Nick Mangiaracina's Reviews
I’ve always said that the best and most interesting games are being made at the experimental level in game jams and Essays on Empathy proves that.
Once I found myself hitting my stride in Cozy Grove, it became a before-bed ritual.
While I have my grievances, of which there are many, I still really loved playing Element TD 2 and know I’ll be sinking a lot of time into it in the future, especially if any of my issues are resolved.
Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is ripe to be picked and placed in your library.
Not bested by its predecessor, Bravely Default 2 offers a fairly inoffensive experience with some interesting gameplay tweaks and a very enjoyable job system.
Super Seducer 3 would be good fun to play with a couple of friends on a boring night or to make fun of with some lady friends. Other than that though, my hope is that any particularly lonely gamers don’t use Super Seducer 3 as a blueprint for finding companionship.
Olija is a mysterious adventure that won't overstay it's welcome but leave you wanting more immediately after playing it.
Ryza 2 does little to break the mold, but what it does do is polish the existing formula.
Even though Twin Mirror is listed as a thriller, there’s nothing really thrilling about it.
The Pathless may not be my favorite game, I found quite a bit wrong with it, but the messaging was clear and resonated with me.
Pikmin 3 Deluxe is not just a great entry to jump in on, but also try out if you’ve ever been curious about the franchise.
However, if you’re interested in a strong narrative, fun art, and completing simple puzzles, I Am Dead is the most fun you’ll have this year.
If you’re into JRPGs and love a good narrative you won’t want to miss Ikenfell.
Masquerading as simply an adventure game set with Scandinavian folklore in mind, Röki offers so much more and I urge you to give it a shot if this type of game is your bag.
I think if you’re into either the anime/manga series or turn-based JRPGs you’re going to have a good time with Fairy Tail.
Gears Tactics is a refreshing take on the tactics genre that has something for both Gears of War fans and newcomers to the series.
Orangeblood feels like a great game mired by small technical issues and has a short road to being an easy recommendation. With the developers still working on and releasing updates for the game regularly, Orangeblood could be a great pick-up for the turn-based JRPG gamer that’s looking for something off the beaten path.
Despite being a complete VR experience, Eclipse: Edge of Light falls short in most areas. If I had to describe Eclipse: Edge of Light it would be ‘low effort.’ At the very least, it didn’t make me nauseous while playing.
Golem is one of the most disappointing experiences I’ve had in gaming. Though the initially boring world eventually became interesting and mysterious, I was too focused on making sure I wasn’t getting sick to enjoy anything the game had to offer. Golem is a game inhibited by the method it chooses to present itself and so far, that’s a first for me.
You remember all those ideas people throw at the wall and don’t stick? Heroland manages to pick those ideas off the floor and use them as integral parts of its game design. If you’re looking for something to play over time that doesn’t require much concentration and doesn’t really grip you, Heroland is your game.