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Bit Dungeon+ is an absolute blast if you're in the mood for some single or cooperative dungeon crawling. The accessible modern touches makes the entire package that much more enjoyable, and much less punishing than the classic titles of this genre. If you're a fan of limitless playability and are willing to embrace what this game has to offer, you're sure to enjoy it.
INVANOID has a decent kernel of a concept in its arcade hybridization, but is completely lacking in the sense of immersion either original provided or the imagination to combine these styles into something that feels worth playing. There are better items out there to take up your space.
As you may have expected, the Wii U version of the game is quite the improvement over the 3DS release, featuring more content, more features and better overall performance. If you have both a 3DS and Wii U and were patient enough to wait and see how this version turned out, then let it be known that this is definately the better release. If you're looking for a compelling sandbox-style game with tons to do and optional online co-op, look no further - you've found it.
Rubik's Cube does exactly what it says and does it relatively well, though lacks creativity in taking the core concept further. For the price it can be a good addition for those who love puzzles and prefer them virtually. Unfortunately for those who don't, there isn't much else to it.
The 3DS version of Rubik's Cube gets the job done in the same minimalist way as the Wii U iteration. Those who enjoy physical Rubik's Cubes will enjoy the portability that comes with this version, and it's a no frills way to pass some time on the go without too much commitment.
Twin Robots provides an enjoyable experience primarily because of responsive controls and precise character movement. Despite the steady increase in difficulty and cruel design of certain levels, it's still a fun challenge.
Monster Hunter Generations is another must-have for fans of the franchise, blending the old with the new for an excellent overall package. Hunter Styles add a little extra intensity and tempo to combat while this game also tries to welcome newcomers with optional tutorials, with Prowler mode undoubtedly designed to be quirky and alluring to players of all kinds. It does some things better than its immediate predecessor - Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate - but also a couple of things a little less impressively. The nod to nostalgia brings a lot of locations and quests to keep players busy, but loses a little of the narrative edge and focus of its predecessor.Generations, overall, is the match of its predecessors that also boasts some innovations and improvements. This franchise is yet to reach near-perfection (total perfection is impossible, of course), but it's still one of the most enjoyable and immersive time-sinks to be found on Nintendo hardware. For any gamer ready for a long-term challenge, with tough battles and plenty of complexity to master, this is most certainly worth hunting down.
Ultimately, 153 Hand Video Poker is one of the worst games we've played in recent times. There are almost no redeeming qualities to it aside from the fact that is technically playable. Mindless gameplay and careless presentation are once again the downfalls of Skunk's second attempt at a poker game. 99 cents isn't typically a lot to ask for, but it sure is with this release. We'd highly recommend that you pass this one over; instead, go out and buy yourself a nice stick of gum. It costs the same, and you'll get way more enjoyment out of it.
Infinite Dunamis gives players exactly what it promises: a turn-based, nostalgia-heavy JRPG that hearkens back to the 16-bit era. It suffers from many of the same presentational pitfalls as its fellow mobile ports, including jittery movement, generic-looking backgrounds and a pervading lack of polish, but it also introduces some genuinely interesting ideas, like the timing-based power ups of its 'Gaia Icons', and boasts competent, characterful writing. There are far better role-playing experiences on the 3DS, but for turn-based world-saving on the cheap, Infinite Dunamis is a fine option.
It's hard to say anything positive about Steel Lords simply because it is so fundamentally flawed. Overall, what is on offer feels like an early concept of a game idea and therefore is far from a complete package. How this even got a tick of approval in the first place should raise concerns about the quality of certain titles that are reaching the Nintendo eShop. If you're looking for a board game mixing the strategy and fighting genre, look elsewhere. In fact, just go and play Fire Emblem or Smash Bros. Actually, just play anything else.
While Conveni Dream did help to fulfil a life-long fantasy of working at a gas station, the overall experience left us wanting more.
BOXBOXBOY! doesn't exactly blow expectation out of the water - the only real change is literally in the name - but having two sets of boxes to work with makes for more interesting and complex puzzles than before. While we'd argue that previous fans will get the most out of this sequel in the long run, it's a perfectly manageable entry point for newcomers if the tight mechanics and bite-sized chunks of puzzling goodness are starting to sound pretty good this time around.
With top-class character customization, a delightfully different combat system and a slick nature-futuristic style, 7th Dragon III Code: VFD is a fantastic addition to the 3DS' JRPG library.
For a Mike the Knight fan this could provide some entertainment; that said prospective purchasers should note the short length of the game, the rather paltry nine mini-games and the simplicity of the overall package when considering a purchase. It is these reasons that have informed the average score at the bottom of the page. Note that for the purpose of this review we couldn't find a young test subject to play the game with, so please do let us know in the comments if you have any feedback from a child's perspective. For now, we'll be sticking to something more grown-up - where did we put that copy of Animal Crossing?
The Book of Unwritten Tales 2 is an enjoyable game at its budget price, with a pleasing mix of adventure, humour and some head scratching puzzles. There are some negative points which stop the game from being a fully fledged win, but it is still an enjoyable and nostalgic experience for any gamer with a love of point-and-click styled experiences.
SPLASHY DUCK has a fun look and competent functionality, making it a solid entry for its type of game, but will likely prove much too simple for many to get hooked for long. It's easy to see younger players being charmed by it, however, and it could be a good way for them to develop coordination skills.
All in all, Pharaoh's Riches is a shoddy shot at providing gamers with an interesting or meaningful gambling experience. While we can't speak to the legality of a gambling game on Wii U where real money could be exchanged, the lack of any consequence being enacted regardless of whether you've gained or lost money means you are simply pulling a lever to watch some symbols spin. Considering that this is going on the eShop for $9.99(!) at launch, we would absolutely recommend that you go elsewhere for your gambling fill.
It's not a bad game, nor is it a particularly good one; there's still some potential here, it just needs a proper jolt before the party really gets started. Maybe in 2020, eh?
Mighty No. 9 is not a terrible game, nor is it even a bad one - it's just plain mediocre. From its downright disappointing visuals to its flat music and bland-at-best level design, everything about Mighty No. 9 screams of mediocrity. And let's be clear - if this were a fan game made by a small group of devoted Mega Man fans it'd be deemed more impressive. Yet this is a budget retail title developed by one of Mega Man's lead designers, which also had involvement from Inti Creates, a proven studio with hits like Mega Man 9 and Azure Striker Gunvolt among its credits. We're not sure where things went wrong, but Mighty No. 9's finished product is just a "mega" disappointment.
All in all, Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is an RPG that's roughly 85% Shin Megami Tensei, 15% Fire Emblem, and somehow ends up feeling like something completely separate from either of the two. It strikes a middle ground that's rooted in the format of many modern role playing titles, boasting an energetic and dynamic combat system all wrapped up in a setting that takes J-Pop cheesiness to astral heights. While it's so extremely niche that we doubt it'll convert any nonbelievers in the slightest, there's a remarkably lengthy and enjoyable experience to be found here for anyone that doesn't already have stage-fright. Even if the idea of pop-star superheroes is an immediate turn off, a slew of rewarding mechanics might just be enough to pull you back in. Whether you ignore the silliness or embrace it, we'd dare say that any title featuring a rocket-powered cyborg pegasus is worth investigating.