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.
Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk is a good addition to the first-person dungeon crawling genre but tries to do too much and without a more compelling story to pull it along makes it feel more of a chore to play. The addition of Covens and how that affects the battle system and player customisation of the party is what really shined through during my time with the game.
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.
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.
Freedom Planet is a fun platformer that strikes just the right balance of difficulty. There’s a good amount of replayability to be had too with all the collectables and hidden areas to uncover. Once you’ve managed to do all that it’s a great game to speedrun.
Ultimately, Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition should please fans of the series and even attract a new generation of fans into the ‘Tales of’ franchise.
Unfortunately, a lot of the issues we originally had with the game are still present in the Revival Edition but Nippon Ichi Software has added significantly to the game which also warrants praise. If you didn’t like what you saw with the PlayStation 3 version then this probably isn’t for you but for those that did enjoy it then the Revival Edition is certainly worth a shot.
While the game focuses on one of the best storylines within the entire One Piece series, it’s met with some unnecessarily difficult and annoying battles that start to take the joy out of it. For a hardcore gamer, it’s a great way to test your skills but for casuals, you’ll quickly be screaming at the screen in frustration. It might not have the depth of One Piece: Pirate Warriors 3 but it’s something different and still good fun.
Dragon Ball XenoVerse 2, despite its minor issues and some of my own personal issues, is a fun and enjoyable game that any Dragon Ball fan should look to own. The huge amount of content on offer and its super smooth 60 frames per second will definitely serve to please. If you're looking for a Dragon Ball game to get stuck into, then this is definitely the one to pick up. Fully customisable character creation, a huge roster of Dragon Ball characters and a different take on a classic story all awaits you.
7th Dragon III Code: VFD will not appeal to everyone based on its genre but within that genre, it is a solid title. Long-time fans and newcomers will find something to like within this game. It's simple and never over-complicates its features making for a very enjoyable experience. I feel that this game is likely to fall under the radar for many but if you get a chance then I definitely recommend giving it a go, you will not be disappointed.
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.
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.
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.
Grapple Dog delivers a solid 2D action platformer with fresh and interesting mechanics, impossibly cute characters and a soundtrack that’s straight fire! Don’t be fooled by the charming aesthetics because Grapple Dog follows a trend of impossibly cute but frustratingly challenging platformers. Taking advantage of some choice accessibility options might be a must when taking on this 2D platformer unless, of course, living life on the edge is your jam. Despite some issues, Grapple Dog is an incredibly exciting journey that never outstays its welcome.
While the premise of the game is quite simple and the plot progression can be considered safe in its approach, there is a very solid turn-based RPG at its core, with each new element added to the battle system only helping to boost the enjoyment of the game. The dialogue is sharp and funny and the characters are likeable. The dungeon designs are rather bland, making the exploration aspect of the game forgettable, this is not a perfect game by any means, but if you love JRPGs then it's worth the time.
Omega Quintet suffers in quite a few areas with a huge amount of dialogue filler, not much story progression to its visually dated look that for a PlayStation 4 title may put potential buyers off. For fans of Compile Heart’s style and those looking for a new JRPG experience will find a great amount of pleasure here. The battle system is crammed full of exciting and interesting features that make battles an absolute joy to partake in. The Promotion Video System, although missable, will entice fans of simulation that have been eager to try this style of game mainly confined to Japan. Overall, for a JRPG fan a very enjoyable experience with plenty to offer.
Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below is a great addition to both the Dragon Quest series and Dynasty Warriors series. Taking the basic elements from DW and adding in a lot of DQ, making it a stand out title amongst a growing sea of DW spin-off titles. If you’re a fan of either series, then you will find something to like here; it’s both familiar and different, making for a unique and thrilling ride.
Corpse Party: Blood Drive is a great new entry in the Corpse Party series and the final instalment of the Heavenly Host storyline. Be prepared to die in more ways than before, but also experience more ways in which to defend yourself. If you’re a fan of Corpse Party, you know what to expect, but newcomers get ready to start sleeping with the lights on. Blood Drive is more tension-filled and heart pumping than we’ve seen before and we love it.
I can honestly say that I had a blast with Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight. I look forward to future titles and I’m definitely going to hunt down the older ones. I’ve been a huge fan of dungeon crawling RPGs for some time now and EO easily pleases and then some. The mapping feature is brilliant and obviously a big draw for the series. The new cooking feature has depth and becomes rather addictive in itself as it opens up in the later game. If you’re a newcomer to EO like me, don’t feel afraid to jump in, each game is separate from one another and you’ll have a great time with it.
It’s a shame that Stella Glow will be imageepoch’s last game, but what a game to finish on. Based on the initial trailer and screenshots, I was expecting some great SRPG elements and an engaging story from Stella Glow and I can safely say it delivers on all that and more. Combining a brilliant soundtrack and fantastic visuals each map continues to impress upon each visit and with multiple ending the replay value is high. Strategy RPG fans this title is not one to miss and it’s easy to grasp for newcomers to the genre so definitely give it a try if you’re on the fence.