Rayan Sayyed 's Reviews
Silent Hill 2 Remake is a successful recreation by developer Bloober Team, bringing a 23-year-old classic back to life with a whole new look. By staying true to the original while adding new content, the team has created a game that is worthwhile for both newcomers and long-time fans of the series. Long-time fans appreciate the essence of Silent Hill — the slow-burning horror that focuses more on fear, anxiety, and that overwhelming sense of hopelessness rather than a focus on just shooting through monsters, preserved in this remake. However, this experience demands some patience, as this is a game for those who appreciate atmospheric, immersive, psychological horror, along with lots of puzzle-solving, and subtle world-building within the story.
Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town is a beautiful-looking, cosy, and laid-back casual game with enough adventure elements to keep you hooked for hours. The game evokes nostalgia, reminding you of childhood trips to your grandparents’ village, where you’d spend time exploring and soaking in the simplicity of village life. Despite its relaxed pace, the game has an extensive story, with a collection and exploration-based gameplay that is made for a specific audience who don’t mind a repeating gameplay loop. I believe it’s best enjoyed in short bursts, rather than playing through it all at once.
It is safe to say that Game Science, and by extension China, have made their mark in the world of video games with Black Myth: Wukong. While the game excels in proudly showcasing and introducing the country's culture to a global audience with an absolutely beautiful and detail-ridden rendition of mythological China, it is not a full adaptation of Journey to the West in video game form. If battling boss after boss isn’t your thing, this game might not be for you. Otherwise, it has plenty to offer to the fans of the genre. However, the absence of some key elements makes it fall short of the exceptional experience that Black Myth: Wukong can offer.
A Prince of Persia Metroidvania 2.5D side-scroller was not on my bingo card in 2024, but the game left me pleasantly surprised. While The Lost Crown may not be a high-budget blockbuster title, Ubisoft certainly understood the assignment and delivered a title that provides plenty of enjoyment. This is a solid game with its fast-paced and satisfying combat, interesting story and setting, and incorporation of authentic Persian mythology and art. I can recommend The Lost Crown not only to Prince of Persia fans but also to platformer lovers in general.
KonoSuba: Love for these Clothes of Desire nails the ridiculousness of KonoSuba. The voice acting and dialogues in character interactions are perfect and feel like they came straight out of the anime. While the story is not the strongest point of the visual novel, and the gameplay loop is unique but can get stale really quickly, it’s still fun to read through with plenty of the party’s hi jinks to enjoy.
In conclusion, my journey with Alan Wake 2 was a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions and scary encounters. I must commend Remedy Entertainment for creating a game that kept me on the edge, someone who usually shrugs off horror. This skill speaks a lot about the storytelling and environment in Alan Wake 2. The entire experience of exploring this mysterious realm, taking on imaginative puzzles, and facing my fears has left a lasting impression. It is a ride well worth taking.
The bleak, desolate world of Armored Core 6 is yet another demonstration of the skills of FromSoftware in crafting a challenging and enjoyable game. While some levels may feel a bit repetitive, the game is never short of being fun because of the solid gameplay. Armored Core 6 is intense and gritty, where customisation isn't just a side feature. Instead, it is at the “core” that shapes your playstyle and strategy in the quest for victories. The game encourages you to outsmart your enemies while rewarding adaptability and strategic thinking. The story can get a bit dull at times, and the learning curve may not be for everyone, but if you are up for the challenge and enjoy the complexities of mechanised warfare, this game will offer you a satisfying journey.
After spending hours with Fatal Frame: Mask of the Lunar Eclipse, it's clear that this Koei Tecmo horror title is an experience not to be missed by fans of the genre. The eerie visuals of the game, as well as the soundtrack, pulls you into this dark world that keeps you on the edge to know what happens next in this haunting and tragic tale. The controls may take some time to get used to, but the camera-based combat system is pretty unique and fun to play with. Its flaws are forgivable in the face of the game's uneasy setting, captivating storytelling, and spine-tingling atmosphere. Recommended for horrophiles.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a hard game, but it comes with a rewarding experience. While the game's narrative falls short in several areas, the gameplay more than makes up for it. Its intricate combat system and challenging boss battles will make you want to put in the time and effort to elevate your skill. Loot drops are rare, and the feeling of “I can't do this” was a constant throughout the game. But it's this feeling that kept me coming back for more. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty doesn't hold your hand, and it's up to you to invest the time and get better at it.
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is a game that fans of the show will definitely enjoy. It features faithful portrayal of the characters and its likeable humour, along with phenomenal writing and voice acting. While the platform gameplay can get a bit monotonous and the addition of collecting multiple costumes is not enough to keep the game fresh for repeated playthroughs, the unique environments and entertaining story make it worth checking out for any SpongeBob fan.
Need for Speed Unbound is a solid arcade racing game. With a campaign that progresses as you start with nothing and work your way up, and limited retries that add stakes to races, the game is more involved than your typical arcade racer. However, the grind in the early game can be frustrating, and the annoying cop chases can turn some players off. NFS fans will enjoy the game, and it is worth the price to try out the game through EA Play Pro, but I can’t recommend blindly buying the game at full price to casual players. It is also worth noting that EA offered the game discounted just weeks after the launch. It is best to wait for the next discount on the platform of your choice.
Lil Gator Game is an adorable adventure game that is best enjoyed after a tiring day. It will transport you back to your childhood days and the cute characters and easy objectives make it a good stress-buster. The game is reminiscent of titles like Animal Crossing and the Legend of Zelda series, and will appeal to players who enjoy relaxing, casual games with a focus on exploration and crafting.
The Wandering Village ticks all the right boxes as a city-building game. Managing not only your village but also a giant creature is a unique concept that is mostly well done. It isn't just a gimmick; the theme adds to the challenge of the game. Research tech could use some improvement but as an Early Access title, The Wandering Village is a solid game that is worth the price.
Little Orpheus is more of an interactive story mixed with platformer elements. The game keeps everything really simple and is very short in length, with not much in terms of replay value unless you are a completionist. The low difficulty can also be a turn-off for some. However, the combination of an interesting story, funny characters, and a whimsical, pretty world paired with straightforward gameplay can be a reason for many to give this title a shot.