GameCrate's Reviews
The games problems annoy but they don't take away from the overall experience. This is a series worth playing. No question.
If you're really, truly desperate for a new adventure-horror game in the vein of Dear Esther and you consider yourself to literally have the patience of a saint, at the very least Kholat will look and sound pretty as you play it. Anyone who doesn't want to deal with tedious gameplay, a confusing story, or frustrating progress roadblocks however should steer clear.
Had Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition addressed the real problems from the original game, while also keeping some of the high-profile additions, it could've really been something. Instead, it feels like a repackaging that doesn't quite have its heart in the right place. Some fans may have fun with it, but others will have no problem moving on to something just a little bit fresher.
More work could've been done to make Payday 2: Crimewave Edition the ultimate value for fans of the series – especially when it came to making the AI perform up to snuff. Still, the abundant amount of content, combined with strong multiplayer options, make it a heist worth trying with the right squad of goons.
Not only does Sparkle Unleashed reek of being a mobile game, but a mostly unoriginal one at that. Sure, the fantasy theme is nice, and the gameplay does fare rather well after you get used to it, but more variety could've easily set this apart from other puzzle games that are out there – something Sparkle 2 suffered from last year as well. Still, if you can't live without your Luxor-like action, this is worth a look.
Had Vector Unit included better characterization and adjusted the difficulty to the point it wasn't trying to pummel you each race (there's competitive and then there's "don't mind me, I'm cheating"), Beach Buggy Racers would've been a solid debut for kart-racing action on newer systems. As it stands, it's not bad, as its multiplayer has something to offer, and the track design clicks. Just be prepared to fight for your first place victory – this ain't no leisure cruise around the island.
If Magicka 2 had a far more single player campaign – and some more visual substance to make it pop – it's be a classic along the lines of, say, Gauntlet Legends. As it stands, it's too flawed to fully recommend, although if you know a few friends that don't mind casting spells at mindless monsters, it'll cast its spell on you.
While Mega Coin Squad could've gone the extra mile with more single player oomph and online play, what's here is more than serviceable for those looking for a great time with some friends – or collecting coins on their own. The gameplay is original and a lot of fun, and the presentation is right up the alley of Genesis/SNES owners, right down to the cute animations. This is one title worth cashing in on.
In its current launch state, Catlateral Damage doesn’t offer enough content to remain compelling over the long term. However, its unique premise combined with its abundant amount of potential could eventually give it the staying power it deserves.
Despite some strong world design and a compelling soundtrack, Toren just can't keep up with the other great platformers on the market, even from the previous generation. The miserable visuals, combined with technical problems and loose gameplay, leave this journey coming up way short – and making us wish that The Last Guardian would surface sooner rather than later.
If you're looking for an old-school side-scrolling action game that's along the lines of Dark Souls in logic (but not necessarily tone), Rogue Legacy is a sweet addition to your library. It's hard as heck at times, but progress can eventually be felt for those who stick with it, and the retro-style presentation will be right at home with classic NES/SNES gamers. Just be prepared to cut your teeth on this one – because the enemies cut back.
Whether you loved the original Flash version of Westerado or have yet to play it, this enhanced remake is worth downloading. It's a fine choice for fans of adventure games and Wild West lore alike. The game is always giving you something fun to do, and its open-ended nature warrants multiple playthroughs. After spending four hours walking a fine line between hero and outlaw, I'm just about ready to give this impressive game another go...and this time I'll be using a more trigger happy approach. Time to avenge my family. Again.
Lifeless Planet could've been so much more had key decisions been made with less limited breathing, more intricate puzzles, environmental expansion and better gameplay. Instead, it feels more like a second rate space adventure rather than the equivalent of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Oh, what could've been in the stars.
Roll7 has proven that it's not a one-trick pony with the release of Not a Hero. The team is clearly dedicated to crafting games that are fun and inviting yet require some patience to master. In a medium dominated by shooters of the first-person and third-person variety, it's refreshing to get a 2D take on the cover-based format. The difficulty can be a bit much at times, but when all is said and done, there's no getting around the fact that the BunnyLord's team is one you want to be on.
While Color Guardians could've used more zest in its character personality – and a few more easygoing levels to keep rookie players in check – it's still a better game than expected, thanks to its interesting gameplay and crazy challenges. If you're a fan of running or rhythm, be sure to try on this Color.
Ultratron won't gain a following like some of the better twin-stick shooters out there, mainly due to its lack of diversity and modes. Still, Puppy Games and Curve Studios did do something great with the concept, and if you don't mind a game that's a bit old-school, Ultratron will do you good.
If you're at all a fan of action RPGs and big open worlds, you'll find a lot to love in The Witcher 3.
There's a lot of fun to be had with JumpJet Rex, though the game sometimes goes out of its way to frustrate you.
A great idea can get a game off the ground in a hurry, but it needs to have the proper execution in order to keep it great. Otherwise…what was the point again? Ether One presents a spellbinding take on memory loss and what really goes on inside a person's head, but tedious voice acting, the pacing of certain puzzles, and the lack of guidance when some players need it the most may leave some folks just as confused as the poor woman who's going through all its torment. Considering it's free on PlayStation Plus at the moment, it's worth a look – but its problems probably won't allow the game to linger in your mind for too long.
Wolfenstein: The New Order set a gold standard with its release last year, and we're happy to report that The Old Blood continues that standard. Even without multiplayer, the game shines in nearly every aspect, and holds up the tradition of B.J. Blazkowicz's Nazi-killing provocatively well. If you loved the first game, this eight-hour adventure is just what you need.