The Mysterious Trilogy Deluxe Pack is great for original fans and newcomers, all the added DLC and new features really improve the overall experience in each of the games. They all have something different to offer, that will satisfy different types of players. Like previous Atelier games the synthesising system is very daunting and can be confusing for newcomers. The game does try to explain the system but I feel it needs a much more detailed tutorial for players to understand all the ins and outs. But players shouldn't give the games a miss as they are great JRPGs to add to your collections.
Smelter is a fun action packed game with plenty of depth to keep players engaged for a while. The combat system is intuitive and works a charm with the level design actually presenting a challenge rather than just being superficial. However I do wish the developers focused more on these parts of the game and minimise the real time strategy sections which felt like drawn out mini games. Saying that Smelter is a well devised indie game filled with witty dialogue and stellar action to match.
New Pokemon Snap is worth its twenty-two years wait. Developers kept what made the original game great but have added extra layers that have greatly improve the experience. The repetitive nature of the game may not be for everyone, with some finding it a slog to complete the game. However, I feel there is enough variation and depth here to warrant its lengthy play. New Pokemon Snap is a great addition to the Nintendo Switch that combines the warm nostalgia of the N64 classic while offering what all good sequels should, a compelling experience for fans and newcomers alike.
There really wasn't a dull moment in this game with each adrenaline-packed level sending chills down my spine. There may prove to be a little too much chaos at times making it hard to ascertain what's actually happening but that's an oversight. My main issue is the length of the game which was bittersweet but left me wanting more. Mighty Goose's punchy pixel visuals matched with its marvellous action makes it one of the best indie games out at the moment.
The Ninja Gaiden game was always a joy to play and this time around is no different. Even though there haven't been many changes to the overall experience, having all three games and DLC rolled into one is a sheer joy. Players who missed this series should definitely pick this up as it's one of the best games in the hack and slash genre. The omission of the online co-op will displease hardcore fans however I think this can be easily overlooked as being able to have all three games on a portable console is the winning factor here.
Mario Golf: Super Rush is everything you could expect from a Nintendo sports game, with flashy graphics and competitive gameplay. I really enjoyed my time with the game and was deeply impressed with the nice amount of depth built into the Golf Adventure mode.
Scarlet Nexus is all about its combat which Bandai Namco have crafted very well, the sheer level of depth poured into it is amazing. The story will please anime fans, but it's not the most original tale, however, the writing during the character interactions is always entertaining and helps players to engage with each character. Bandai Namco has an excellent new series under their belt that really redefines the genre, especially with its stellar combat mechanics.
Legend of Mana Remaster is a great game that goes against the traditional forms of storytelling to create a unique adventure. With the monster taming and variety within the Land Make system, completing this game is a colossal feat and will require a couple of playthroughs to see everything. The addition of two-player modes makes this a must-have for JRPGs fans and newcomers alike.
Kazuya is an intriguing addition to the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate roster, due to the fact that his lacklustre movement makes him somewhat limited. He may have the biggest move list in the game but players will have to be creative in getting them to land. His depth will create some very interesting strategies and having the ability to combine several attacks adds to his close-combat ferocity. He's not an instant pick-up-and-play character, but players who master his combos will cause some serious damage.
The battle system is very intuitive and keeps gameplay from becoming too repetitive. The few issues like the constant loading screens and lack of autosave may frustrate players as it's a very long game. However these aren't deal breakers as Cris Tales is a wonderfully crafted game that strives to give the player a unique experience.
There’s a lot of depth packed into its relatively short gameplay time which can be completed in a few hours. But fans will enjoy their time spent in Wakanda which is highly engaging and sets a promising precedent for what could come in the future from Crystal Dynamic.
My only issue was that there wasn’t much consistency with the difficulty throughout, some levels and enemies were weak, then others would be really powerful in the next room. But in the end, this will just allow players to improve their strategies a lot faster. Also, the lack of co-op is a huge missed opportunity for this title. Greak: Memories of Azur is definitely one of the standout titles this year and shouldn’t be missed.
Dodgeball Academia is a real gem that could easily have gone down the dark road filled with anime and gameplay tropes. But it manages to stand out from the rest with its witty writing and a fantastic battle system that was just a great experience from start to finish.
No More Heroes 3 is a sensational return to the garden of madness, the vast improvements made from the last two games are really astonishing and worth the ten-year wait. It does suffer from slight performances issues when undocked but that is not a deal-breaker. Suda51 has done an amazing job at crafting Travis's best adventure yet, the only thing we want to know is "when will No More Heroes 4 is coming out?"
NEO: The World Ends With You is a great sequel that builds on the successful foundations of its predecessor. Fans of the original will relish this title, as it’s really worth the wait and helps to finally answer many questions left over for the last game. There is a great mix of combat and puzzles that will keep players on their toes. Saying that the overworld is very limited with next to no chances to explore Shibuya in its entirety.
Ultra Age is a really fun fast-paced action game that shouldn’t be missed by fans of the genre. It may be lacking in certain areas but makes up for it with its addictively satisfying combat mechanics. The game will take about 6-7 hours to complete, so it is not the longest and there isn’t much replay value. But the visuals are amazing and a real testament to what indie developers are capable of at the moment.
Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut is definitely the definitive way to play this epic game, the enhancements granted from the Playstation 5 alone warrant a second play through. Iki island itself may come with a few new additions but it is more or less a similar experience to the rest of the game which isn't a bad thing. The expansion will take as long as the first Act which if players do everything can be up to 20 hours, so fans will want to get their teeth into this for the sheer size of it.
Eastward is an amazing indie title that spans around 30 hours of gameplay, told through a captivating story. The wonderful art direction and spectacular animation are warranted enough for Eastward to grab your attention.
The overhaul of combat is the biggest improvement with the real-time battles providing an enthralling experience. Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom is by far one of the best JRPGs and essential gaming for fans of the genre.
Overall Flynn Son of Crimson is a fun adventure that definitely worth picking up especially if you are a fan of the genre.