Jake Su's Reviews
Moonscars remain an utterly impressive debut outing for Black Mermaid, an entertaining action-platformer that is full of atmosphere and cryptic worldbuilding, and a visual style that showcases just how awesome pixel art continues to be in modern gaming. At about 20-odd hours, it is a game not to be rushed but savoured, and the darkness never looked so enticing.
At its core, Asterigos: Curse of the Stars pretty much accomplishes what it sets out to do, which is to deliver an indie Soulslike experience that does things differently, and for the better in most cases. The world is great to marvel at and explore, the combat system is utterly entertaining with room for experimentation, and all of the systems are seemingly designed to make the players’ lives more convenient but not easier. As a debut project, this game is definitely a great start, and I would be extremely excited to see more from Acme Gamestudio in the future.
Gotham Knights brings to the table a still-satisfying blend of combat and stealth, four distinct enough superheroes that should really get their own standalone games, and some interesting story beats that could use more time to be fleshed out. Whether that is enough to mask the issues will be a decision players will have to make, just like the contrast with the Arkham games. No one said being a superhero was easy, and the growing pains of Gotham Knights are a clear indication that the mantle of Batman is one that is hard to wear.
Take away all of that, and herein lies a more than competent turn-based tactical RPG that weaves a grand tale full of drama, stakes, and plenty of bloodshed. Lost Eidolons’ combat system is familiar yet different, offering strategic flexibility with the use of terrain and elements, and giving players the tools to succeed or fail on their own merits. Add to that the depth of its character development and worldbuilding, and it is likely anyone looking to invest considerable time into the game will enjoy themselves immensely. To say Lost Eidolons is an indie title with AAA aspirations is not a knock against it, but a true reflection of its quality and the potential it has if its edges were more refined.
Nevertheless, it is rare to find a game like LEGO Bricktales, which embraces the building aspect of things rather than going the more tried-and-tested route. It will be the closest thing you can get to building LEGO in the real world without the investment or mess, but this good idea comes with its own challenges when it comes to the controls and, to a lesser extent, the lack of a helping hand. Hopefully, this will only be the beginning of a new way to look at LEGO games, and certainly a good foundation to build off of.
Foretales has been an entertaining ride, especially when it comes to the writing and the smart way in which cards are used during the non-combat sequences. The way the story expands and changes based on decisions means there is much replayability and more great writing to enjoy, and as long as you can avoid too much combat, Foretales has every reason to be a game to look out for when compared to contemporaries like Inscryption or Voice of Cards, or its real-life counterparts like Yu-Gi-Oh!.
With the sunset of the EA Sports-led FIFA franchise approaching fast, it is perhaps fitting that FIFA 23 goes beyond its usual remit by making a more significant improvement on the strong foundations already laid. While there are still areas of improvement to be made, like in Career Mode, everything else has been improved in big and small ways. Sure, players can afford to look less plastic-like, but that’s still a smallish gripe considering the scope involved. If EA Sports can keep this up, it won’t be a wonder to see EA Sports FC topple the next FIFA game around this time next year, and we are all for it.
As a stealth-action experience, Serial Cleaners is most certainly a breath of fresh air, continuing to build on the foundations set by the series’ first outing in 2017. Between the added uniqueness of the rest of the crew, the diverse and interesting level designs, the non-linear story with freedom of choice, and just good old cleaning action to be had, Serial Cleaners is everything you would want in a sequel; just be wary that some polishing is still needed for the perfect finish.
Having JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle-R as an updated remaster of a classic in 2022 is a good thing, with the refined combat and huge roster being huge pluses. Still, it could have been a much more satisfying product if the online components were given the same attention to detail. While it may not match up against the best of modern fighting games out there, fans will get much more out of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle-R, and nothing else quite matters when you are having a good time.
Evaluating Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed is a difficult task. On one hand, it does a great job of updating a 2006 game to match, at least, the visual standards of modern gaming, but on the other, it never took the chance to make sure that the gameplay and writing are of similar quality. Even if the intention was to retain that B-movie style, this remaster just feels like a missed opportunity that makes it quite difficult to have your mind blown in face of an alien threat – unless you’ve always been a fan.
Emotionally charged and aesthetically pleasing, I Was a Teenage Exocolonist is an RPG that will appeal to those seeking a narrative close to the heart of anyone who tends to look back on their lives and think about the different choices that they might have made. The game will get you thinking about life, cherishing the best moments, and lamenting the lows, all while looking fantastically good and providing even more incentive to jump back in for one more run. Even on an alien planet, the power of human relationships has never been more evident or intriguing to experience.
At first glance, Tinykin might appear overwhelming with its various tinykin mechanics and the collectibles to find, but somehow, the game keeps you moving at a steady but still entertaining pace. At its bare minimum, you will still get at least six hours of fun trying to get Milo home. However, decide to go full completionist, and you can add a couple of hours to the total playtime and more satisfaction from solving tougher puzzles. And while it may not necessarily have that strategic component of Pikmin, Tinykin makes the most of its take on the genre while adding its own adorable mascots for one of the best 3D platformers in recent years, especially on Game Pass.
For what it’s worth, The Last of Us Part I is an absolute tour de force when it comes to utilising technology to tell a story that cuts deeper this time around, with even more details to wow and amaze those that care to look so closely. This is an excellent PS5 game meant to be enjoyed by all, even if the price might not seem all that worth it after all.
As a remake, Pac-Man World Re-Pac definitely ticks plenty of boxes when it comes to transforming an older game into one that fits into the present gaming landscape. The platforming is solid, the presentation is up to snuff, and there is no beating nostalgia sometimes. The game is unlikely to garner a new following save for a curious bunch, and is purely aimed at hardcore Pac-Man fans who are looking for something new yet old to enjoy, yet, that is not such a bad thing after all.
For an indie title, Midnight Fight Express does everything excellently and far exceeds any expectations that we might have going in, and that’s a great thing. As the initial surprise transitions to an ever-entertaining romp, it is clear that the passion and commitment of Dzwinel are what made it possible. And as Babyface is fighting to save the city from the clutches of the many malefactors around, it would indeed be a crime if you didn’t give Midnight Fight Express a go.
At the end of the day, Thymesia is another good addition to the growing space of Soulslike, delivering something different enough in its storytelling and the tweaks made to combat. While it may not be the best when it comes to variety, it cannot be faulted when the all-important combat has plenty to offer. Even in the age of calamity facing the once thriving Kingdom of Hermes, there is still a silver lining after all.
At the end of the day, Rollerdrome achieves near-perfection when it comes to the gameplay experience, handing players the key to go as far as they want to in mastering its varied systems, all in the name of being the last one standing. It is a celebration of unique gameplay that works flawlessly on all accounts, and although the narrative is not important, its presence only serves as an added bonus for those who like their mayhem with added context. Even in such a bleak future, Rollerdrome will have you feeling good every time you put on those wheels, and that’s a guarantee.
The fact is that even when Cult of the Lamb presents certain issues, it is hardly ever long-lasting or impairs you from enjoying the gameplay loop for a significant amount of time. By bringing together the enjoyable elements of farm sims and action-adventure roguelites and creating an environment where they enrich each other, this game is simply one for the ages. Taking care of others and slaying all those that oppose your way of life never felt this great, and that is the magic of this particular cult that should attract everyone and anyone.
Ultimately, what you’ll get out of Arcade Paradise is your appetite for repetitive chores, at least at the start, and your love for the arcade experience. With the laundromat being the gateway to a fun and engaging management and simulator experience, it is well worth washing those dirty rags to allow our dreams of a bustling arcade to come to life. And like its real-life counterparts, there is certainly magic in these dimly lit halls, even if it ends up just a few steps short of paradise.
Nevertheless, even with some gripes, Two Point Campus is easily an improvement over Two Point Hospital. There is increased engagement with new systems like relationships and clubs with old ones that power the management aspect of things, animations are vastly improved, and there is a good variety of courses to run and items to ponder over. Just like any student enjoying a summer break, Two Point Campus is a ride that we hope will never end, but only get better.