MonsterVine
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Start to finish, Space Marine 2 is a complete blast, with all the hallmarks of being a big action blockbuster. Titus continues to be a compelling character and we’re lucky we got to see more of him; it was a long wait but damn was it worth it.
Playing these two games back-to-back is a fascinating glimpse into the shift the series saw over time. Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth has the snappier, fast-paced approach of the earliest games in the series, while its sequel Ace Attorney Investigations 2: Prosecutor's Gambit takes a longer, wordier direction like the later games and delivers one of the best stories. Having the two available on modern platforms, with Investigations 2 being translated at last, is fantastic. While it might not be the best place to start the series for newcomers, the Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is an easy recommendation for Ace Attorney fans.
Overall, I have to say I’m pretty disappointed with Umamusume: Pretty Derby - Party Dash. The game is quite good looking and has a lot of fanfare for fans of the Uma Musume series but provides an extremely hollow experience full of basic UX missteps and a complete lack of depth. Golshi’s Grand Adventure 2 isn’t enough to save this game and the price tag for what’s being provided is absolutely absurd.
Gundam Breaker 4 is exactly what I wanted from this franchise after Gundam Breaker 3, and I’m happy to say we can all forget the “New” moniker because we are BACK BABY. Fans of giant robots, fans of customization, and fans of games absolutely bursting at the seams with content can all find something to love here, and I can’t wait to see what this team brings us next.
Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is a snazzy platformer beat-em-up that combines satisfying combat with a dazzling setting and visuals. The occasional clunky aspect does stand out, but for the most part, this is an exciting and well-made remake for anyone fond of the beat-em-up genre.
Black Myth: Wukong delivers incredible boss fight with stunning visuals, but the in-between moments don't reach the same heights. Technical hiccups and poor level design hold it back for greatness, but the boss battles make it all worthwhile.
Gori: Cuddly Carnage is a truly peculiar game that is wildly fun to play. It has some unfortunate technical issues, but the distinct world and wonderfully gruesome gameplay go a long way to craft a game unlike anything else I’ve experienced.
Bakeru is a rather unique title that showcases Japan and its culture in a colorful and exciting way that would appeal to anyone. If you’re a fan of Mystical Ninja Goemon, Japanese mythology, or just distinct games in general, then Bakeru is worth your time and attention.
While not my favorite Shin Megami Tensei game, I cannot recommend Shin Megami Tensei V enough. And with the Canon of Vengeance included, it’s a must for any RPG fan.
Noctuary combines visual novel storytelling with action RPG battles to create a memorable experience that will appeal most to fans of visual novels, though its combat is enjoyable as well. With easily over 20 hours of content and a great amount of attention to detail in its storytelling, it stands out as an overlooked gem of 2023.
Dungeons & Degenerate Gamblers is a fun take on blackjack and roguelike deck builders, using unique cards and rules to make blackjack a slightly more strategic game. It doesn't have the most engaging visual style and doesn't have the same extended sense of discovery other games in the genre have, but each run is unique enough to make you say "one more run" a few times.
Cat Quest III offers a decent amount of gameplay for the price, a colorful, consistent, and fully realized art style, and a game that can be completed 100% with a friend.
Natsu-Mon: 20th Century Summer Kid is a delightful summer exploration game that harkens back to childhood days gone by in a refreshing way. There are tons to do and see, making it easy to recommend to anyone who’s looking to close out the summer with a relaxing title.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter is a unique and exciting Star Wars game that mostly holds up over 20 years later. The new release retains a few tiny errors, but for the most part, this is a great way to check out one of the seemingly less-remembered Star Wars titles from long, long ago.
Anger Foot is loud, dumb fun with a blistering soundtrack to kick doors down to.
Thank Goodness You’re Here! is an incredible experience in both humor and execution. This is what a game looks like when it’s firing on all cylinders, it’s a tour de force of art, music, platforming, and puzzle solving.
Samurai Warriors 4 DX was a great choice to bring over, it is a game absolutely bursting at the seams with content. It serves as both a great entry into the Samurai Warriors franchise as much as it is a great introduction to the Musou genre for newbies, with enough things to do that you will be prepped and ready to take down some of the more complex entries in the genre. The addition of good working online co-op is a big plus as well because I think these games are best enjoyed with a friend!
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition will heavily appeal to a specific group of players, but it’s a very enjoyable title for the unique experience it provides. Casual players will likely not find as much to do here, but those who are raring to clash with others in iconic NES games are in for a treat.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is a fun and well-put together action-RPG, with a trope filled story. It isn't going to blow anyone's socks off, but this small adventure has just enough going for it and a short enough runtime that makes it worth diving into, especially for people that love focused and methodical combat.
A thought-provoking experience that had me questioning the reality Karra was living in throughout most of the game, Nobody Wants to Die is a must for mystery, adventure, and noir fans.