Some plot points end with interesting sequel hooks that are still intriguing, and I am curious where the story intends to go, even if many of the story elements were not paid off in Double Exposure. Hardcore Life Is Strange fans likely won’t find Double Exposure to be as strong as they hoped, but there is promise here, even in its messy interior.
While I enjoyed the narrative parts of Master Detective Archives: Rain Code, the same cannot be said for the gameplay. With a wonderfully twisted story that truly is a grand mystery, the gameplay struggles to have that same level of oomph, and unfortunately struggles to be both engaging and memorable.
If you have never experienced Until Dawn, this remaster is fine, but for those who have played the game before, the technical issues are unfortunately too noticeable to ignore.
Elrentaros Wanderings’s greatest sin is how boring everything about it is, and how unremarkable and bland the gameplay and story are.
The joy and nostalgia truly make Natsu-Mon shine as an open-world game, and its goal of reminding people how wonderful the world around them can be is refreshing given the doom and gloom we often see in many video games and our lives.
With its Mad Max-esque style, crazy characters, and battle between angels and demons, Sand Land walks familiar territory, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
While the story won’t wow anyone, it is sincere in its approach that it’s hard to be disappointed in it. Monster Hunter Stories 2 is great for monster-taming fans, and those who don’t mind a slow-paced game in a gorgeous and inviting world.
While the storytelling, world-building, and environments were interesting and engaging, its gunplay, awkward UI, and unbalanced difficulty make the game hard to recommend outside of those who have already experienced it before. This remake retains a lot of old-school design choices but dresses them up in a new 3D outer shell, meaning it’s still the same game from 1994, for better or worse.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is an old-school experience chock full of interesting storytelling, adorable weirdos, and tons of content to explore. Where it falters comes from needing just a bit more time in the oven and a few more modern conveniences.
With so many new otome games on the market, Sympathy Kiss stands out for being a slice-of-life office romance simulator that does an excellent job of presenting adult themes. However, where it falters is in its mixed bag of bachelors to romance and Akari’s questionable decision-making skills.
What the game gets right, it does incredibly well, but what the game gets wrong falls flat on its face. The game is clearly a labour of love by SWDTech and that is apparent in all facets of the gameplay, story, and presentation. Unfortunately, the game is so riddled with game-breaking bugs that it can’t be recommended in its current state.
For those looking to get into otome games, this is a great one to start with, as it offers memorable characters, with a story that will have you cozying up to every member of the circus, wanting to heal their struggles.
The story is over-the-top bananas in the best way possible, and the twists and turns are definitely gasp-worthy. The fresh faces do a great job cementing themselves as new favourites, and the addition of Hawaii makes for a great setting change. While there is some recycling of assets and the collision issues are still present, it doesn’t detract from the overall experience. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is addictive, campy, and a game to easily lose oneself in.
This game is highly recommended for those who already love the property, but given my lack of knowledge of the series, I can also say it’s great for newcomers who love otome games with a sense of humour. Catarina Claes may be the best otome protagonist I’ve encountered yet, and I hope she gets another adventure on consoles soon.
I mostly adored my time with the game, but I won’t sugarcoat my frustration in having to constantly replay the same battles and dialogue. For those who stick with it, In Stars and Time is an emotionally engaging tale that is worth the effort.
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly does a phenomenal job of wrapping up everyone’s storylines in a thoughtful and meaningful way. Although the gameplay remains largely unchanged, Coffee Talk Episode 2 is still a fantastic sequel that keeps all the cozy vibes strong.
Gemdrops has created a worthy remake that is not only more accessible than the previous iterations but has made what is arguably the most definitive edition of the game to date.
The Man Who Erased His Name is a decent addition to the series, but it misses the mark in being a truly memorable experience.
Thirsty Suitors is a hilarious romp that focuses on family, culture, and the mending of broken relationships. While the execution of its gameplay has some flaws, the game has a lot of heart that makes players root for this crazy cast of characters.
World of Horror is a compelling game that begs the player’s attention, providing an addictive experience that one cannot easily run away from.