Despite the relative shortcomings created by its competent but uncompelling combat, Vampyr remains a fascinating game well worth experiencing.
Putting all these aspects together leaves us with a game that strangely feels almost like it is less than the sum of its parts. The gameplay features some unique concepts that are frequently fun, but at the same time weapons made to further enhance the combat just let it down. The game's aesthetic is also very well done and yet another example of great retro inspired design, but it is betrayed by the color selection of all things. These might seem like small complaints, but together they contributed to a general lack of interest on my part. Even with everything Extreme Exorcism does right, I never really felt the need or desire to come back; I played it, I kind of enjoyed it, but nothing makes me want to hop back in. Maybe others will feel different, but ultimately Extreme Exorcism is a game with some good ideas, a few noticeable flaws, and the absence of that one thing that can make a good game great.
Still, the overall experience should prove enjoyable for those looking for a retro inspired action-platformer with a beautifully produced visage; there are just some hurdles you’ll need to clear first.
Altogether, these changes don't really add up to a hugely compelling argument for Assault Horizon Legacy+ over its original version. The core game, while not particularly exceptional, remains a solid, enjoyable experience that benefits from the simple fact that there really isn't anything else like it on 3DS.
Taken as a whole, ATOMINE largely succeeds at what it is trying to accomplish; the game simply wants to be a solid twin-stick shooter with rogue-like elements and it fulfills that goal precisely. Of course, this means the game never really rises to greatness and is unlikely to be all that appealing to those looking for a more innovative or compelling experience. Regardless, if you have a love for this type of game, or at least a momentary lust, then ATOMINE should be a perfectly suitable way to fulfill those desires.
The core mechanics are perfectly competent and generally fun, the story is a little more solid by the end, and the music is genuinely great throughout. In other words, the adventure proves to be a fairly enjoyable one by the end, it just happens to be punctuated by moments of frustration throughout.
Considering Windscape is largely the product of one developer, it is actually quite an accomplishment. It ambitiously attempts to marry aspects of two of the mediums most influential action-adventure franchises and, for the most part, is able to create a very enjoyable experience.
Death Squared really could have been something great. However, as the game stands, it is still a worthwhile puzzler that should please gamers looking for a unique cooperative experience.
InnerSpace is definitely a game that earns plenty of kudos for the sheer effort and creativity put into it.
In many ways I applaud Cycle 28's ambition, however I also kind of wish the developers had focused more of that energy on more fruitful endeavors.
Both the gameplay and performance can feel a little too inconsistent at times as the controls and frame rate can sometimes be equally bumpy. Regardless, at its core, GRIP: Combat Racing is still an impressively fast racer that almost anybody should be able to have at least some fun with.
While there’s plenty to love in the games, you will have to work your way through some genuinely boring and annoying stuff to reach all of it.
All of these factors leave High Strangeness in a place that I find, quite appropriately, strange. Nothing about the game feels incomplete but many aspects of it feel like they weren't fully realized. The game starts off with plenty of compelling story and gameplay ideas, but halfway through the game it feels like the developers stopped developing these ideas and then created a flat line to the end. I don't want to make the second half of the game sound bad, because it really isn't, but I can't deny that it isn't really isn't all that good either.
A slick looking racer that’s maybe a little too slick in the corners.
A game that many gamers would likely be able to find some enjoyment in, but only a certain type of player will likely be able to look past it's handful of faults, unapologetic difficulty, and esoteric aesthetic to fully enjoy it.
Mainlining deserves credit for presenting an original and interesting take on a familiar genre.
Poi does nothing to move its genre forward and even though its wanting for polish in many areas, its faults are small enough that they will likely prove little more than minor annoyances for those looking to kill some time after they complete Mario's latest.
Shadow Fight 2 is a game with quite a bit to like, a fact that seems to only exacerbate its disappointments.
RICO‘s biggest strength really is just that it’s a shooter that gives players lots of opportunities to shoot things.
Regardless of these issues, if I were given the option of playing the original Space Invaders or Doughlings: Invastion, I would absolutely prefer the newer title thanks to those new mechanics and its fun presentation.