If you've never played DQ7, then by all means check this remake out. It's an epic RPG that still has my favorite job system of any game ever. But if you're like me, and you've experienced the other versions of DQ7 before, you may be disappointed by how familiar you find Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined. For me, it was like visiting old friends I hadn't seen in a while, which ultimately outweighed its flaws.
I have mixed feelings about My Hero Academia: All’s Justice. At its core, it has a good 3D arena fighter battle system. Its best feature is its massive dream roster of My Hero Academia characters that all feel unique from one another. But almost every bonus mode and feature feels cheap and undercooked. Everything except the combat seems like an afterthought. But if all you’re looking for is versus battles with tons of My Hero Academia characters, then My Hero Academia: All’s Justice is a dream come true.
Quote not yet available
Quote not yet available
Cutting the Sotenbori is a major loss, but the new content more than makes up for its omission. Overall this is an excellent version of an all-time great video game.
There are some changes that aren’t for the better, but overall this is an excellent version of an all-time great video game. If you’ve never played any of the Yakuza games, this new remaster is arguably the best place to start.
There are some changes that aren’t for the better, but overall, this is an excellent version of an all-time great video game.
Quote not yet available
I loved Demonschool. The tactical JRPG combat system will likely be the make-or-break component for most players. The lack of emphasis on stats is a bold choice that sometimes makes Demonschool feel more like a puzzle game than a strategy JRPG. The battle system won’t be for everyone. But the story, aesthetics, and vibes make Demonschool a real treat for longtime Shin Megami Tensei fans.
If you have any love for Mortal Kombat, the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection is a must-buy. It’s arguably the best retro game collection of all-time.
The Jackbox Party Pack 11 is another fantastic set. One of its strengths is that it has three games that are variations of classic Jackbox Games. But that could also be a deterrent for people who own some Jackbox Party Packs already.
I loved Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit. I was worried the gameplay might be a bit simple at first, but the level choice and non-stop gags kept things fresh.
Once Upon a Katamari has an excellent concept, and excellent gameplay. The problem is that there are lots of Katamari games with the same excellent concept and gameplay. The new online modes and customization options are great ideas, but are very shallow in execution. There just isn’t enough evolution in any of the series’ core ideas.
It’s amazing that Nihon Falcom has released Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga for their fans. But longtime Trails and Ys fans will find a lot of their favorite characters missing. Hopefully Nihon Falcom will make a proper Ys Seven modern console port soon.
It would be a dream come true for me if Yooka Re-Playlee offered an in-game choice between an original version and a Replay version. Although flawed, Yooka Re-Playlee is the best version of an excellent N64-style 3D platformer.
I really wanted to love Hotel Barcelona. It has such an interesting presentation and game world. But its gameplay is just plain awful. It has a generic roguelite structure, and controlling Justine feels abysmal. The UI is also an overcluttered eyesore. I hope fans of SWERY and SUDA51 find something to love in Hotel Barcelona. But as it is, I just can’t recommend a game that plays this horribly.
Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter is a must-play for JRPG fans. Bring on the 2nd Chapter, because I can’t wait to see where this story goes!
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a loving remaster of the most beloved strategy JRPG of all time. If you have any love for the genre, it’s a must-play.
But Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection is an incredibly loving and complete package of everything Bubsy. Anyone with nostalgic love for this series will be over the moon. I just don’t think Bubsy’s gonna make any new fans any time soon.
There are lots of bad anime tropes that are going to turn away anyone who isn’t already a visual novel fan. But if you love the genre, Shuten Order is one of my favorite new visual novels in quite a while.