There's an interesting story to be told in A.W.: Phoenix Festa, but sadly, this game only teases it.
The first game published by USC features a fantastic concept that is executed well, but one that really feels like it could've used some more time to be fleshed out. 'Chambara' is a fun local multiplayer diversion, but the lack of online play and variety really stifles the overall experience. Hopefully a sequel will be able to take the game to the next level, but as of now I'm left with a rad proof of concept that is best played in short bursts.
Shiren's latest adventure is a rewarding one. It offers up an enjoyable dungeon crawl, one that is not only challenging but also surprisingly inviting. Just don't expect it to feature constant progression, as players will fail far more times than they succeed.
ABZÛ simply has to be seen to be believed, as it's a real achievement for the video game medium.
While 'Mutant Mudds Super Challenge' loses some of its charm without the stereoscopic 3D ofthe 3DS predecessor, the fantastic platforming is still fully intact on PlayStation 4. It's a highly difficult affair, sometimes tip-toeing into tedium with how many game over screens I looked at, but its still some of the most rewarding platforming available. The Nintendo 3DS version of Renegade Kid's latest love letter to 2D gaming is still king, but this is a fine port even if it lacks some of the added bells and whistles that could've been added.
Lifeless Planet: Premier Edition doesn't fix its issues on PlayStation 4, and instead adds new ones.
It doesn't quite recapture the magic of Chrono Trigger, but I Am Setsuna has enough interesting mechanics to stand on its own without the crutch of nostalgia.
Unfinished Pixel has simplified stealth into its core essence and have created a very satisfying experience. It's sadly over before it really hits its stride, but there is plenty of incentive to replay levels. The short levels are also a perfect fit for handheld gaming.
Moon Hunters is worth playing, just not on PlayStation 4. The lack of online play is a devastating blow to the overall package. Throw in the constant technical issues, and you have a bad port of what is a really interesting game. Check this out on PC if you can, as it’s more fully featured and runs better.
Gal*Gun: Double Peace has a surprising amount of heart for a game that has its head lodged firmly in a gutter full of panties. The characters are likable, the plot is goofy in its seriousness, and the premise is so over the top that I couldn’t help but laugh. Sadly, the gameplay simply doesn’t hold up its end of the bargain. This on-rails shooter is too simplistic and doesn’t do a good job of keeping the gameplay feeling fresh.
While '10 Second Ninja X' suffers from a lack of difficulty scaling, it's still an enjoyable skill based title that is as much a puzzle game as a platformer. I felt satisfied every time I laid out the correct path to take in a stage, and it was even more thrilling when I was able to successfully execute my plans. The biggest problem is that the main game ends just as it begins to hit its stride, and it feels like the core idea could've been fleshed out more than it has.
ADR1FT makes something as exciting as space exploration a complete bore.
It’s incredibly disappointing to see Resident Evil 5 get such a bare bones release on modern day consoles.
Fans of 'Target Earth' will find a lot to like in 'Assault Suit Leynos.' It's just as rewarding as the Genesis original, and the game has never looked better. Those without a sense of nostalgia won't find as much here to appreciate though, as even on easy difficulty its extremely difficult. This is one remake that has stayed too true to the original, as it plays harsh by modern day standards.
Even as someone who doesn’t have a deep affinity for Ghostbusters, I can’t help but feel that the license deserves a better game than this. It captures none of the camaraderie or the imagination that’s seen in the films. There’s no personality here, and gamers are left with a $50 twin stick shooter that doesn’t have a single interesting idea in it. Play Furi, Nuclear Throne, or Enter the Gungeon instead. There’s absolutely nothing here worth your time, especially if you “ain’t afraid of no ghosts.”
Monster Hunter Generations makes a lot of smart improvements, even if the series is starting to show its age on Nintendo 3DS. It’s the most beginner friendly title to date, and features some great content from past games married to new gameplay innovations.
Fans of the source material will find plenty of like as JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven is a love letter to the series. The story mode starts off on the wrong foot, but quickly becomes a compelling experience for fans and newcomers.
BoxBoxBoy! starts off simple, but it quickly had me staring at my 3DS clueless. Thankfully, a puzzle solution is just one moment of genius away, and every stage eventually seems beatable.
Furi is an action packed, violent game that does a great job of marrying two genres together. The core gameplay is so good and satisfying, which is why it’s a real bummer that a lot of what surrounds that is lacking. Still, despite its flaws, it offers up an enjoyable challenge that is worth playing.
Playdead could have simply made yet another 'Limbo' and it would've been great. Instead, they kept the core gameplay and went into a bold yet familiar direction with it. 'Inside' hasn't left my thoughts since I completed it, and I doubt it will any time soon. It's a fantastic game that proves what the medium can do when used correctly, and provides an experience that can't be replicated by film or literature.