Twinfinite
HomepageTwinfinite's Reviews
Ultimately, Shadow Warrior 2 is exactly what you might expect based on the prior game. There's not much change or growth from the previous adventure, and the script grows wearisome, but the gameplay is still fast, bloody, and fun.
The features we touched on above are just some of the game-changing and quality of life improvements that Civilization VI has brought to the table. We could go on and on with praise, but really all you need to know is this: Civilization VI is still the supreme deity of historical turn-based strategy games.
In the end, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 ends up in an odd way. The combat, mechanics, and visuals are definitely better than its predecessor, as is Conton City and its myriad of quests.
New World order was an enlightening episode with one hell of a latter half. The highs were huge and while a few of the quieter moments lacked quite the impact players may expect, were certainly providing a platform for the finale to spring from.
Battlefield 1 is a hugely refreshing take on not only the series but the shooter genre in general. It’s exciting to see the series explore such an underused time period in video games, and properly represent not only the insanity of battle but the horror of it all as well.
Overall WWE 2K17 is a game that feels like a wasted opportunity that is only saved by Universe Mode, a robust character creator, and some solid tweaks to the combat mechanics. However, the massive amount of bugs, disappointingly shallow MyCareer Mode, laughable voice overs (and lack thereof!), and heavy reliance on counters make it a less than thrilling experience.
All in all, Reus is a deceptively complicated game that seems to get more complex the longer you play. Completing more games and earning achievements allows longer play times, unlocks new abilities for your Giants, and generally gives you a deeper experience.
Thumper is an incredible assault on the senses when played in virtual reality. The speed at which you have to turn corners and hit notes in a stunningly designed world makes for an intense and enjoyable ride. Any PlayStation VR owner should pick it up, even if it’ll make you want to go to bed after one level.
Distant Memories shows hints of what worked so well in Hotel Dusk: Room 215, and even if it felt too short, I’m definitely interested to see where this one goes in the future.
In the end what you’re left with is an interesting curio, a relic from a bygone era by a talented developer. Whilst it’s clear to see the game’s ambition and the fact that it’s utterly unique, it’s also encumbered by a bizarre control scheme, some experimental storytelling techniques that don’t pull together well, and some cringe-worthy navel-gazing dialogue that disappears up its own bottom.
In the end, my vengeance did little more than beget more pain in the city I made mine. Mafia III took me through a grand tale of loss and, in the end, after all of my macho escapades, I was left more empty, realizing no amount of killing could change what was done. For that reason, Mafia III is not a game to be missed by anyone.
I can’t say that this is a game that will appeal to everyone however, as the grinding it requires can easily turn you off of the experience. So much of the game feels like superfluous padding that oftentimes gets in the way of enjoying the story and aesthetic.
In the end, however, it’s definitely the alluring dynamic between Atto and Milli that’ll sell you on Clockwork. This journey takes you across the beautiful steampunk city of Watchtower, which is a joy to behold.
I’m still excited to see how Lara grows from here; there’s clearly still a lot of story left for the teams over at Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics to tell. While it’s still niggling at my mind that Trinity was introduced in this entry just to lead into a potential sequel, there’s always the hope that we’re being set up for much grander and epic adventures.
Altogether, its daft enemy AI and some wonky camera controls can’t bring down this phenomenal stealth experience. Aragami is pure eye candy with its feudal Japan-inspired visual style, which perfectly complements its unique and engaging shadow concept.
As a complete package, Gears of War 4 is everything I could have asked for and more. Yes, I’ve got a few slight gripes with the lackluster final fight in the closing moments of the campaign and Horde 3.
Dragon Quest Builders gives players the freedom to do whatever they want, while making sure they don’t get bored of that freedom too quickly by restricting how they get materials and recipes. This smart concept, mixed with the villager management and RPG elements make this one of the freshest experiences in the series.
There's potential here, and a lot of the game's promise is steeped in maybes and the possibilities that lay behind future updates; right now, Eternal Crusade is an undercooked, bare-bones affair that can, at times, produce a compelling shootout, but on the whole remains a rote and subpar game. For those outside of the Warhammer faithful, there's no real reason to play Eternal Crusade when there are the likes of Destiny, Battlefront, and Overwatch out there that do far more, far better.
Is Yo-Kai Watch 2 a good game for that kid gamer in your life? Absolutely. I would have personally been crying at how creepy some of these ghostly monsters can look, but (and I hate to bring it up) if we’re going to love Pokemon in all its simplistic, weird monster ways, then there’s no reason that Yo-Kai Watch 2 can’t be considered an excellent gift for a child in your life, or maybe even you if you’re a fan of the show.
Overall, Touhou: Scarlet Curiosity is an extremely polished game that throws players directly into the world of Gensokyo, delivering a well-crafted translation from the series’ 2D-roots to a 3D-setting. While it definitely didn’t have the highest budget — a fact made apparent by the utter lack of voice acting or music during the pre-fight dialogue sequences — the music that is present during the dungeon exploration is actually quite fascinating even if it does get repetitive the more time you spend playing.