When remaking something that is hard on an old console, developers should try to fix any unfair elements while keeping the spirit of the original alive. If you don't bother to touch those things up, you'll end up with mediocrity, time and again. Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX is just that. While the title looks stunning, has nostalgic collectibles to gather, and includes a Classic Mode and Boss Rush Mode as extras, all that extra fluff means nothing if the game itself is fundamentally broken. Ah, what could have been.
In the end, Wonder Boy: Asha in Monster World is a mediocre game. Uninspired level design, frustrating movement controls, and permanently missable power-ups all contribute to a lackluster experience. When I think the best part of the title is the cute butt dance Asha does when she opens a chest, you know things are bad. Just play Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap or Monster Boy and the Cursed Kingdom instead.
Granted, you could memorize levels through a lot of trial and error and become an Ultracore master. But for me at least, it's not worth the time and effort.
It’s unlike anything I’ve ever played before, and it’s fantastic how it’s getting a second chance on the Nintendo Switch. I love its core gimmick; I like how it has the Bayonetta-like secret battles, optional levels, and grading system; and there were special moments that made me grin from ear to ear. But I died so many times for often frivolous reasons, used countless healing items, and even said out loud, “I’m not having fun.”
There is something here that can turn into a great series. If a sequel gets made for Kaze and the Wild Masks that leans more into its own ideas and tightens up its platforming, there isn't a doubt in my mind it can eventually become one of the greats.
Regardless, Arcade Spirits is a unique visual novel. It has a lot of humor as well as dourness, which will have gamers guessing their fate while simultaneously shaping it themselves. As you go from floor assistant to something much more, you'll find true love along the way. The dream of working a job you adore while finding your soulmate: a hardship in real life, but achievable in a few short hours with Arcade Spirits.
Making sure everyone ended up happy was my primary goal while playing. If all that sounds as heavenly as hot cocoa, give this hidden gem a try.
The Swords of Ditto is not an excellent game. It’s better than alright but not great. The fact that it’s good lies in its charm and writing, not its boring combat and cumbersome design. If you’re a fan of roguelites, give it a spin. Just make sure you bring a companion along for the ride.
Don't get me wrong - I had a fun time with BloodRayne Betrayal: Fresh Bites. The rebalanced difficulty is great, and there's even an option for sadists that enjoy the original. Combat has some strategy I appreciated, especially with figuring out when and where to detonate infected enemies for maximum effect. (I still received many C grades for my time and life scores at the end of levels, though.) It's just that I wish some of the platforming were better and the characters were given more personality. Hopefully, this re-release will garner interest in BloodRayne, and a fleshed-out sequel will head our way one day.
After all is said and done, Unbound: Worlds Apart is a special little game. Sure, it wears its Ori influence pretty tightly on its sleeve, it has a bit of an unstable frame rate, and there are some difficulty spikes in the latter half. But the wildly different portals you get to summon and the puzzles that are intertwined with them are unlike anything I've seen before. They are quite creative and always made me hungry for the next area and its new gimmick. Give it a whirl if you enjoy variety, puzzles, and Metroidvanias.
All in all, though, Project Warlock is a reminder of the retro FPS with just a smidge of RPG elements thrown in. The title has a wonderful aesthetic, fantastic music, and enjoyable gameplay. While there are a number of little things that annoy me, it's unique enough to get a recommendation. Buy it if you grew up loving Doom, Wolfenstein 3D, or especially Hexen.
Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince is a treat for fans of the puzzle genre. While its combat is flawed and some power-ups overpowered, it has intriguing solutions to a myriad of enigmas. If that is all you want out of a series that is known for its mysteries, then pick up the latest entry. It will keep you guessing and pondering until the credits roll.
In the end, Death's Door is a charming, witty indie game. Its combat is solid, exploration is a blast, and it has just the right length. Though the lack of a map and difficulty options, in addition to a somewhat unstable frame rate, hold the title back a bit, its mix of Dark Souls and Zelda elements is a great fit. It is definitely an adventure worth checking out.
All in all, Mr. X Nightmare is a great add-on for Streets of Rage 4. For less than $10, gamers get new characters and an infinitely replayable Survival Mode. The free update just adds a cherry on top. Grab it when you can, and enjoy playing while dreaming of a possible Streets of Rage 5.
Still, Desperate Struggle is a great action game. It has some fantastic one-liners, the end boss is a sight to behold, and there are a lot of cool moments peppered throughout. If you fully analyze the good and bad, it's no better or worse than No More Heroes. Play them both back to back while awaiting No More Heroes III.
Regardless, No More Heroes is still a blast to play. There's something so satisfying about swinging your hands to slice someone in two. It has blemishes, for sure, but its main gameplay and sense of style win out in the end. The Switch release is the definitive version, bar none, so check it out if you like quirky adventures.
Regardless, The TakeOver is a wonderful time. It's not overly long and its unique mechanics help it stand out against other brawlers on Switch like River City Girls and Streets of Rage 4. If you're looking for a great homage to the '90s that incorporates modern enhancements, this game will meet your expectations and then some.
Regardless of the few issues, though, Dusk is a pleasure to experience. It's optimized wonderfully for Switch, the sound design is exceptional, weapons and power-ups are unique and a joy to use, and there is a lot of variety between levels. In addition, the game has an Endless mode, complete with a stage inspired by Peach's Castle from Super Mario 64. And if you preordered the title, you get access to Dusk '82, an 8-bit demake prequel that's actually pretty neat. All in all, Dusk stands together with Doom and Quake as a formidable FPS.
Unsighted is a great adventure. At first, it may lack a distinct identity due to its many influences, and its stamina system and time limit can cause frustration and anxiety. However, players that stick with it or adjust some of its more grating aspects will find a lot to love. Give it a whirl if you are into Metroidvanias with an emphasis on planning and strategy.
But these are minor inconveniences. Boomerang X is a short but sweet indie gem. Its frantic nature has you holding your breath as a deadly laser misses you by inches while you throw your boomerang at an arena's last combatant. Expect to have a lot of moments like that if you decide to purchase Devolver's latest unique title.