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Swords & Soldiers isn't especially long, containing three campaigns with 10 missions apiece, but you can go into Skirmish mode for practice sessions and unlock some interesting mini-games. There's even an interesting two-player mode in which one player uses the GamePad and another play uses the TV and a Wii Remote, which is fantastic.
Squids Odyssey is tough after the first few levels, especially if characters aren't leveled up properly. But that's fine; it never reaches to a frustrating level. Overall, it's a charming game that, at its core, is actually very deep in customization and gameplay. I wish leveling up was more automated, but these are minor qualms compared to the overall experience.
ASM2 is still a good game at its core, with some improvements over the original, but they really botched the Hero/Menace element.
In the end, I loved Child of Light less than I hoped I would. It is terrific to look at, and its battle system remained addictive for several hours of gameplay. The humdrum exploration, the too-repetitive (though fun) combat, and the unfocused story bring the title down after a strong first impression. I still believe it is worth experiencing, especially given the scarcity of RPGs on the Wii U, but some fundamental flaws keep it from getting my unconditional recommendation.
I like playing Mario Kart 8. I think it's a satisfactory entry in the series, but nothing more. The final package ends up feeling like someone who covers themselves in makeup to hide the fact that they are 10 years older than they are pretending to be.
Scram Kitty and His Buddy on Rails is quite an engaging game, but you need to learn it to fully understand it. Not everyone will be willing to do that as you need a steady hand to complete the many challenges it offers. Once the gameplay clicks though, you can bask in the brilliant level designs and lovely presentation. Scram Kitty is an amazing, stressful rollercoaster that comes together incredibly well.
It instantly feels familiar, but adds to the Kirby formula by adding a number of unique and interesting scenarios, through both abilities as well as the 3DS hardware. The learning curve is easy enough for any novice to pick up, and the charm and colorful graphics are easy on the eyes. It's a wonderful platformer that is easy to recommend for anyone looking for a fun time on the 3DS.
Mario Golf: World Tour succeeds in crafting a stellar golfing experience, one that will likely become a mainstay in multiplayer circles for a long time. The single-player portion doesn't seem fully realized, but the golf gameplay in World Tour is top notch and the stellar online tournaments have the potential to keep the experience fresh for a long time. With a nice variety of courses and lots to unlock, this is another fine entry in the long line of Mario sports games.
While there are a few less than stellar games among the mix of new titles, it's hard not to recommend NES Remix 2. The few menu hiccups and mediocre games aside, it breathes new life into some of the most iconic NES titles of all time. Both hardened old-school gamers and neophyte youngsters should have a great time on the couch passing the controller around with this one.
Batman: Arkham Origins: Blackgate Deluxe Edition is both fun and frustrating—exactly the kind of game I don't like reviewing. If you can focus on the parts that work (exploration, collectibles) and downplay the stuff that doesn't (the map, the combat), you'll have a good time. I can't recommend this to people who already played it on Vita or 3DS, though—unless you really loved it, it's probably not worth the double-dip.
The game isn't revolutionary, but it's still loads of fun whether you've seen the movie or not. Featuring surprisingly funny quips, elongated use of the movie's memorable moments, and great replay value, the Lego Movie Videogame is a worthwhile experience. Players of any age will appreciate the charm and effort TT Games put in to the title, balancing accessibility with small challenges.
Yoshi’s New Island looks great and plays like a Yoshi’s Island game, but that might not be enough for some people. The levels are bland, the bosses are blander, and the difficulty is too low and too static. It has bursts of creativity and maintains competency, but Yoshi’s Island deserves better than competency.
[I]t is an intelligent and engaging addition to the series, bringing together the best of the new and old. With the most puzzles and extras of all the Layton games, there is no shortage of things to keep you occupied,and the charming music and fun quirks will balance out even the most vexing of brain teasers. In a series known for its quiet allure and charismatic appeal, Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy is exactly what it should be: a gracious farewell.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze does not represent a particularly surprising title for Nintendo, and it may not be the title that pushes Wii U sales into the stratosphere, but it is another wonderful classic Nintendo game on a system slowly building a nice library.
Unepic is a standard dungeon crawler with standard combat, enhanced by its goofy characters and story. If you're in the mood for a game that doesn't take itself too seriously, and don't mine the occasional weed/D&D/Star Wars joke, then Unepic might be for you. However, if you're looking for an engrossing RPG with deep mechanics, your time is likely best spent elsewhere.
Once it is all over though, you won't really feel a desire to return. The experience is an uneven one, but it balances just enough on the right side.
Knytt Underground is quite a spectacle with great looking environments and solid gameplay mechanics. The game has its share of faults, but with that being said, it is worth your time if you only to see the large world that Nifflas has created. That is enough to keep you playing for the ten hours that it lasts.
Even if the production values aren't that great, there's a lot to love about CastleStorm. The addictive gameplay coupled with the charming visual style and characters make it not only a must-play for Wii U owners, but a must-play for anyone who's never been introduced to the Tower Defense genre of video games. This castle will take them by storm.
If you can get behind the notion of old school difficulty and adore the WarioWare formula, NES Remix will hit all the right notes. It doesn't shy away from its retro roots, but rather fully embraces them.
Newcomers and veterans alike will scratch their heads at missing plot points or elements that are simply glossed over leaving only hardcore fans knowing what exactly is going on. The presentation is acceptable, but the surprising lack of stereoscopic 3D and some weird animations will make it not all exactly tick. The open sea of 3DS software has a bevy of good games to explore but sadly, Romance Dawn isn't one of them.