Niche Gamer
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Whether or not Quake II‘s ties to the original are somewhat loose doesn’t really matter. It might only carry the Quake name for marketing purposes, but that could have also influenced fans’ expectations. At its core, Quake II is more aggressive, faster, and larger in scale than its predecessor. It doesn’t replace the original; instead, it confidently stands beside it.
If you like edgy humor? Great. If you just want to be a hot girl trying to solve hot girl problems. This is the game for you. It’s crude, it’s funny, it has fantastic voice acting, and despite what little there is to find fault with; I had the most fun with a Western VN I think I’ve ever had. I just wish there was more.
Separate Ways is a welcomed and excellent addition to one of the best games of 2023. While it is too bad that it couldn’t have been a part of the package back when the core game was released, the wait has been worth it. Separate Ways is easily some of the best material that Capcom has produced since the real Resident Evil 4 and outclasses the original Separate Ways.
Compounded with its impeccable craftsmanship, The Talos Principle 2 puts AAA games to shame with its value. This is an enormous and long puzzle game that is lengthier than most RPGs and can easily breach the 50-hour range. All of this for a paltry $29.99. Engrossing, epic, and vast intelligently written video games apparently don’t have to cost $69.99.
Overall, Mario vs. Donkey Kong for the Nintendo Switch is a game I couldn’t put down. It’s a remaster of an iconic puzzle game that’s a direct upgrade and even adds features. There’s over a hundred stages, creative level design, expressive characters, and it’s just simple and clean fun.
Unicorn Overlord is a true gem, a genre-defining strategy RPG that should be lined up with the other greats released through time. I truly love Unicorn Overlord and now consider it one of my all-time favorite games, I only wish Vanillaware didn’t run out of money again because I’m dying to return to Fevrith.
As much negativity as Kickstarter has been saddled with over the past year, I feel reassured that good things can come of it thanks to this game here. Though Divinity and Shadowrun were also big successes that were funded through Kickstarter, it almost felt for a while there that Wasteland would get lost in their shadow. That thankfully isn't the case, since in this gamer's opinion, Wasteland 2 is a much bigger and more varied CRPG than either of those two titles. Fargo & Co should be proud of what they have here, and I sincerely hope that the market allows them to make a Wasteland 3.
I found myself smiling through a majority of my time with this game, unable to put it down until I'd beaten it. For only $10 USD (or your regional equivalent) on Steam, it's hard not to recommend at least giving it a try. For me, it might just be my game of the year.
And for me, this is one of the most complete and fulfilling RPG experiences I've ever had.
With its well fleshed-out world and clever twist on classic Dungeons & Dragons-style rules, Pillars of Eternity could be the next big RPG series that people have been wanting from the genre for the past decade. As for me, I'm already working on a second trip and still gloating over the success of my dwarven Paladin to anyone who will listen.
If I was Swen Vincke, I'd make sure to work on this engine and release a few more games using the same exact gameplay scheme. What he has here is the basis for a very lucrative new (old?) breed of CRPG and it would be criminal to not take advantage of it. Original Sin is his masterpiece, and with it he has filled a void that a lot of old school RPGers came to Kickstarter looking for. Congratulations Larian, you did the impossible. Now make more.
Seriously bursting at the seams with style and beauty from every corner, Astebreed is a must play, and will continue to be a must play long after you've beaten it. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some more Filune ships to blow up.
You might have already guessed by reading the above, but everything works so well together it's shocking. This is one of the most polished products I have played in the last 5 years, standing out as a real labor of love.
Redout is wonderful take on a game series that is beloved but almost forgotten in this age of hyper realism. Tight controls, smooth gameplay, fantastic music, and great overall design make this a must download for all racing game fans.
Mankind Divided is an amazing game that is just as clever, well-written, and non-linear as the original Deus Ex.
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is one 3DS title that shouldn't be passed up. It's easily one of the best games for the system hands down, and it is a huge step toward Monster Hunter reaching perfection in its gaming genre. However, 4 Ultimate still is a Monster Hunter game, so those that have tried it before and hated it shouldn't bother. But anyone new to the series will find that 4 Ultimate is a great place to start.
All in all, it's hard to find much to complain about in Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold. A competent story, engrossing and deep gameplay, lovely artwork/graphics, and a divine soundtrack are a few things to look forward to when purchasing this game. There are a few minor hangups, mainly the lack of dual-audio, (and the fact that day-one DLC might upset some folks out there) but as a whole, Untold 2 is without a doubt one of the best games on the 3DS right now.
Once again Koei has created a fantastic strategy game that plays surprisingly well on a console, while not as immediately comfortable to play with a control as Nobunaga’s Ambition, which I own on both PC and PS4, but perfer the PS4 controls more.
In an ocean of indie titles that eventually blend in with one another, VA-11 HALL-A stands out from the crowd and promises you a comfortable and unbelievably enjoyable experience. Grab a beer, listen to the soundtrack, and enjoy.
The overwhelming majority of people who played the game over the years and across all available platforms have made their praise of the game well known. Therefore, I feel comfortable giving this game a high review score. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got ballistics to secure.