Jordan Rudek
All in all, Cosmonauta doesn't go out of its way to impress you aesthetically, but each level throws a unique enough scenario at you that going through each one was a satisfying experience.
Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection is one of the first must-own titles of 2020.
It's as addictive as it is satisfying, and the hours I've spent with it have melted away like the cares of my newly-cured patients. Whether you've been in a simulation game coma like me or living it up as your tycoon of choice, Two Point Hospital more than lives up to its forebears. Let's add eight more points to that title.
The overall range of options and stages is definitely lacking, but the core gameplay is very enjoyable. Ideally, you'll have at least four in your group since fewer than that really takes away from what makes Thief Town fun. If you're looking to add an easy-to-play and satisfying multiplayer title to your game nights, don't skip town on this one.
Other than having them all in one place, you don't really get anything extra when buying these shooters as a package, rather than individually. You might save a couple bucks purchasing all six games at once, but the better play might be to just pick and choose your favourite ones. Ultimately, Shooting Stars Bravo is a decent compilation that is disappointingly barebones, even if it can provide a pretty good time.
The sound effects and music add little to the overall experience, and the customization aspects are only skin deep. Additional modes and options would go a long way to increasing its value, but as it is, Marooners is just okay. There are much more compelling multiplayer experiences on the crowded Switch island.
If you’re looking to curl up on the couch with a warm drink, Coffee Talk can set the mood and help you pass a few wonderful hours until closing time.
The gameplay is incredibly simple and the controls are sound, but the incredibly short length and lack of challenge make this a fish you’ll want to throw back in the ocean.
Meters are constantly filling; new crafting recipes are always becoming available. Whichever Shallie you choose, she is continually becoming a stronger and more capable alchemist. It just would have been nice to see the conclusion of the trilogy grow in the same way its heroines do.
Understanding the experimental and purposeful design of 198X goes a long way toward appreciating it. Rather than a fun, traditional game experience, it's best viewed as a bold and thought-provoking work that reminds us of a time before wireless controllers and console wars. Back when all you really needed was a quarter and some courage.
Atelier Ayesha: The Alchemist of Dusk DX seems to be a decent entry point into the world of Atelier, and its crafting system hides a depth that will satiate more meticulous players. The main story does take a back seat to the character interactions and exploration of the world, but I had some fun seeing Ayesha's journey (nearly) to completion. Look forward to reviews for the next two games in the Atelier Dusk Trilogy Deluxe Pack coming soon!.
Much like how I collapsed into my chair as the final credits rolled, the game actually crashes before the single post-credits scene, and it also froze on me once as well. These are unfortunate technical issues that frustrate but are worth coping with. To The Moon tells a must-read story, but as a game it's not without its flaws.
On the plus side, each game can be played co-op and there is no shortage of ways to challenge yourself. Shoot-'em-up enthusiasts will be fairly pleased, but this feels like a missed opportunity to really celebrate these six games and where they came from. Psikyo Alpha certainly doesn't shoot for the stars, and you might already own some of these games, but its stellar gameplay is still out of this world.
More platforming variety, like special abilities, and incentives, like hidden or hard-to-reach collectables would have been a welcome addition, but as it is I would only recommend 140 to the genre-fan who has to play every single game out there.
Steins;Gate: My Darling's Embrace is a good visual novel for fans of the series, and its less serious take on the escapades of Rintato and Co. is a nice distraction while it lasts.
Adding length by gating off stages with higher difficulties is a miss, and a few more stages would have been welcome, but it's still an easy recommendation as one of the more enjoyable entries in the genre. The story is interesting enough, especially compared to those of similar games. I've never been to Mars before, but I can safely say that it's worth taking a trip down to Jamestown+.
Although there's no doubt that playing co-op as a group of four will be more fun than hacking and slashing alone, the minute-to-minute gameplay doesn't feel satisfying enough to make this a game worth choosing over others in the genre. The objectives are really plain and the challenge and obstacles almost toothless. It might be a good first dungeon-crawler for a younger audience or a family that wants to play together, but this Riverbond ain't wide enough for me to recommend it to you.
The adult-themed sound effects and on-screen timer are both misses, but fortunately you can toggle them off and should do so if you pick up the game. It would have been nice to see a little more variety in terms of the abilities you can use, but the stages are still fun and quite varied themselves, and online leaderboards and achievements add some great replay value, too. You can't go wrong with Electronic Super Joy if you're looking for a satisfying and full platforming experience.
The Touryst is a wonderful slice of adventure gaming paradise, but it features some tough platforming and challenges that can be a little frustrating. Ultimately, though, these concerns are minor when compared to the visual splendour and dream-like atmosphere of the various islands and environments.
If your first impression of Black Future '88 is positive, I would say give it shot, but a lack of depth and variety keep it from reaching greater heights.