Master Party is one of those games that is a novel experience for a short amount of time. You're not really going to find a game that essentially takes Snake and changes enough of the mechanics that it feels fresh again. With that said, the novelty wears out quickly, and although the multiplayer tries to balance things out, its shallow depth means that Conga Master Party is a game you'll play once or twice before shelving it — until your choices thin out again.
.hack//G.U. Last Recode is really for the fans. The ability to go through the whole trilogy with overpowered characters is perfect for those who want to reminisce without the grind, and the bonus fourth episode adds a natural closure to the series. It becomes a little harder for new fans to get used to some of the JRPG tropes and the meandering pace of the first episode, but things pick up later, so it's worthwhile to stick with it. All in all, those interested in a title that most likely influenced other anime like Sword Art Online should definitely check out .hack//G.U. Last Recode.
Comet Crash 2: The Kronkoid Wars is a solid title even if it differs very little from the original. The blending of tower defense and RTS gameplay works fine, especially since the stages are confined to one screen, and the game's length is perfect if you want to spend a few lazy afternoons with it. The presentation feels a bit muted, but it works well enough so you can discern which units are yours. However, those seeking multiplayer are better served with nearby friends, as online play is all but dead now. If you think of Comet Crash 2 as more of a single-player game, then you can check out this title.