Reno Gazette-Journal
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Overall, XenoVerse is a welcome change of pace for the Dragon Ball fighting formula, which was starting to get stale even for some die-hard fans. Admittedly, the fighting can feel unwieldy at times and it isn't the most technical entry you'll find in the genre. The addition of online RPG elements, however, is something I really liked so I hope Bandai Namco builds on that in the future.
[A] solid puzzle game that uses the right approach.
Ultimately, the first episode of Revelations 2 sets up a good followup to the first Revelations — which I actually liked — and portends a solid addition to the Resident Evil series. It's quite amusing when you find yourself in a desperate situation where you're out of ammo, low on life as your screen flashes bloody red, and running away from a large hammer-wielding brute.
Overall, however, Rainbow Curse is another solid entry in the Kirby series. If you're looking for a game to play with kids and family or simply want to indulge a charming platformer that's different from most entries in the series, Rainbow Curse will be for you. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a man card to track down.
Ultimately, MH4U certainly won't be for everybody. If your idea of fun action involves the hyper fast gameplay of titles such as Devil May Cry or Bayonetta, MH4U more deliberate pace might feel plodding to you. Every swing in a Monster Hunter game must be done with thought and purpose as well as an exit strategy in mind as being rooted to one spot is a recipe for being hit by a monster attack. Like Mordor, one doesn't simply walk into Monster Hunter and button mash. You need to think about positioning, not tripping your teammates and cancelling attacks via rolling so you can re-position and attack again. It might sound complicated but it really isn't in practice. Just be careful and don't be greedy and you should do fine. The payoff is certainly worth it. For folks who give Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate a chance and jump on it, the game should prove to be a fun and wild ride.
Overall, Majora's Mask 3D does a great job of bringing a beloved title back. The action remains solid and players have a bunch of stuff to do, including several well-designed side quests. If you loved the original or happened to miss it and would like to see what all the fuss is about, Majora's Mask 3D is a classic that stands the test of time. It definitely won't be a terrible fate to play it — in fact, I'd say it would be the opposite.
Overall, Citizens of Earth is a game that has solid underpinnings, though it could also use some extra polish. Folks who prefer more modern titles with all the 3D fixin's will likely pass on this. If you like games that don't take themselves too seriously and also have an old-school flair, however, this'll be worth checking out, especially given it's affordable price.
Will Capcom ever do a completely overhauled remake of the original story with an over-the-shoulder perspective? No one knows, though that sure would be neat. In the meantime, the Resident Evil HD remaster — despite showing signs of aging — remains an excellent time capsule that brings a classic back to life.
The lack of any significant additions to this year may not be enough to sway owners of last year's game to take the plunge. If you don't own the previous game, however, and want to get in some Formula One racing action, F1 2014 just might be worth getting into.
Overall, WWE 2K15 shows promise for the series moving forward with its great presentation and solid game engine. At the same time, the omission of certain content as well as aggressive DLC implementation also means the game hasn't quite hit its stride just yet.
If you're looking for a family friendly title that also provides a workout to your noggin, you'll want to try out this Wii U exclusive.
Overall, though, Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U is an excellent addition to the series. It's solid when played by your lonesome but really shines when played against other people whether it be online or on your couch. Personally, I recommend gathering up as many people as you can and squeezing them in your living room for the best Smash experience. Just be warned that they might not want to leave so get ready to kick them out.
Overall, however, Inquisition marks a return to form for Bioware. If the idea of a game that combines Mass Effect and Skyrim sounds good to you, Dragon Age: Inquisition is a game you wouldn't want to miss.
For the most part, though, crazy-fun skill trees, generous loot, solid gameplay and excellent graphics on previous-gen consoles make the game quite entertaining. If you thoroughly enjoyed Borderlands 2 and it left you clamoring for more, you'll want to give Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel a shot, jack.
Overall, though, "Lords of the Fallen" is a solid first efforts in an industry that's sometimes starved of new intellectual property. It certainly won't be for everybody but if you love games with more challenging combat, "Lords of the Fallen" should be worth taking a stab at.
As far as basketball games go, however, NBA 2K15 easily remains the best option out there.
Overall, though, The Evil Within is a solid survival thriller game that will likely satisfy fans who lament the more action-oriented direction that titles such as Resident Evil or Dead Space ended up taking as of late. If the idea of of gameplay in the vein of Resident Evil meets Silent Hill is something you find appealing, then you'll want to give The Evil Within a shot.
Overall, though, solid action and likeable characters make Bayonetta 2 a great followup to the original, which, by the way, is included for free with the game. It's definitely a title that harkens back to a time when lightning-quick Japanese action games such as Devil May Cry ruled the roost. If you prefer more deliberately paced action such as the 3D Super Mario Bros. platformers or even Tomb Raider, then the kinetic action of Bayonetta may be too fast and complicated for you. If you love more technical action that relies heavily on countering foes and view nonstop boss and mini-boss fights as mana from the heavens, however, well, Bayonetta 2 was definitely made with you in mind.
Overall, Skylanders Trap Team is a solid addition to the Skylanders series. Although the Trap Masters themselves aren't as big a gameplay addition as say, the Swap Force crew, the trappable villains are what really raise the enjoyment for this game. The New Kaos Doom Challenge is fun as well for folks looking for new diversions in Skylanders. If you have kids who enjoyed the previous Swap Force games, they're going to love Trap Team as well.
Admittedly, traversing the map and knocking out events can get repetitive after a while, even with fast traveling unlocked. By making you care about even lesser enemies, however, Shadow of Mordor turns what's normally mindless filler into a worthwhile encounter. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got another Uruk to hunt down.