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Gradius Origins is yet another superb collection of some of Konami’s classics from the 80s and 90s. Including a new game was like a massive, glistening cherry on top that might even steal the show for some fans. The ports all run excellently and even retain some of their old quirks, depending on which version you choose to play. Even when playing on easy, these are still monumentally difficult games.
Wild Dogs is a fun and varied take on the Contra blueprint. Unique elements like Teddy’s stealth and vehicle sections diversify the gameplay; however, it comes at the cost of co-op. Wild Dogs is a great pick for indie fans or those wanting a brutal Contra-like fix, just be ready to go into it alone.
Despite some minor issues, the adventure itself, in its full package as Dungeons & Dragons Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition, is one I’d still recommend to any DnD player.
Donkey Kong Bananza is a beautiful technical marvel that revels in letting players unleash their inner animal and get crazy, but still takes the time to create situations where you must stop and think before you leap.
This legally distinct take on one of the most misunderstood entries proves just how ahead of the curve Castlevania II’s ideas were, while executing them with forward-thinking and intuitive design.
All and all, WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers isn’t perfect but it’s more interesting than Black Myth: Wukong was in my opinion, and with a little bit of refinement, this game could wind up as one of the most beloved non-FromSoftware soulslike games.
There are so many shoot-em ups out there that you couldn’t possibly play them all in a single lifetime. Exo-Calibre is as milquetoast as they come. It’s merely functional and adequate, without any guts to stand out.
Girl Genius: Adventures In Castle Heterodyne comes close to greatness but falls short due to its finicky combat and rigid mobility. When Agatha is left to explore the impressively atmospheric castle and tinker with its mechanisms, it’s firing on all cylinders.
The gameplay is a standard rhythm game that works as promised and is made exceptional due to its eccelctic music choices. For its price, you are at least getting an impressive album of a style of music you probably would have never heard before. Kovox Pitch may not hold interest for long, but now I’m curious about this style of rock.
The only reason we can not give it a perfect score is due to the game’s teleport mechanic not working properly on multiple occasions and that there is only one difficulty to play the game on; there were a few times where we had to relaunch the game because we would teleport and end up glitched outside of the map unable to get back in. We expect that this issue will be fixed in the near future, but until then, enjoy its ambitious performance.
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Whether you choose to buy it outright or play it through Game Pass, you will enjoy your experience so long as you know what you are getting into. We are glad to see that Bam Margera was added to the game, even if it was a last-minute input, and hope that he continues on his path of redemption.
Blade Chimera is a solid title if you want a short game that goes down easy. The exploration is incredibly smooth, the visuals are fantastic, and the plot is surprisingly gripping. If you are a fan of Metroidvanias or just want to try a game that does most things right, give Blade Chimera a shot.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is a worthwhile sequel that earns its place as one of Kojima’s best games, even if it does come off a bit misguided at times. This is the kind of experience where you lose track of the time when trying to help the community build a highway, and the nagging urge to do one last delivery keeps you up all night.
Mostrocopy is a fun diversion and freak side-show at best. It’s basic but makes up for it with flair and personality. There needs to be more to do in it. For its price, it’s a fair exchange, but if it stays as an intensely austere experience, then it’s a tough recommendation for anyone serious about fighting games or party games.
Survival Kids will be a hard sell for long-time fans of the series, especially since it’s the same price as Clair Obscur. If you get it on sale and have children, this is a wonderful and underrated Switch 2 exclusive that’s hard to put down. Its cozy and low-stakes ambiance, combined with fun puzzles, will make it a hit with young gamers.
Thankfully, we are still getting remasters of their once-known greatness. Front Mission 3: Remake is a fantastic remaster of an all-time classic, and is no exception to that very clear and objectionable fact that Squaresoft no longer exists, and we are left with Square Enix, a mere shadow of its former self.
Ultimately, Ruffy and the Riverside is an excellent homage and possibly the most fun I’ve had with an indie platformer since A Hat in Time or Nikoderiko. Ruffy and the Riverside was clearly made by a team that knows and loves the genre.
It’s exciting to watch them build this shared fable universe in real time, and even though we don’t know what’s next for them as developers, it’s difficult to imagine it being less than excellent.
Yes, GEX is one of the first platformers that introduced a fully voiced protagonist, but beyond that, the franchise is fairly average. This re-release of the GEX Trilogy could have been so much more, but instead it just banks on nostalgia over being an entry point for new gamers.