Niche Gamer
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Gungrave G.O.R.E. is the ultimate guilty pleasure. It is the kind of brutal and simplistic action game that helps stressed and frustrated gamers release some steam. It is mind-numbing in excess, but is very satisfying in short bursts.
At full price, it’s a hard pill to swallow picking up Harvestella, when there are many strong efforts with indie titles which manage to pull of much of what Harvestella has to offer. But with a discount, it can be a worthwhile experience.
While Bayonetta 3 is the weakest of the three, it is still a very good game that will give fans a lot of bang for their buck. There is enough changes and experimentation to justify this sequel and the rating system is the most forgiving than ever for neophytes, while also providing enough high level challenge for veterans.
At worst, Haiku The Robot can feel forgettable due to how by-the-numbers it is. Its art style is just serviceable, but the playability and kinesthetic feel of the controls make it one of the better “metroidvania” games out there.
I really wanted to love Soulstice. Briar and Lute have an interesting story to tell and most of the voice work is really well done here. The memory parts drag on for way too long and Briar is for some reason both huge and naked in them? I guess that’s a plus for people who have an undying desire to see drawn nipples in games, but it felt completely unnecessary.
Tinykin is a humble little game with modest aspirations for a target audience that is often neglected. Children can enjoy it, but so can children-at-heart too. Tinykin’s imaginative and creative visuals that overcome its limitations make it stand out. Most importantly, it feels really good to play because of its tight controls and its kinesthetic feedback.
It still feels unfinished and rushed, but that’s not to say Modern Warfare II (2022) is not fun; it most certainly is. The graphic glitches, sound glitches, and the sometimes questionable gun and movement balancing make this really hard to recommend.
The striking art and sound of Saturnalia are definitely its strengths. The gameplay is a compelling mixture of ideas that mostly pay off due to the puzzle-like scenario. The storytelling may lead to confusion, but there is nothing else like Saturnalia.
At the end of the day, Triple Take is a charming yet somewhat spooky platformer that’s pretty good for what it is, it encourages you to think outside the box (literally), and definitely easy on the wallet.
Monster Sanctuary is a must play for anyone who considers themselves a fan of at least one of the genres it puts itself out to be. Even if you aren’t a fan of either genre, it’s still highly recommended you check the game out.
Star Ocean: The Divine Force is not a perfect action-RPG, but it does have a lot going for it that make it extremely enjoyable. It has top notch production values for the most part and it more than makes up for the utterly disappointing Integrity and Faithlessness. The the balance of awesome visuals, exciting combat and addictive exploration mark this entry as a series high point.
The gameplay in Absolute Tactics: Daughters of Mercy was close to being interesting. Its scope is very limited and the various soft-locks encountered were frustrating and time-wasting. Some of the technical issues were ironed out, but risk of them happening still looms while navigating the confusing menus and esoteric UI.
If you are looking for a tale set in the Borderlands universe, this game is sufficient; however, if you are looking to recapture your love of Tales from the Borderlands or Borderlands 2 wait until the game goes on sale or avoid it entirely.
What it lacks in visual appeal, it makes up for in depth and polish. It is too bad that Mecha Ritz: Steel Rondo doesn’t excel in all aspects. If it did, it could rival some of the best shooters that Treasure is known for.
Fans of survival-horror will get a lot of enjoyment out of The Chant. Its gameplay is exciting and has a unique premise that is rarely explored. While the enemy design won’t make your blood run cold, the creepy performances from the actors will and it’s all tied up in a very slick and polished package for a fair price.
Anyone who enjoys the kind of games that Cyberdreams used to make will adore Scorn; bleak and surreal puzzle-driven adventure games that treat the player like an adult. It may cost a bit much (if you don’t have Game Pass), but it is the kind of game that stays with you, long after you play it.
Signalis barely has any weaknesses as far as being a complete experience. At worst, some impatient gamers might struggle with some of the puzzles in the game. For its price, with Signalis gamers will get a highly immersive, substantial horror game that lasts roughly eight hours or more depending on player skill.
Overall, The Last Hero of Nostalgia is a solid game that is great for any Souls lover but in a way lacks that one thing that makes it a must-have. The only way we can see this game catching on is if a famous Souls player were to pick it up and show others. The Last Hero of Nostalgia is fun to play when you have the time, but with so many games currently releasing, it will probably get lost in the library.
Regretfully, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 came and went like a wet fart in a dark rainy night. It was the last new Castlevania game made, and its not hard to see why. It’s an expensive and bloated mess of ideas that don’t mesh well with trite gameplay.
Even then, it seems enjoying it with a friend where you can feel more free to experience would lead to a more optimal environment. Other than that, Live by the Sword: Tactics is better off to be skipped.