GBAtemp's Reviews
I said it once and I'll say it again - God of War is one of those few rare games that truly define a platform. I'm confident that many years from now it's going to be one of those titles you see scoring high in the Top 10's of our current gaming generation. The game truly pushes the hardware where it matters and the resulting product is nothing short of perfect - a must-buy for a PlayStation owner.
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.
Disaster Report 4 is a game like no other. Undeniably flawed both technically and mechanically, I cannot in good nature recommend it to anybody, and yet I find myself recommending it to every person to ask.
Case of the Golden Idol is an innovative and truly engaging detective masterpiece.
Baldur's Gate 3 manages to not only meet expectations set during the early access development cycle, but exceed them entirely. Offering plenty of customization in how you play, a huge world with tons to explore, and a fully complete story and experience from launch day, Larian Studios has set my new gold standard and expectation for RPGs going forward, whether the AAA studios like it or not.
At the end of the day, Iceborne is an amazing expansion to an already amazing game. Providing greater challenges and greater rewards, tight and improved controls and a deep narrative of its own, this is a must own for both vets and newcomers to the series.
Monster Hunter: World stands high as top dog in the series. Tight gameplay, impressive visuals and great online only make up a small fraction of this fantastic game. A must play for vets and those new to the series alike.
Elden Ring is the most fun I've had with a video game in years. I went into the game expecting to have a bit of fun and came out 100 hours later craving more. If you've been on the fence with the Souls series, there really is no better time to jump in.
In an indie market so heavily saturated with retro-inspired games, Axiom Verge really stands out as a work of art that deserves to be played by everyone, whether they're looking to reminisce of days past or looking for inspiration to try other games of a similar style for the first time. Axiom Verge shows true devotion to a genre and style and the fruit of one man's labor is absolutely stunning. Axiom Verge is incredibly easy to pick up and impossible to put down.
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"
Personally, I feel that this game is damned close to being a perfect masterpiece. From start to finish I was captivated and the gunplay and combat are satisfyingly stealthy with progressive brutality which some may feel slightly overblows the emotive struggle you endure. Barring a few minuscule glitches and a feeling of being drawn out in places, The Last of Us 2 swings for the big leagues and raises the bar on every level.
It's that good.
Bloodborne is a game I was looking forward to since it was announced and only a few titles hyped to that extent deliver on their promises - From Software delivered. This Souls spin-off is near-perfect and it's exclusives like this that can be platform-defining. If there's anything I could complain about, it's the fact that I already want more Bloodborne and anxiously await DLC - I'll be the first in line for it. The game established a solid foundation for a series and any expansion or sequels are most welcome.
The Witcher 3 is downright the best game I've played in recent years. I can't say any reason why a person should skip the game. As the few bugs here and there have mostly been fixed, the gameplay can go forward for hundreds of hours. For the $60 you pay for the game, you will gain immense value and other developers should take note.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses is both a cumulation of everything that makes the series so good, and an evolution of its shortcomings. Learning from past successes and failures, it stands proud as an experience accessible to the masses, with the core balance still intact. In this nest of choice and freedom still exists the linearity and resource management I personally adore. For those who want everything, it's there for the taking. For those who want a classic experience, you can pave through the game. For those wanting a fantastic Fire Emblem experience, look no further.
G!STCE is an amazing achievement for an indie studio. The game is a perfect example of a Metroidvania style adventure and although it takes a lot of cues from its predecessors, it adds enough of its own originality to stand out from the crowd. I hope DrinkBox decide to bring back Juan and his world for a second outing in a sequel. For such a popular genre among gamers, it's surprising how few Metroidvanias actually make it out to mainstream consoles.
In a world where I started to find too much simplicity and repetition in Mario, I have had my mind turned upside down thanks to Mario Maker. Where I desired difficulty, I received it. Where I asked for more Yoshi, I got it. Where I asked for an endless amount of Mario to play, I have obtained it. And something I thought since being a small child was realized as well. I get to make Mario, the way I want to play Mario.
Out now for an ailing console, Severed will be remembered as one of those “console-defining” games. Actually, it’s more than just a game. It is a memorable experience unique to the PSVita that is to be savoured in its entirety.
It’s not often that a game can be re-ported and re-mastered nine different times, but Resident Evil 4 isn’t just any game. In a time of constant remasters and re-releases flooding our current gaming market, Resident Evil 4 stands above the rest as a worthy re-release. If you’re a fan of Resident Evil, I highly recommend revisiting arguably the best game the series has ever offered. If you’ve never played a Resident Evil game before, this is a perfect time and place to jump in.
Shadow of the Colossus was a masterpiece when it released in 2005, with only few technical flaws truly hurting the game, and this remake basically perfects every issue previously had with the game beyond fixing it's general length. It took me 3 hours and 52 minutes to beat the game, granted, with a lot of prior experience, but it still lasts the same approximate 8-10 hours of gameplay for new players. Despite this lack of length, I strongly suggest old players and new to pick up this remake at some point in time, to truly experience the definitive version of Shadow of the Colossus