All in all, this feels like a game made for a very specific type of player, which is a rare thing these days. Either it clicks, or it doesn’t. As for me, it ended up being one of the most unique and enjoyable games I’ve played in a long while.
Somehow, Fairy Tail ended up being one of the most enjoyable JRPG’s I’ve played in a while. The characters, the stories, the variety and freedom in play, it all comes together for a very enjoyable experience.
I legitimately both love and hate this game. I love it because of everything it does right (basically everything it does), and how it feels like more Breath of the Wild on an epic scale. But I also hate it because of what it does with the plot, and what it could have been. Granted, I’ve come to terms with the latter and it’s one of my favorite Warriors and Zelda games.
Dying Light Platinum Edition is the ultimate edition of an amazing game, now on a handheld. It takes the whole base game, its main expansion, and every other bit of DLC, big and small, ever released. Which wouldn’t matter if it was a bad port, but it’s somehow the exact opposite. One of the most impressive and smooth ports ever released for the system, and proof that it is possible for impressive games to work on the platform.
Dawn of the Monsters is a super fun game dripping in style. From the comic book art style, to the very Kaiju inspired story and character designs, to the surprisingly deep combat and customization systems.
I can’t convey just how impressed I was with Outward Definitive Edition. I would have been happy with a standard THQ Nordic styled remastered collection, but it was so much more. It was almost on the same level as the Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition, which I still hold as the gold standard of re-releases. There was so much love and care poured into every part of it, and in many ways it feels like a brand new game.
The Shadowrun Trilogy is for everyone, and I’m glad it can finally be played by everyone. These fast-paced incredibly linear games are the opposite of the sprawling unfocused experiences people expect from the genre. Very story and dialogue based, though the lack of voice acting might turn people off. But the truly unique settings, the blend of fantasy and sci-fi, alongside the fun and quick XCOM-esque combat make games that look, read, and play very well. They helped shepherd in today’s RPG renaissance, and are still high watermarks of what’s been accomplished during it.
I wholly believe in turn-based combat in general, and certainly for any game with Intelligent Systems’ name on it. They are very good at what they do, and their style has always flourished with Fire Emblem. Still I would love to see more of this, maybe a whole series of re-imagined classic Fire Emblem games in this style. Or hell, even a proper original one. The traditional fun Musou combat properly combined with the tactical and RPG elements of Fire Emblem creates a Musou game with genuine depth and difficulty, which has always been a Warriors‘ game Achilles heel.
I didn’t expect to enjoy Lost Eidolons nearly as much as I did. I’d assumed it would be just another one-note SRPG set in another generic high fantasy world. The Fire Emblem similarities would be skin deep, and nowhere near as high quality. However, I was delighted to be wrong as this game over delivered on every level. Impressive presentation, simple yet deep combat, and there’s plenty of variety in progression and customization. And while the story’s long in the teeth and the reliance on visual novel style dialogue sequences may not be for everyone, fans of the genre will be right at home.
Final Fantasy was the game that literally saved Squaresoft. It transformed a no name company into one of the biggest Publishers in the industry. And the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster shows why, with it’s simple yet elegant plot and gameplay. Crystals, Warriors of Light, Airships, Bahamut, it all began here. Playing through the game was a bit like falling in love with the genre all over again.
The joy of abusing enemy AI through the use of social stealth and corners. An open-world city to explore and parkour through, pickpocketing everyone. And the sandbox black box missions are fantastic, a culmination of the franchise at its best. Sure, overall the formula for the game is a collection of Ubisoft classics. But isn’t that what we’re here for at this point? Exploring a city, solving small puzzles, collecting stuff, and going stabby stabby while looking cool doing it. This is an Assassin’s Creed game, unapologetically, and it’s much better for it in my opinion.
Dungeons 4 was the gaming palette cleanser I didn’t know I was looking for. Its story is nonsense told very well, but its gameplay loop is practiced, iterated, and masterful. Mission and map design is unique with varied and distinct units. It could be easy for the game to be too much or complex is instead the first RTS I’ve ever played with a controller that actually felt comfortable.
Overall though, what kept me coming back to Dungeon of the Endless was the way every run felt like a different puzzle to be solved. Though each level started to look the same, the wide variety of room types and layouts available meant that it never felt the same. If you’re a rogue-like fan desperate for something new, this is exactly the game you’ve been waiting for.
You’ll have plenty to do while waiting for this fall’s release of The Dark Heart of Skyrim’s finale. If Greymoor is anything to go off of, it’ll be worth the wait.
Zombieland: Headshot Fever was a way better game than I was expecting. I was expecting both a shoddy media tie-in game and a terrible VR experience. Instead I got a fantastic example of what VR is great at, and a fun game to boot. It won’t set the world on fire, nor is it even the best zombie VR game (Saints & Sinners exists). But it’s a fantastic game on its own, and VR owners, rail shooter enthusiasts, and people simply looking for a fun game definitely shouldn’t sleep on this one.
I honestly wonder why it was even chosen to be remastered, I feel like we’d be having a totally different conversation if it was Medieval instead. Still it’s here, it’s fun, and it looks great. So if you’re looking to experience some classic classic Total War gameplay, then this is exactly what you’re looking for. Everyone else, there are better Total Wars available. For cheaper too.
Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny is a Disgaea game, but with 3D graphics. That’s basically the best summary of the game that you’ll find. Those who are into the franchise will have already bought it, while I doubt those who aren’t will be swayed by some new 3D graphics.
It’s a very solid fun game that I’m definitely going to be spending some more time with. I love the look of the game, the playstyles of the chosen factions, and the roguelike nature keeps me coming back. I’m also slowly getting deeper into the Age of Sigmar setting, and this game is a great intro point. Also I can’t ignore just how easy it would be to add Faction DLC, so I’m really hoping it sold well enough to get some.
Warhammer 40000: Battlesector is another great example of Games Workshop’s hands-off approach with the license working wonders. It’s such a fun game, with a great fast paced take on turn-based combat. Fast, flashy, and both factions play true to form.
Enemies and locations do eventually get kind of repetitive, but the combat is what you come for and it’s what makes you stay. VR needs more games like this, ones you play because you just wanna have some harmless thoughtless fun.