Mark Fajardo
Even after a decade, these classics have plenty of charm. Between fantastic storytelling, well-written dialogue and engaging courtroom mechanics, it makes them a must for fans of visual novels or engaging experiences. Despite not offering new content, there is still more than enough to play. However, returning fans might find them a bit on the easy side and might want to consider skipping this release, unless you want to reexperience Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney in glorious HD.
Yoshi's Crafted World might be a bit more style than substance but it isn't a bad thing. Levels are fun, with the learning curve being low enough where anyone could jump in and have fun. The levels themselves are nice to look at and the amount of things you can do is surprising. Sadly, it doesn't result in Yoshi's Crafted World being as engaging as, say, Super Mario Odyssey but certainly enough fun for a young kid, someone intrigued by the graphics or simply a fan of Yoshi.
The Legend of Heroes: Trials of Cold Steel has a fair amount going for it. With a fascinating and deep story, there is more than enough to keep players entertained, assuming you can sit through the slower parts.
Those who love the time management and relationship aspects of Atelier will likely have a blast. As for those who like exploration, fighting monsters and being the achieving your dream might walk away a little disappointed. But, if nothing else, this is a title that certainly holds true to the franchise and caters to a different player base.
The hard thing about review a Dynasty Warriors game is how important is the mindless fun aspect. For Fate/Extella Link, it just feels so robotic that it's hard to get excited. Defeat countless enemies to see numbers go up, just for the sake of seeing numbers go up. Online will help fight this, as the human element will at least shake them up, though it's hard to say how many people will actually play. In the end, you have a hollow game with a confusing story, making it hard to suggest, unless you're a big fan of the series or just want some mindless fun before doing something.
Left Alive is surprisingly simple, yet somehow manages to get so much wrong.
Between a well-written story, one that ends on a shocking revelation, to interesting characters and everything else, especially the combat, Devil May Cry 5 is the total package and a must for hack-and-slash fans.
There isn't really much to say about The King's Bird. It's a simple looking game that comes down to using the world around you to propel yourself forward. At times this can be fun and other times extremely frustrating. When push comes to shove, it's good enough that I can see the value in it and has more than enough to keep someone interested, especially if they want to improve on previous runs.
God Eater 3 might not be perfect but it's a lot of fun. The new gameplay mechanics make for a faster experience, something that works really well in this world, along with enough depth to keep players interested. By retaining some key elements, such as guns, power ups from enemies, online multiplayer and crafting, there is more than enough to keep most people interested for a fair amount of time. When you consider there is also a rather interesting, albeit anime-esque, storyline, it makes for a fine adventure. Sure, it isn't perfect or going to beat Monster Hunter: World but there is more than enough to have fun or join others in overcoming some obstacles.
Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition retains the charm of the original, despite being 10-years-old.
By the time you make it to the end, it's just a lot of what we've already seen, coupled with another piece moving story. What will likely happen is Marvel's Spider-Man 2, or whatever they want to call it, will pick up these threads and build a more compelling story around them. However, it's just as likely we will see them hand wave story elements and just tell the adventure they want to. Whatever the case might be, Marvel's Spider-Man: The City That Never Sleeps never lives up to the excitement of the original game, leaving us with a bunch of odd puzzle pieces. It isn't so bad there is no point in ever playing them, they're just the type of expansions that feel like a lot of good ideas that never quite come together or make sense in regards to how they play out.
Sure, the time based elements are annoying and it's far from the most robust combat system around but Atlier isn't about being a hero, it's about embracing the joys of everyday life. And, if nothing else, is what makes the franchise last for so long.
Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu and Let's Go, Eevee is the console game Pokemon fans have been asking for. While it might have limited hardcore appeal, it's still a great experience for anyone looking to experience some of the first great moments in the series.
After six years and multiple releases, I must say the Switch version is probably the best way to play on consoles. Given the sheer amount of content and ability to play on the go, it makes this the definitive package to get for Switch. Regardless of whether you've played Diablo III before or not, I highly recommend getting it, even if some previous issues persist.
Forza Horizon 4 is the racing game aficionados have been waiting for. Not only does it have a staggering amount of content, it feels like every car and track are genuinely different. Between the wide variety of cars, nearly endless amount of events and more, there is more than enough to do. While it might not be the perfect game, it's certainly polished, fun and simply amazing to look at. Needless to say, it's a masterpiece for racing games on Microsoft platforms.
Overall, WWE 2K19 is a decent addition to the franchise because it add more features and fun gameplay modes than ever before. However, there are still some flaws that are present that ruins some of the fun. Still, the game is fun to play if you are a huge WWE fan.
Mega Man 11 might look fantastic and over come neat mechanics, but it's far from a perfect experience. Story is fairly bland, quite predictable and offers nothing besides filler between missions. While difficulty can be overwhelming and at times feel cheap, it is an invitation for players to think outside the box. This will appeal to some and just frustrate others. Between that and some underwhelming bosses, some of which are fairly forgettable, Mega Man 11 caters more to the hardcore crowd than anything else. So, if you love difficulty, you might like it but if you don't want to memorize levels, repeat them multiple times because you made one mistake or practice for hours, you might want to sit it out.
Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate is pretty much just an enhanced version of the 3DS game. Veteran hunters will find new challenges, which include new options, with newcomers having plenty to learn. Sure, the enhanced visuals and additional content is nice, but it isn't that much of an enhancement. Finally, for those who're expecting another Monster Hunter World, it's much closer to the traditional feel, making it less accessible, with harder monsters to overcome.
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a phenomenal game that JRPG fans will want to play. The brief break gave Dragon Quest XI a chance to improve a number of things and that certainly paid off. The storyline is interesting and engaging, something that will suck players in and hold their attention until the very end. And, outside of the main story, there is a wide variety of things for players to do. Needless to say, if you feel like recent JRPGs have been lacking, then you'll probably enjoy Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age.
Shenmue I & II are two great games that allow players to experience just before the sequel releases late next year. There might not be much for returning fans, besides nostalgia or as a refresher, but they're good enough for that to be more than enough. While I doubt many have played the original Dreamcast releases, the sequel likely piqued the interest of many. Sure, the game is two decades old and it has aged, but if you can get past the shortcomings, you are in for great storytelling and an enjoyable brawling experience. For a remastered release, it's the best one and certainly good enough to warrant a purchase.