DarkZero's Reviews
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 Record Breaker takes an "if it ain't broke don't fix it" approach as a sequel. It feels largely unchanged from its predecessor, but the general core systems it is based on are well refined enough that it still offers a good challenge for those with the patience to tackle it.
Once you get past the idea of being a ship collector with its limited storage space and World of Warships' free-to-play expensive shenanigans, which shouldn't be that much of a negative against the game's great gameplay, World of Warships ends up a refreshing title. This is thanks to the exciting naval combat, a wide collection of warships, engrossing class types and pretty visuals, all which blend together in a rewarding time to bring a very unique type of combat to multiplayer team-based games, making this Wargaming's best World of title to date.
In the end, what should have been the next evolution in Telltale's reputation for brilliant writing and meaningful choices has instead shown how outdated the company's engine and storytelling structure has become.
Sure, all the gaping wounds that have plagued the series over the years are slowly getting fixed with each year that passes, but that does not change the fact this is a very sick series. In its current form I believe it is one that can never rise above mediocrity.
This is a very solid entry into the series and one that fills you with hope for the series future, even with all the continual negativity surrounding Konami's video games focus going forwards. It's one I can recommend wholeheartedly. What's even better is that as this review goes to press, you can easily find a copy of the game for £25 in many retailers, should you wish to give this a punt. Which you should.
This. Game. Is. Astounding. Go. Buy. It. Oh I suppose you'll expect some kind of proper conclusion. Divinity is packed with enough content to keep you going well above the seventy hour mark, and enough choices and outcomes in every situation to make you want to start a new game the minute the credits begin rolling.
Fortunately, it's been some time since the last Bethesda title. Were Fallout an annual franchise like Assassin's Creed or Call of Duty, this stagnation in the core gameplay would have worn out its welcome by now. Overall, Fallout 4 still impresses with its trademark RPG mechanics and smartly-designed world, where exploration never feels like time wasted and players are consistently rewarded for lateral thinking and meticulous investigating. The war on videogames is ever changing, however, and Fallout will need to bring more toys to the battle next time or risk rotting in the wasteland.
In the end there is nothing inherently wrong or bad about The Coma, which in itself may be considered bad news for anyone hoping for a campy LP. The premise of a haunted high school mixed in with Visual Novel-type artwork is an interesting one, but the game never moves past mediocrity to make good use of it. An average experience is still better than a bad one, but anyone hoping for a better high school horror experience should consider checking out Corpse Party or shell out however much a Playstation VR will cost for the remake of White Day.
In all, this is an expansion for The Witcher 3 fans who like the idea of returning to the world they once visited for one more self-contained meaningful story.The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Hearts of Stonemight not have a new land to explore, but that does not stop this from being a great addition to an already outstanding game.
For people that once loved Descent, and in their heart of hearts still do, Sublevel Zerois a compelling answer for those that want a modern day take on the genre. It is not without issues though. It is an expertly crafted 6DOF game with tight controls, but the rogue parts of its cross genre appeal are rough enough around the edges to be problematic.
The overall aesthetic of the game was more than enough to keep me going during the times gameplay may have faltered.
WRC 5: FIA World Rally Championship is a fairly standard rally game that brings a forgiving version of the motorsport. Kylotonn Games has built themselves a starting block to construct improvements in the undoubtedly upcoming 2016 sequel, but as it stands, WRC 5: FIA World Rally Championship is lacking quality and includes some damning design choices, such as the awful career rubber banding times and bare bone features.
True to its genre, Umihara Kawase is all about finding victory after many, many, many defeats; the limited lives plus multiple endings dependent on completion time will cause much frustration followed by much more extended play sessions. The Steam version includes online leaderboards and replay features, which is all the motivation hardcore players will need. The one caveat is the knowledge that this was originally part of a package that is now being sold separately. Whether the game is worth the asking price is ultimately up for each individual to decide, but sooner or later this is a classic game with a timeless mechanic that deserves a lot more attention now that it's crossed over the pond and into digital distribution.
That said, it won't be for everyone. It demands significant patience while you gradually learn the ropes, and certain mechanics remain frustrating even at the best of times. Others will be put off by the strange UI decisions, including a steadfast refusal to cater to widescreen resolutions. But for those able to overlook its quirks, there's real pleasure to be had here.
Whilst it may not initially be obvious, open world games have dramatically evolved in the last 5 years. I was once happy with mindless collectatons, but I've grown to want more. The best open world games nowadays are an expansion of the form, but Mad Max is highly regressive in far too many areas to be meaningful. Everything I experienced during my time with the game felt like it came five years too late to the open world party. Those with any interest in the genre will have already trod similar ground long before. We've seen all these tricks done dozens of times – so much so that all the props that were once cleverly hidden away are now clear to see.
Koei Tecmo clearly hasn't missed a beat with this venerable horror franchise, as the fifth main entry plays as well as ever, with nice new touches spread around to make it a great and terrifying trip for any horror fan out there.
Ultimately, your level of reverence will determine whether Persona 4: Dancing All Night becomes an instant purchase.
In conclusion Assassin's Creed: Syndicate is an amazing standalone game packed with fun things to do from beginning to end.
With a little more polish in its presentation, Arcana Heart 3: LOVE MAX!!!!! would have been a must-have addition to the slowly-increasing Steam library of fighting games. As it stands, this is a competent-yet-hardcore game that doesn't quite have the entry-level aspects of more modern fighters, but still possesses a lot of depth and variation that longtime fighting fans will eagerly lap up.
A superb campaign, particularly in its level design, coupled with the all-new Warzone mode and the return of arena multiplayer makes Halo 5 the best FPS game of this generation and possibly the best Halo title ever.