In conclusion, Cold Symmetry has achieved greatness with Mortal Shell. The game is by no means perfect and it is fairly brief. But for such a small team and a new IP, the result is impressive. This is strongly recommended for all fans of the Souls genre and it shows that innovation still exists within the cluttered space.
Ultimately, Cuphead was a masterpiece when it originally released years ago and it still holds that position today. And with the upcoming “The Delicious Last Course” DLC set to add another playable character, levels, and bosses, more greatness could be on the horizon. The difficulty might rule some out, but this is a game that should be experienced by all.
Overall, CrossCode does the overwhelming majority of things right. However, the game definitely drags in certain areas (especially the dungeons) and has frustrating platforming elements, which mar the experience. But anyone who wants a heavy dose of nostalgia that’s finished off with a smooth and refined finish should look no further than this gem of a game.
In the end, Shantae and the Seven Sirens overcomes its issues with a variety of fantastic visuals, tight controls, and a new cast of characters that mesh perfectly with the old characters.
Even after playing through plenty of rogues, Fury Unleashed stands out. With its bright and varied visuals, unique combination of level design and storytelling, and polished modernized mechanics, this one will keep you coming back for more. So grab a partner or go it alone, and unleash some fury!
At the end of the day, Dread Nautical suffers from repetition, a big spike in difficulty, and a clunky interface. It’s really a tough one to recommend.
Thankfully, the in-depth and engrossing story, the strong execution of the actors, and the sheer uniqueness outweigh these negatives. It appears that the genre has much more to offer, and Telling Lies exemplifies it greatly.
The end result is a game that feels too familiar all the way through with fleeting moments of originality. That being said, it is still worth it for diehard Soulsborne fans and/or lovers of the original Nioh.
In the end, Freedom Finger is a unique, and solid shoot ‘em up. Those looking for replayability can go down different branching paths in the campaign and aim for high scores in arcade mode. They can even play new missions included in the day one update. Add in the wonderful visuals and a splendid soundtrack, this is a no brainer for fans of the genre.
If you’re looking for a stroll down “Where’s Waldo?” lane, or you’re a fan of hidden object games in general, Hidden Through Time is solid. The experience is pretty mellow and is a nice reprieve from a lot of current games that can induce anger with their difficulty or be ultra competitive.
In the end, Bucket Knight isn’t a masterpiece and it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it has enjoyable moments. Unfortunately, these moments are brief, just like the game.
Overall, One Finger Death Punch 2 is full of action and pleasing visuals. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough variety to keep the player coming back for more and more. It improves on the formula set by its predecessor, but doesn’t do a lot to distinguish itself.
If you take Just a Phrase for what it is, an easy, budget twist on Hangman, it won’t disappoint you. If you’re looking for a game with depth that’s full with features and variety, it’ll be pretty underwhelming. In the end, it’s a matter of what you’re looking for.
Tokyo Dark -Remembrance- tells a compelling, albeit disturbing story and gives players a pretty strong handle on how it will all unfold. There are a couple of visual issues, but they’re not so unforgiving to make you avoid the game. If strong storytelling interests you, and you like making choices that will dramatically shape the outcome of a game, then this one is definitely worth your time.
Return of the Obra Dinn is a must play not just for fans of puzzle games, but fans of games in general. The game achieves exactly what it sets out to do, and then does so much more. For the price you pay, there’s a lot to explore, and multiple endings to discover.
The good definitely outweighs the bad in Code Vein. The character customization, character loadout flexibility, and general visual style separate it from the bunch. It’s also easier than others in the genre. Newcomers shouldn’t feel the pressure of overcoming too immense of a gameplay hurdle to succeed. Time will tell if this is the beginning of a long running series, but it’s a promising start.
Deathstate feels a little too familiar to stand out from the rest. There are enjoyable moments and it is easier than its gaming brethren, but that doesn’t make it better. Even fans of the genre might not find enough to sink their teeth into to keep coming back to this one.
The Sojourn doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it does enough to carve its own identity and succeed. The story weaves nicely throughout each section and touches on the visuals and mechanics of each respective area very well. For puzzle game fans, this is a strong recommendation. It's not an all-time great, but it is worth the time.
Remnant: From the Ashes is a fascinating game with a lot of well executed mechanics. However, there are numerous technical issues and creative decisions that mar the experience. Hopefully, these issues will be addressed in near-future patches that will allow the game to shine brighter.
RAD is only kind of rad, not super rad...That being said, the art is very enjoyable, providing a visual treat throughout each run.