Persona 3 Reload is a cynically made cash grab that has no wow factor. It’s peak remake culture where a lot of the edge gets sanded off to be in line with “modern audience expectations”. It may look great (in parts), but it lacks the vision to realize the full potential of what a modern Persona 3 could be. Even if it didn’t cut content, it is still a grossly overpriced remake that still feels like a PlayStation 2 game. Go play Persona 3 FES instead.
The biggest departures in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s story feel like fan fiction. There is no restraint when it comes to Sephiroth and there’s too much emphasis on the love triangle to please the repugnant shippers. There should have been more effort to focus on the internal struggle of the characters instead of the “Will she/he, won’t she/he?” aspect of the story.
It is a miracle that Pocket Fishing doesn’t let you wander off out of bounds, because it is the Big Rigs of fishing games. It has very little going for it at all and it thankfully didn’t corrupt my data. Sadly, Pocket Fishing does not crash often enough and you’ll be wishing it did for the excuse to not play it anymore.
A lot of the issues present are the same sins that Outlast has always committed: being defenseless is a nonsensical mistake. The biggest blunder it makes is requiring an online connection for playing alone.
Welcome to ParadiZe isn’t without its merits. It is an appealing-looking game, ran well on PlayStation 5, and it is mercifully short for what it is. The average gamer could potentially reach the end in under 15 hours, so it won’t feel like work. It is functional, mediocre, forgettable, and can be charitably considered a guilty pleasure.
Ultros transcends the cynicism often found in modern metroidvanias. It’s more than just competent – it’s a game with a soul. Created by passionate artists with a clear vision of the cycle of life, Ultros boasts one of the most unique visual styles in its genre. It isn’t a forgettable experience; Ultros leaves a lasting impression with solid gameplay to back it up.
If you are already a fan of mystery dungeons or hardcore roguelike nightmares, you’re going to have a lot of fun. If the prospect of luck-based scenarios and cruel difficulty seem unappealing, then Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island will give you a thousand-yard stare. This is not for the faint of heart and demands only gamers with steely resolve, patience, and a bit of luck.
While there are some minor technical hiccups with this remaster, the overall package is massive and is well worth its modest asking price. These are some of the most challenging dungeons ever designed and the gameplay is very hardcore and requires a bit of patience. Even with the modern controls, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered won’t be for everyone since there is no handholding. Only the most bold can go on a date with Lara.
Getting sucked into the loop of riding elevators to get into goopy scuffles with slimy, boney fish for upgrades and quickly moving on to the next is stimulating. Compounded with the already excellent foundation that Splatoon 3 is built upon, it is a necessary and worthwhile addition to the game and takes its mechanics to new heights.
This is a barren horror game that feels like it is barely clinging to its life and is held together with cheap tape. It’s utterly lacking in features and the gameplay is simplistic… when it works. When you’re not bored or desperately scraping for something to do, expect to be frustrated by the ill-conceived photography and melee systems.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth achieves tremendous success while simultaneously puzzling players with some frustrating decisions. Unlike its predecessor, which welcomed newcomers, Infinite Wealth assumes familiarity with Yakuza: Like a Dragon. Players who haven’t experienced Yakuza 6: Song of Life will miss major plot points, as Infinite Wealth resolves themes and loose ends from that game.
The popping new art style thrives in its zoomed-out perspective, and the soundtrack continues the series’ tradition of infectious songs. However, be prepared for nothing but intricate turn-based skirmishes. While the scenarios, mechanics, and maps excel as far as strategy RPGs go, it’s hard to ignore the lack of variety, creating a constant state of strategic pressure with little room to breathe.
Unfortunately, The Return also exposes the underlying weaknesses in Part II‘s mechanics, especially when compared to older stealth-action titles like Metal Gear Solid V or even Manhunt on PlayStation 2. Labeling this a “Remaster” is disingenuous, and “Director’s Cut” wouldn’t be accurate either. At best, The Last of Us Part II Remastered qualifies as a “Special Edition.”
Apart from the skin-crawling modern sensibilities affecting the narrative and an unmemorable soundtrack, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown swings for the fences and hits an impressive balance of action, exploration, and puzzle-solving. This is a hearty and beefy epic that will satisfy veterans of the genre and push them to their limits.
There’s undeniably an intriguing concept at the heart of War Hospital. The potential for a gripping and stressful experience set amidst the chaos of a World War I field hospital is undeniable. Unfortunately, the execution veers into frustrating territory, where the stress stems from technical hiccups and clunky mechanics, rather than the game’s intended thematic weight.
The customization options are about as deep as a kiddie pool, and the lack of long-term content might leave some hardcore racers wanting more. For a quick dopamine fix, a hit of high-octane thrills, F-Zero 99 is the real deal. It’s a shame Nintendo will pull the plug on this speed demon someday. It burns bright, and fast, and leaves you with a memory that’s just as blurry and exhilarating as the last lap.
The lure of hidden collectibles and environmental puzzles flickers brightly, but it’s often overshadowed by sloppy battles and an obnoxious aiming system that feels like a festering wart on an otherwise charming experience. Despite its flaws, Raccoo Venture is brimming with soul. Densely packed with things Diego Ras loves, playing it feels like getting to know him on a personal level.
It’s a shame that Cookie Cutter is so utterly off-putting because the core gameplay is tight and flexible to foster inventive combos. Level design flows nicely for the most part and it seems like the developer truly understands what a good metroidvania needs to engage players.
When the game opens up a bit, the combat is a lot of fun and there are plenty of scenarios to experience that keep the action varied. Don’t come for a story, but do expect some high-energy spectacle and wild action.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora will please fans of the films and gamers who enjoyed the likes of Crysis and Far Cry. The action is solid and the visuals will blow you away, but don’t expect to get invested in the story or characters. It still falls victim to the same flaws as the source material and the games that inspired it, but for a movie tie-in game, Frontiers of Pandora is a pretty epic 25 hours and is otherwise safe and harmless.