Michael Ruiz

MIKE2112
XenoNostromo

Favorite Games:
  • Galaga
  • DOOM
  • Mass Effect

55 games reviewed
73.6 average score
75 median score
49.1% of games recommended

Cadence of Hyrule: Curse of the NecroDancer is the crossover I didn’t know I needed until I played it.

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French Bread and Arc System Works' fighting game Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r] is brilliant, but may deter some with its high learning curve.

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May 22, 2020

Diablo for all ages.

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Aug 4, 2020

Way of the samurai.

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Oct 6, 2020

Bithell Games brings another quality short experience with The Solitaire Conspiracy.

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Nov 17, 2020

Are all the visual improvements and added story content worth it?

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7.5 / 10.0 - WWE 2K18
Oct 18, 2017

WWE 2K18 is an upgrade from the previous iteration. It improves on the game's core gameplay, graphics, and creation tools giving wrestling fans a fun experience they will enjoy. However, like previous iterations, the game poses a ton of excellent ideas that fall flat. MyCareer, Road to Glory, and Universe Mode are all fantastic features on paper, but lacks the depth players would want. This is a game built for the WWE Universe; it is for fans of all generations. However, if you play WWE 2K18 without an appreciation for the sport, it would be hard to convince you that it is entertaining.

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7.5 / 10.0 - Surviving Mars
Mar 16, 2018

Surviving Mars requires patience and experimentation that may be daunting to those new to the genre. The lack of detail on the game's many mechanics in conjunction with the intense micromanagement creates a challenging and frustrating experience. There are ways to make your colonization mission less difficult, but a well-planned strategy still needs to be in place to succeed. Despite this, once the mechanics click, the game is incredibly satisfying and rewarding. All of this is packaged with a simple aesthetic and decent soundtrack that are both stylish and fit its sci-fi theme. If you're a fan of city builders, Haemimont Games' latest is worth playing.

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Aug 24, 2018

So far, World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth is a solid addition to the long-running MMORPG. Currently, I am trying to increase my item level so I can be ready for the raid in a few weeks. The grind to do that is a long one, requiring a lot of time that not a lot of people have. It is the one crux of this game. When you start World of Warcraft, you have to stay committed. If you're serious about playing and want to enter the raid on the first day of release, missing just one day is a loss of progress. However, if you do commit and you have a group of people to play with, as it is right now, Battle for Azeroth has plenty of content for you to enjoy with a lot more to come.

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Oct 15, 2018

Overall, Starlink: Battle for Atlas is a solid foundation if Ubisoft wants to make this into an ongoing franchise. Allowing you to play with or without the toys was a smart call, especially since if you're playing on the Switch and don't want to bring a bunch of toys with you. The world and characters they've created are intriguing enough for me to want to see more of it. If there was just a bit more variety, Starlink could be a fantastic franchise for both kids and adults alike.

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7.5 / 10.0 - God Eater 3
Feb 6, 2019

Although God Eater 3 boasts some stellar gameplay mechanics that allow you to play how you'd like, the surrounding aspects keep it back from being otherwise a great game.

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Dec 2, 2019

Piccolo Studio's Arise: A Simple Story tells its tale with beautiful dreamscapes and time-altering gameplay, but fails to engage players.

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7.5 / 10.0 -
Feb 11, 2020

So, a werewolf and a vampire walk into a coffee shop...

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7.5 / 10.0 - Bleeding Edge
Mar 27, 2020

A certain degree of imagination.

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7.5 / 10.0 - NHL 21
Oct 16, 2020

Just another season.

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Feb 14, 2018

After playing The Fall and seeing the words “to be continued” scroll across my screen, I was interested, but not excited. It told a good story, but its questionable gameplay and puzzle design left me cautiously optimistic. After my time with The Fall Part 2: Unbound, I am not only intrigued but eager for the series' conclusion when the third part inevitable releases. The sequel does exemplify some of the gameplay flaws of its predecessor but tells a fantastic sci-fi tale and builds a world that I never imagined it would.

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7 / 10.0 - NBA Live 19
Sep 16, 2018

In the end, any progress made, whether it's leveling up my player or regaining control of my court, just feels aimless. If I'm simply being rewarded with cosmetic options, I don't see the point of furthering my character's career. If my Icon path is linear, why make me go to a menu to activate those perks? Why play the mid-range game if driving straight to the hoop while getting double teamed will still grant me the 2 points I need? It's questionable decisions like this that sets NBA Live 19 just below the bar of greatness.

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7 / 10.0 - WWE 2K19
Oct 10, 2018

This puts me in a weird spot. For better or worse, I really think WWE 2K19 really captures the current WWE product very well while also commending those who have made their way to the squared circle in years past. It presents some solid ideas that are really needed to make this series worthwhile. Unfortunately, like almost every iteration before this, those ideas are not executed well. This is primarily due to gameplay. While there are some great implementations like the payback and overcharge abilities, it is still the same ol' gameplay you know from the series. Yet again, if you are into the WWE, you may find some enjoyment. Anyone outside of the WWE universe may find it hard to hit the ropes on this one.

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Apr 12, 2019

Everyone's favorite green dinosaur is back in Yoshi's Crafted World, bringing all of its good vibes to the Nintendo Switch.

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