Sean Garmer's Reviews
Like A Dragon: Pirate Yakuza In Hawaii is a great addition to this legendary franchise, that looks to set itself apart in some meaningful ways. That said, the game does get held back by some issues that have plagued the franchise for years. Thankfully, these issues don’t stop this pirate-themed adventure from being a boatload of fun.
Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter is everything players could want in a sequel with a grander world, monster hunts, and an overall meatier adventure. Not to mention, the additions of magic and elemental resistance to the combat, resource gathering and focus on having the right gear. Making it approachable for newcomers yet still challenging enough for those that loved the first game.
Big Helmet Heroes is enjoyable solo or with a friend. Its wacky weapon variety and ever changing setting keeps things interesting when the gameplay begins to wear a bit thin. The 28 different discoverable heroes offer a reason to playthrough multiple times, unfortunately its technical issues may make it a one and done adventure.
Rift of the Necrodancer successfully transitions the core tenets of the Crypt series to the Rhythm game genre delivering highly amusing and fun gameplay melded with its rocking soundtrack. Paired together with a more defined cartoony art style, silly pun-filled writing, and just enough gameplay variations to keep you playing again and again. Rift has the potential to become a franchise all on its own.
Fantasian Neo Dimension is a great love letter to JRPGs, particularly ones that come from creator Hironobu Sakaguchi's past such as Lost Odyssey and Final Fantasy. Its characters weave together a story worth experiencing with a battle system that accentuates it by providing enjoyable yet challenging turn-based fare. Wrapped around it all is impressive hand-crafted dioramas and the last full soundtrack from the legendary Nobou Uematsu, Fantasian Neo Dimension should be experienced by any JRPG fan.
ASTRO Bot is a platforming masterpiece that encourages exploration of not only its own worlds and planets, but also those of Sony's long gone franchises as well. A celebration of Sony's 30 years in gaming with a joyful flare you'd expect to see from its console rival. Team ASOBI has created yet another wonderful adventure that places ASTRO front and center as Sony's mascot.
There is quite a bit to like about Dungeon Munchies, but unfortunately, the major components that matter in a video game, especially one that is a side-scrolling action platformer, let the rest of its parts down. The platforming is extremely unwieldy and frustrating. The fact that I have to intentionally injure my character to try to progress through a stage should tell you enough. Throw in the combat that’s just kind of there, and it ultimately just winds up as an unsatisfying gameplay experience. It’s sad really because I liked the story enough to want to keep pushing through, the characters are silly and funny, and it has good music and art design as well. It is quite possible that Chapter 3 gets added to the game eventually, maybe by then some of these issues will be fixed.
From a fantastic story and endearing characters to varied puzzles and a great soundtrack there is just so much to love about Chicory: A Colorful Tale. Its coloring book world leaves everything open for your interpretation, but also doesn't force you to spend any more time with it than what is actually required. I loved every minute I spent with the game and it is easily my favorite game of 2021 so far.
Neil Jones has created a terrific showpiece for how to take the classic runner and add in your own special aspects. The gameplay is enjoyable on the harder difficulties and stays just long enough to not wear out its welcome. Speedrunners or Achievement Hunters should rejoice as the game has plenty available for those seeking the perfect run. Perhaps a leaderboard will be added to it in the future that gives them, even more, to go after. Honestly though what will stick with me is the amazing soundtrack and its great sense of style that cements it as one of my favorite games of this year.
After the success of Ys VIII, Nihon Falcom could have easily just kept doing more of the same. However, the developers went a step above and provided a full-length story with endearing characters and fleshing out strong themes. What stuck out for me is the various levels of customization both in battle and in exploration aspects. Having all of this combined with the series staple of fun action gameplay and a smashing soundtrack makes it a memorable experience. Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is my first Ys game and I enjoyed it so much that I’m now interested in going back and trying out some of the other titles in the series as well.