Inconsistencies aside, this is undoubtedly the definitive version of Final Fantasy IX, which to this day earns the distinction of being a truly classic Final Fantasy experience.
Republique is a unique mobile experience that feels a bit antiquated on PS4, including a less satisfying control scheme and an unimpressive visual aesthetic.
In the end, Trillion: God of Destruction is a surprisingly innovative RPG from a company that is normally content to release/re-release a new Neptune game every month, and further testament to the Vita’s resigned fate as an RPG lover’s dream machine.
In short, Chronophantasma Extend is the biggest, densest and all-around definitive version of the BlazBlue series, but the overarching story mode and massive learning curve may put off potential newcomers to the series. For those brave enough to venture forth, this mechanically solid and visually resplendent fighter might just have enough features to make a BlazBlue fan out of you.
The only downside is that despite the numerous modes and features, it still features the same number of stages, enemies, and length; if you aren't the type who like to replay arcade-length shooters over and over for the best possible score, then Deathsmiles may not be for you.
All in all, Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action Unleashed was a decent distraction on handhelds, but a harder sell on PC when compared to the number of alternatives available, both from its own franchise and the Musou genre in general.
In the end, Nitroplus Blasterz: Infinite Heroines Duel doesn't reinvent the wheel for fighting games, and ironically enough it's all the better for it. The stripped-down mechanics lead to more pick-up-and-play sessions without feeling overwhelmed by too many rules to follow, and the cast of characters are entertaining enough just to witness in action even if you have no idea about their respective origins.
In the end, Megadimension Neptunia VII can certainly be classified as the biggest and most competent Neptunia game to date, which may or may not sound as impressive depending how much of a fan you are.
Simply put, of the three Umihara Kawase games now available on Steam, Shun feels like the weakest link in the series.
In the end, Assassin's Creed Syndicate is a far more competent entry than the much maligned Unity, but it does not entirely restore faith in the aging franchise. While Ubisoft continues to stubbornly hold onto making yearly entries with minimal changes to the core gameplay, other titles continue to evolve with more streamlined controls and visuals. If the next title doesn't take an even bigger leap forward, the AC franchise may end up lost to history in more ways than one.
In the end, what should have been the next evolution in Telltale's reputation for brilliant writing and meaningful choices has instead shown how outdated the company's engine and storytelling structure has become.
Fortunately, it's been some time since the last Bethesda title. Were Fallout an annual franchise like Assassin's Creed or Call of Duty, this stagnation in the core gameplay would have worn out its welcome by now. Overall, Fallout 4 still impresses with its trademark RPG mechanics and smartly-designed world, where exploration never feels like time wasted and players are consistently rewarded for lateral thinking and meticulous investigating. The war on videogames is ever changing, however, and Fallout will need to bring more toys to the battle next time or risk rotting in the wasteland.
In the end there is nothing inherently wrong or bad about The Coma, which in itself may be considered bad news for anyone hoping for a campy LP. The premise of a haunted high school mixed in with Visual Novel-type artwork is an interesting one, but the game never moves past mediocrity to make good use of it. An average experience is still better than a bad one, but anyone hoping for a better high school horror experience should consider checking out Corpse Party or shell out however much a Playstation VR will cost for the remake of White Day.
A lack of polish and a steep difficulty curve means that only the most patient of players will get the majority of enjoyment out of Party Hard.
True to its genre, Umihara Kawase is all about finding victory after many, many, many defeats; the limited lives plus multiple endings dependent on completion time will cause much frustration followed by much more extended play sessions. The Steam version includes online leaderboards and replay features, which is all the motivation hardcore players will need. The one caveat is the knowledge that this was originally part of a package that is now being sold separately. Whether the game is worth the asking price is ultimately up for each individual to decide, but sooner or later this is a classic game with a timeless mechanic that deserves a lot more attention now that it's crossed over the pond and into digital distribution.
Ultimately, your level of reverence will determine whether Persona 4: Dancing All Night becomes an instant purchase.
With a little more polish in its presentation, Arcana Heart 3: LOVE MAX!!!!! would have been a must-have addition to the slowly-increasing Steam library of fighting games. As it stands, this is a competent-yet-hardcore game that doesn't quite have the entry-level aspects of more modern fighters, but still possesses a lot of depth and variation that longtime fighting fans will eagerly lap up.
In the end, Samurai Warriors 4-II is yet another Musou entry out of a dozen or so that hit every year. However, these button-mashing brawlers can still provide hours of entertainment for players who want to turn their brains off and enjoy some over-the-top action. So long as there are entries that provide a competent experience, there are still Musou games worth enjoying once in a while, with this latest entry proving to be one of the fresher additions to the batch.
If Steam is the only resource to experience this game, it's still worth checking out, but those who own a PS Vita or PS TV should consider that the definitive platform instead.
In the end, SOMA does not quite share the scare factor of Amnesia, but it does exceed it from a storytelling standpoint, as well as nailing that same attention to detail that creates a tense atmosphere filled with both beauty and horror. A definite purchase for the Halloween season.