Cubed3's Reviews
Apart from small glitches and occasional copy-paste character models, Hogwarts Legacy is truly something else. The magic is alive, and it is finally time to explore Hogwarts castle.
Much like the original Wii release, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe is an excellent Kirby adventure, packed full of heart, classic gameplay and dipped in a delicious HD upgrade. Throw in bonus modes, collectable content, and backstory for a truly definitive platforming experience. It's unfortunate that there's no online co-op play, but both single and local couch-play are an absolute joy from the opening title.
Elderand is the definition of disappointing. There's no big flaw to point at, apart from the fact that it is extremely afraid to do… well, anything apart from the basics. The result is something that looks good, sounds good, and feels good, but never really manages to be more than 'okay.' It's a well-crafted 'okay,' with nothing to show that could separate it from the rest of its competitors, old or new.
If you consider yourself a Final Fantasy fan, there is every reason to invest in Theatrhythm Final Bar Line. Rammed to bursting with songs that have helped to make the series what it is, there are tracks for everybody in here, with plenty of accessibility options to tinker with to suit all levels of player, including a fun RPG-lite mechanic that can be explored for extra incentive to replay favourite tunes. The DLC is vast and off-putting, but there is so much in the base game to tackle that it can be safely ignored.
Grim Dawn is sadly an ARPG that can be described as "hack-and-slash monsters/collect loot." This applies to pretty much all games of its kind, but this has a severe lack of personality, to the point that you can spend 50 hours and still not feel immersed into the world. And while the progression system is the best thing on offer, it's also where the main flaw can be found, which is how, although there are a bazillion ways to craft your build, it all ends up feeling pretty much the same when on the battlefield.
Tormented Souls is a great nostalgia trip taking full advantage of updated graphics and controls to bring a tense, uncomfortable trip for all willing to risk it. Worth taking the time on by both fans of the genre and newcomers wondering what all the fuss is about. Turn those lights on full, open the curtains and prepare to have nightmares.
Wanted: Dead is a great action game, it has flashy visuals, violent combat full of blood and dismemberment, and mostly it has a great interesting if unusual story, carried by interesting characters, external influences and sinister plot. The world is built in a cool, refreshing way and the moment-to-moment gameplay is engaging though sometimes simple. It promises something unique, and it delivers something not only unique but recommendable to fans of futuristic worlds and action games.
For such a cult franchise, it's a real shame there is so little to offer outside of the base titles included in this package, especially when full price is being asked. In other titles and remakes, some real love has gone into providing a nostalgic piece of history in one cart. If, however, this is your first time round, Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series will provide a good chunk of great platforming fun, but just that. Nothing else. At all.
A super-calm mix of fishing, cooking, business management, and town-restoring RPG, Moonglow Bay is a decent idea that wasn't executed that well, and is thus very boring and repetitive. It also struggles with making you care about anything. Players do things just to do them, with the tiniest sense of progress possible. Take your fishing rod and fish somewhere else.
Although it's easy to miss the dizzy heights of the Cybersleuth series, it's to be applauded in what has been attempted here - and with an easily accessible series, will convert even the most hardened hater of visual novels.
It is probably more often than not that long-time coming revivals don't stick the landing. Rather, they often feel cynical, desperate or misguided. Take Steps, for example. This absolutely is not the case with Beyond a Steel Sky. The writing and the way it weaves everything together honestly puts some of the biggest budget AAA movie titles to shame. Yes, there are some rough edges afforded by modern ascribe and default, but the fundamentals of a good story and adventure game are all present. More important is that it has a personality unique unto itself. It's clear why Revolution Software has such a loyal fanbase after all of these years.
Even though an RPG lover since an early age, the thought of a stripped down, bare bones experience raised a lot of questions. The answer, however, is that Voice of Cards: The Beasts of Burden is an absolute treat on a handheld console. Easy to pick up and bash out for a quick half hour, but still allowing you to fall in love with a beautiful world and its cast of characters, as well as retaining every factor that makes an RPG great. There is certainly no burden giving this one your time.
EA and Motive have pulled a blinder here. Dead Space not only faithfully remakes the original, it exceeds it in quality and expands it in a way that supremely enhances the experience. They took many risks like giving Isaac a voice and revamping the Ishimura's structure, but these gambles have paid off tenfold. Players familiar and unfamiliar with the original will have a fantastic time exploring this classic Sci-Fi horror game. Highly recommended!
The Punchuin is a delightful adventure where players take a journey through a variety of progressively complex puzzle rooms, meeting eclectic characters, and enjoying the wintery atmosphere. It's a short experience, but it more than makes up for it with just the right amount of substance. A perfect wintery pick-up for all puzzle lovers looking for a charming retreat.
Fire Emblem Engage offers the most rewarding, fleshed out and beautifully balanced strategic combat of the series so far, and performs beautifully on the Switch. Its story, characters and social sim element, however, are not up to the standard expected of this beloved franchise. While the combat has matured beautifully, the overall tone has taken a step back. If you're only interested in the trademark Fire Emblem combat, then you'll likely have more fun than you ever have with the series. For players who want a little more from Engage's characters and story, though… you may be disappointed.
The Valiant's story is actually pretty interesting, but the gameplay (one of the core aspects of strategy titles) is just very middling. Unit issues like pathing and not all of them fighting, the fact that there's not much to really do, and the very "samey" combat unfortunately side-line the story. This feels a little too unpolished to have been released yet.
The slightly mixed quality is only a small blight on Lost Judgment's otherwise stellar quality. It oozes style and has content that will keep players playing for potentially hundreds of hours. The story is a masterpiece of twists and turns, highlighting many issues within society. If the original game is the marker, this meets it with pride. An excellent crime thriller action game with lots of comedy and referential moments that make this one to remember.
The levels in Yupitergrad don't drag and the challenge gets pretty hard to surmount, but if players stick with it, the game is incredibly awarding and satisfying. It's not a short VR experience, but a decent length dieselpunk sci-fi adventure with a fun cel-shaded cosmonaut aesthetic that makes it truly unique. This is a must-buy for PS VR owners!
It's no exaggeration to call Unavowed one of the most replayable point-and-click adventures the genre has seen. Topped off by excellent atmosphere, a tight script, and great performances, Unavowed might just be Wadjet Eye Games' best work.
As someone who repeatedly had the Witcher series suggested by other reviewers and then digging in the heels and refusing to try it, what was missed was one of the best games created on a modern console. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt deserves all the plaudits it receives, and in its new next gen update, there really is no better way to experience it. Although lacking in new content, the quality-of-life features and sheer beauty of the whole thing make this well worth a revisit.