Reno Gazette-Journal
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Republique lands on the PlayStation 4 with all its chapters and its own take on the stealth genre. Its use of security cameras adds an interesting touch to stealth while its dystopian tale should keep players hooked. Admittedly, the slow, methodical pace won't be for everybody and even the otherwise solid story runs into some hiccups later on. Overall, however, it's an engaging experience for folks who want a little Orwell in their stealth games.
“Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven” looks spectacular thanks to gorgeous character models that bring a large number of its kooky cast to life. Gameplay, however, feels a bit flat and lacks the engaging action seen in “All Star Battle.” The AI is also about as reliable as the electronics of a Land Rover. Fans of the series might still enjoy this arena brawler but folks expecting a more polished fighting experience likely will feel differently about it.
Street Fighter V continues the tradition of its predecessors when it comes to providing technical 2D-style fighting for genre purists. Admittedly, the sparse number of features and lack of an arcade mode at launch killed a lot of good will from the less competitive members of its fanbase. The release of a cinematic story mode and steady stream of additional characters, however, is giving SFV that additional polish it really needed.
Chambara represents a compelling idea in the multiplayer duel arena genre thanks to visuals that are not only unique but play an integral role in the gameplay. The lack of modes and online hamper the longevity of its gameplay. Overall, though, it’s definitely a more than “OK” start for Team OK.
Fans looking for a totally new experience might be disappointed by the sameness of the gameplay for the most part. Gamers who prioritize graphics also might be turned off by its bare bones visuals. Personally, though, I love the game’s honest simplicity and lack of pretension. For folks who loved the original and want more, BoxBoxBoy definitely shapes up quite nicely.
Like Darth Vader and Obi Wan Kenobi, things come full circle as the property that started it all serves up one of the more enjoyable entries in Traveller's Tales' ongoing LEGO franchise. Admittedly, some annoying glitches scuttle the experience at times. Overall, however, new mechanics combined with nice set pieces and the classic LEGO touch make LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens the best title in the series in a while.
There's no sophomore slump here. Playdead delivers an excellent followup to Limbo with INSIDE, a puzzle platformer that turns up its predecessor’s concepts to 11 thanks to well-designed mechanics and a compelling setting that elegantly drifts between light and shadow. Add an engaging “show, don’t tell” story that is seamlessly integrated into the gameplay and you’ve got one of the best titles of the year.
I Am Setsuna is an unabashed love letter to fans of classic JRPGs, featuring solid, turn-based combat and a beautiful snowy world that looks like a moving painting. It’s a tad on the short side for an RPG and the journey can feel rushed, especially with the lack of extra content. Overall, it feels like it's at the cusp of JRPG greatness but just needs that little extra something to reach its full potential. Still, if you’re looking for an old school-style JRPG fix, I Am Setsuna will hit the spot.
Monster Hunter Generations does an excellent job in honoring the past while welcoming the new, thanks to a slew of new hunting styles and mechanics as well as a wealth of content that will keep players occupied for hours and hours upon hours. Folks who don’t get the hang of its technical combat will likely continue to wonder what the fuss is all about. For those who give its monsters the attention and respect they demand in order to do well, however, Monster Hunter Generations’ newly polished gameplay hits it out of the ballpark once more.
7th Dragon III: Code VFD is a welcome addition to the JRPG genre that features many classic elements fans will enjoy. Difficulty can be uneven with no middle ground and its world could be more fleshed out. An excellent turn-based combat system with interesting classes and excellent synergy between them, however, makes this a worthy addition to any JRPG fans’ library.
Released at a time when the genre is seeing heavy hitters such as Overwatch come to market, Umbrella Corps is a competitive shooter that’s as much a victim of bad timing as it is lack of polish. The idea behind its concept is interesting, especially for folks such as myself who were hoping for an improved version of Operation Raccoon City. With schizophrenic gameplay that falls behind others in the genre and no campaign to fall back on, however, Umbrella Corps is an even bigger missed opportunity than ORC was.
Minecraft: Wii U Edition adds a touch of Mario to the popular crafting franchise while bringing it to Nintendo's console. Outside of the Mario-themed additions, folks who have invested lots of time with other console or vanilla PC versions likely won't have incentive to make the switch. For those who have yet to play Minecraft, however, the Wii U Edition could be a good jump-in point to get their toes wet and find out what the fuss is all about.
Tokyo Mirage Sessions is the kind of wonderful surprise that you find in your stockings during Christmas morning. It’s quirky for sure and has its rough spots but its mix of stellar production values and solid take on classic turn-based JRPG combat makes it a must have for fans of the genre. Add much welcome nods to Shin Megami Tensei, Persona and Fire Emblem and you’ve got one of the best gaming surprises of the year so far.
While I still think Tropico 5 on the PC remains the definitive version of the game, this one’s pretty close for folks who exclusively play on the Xbox One.
Dungeons 2 is a witty and entertaining romp that adds a unique take to the dungeon keeper genre. Its combination of dungeon management with RTS mechanics is intriguing, though both systems aren't as fleshed out as dedicated games for each individual genre. Some of its niggles will also make you want to pull out your horns at times. Overall, however, its combination of humor with classic dungeon and fantasy elements makes it a nice diversion for aspiring evil overlords.
Although many video game re-releases are satisfied with slapping on some upscaling and calling it a day, Odin Sphere Leifthrasir goes the extra mile with its redrawn visuals and additional gameplay polishing. The result is one of the best representations of the classic 2D, sidescrolling action genre or any action game for that matter. This definitive version of the game is a video game remaster done right.
“Kirby: Planet Robobot” is an excellent addition to the franchise that manages to freshen up the series with its new Robobot Armor gameplay. Difficulty can be on the easy side for the most part, which might dismay folks looking for a challenge but also makes it more accessible to gamers of all ages and skill levels. The Team Kirby Clash mode is also a fun diversion for co-op lovers. If you’re a fan of Kirby platforming and puzzle solving, Kirby: Planet Robobot is one game you’ll definitely get sucked into.
Underneath TMNT Mutants in Manhattan’s shell are solid mechanics that could have been a great foundation for a technical brawler. Those technical elements, however, don’t get as much play as the game typically devolves into a four-turtle free for all. Add the lack of local co-op and you have a missed opportunity, especially given how the game nails the Ninja Turtles’ visuals. Overall, the game just can’t quite figure out whether to provide a solid single-player adventure or hectic multiplayer brawler.
Doom (2016) is a great addition to an oversaturated genre thanks to an excellent campaign, a polished old-school shooting experience and a creative SnapMap mode. Admittedly, the multiplayer, while competent, pales in comparison to the single-player experience. For Doom fans and newcomers looking for a different experience from today's typical shooters, however, this game's back-to-the-basics approach is devilishly fun.
The original Valkyria Chronicles redefined the strategy genre for many players thanks to its unique melding of turn-based combat with third-person flair. All that goodness from the original is in the remastered version, though I wish it also added more new things for returning series vets. For newcomers or series lovers who want to experience it all again, however, a good story, likeable characters and challenging combat make this game highly recommended.