DualShockers
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Having the chance to once again return to Nippon, I can wholeheartedly say that (after eleven years) Okami HD is still a masterpiece, standing the test of time through two generational console jumps. Put frankly, it is a work of art and a prime example of the ingenuity, creativity, and brilliance key development teams brought to their work on the PlayStation 2. Here's hoping that Okami HD receives the sequel it rightfully deserves.
Overall, Dead Rising 4: Frank's Big Package tends to cater more to casual fans of the zombie genre. As someone who loves the franchise, I cannot say that this game is neither good nor bad. There is plenty of replayability in Frank's Big Package, there is no denying that and while this game is inferior to the original regarding overall quality, the addition of Capcom Heroes as well as refining all the gameplay and combat issues I had with previous installments still made it enjoyable. Dead Rising 4: Frank's Big Package is a game worth playing if you're a fan of the series solely because of the new features, however, regarding the single-player story. it felt more like a one and done for me.
Overall, 2MD VR Football was slightly underwhelming from what I initially was anticipating; however, this game is fun in bits and pieces. If you are looking for a cheap sports game and you just happen to love American football this is the game for you. Not to mention the game is only $12.99 on Steam so if you're looking for a game to test out and memorize the controls of your VR headset this will get the job done.
Tokyo Xanadu eX+ will find that jumping into the series was well worth it. On the other hand, fans who have already played the game will discover a large variety of new events to play through as well as a much-improved battle system than what they remember. I had a great with Tokyo Xanadu eX+ and now I'm left with the new post-game quests that will probably add many more hours to my play time.
In the end, Star Ocean 4: The Last Hope brought me back to a time when I had to sit down and thoroughly shut myself out of the real world and immerse myself into this world — more specifically the star ocean. Exploring space and discovering huge new worlds creates a great playing experience, and with this remastered version this game only looks even better. Even though a few years have passed, Star Ocean 4: The Last Hope is close to the same game I remember, but I appreciated the nostalgic reminder that games are challenging and autosave wasn't always a thing.
Despite the quantity of visual novels readily available for the PlayStation Vita, VA-11 HALL-A easily stands out among the rest for one simple reason: it is mundane. Yet that distinction is something unique and drives the relationships in the game — something you just won't want to rush through. Bolstered by an excellent soundtrack and stylistic art choices, VA-11 HALL-A should be a must-buy for indie lovers and VN junkies alike.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is one of those RPGs that I didn't want to end. Luckily, there is enough post-game content to satisfy players looking to sink 100's of hours into more adventures with Rex and the party. However, I can't seem to shake the feeling that I was left with as the end credits rolled. I feel like Xenoblade Chronicles 2 showed me what it's like to go on a real adventure and it happens to be one that I don't think I will ever forget.
Need For Speed Payback is the perfect example of one step forward, two steps back. While the world is more beautiful than any of its predecessors, it feels empty in much the same way that the game does. All of the systems seem to be their own worst enemy. Want to build a car? How are you going to upgrade it? Want to customize its looks? You've got to complete unnecessary challenges. Want to progress the story just to see if it gets better? You've got to make sure your car is the appropriate level. All of these things, combined with an unimaginative and frankly boring story result in a racing game that makes it frustrating to race. While there's still the rush of pushing past second place a few meters before the finish line, that rewarding experience is not due to any innovations that the series has made here and the innovations that make this entry in the series unmemorable and unattractive.
It is a shame to see the series fizzle out like this on 3DS. At this point, I just want Nintendo to bring the game over to the Switch with Mario Party 11, as that may be the breath of fresh air this series desperately needs to stay relevant. If that doesn't work out, then it may be time for Nintendo and Nd Cube to finally put this once great series to rest.
The Sims 4 attempts to bring genuinely happy moments throughout your Sim's lifespan; occasionally, you will even find yourself smirking. However, those moments are quickly bogged down by tedious goals, a terrible HUD and menu navigation, and gameplay that is outright boring. Life events like a date or wedding put less emphasis on the occasion and more on completing monotonous objectives. These goals wouldn't be too dreadful if the commands given to the Sim would actually follow through. However, there were too many times where the Sim would completely ignore what I wanted them to do. All of these gameplay problems are bundled up in a poor performing port that chugs more than it should. The Sims 4 is an unsatisfying experience right from the start.
Gear.Club Unlimited is not a very good game. It's not a bad game by any stretch of the imagination, but not even it's impressive car visuals can save it from being just an incredibly average racing game. It honestly feels like there was no love put into this game. At $49.99 I simply cannot recommend this game at the current price tag. The title still feels like a free-to-play game you would find on the Apple App Store more than a fully fledged game, and frankly, that's all it's worth to me.
Monster of the Deep: Final Fantasy XV has its own virtual reality quirks, but the game is much more than the sum of its parts. Monster of the Deep may be the first PlayStation VR game that I would recommend across the board to anyone with the hardware to play it. However, anyone who has played a good amount of Final Fantasy XV will get more out of the experience than others.
League of War: VR Arena isn't a bad game, so much as it is underbaked. With a lack of diversity in modes or gameplay, the VR game takes interesting core gameplay and seemingly squanders it on a throwaway campaign. With plenty of exciting and fully-fleshed out VR experiences, I'd only recommend League of War: VR Arena to people looking to round out their PlayStation VR library with a tabletop component. And at the $30 price tag, I don't think I could reasonably recommend it to anyone.
In a time where Star Wars games aren't being made by the dozen however, Battlefront II at least still knows how to elicit the nostalgic, warm feelings that I have for this universe despite its many problems.
Megaton Rainfall is not a terrible game; for an indie superhero title, it does a lot of things great, but the problem is that the few flaws that it offers make one overlook all that it does great. Nonetheless, Megaton Rainfall succeeds in providing the best first-person superhero gaming experience that AAA studios have failed to deliver so far.
Like a stated before, if you enjoy mindlessly killing zombies and half-naked anime girls than you might find a great deal of fun in School Girl/Zombie Hunter, but if you're looking for a decent playing experience, I feel like you'd be let down. I hope to see Tamsoft continue to develop new IPs, but hopefully next time they'll give the game a good amount of QA before pushing it to release.
Even just to have for one dinner party or hangout of four or more friends, the entry price is worth it – Jackbox Party Pack 4 is a guaranteed multi-hour adventure into adult fun.
Stifled is absolutely not the best indie horror game on the market, but I have to respect it for what it brings to the table. While the game is short and the frustration can – at times – be palpable, Stifled is a smart and satisfying game (especially for anyone invested in VR setups). Although we are out of Halloween and horror season, any fan of the VR medium and the indie horror scene should take a chance on this game and see… or, not see… what it has in store.
Tokyo Tattoo Girls is as niche as it's going to get and if that sounds like something you're into than you might find this title to be just what you want. I hope to see Sushi Typhoon Games evolve as a developer and take what's good about this game to create something more because this game has more in common with a random smartphone title than a proper strategy RPG.
Life Is Strange: Before the Storm Episode 2: Brave New World showed me what Deck Nine is capable of in terms of storytelling and character growth. Also, the game's choice system is well thought out and represented a wide variety of possibilities for many types of players. Lastly, after finishing Brave New World, I'd like to add that the worries I originally had for the rest of the series drifted away as Chloe and myself looked towards the future Episodes.