The combat doesn’t get old thanks to the mini-core system and cool weapons. The writing is genuinely heartfelt with fantastic localization, and there’s even unlockable fan art. And, again, the visual and audio presentation is fantastic, with great user interface design. There’s plenty of replay value in unlocking new items and improving scores, and uncovering the story is fun.
Personally, I’d love to see more games like The Vale: Shadow of the Crown in a wide range of settings. This game helps prove just how widely games can reach and how many players can be brought into the fold. Even with some plot that felt middle-of-the-road, The Vale’s framework sets a great example for zero-vision games. I hope it’s one of many to come.
Overall, Stonefly is an interesting experiment for Flight School Studio. There are some moments to genuinely love in its presentation and action. Unfortunately, the plot pacing and inconsistent combat can create some real frustration. It doesn’t seem sequels are Flight School’s style, but I definitely look forward to the ways they take the lessons from Stonefly and apply it to their next project, whatever it may be.
Honestly, I’m so appreciative that Bioware re-released this trilogy. It’s a landmark piece of gaming history. It makes me appreciate not just the franchise itself, but the ways the game industry’s grown as well. It’s great thinking about developers and indie titles inspired by Mass Effect. The same goes for the modern AAA games that matured in its wake. It may not be perfect, but neither are any of us. It’s a product of its time trying to make the space better, and it did quite the job.
Before Your Eyes does something incredibly special by mixing an innovative mechanics-based hook with a truly heartwarming (and heartbreaking) story. Through the roughly two hours of playtime, the narrative takes some great turns that keep each moment compelling until the very end. The world could certainly do with more games like Before Your Eyes. I can only hope to see more amazing games in its wake.
Skul: The Hero Slayer is yet another example of a game using its Early Access period to craft a great game with the help of player feedback and some seriously development magic. Though I’d still love more narrative to carry me through the tough times, the variety in combat and stellar design left me way too thrilled. I’m looking forward to slaying many more heroes to come.
There are plenty of solutions, some peaceful, some not…but the ways we choose to grapple with our past and our own potential guide the paths we walk. Horror is often used to strike at the heart of human experiences, and Heart of the Forest does that. The question becomes: what do you do with the power you learned you had all along?
Fall Guys may not be the game that I put 100 hours into, but I’m sure happy with the time I’ve put in. Mediatonic and Devolver Digital took the world a bit by surprise with this one. I only hope there are more surprises in store for this floppy, casual game.
Even with these issues though, I enjoy Minecraft Dungeons. I’ll likely put more time in with it between playing heavier, story-based titles, but I’m compelled by its gameplay. The combat is fun and light, and perhaps the Apocalypse Mode will carry more of the awesome loot I seek. Also, at a $20 price point, it has plenty of action for the entry cost.
Overall, I’m glad the world has a chance to experience the world of The Wonderful 101 with this fresh coat of paint. With the spirit of a love letter to Clover Studio fused with a challenge for the future, The Wonderful 101 Remastered is a whole lot like its original: wonderful.