GBAtemp's Reviews
Overall, I enjoyed VA-11 HALL-A way more than I'd anticipated. It's a visual novel with a lot of heart, a heartwarming and emotional story, and some great aesthetics. It's also super cheap, so the relatively short play-time isn't so bad. I'd recommend giving it a go, even if you're not usually into VNs.
Boasting top-notch writing, visuals, and gameplay, Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse is one of the 3DS' finest titles and an experience well worth your time.
Dragon Quest Builders is an excellent building sandbox woven together with JRPG threads. It allowed me to have fun with the gameplay in a genre I wouldn't usually care for.
Team Ninja now have a huge success on their hands with Nioh, and I can't wait to see what comes next. Small refinements made here could see this as the new king of Amrita.
NieR: Automata is not a perfect game, but it's damn near close to perfection. I've enjoyed every moment of it, and although the post-apocalyptic Earth felt a little synthetic, perhaps that was the point. Missing out on NieR: Automata would be missing out on one of the better JRPG's I've played in a long time. The game explored interesting themes through the means of multiple genres, all executed to the highest of standards, and it deserves credit for that. If you're a fan of "the PlatinumGames touch", be sure to grab NieR: Automata - you won't regret it.
A flashy and fun adrenaline shot of tight controls and exploding mayhem; this budget title is a must-have for any fan of arcade style Shoot em' Ups and Dual-Stick Shooters.
In the end, I really enjoyed Sonic Mania. The 16-bit adventure is a true return to form for the series, and an installment that many fans have been waiting for since Sonic 3 and Knuckles. The gripes are minor, but the fun is major. And at a modest $20 price tag, you really can't go wrong picking the game up.
Dragon Ball Z is a video game franchise that has many beloved entries, from the Legacy of Goku series, to the Budokai and Tenkaichi games. However, these games have always been targeted to its niche fanbase. Dragon Ball FighterZ is different; it's a fighting game that everyone, including veteran DBZ fans and newcomers alike, can enjoy wholeheartedly.
PlatinumGames' Switch debut leaves me excited for the future. The witch is back in a style and form befitting only of herself, paving the way for, and bridging the gap to, Bayonetta 3. Bayonetta + Bayonetta 2 demonstrates the Switch can not only run the greats of the Wii U on the go, but run them at their best.
Stealth gaming done right.
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.
Octopath Traveler fills a gap in the Switch's ever-growing market, putting forward a full and refined traditional JRPG experience in a way that will appeal to both experienced and new fans alike. Presenting a unique and visually enticing graphical style, alongside eight storylines and a plethora of bonus content, it is a game I unreservedly recommend for Nintendo Switch owners.
A blast to play.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an amazing game, filled with love and passion from its creators and delivers a true "metroidvania" experience. If you like Castlevania games, you'll love this true spiritual successor.
Dragon Quest Builders 2 is a true standout in the Switch's ever-glistening library of gems. From its brilliantly-paced progression to its secrets and thoughtful world design, it's a game you can play seemingly-endlessly. As long as you have a passion to build, as long as you're eager to create, develop, and grow, there will always be something to do. It is a game I wholeheartedly recommend to any Switch owner, and with a free demo available, there's no excuse not to give it a shot.
Code Vein is a brilliant evolution of the soulslike style. With fun combat, a well done AI partner system and a wealth of build options. Each area permeates that distinct desolate feeling, while still managing to remain unique. Even the story manages to keep being interesting enough to continually draw the player forward to discover more, with an elegant system to experience memories of past events to flesh out the story. Anyone who enjoys both anime style games, and soulslike games has plenty to enjoy in Code Vein.
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch was a breath of fresh air in 2013, breathing new life into the dying JRPG genre. This breath still resonates with audiences today and the game holds up in every way. With such a beautiful world, score, characters, and plot, it's hard to find much to hate. Level 5 and Studio Ghibli really knocked it out of the park with this entry.
Neo Cab is a chilling cyberpunk story that never loses sight of its character's humanity.
A very strong outing for the Zombie Army series, with an incredible eye for detail, variety in every aspect and a fresh lick of paint. This is an essential pick-up for anyone who has enjoyed any of the previous games or the Sniper Elite series.
I love what this game strives for, and I love how it plays out. Crytek excels in immersion and they have done an incredible job with Hunt: Showdown. Highly recommended if you have friends to partner up with, as server issues seem to plague it in its early days.