Birthdays The Beginning can be a very fun and addictive game if only for a short while, the ‘beginning’ in the title feels very apt as the game feels like the beginning of something much larger that we’re just not being given in this game. The gameplay is a bit of a mixed bag as some features work brilliantly within the setting while others are straight-up broken or extremely frustrating to use. The positives of the game outweigh the negatives, but there just isn't enough of it to keep you around for that long. *It's worth noting that Birthdays The Beginning has received a day-one patch which, according to the patch notes, should fix some of the issues that I have laid out in this review and aims to improve other aspects of the game.
Operation Babel: New Tokyo Legacy, it has to be said, is essentially just more of the same. When the only feature that I can talk about as a good improvement is the fast-action option during battles, then you know not much effort has gone into this. It’s still a solid Dungeon Crawler RPG and if that’s all you’re looking for or you want to continue the New Tokyo Legacy story, then look no further but don’t expect anything more than just average.
Disgaea 5 Complete is a fantastic addition to the Nintendo Switch library since Nintendo's own flagship Fire Emblem series is noticeably absent on the system so far. You can see from my review of the PlayStation 4 version of the game that I love my time with it and found it even more enjoyable this time round, given the adaptability the Switch offers. If you're a Disgaea fan and own a Switch, then you should definitely pick up Disgaea 5 Complete even if you have played it already!
I enjoyed my time with Fate/EXTELLA: The Umbral Star on the PlayStation 4 even with its few shortcomings, but I really enjoy playing it on the Nintendo Switch. I feel as if the game was made for the Switch as it's a much smoother and more satisfying experience. While both the PlayStation and Nintendo Switch offerings will serve you well, I definitely recommend the Switch version as the definitive release to go for.
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a really good game and easily the best way to experience this entry in the franchise. I recommend to anyone that didn't like it back on the PlayStation 2 to give this version a try, as I'm sure it would be a much more enjoyable experience. That said, I still find Final Fantasy XII to be an odd duck in the realms of Final Fantasy, and it will always be overshadowed by those that came before it.
Gundam Versus is a very good game that features some great combat and runs really well. It might disappoint some with the lack of certain characters and series from the roster, but the roster is still very strong. Overall Gundam fans will find something to like, there’s a lot on offer with this game and it should have you hooked for a good amount of time.
.hack//G.U. Last Recode brings a beloved franchise into a new generation with improved graphics, polished gameplay, and extra content. Fans of the franchise will definitely want to dive back into this deeply intriguing story and European players will no doubt be excited at the chance to finally play the GU trilogy for the first time.
Through all of its faults, I’ve really enjoyed my time with Star Ocean The Last Hope a lot more so than Integrity and Faithlessness and at only £16.99 (PSN) or £15.99 (Steam), I highly recommend giving it a go if you’re looking for a game to sink some serious time into.
Romancing Saga 2 is an odd entity that has some really interesting and unique features but it’s so basic when it comes to the story, look and controls that it’s more like an RPG lite and feels very mobile freemium type game. Of course, I can’t compare this with the original having not played it but as far as this mobile port version goes I can’t recommend it at its current price point.
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory is a fantastic update and addition to an already great game in Cyber Sleuth. The parallel plot threads have been masterfully implemented and made the game an absolute joy to play through and experience. If you’re unfamiliar with the predecessor then worry not as Hacker’s Memory stands tall as a great game in its own right and will only leave you wanting more.
Although Dissidia Final Fantasy NT lacks a good selection of different modes to play through, no doubt a side effect of starting life as an arcade game, there is a lot packed into the game for Final Fantasy fans to enjoy. The actual gameplay is solid and is worth checking out for anyone who likes to test their skills against other players online. Playing online with friends is probably the biggest draw as teamwork is key to success not to mention a lot of fun.
Little Witch Academia: Chamber of Time is an underwhelming experience made all the more frustrating by that feeling of how it could have been so much better. The characters and visuals are a highlight throughout and for fans of the series may be enough to see the game through. Expectations are a powerful thing and unfortunately, Chamber of Time just doesn’t live up to mine.
Penny-Punching Princess is equally off the wall and ridiculously fun at the same time. The visuals will no doubt put a smile on the faces of regular NIS game fans, but the grind can be an annoyance. The story is a little lacking, but what there is of it is enough to keep you entertained throughout.
All-Star Fruit Racing may not include everyone’s favourite platforming hero or even any memorable characters for that matter, but it’s a good attempt at a kart racer that features some unique differences to the usual formula and that makes it worth a look. You’ll also learn some interesting facts about fruit along the way.
Octopath Traveler is pure magic on every level and easily one of the best games of 2018 thus far.
F1 2018 takes the world of Formula One and faithfully recreates an all-encompassing experience in one of the best racing games.
Bad North, however, continually keeps you coming back for more as its beautifully simple designs and gameplay features make it so easy and accessible. It’s perfect for a quick game here and there.
Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker has done well to provide fans with a new Naruto experience and features some exciting mechanics that are executed really well. Ultimately, the game falls a little short in terms of content, something I would expect to see updated as time goes on. The biggest draw then is in playing online and with friends. By that token, it’s a really enjoyable game to play.
It’s hard to say whether Punch Line as a game is a good jumping-in point for those that haven’t seen the anime prior, but I enjoyed my time somewhat more with the game. It’s silly, downright ridiculous at pretty much all times, but it’s the interaction with the story that the game allows, which makes it a more engaging experience.
Tanglewood is a brilliantly compelling platformer that boasts not only great gameplay, visuals, and music but compatibility with original SEGA hardware and a physical Mega Drive cartridge release to boot. I highly recommend trying it for yourself. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.