GBAtemp's Reviews
I was looking forward to what the V-Rally franchise would bring with its comeback but was disappointed to see dated graphics and harsh controls holding back a once revered series.
As I mentioned at the top, every now and then there comes a game that defines a genre, a game that people remember fondly many years later. I feel that RE 2019 is one such game. To me, it belongs on the prestigious list of "perfect remakes", just like Resident Evil: REmake did before it, replacing the original as the definitive experience. If you're in two minds about the game, don't be - it's a return to form for the series and a shining example of what survival horror is supposed to be.
New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe is yet another gem to be snatched from the obscurity of the Wii U and presented to the masses thanks to the Switch's popularity. Despite not featuring much in the way of new content, the addition of Toadette alone creates an entirely fresh way to play this almost seven year old title. For a fan of Mario, a fan of platforming, or just somebody who never had a Wii U, I cannot recommend it enough.
TSA: NMH is a game I was looking forward to and, in all honesty, I can't say that it fully satisfied my longing for some Travis Touchdown action. As I've mentioned earlier, the game feels like a fun appetizer before the main course comes along. Thing is, we've been waiting for the main course for quite some time and I'm afraid that many of the fans might get up and choose a different venue.
If I had to pick a single word to describe Nippon Marathon, it would be fun. While I struggle to ascertain exactly which part of this beautiful mess calls to me so, I can recommend it for anybody looking for a wild multiplayer experience. Pick up four controllers and get ready for the marathon of your life.
This is one of the most engrossing games I've ever played in an already well-loved franchise, and I can't recommend it enough to just about anybody out there. While there were some minor adjustments to systems in future Tales titles to make for a smoother experience (not having to forge an item to be able to swap characters mid-battle, for instance), not one has approached this level of depth or this high a skill ceiling. Without hesitation, I can say that the benefits in Vesperia outweigh the downsides by a landslide. This game deserves all your money and then some, regardless the platform on which you decide to purchase it. "All my heart baby, all my love~ Arrivederci! ;D"
Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends Definitive Edition is without a doubt the best Warriors game I have ever played, and to see it run so well on the Switch is fantastic to see. Featuring a seemingly endless ocean of content to be conquered, alongside an army of playable characters and arsenal of unique weaponry, it's a game I can recommend to any Warriors fan with no hesitation.
Just Cause 4 suffers from having little to no meat on its bones and a very poor graphical presentation. The complete freedom of movement is exhilarating but ultimately not enough to keep your attention for more than a couple sessions.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate lives up to its namesake. Putting forward a refined and polished console Smash experience in a form digestible both on the go and through all-night marathon sessions, it succeeds in bringing each unique joy of the series to the Switch. Though lacking a few iconic modes, it stands as one of the best games released for the console, whether playing alone or with friends.
I'd wholeheartedly recommend Katamari Damacy. I was expecting to enjoy the experience, but to my surprise, I ended up loving it. It's unique, it's fun, and it's only £16. There is a lack of new content though, so if I'd already owned this game elsewhere, I'm not sure it'd be worth it. That said, since I hadn't played it before, I'd have definitely picked it up.
A great example of preserving and presenting retro gaming on a current gen console! The Nintendo Switch version might very well be the optimal version of this title.
Stealth gaming done right.
The watered down and (seemingly) pointless RPG elements and linear confines of the world mixed with very poorly optimized combat will leave you itching to dig out the other two titles to play instead.
Pokemon Let's Go Eevee and Pikachu are fine additions to the series, albeit different to what we're used to seeing. Presenting a more casual and relaxed environment to stroll through and appreciate, it offer a new Kanto. One of exploration, one of cooperation, and one of catching them all. It isn't without its faults, but as a way to bridge the gap between mobile and main series, it succeeds brilliantly.
Any Persona fan will be delighted with seeing their favorite characters together once more. If you enjoyed Persona 4: Dancing All Night, or love either Persona 3 or 5, there's a good chance that you'll be pleased with these spinoffs. This would be easier to recommend however, if both titles were not split up as separate $60 games, with lots of added DLC.
I have to say I enjoyed my time with this one. It's yet another "diamond in the rough" kind of title that needed just a little bit more polish to truly stand out. With that said, it's still easily one of the better installments in the series and a solid strategy game, both for Space Hulk fans and new recruits. It's precisely what a Warhammer 40K game should be - a well-thought-out, slow and methodical strategy game with a strong focus on squad-based tactics. If you feel that you can look past its flaws, give it a fair shake - after all, serving the Emperor is not a duty, it's a privilege.
Moonlighter is Zelda with a shopkeeper twist. Balancing beautiful animations and soothing tunes against an underwhelming plot, a thing combat system, and plenty of grinding, there's plenty to like and dislike.
Gal Metal is a game that is what you make of it. If you want a tall string of technical combinations, this is a game for you. If you want a satisfying and consistent beat through some brilliant metal beats, this is still a game for you. The flexibility and personal nature of the experience feels entirely unique, let down only by the limited list of 13 tracks. Pick this up if you're a fan of metal, of drumming, or of violently swinging a Joy Con; you won't regret it.
I went into this game with quite high expectations, based on what all the hype surrounding the game, but unfortunately they didn't meet those expectations. Regardless, however, Call of Cthulhu is probably one of the better video games based on the Cthulhu Mythos, even with of all the technical issue it faces. While animations and voice acting can be rather mediocre at times, and some of the puzzles are quite annoying, the story and overall experience is probably worth dealing with some lackluster technical aspects. If you love Lovecraftian Lore, than I would fully recommend the game to you. And remember, Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!
The World Ends With You is my favourite game of all time. The story is engaging and heartwarming, the characters are diverse and well-designed, and the gameplay is remarkably unique. Overall, TWEWY is a niche title that I think most fans of games like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts will enjoy.