Anthony Gravel's Reviews
Persona 3 Reload on Nintendo Switch 2 remains an excellent JRPG, but it's a port that clearly illustrates the technical compromises of poor optimization. Its polished art direction, masterful soundtrack, and consistently compelling storytelling make it a memorable experience, even more than fifteen years after the original game's release. However, the limitation to 1080p and 30 FPS, combined with the absence of additional content such as The Answer or the female protagonist, prevents this version from rising to the rank of “ultimate” re-release. Nevertheless, Atlus has delivered a successful revamp that breathes new life into one of the most important chapters in the series, while allowing a new generation to discover a carefully modernized classic that can once again be played on mobile devices.
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Pokémon Legends: Z-A shows that Game Freak benefits from stepping outside its comfort zone. The urban adventure in Illumis brings a breath of fresh air with its vertical exploration, real-time battles, and revamped Mega Evolutions. The game remains visually modest, but offers excellent fluidity on Switch 2 and generous content. While not revolutionary, it's a masterful and enjoyable evolution that gives the series a nice dose of energy and modernity. I really enjoyed the experience and am happy to see that the team has made solid improvements to enrich its Pokémon Legends spin-off series. I sincerely hope that Game Freak continues down this path, as I'm becoming more and more attracted to this formula.
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Without disrupting the formula that made the first game so successful, Ghost of Yōtei demonstrates Sucker Punch's maturity in its approach of refining rather than reinventing. The studio offers a more introspective adventure, carried by sumptuous art direction and a rarely matched attention to detail. Atsu's story, both intimate and visceral, stands out as a natural evolution of the theme of honor and revenge that began with Ghost of Tsushima.
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Trails in the Sky 1st Chapter delivers a faithful remake with refreshed visuals, improved combat, and timeless storytelling. A charming, essential JRPG for both newcomers and series veterans.
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Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 return on Switch and Switch 2 with improved resolution, thoughtful additions like Assist Mode, and a full soundtrack player. While the price may feel steep for remasters, these timeless platforming masterpieces remain among Mario’s most inventive adventures, offering fresh challenges for veterans and an ideal entry point for newcomers.
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Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World is an enhanced version that consolidates the title's place among the must-haves of the franchise. The expansion expands on the original adventure with new stages, new gameplay mechanics, and a higher difficulty level that will appeal to players looking for something new as well as those seeking a tougher challenge.
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Gears of War: Reloaded isn't as impressive as a complete remake, but it perfectly fulfills its role as a technical upgrade and accessible gateway for a new generation of players. The campaign retains all its power, the multiplayer benefits from modern options, and the whole thing is supported by production values that are finally on par with current standards. The addition of PS5-specific features even offers a pleasant little surprise, giving this version a special appeal. Of course, veterans would probably have hoped for more new features, but it's hard to deny the pleasure of rediscovering such a memorable classic in such good conditions. While we wait for Gears of War: E-Day, Reloaded effectively reminds us why this series has left a lasting mark on its genre.
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Trails Through Daybreak II stands out as a solid sequel that expands on Calvard's political and personal stakes while deepening its characters. Despite a sometimes uneven pace and a technically inferior Switch version, the captivating story and improved combat make it a must-play JRPG. The PS5 remains the best option to fully enjoy the experience and is my top recommendation at this time.
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Drag x Drive is an original offering that showcases the potential of the Joy-Con 2 controllers and their mouse function, while providing intense gaming moments, especially online. However, its limited content, minimalist aesthetics, and certain technical constraints prevent it from fully convincing over time. While fun for a few sessions, it struggles to establish itself as a must-have for the Nintendo Switch 2, especially since there are already plenty of more interesting choices available on the console.
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No Sleep for Kaname Date achieves its goal by offering a more concise and accessible experience, while remaining faithful to the universe of the series. Despite some technical limitations on Switch 2 and a structure that is sometimes predictable for those familiar with the previous games, the game remains well-crafted overall. Its lighter tone, well-designed puzzles, and solid storytelling make it an interesting addition to the main series. Sold at a reduced price, it also offers a decent amount of playtime, making it a fair proposition for fans already invested in the universe, like me.
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Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is a pleasant surprise among the launch titles for the Nintendo Switch 2. Without revolutionizing the formula, it brilliantly rebalances the action-RPG and simulation components, while delivering a visually accomplished and narratively stronger adventure. Thanks to inspired art direction, an accessible but effective combat system, and flawless technical performance, the game breathes new life into the franchise. Fans of the series and newcomers alike will find it a rich, fluid, and enjoyable experience. After the disappointment of Rune Factory 5, this new chapter clearly puts the series back on track.
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Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV offers some nice additions for the extra cost, though I would have hoped for a little more. The new board modes, Jamboree Express and Bowser Show, enrich the experience in an original way, although they lack depth. The integration of the Switch 2's unique features, such as mouse mode, camera, and microphone, brings a breath of fresh air to the franchise, and I hope to see more of this in the future.
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RAIDOU Remastered: The Mystery of the Soulless Army is a great success for Atlus, offering much more than just a technical overhaul. This return of the 14th Devil Summoner skillfully blends nostalgia and modernity, with welcome additions that make the experience smoother, more immersive, and as intriguing as ever. While it doesn't reach the production heights of some of the studio's contemporary titles, this re-release is still an excellent way to rediscover a lesser-known part of the Shin Megami Tensei series. For long-time fans and curious newcomers alike looking for an atypical action RPG with a touch of the occult, it's well worth the journey.
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With Donkey Kong Bananza, Nintendo marks a bold and successful return for its legendary primate. Buoyed by its dazzling art direction, refreshing gameplay and endearing main duo, the game brilliantly combines nostalgia and innovation. Destructive mechanics, secret-filled levels and a wealth of customization options make for an experience as rich as it is surprising. Much more than a simple nod to the past, Bananza affirms Nintendo's ambition to renew its flagship licenses on Switch 2. And the least we can say is that the challenge has been met.
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With Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Hideo Kojima has succeeded in refining his universe without betraying it. While retaining its DNA, this sequel significantly improves the experience on all fronts: better-controlled gameplay, a more intimate narrative, a more enveloping atmosphere and an even more interconnected world.
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The developers from Too Kyo Games and Media.Vision have succeeded in effectively combining their strengths to deliver a game that is both narratively rich and playfully interesting. The mix of tactical turn-based combat and interactive mystery novel works particularly well, offering a distinct experience that will captivate those familiar with their productions. Despite occasional pacing problems, the formula remains solid and masterful. We can only hope that this collaboration will continue on other projects in the future.
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Mario Kart World may not revolutionize the franchise, but it brings enough new features to mark a real evolution. Its open world adds an unprecedented exploratory dimension, while Survival mode offers an original and effective competitive formula. The tracks are varied and well-designed, and take full advantage of the console's new technical capabilities, both visually and in terms of overall fluidity.
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Ressources Inhumaines : Une Machination Littéraire is a short narrative adventure that's well worth the detour, especially if you like emotionally charged interactive experiences. With its disturbing narrative, singular characters and often heartbreaking moral choices, the game leaves no one indifferent. It stands out as a biting satire of the world of work and corporatist excesses, supported by meticulous writing and a controlled atmosphere. A highly enjoyable work on the borderline between video games and literature.
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With South of Midnight, Compulsion Games has created a deeply personal, artistic work rooted in a culture rarely explored in video games. Although the gameplay remains fairly classic and sometimes repetitive, it doesn't detract from the overall experience, as the game makes up for it with its rich universe, inspired art direction and touching narrative.
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Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a generous reissue that proves that not all remasters are created equal. The developers have made numerous improvements that fully justify this re-launch, and the result is impressive. Admittedly, a few minor flaws remain, such as the impossibility of accepting several agreement missions at once, but this remains a minor inconvenience. In short, whether it's a first discovery or a return, like me, the investment is definitely worth it.
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