Cubed3's Reviews
Unlike the recently released PlayStation Classic, SEGA Mega Drive Classics has had the effort put in to ensure that there is enough depth and optimisation to keep all players happy. The huge range of popular titles at such a low price is hard to pass up - a budget option for fans to sink their teeth into. Those very particular about their emulation may want to consider buying the newer line of SEGA AGES titles available on the eShop, but anyone who wants some classic '80s and '90s throwbacks should look no further.
Super Destronaut DX could've been a lot worse, but it certainly could've been far better, too. If you're extremely attached to space shooters from the late '70s and early '80s, then you might get something out of this. Otherwise, though, there's nothing done here that hasn't been already executed much better by other similar titles, and the fact that it doesn't add anything particularly unique or interesting to the table makes it difficult to recommend, even despite its low price.
Like other Exe-Create developed/KEMCO released turn-based RPGs, Fernz Gate delivers an interesting enough narrative, fun (if classic) battle mechanics, and character customisation options. Sadly, like its predecessors, it gets let down by a general mediocre, generic, and soulless visual presentation. Looking beyond this hurdle, however, what remains is a thoroughly enjoyable homage to 16-bit JRPGs that won't overstay its welcome, and which, for its price, proves fairly acceptable - and suitable for short bursts of play on the go. Here's hoping Exe-Create dares to try more grandiloquent things, and craft something way more memorable, because there is clearly potential.
There are some that will welcome the familiarity of retreading their footsteps with Diablo III, and others that will be embracing it for the first time. Blizzard's ambitious, sprawling dungeon crawler has lore, loot, and deadly combat embedded in its DNA, which enshrines in gaming history. The Eternal Collection refines the very best of the series by including all past updates, and through its savage yet extravagant gameplay, ensures that there is a huge amount of replayability to be had.
The charming Game Boy style sprites can only go so far until all that is left is a very mundane platformer. Forgettable at worst, but mostly just extremely bland, Save me Mr. Tako fails to hit that sweet spot where retro and forward-thinking game design collide. Anyone who might be interested in this would be better off downloading actual Game Boy titles off the 3DS' Virtual Console eShop, as this is sadly not as exciting as the older games it apes from, and is an imitation from somebody's memory of the quaintness of those titles. The reality is that the 'real deal' is still out there, and is still fun to play. Don't settle for this hollow interpretation.
While it's great to finally see a Taiko reach Europe, it has some disappointing aspects, like sub-par motion controls that make you want to rely on standard controls, and a track listing that is decent, but misses many of the memorable Taiko tracks of recent years - some of which ended up on the PS4 version instead. The decision to have two completely different track listings is also baffling. There are already a bunch of songs on the eShop, including a Ghibli pack that is a must-buy. Those negatives aside, Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'n' Fun! is still a ton of fun, and a joy for anyone who has played it in Japan. Hopefully, the first of many in the series to get such a release.
Super Hydorah does a lot of things right, and is a great homage to the classic shoot 'em ups. There is a constant push to be better, whether that is to get a new high score, speedrun the campaign, or perhaps to finish without using continues, and the replayability comes from the arcade experience. While the challenge might not be for everyone, friend decreases it, and the nostalgia and modern polish make it worth the struggle.
State of Mind offers a very good, "hard" sci-fi tale that deals with the theme of futurism, and, most importantly, consciousness. Some flaws do exist, like the many dull plot sections, and the simplistic, unimpressive puzzle-solving, but, as a whole, this will please most fans of narrative-driven adventure titles.
Gal Metalnot only offers a hilarious interactive manga story,but also an original approach to the rhythm game genre that shakes things up enough to set itself apart from pretty much everything else. The only real drawbacks?The occasional lack of response from the JoyCon,and a price that may be a bit too steep,depending on how hooked players get,and how willing they are to extract every last bit of creative musical freedom that this allows. Those only wishing to casually experience the story may not get much for their buck,while avid fans of metal and drum beats looking for a challenge to their creativity should not have any regrets.It is not a very long experience, but to the right audience, it has virtually infinite replayability.
One of the complaints levelled at the original was that it was too easy to muddle through without paying attention to how much food or morale the caravan has. That is not the case here, thus people in your caravan will die of starvation, or seek greener pastures elsewhere. While the first game looks at the emerging threat and initial impact of the Dredge, the second one examines the influence that this menace has on society,and whether it's possible to keep a band of humans and Varl together while the world falls apart around them. While new additions such as classes and barricades are nice to have, at six to eight hours long, it is a bit on the short side for the asking price. The physical release of the Banner Saga Trilogy offers greater value for money.
Assault Gunners HD is a port of an, almost decade-old, forgettable mobile game which started its life on the PS Vita... and it shows. There's literally no reason to try it out, unless really, really, really into mechs.
With refined combat, a far tighter script, and an infinitely more likable cast, Torna - The Golden Country manages to address almost all of Xenoblade Chronicles 2's core problems without ever straying too far from its source. The DLC does still suffer from a few of XC2's flaws, particularly in how it paces its story and handles tone, but Torna is nonetheless a fantastic prequel that helps to fill in the blanks without ever feeling pandering or relying too much on fan service. This expansion is a net positive for the series, showing that Monolith Soft is willing to address criticism in earnest. In many respects, Torna - The Golden Country is the game Xenoblade Chronicles 2 should have been.
Those who'd like to try a sadistically challenging boss battler, and one that actually gets even more so after the final encounter, will have an enjoyably painful time with this, despite its many, many flaws, and the strokes that it will possibly induce. Of course, Sinner: Sacrifice for Redemption is not recommended to just anyone, and certainly not for those in search for a SoulsBourne fix, as this a totally different kind of deal - and that's what makes it so good.
As a port of the original, Katamari Damacy REROLL is definitely a great way for people to try this bundle of rolling wackiness for the first time. Just note that it can get very repetitive very soon, and that it clearly comes from that awkward phase where 3D games weren't that refined.
FAR: Lone Sails is an emotive trip through a dying, yet beautiful world. It's a journey that doesn't last for long, and whose low replay value makes it hard to come back to it... and yet it's also one that's hard to let go once you start it. Fans of such games are definitely advised to give it a go - oh, and don't wait for a discount because its worthy of its price tag as it is.
SNK 40th Anniversary Collection is not full of flawless gems that everyone will love, and it suffers a bit in terms of variety. Strictly viewed for what it is, however, which is part retro videogame anthology, part history lesson, it is one of the finest one in the market, making this the definite product for those who want to try the titles on offer.
While Megaquarium is fun and challenging at times, it tends to become a little repetitive after a while. A few more different challenges would help, while at other points it would have been nice to see an overview panel to make it easier to organise things. The gameplay can easily get messy, which is a shame considering the idea and the colourful setup. Nevertheless, the game is enjoyable and relaxing, and a player may well find themselves playing for hours.
For what it is, Circle Empires is actually pretty fun. The experience is streamlined, fast, and enjoyable. The lack of any depth is what ultimately kills the game and stops it from becoming anything greater. It is fun for a few romps, or enough to beat the "campaign" of sorts, but there is not enough meat to encourage longer than a few hours' play, maximum. Those few are fun but, after that, the magic at hand quickly wears away.
In the end, Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII is a rock-solid title, but it could have been so much more. Forcing it to fit under the Black Ops moniker was a mistake, and comes across as forced, given its very light relation to the previous three titles. The whole thing smacks of Treyarch wanting to take risks and go in new directions, but stopping just shy and instead tacking older characters or ideas. Longtime fans of the franchise won't want to miss out on this - especially those who love the Zombies experience - but those who checked out of Call of Duty before likely won't find enough here to bring them back.
Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass is a fantastic RPG that has every right to stand right next to the classics that inspired it, and especially the SNES gem known as Earthbound. It's funny, weirdly heart-warming and melancholic at the same time, and, believe it or not, very spooky. Apart from those who resent turn-based battles, or don't have the patience to do some heavy grinding, most are definitely advised to try this out.