Cubed3's Reviews
For an adventure game, the graphics and story are pretty interesting, but for an JRPG, the game is lacking in a lot of elements. While it has RPG trappings, it feels far more like an adventure/action game, which is a knock against those looking for some JRPG action. The graphics, story, characters and overall package are very well done. However, it is hard to shake the feeling of the game being far more style over substance, which in general JRPG-ers are not looking for.
Blaster Master Zero 3 heavily expects its audience to have played the first two titles in the modern Blaster Master series, so it's hard not to bring them up when writing about the former. Small localisation errors and a couple of obtuse navigation moments aside, it is the most polished title in the series, and long-time fans, plus people who grew up with the NES, will appreciate the added challenge. It's never too hard to tackle, however, although it's commitment to being "retro" can be a double-edged sword in some instances, like when a death can be blamed on unintentionally sticking to a wall and then sliding down into an abyss. The gameplay loop is just as fun as it ever was, though, so more of that can't ever be a bad thing. It might get ignored for being the third instalment, or not seeming as fresh as the next retro indie darling that's hot for this week, but it really shouldn't be. This is bona fide retro goodness at its finest. Blaster Master 4Ever!
It's hard to rate something like Black Book. It's a mix and match of things that are generally fun and refreshingly new, but the whole thing carries with it a lack of polish and balance, which could make this dark tale of witchcraft and demonology shine much brighter. This is basically a high 6, or a low 7. A mediocre, repetitive CCG/RPG, with some neat moments that'll - barely - manage to keep you interested. If looking to experience something outside of generic medieval fantasy, though, do give it a try. Morteshka's creation is basically Slavic Pagan Mythology: The Game.
There is no knocking the quality of the titles included in the Crash Bandicoot: CRASHiversary Bundle but the only real issue may be why is it a thing at all? Long term Crash fans will probably have already purchased these titles throughout the last few years but if still holding back and waiting to pull the trigger or even a total newcomer curious about what is on offer, this is easily the best way and the easiest on the wallet. As the well known saying goes, when in doubt 'Put it in a pack'
Life is Strange: True Colors is a complete title that will take around nine to ten hours to finish. This might prove a bit steep for the price, but the pacing and character work do well to make this story worth the time. The colourful visuals compliment Alex's power, but there are a few rough patches along the way. Despite the soundtrack of original and licensed songs blending into the world, the Live Stream mode is half baked and should be revisited in the future because as a shared experience; this game shines with complexion.
It seems that repetition is winning the day, so if at first you don't succeed try try again. The complexities and permutations in Deathloop are initially overwhelming and confusing, the intro attempts to explain so much by way of plot, mechanics and characterisation in a very short space of time. However, work past this point and the fun begins, with a sense of exploration and an arsenal of weapons and attacks making combat feel very rewarding. The story, despite at times being told through messages and text is well voiced acted, despite the incessant need to swear. Pulling off stealth kills or killing one of the eight main characters after figuring out how to infiltrate their plans makes players feel they have outwitted their computer counterpart. If there was one title to buy on PlayStation 5 right now that is truly next gen, then make sure Deathloop is at the top of that list.
Luckily, the original Sonic Colours stands tall, featuring fun, exploratory gameplay and it is rewarding replaying levels to attain higher ranks. The 3D sections are far and few between, but the ones that are there are fun. The 2D gameplay is vastly improved from Sonic Generations with tighter controls and added variety in the form of Wisp abilities. Ultimate adds a lick of new paint to bring this to the Xbox platform, of which it is recommended to play on either Xbox Series X|S to get the standard performance that players have come to expect. Rival Rush is a fun mode, but there are only six acts and some of these levels are incredibly short. The other additions that Ultimate has added are superfluous, but don't do anything to really damage the core game either. If Sonic Colours doesn't exist in your library and you are a fan of the Blue Blur then there is no excuse to not pick this up.
MXGP 2020 is an improvement over the previous title - however, don't expect a leaps-and-bounds, next-generational jump. While this is hardly a spectacular next-gen overhaul, the building blocks are all lined up for an even more impressive iteration in the years to come. Career Mode still seems quite lacking, as bike customisations and sponsor benefits are minimal, and the experience points earned to rank up don't amount to anything. On the other hand, Playground Mode and Track Editor open up avenues for much more excitement and enjoyment, especially as the online community continues to produce more advanced and elaborate tracks.
It's rare for a long-running series to disappear for a decade, come back with some fairly dramatic changes, and still come away on top. Any one of these factors would be a death-knell for a worser series, so the fact that this title can balance all of them at once is truly impressive. WarioWare: Get it Together may not seem ambitious at a glance, but at a closer look, the scope is genuinely admirable. Somehow, Intelligent Systems was able to create 200+ microgames that could each be played by 19 characters, without any of these elements feeling bloated or ancillary. Time will tell if this installment remains as beloved as its cult-classic counterparts, but even after one whole week, Cubed3 is not ready to put the game down just yet. Especially when there's still some high scores that need beating!
For an unknown studio they come out swinging pretty good with Dreamscaper, the core game is fairly engaging and interesting, but the core loop has some serious progression issues, as well as bad difficulty balance. Trying new moves and weapons is the highlight of the experience, but the very slow lack of progress and difficulty walls hold this back from being truly great.
Ultimately DC Super Hero Girls: Teen Power does exactly what it has set out to do, which is to create a fun, enjoyable experience for younger players. What is really surprising, however, is that adult players can also find so much enjoyment. All the basics are there, and are done to a good enough standard that if a DC fan, there are enough little nods and references to hold interest. If your children are just getting accustomed to the comic book/gaming genre, and as a parent struggle to find a suitable entrance point, this is the perfect start.
Keeping aristocrats' clothes clean is a tough job, but the loyal staff are keen to fulfil their duty. The variety of cloak materials makes it possible for all the one hundred plus levels to all be engaging and feel a challenge. Their exact thoughts about their demanding masters unknown, there is no doubt that Puddle Knights is a novel addition to Nintendo Switch, with plenty to keep minds occupied in seeking safe passage in this puzzler. Understanding the mechanics is simple, but conquering all levels including the harder ones will take a lot of practice.
The fighting mechanics are passable at best, and the huge roster of fighters is a great boon, but with its incredibly poor performance and boring story mode, it is just best to avoid JUMP FORCE altogether.
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is not a big improvement over Kingmaker, but it is an improvement, nonetheless. Some of its elements are exceptional, like the overwhelming variety in classes, skills, and "paths," or the general epic aura it has, while some other parts sit somewhere between decent and good, like the story (which is a bit too stereotypical), the Crusade portion of the gameplay (which is a buggy chore), and the actual role-playing, which, while fine and all, won't be enough for those spoiled by other modern classics of the genre. Despite some its flaws, it is undoubtedly very entertaining, and highly recommended, as it will surely satisfy your hunger for a good RPG.
The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt is an amazing triumph of fantasy world design. It successfully pairs fast action gameplay with slower methodical planning and preparation moments, as well as having an incredibly fun main storyline with plentiful side quests. At this point the game has been out for a long time, but it is highly recommended that it is on anyone's lists especially if they missed the boat on the original release. In a word, fantastic.
Astalon: Tears of the Earth is a very, very simple mix of metroidvania-like exploration, and rogue-lite challenge, but a simple mix that works wonders. You'll die a lot, but you'll keep on returning just to get a little further on the journey towards the top of this treacherous spire, and learn of its secrets, with your skill and perseverance being your main tools. Don't miss out on this modern-yet-retro indie gem. 'Conglaturation!!!' LABS Works!
If there is any love for the original, pick this up immediately. A fine job has been done creating a really playable title for 2021, without losing any of the charm of the original. The camera change is a stroke of genius and makes life so much easier leading to a more enjoyable experience all round. The issue isn't with the remaster, but the source material. Zool Redimensioned is sadly a bit of a product of its time, and isn't going to draw any new fans with its difficulty and confusing design choices. Sadly, for most this Ninja isn't going to resonate with younger players looking for the next plumber killer. For the rest, though, you have a greater remaster than you could ever have hoped for, let alone what the star of the Amiga may deserve.
Personally, rarely does a Metroidvania game capture the imagination, often being lost to the backlog due to their constant trial and error navigation and repetitive backtracking. With that thought at the forefront, it's a credit to developers TiGAMES that F.I.S.T.: Forged In Shadow Torch still hasn't been put out to pasture in the backlog farm. Everything about this title is a joy and great, engaging gameplay is complimented by a beautiful world that springs to life on the PS5 both visually in its setting as well as its characters and stories. Top this off with a great protagonist and you have a game of the year contender in every respect. Metroid Dread? Who needs it.
Quake Remastered is as good as a remaster can be. Not in the sense of the visual enhancements it has made, which, while fine and all, are just the tip of the iceberg. What makes this an excellent repackaging, is the content at hand, due to the addition of all expansions (+ 1), and the support for lots of fan-made and official mods, with more coming in. Melted the single player experience? Now lose your sense of time with online pvp or co-op fun, as well as Crossplay between all modern systems, including the humble Switch. This edition of the FPS classic is also super cheap, and is available for free for those who have already purchased the original. Nightdive Studios has given you plenty of reasons to start fragging and gibbing. You ought to thank them.
Anyone who has played a game or two from the Pretty Girls series is aware that expectations must be kept kind of low, as most games are somewhat simple, and the only incentive, besides the fun factor, is the fact that players can unlock more anime girls and costumes. Pretty Girls Klondike Solitaire is one of the least meaty in this, already low-fat, franchise, as the actual game is just Solitaire, with no additional bells and whistles, or addicting scoring mechanics, and the roster of girls is very small, and with a disappointing amount of outfits per girl to unlock - usually just one. Buy it if you must, but you are advised to wait for a discount.