All in all Onigiri is just not a good game. There are really no redeeming qualities unless you really like manga, more than solid gameplay, and enjoy repetitive grinding in uninspired worlds. If you're looking for a manga-inspired game than there are solidly better choices already on the market such as Dragon Nest and Elsword. Neither of those games are perfect either, but at least they're not the crapshoot Onigiri is.
While Deadfall Adventures shares its inspiration with Indiana Jones, it lacks everything that made the movie series special. Instead, it features bland puzzles, basic combat mechanics and many frustrating gameplay issues.
While Crush Online attempts to do a lot of things, it doesn’t do any of them particularly well. Combat overall is rather clunky, unresponsive and feels outdated. The PvE zones are bland looking and the PvP combat is repetitive. Given the choice, I’d rather play an actual MMORPG when it comes to PvE or a true MOBA for PvP.
Overall, Warlander just doesn’t do enough to make it feel special or justify its predatory monetization scheme. The first few matches are fun, but once you run into enemies who are objectively more powerful again and again, the fun begins to fade and there isn’t enough variety to keep things fresh.
While playing through SNK Heroines I had a difficult time figuring out its true target audience. The combat system isn't complex, or interesting, enough to attract hardcore fighter fans while the steep price and lackluster visuals make it difficult to recommend for fan service alone. Unfortunately, it seems like SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy falls into an awkward middle zone and doesn't excel where it needs to.
While Natural Doctrine does use an innovative combat system and has can be a very enjoyable experience, that feeling of accomplishment is sabotaged just before the game becomes fun. On the positive side of thing, this game doesn't have to be doomed and at its core it has a lot of potential to be great. However, the blatantly unfair AI mechanics in combination with the relatively diluted multiplayer experience really hurts Natural Doctrine in the end.
Warhammer: Chaosbane is an enjoyable experience that could really use a bit more polish and fleshed out level design. It's a fairly good game at its core but it's hard to miss the problem areas as well. Pick it up if you're a big Warhammer fan or really enjoy ARPGs, but it might be better to wait for a sale if you're on the fence.
Morrowind has a little something for everyone, but it's hard to justify the price for those who don't plan on experiencing everything it has to offer.
What Blackrock Mountain brings to Hearthstone is a memorable experience, but not much in terms of actual card value. Many of the cards obtained in the adventure are incredibly situational and most likely aren't going to see much play. There was, however, a lot of thought and effort put into designing the boss encounters, and it also allows for some interesting deck constructions in the arena mode.
Divinity: Original Sin might not be an instant classic, but it certainly feels like one at times. During parts of my playthrough I felt as though I was replaying Baldur's Gate, without the terrible graphics and archaic mechanics, but I don't know if it was truly unique enough to be remembered like the games it was attempting to emulate. It's going to please a lot of experienced RPG gamers and those that love a challenge, but with virtually no hand holding and punishing combat mechanics it's going to turn off the more casual player base.
While it’s clear that Lost Ark isn’t necessarily an ARPG, but rather a traditional Korean MMORPG with an isometric view, Smilegate is very clearly looking to cater to a specific audience. Lost Ark finds itself focused on a never-ending gear treadmill, and it does an extremely good job at it. Unfortunately, casual players who want to explore an interesting world or want diverse or more dynamic content will likely be let down. And while Lost Ark is fun, the arduous leveling process and repetitive endgame will likely lead to polarizing opinions about it, with most players either loving or hating their experience in the end.
Anyone who really enjoys 4X or tactical strategy games set in a sci-fi universe with overgrown bugs, androids, and dinosaurs with laser beams should definitely consider picking up Age of Wonders: Planetfall. However, this one likely doesn't break away enough from the mold to bring in players who haven't been previous interested in the genre, and if you're on the fence then possible wait for a sale before giving it a try.
While I enjoy the slower, peaceful tracks for grinding, there is quite a bit of similarity between many of them, which can make the overall soundtrack feel repetitive. Additionally, the constant 'thud' sound effect from striking enemies is enough to drive anyone mad. I recommend turning the music up and the SFX down, unless you happen to be streaming your own music in the background.
With that being said, the Prince’s Edition is not the best version of Ni no Kuni II, but it is the most portable. If mobility is key then consider picking it up on the Switch, but if visuals and performance are more important than a significantly better version of the game can be found cheaper elsewhere.
Despite the few minor issues with the game, MXM has a lot of unique features that make it worth trying. There's not much to lose, even if you don't decide to stick around, and it could end up being your new favorite MOBA.
If you enjoy twin-stick shooters and/or action RPGs then you’ll likely enjoy it. For the meager price tag, I definitely recommend picking it up and trying it out.
The depth of gameplay and strategy in Spellweaver far surpasses most other digital CCGs on the market.
It combines high-quality textures, voice acting (albeit not that great), action combat, an expansive world and open-ended leveling with a major focus on player interaction. Instead of trying to reinvent the MMO, Black Desert Online has focused on things that work for other games and it puts a fresh spin on them.
There is simply no other game on the market like Dungeon of the Endless. The game mechanics are diverse and each play attempt is just as exciting as the last. This is a great game for anyone who's sick of scripted gameplay and wants to try something that's clever and daring. Not only is the game itself amazing but the soothing synthesized chiptunes created by FlybyNo set the dark and dreary atmosphere. Do yourself a favor and pickup Dungeon of the Endless, it's fairly inexpensive and well worth the money.
Octopath Traveler II is simply a better version of the original. It expands upon what made the first game great while shoring up its weaknesses. That being said, if you didn’t like Octopath Traveler then the formula is similar enough that you probably won’t like the sequel either. This is an excellent take on the classic 2D JRPG and fans of the genre won’t be let down.