Jake Su's Reviews
Hooking me right from the start and eliciting pure joy all the way to the end, The Plucky Squire has gone the extra mile in rewriting what should be expected out of an action-adventure such as this. By drawing from classic inspirations and adding its own spin on things, this is a game that leverages its creativity in all the good ways, and ultimately writes a happy ending not just for Jot and his friends, but hopefully, also for the future of its creators.
In essence, there is much to like about Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster. Capcom has kept to its word in delivering an enhanced adventure for Frank, upping the ante when it comes to graphics, the zombie horde, and the crimson-filled action throughout. Smart tweaks make it easier to hold out over the 72 hours, and the progression system remains a good motivator in pushing players to the end. Unfortunately, there are also some issues that still crop up every once in a while, but they shouldn’t get in the way of enjoying a nostalgic romp through the Willamette Parkview Mall in 2024.
As an entire basketball package, there is no denying that NBA 2K25 is something to be savored by fans of the sport. With its great selection of game modes and the various improvements made in all areas, this makes it more of an obvious choice compared to last year's offering, and when Visual Concepts and 2K Games finally cut the cord with the previous generation, there will surely be even more amazing things to look forward to for a championship-caliber franchise.
From its first reveal to finally putting down the controller and collecting the Platinum trophy for Astro Bot, it has been a delightful experience that infuses lovely nostalgia with a perfect package of gameplay, design, and a true celebration of the genre and the history of PlayStation. Even with our high expectations, Astro Bot has smashed them to pieces en route to becoming a powerhouse that rivals the all-time classics. This is one of the best games of the year, and everyone who can should find a way to play it.
That said, if you are willing to invest the time and effort to follow through on the story of Kay Vess in this particular period of Star Wars, there is much to get out of it. Underworld intrigue, systems that work well with each other to entice players to do more, and the interesting reputation system that figures into most actions you will take all help to create a true sense of progression both in a narrative and gameplay sense. Whether it will hold your attention is one thing, but at the very least, Star Wars Outlaws will have you shouting dank farrik out of astonishment and frustration during your journey to the top.
When it comes to the execution of its vision, Dustborn might not necessarily score high marks, but at the very least, the approach to gameplay is more than laudable, helping to deliver its messages in fresh and more engaging ways than most. Whether you are receptive to that is another matter, but it is always good to see something out of the box, and that is exactly what you’ll be getting when you join Pax and the crew on this road trip to remember.
At its core, Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus fulfils every condition a Metroidvania should have but never goes above and beyond to make an impression. There are smart design choices in place, but the game is equally held back in other areas, leading to an experience whose biggest draw would be its breathtaking visuals and pleasant soundtrack. Even if it doesn’t surpass expectations, this is still an excellent adventure for all who love the genre and even for those who are new to it; after all, everybody loves an underdog story, and that’s most certainly the tale of Bō.
There is no denying that Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess offers a niche experience that may not be for everyone, but if it aligns with what you think will be a good time, it more than executes the vision of its creators competently. There is definitely merit in trying out the demo if you are unsure, but for those seeking a great time of both action and strategy, this is one experience that should be high on your list when it launches.
With the breadth of new bells and whistles that enhance existing systems and create new ones, it is almost a disservice to term Shadow of the Erdtree as just a piece of DLC for Elden Ring. Everything that fans loved about the base game is squeezed into a shorter experience of about 30-40 hours, and the content is of the highest calibre, building on what was great and making it better. Just like how FromSoftware has always delivered excellent full-fledged adventures for the masses, this DLC expansion continues the studio’s hot streak, and all the Tarnished are blessed.
With all the right ingredients and some questionable ones, #BLUD is well worth a look for anyone looking to enjoy a genuinely fun story and generally enjoyable combat. The sharp visuals don’t hurt either; just be ready for some occasional frustrations when the action gets too thick and heavy, even for the thirstiest of vamps.
As a revival of sorts for this particular niche of management games, Blockbuster Inc. has the chops to impress when viewed from the right lens. Its trading of grand management for more focused endeavours is something to be appreciated, and who doesn’t love the idea of making films that are blockbuster hits and creating stars out of nothing? Of course, they could very well stab you in the back and jump ship, but that is the name of the game, after all. While there are flaws, the other good things it has going for it make this game well worth checking out, just like that indie film everyone is raving about but you just haven’t gotten the chance to enjoy just yet.
Just like how you could win a race instead of the season, F1 24 remains an excellent way of enjoying the sport with you at the helm in an instance. There are a ton of things to get busy with, and options to help tweak the experience to suit what you need. The caveat is that you will have to be new to all of this to avoid feeling like everything is just a tad too familiar, even with the welcomed addition of Driver Career. Rather than a bold new contender, the sight of a seasoned veteran is what players will have to contend with.
Without a doubt, when it works, Fabledom is a charming city builder that has plenty to offer. The game’s systems are clear and easy to understand, the lack of tension is welcome, and it all looks lovely from up top and even when you go down to street level to mingle with your people. The way alliances work is also a delight, and whether you are chasing love or a political partnership, it all seems to lead to a fairytale ending. Just make sure you have plenty of time to govern; after all, this is your kingdom.
After more than ten hours spent with The Rogue Prince of Persia, there is every bit of a good roguelite within. The freedom of movement is excellent, and it aids the way combat unfolds naturally, but everything else is not up to par. Whether the game reaches its full potential is anyone’s guess at this moment, and launching in its current state, even in Early Access, is a risk that doesn’t feel like it is worth it. The idea is that the team is able to build from here, and just like the genre it represents, the hope is that fans will give them the support and time needed to do just that.
It may not be the best deckbuilder out there, but at least Zet Zillions knows what it is all about and goes hard with its fusion system. The risks it takes when it comes to the visuals and the storytelling may not be for everyone, but for those willing to buy into planetary genocide, this is one enjoyable experience worth playing over and over again.
Just like how the first game changed the way we viewed Early Access games, Hades 2 is treading that same path with a high level of polish and meaty content that is quite unbelievable at this stage. The team has given players another charming protagonist to root for, the kind of gameplay that necessitates the ‘one more run’ mentality, and options aplenty for how you might want to tackle the next trip. Parts of the game may be missing, but what’s being offered is already well worth the entry fee, making the journey to 1.0 a much more delicious one.
After diving into Another Crab's Treasure, it's hard to understand why hasn't more been done to expand beyond the foundational souls-like element. There's clearly room for thinking outside the box, and Aggro Crab mostly nails it with this unique take. With colorful characters and an even more vibrant world, jump in for the feel-good vibes and partake in mostly satisfying underwater combat. Despite the occasional hiccups, this is still one shell of an adventure that works great for genre veterans and newcomers alike.
It all contributes to Stellar Blade being a bit of a mixed bag, checking off boxes for what constitutes an action RPG in this modern age. That is not exactly a bad thing per se, but it is most certainly a missed opportunity for positioning the game as the leader of a new generation of experiences that build upon the successes that have come before. This title might not be the sharpest blade around, but it still has an edge that players can enjoy. Come for the visuals, stay for the combat, and try to ignore the suboptimal portions of humankind's latest attempt to take back the Earth.
Yet, at the end of the day, what could have been just a run-of-the-mill Metroidvania is transformed into a tale of growth and resilience in Tales of Kenzera: ZAU that is well worth the investment. With Kenzera being an utterly beautiful place full of mysteries and wonders, joining Zau and Kalunga as they fight and platform their way across delightful biomes in a bid to let go and move on became a therapeutic journey that I never knew I needed. We don't need actual loss to remind ourselves that things can be difficult, but having a reminder goes a long way in keeping us all on the right track of focusing on joy instead of grief.
Just like the people caught in this war, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes has parts that are stronger and some that are weaker, but that is perhaps what makes it a journey worthy of embarking on. This is an epic that tries to do as much as it can when it comes to delivering a roleplaying story that draws players in, spicing up combat every now and then, and packing substantial content that might just get ignored by most. Just remember why you are on this journey, and you may just walk away happy like us.