In so many ways I want to like Mad Rat Dead. It has an art style I love and the music is so good I legitimately want the OST, it just isn't fun. Most stages come down to trial and error, to the point where you basically need a practice run before doing a real one. People more in-tune with the concept will do better but for most, it can be frustrating. I still think there is a good enough game to warrant visiting and enough side content to get past those hurdles, there is just no denying these shortcomings prevent Mad Rat Dead from being as enjoyable as it could be.
What makes Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck difficult to review is, the core game is obviously fantastic and the dialogue makes it fun, yet it really isn't that impressive of an expansion. Familiar locations and expected storytelling take away from the journey, as does the need to play so many things safe. It is fine as part of the season pass or an additional bonus adventure, it just struggles to make the journey worthwhile. At least when compared to the other expansions, which had more to say, do and experience than Psycho Krieg and the Fantastic Fustercluck offers.
To be perfectly honest, I could probably write another 1,000 words explaining just how hollow this experience is. When you figure you have a bland indie fighter, set in largely linear stages, that has, at best, three modes to play, it's not an attractive experience. Toss in stiff animations, extremely frustrating stages, underwhelming characters and it's hard to find something redeeming in Bounty Battle. Heck, I unlocked every costume and can only seemingly use them in one mode, which brings into question why even bother. The really unfortunate thing is, a lot of the problems can be fixed and likely was the goal when it got delayed sometime back but in its current state I struggle to find something positive to say and that is really unfortunate.
The hard thing about this expansion is, I liked it but I didn’t love it. There is enough to do to feel like it’s worth the investment but so much of it is forgettable.
It's easy to understand why Mr. Driller DrillLand was so beloved. The mini-games are fun, the core concept is a blast and it works amazingly well as a pickup and play the game. Adding an easier mode, so you don't need to stress as much about difficulty was a welcome addition, plus there is just so much to do. Sure, some of the games are slight tweaks and it takes a lot of practice to be good, at least this is an experience that is worth putting in the time and seeing where that takes you.
In some ways Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath would work better as separate pieces of content that could be bundled but as a rerelease, it is shockingly good. The base game was already strong, so adding more characters is certainly welcome. It's a shame some of them, like RoboCop, won't have universal appeal and the story could be a bit better but in terms of straight gameplay, it is hard to dislike what Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath is trying to do.
The more you play Nioh 2, the more you understand its charms. Often times the problem isn't the game, as much as you're playing the wrong way. Even if I just want to chop up every enemy with my sword, there will come a point where you need to use bows, guns, items and everything else to come out alive. Sometimes it will be hard, a few stages rely heavily on specific tactics but it's fun, rewarding and fascinating if you're willing to give it a chance.
If you love Granblue Fantasy or just fighting games in general, it’s a solid experience that will give you new characters and mechanics to play around with.
Ultimately, Zombie Army 4: Dead War is just a hoard mode game. Even if there is a story and missions, most stages ultimately turn into some version of fighting off waves of enemies.
Fun or not, there are a lot of flaws and there are plenty of better options for those looking for mindless violence.
Despite having a lot of fun with Dead End Job, it’s hard to ignore where it falls short.
While I wouldn’t go so far as to say it is the best game of the year or even an editor’s choice, I will say it’s one of the most enjoyable games I’ve played all year and that really says a lot. So, if you just want to have fun and mess with some people, give Untitled Goose Game a try.
Despite lacking online multiplayer and giving players a lot of different ways to do the same thing, it's impossible to not find value in Fight'N Rage. There is enough diversity between paths to warrant at least a couple cycles and gameplay is complicated to the point of giving you something to work towards. It is the fight beat'em up in a while that I felt like I could play for 10+ hours and not get bored and that is an impressive feat at an extremely fair price.
There is a reason Disgaea 4 is widely considered the second-best game in the series. The story is endearing, this cast of characters is lovable, the gameplay is extremely refined and the sardine jokes are amusing.
The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors is, at best, okay. It's the type of game you'll probably play a couple of times and never touch again. With a lack of explanations and arguably difficult situations, it doesn't encourage replayability. Don't get me wrong, it's fun, but not fun like The Simpsons arcade or X-Men. Still, if you really want to revisit a past title or just love the genre, it isn't anything special.
Children of Morta is basically everything you know about an action RPG, with random modifiers and level design. The blandness takes away from the dynamic nature, as does enemy placement, though most runs rely on making the most of whatever you got. And, if you're just not that good, enough grinding can reduce the difficulty to a point where it becomes a lot more accessible. When you consider the charm, amount of content, variety and multiplayer elements, it's a solid choice.
Concrete Genie isn't perfect, though it isn't awful either. The short adventure is elevated by the charms and overall message. Adding things like VR is even sweeter, as are all the options you get to make this your own personal experience. I would've liked to see a little more in terms of exploration in each zone or possibly a less regimented experience but it's still a charming game that goes to show you can do interesting things and say different things and still find some kind of success.
Look, Indivisible isn’t an awful game, it just makes too many poor choices to count.
It's honestly hard to hate The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. Sure, it can be hard to progress at first and not a whole lot is different besides graphics but it's still among the best Zelda games. Add to it the charming visuals and simply fun gameplay and you'll quickly look past the flaws. Maybe not to the point where absolutely everyone needs to try it, though I would strongly suggest it if you like the look or never played the original.
For better or worse, Borderlands 3 rides the line between amazing fun and horribly awful.