Adam Beck
- Valkyrie Profile
- Star Ocean: The Second Story
- Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4
Adam Beck's Reviews
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Ultimate Edition is a solid package for anyone who didn't get to play the game back in 2010, but at this point, it just feels like a stepping stone that allows the sequel to be released on the platform.
If for some reason you don't have a PC or a Wii U, then the PlayStation 4 version is going to be the best you can get. There's a strong variety of unique puzzles, and with the gorgeous world that can be taken-in, Trine 2 ends up being a luscious adventure.
SimCity: Cities of Tomorrow is a visually appealing addition that unfortunately only runs skin-deep. It's an attractive new world that can be developed under your whim, but it doesn't fix any of the core issues SimCity had in the first place, and actually makes them more apparent.
While there's an intriguing setup here, 'All That Remains' starts the new season off slowly and fails to deliver a sensible and concrete outlook at the future. There are notably fewer meaningful choices to be found and the action scenes are without much suspense as Clementine is far too susceptible to be grabbed by a walker.
The PC port of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance has its share of issues, but it still gets the nod over its console counterparts. While there are only six different resolutions, it does support native 1080p along with various graphical options that should have fans joyful just how sharp Raiden can look.
Tomb Raider remains one of the better action games to have been released in the last twelve months, and it gives the next generation consoles some life in a rather dry time. This is without doubt the definitive console edition of Tomb Raider, but the completeness and subtle visual enhancements are not enough to warrant another playthrough.
It has been over a decade since the masked hero has graced his own game, but Strider is back and better than ever. Double Helix has done a phenomenal job in bringing the futuristic ninja into the modern day by not only upgrading the visuals while maintaining the two-dimension plane, but adding an addictive and well-constructed progression structure to keep the campaign interesting.
If you somehow have avoided Resident Evil 4 for this long, you may as well just get it over with and play the Ultimate HD Edition. The updated PC version is by far the one to get as the buttery smooth frame rate, true high definition resolutions and refined textures only add to the immersive experience.
While the season two debut failed to capitalize on the suspenseful tactics Telltale Games was able to integrate in the first season, Episode 2 has fixed that. It's still a bit shorter than what we've grown accustomed to and the zombies feel tacked on rather than an actual story driven threat, but the hour and a half long episode is able to convince us that the drama within the group of survivors is much deeper than first expected.
Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy doesn’t stray too far from the formula, but that’s a good thing for the most part.
Over the course of two years, Fez has somehow been able to break out of its Xbox Live Arcade confines, re-releasing on PC and now Sony's platforms. As it remains, this is still one of the most charming, charismatic adventures you will have, leaving those who experience it with a smile across their face for the duration of their play.
You can't go wrong with Xtreme Legends if you have a deep love for the Dynasty Warriors franchise. That being said, not enough has changed to justify an upgrade from the vanilla version on PS3, .
Trials Fusion is basically what we've come to expect from the series, just with a shinier new coat of paint. It's still the incredibly addictive racer that we've come to love, but unfortunately it has a few screws loose.
If you decided to wait for the PC version of Dark Souls II before jumping in, you've made the right decision. It's not leaps and bounds better than its console counterpart, but the graphical enhancements aid the immersion.
Kirby Triple Deluxe is one of the best handheld iterations in the beloved Nintendo franchise.
[W]hile Bound by Flame has heart, it ends up being a forgettable dull experience.
The Walking Dead Season 2: Episode 3 – In Harm's Way is another strong addition into an already compelling universe. While the new setting is shallow and lacks much exploration, it's the phenomenal storytelling and new characters introduced that help compel the player to move forward.
EA Sports has been developing their first UFC game for some time now and, while they have shown they know their material, it's unfortunately weighed down by shortcomings. On one hand, the mechanics are satisfying as timing counters and ground passes are down to precision.
Amid the Ruins is an exhilarating adventure and the best episode thus far. It gives players drastic choices to partake in, not to mention building on the relationships between Clementine and her party.
Don't expect Dark Souls II: Crown of the Sunken King to match up to Artorias of the Abyss, but it still offers a surprisingly deep and gratifying experience. While the boss selection is somewhat disappointing and context to why we're in the ancient land of Shulva seems to be missing, the inhabitants and hidden story behind Sinh and Yorgh will keep fans occupied until the rest of the Lost Crowns Trilogy is released.