The Outerhaven Productions
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Contra returns in a new reimagining, with a very odd story but with the same great Run-N-Gun gameplay, the series is known for. Despite some issues with the audio mix and not being a fan of the visuals, this is the type of gameplay I've missed, and I'm glad to see that Konami has finally realized the Contra series had more than enough in the tank for another go.
Skull And Bones is a game that has glimmers of fun that show what it could have been. The game is competent but not worthwhile in its current state.
WWE 2K24 is a fun game with some of the best graphics in a wrestling game ever made. However, the game is too bloated with game modes, many of which you are forced to play in order to unlock content you already paid for. 2K Games needs to stop nickel and dimeing players after the fact and refocus on giving players the best experience for their dollar.
Splatoon 3 Sider Order dares to do something different, but it comes at a cost. While some will enjoy the Roguelike characteristics of the game, others might be put off by how "light" they really are and the frustration that sometimes comes from it.
Rebirth arrives as one of the best games of the past decade.
Sympathy Kiss has a premise that asks you what is more important. Is it having a good career or a good love life? Great artwork that has a small blemish on it due to posing the main character without their face in all shots. It also has short bite-sized routes that let you play through a lot of the routes.
The Apollo Justice Ace Attorney Trilogy is a welcome remastering of classic titles. The graphics will make them feel more "modern," while the cases will eat up your time as you figure out the truth. Not everything is as refined as it should be, but this is something you won't want to miss out if you're an Ace Attorney fan!
Konosuba – God's Blessing on this Wonderful World! Love for these Clothes of Desire! is a fantastic experience if you are a fan of the anime and the world, but not one to play for newcomers to the series.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a masterpiece and is an amazing entry point into the world of Granblue Fantasy. The gameplay is engaging, the art design is immaculate, the music is amazing, and there is much to do in the game. I just wished the online component had more going on.
Persona 3 Reload is everything that fans of the franchise wanted from a remake and more. It doesn't change the story but builds upon the various gameplay elements that have become staples in the games that came after. Plus, the story and characters are incredible, and you'll love getting to know them more.
For what it's worth, UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II does well by being a high-level technical play fighting game that requires patience to truly make the difference. There are several layers to "git gud", which is robust thanks to the GRD system's effect on the roster in different ways. Even though Arcade Mode holds plenty of dialogue, it still feels as if there is a novel packed into this game. It's just not the dominant thing to hold the genre. UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II is still a worthy opponent in the anime fighter division for those seeking a serious contender.
Tekken 8 is a solid outing for the Unreal 5 engine, using it to improve the already impressive graphics we had with Tekken 7. The gameplay is solid with a lot of modes for you to play for hours on end. However, PC users should be warned that their version may have frame rate issues. If these issues are patched, then Tekken 8 will be the best fighting game on the market.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth shows Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and the entire Yakuza: Like a Dragon series at its finest. The best game in the series offers shocking and unbelievable content for players to experience across game modes like Dondoko Island, the brilliant and gut-wrenching story, and the intriguing new characters. Though it has some pacing issues here and there, and I still wish for slightly faster battles, this is the biggest, greatest, and most compelling adventure for Ichiban and Kiryu yet.
Neptunia Sisters vs Sisters on Nintendo Switch is a good port, and it runs the game well. I do think it warrants the same score as the base game for some of the new party members. I would still recommend it on PC or PS5 for less loading and pauses in gameplay.
Guardians of Holme is a fun tower defense game worth the $13 if you are someone who likes the control aspect of the genre.
With its impeccable style and fast action, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a prime example of Metroidvanias at their best and worst. Setting a foundation for greatness, a follow-up that overcomes those weaknesses could truly take the throne.
Noctuary is a beautiful visual novel filled with fantastic art, amazing writing, great music and well done Chinese voice acting. The combat is not nearly as thoughtful.
Drawing from horror authors and their creations, World of Horror builds its own web of eldritch beings and cosmic occurrences. The roguelike nature of mysteries in the game ensures that no two runs remain the same. Though certain mechanics rise above others, World of Horror keeps things fresh with creepy visuals, multiple plot resolutions, and degrees of customization, even as its coastal town falls into decay.
Alan Wake 2 takes its action-horror predecessor and dregs it out of the water with a fresh survival horror overhaul. Though certain mechanics seem like they're still stuck in 2010, the vast majority of the sequel feels ahead of its time. The story is stylish, suspenseful, and scary, yet isn't afraid to get a little silly. Alan Wake 2 is one of Remedy's best games yet, and certainly its most artistic.
Xuan Yuan Sword: Mists Beyond The Mountains is a fun piece of history that helps us see how games were evolving in the eastern side of the world. It is a great time piece but can easily frustrate modern players.