Dan Rizzo's Reviews
God of War Ragnarök is without question, this year’s greatest gaming experience. Arguably one of the best stories ever told is set to be unleashed into our great medium. From aesthetical design, to technically speaking a gaming gargantuan that’s proven bountiful in not just gameplay, but delivering the ultimate adventure.
NieR: Automata The End of YoRHa Edition is an immaculate port that should be placed as the bar for what is a prime example in how to bring Triple-A, third party titles of a grand scale to a smaller platform. It's the cleanest experience I've had in any port from a powerhouse like the PS4, XBOX or PC to the Nintendo Switch, that makes it a must experience or ultimately an essential to your existing Switch library.
I did like my time with its combat system, but I do understand the issues its narrative bears. As someone that adored the series' initial title, I can say that this is a step in the wrong direction if they're looking to reprise the Valkyrie Profile franchise.
SD Gundam Battle Alliance is a sleeper hit. A surprising release that I believe could be one of the better JRPG’s out this year. Its fantastical charm in revisiting and renewing Gundam interest through rapid and expeditious pacing, great action in a simplistic yet somehow complex control scheme, giving you ultimate control in how to defeat hoards of enemies, and traversing across some of the most diverse and gorgeous maps I’ve seen in a Chibi style action-adventure in quite some time.
I know the intention here was to put out something that a casual gamer would enjoy in mindlessly bashing out bouts while collecting an insane amount of customisable creations, but it would have been greater if there was time invested to make its “port” into a full fledged remaster for the premiere gaming platforms. If you’re looking for something in the LEGO Brand on home console, try out LEGO Batman; amazing title. But if you want to try this, I would advise pulling out the tablet and playing it there.
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R is an excellent fighter that does bode its niche base well, and could potentially extend beyond that inviting more fans into its never-ending lore.
MyCareer may still falter, but it’s worth checking out nonetheless, but you know why you’re here. It’s to Slam Jam, with the greatest of all time and be the greatest ever. Regardless of some minor impasses due to microtransactions, NBA2K23 continues the trend of its franchise being the leader in sporting titles.
I hate saying it, due to the fact that Saints Row was one of my most loved series in its first two iterations, but its deteriorating quality of life issues have carried over to its reboot a near decade after being shelved.
A fun family game, a blast from the past and unquestionably one for the kids to jump into, especially those that are looking to learn about their parents as gamers.
Soul Hackers 2 does itself justice as its own independent title heading into the esteemed Shin Megami Tensei legacy, regardless of its pre-determined label as a sequel. [...] a JRPG modern day classic.
For those yet to experience this masterpiece, it's definitely one to swing by and consume. Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered is essential gaming, for everyone.
The Quarry is a gory, masochistic, and morally challenging bloodfest that will still leave some spine-tingling scars that will split audiences with their respective outcomes, and undoubtedly be a talking piece in gaming for years.
Yes, you will walk away with the Chaos meme stuck in your head, and it will probably be the most memorable thing about any of the characters here, but at least there’s something that will stick. Regardless, Stranger of Paradise puts forward a Final Fantasy game that presents less of the regular formula, yet a mixture of great action-adventure, soulslike, role-playing that will entice you to come back again, and again.
With all that said, 80 hours of gameplay has been the bare minimum to complete this massive escapade. I’ve still yet to complete an abundance of sidequests which I’m looking forward to. Knowingly taking my time through this task, will seemingly demand another hundred hours but I’m willing to give this game my undivided attention, as FromSoftware has carved out quite possibly their most ambitious project and have unequivocally sacrificed hundreds of their own in development.
The notorious wrestling franchise that has needed a soft reboot for a near decade has now arrived, undoubtedly welcomed by fans. A familiar formula that doesn't fracture the flow intended for its initial fanbase, yet promulgates all pre-existing and polished mechanics, with Visual Concepts own added twist.
Life is Strange and Before the Storm are and ultimate bundle of joy and should be celebrated. It's not the perfect way to do it for the moment, but I'm sure there's going to be future fixes that will amend all prior issues mentioned.
So the question remains, is Gran Turismo 7 the Real Driving Simulator’s return to form? Truthfully, yes. It’s a fantastic soft reboot of the classic racer that has been dormant for too long, and was desperate for a refreshing take. While GT6 was met with a lukewarm response from gamers after being heralded by critics, it just couldn’t live up to the hype.
A questionably massive escapade through an uncharted territory that takes Aloy beyond her comfort zone, fulfilling her conviction in finding out her past, and what the intent was behind her creation. A sequel which seeks to decidedly push the envelope with everything that made Zero Dawn a success, and turn it into one of PlayStation’s keystone franchises for years to come, only personifying it by relaying an excellent chapter in one of gaming’s greatest mascot’s celebrated journey. The Horizon series has sought itself to be PlayStation’s pick over its gold standard collection of first party titles, and Forbidden West sits firmly amongst as one of gaming’s greatest, ever.
Now reaching mid-life, Nate and his estranged Brother secretly head off in hopes of discovering the city of Pirates and Avery’s riches that was said to be buried there. If this truly is Nathan Drake’s final arc, then its story is excellently concluded with what is quite possibly one of gaming’s greatest feats in gameplay, writing, graphical fidelity and cinema.
Now modernising the pair, its realised that any further development to these classics are not necessary, rather keeping its foundation intact and relying on updating its performance and visuals. This is a prime example of how to remaster and old school title, without going overboard. Essentials for old school fans, and a great starter for entry level fans.