The Outerhaven Productions
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I cannot mince words here; Trillion seems like a gigantic waste of time. For a game with such potential, it squanders it so badly, that even I couldn't be bothered with it after playing the game for 8 hours. It is extremely tedious, everything seems pointless, the combat and movement are clunky...it just doesn't feel good at all. You might as well call this game RPG Simulator 2015 since that's exactly what it seems like. Despite the exceptionally engaging storytelling, this game falls completely on its face.
Xanadu Next is a fun romp and a nice eye opener to games that were created years or even decades ago. It shows that they can still stand the test of time and remain enjoyable. I was hard pressed to put down the game until I finished it and while I wished it was a bit easier on the eyes, there's no denying the charm that Xanadu Next generates.
I really have to give credit where credit is due - Owlboy is an amazing title from D-pad Studios. Full of charm and wonder, this is easily one of the best indie developed games I've played this year. I'm a huge fan of 2D platforming / puzzle games and have been since the days of the Super Nintendo. So being able to play a title such as Owlboy was a treat. The only sad thing about this game is when it ends as the game really doesn't have much in the terms of replaying the title. Unless you're a perfectionist and want to go back and find all the secrets and collectibles, there's little to encourage a reply of this gem. Finally, I'm holding out hope that D-pad Studio's has plans to port Owlboy to other platforms, especially the 3DS and PS Vita, as I feel that the title would be right at home on both platforms - but of course bring it to every platform as humanly possible.
World of Final Fantasy is a great game. I love every minute of walking through its dungeons, looking for a chest that I think will hold a cool weapon or rare item but only has a potion. It hearkens back to what myself and many others consider a "Golden Age" in the genre.
While I'm not a fan of the changes towards the timing of layups, NBA 2K17 continues to improve on what many have deemed near-perfection with NBA 2K16. There isn't a single thing not to like about this game, and that's the way NBA 2K likes to do it. K.I.S.S: Keep it Simple, Stupid.
WWE 2K17 tries very hard to innovate itself back into what the game was at the height of the THQ era, but also tries too hard to be a complex simulator. While simulation works for it's other sports titles, 2K didn't need to morph the WWE series into the same thing. 2K continues to try and turn players away with their innovation in everything but DLC practices and graphics. This is what WWE games should have been 3 games ago, now it just feels like stagnation... Like watching WWE RAW.
Whether you're a die-hard Dragon Quest fan, or just a gamer looking to break into a crafting game with a healthy side of quests, Dragon Quest Builders offers and in-depth experience with the charming style of the franchise. While the addiction may wear off slightly after the first couple chapters, it never ceases to be a rewarding game. Humor, style, and creative freedom make this a great title.
To be entirely honest, purely as a Hyperdimension Neptunia fan, I'm a bit conflicted on Superdimension Neptune Vs. Sega Hard Girls. On one hand, the game has a great cast and good interaction, but on the other a lot of it feels like it's cut short to make way for the other eras' stories. Even among the characters themselves, Neptune acts strangely out of character, feeling more like an alternative crowd high school student than the bombastic layabout that fans are used to, and Plutia acts a bit too aware of her alter ego's depravity. Honestly the greatest joy that I got out of this game was the ability to have Plutia and Uzume in a single party, but even then with only a couple of special moves each, something just feels missing.
Flying Wild Hog takes everything that made the original remake of Shadow Warrior so much fun, and amps it up. Combat is fun, there's plenty of action to be found and Wang is a riot. Sure the quests get repetitive, but with so much action going in throughout the stages, it's hard to get mad. If I could change one thing, however, it would be the constant use of Lo Wang's witty one-liners. They're funny, but they repeat so often I found myself getting tired of them.
Thankfully all my fears were disproved with the release of Gears of War 4. And even though the game still plays things close to the hip, instead of going balls deep into a new territory, make no mistake that this is a Gears of War title that does exactly what it was meant to do - Get you excited and have you smiling from ear to ear.
Overall, FIFA 17 takes enough steps forward to warrant its place in your gaming library this year. Occasionally EA can deliver a lackluster experience and take its position as the ringleader of football sims for granted – but with the addition of The Journey and a more refined gameplay style, FIFA 17 will satiate any footie fantasies you have for the next 12 months. Don’t be put off by FIFA’s overtly British aesthetic (Alex Hunter’s tale takes place strictly in England – and the Premier League will default itself to most of your settings), it’s a game that can be enjoyed by everyone. Just don’t be like me and take it far too seriously, otherwise you’re due to shell out some money for controllers broken out of rage…
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice shines as few games do. It has beautiful stories, amazing characters, and twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you're a fan of Ace Attorney, this is a game you must play.
First off, this game is insanely overpriced for what it is. If it was a little cheaper, I'd say you could enjoy it the way you would enjoy a bad horror movie. It does have a spooky atmosphere due to the isolation aspect, but it's not enough. I think the developers need to learn to take inspiration from other sources but still using their own ideas.
Hatsune Miku: Project Diva X seems to miss the mark in too many ways, in my opinion, for new players to even get into the series. Long-standing fans will love this game, most assuredly, but that's not saying much towards the negative takeaways from this game for new people.
In my honest opinion, I would say you could pass on Slain: Back from Hell—it simply isn’t a must-play. If you happen to have the extra cash, and are looking for something mildly enjoyable, then you could definitely do far worse—there are moments of pure, sidescrolling fun in this game and the art and style add to the appeal—but I wouldn’t go out of my way here. The best thing that can come from throwing some cash at this game is that the developers might be encouraged to make another game, and next time, make one with a little more depth and reward. Assuming you’re like me, with limited financial resources, and you’ve got your eye on another game, then, by all means, get that other game.
Utilizing the Wii U gamepad's touchscreen controls, Severed serves up a fantastic adventure with plenty of engaging swordplay and a healthy dose of monstrous bodily dismemberment. The beautiful art style and a subtly-told melancholy story keeps players absorbed in the bizarre world in between bloody battles and the clever, Zelda-style dungeon puzzles.
Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force is in kind of a weird spot. The characters and gameplay are fun but at times they can be hard to invest in due to the over-scoped plot. Normally I would say go for it and just don't get too invested; but this is a JRPG we're talking about here, not some beat 'em up or other quickly-concluded escapade. However, the ideas present in the world are unique and there's a guy with a Canadian accent, which is rare enough to cherish whenever it pops up. If you're looking for something fresh to scratch that RPG itch of yours, Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force is a worthy offering.
Steins;Gate is one of those stories that comes around once in a blue moon. Its amazing hook factor coupled with its well fleshed out and engaging characters makes this one of the best science fiction stories of the modern era.
I have to hand it to Playground Games. They took everything that made Forza Horizon 2 great and refined it. There's basically nothing in Forza Horizon 3 that doesn't say perfection. From the moment you press start, the game throws everything it has at you, from flawless execution on or off the track, its presentation, and fun online session / matchmaking. This is, at least for the time being, the pinnacle of racing games for the Xbox One. Forza Horizon 3 has my vote as Game of the Year and if not that, easily the best title on the Xbox One by far.
If Two Tribes' plan was to go out with a loud and glorious bang, they have succeeded in doing just that.