Cubed3's Reviews
Nailing all the key aspects of what draws players into the genre, each hour or so run is fast and fun. Amazingly, the characters play wildly different, from zipping all over the board to blanketing it with bombs. While StarVaders is missing that rare chance of a single card or move that instantly becomes overpowered, the power curve is typically satisfying. The only thing holding things back are the frequent freezes and crashes, along with Steam Deck problems of buttons freezing. Thankfully, the save system is forgiving, so these are only minor annoyances.
There are far better games in the series than the original Resident Evil, so it's no surprise that this remaster, which is mainly a visual upgrade, isn't amongst the franchise's greats. That being said, it is very entertaining, very good looking, and the few changes and additions make it a good pick even for veterans. Yes, it's not perfect, but it is undoubtedly the definite version of Capcom's 1996 classic.
It might be from a different decade, but the vibrant colours and toe-tapping soundtrack alongside unforgettable characters make Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana a perfect fit on PlayStation 5 in the 2020s. It feels like it has come a full circle from its PS Vita origins, providing new fans the opportunity to play the incredible tale of Adol and Dana's adventure and returning fans to once more enjoy the thrill of what is like the best Ys game to date.
The standout features of Reynatis are its combat mechanics and soundtrack. Overcoming the initial disappointment caused by the subpar visuals and repetitive level design will be challenging for many players. However, those who persevere and allow the game's strengths to emerge will find themselves immersed in the intense action and captivating spectacle.
Haunted House's task-based exploration and emphasis on stealth offer promising foundations for a compelling gameplay loop. However, challenges with enemy interactions, inconsistent stealth cues, and the occasional lack of reliable hiding options detracts from the overall experience. Refining these aspects could elevate gameplay to its full potential. Its premise may not faithfully represent the Atari 2600 Haunted House apart from the scenes of eyes in the darkness, but overall Haunted House does manage to be a compelling experience on its own.
There are many quality games out there made with RPG Maker software, but almost all of them were created on a PC using a professional tier version. It is possible to make something in RPG Maker With on a console, but anyone looking to create their epic magnum opus will be discouraged by the lack of art assets and the sheer density of complexities that go into making anything, which is made harder on a controller. Gamers who only want to play the RPGs might be better off playing any other indie RPG in the eShop. The user generated content will be amusing at best. The RPG Maker With scene might be more interesting on PC, but on consoles, this is a teaching tool for kids to learn about game design.
The initial bright and breezy atmosphere of 7 Days of Rose unravels into a darker psychological dive that is unexpected but cleverly executed. The plot twists surrounding rich girl Rose's seemingly ideal life that innocent bystander Michael peels back the layers of, combined with spectacularly beautiful scenes in this holiday tale, make for a visual novel that is hard to put down on Nintendo Switch.
The atmosphere, characters and general style are all high points, but Ravenswatch's major issue comes from how repetitious the gameplay loop is and that rarely anything new or cool pops up. The base structure is there to have been a really cool roguelite, but as it's far more strict in its roguelike nature, it's tough to recommend in any large capacity, lacking in too many things to encourage frequent plays.
Baten Kaitos I & II HD Remaster is frustrating because it is so close to being great and is only undermined by its utterly perplexing choices put into the boosters. The meta of resisting the boosters is too distracting for the experience, and succumbing turns these games into walking sims with some visual novel elements. The new UI elements have an air of "mobile game" about them, but thankfully the in-game visuals still look hot, and the QOL feature to speed up combat is a worthwhile addition. Baten Kaitos I & II are not the best from Monolith Soft, but they are both still way better than Xenosaga: Episode II and are roughly on the same level as Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Even without the boosters, there are better retro JPRGs out there, but few of them will look as nice as these.
Pathologic 2 is extremely unpleasant and crushing to play, but that is seemingly the entire point. The thought and effort poured into the balance of all the economies to make every action carry immense weight took courage from the developer. Haruspex are healers with a single purpose and live to save lives, but living does not come so easily in Pathologic 2. Those who are fascinated by the prospect of an immersive survival game where the fun is trying to make the best out of a losing situation will find this worth their time. Just keep an eye on your blood pressure while playing.
Fans going into Contra: Operation Galuga will be very bored and repulsed by the hideous mobile-like graphics. Anyone else who just wants to mindlessly run and gun while taking it easy, might have a few hours of amusement. The lack of polished controls and excessive load times on Nintendo Switch don't do this one any favours, either. This is a very mediocre shooter that plays it too safe and feels soulless.
Sniper Elite: Resistance is a good game. It is not pushing new ground for the series except in the multiplayer functionality. What Rebellion has made is a solid title that expands carefully on the concepts of the previous game without rocking the boat. An explosive and gut-exploding dose of sniper fun. If this doesn't explode your testicles, nothing will!
As a side or minigame, Neptunia Riders vs Dogoos might be kind of fun…for about an hour, but as a nearly full price game, something like this is tough to swallow. The whole thing can be beaten in a few hours, and the gameplay is entirely derivative, bland and lacking much in the way of anything interesting. Idea Factory should stick more with the ecchi games or themes, as that's what they're best at.
Bringing back classic handheld entries into one convenient bundle, the Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection enhances each game with new modification options, fresh translations for many, and online play for one title in particular. Some of the selection feels like more of a historical novelty than solid games in their own right, and a lack of proper tutorials in any of them make that barrier of entry somewhat prohibitive, but new players willing to persevere will find a robust group of titles waiting for them.
Bzzzt is a solid bite-sized action platformer that is elevated thanks to its incredible pixel art and music. The generic story won't be the reason why anyone plays it and might make the game forgettable, but the gameplay and challenge leave a lingering impression. For its price, there is no going wrong with it, and fans of the genre will be engaged by its tight mechanics.
For a kid's game, Ufouria: The Saga 2 is certainly going to capture the imaginations of its target audience. Fans of the original Ufouria are likely in their late 30s to early 40s and will likely find this to be a very safe and by-the-numbers languid platformer. Anyone who enjoys the likes of Kirby will feel right at home with this surreal and charming Metroidvania, but those that have grown tired of the genre will be better off looking elsewhere for thrills.
Like the previous games, Haydee 3 is an old-school tough, highly atmospheric, enjoyably perplexing metroidvania-style action-adventure (yes, one with a super-curvy protagonist), but it doesn’t really feel like a new product that builds on previously laid foundations. In other words, it’s more like an expansion, than a continuation. Do keep an eye at it, but better wait for decent price. You can always (re)play the previous games while waiting for that to happen…
Die by the Blade falls short in delivering a truly engaging experience in the current state it is in. The developers have made a statement promising to put right its issues and include further single player modes to improve the package offering. It is an admirable position, but also a concerning trend in the industry today. Without a doubt, it is an interesting concept to bring back and modernise, but here it feels more like a missed opportunity than a modern successor to its classic inspiration. Perhaps one for the Cyberpunk 2077 or No Man's Sky treatment?
The Legend of Legacy HD Remastered is a solid JRPG, but its story leaves something to be desired. There is almost nothing to emotionally latch onto. However, it offers a satisfying gameplay loop for those who enjoy grinding out weapon skills and spells, and exploring vast regions. If you're looking for a more engaging narrative and deeper gameplay systems, however, Emerald SaGa might be a better choice. While both games share similar turn-based combat, Emerald SaGa boasts a richer story and more robust mechanics.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins is a reboot, and like all reboots, it will always leave behind some of those fans that so cherish the originals. That said, for all the fans it might annoy, this new title has released to a very positive response to what has, at times over the decades, been a harsh jury of critics in the gaming press, which says a lot. It's easy to see why.