Examiner's Reviews
BoxBoy is a splendid 3DS eShop game. It's entertaining, addictive, and Qbby is a charming lead character. It's a must-own for any puzzle loving 3DS owner.
The choices in Life is Strange: Episode 2 have only gotten bigger and more serious. DONTNOD has setup some pretty big moments ahead of players and I'm excited to see where they take the story, its characters and world next.
The game shows off some truly cool concepts, and offers Oculus Rift support for those that want to see how the minimal UI and experience change, but at it's core is a good game hamstrung by a few lacking areas.
Story of Seasons is a niche game for an extremely small crowd. It's not bad and as another in this small genre, it's good. The slow pace and plethora of tasks can be overwhelming at first, accompanied by a slow start, but those who put in the time will reap its rewards. Fans of Nintendo's Animal Crossing series will feel at home and enjoy this as well. And to other gamers, like this one, maybe it's time to branch out the old genre branch.
While the actions of many of the characters are full of intensity this episode the debut of Daenerys Targaryen and the evolution of Gared Tuttle make this an experience any real "Game of Thrones" or Telltale fan can't afford to miss.
There's simply no other JRPG quite like it.
The game isn't lengthy and will take most players only a couple of hours to complete. Regardless, Slender: The Arrival carries some truly notable frights. It's a powerful horror experience that will leave you feeling anxious.
"Cities: Skylines" brings us forward, while looking over the shoulder and providing an ever so slight nod to the proud history of city management games.
Borderlands: The Handsome Collection is one of the best remasters out there and delivers exceptional value in spades.
Minor gripes like the netcode and kill trades aside, the game delivers an online experience that can be cathartic, tense, and ultimately an adrenaline rush – something that echoes the core tenets of a "Battlefield" game.
Silly, but sometimes intense, "Tales from the Borderlands: Episode 2: Atlas Mugged" is another solid addition to the series, even if it doesn't challenge you much.
Revelations 2 has its moments as the game includes a lot of easter eggs for fans of the series. The Raid Mode is a fantastic and addictive game mode that is worth the price of admission alone. It tells a sufficient story, but the new characters do not really stick out. The cooperative A.I. is as diverse as ever, but the intelligence behind it has much to be desired.
Ori and the Blind Forest is a great game Xbox One game. Its world and characters are delightful. The music and visuals are extraordinary. The high level of difficulty and distinct save system may be off-putting for some players, but those looking for an exceptional Metroid-like substitute will thoroughly enjoy what Moon Studios have created here.
For those looking for something different from the standard "Civ" experience, or something that's an even larger departure than "Beyond Earth" was, this may just be the scratch for said itch.
Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is Nintendo's first true new IP in a long time. Thankfully the experiment worked, proving the old studio still has some magic up its sleeve. It's not perfect, but a sequel could definitely smooth out its rough edges. Here's hoping this won't be the last time players will see Abraham Lincoln and his diverse agents of S.T.E.A.M.
"DmC Devil May Cry: Definitive Edition" not only tweaks and enhances the overall experience of the 2013 game, but adds in small dashes of greatness that elevate the title to new heights. Although a mouthful, the title is expertly descriptive. If you want an action game that is truly the "Definitive Edition" of the 2013 entry, as well as a great core "Devil May Cry" experience, this collection reigns supreme.
Charming and inventive, "Mario Vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars" is one of the best sequels to own in 2015 on the 3DS and one of the most enjoyable Wii U games you can play with kids and friends. With a top-notch level editor, it's never been more fun to jump right into a game and discover what makes it so great.
At three dollars and with tons of replayable content, Gunman Clive 2 is a great contender for a modern classic. It displays the best things about the 3DS and creates an addictively entertaining time that's fun for all.
Resogun: Defenders offers a nice range of content across the two new game modes. Protector is highly enjoyable as it twists the standard Resogun gameplay in favor of a faster, more action-packed game mode with a bigger emphasis on building and protecting human cities and bases. Commando is an inventive idea that takes ideas from the past, but adds in some modern day style.
"Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy+" is a more than solid addition to the series, granted you to didn't take to the air when the game was originally released in 2011. Amiibo features and improved controls and visuals aside, there's not enough to warrant another purchase. However, if you're feeling for some solid aviation-fueled drama on your new 3DS, this is your only choice.