VGChartz's Reviews
How ironic that Behind the Broken Mirror's most impressive accomplishment is shattering my subterranean expectations.
Shadows shines brightly in terms of presentation, as well as some combat and progression elements, but overall feels like a “jack of all trades” and a Samurai master of none.
All the things that made the game special in 2015 — extraordinary world-building, impossibly deep role-playing systems, an obscene amount of content, and a unique gameplay loop that at times straddles the line between RPG and MMO — are present here, along with new story elements, mechanics, and quality-of-life updates.
Wanderstop's absolute-tea intriguing meta introspections add some unique flavor, but certain design & story fumbles leave a conflicting aftertaste.
It doesn't compare favorably to the better run-and-gun and shoot-'em-up titles from the fourth generation. That said, it's an absolute work of art from a technological and artistic point of view. If you're interested in the history of game design, especially in SNES assembly coding and pre-rendered 3D graphics, and you love tough-as-nails 90s-era shooters, this new release has a lot to offer.
After finishing Hazelight's latest smorgasbord of co-op creativity, I had only one recurring thought: "why the hell aren't there more games like Split Fiction?"
By shamelessly blending visceral and garish elements, developer à la mode has crafted a weird survival-horror game that's tough to put down.
Some of the warts from the originals remain, but they don't detract significantly from the overall experience. If you're even the slightest bit serious about 90s-era role-playing games, you need to add this package to your collection.
While this version isn't perfect — it carries over the original's limited interactivity and introduces some new localization issues — it remains required playing for visual novel aficionados, due to its mysterious storyline, heady science-fiction ideas, lovable characters, huge replay value, extraordinary voiceover work, and evocative music. Even those lukewarm on the genre should give it a try.
If you're looking for a mysterious visual novel with shocking twists and provocative ideas about science, technology, and what it means to be human, you can't go wrong with Ever 17.
While Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land further moves the series away from its roots, it adds some welcome novelties in return.
Monster Hunter Wilds delivers the best action in the series, but some may find the reduced challenge a turn-off.
Though several lackluster design and storytelling decisions harm the appeal, swearing fealty to Warhouse Studios' sophomore effort is still ultimately worth it.
Gamers shouldn’t expect a spiritual sequel to Skyrim or a fleshed-out Pillars of Eternity follow-up. Yet, Obsidian’s ARPG impresses and entertains on its own merits, providing a satisfying template for fans of the genre.
Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector's true success stems from expanding upon its mechanical and narrative foundation without overriding its potent emotional connection.
Players now have the golden opportunity to try one of the better games on GBA without taking out a second mortgage to do so. Before they do, though, they should understand that this is essentially an enhanced port, not a remaster or remake. If they reconcile themselves with that reality, and prepare for the game's short running time and old-school level of difficulty, they'll be in for a very good time.
As a preservation effort, the Early Days Collection deserves a big round of applause... judged on its software and features, however, it's less impressive. Ultimately, the compilation is best suited for collectors, historians, and older Yu-Gi-Oh! fans interested in reliving fond memories of their own early days.
Yellow Brick Games' first monster-hunting effort doesn't stand as tall as the industry titans it so closely emulates, but still compares to a formidable sub-boss all the same.
In the end, Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered is less essential than last year's Tomb Raider collection, entirely because the games are inferior. While The Last Revelation remains one of the franchise's better entries, Chronicles is merely decent, and The Angel of Darkness is subpar. Still, thanks to control and graphics options, paired with the 60 fps boost, this newest compilation represents the superior way to experience these titles.
While this remake introduces many worthwhile additions — remade sprites, remastered music, helpful quality-of-life upgrades, and a brand new co-op offering — it doesn't do anything to remedy the original's balance issues or elevate its rudimentary scoring system.