A top notch creature collecting RPG that does the Monster Hunter name proud.
Valkyria Revolution is a lifeless spinoff that lacks the spirit of its cult classic predecessor.
Deep and important exploration of psychological issues in an underwhelming package.
Deep story and fluid combat make Nier: Automata a truly special experience.
Ten years is a long time, but Final Fantasy XV is well worth the wait.
A solid sequel with minor improvements to a successful formula.
God Eater 2: Rage Burst offers a highly entertaining package that combines wacky anime-style silliness with deep combat that delivers regular rewards. While it does suffer with some technical issues, the amusing characters, intimidating Aragami, and engrossing gameplay offer an abundance of content. While I may have completely forgotten about God Eater, Rage Burst is a welcome surprise that has grabbed my attention.
Attack on Titan: Wings of Freedom is a valiant attempt to capture the feel of AoT that is unfortunately encumbered by some underwhelming elements. The game's easy difficulty, as well as pop-in and some questionable A.I. ultimately drag the experience down a few notches. These issues aside however, WoF boasts a strong story mode, terrifying Titans, and solid gameplay that shows the utmost respect for what this franchise has so quickly become.
Mighty No. 9 began life as one of the most anticipated concepts in recent memory. While there is fun to be had – especially where boss fights are concerned – there is an overall lack of fresh ideas to bring it all to life. Frustratingly the game also has underwhelming graphics and perhaps the coldest and most awkward story I've ever played. Instead of the love letter to fans of Capcom's blue bomber the game was meant to be, the cynically average final product is a sad example of potential well and truly squandered.
It is a shame that Spike Chunsoft chose to limit the scope of Burning Blood's story mode, but the rest of the package offers a great deal of wacky fun both online and offline. With a combat system that requires simple combos to achieve signature techniques, as well as activate Logia powers and Haki, each moment feels geared toward a faithful recreation of the source material. While it may only be a game for those who already love the series, Burning Blood delivers fans a boat load of fun.
Irritating dialogue overshadows a unique blend of gameplay elements.
While I was left a little underwhelmed by certain elements of the story and the diminishing of Chairman Drek, Ratchet & Clank is every inch the game I hoped it would be. That the game is such an audiovisual feast is almost enough on its own to recommend this game to any Playstation 4 owner. Adding action-packed and compelling gameplay systems that reward at every turn simply tips the scale for what is an incredible package. This is a game that transported me back to my childhood and kicked up a storm of nostalgia. It is also proof positive that Insomniac have lost none of their sharpness, even after fourteen years of intergalactic travel.
Needless to say, I had a ball with Stella Glow. From the opening moments in Mithra Village the game had me hooked to it's satisfying story, rich characters, and rewarding strategic gameplay. That writing this review is the only thing keeping me from continuing my adventures with the 9th Regiment is perhaps the best way I can convey the utter delight I feel while playing. While the knowledge that the company that brought this game to life are defunct is sobering, at the very least the team at Imageepoch got to say goodbye with a fantastic effort. Who would have though witches and upbeat pop music could be such a winning combination?
My minor gripe about cutscenes aside, PXZ 2 is a game that combines disparate characters and game licenses tremendously well. From the opening moments it balances being both ridiculous and entertaining with a story that packs in more time travelling than perhaps any story in history. Gameplay is excellent, mashing together tactical RPGs with a combo system that I couldn't get enough of. While I missed the original Project X Zone, this sequel has more than grabbed my attention. I certainly won't be missing a potential third instalment.
While not a revolutionary game, Yo-Kai Watch is testament to Level 5's ability to breathe new life into familiar concepts. More than any game in recent memory, Yo-Kai Watch as a whole is an experience that I enjoyed more the longer I played it. While combat was initially off-putting, taking the time to acclimatise revealed a far more complex set of systems than were initially apparent. With delightful characters, beautiful scenery, and missions both intriguing and bizarre, I can see why Japan has fallen in love with Yo-Kai Watch.
In the end, this is a rather shortlived experience that dives head first into a pit of tedium after some early promise. Kraken have definitely produced something intriguing, though the game soon needs to resort to padding to stretch its length. A little more content to back up its tight controls and polished presentation would have made Kromaia Omega a far more exciting title, though there's enough here to be excited for what comes next from Kraken Empire.
Gripping character work complements deep combat.