Kieran Toovey
Unfortunately, this game has very little going for it. If there was more variety with each level, character and ship customization, ability to change settings other than difficulty, and more content, then it may have been a better game.
Riot: Civil Unrest ends up being a classic case of a great idea, but lackluster execution. The game isn't fun or exciting to play, and honestly doesn't really feel like a game.
In the end, it’s hard to recommend The Ambassador: Fractured Timelines. It’s not innovative, it’s not fun, the art style is not impressive, and the gameplay is very repetitive.
Overall, Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is just okay. There’s nothing innovative or outstanding about it and it doesn’t have quite the amount of polish you would expect from a modern remake. It’s very nice to look at and listen to, but that’s not enough to offset the rest of the game’s deficiencies.
The reality is that Godfall looks and plays like a next generation game, but it’s such a hollow experience. Honestly, it’s surprising how overwhelmingly average the game is, given that there are several positive aspects to it. Even for diehards of the looter genre, this is a tough one to recommend.
Ultimately, it’s a shame that A Tale of Paper doesn’t achieve greater heights. It has the components to be a great game, but the final product just isn’t. The well developed environments and catchy melodies don’t do enough to save the game from the rest of its downfalls.
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.
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, Greak: Memories of Azur looks and sounds great, but it doesn’t play great. Minor issues compile and compound as the game goes on, resulting in a lackluster finish. Hopefully, the developers can learn from the issues and mistakes of Greak for their next game, whether it’s within the same universe or another one.
Overall, Tetragon is a great idea on paper, but the end result is frustrating and underwhelming. With the shift in difficulty and mechanics halfway through, it’s hard to say if it’s worth persevering through the second half until the end.
The intense rush of a photo-finish hardly ever occurs and the combat is underwhelming. Hardcore fans of the genre might find enjoyment in Pacer. But honestly, they probably won’t find enough to sink their teeth into or a reason to keep coming back for more.
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.
If you are a die-hard fan of the series or genre, then it might be worth it. General gamers might enjoy the jump scares and various features of the game.
Overall, Disjunction has its moments and charms, but nothing amazing ever happens. And with no incentive to replay levels or to do a second playthrough, it doesn’t have much staying power. Even if it’s easier than Hotline Miami, it’s no Hotline Miami. In fact, it’s not even God’s Trigger.
For people looking for a “lite” version of a Souls game, this could be a good way of dipping your toe in the water. For veterans of the genre, Chronos: Before The Ashes is simply too basic and easy to actively seek out.
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.
RAD is only kind of rad, not super rad...That being said, the art is very enjoyable, providing a visual treat throughout each run.
In the end, Loop Hero is a good game that is held back from greatness by its repetitiveness. It doesn’t provide enough variety to try “one more run” like Slay the Spire or other great rogue-likes, despite its initial appeal. Ultimately, Loop Hero might be worth it for diehards, but not for casuals.
As a big fan of Super Meat Boy, Super Meat Boy Forever didn’t live up to my expectations. It’s still a good game with new and interesting mechanics, but the game feels like more of a chore than it should. That being said, I’m still incredibly grateful Super Meat Boy Forever has seen the light of day. This is especially true when you consider the long and difficult development cycle.