DarkZero's Reviews
Trackmania Turbo brings its unique blend of thrill ride, arcade and puzzle racing to current generation consoles, and purely speaking about gameplay, is probably the best title in the series – it's certainly turned into my favourite of the bunch.
It's a shame that the developer of Stella Glow had to close on such a middling tactical RPG, and don't have a chance to really put much out there that can shine. This sort of game could tick the right boxes if you're looking for another strategy game to pass the time until Fire Emblem Fates comes out in Europe. Though if you're rather picky about these sorts of games, then it's probably best to wait for something better to come along.
The only downside is that despite the numerous modes and features, it still features the same number of stages, enemies, and length; if you aren't the type who like to replay arcade-length shooters over and over for the best possible score, then Deathsmiles may not be for you.
Hitman has refined its gameplay, while having options that help newcomers, but should not upset existing fans, and as such, is a solid start that hopefully keeps getting better and upping the variety with each mission added.
It's unfortunate to see something new explored but not working out and becoming the 'simple but addicting' gameplay I assume it was meant to be.
All in all, Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action Unleashed was a decent distraction on handhelds, but a harder sell on PC when compared to the number of alternatives available, both from its own franchise and the Musou genre in general.
The game is huge at close to a hundred levels, with some very reasonably priced DLC that makes an already vast experience half as massive again.
Project X Zone 2 is exceptional at managing to successfully bring all these characters together.
Overall this is a game that should not be passed up simply because you have already put in so many hours on another game. Rather it should be experienced for what it is and all other developers looking to dip a toe in the MMO pool should take note that this is how to breathe life into an otherwise stagnant and overcrowded free-to play market.
I had a lot of fun and frustration during my time playing Clandestine and whilst I'm a huge fan of co-op and love to see how it being implemented in refreshing new ways, I still felt like I was playing an early access game, where only the core functionality had been completed, albeit with some pretty strange and often hilarious bugs, such as taking guards out through walls and the most randomly broken cutscenes I've ever seen.
You get the impression that if Richardson had someone to bounce ideas off – someone to pick up the slack and point out the bad ideas – he'd be capable of something that's actually interesting. Instead, he's released a work that I really hope doesn't show him at his best.
While it may lack the flamboyant charisma of Hotline Miami, SUPERHOT feels as good in every other regard.
It's another game of discovering magical creatures that do battle for you, but it feels modern and up to date, with decent graphics and has more mechanics than a broken down Bugatti. You don't need to be a Digimon expert; you don't[ need to have played the other games or have any prior experience. There are mature themes as well – often cases to do with illegal, heinous and very illicit activities – as well as hundreds of variably adorable creatures to throw into battle.
This brief journey into Michonne's world of The Walking Dead has begun with a promising start and has the potential to be an extremely good game, exploring mature themes but maintaining a good degree of tension. Telltale have well established Michonne; now they need to show us just what she is capable of.
Launch troubles and lack of single player aside (which this score addresses), Street Fighter V is a brilliant fighting game.
The script is fun and fresh and appropriate. The depth and the humor especially separate Undertale from the pack and give it a touch of class. I like games that don't take themselves too seriously and there is a whimsicality to this game that I love. The experience of playing it is nothing short of enchanting.
Fair warning: the game is quick. But its quickness could have been one of its virtues. You can't deny that Distraint is cinematic in the way that it plays out. Had the challenges and the story been tweaked and balanced out a little bit better, it could have been an absolute triumph.
Arslan: The Warriors of Legend is another solid take on the Warriors formula, one with a clear, and above all else, focus on bringing the anime's entertaining story to life in an action filled video game.
In the end, Nitroplus Blasterz: Infinite Heroines Duel doesn't reinvent the wheel for fighting games, and ironically enough it's all the better for it. The stripped-down mechanics lead to more pick-up-and-play sessions without feeling overwhelmed by too many rules to follow, and the cast of characters are entertaining enough just to witness in action even if you have no idea about their respective origins.
So, the opening to Firewatch may be a little too strong for the game's own good, then – and as you slowly realise the confines of your role in the game world, it's not without a little disappointment. Nevertheless, it's still a journey you should consider going on – one of human and flawed characters, compelling mystery, and sobering, bitter sweet realisations.