Grant E. Gaines
Turf Wars does a good job of overcoming some of the challenges of being the middle segment. There was enough progress to leave me interested in the conclusion, without enough to make it pointless. Even if this is good, gameplay leaves a lot to be desired. Even if it's fun to take out Hammerhead's hideouts, complete new challenges and stop various crimes, it doesn't feel like a massive leap from the main game. Sure, if you really want to play more it's nice to have, though the main attraction is story and that hinges on how much you care about Hammerhead's plan.
Emerald Shores wants to be a great experience, without the tools or understanding of what goes into that. Between imprecise controls, horrible hit boxes, predictable enemies and countless ways to abuse the mechanics, it's not a pleasurable experience. When you figure it does countless things to limit the replay value, either by removing your ability to gain experience or easily solved secrets, it really has nothing to offer. So, unless you're a big fan of bad games, there is really no reason to ever visit Emerald Shores.
Even if I didn't discuss it, Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum Sessions! biggest strength is song diversity. It's the only rhythm game where you can play game, anime, Jpop, classical and more songs. This alone makes it a solid choice for anyone who loves music or the rhythm genre. Sure, it might seem rather simple and overly cute but it's a game with untold amounts of depth. While online doesn't do much to maximize it and the bingo system is only compelling if you're not that skilled, it's still a solid experience.
Omen of Sorrow is basically a fighting game with a fair amount of depth, without the structure to support it.
My Hero One's Justice isn't a bad game; it just doesn't do anything to stand out. Combat is okay for the genre, with the ability to destroy/knock people into buildings being fun, it just isn't enough to sell it. Combine that with poor load times and rather short story and it's a fairly hard sell, even to fans. That being said, if you're a die hard My Hero Academia fan or just really enjoy simple fighters and this isn't enough to discourage you, there is enough to still have fun.
What stands out about Spider-Man: The Heist isn't the content, though there are a fairly substantial amount of cutscenes, but how little it adds. Even if some things are different or new, they don't much value. Costumes don't add new powers, nor do abilities change, so the main motivator is story, followed by trophies. Combine this with there just being a hint of an upcoming confrontation with a major villain and it's the type of experience that might lead to greater things but isn't great itself. So, unless you're dying to play more, I strongly suggest waiting to see where this adventure goes.
Overall, Starlink: Battle for Atlas is at odds with itself. Even if it has some cool mechanics, solid controls and plenty to do, there isn't enough diversity, story is underwhelming and the entry level experience is pretty limited. Even with all the content you're still better off going digital than physical, since the toy concept falls flat. Despite this, the Star Fox content is solid and it really is a fun game in short bursts. So, if you're looking for exploration game with plenty of small tasks, it's a solid choice, where as if you're hoping for the next big thing, this isn't it.
Overall, Warriors Orochi 4 might not do much to break the mold, but it's a lot of fun. With arguably too many characters, new attacks and powers to use, it's a nice twist on the familiar series. Toss in a new foe and a tons of things to level and do and it's hard for fans to say no. Sure, it might not have the best story or stand out in terms of the franchise, but if you're looking for a new Warriors game, this is a solid choice.
When push comes to shove, Disgaea 1 Complete isn't perfect but it's still worth playing. It remains the best story in the series, complete with some of the best jokes. Sure, it could've been modernized and had more changed but the best elements remain. Between exploring item world, fighting post game bosses and achieving insane stats, it's the type of game that you could spend hundreds of hours in and still have plenty to do. So, if you want to lose yourself in a new turn based RPG, this is a fantastic choice, where as returning fans need to understand it's pretty much the same experience with a new coat of paint.
The Good, The Bad and The Augmented feels rushed and offers little for returning fans to do. Between levels being comprised of the same stages in a different order or altered enemies is reminiscent of the complaints about wondering through similar looking ducts. Despite there being a fair number of weapons and armor, a lot of them are reskins and none of them are different or good enough to justify changing for, unless you're a newcomer. Add this with lackluster challenges and an underwhelming end and it just feels more like a rushed expansion than something fans or newcomers need to see.
Even if it sounds like I'm against Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise, it's actually a solid game. It might have the same feel as the original story, but manages to retain the charm that made the original series great. While combat isn't the best, defeating foes in an excessively violent way can be a lot of fun, ignoring the fact you might see the same finisher 10 times in an hour. Toss in some new characters, plenty to do and some of the same of the Yakuza series and you have an adventure that will probably delight fans of either.
Speed Brawl isn't a terribly complex game but it does a lot with very little. Even though the story is quite annoying and forgettable, combat is smooth enough to have fun. Combine this with time limits, RPG elements and online leaderboards and it's the type of game players can play for quite a while. And, if you're not competitive, simply play with others and have fun your way. So, if you're looking for a fun new beat 'em up, this is the game for you.
Black Clover: Quartet Knights tries to get players into the world though multiplayer with uneven results.
Overall, Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle isn't perfect but it hits the right spots.
Destiny 2: Forsaken is an interesting experience that leads to the same problems.
Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk isn't perfect but it manages to stand out in its own way. With Baba Yaga/Dronya and Luca being a charming couple, it helps the story from dragging, ultimately leading down an interesting path.
Ninjin: Clash of Carrots is deceptively simple. There is enough depth to give players motivation to get better or try different things, though not enough to change the core experience. Even though the graphics are cute, there isn't much that stands out. Combine this with challenging enemies and deeper mechanics and you have an interesting experience. It's perfect if you're looking for something different to play locally or just like the genre, without there being a real hook for anyone else.
SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy isn't a bad game; it just isn't noteworthy. Characters retain their most of their iconic moves and costumes, though none of the depth. The average match can end in seconds and is little more than pushing the same button, maybe tossing in a special attack and then waiting for the right time to use an item or special. It will be fun at first and make for an okay party game, it just doesn't have enough of anything to make it stand out in the long term.
Marvel’s Spider-Man isn’t perfect, but that doesn’t stop it from being a fantastic experience. The story takes a while to get going but the end is more than worth the wait. Add in a fun, fluid and flashy combat system and it makes for a delightful journey. Sure, at times it drags, like during the forced stealth sections, but these are not enough to ruin the experience. Between all these things, fantastic graphics, a good selection of costumes and more, I can not suggest Marvel’s Spider-Man enough. Even if you’re like me and not the biggest Spider-Man fan, it’s a good enough experience to make it worth your time.
Overall, Wolfhunter is not the high end dungeon that hardcore players need to worry about, but it also isn't the introductory one no one needs to care about. There are a couple interesting new armor sets, an additional memento, a couple challenges and mechanics that are easy to grasp and hard to master. It makes for a good introduction to the higher difficulties or someone looking for an experience that is easier, but not outright easy, making it a solid addition to the world of The Elder Scrolls Online.