htoL#NiQ: The Firefly Diary is a gorgeous game and exudes an indie charm that complements its plot, but the countless brutal deaths and obscure puzzles only serve to frustrate. Even with the option to change the control input to the analogue sticks the gameplay is still very tedious and flawed. On a plus note, the game does suppose the use of PlayStation TV, even if you happen to own one this game will probably not improve in any way over its handheld sibling.
Unfortunately, when all is said and done, NAtURAL DOCtRINE simply doesn't provide an enjoyable experience. A difficult game like Dark Souls will reward patience and show steady improvement of player skill in-game progress, but this is purely hard for the sake of being so. It's too frustrating in today's busy age to spend 45 minutes at a time on the same mission, failing to make any progress for hours. Mid-mission surprises happen too often and the game's design only makes their appearance frustrating rather than tense. There's no saving halfway through a mission, a problem that's sure to annoy Vita purchasers. I haven't finished the main campaign, although I would estimate I'm over halfway. In-game timer reads around 20 hours – although this doesn't include the hours of gameplay lost to rage quits.
If you really want to play Akiba's Trip, you've probably already picked it up. The PS4 version does improve, but the limitations of previous systems really hold it back from being the best it could be. If I could go, Basque, I would play this on a handheld, it just doesn't feel right on a home console. Is it a good game? Corset is! It just doesn't warrant a premium price for a portable game. It's still a great nod to otaku culture and is filled with both clever and not-so-subtle jokes, and if you can look past its flaws as a PS4 title you'll enjoy its depth and atmosphere.
Tales of Zestiria is a good JRPG, but it always just feels like the same game in a different shell. If you didn't like Xillia or Graces, you probably won't be turned around by Zestiria. However, I like them because I know what I'm getting, an over-acted story with daft and sometimes creepy humour, all wrapped up in an action RPG that hides surprising depth.
All that said, Xenoverse is a compelling game. I'm not a huge Dragonball fan, it wasn't a part of my childhood like it was for many but I still kept playing well past the end credits. The story is cheesy, the gameplay is dumbed down from its forebears, and the RNG is frustrating at the best of times but it still hooks you with its catchy opening video and pumped theme song. A curious combination of fighter, brawler, RPG and dice throws if ever there was one but one that has definitely sparked an interest in the brand behind the game.
Overall, Sword Art Online Re: Hollow Fragment is an enjoyable play, considering that it is a ported remaster of a ported remaster from 2013. Graphically we are a long way from Unreal 4 here, but with a strong plot, enjoyable character development and a bargain price tag it's very hard not to recommend it. Better be quick though, the sequel Lost Song will be here in November and this game has a bucket load of content!
All said and done, Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart is a great game, whether you're in it for the Strategy RPG game-play or the Hyperdimension Neptunia story. And even if you're not either of those, it's a great starting place for both – an alternate reality for the story and a well-balanced game for the gameplay. Hyperdevotion Noire: Goddess Black Heart is very well polished and it's the small things here that set it apart from other SRPG's.