Reno Gazette-Journal
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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.
Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water is a unique entry in the horror genre that provides players with a different experience from the norm. Admittedly, certain aspects of the game feel dated and the storytelling doesn't quite bring out the full potential of its promising plot. The game's combat mechanics, however, are stellar with the Wii U providing the best implementation of the series' camera controls to date. If you're itching for a classic horror game that's different from the norm, this one's worth a shot — pun so totally intended.
Overall, Star Wars Battlefront does a good job with its main focus, which is providing a fun multiplayer experience for players. Admittedly, the lack of a campaign is disappointing so this might not be the game for you if you play shooters for the story and don't even touch multiplayer. If you're raison d'etre with the genre is playing online, however, Battlefront is one side you'll likely want to join.
Elite Dangerous is a great representation of the space sim genre that will have fans tickled by its large galaxy, open world and solid combat. Admittedly, it isn't for everybody. The more measured pace will be boring for folks who want action all the time and the lack of guidance also will likely turn off newcomers. At the same time, if you love the genre and you're looking for something to sink your teeth into before Star Citizen comes out, this will definitely scratch that space sim itch.
Animal Crossing Amiibo Festival is a spinoff title that features plenty of the charm and cuteness the franchise is known for but lacks the depth of other games in the series. Although the production values are great, the gameplay for the main mode is a bit on the shallow side and the amiibo figure and card integration also can be a bit cumbersome. It's ideal for young kids and family-friendly gaming but likely won't hold the interest of older gamers for extended play. The includes amiibo figures, on the other hand, are freaking awesome. I'd actually get this for those two amiibos alone.
Mario Tennis Ultra Smash does a good job in refining the base gameplay with new mechanics but also suffers from a lack of modes and features compared to its predecessors. Mega Battles also feel gimmicky as opposed to a new game changing feature and amiibo integration could have been better. Although the single-player experience is lacking, however, Mario Tennis Ultra Smash continues to shine in its multiplayer matches, which remain a fun experience locally with friends and family as well as against online foes. Gather a bunch of folks in the living room and get ready for some wacky tennis hijinks and lots of hilarious screaming.
Polarized caps off the Life Is Strange saga with powerful storytelling and one of the more, well, polarizing endings seen in a video game. The middle drags on a bit and some gameplay elements aren't quite as dialed in. Then again, the series does such a good job with making you care that the journey becomes quite a compelling one, even if you may not necessarily agree with the final destination.
After a solid setup from the first game about a world-ending evil, Minecraft Story Mode Episode 2, loses a bit of steam due to a shorter adventure that feels like it's just going through the motions. The foundation is still there for a fun adventure so, but Telltale will need to ratchet things up a notch in the next episode, "The Last Place You Look," especially with the excellent precedent that "Tales From the Borderlands" has set.
[I]f you like old-school action and see yourself not minding the spin wheel mechanic for accessing stages, then Chibi Robo! Ziplash might just be a game you'll want to plug into.
Call of Duty: Black Ops III flips the script a bit by serving what's arguably the weakest campaign in the Black Ops series but redeems itself with a fresher and more content-filled multiplayer with its online and zombie modes. The addition of new specialists and faster, more fluid movement within more layered maps adds plenty of extra polish to the game's traditional mechanics. Zombies mode also gets extra depth in terms of both production and gameplay. Although it doesn't revolutionize shooters per se, it's one of the more polished entries in the genre this generation.
A solid story, large open world, tight combat and plethora of content and things to do make Fallout 4 yet another stellar outing in the popular series. The sheer amount of content admittedly can be overwhelming and occasional glitches are unfortunate. Overall, however, a well realized setting and excellent variety in gameplay makes Fallout 4 one of the standout games of 2015.
Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance is another solid entry in a series known for its kooky humor and deep tactical chops. Even with its additions to the core system, the game likely won't change the minds of folks who have fallen out of love with the series in general. For folks looking for a filling and satisfying tactical JRPG, however, Disgaea 5 will be just what the demon lord ordered.
Yo-Kai watch is a promising addition to Nintendo's stable of games, thanks to a polished presentation and intriguing game mechanics. Admittedly, the questing can get a bit repetitive and the battle system isn't quite as dialed down as Pokemon's from a competitive standpoint. Still, with its sizable stable of interesting ghosts, solid gameplay and oodles of charm, Yo-Kai watch should tickle the fancies of the young and young at heart.
Tales of Zestiria remains a worthy addition to the Tales series, thanks to likable characters and a top-notch battle system. Story pacing bogs down a bit in the middle and occasional issues with the camera and AI can negatively impact the combat. Overall, however, Zestiria does a good job in scratching the JRPG itch of fans looking for a solid game to sink their teeth into.
Tales From the Borderlands Episode 5: Vault of the Traveler wraps up the excellent story of Rhys, Fiona and company with a satisfying conclusion filled with tense moments, great action and entertaining dialogue from a lovable cast. It bogs down a bit in the middle and is filled with plenty of Deus Ex Machina moments. Nevertheless, it remains an excellent addition to what is arguably Telltale's best series to date.
Fun and whimsical, Minecraft Story Mode's first episode is sure to entertain fans of Mojang's original breakout game. It won't be for folks who prefer Telltale's more mature fare. But if you like Telltale's storytelling approach and enjoy Minecraft or Lego games, you'll want to add the The Order of the Stone to your crafting table.
Like many Warriors games before it Dragon Quest Heroes won't be for everybody. For fans of its established fighting formula, however, Heroes presents a new polished take on the one vs. 1,000 genre. If you're looking for a new Dynasty-style hack and slash to sink your teeth into after Hyrule Warriors, Dragon Quest Heroes is a fun romp that will fulfill your not so final fantasy.
All in all, Hearts of Stone is a breathtaking experience that builds on the excellence of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. If the well crafted story doesn't reel you in, the gameplay and new monsters and bosses likely will. If you loved Wild Hunt, you'll definitely want to give Hearts of Stone a shot.