Twinfinite
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Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes has had a rocky road to release. The latest (and, sadly, final) game from legendary Suikoden creator Yoshitaka Murayama is a beautifully executed JRPG that feels both modern and nostalgic. Above all else, it's a game where the developer's passion for the genre is evident in everything from the storyline to the battles.
On the court, TopSpin 2K25 is brilliant. It's realistic, satisfying, and feels great to play, especially as you get to grips with the timing needed for every shot type. It's just a shame that such good tennis gameplay is housed in such bland modes that have you grind for very little sense of progression.
Yet, at the end of the day, what could have been just a run-of-the-mill Metroidvania is transformed into a tale of growth and resilience in Tales of Kenzera: ZAU that is well worth the investment. With Kenzera being an utterly beautiful place full of mysteries and wonders, joining Zau and Kalunga as they fight and platform their way across delightful biomes in a bid to let go and move on became a therapeutic journey that I never knew I needed. We don't need actual loss to remind ourselves that things can be difficult, but having a reminder goes a long way in keeping us all on the right track of focusing on joy instead of grief.
Beyond playful visuals, Fullbright's game doesn't do anything that Gone Home did as well or better over a decade ago. I hoped Open Roads might feature a more expansive story or more varied gameplay because, as it is, it's a short and serviceable adventure game rather than a particularly memorable experience.
Overall, South Park: Snow Day is an absolute blast, full of hilarious little quips and interactions. The various powers and Bullshit Cards are incredibly amusing and add chaos to gameplay that initially seems simple but opens up as you play. If you're looking for a game in which you can sit back, chill out, and enjoy South Park humour in a new way, then Snow Day is a brilliant choice.
All in all, MLB The Show 24 continues to swing for the fences as the best representation of the sport in video game form, and save for a few misses, it always delivers. The outstanding gameplay is enhanced with an elevated presentation in all of the modes, and the storytelling in Storylines is a big draw for those wanting to embrace the game's roots and pay homage to the legends from yesteryear. While Diamond Dynasty can be an acquired taste, and the inclusion of Derek Jeter may not appeal to all, these missteps hardly take the shine of the gem that is MLB The Show 24, and it's time to play ball.
Rise of the Ronin is not only a terrific soulslike, but it presents a possible turning point in being the first high-profile entry in the genre to give difficulty choices. Even without that, it is still a fun game that anyone can get into and enjoy, as the combat is worth mastering because nothing beats the feeling of a perfectly timed Counterspark. Plus, this is an excellent way to learn about an important time in Japanese history if you didn’t already know it.
A fully realized open-world title with a moderately steep but extremely rewarding learning curve with an execution that ranks it up there with some of gaming's all-time greats.
As it stands, it’s very hard - if not impossible - to recommend Alone in the Dark in its current state. Even if you can look beyond the blandness of its design, story, and gameplay, the sheer lack of polish is far too frustrating to warrant spending any money on. It’s a game that, without exaggeration, I had been looking forward to for years. All that’s left now, though, is a sour taste.
Lightyear Frontier advocates living in harmony with nature, understanding that you need to help replenish natural resources if you want to continue harvesting them. I could see how some might not understand the appeal of a game without conflict or survival elements, though. We are so used to our cozy games mirroring the world we live in right now where people fight to survive. Lightyear Frontier shows us something different. Not every day has to be a battle.
Outcast: A New Beginning lives up to the ambition the same developer achieved all those years ago. A captivating story, interesting characters, thoughtful world-building and slick action are only slightly marred by an inconsistent frame-rate, repetitive quests, bugs, and occasional crashes.
As so many of us continue to learn, nostalgia trips can turn eye-roll-inducing in a hurry. They run the risk of turning into a hackneyed compilation of things we know while sacrificing the overall quality of the end product. A cynical cash-in, as it were. WWE 2K24, it must be said, does not succumb to this particular pitfall.
At times, it does feel like Outlast Trials is trying too hard to be shocking. It soon becomes less frightening and more silly. The sadistic mutants become predictable but this doesn't detract from the fun of it all. When playing with a team you get a unique experience I haven't had with other multiplayer horror games.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is, for all intents and purposes, a phenomenal second act in the Remake series. Though it's open world design isn't perfect, the game is finely honed in every other area and provides as luxurious of an experience as FF VII Remake did.
All in all, Last Epoch has grown to become the APRG game for ARPG fans with a very passionate dev team. This can be seen in the moment to moment crunchy gameplay, endless stash tabs, and sort button for every inventory. If you’re a fan of ARPGs, then you have nothing to lose and everything to gain from giving this gem a try.
Somersaulting through bite-sized puzzle rooms in search of Mini-Marios is even more of a treat than it was back on the GBA. While I’ll miss the dialogue that didn’t make it into the remake, I fully welcome the added stages and reworked music. I enjoyed my HD revisit of Mario vs. Donkey Kong quite a bit, even to the point of earning every Star in the game. While there’s not a lot here that will appeal to those who weren’t attracted by the original game, it’s still a solid remake that adds fun new stages and HD polish.
The beauty of Helldivers 2 is in its simplicity. You’re just a single soldier tasked with the impossible job of contributing to a whole galaxy’s defense. But that’s also where the game shines, as you don’t play as Commander Shepard or someone massively important. You’re essentially just a grunt who survives long enough to get better gear and further fulfill their duty. Whether you want to sink hours into the war effort or just take on a few missions, this game is perfect for as much or as little as you want to give it.
Persona 3 Reload is an outstanding and worthy remake of a game that’s proven it can withstand the test of time. Welcome back to the dorm.
This is a gamer’s game, and I mean that in a literal sense. It shines with brilliant game design through and through and doesn’t manipulate the player’s dopamine through gotcha microtransaction mechanics. It’s a pure, raw, game experience that respects the player’s skill and time. I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed a game as much as Prince of Persia The Lost Crown in years. If you’re even remotely interested in platformers or Metroidvanias, you owe it to yourself to play this game.
I can’t exactly sell Infinite Wealth as an easily accessible JRPG for anyone to enjoy. It’s a dense game with at least a 100-hour adventure for players to undertake. However, if you’re willing to brave the time commitment, there’s an amazing story here that feels like the most fitting wrap-up for anyone who has loved Kazuma Kiryu throughout the series. I don’t know where a possible ninth game might take the series, but getting here has been an incredible experience.