James Stephanie Sterling


453 games reviewed
68.3 average score
75 median score
45.4% of games recommended
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10 / 10.0 - Undertale
Sep 19, 2015

Despite having beaten it, it's exciting to know that there's so much more than simply what I've seen. The complexities woven deeply into this initially unassuming RPG are enough to keep you invested long after y0u've watched the end credits for the first time. It's been a long, long time since this style of RPG has grabbed me as Undertale has, and even longer since a small independent effort has been so ambitious, impressive, and unquestionably successful.

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Sep 16, 2015

Putting the power to construct Super Mario levels into anybody's hands is such a great idea that it should've been done sooner, and the way it works on the Wii U is almost perfect.

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8 / 10.0 - Dropsy
Sep 13, 2015

Dropsy's resolve to bring back the old school point n' clicker is a success, though it's perhaps a bit too successful, given the overreaching ambiguity in certain areas. Even in spite of its tendency to obstruct the player, it's a beautiful, bewildering, unforgettable game of hugs, love, and hollowing sadness.

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Sep 9, 2015

Castle Crashers Remastered is every bit was wonderful as it was the first time around. Bright, cheerful, packed with things to do, and rocking some classic brawler action, it looks as beautiful as ever and there's no excuse not to give it a look. It's just as fresh as it was back in the day, and a 100% discount for prior players is friggin' perfect.

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Sep 8, 2015

Touched up for the PS4 and Xbox One generation, Dishonored: Definitive Edition is closer to a straight port than most "remastered" editions. . . . A superb game in a not quite as superb package.

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That I can be so critical of it, that it can have damn microtransactions in it, and still get one of my highest recommendations, speaks volumes about what Kojima's done. Because this is a game in which I made a tank fly away on balloons and then rode a horse that pooped whenever I told it to. Yes folks… this truly is a Hideo Kojima game.

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4 / 10.0 - Mad Max
Sep 4, 2015

When it comes to simply chewing through yet another open world game, Mad Max does suffice. It's a substandard but largely competent "AAA" game in a sea full of them, and those who do value the idea of content above all else will find more than their money's worth here. There's simply no reason to pick it up, however, if you've yet to try The Witcher 3, Shadow of Mordor or Batman: Arkham City. There are tons of better games that go for what Mad Max went for and do so in a superior manner.

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7.5 / 10.0 - Tearaway Unfolded
Sep 2, 2015

Sadly, the pacing issues just grind the smiles away and unravel an otherwise elegant experience. Were it not for the dragging of the feet in later chapters, Tearaway Unfolded would be a must-have PS4 release. As it stands, it's a damn lovely game that nonetheless doesn't need to be clamored for. Likable, yet not as lovable as it deserves to be.

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Aug 25, 2015

This goes in the pile of worthwhile rereleases that have been churned out lately, and is no doubt going to adequately tide over Gearheads until the next sequel makes its mark.

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Aug 25, 2015

It's six Mega Man games and something that takes all those games to create a far more interesting prospect. Mega Man fans deserve better than this, but it's the best they're apparently getting, and it's pretty good for what it is.

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9.5 / 10.0 - Until Dawn
Aug 24, 2015

Until Dawn is everything that Quantic Dream games have tried to be – unsuccessfully – for the past decade. It emulates horror movies while demonstrating a clear understanding of what makes those movies work, its focus on consequence is nervewracking and intricate, and its story is silly but strongly delivered.

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7 / 10.0 - ZOMBI
Aug 19, 2015

The removal of some terrific features, plus the lack of effort for the PC version, serves to knock the game down a tad compared to its ZombiU  alternative, but it is nonetheless a gruesomely enjoyable ride, and I honestly hope it gets the attention it deserves this time.

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I loved this latest episode, and I'm adoring Tales From The Borderlands, easily the best thing Telltale's done since season one of The Walking Dead. It continues to demonstrate how the light-adventure formula can be played for humor as much as tragedy, how good writing can shine in a videogame with the right presentation, and just how accomplished the studio behind it is.

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King's Quest Chapter 1: A Knight To Remember is a fantastic start to what I hope will be an amazing series. Though it's not the King's Quest fans will remember, it's an enthusiastic and striking fresh take that's both witty and exciting. It's clear that a lot of love went into this, and the result is a game that easily belongs up there with the modern greats of adventure gaming – lack of pointing and clicking be damned!

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Aug 11, 2015

Everybody's Gone To The Rapture really is a walking simulator, and possesses all the traits associated. Really nice soundtrack though.

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Aug 7, 2015

I know people dislike these games in general, but they deserved a bit better than this.

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3 / 10.0 - Submerged
Aug 5, 2015

I am here to say it isn't. A game so proud of its lack of combat needs something else. Otherwise it's simply a game with a great big hole in it.

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9.5 / 10.0 - Rare Replay
Aug 3, 2015

Rare Replay is a fantastic compendium from start to finish. Even discounting the games you might never want to play, the price point is intensely difficult to refuse in exchange for the amount of fun it will provide. From Battletoads Arcade to Snake, Rattle & Roll, Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise and Banjo-Tooie, there's so much there, both replayable silliness and extensive, hours-long adventures.

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Jul 27, 2015

Messy, dirty, and downright smutty, Onechanbara: Z2: Chaos is the very epitome of a guilty pleasure.

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9.5 / 10.0 - Rocket League
Jul 23, 2015

If you love sports, cars, or neither, Rocket League is your cup of tea!

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