Anima: Gate of Memories is a classic example of a developer trying to create something bigger than they're capable of. The game attempts to be a grand RPG with platforming and puzzles, and yet it fails to pull off any of those mechanics off.
Soul Axiom is an incredibly uneven game that feels disjointed and unpolished. Moments of beauty in its futuristic overworld are only temporary, as half of the game looks completely out of place. It's incredibly disappointing that the game isn't able to come together since some of the puzzles are delightful to figure out. Instead, gamers are left with a puzzle game that's merely okay, and one that is easily passed up when you've got incredible offerings like The Witness on the system.
Odin Sphere Leifthrasir is an example of a remaster done right. Not only has the game been improved in just about every aspect, but it's also faithful to the original core.
Guilty Gear Xrd -REVELATOR- will hopefully help usher in a new era of fighting games. One where new players are encouraged to learn what makes the genre special, and feel invited. It's training tools raise the bar at which other fighters are measured to, and it's a real triumph in that regard. Whether you're a veteran or a newcomer, there's a lot to learn here.
One Piece: Burning Blood does a solid job of adapting such an important story to a video game, but doesn't do a great job at letting newcomers know why it matters. Die-hard One Piece fans will get some enjoyment here, but there are better fighting games out there.
While long load times aren't a huge deal in a game like Grand Theft Auto, they absolutely are one when you only get a maximum of about a minute of gameplay from each load. It's a small annoyance that builds to a huge one over time, and it highlights everything else that is wrong with Dangerous Golf.
Oxenfree deals with some heavy topics in just a few hours, and manages to do something genuinely interesting with them. A phenomenal conversation system anchors most of the experience, but there's many mysteries for dedicated players to solve. Oxenfree is a game that rewards players that go the extra mile, and how much you get out of it is directly tied to how much you put in.
Dead Island Definitive Collection is the best way to get these two flawed experiences, ones that are enjoyable despite some poor design choices.
Downwell is a brilliant and downright addictive addition to the PlayStation Vita's library. It's one of the best fits for the handheld, and is a pure joy to play in short bursts.
The ultimate disappointment is that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutants in Manhattan has a solid base. A good game could’ve been made with these combat mechanics, but sadly some abysmal level design makes this 4-hour game a complete chore to play. When an uninspired boss rush level is arguably the best part of the game, then you know something went wrong.
Ultimately, Disney Art Academy does exactly what it promises to do on the back of the box.
If you're looking for a fighting game with a back-to-basics approach, then Koihime Enbu fits the bill. It's a title that rewards solid fundamentals and one that's easy to get into. A lack of modes hurts its long-term value, but the core gameplay is plenty of fun.
OlliOlli2: XL Edition is the best version of Roll7's stellar skateboarding game, although just by a smidge. The addition of manuals to the core game is a huge boost to the trick system, and makes it possible to combo every single level from start to finish.
If you missed out on Not A Hero elsewhere, then this is the version to get.
Shadow of the Beast is a solid revival of an underappreciated part of gaming history. It's great to see it exposed to a new audience over 20 years later as it provides a brief, yet exciting journey.
Shadwen makes a lot of smart decisions, and I’ll definitely miss its rewind system in other stealth games, but it never fully comes together as a whole. There’s just not enough enemy variety, and the 15-level campaign grows tiresome as the end nears. Throw in one of the most anticlimactic endings in recent memory, and a lot of the initial goodwill is used up. While far from perfect, there’s still enough ambition here for stealth fans to appreciate, but Shadwen isn’t Agent 47.
Defying the odds, id Software has made DOOM not only a relevant series in 2016, but a great one. They've also managed to create three distinct modes that all have their own appeal and feel to them. It's an amazing package, and one that I'll continue to come back to.
I absolutely adore VEV: Viva Ex Vivo‘s concept, which only serves to make me more disappointed in the final release. Exploring these different microscope slides should be exciting, but instead players are left frustrated due to awkward controls and bored by how little there is to do.
While this is easily the best version of Valkyria Chronicles yet, it still doesn't quite live up to its potential.
Unfortunately, MegaTagmension Blanc hides away its best features in its multiplayer mode, and those looking for a strong single player experience will be largely disappointed.