Many would consider remaking a classic like Resident Evil 4 impossible. However Capcom has taken up the gauntlet and managed to make the classic even better. With an expanded storyline, better movement options and fighting skills, as well as many big and small quality of life improvements, this remake is better in almost every way, except for the graphics, which could have done with a bit more polish
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Moss Book2 is longer, more versatile and graphically better than it's predecessor. Quill (and companions) are adorable as ever, but the even bigger stakes and more interesting puzzles make this follow-up even more interesting. The release together with PS VR2 is welcome and makes this one of the better starter-games of the launch line-up.
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When is a remake not a remake? Ishin at times feels like the developers cut corners by incorporating existing models from other games and the original. NPC characters and animations lack refinement and didn't get the overhaul you would expect from a remake. However, the cutscenes and the original story remains strong and the gameplay with its new use of weapons and the added team cards are solid as ever. Together, Ishin fails to rise above the average, which could have been easily avoided.
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Dead Space is how a remake is supposed to be. The game is full of big and small improvements that make the experience even more intense, but also even better than the original and that with graphics and sound that are completely current-gen is. When you play the game, it really feels like the Dead Space of before, but as soon as you hold both versions next to each other you only notice well how big the differences actually are. That's exactly what a Really good remake features: the preservation of good elements and improvements that don't stand out.
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One piece Odyssey celebrates 25 years of the anime by providing a game with gameplay that is at times just as old. The turnbased fights have some interesting new elements, but outside the fights a lot feels oldfashioned. Quests lack a sense of progress, no fast travel during quests and the use of savepoints make this game feel like it hasn't progressed beyond a few decades ago. Fortunately, the anime itself is brilliant and makes you eager to go watch it right after you close the game.
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With a distinct and interesting artstyle, which mixes a realistic car and city with streetart cartoon drawings for special effects, NFS Unbound definitely sets itself apart from the rest. The game sports a Souls-like mechanism of risk vs reward and a day-night cycle that work, but also hinders progress through the storyline. the races are fun and the many collectibles are well integrated. The near-mandatory police chases quickly become a nuisance and we wouldn't mind if those didn't make a return.
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This edition is supposed to be a fresh new start to the longrunning series, but stumbles at the get-go. Longrunning features like the Dancefloor are missing as are most of the songs of the new Just Dance+, which only contains about 25% of the old Unlimited. The core mechanics of the dances is still there as are a some 40+ new songs to dance to, as well as a new menu that needs some getting used to but ultimately makes life easier. A not-so-fresh start then, but it might be a good set-up for the future.
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Pentiment plays like a living storybook. You walk, talk and act in a medieval style book that is written as you progress. The game leans heavily on storytelling and its historical background. The game is special in a good way. It's not for everyone, but if you're remotely interested in this turbulent times or a good murder mystery, you should really try this one out.
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Bannerlord doesn't excel graphically or in storyline, but makes that up in flexibility and scale. The vibrant world evolves even without the gamer and offers both opportunities and threads that can be exploited. This is a true mediieval sandbox where the player can act as he wishes, but always has to face the consequences. While much great effort is put into making this game playable on consoles, the sheer number of options, menus and controls make this better suited for PC.
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The rats are coming, again! Requiem is bigger, bolder and more beautiful than it's predecessor. The story is both huge and intimate, which is an accomplishment in its own. Requiem builds on what Innocence set out to do, and does everything better.
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This game is very ambitious and to some extent is able to fulfill that. The environment is gorgeous and driving through the different areas each have their own challenges. The game doesn't fully feel finished. Technical issues ranging from superficial to gamebreaking and some key functions are simply missing. The AI really isn't very good, and the game really needs the promised photo mode and free roam. The game really has potential, and if the promised additions are there, it might be able to deliver.
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The Diofield Chronicle is a refreshing take on the tactical battle game where positioning is key. The game offers a wide variety of missions, enemies and teammates, but is slightly let down by a leveldesign that doesn't fully explore the tactical possibilities and a control scheme that doesn't always get the job done. Still, the game has plenty to offer to keep you interested during its 40-some hour campaign.
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While LEGO Brawls features both long-term themes like Ninjago and new ones like Hidden Side, the game lacks variety and a focus on gameplay. While you can unlock new parts for your minifig, those parts have no effect on gameplay. The lack of gameplay depth limits the time you want to spend on this game before is becomes too repititive, which is too bad as LEGO has more than enough variation in its themes and characters. All in all the feeling remains that this could have been a lot better.
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F1 Manger 2022 is a strong management game that eases you into the role of managing your entire F1 team. On the get-go, you get introduced to the basics, but the more complex options are for you to find out. Some implementations leave room for improvement, especially the handling of DRS and tyre-choices. The races are visualized excellently. ideal for those new or interested in the sport, but those that find themselves experts might find it lacking in tweaking options.
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A solid remaster with improved graphics and mostly great gameplay. The controls aren't always mapped handily, but the gameplay remains solid. The many references to the original Pac-Man are great, but the frequent need to backtrack is not. The levels are well designed while the bosses have a lot of variety. The game isn't very long, thich means it doesn't overstay it's welcome.
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The games are real Remasters: virtually nothing has changed in the gameplay or levels, but everything has been given a fresh new look that makes it look modern again. The additions in especially the infinite restart at a save point are particularly pleasant additions that can avoid many possible frustrations. Klonoa deserves a second chance and fortunately a new audience can now still get acquainted with this unique gameplay.
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Apart from energy management, Dolmen does not innovate enough. The game is pretty solid, but doesn't really excel at anything. The real Souls fans will have a great time with this game, but Dolmen is not going to help the genre anywhere.
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The Ascent provides a vibrant, living environment for you to run around in and shoot at. The world is brimming with walking-talking NPCs and neon-filled areas. While the story isn't really that memorable, it's decent enough for you to push on to the next mission, which will lead you to diverse locations and up against different enemies. The bigger enemies can be a bit too much bullet sponges, but otherwise the gameplay and diverse possibilities are quite satisfying.
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Much of this was already applicable to the predecessors of this fifth part, so there are question marks about this annual update. If you don't necessarily need to have the latest team updates and racer names, you can also work with one of the earlier parts. This fifth part is therefore especially a must for the die hard fans.
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This game tries to do a lot. It re-tells the story of the very first Final Fantasy, but is also an Origin story. It tries to pay homage to 35 years of FF games, but also provide a new experience. It wants to be a Souls game, but without the Souls difficulty, a hacker-slasher and a loot game. Against a backdrop of sub-par graphics, some choices work, some don't. The combat is pretty good, while the graphics, level design and story let down. This entry to the Final Fantasy multiverse won't be for the ages.
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