Robert Cram's Reviews
I feel the developers need to look closely at games like Racket Fury to get some ideas on how to structure the game. Arcade and Sim modes, options for sensitivity etc. This would help greatly. As it stands, I cannot recommend this game in its current form. It’s pretty eye-candy until fleshed out with more modes, features and a tweak to the ball physics.
Code Vein is an enjoyable Souls-like hack and slash game. Whilst its combat might not be too-complex it remains fun all the same - think Phantasy Star Online. With pleasant visuals and a semi-interesting story tying it all together Code Vein is a recommended game for action role playing fans. With more updates and extra planned further down the line, it's also worth investing in for the long-haul support.
Rain of Reflections offers a neat adventure game fused with the combat element which sets it above similar games. Chapter 1 acts as an introduction and if the following two chapters expand upon the ideas here (especially the turn-based combat) then this will be an interesting series to dive into. The hacking lets the game down somewhat, but perhaps some players will enjoy the mild puzzle element here. For under £15 it’s not bad value at all but in terms of replay it’s not offering too many choices if any at all considering once you playthrough you know what to expect. Perhaps a difficulty option could have improved replay. As it stands, Rain of Reflections comes as a interesting prospect but not a game for all players.
The Surge 2 is a likeable game despite some oddities with its cheating AI and lack of diversity with its locations. Once you get a feel for its combat beats, it’s a fun game that keeps you coming back for more. Gamers honed on hack-n-slash type experiences will probably find this too-focused and unforgiving to be appealing. Souls-like fans might enjoy what is on offer here despite the way some actions are perhaps too easy in one-direction and too-tough in the other. Either way, if you can reside somewhere in the middle of these elements you’ll find an enjoyable post-apocalyptic romp.
All said and done though if you ignore the lure of DLC extras, the core package offers a fun-to-play pinball experience. It’s slightly over-priced though only really appealing to die-hard Senran Kagura fans. Pinball fans can get their fix from other games for less that also provide a little more diverse content. Hopefully Marvelous reduce the price in the future or offer a definitive version with all the DLC extras included.
This is a fun game harking back to the old-school with a little bit of modern flavor added in small touches here and there. It’s a solid game and well worth the price of entry for any Duke Nukem 3D fans. Anyone else will also have a blast collecting health, weapons and not relying on waypoints rather than current gen regenerating health and assists. It’s tough as nails on harder settings too, and sits as a pick-up-and-play experience worth checking out even if you don’t dig the retro style.
The Church In the Darkness offers a neat concept with some solid gameplay quirks albeit a little sloppy in execution at times. Fans of stealth will enjoy what’s on offer here and those with an interest in finding out various fates of the cult will have fun replaying to see all endings (which are text and song based rather than cut-scenes). It’s a nice game and worthy of a look in despite its relative simplicity. By the end of it though Issac and Rebecca’s chilling words might get the better of you.
Fantasy Strike is basic, there is no escaping that. However, the play is of a high standard and there is enough here to keep interest especially at high level when it’s so easy to win or lose. It’s great the game opens the doors for newbies and that in itself needs to be commended.
Koji Igarashi’s Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is a class game despite its simplicity. Cool characters, easy to pick-up and play gameplay and wonderful visuals make this a highly recommended game. The good thing about it is you get what you put into it. Rather than endure long sections, you can dive-in for a quick skirmish and then drop out without any limits or penalties.
If you want a different experience to Beat Saber, then yes it’s pretty neat, a good workout and fun to play even if it’s exhausting. If you’re looking for a fitness game on the Quest then this is a rather focused effort which simply works as intended for those who are prepared to use the correct form.
Mortal Kombat 11 offers a neat playing experience, perhaps a little more visceral than the Injustice games which tie with the DC franchise and therefore have obvious limitations. As a next stop for the MK series, this game ticks all the right boxes in every department which is good. However, it is plagued with elements needing a closer inspection and fixing. As it stands, MK 11 is worthwhile for the asking price and if you’re a fan a no-brainer purchase. That said, if you’re not a fan of the comical gore and rather serious overtones then this is perhaps not worth an immediate look-in, rather a wait-and-see until it’s up to scratch or until it drops in price.
World War Z does have its moments of fun despite offering a fairly basic game overall. The zombie hordes look good in their numbers as they climb over each other to eat your team’s brains. Additional special zombie types could spice things up a little more though which is where Sabre could add a dose of originality. As it stands though, it’s a basic zombie shooter with competent gameplay which presents itself. Definitely fun in shorter doses especially with others online, but not an essential purchase.
Zanki Zero: Last Beginning offers an interesting story, an oddball set of characters and an even crazier scenario. That is without mentioning the rather annoying Extend TV characters Sho (a horny adolescent boy) and Mirai (a talking sheep no less). With its fusion of gameplay styles, it actually works very well when all elements slide into place. This isn't a game for everyone as the reliance of long conversations and minimal imagery might not suit those looking for more direct action. Still, it's easy to become invested in the 8 characters and their plight, and if you like laid-back puzzle fueled entertainment then this is a solid enjoyable experience to work through.
The Dead Or Alive series aside from offering a competent fighting game in its own right does draw fans interested in the physics and revealing costumes. You can’t steer away from this fact too much. In this regard, the new systems kind of go against this, making determined players either spend extra cash or work harder to net the rewards. This does feel like fleecing the fan base somewhat which is a shame. Still, if additional outfits and extra modes (such as the gravure scenes) aren’t of interest, then the core package will no doubt fulfill the need. Dead Or Alive 6 is a welcome addition to the series but feels somewhat of a step backwards from the feature complete Dead Or Alive 5 Last Round.