Reno Gazette-Journal
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Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 is a nice improvement over its predecessor's solid foundation, featuring more characters, more modes and more content. The single-player additions are welcome though still a bit lacking and the time commitment required to unlock and level up all your characters can be a bit daunting. The gameplay, however, continues to be addicting and is suited for both kids and adults. If you're looking for a fun, family-friendly shooter, Garden Warfare 2 delivers.
Far Cry Primal presents an interesting take on the series' formula by going way, way back in time. The change in environment helps freshen up familiar mechanics that can get stale in a more modern setting while also making the game seem far more brutal and visceral. Folks who feel queasy at the sight of bloody animals and people might not be able to stomach Primal's prehisotric immersion. Gamers looking for a different open-world experience, however, will likely appreciate the change in setting.
Fire Emblem Fates builds on the strengths of Awakening by serving up three great games while presenting much improved storytelling that's backed by impressive production values. The piecemeal approach to enjoying the full Fates experience for those who miss out on the special edition is unfortunate as it unnecessarily punishes the most loyal fans. For gamers who want more Fire Emblem, however, having not one but three games to play in Birthright, Conquest and Revelation pretty much equates to gaming heaven.
Fire Emblem Fates builds on the strengths of Awakening by serving up three great games while presenting much improved storytelling that's backed by impressive production values. The piecemeal approach to enjoying the full Fates experience for those who miss out on the special edition is unfortunate as it unnecessarily punishes the most loyal fans. For gamers who want more Fire Emblem, however, having not one but three games to play in Birthright, Conquest and Revelation pretty much equates to gaming heaven.
XCOM 2 doubles down on the trademark gameplay of the franchise while adding some new elements to help keep things fresh. A challenging jaunt, the game is at its best when testing players' limits and layering the feeling of dread and hopelessness from fighting a superior foe. The random nature of the game can feel unfairly difficult at times and an assortment of bugs and niggles keep XCOM 2 from achieving perfection. For lovers of strategy gaming, however, the game is an excellent representation of the genre.
Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth represents a step in a positive direction for the series, providing a fun RPG adventure and training simulator that features more than 200 digital monsters. Visuals are a bit of a mixed bag and the lack of an English dub won't sit well with some players. Overall, though, it's a fun game that has grown up alongside its older fans. It might not be for everyone but those who love the series will enjoy this game.
Final Fantasy Explorers adds a touch of that old Square magic to the monster hunting genre, complete with familiar job classes and abilities for Final Fantasy fans. It's not as technical as Monster Hunter so it'll feel shallow for veterans of that game. It's easier mechanics and faster pace make it more beginner-friendly, however, though everyone regardless of skill should be prepared for a serious grind.
LEGO Marvel's Avengers is a solid entry in the series with nice combat, charming humor and excellent production values. Content is also extensive, giving players plenty of stuff to do. Admittedly, it doesn't add much to the LEGO formula and still suffers from wonky platforming and old glitches. Folks looking for a new experience won't get as much mileage but fans of the series and newcomers will enjoy it.
Although it maintains the tension that classic Resident Evil is known for, the game is unapologetically tied to the original to a fault so newcomers might be turned off by the older camera and controls mechanics. If you're a fan of classic Resident Evil, however, you'll get more mileage from this remaster for new consoles.
"Mario & Luigi Paper Jam" brings together two Mario worlds and manages to pull it off. The game continues to do a great job in combining RPG and action elements in its combat, which remains the biggest strength of games in the series. Admittedly, the micromanaging and multitasking can get too hectic at times for some folks. The story, while cute and charming, also doesn't have the meat that RPGs are typically known for. Folks who enjoy Mario's RPG series or want and engaging old school-style JRPG experience with Mario characters, however, will find this game to be jamming in a good way.
Rise of the Tomb Raider is a solid followup to the series' reboot, offering a nice mix of adventuring, puzzle platforming and action in a pretty-looking setting. Admittedly, it doesn't really break any new ground but it's a very polished rendition of the genre that continues the story of everyone's favorite Croft. If you're a fan of the reboot or never tried it but love the classic games in the series, Rise of the Tomb Raider is one game you'll want to climb onto.
Like the series overall, Episode 4 of Minecraft Story Mode is a tale of two games. On one hand, you have a charming adventure that should delight younger audiences. On the other hand, it may not have enough of the serious meat that older gamers would like to see in their point and click adventure. As for what the finality of A Block and A Hard Place entails for the next episode, we'll all just have to wait and see what Telltale has in store for it.
After years of incremental to non-existent progress that led to the scuttling of the franchise, Guitar Hero Live resurrects the series with new controls and a new look to boot. Yes, you'll want to slap your cheesy bandmates sometimes — perhaps even a lot. Folks used to the old controls might also find the new button layout maddening while content gating can be a bummer. The added interaction combined with some new fun modes, however, make this a promising reboot for the franchise.
"Minecraft Story Mode Episode 3: The Last Place You Look," ratchets up the drama while also taking out the split paths that made the previous episode feel a tad short for folks who decide to just do one playthrough. Admittedly, the cartoony look dampens the serious moments and the occasional graphical glitches continue to be a bummer. The witty writing, however, makes this one suitable for both young and old.
RIDE does a good job with providing a solid racing effort for motorcycles and filling an underserved niche but it admittedly lacks the extra oomph and polish seen in triple-A car racers. Fans of the genre will love the myriad options for bikes and customization. Load times, dated graphics and some bugs, however, knock down the experience a peg or two. It won't be for everyone but folks looking for a solid bike racing experience on the track and the street might want to give this game a proverbial ride.
Thanks to over-the-top game mechanics that encourage not just mayhem but also creative ways of unleashing them, the game can be a hoot to play for action lovers who have imagination and a sense of humor. Some parts are admittedly shallow and the game could use a more memorable plot. If you like campy action, however, Just Cause 3 is for you.
Although Telltale's "Game of Thrones" series started out on a promising note, the constant barrage of shocking and depressing developments involving its protagonists will test even the most well-adjusted person. The fact that episode six fails to provide a resolution to House Forrester's story and kicks the can down toward a second season also leaves players hanging. Fans who enjoy Game of Thrones' gritty and brutal storytelling might enjoy the ride. For others, however, the unyielding narrative formula eventually gets a bit old.
Overall, Stella Glow represents a polished rendition of the classic strategy JRPG that fans of the genre can appreciate. It doesn't introduce any groundbreaking mechanics but the mechanics it does have are mostly implemented well and make the game enjoyable. Despite a few issues with character imbalances and tuning sequences that aren't quite dialed down, Stella Glow does a good job overall of providing a modern rendition of the classic JRPG playstyle and should entertain old-school fans.
Xenoblade Chronicles X is a love letter to Japanese RPG fans thirsting for a large open-world experience. Progression admittedly can be a grind and just getting to the point where you get your first Skell requires a time investment that equals finishing a game or two in other genres. The game also could do a better job of explaining things, which would be especially helpful to newcomers to the series. At the same time, the breadth of content and things to do, combined with a wonderfully realized world, makes Xenoblade Chronicles X a mighty filling experience for fans of JRPGs that can last hundreds of hours. If you love the genre, this is one game you'll want to spend time with. A LOT of time.
All in all, you'll literally get hundreds of hours of gameplay to do, with more content added roughly every three months. This is hands down the best MMO on the market currently, in my opinion, and I think every Final Fantasy fan should at least play it through. Even if you're not the type to join clans, it's a game you can play almost exclusively solo except for a couple bosses and some mandatory dungeons. If you have been waiting on picking up Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward there is no better time than now to pick it up. It's a solid 4.5 out of 5 for me.