While the manga and anime allow for more direct ways of consuming the story, the video game offers a more broadened look at the world found within the story of SAND LAND. The video game is just as good of a way to consume the story as the other two, but if new and wild gameplay is what the player is after then this isn’t the best way to go about things.
STAR WARS: Battlefront Classic Collection is an echo of the past with some of the benefits of being in the modern era. IT would have been nice to have some extra content like behind-the-scenes footage or concept art as part of the larger collection, but by no means was it necessary. It would have also been nice to see some polished elements like textures or animations, but that wouldn't preserve the games as they were.
It’s easy to see why Persona has become its own thing aside from the father series of Shin Megami Tensei when the series is full of so many high-quality games, and with the quality shining into other Atlus projects, it is absolutely worth looking at both the series future with the inevitable Persona 6 and other Atlus titles like the upcoming Metaphor: ReFantazio. Regardless, Persona 3 Reload is likely one of the best JRPGs ever to come out, and it has a strong foundation that makes future Atlus titles exciting to see.
While THE CUB isn’t the next game of the year, it is an absolutely wonderful time, but it won’t likely get the attention it truly deserves simply because of how modern gaming works in terms of the mass public. Smaller games deserve to be shown off just as much as those massive triple-A titles. Everything here is of complete quality and is really fun; it's something that just deserves a spot in the light for a little while. Here’s hoping that THE CUB gets what it deserves and its praise.
Cookie Cutter's real downfall comes from its lack of innovations. While a new Metroid game might not need to add much in terms of new ways to interact with things, fresh faces on the scene should be doing something to stand out amongst the others. Cookie Cutter's visual design helps with that, but it doesn't go much further. Regardless, it really does have quite a bit to behold within, and it is a fun time, and that's really what matters. It is a fun time, and while there are some hiccups with things, there isn't too much to be upset about.
Invincible Presents: Atom Eve is a game that doesn’t make sense in terms of marketing but is completely forgettable as a game. There is nothing inherently wrong with the game besides some boring dialogue, but nothing about Invincible Presents: Atom Eve stands as something that will be remembered unless the team behind the game takes what they have here and builds upon it, which is a possibility.
Risk of Rain Returns is an example of not only how to perfect a remake but also how to perfect a roguelike. All of the changes made to the game felt fitting and, on top of that, improved upon so many elements of the game that it just made it an insanely high-quality product. In terms of roguelike games, Risk of Rain Returns will sit up there as one of the best alongside games like The Binding of Isaac, Hades, and even Risk of Rain 2.
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 is a fun game, but it won’t have that much of an impact, unlike its competitors. As mentioned previously, the element of DLC will probably help its lifespan, but it is very unlikely that we will ever see Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 show up at a large event like EVO. Going into the future of the series, it is quite clear what the team should really focus on.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a title that will end up being an essential part of the Nintendo Switch’s library, and for great reason. It is a game that will stand as a shining mark in the gaming industry of what is possible. Mario Wonder may not be an absolutely perfect game, but it gets as close as possible by remaining the fun and cozy game throughout its run time.
Sonic Superstars is simply another good Sonic title to add to the franchise, and while it may not be among the best in the series, it is a fun little time to be had. The multiplayer focus hurts the solo experience a bit but makes it a fun game for a party. The new powerups aren’t a necessary addition but are welcome to spice things up in a similar fashion to the wisps did in Sonic Colors. The return of Fang and the addition of Trip are nice but simply feel like additions to make more merchandise or are introduced for them to be filler characters in something like Sonic and Mario at the Olympic Games.
The gameplay of Fort Solis is not the focus, which may seem backward to some as it is a video game, but the medium of a video game allows for the story of Fort Solis to be told in a manner that fits the narrative to perfection. It is simply just not for everyone. Those who enjoy it will absolutely get a nice treat out of the story, but those who don’t enjoy what is here will probably forget it in seconds or hate it.
The best elements of Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara come from its decent play time, amount of content, and attention to movement options. The game isn’t super long but offers a good amount for what the game is. To add to that, there are different goals with collectibles and goal times for each stage. Then having the option to blaze through stages with the roll jump or take things more casually with the standard run allows for different play styles for different scenarios.
Ember Knights is an addictive blast that is just a good time. Here’s hoping that there is the drive from the developers to make expansions or updates that add bonus content because this is a game that deserves to have its flame burn on for a while. But as it is, the game is still amazing and perfect for a night with friends to just grind away at some enemies and bosses.
It is pretty obvious that there is something within Inner Ashes worth talking about and discussing, especially with its narrative based around such a sensitive topic. However, as it stands, it is a game that I foresee most players walking away from this experience, being only able to make it through thanks to the story and maybe the dream world visuals or not being able to finish the game due to the lack of actual gameplay. The story here is the golden key to it all, and it shouldn’t go to waste, but either Inner Ashes should be something completely different or it needs a lot more time to be developed into something a lot more in-depth than what is here right now.
It certainly feels like the type of game built for people who love YouTubers that play horror games, as it is easily accessible and not a very difficult game to get through. It is a game built to get a reaction from the audience and not much else. Layers of Fear (2023) just doesn’t seem to scratch that itch that many will be looking for when searching for a game to play. It does do many things right in the sense that it does feel like a scary game, but it certainly isn’t for everybody.
While Breath of the Wild created a new feeling for the entire gaming world, its sequel Tears of the Kingdom, turned it up a notch and made it that much better. There are a good number of people who are disappointed that Breath of the Wild seemingly killed off what was known before as the traditional Zelda format, but with Tears of the Kingdom, they brought back so many of the elements that made those games feel wonderful.
Sunrise GP would simply be better if it had about another six months of development time, however, that doesn’t prevent it from being an overall dull experience. A lack of track variety is a large factor in this but isn’t the only problem. The lack of a spin on typical racing is another big flaw. It is so simple to picture Sunrise GP with an over-the-top drift and ramps or shortcuts because of its visual style but lacks anything of the sort.
It is an echo of the past, as a lot could be said for the original game that inspired it all, but with today’s gaming market being full of rereleases and remakes, this particular game stands out amongst the crowd. Resident Evil 4 Remake displays just how fantastic the original 2005 game was, while also building upon what the previous version had left in its path and still being its own thing.