William Murphy's Reviews
A hugely content-rich look at life as a survivor in a war-torn country, This War of Mine deserves all the praise it receives, even if it's controls and pacing are often a bummer.
Bus Simulator 18 is easily one of the best "sims" I've played in a while. By taking what makes games like Euro Truck and Farm Simulator so popular and applying it to the core ideas of ownership and operating a city-wide bus system, Stillalive has made a really admirable game. It's got a lot of depth, soul, and heart poured into it, even if it's rough around the edges in the way of bugs and polish issues. Recommended for the driving sim fans out there, but maybe wait for a demo to try it before you buy it.
While the story and mystery carry you through the game, the gameplay scenarios can be a little repetitive. ECHO is a short-ish game though, clocking in around 8-10 hours, so it doesn’t quite overstay its welcome. It’s a slow burn, but when it gets going it doesn’t really let go. If you’re keen on tense stealth games, with a good sci-fi story, then look no further. ECHO is destined to be a cult hit like the movie Event Horizon, and that’s no small praise from me.
Sadly, Phantom Trigger is over as soon as it hits its stride. It takes only about 5 hours or so to play through, though this can be extended if you’re set on uncovering every little detail and pick-up. For $15, it’s not a bad deal, but Phantom Trigger is a unique and surreal experience – one I hoped would have lasted a little longer. If you’re a fan of Hyper Light Drifter, Kamiko, and other games of this little RPG sub genre, Phantom Trigger comes recommended.
Nidhogg 2 isn’t a feature heavy game. It could use leaderboards, maybe more game modes, and more weapons, sure. But it’s about the frantic gameplay, the hilarious level design and flopping of bodies across the levels. It’s about laughing with the person you’re trying to skewer. And listen – any game that lets you fight inside the bowels of a dying Nidhogg and escape through its sphincter is alright by us.
if you’ve got kids or a significant other who loves to whack LEGO minifigs with you, you’re golden. If that’s the case, you could do a whole lot worse than LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2.
The fact remains, despite drawbacks, Mages of Mystralia is a promising start to Borealys' life as a game studio. There's abundant charm, tight controls, and enough ingenuity to make me confident that Mages' real story is only just beginning. Bring on a Switch version, and bring on a sequel!
There’s pure gaming joy to be had here, when you successfully pull off a move you’ve been trying to do or climb to a vista you’ve been trying to reach. Though 15 levels may not seem like a lot, the collections and getting 100% on the game will give you goals to strive for after you’ve successfully finished the game. There are no enemies to defeat here, no bosses to destroy – just you against your own limitations as a snake. Snake Pass is beautiful game, even on the Switch, with a fantastically thematic and ambient soundtrack to boot. It’s worth the $20 price of admission, and here’s hoping Sumo has inklings for more adventures to come.
Toukiden 2 will likely be swept away in the hubbub of larger AAA releases. But if you’re a fan of this style of Action RPG, do yourself a favor and check it out. There’s even a decent online co-op for up to four people where you can rove the world and hunt Oni together. It’s a fun and solid Action RPG, and the best Monster Hunter clone we’ve seen yet.
Rise & Shine won’t likely single-handedly propel Super Mega Team to Indie Stardom. But it will certainly put them on the radar for gamers who like something different. Much like Supergiant’s Bastion, it’s the beginning of a bold new voice in games. It’s not perfect, but Rise & Shine’s a fun and frenetic little game that seems wholly worth the $15 bucks it costs on Steam and XBL. Recommended for those who like unique and challenging action games, and don’t mind the lack of longevity.
On top of the original base game, Ittle Dew 2 + on the Switch has the Dream World which adds 5 new dungeons with their own difficulties to conquer, a new boss, and cards to collect. It's a great way to make a somewhat short game last a little longer. And trust us, Ittle Dew 2 is so charming you'll want it to last as long as it can.
I've had fun with my time in Blade & Soul, but my desire to log in is waning as I sit at the cap and realize all that's left to do is more dailies and grinding for better gear… I'm pretty sure I've been here before. I'd be all about the world PVP if it was more meaningful, just as I'd play the arena PVP if I was at all good enough to make a go of it (I am not). In the end, Blade & Soul just feels like a game that's not for me and that's OK. It's still a very good game, quite competent at achieving its goals. It sometimes feels like its big MMO features are just tacked on to give people something to do between the next arena match, and that's OK too. If League of Legends or SMITE had a big open world campaign, I'd wager I'd play them more too. Blade & Soul can be content in having some of the best combat in MMO history, and I'll be content to pop my head in on the game from time to time to see what's new.
Mad Max is a serviceable and enjoyable beginning to what I hope will become a series of games set in this world. Every legend needs to start somewhere, and the basics of greatness are here. Max and his Magnum Opus just need a bit more tuning and the helping hand of a good Blackfinger to get into true fighting shape.
Somewhere along the way, [Red 5] got a little lost, but they're back on track and with a thriving but small community they're onto something very special. It's a little rough around the edges right now, but I'd heartily recommend Firefall to anyone who's sick of the same old MMO fodder. Just be prepared to roll with the work-in-progress nature of the game, and you might be pleasantly surprised at the fun on offer.
ESO is an excellent MMORPG, with a lot to offer fans of The Elder Scrolls.
Devil May Cry 5 is a solid game, and one I'd heartily recommend for anyone who once loved or has interest in the series. For those looking for something more than a beautiful brawler to sink a dozen hours into, you may want to wait for a sale.
Shining Resonance: Refrain is, I hope, the beginning of the Shining series' return to the US and EU as a SEGA mainstay. Its systems are top-notch, its action is uniquely its own, and lord knows we need more solid JRPGs back in the West.
Overall Milanoir is an excellent entry into the genre and worth your time and money.
Yoku's Island Express is wholly unique - a seamless blend of platformer, pinball, and puzzle game that never outstays its welcome our wears out its charming visual style. Highly recommended.
There are so many great indie roguelites that it's almost becoming obscene. But that doesn't change the fact that Wizard of Legend is simply great fun, with an awesome couch co-op mode, and loads of replay value. Its difficulty can spike at odd times, and some spells seem utterly useless. But beyond that, there's just a lot of fireball hurling mayhem to be had as you try to pass the trials.