VGChartz's Reviews
The bugs and glitches betray its modern gaming background, but otherwise Sonic Mania is an absolute masterclass in how to rejuvenate an iconic series without either straying too far from its roots or essentially repeating a stale and tired formula.
The story is mysterious and cerebral, the pixel art evocative and opulent, and the combat system deep and versatile. With a more sophisticated upgrade framework and with more worthwhile RPG elements, it could take the next step towards greatness.
On the story front, Collar X Malice is a knockout. The premise is unique, the artwork stunning, and the voice-acting passionate and professional. In terms of gameplay, it's far less successful.
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles has a lot to offer but key strengths are hampered by several shortcomings and seasoned gamers may find the experience too simplistic and repetitive. However, if you're looking for a relaxing game with little pressure and one you can easily get lost in, Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles is a strong candidate.
A procedurally-generated Metroidvania might seem like an oxymoron, but Sundered proves the concept's efficacy.
Cars 3: Driven to Win is a slightly pleasant surprise, nostalgically reminded me of childhood days spent playing the likes of Mario Kart or Muppet RaceMania.
Fans of the borderline-masochistic nature of old-school action-platformers like Ghosts 'n Goblins and Castlevania will adore Cursed Castilla EX. It's a punishing affair that can be replayed again and again to reach high scores and unlock alternate endings. Players with a lower tolerance for pain and a disinterest in leaderboards should probably stay away.
There are 80 levels to be played solo here — most if not all of them more challenging as a solo venture — but it's only with a group of friends that you'll extract everything Death Squared has to offer.
Get Even is an ambitious game that unfortunately never manages to deliver on any of its potential.
Inti Creates' cross-over is a success, in the end. Its short length is offset by high replay value. Its steep difficulty is offset by optional power-ups and frequent checkpoints. Its adopted hero, Beck, removed from the controversy of Mighty No. 9, is allowed to shine.
Despite an underdeveloped Buddy Battle, a poorly-conceived and executed "Way of the Hado," and some missing modes, Ultra Street Fighter II is joyful to play.
If you’re a fan of the Tekken series, you’re bound to enjoy Tekken 7, but don't expect to want to play the game on your own as much as you would have in the series' glory days.
It's neither as engaging nor as terrifying as first-person horror games like Amnesia or SOMA, but its earnest spookiness goes a long way.
Disgaea 5 is an enormously ambitious game in terms of content, systems, and battle mechanics. With a lengthy campaign, scores of side quests, lots of customization options, and tons of optional content, it's a title that will keep strategy RPG fans coming back for more.
Underneath the game's clumsy exterior is an experience well worth sharing with friends at home and visitors online.
Tokyo 42 takes some of the best features from the original Grand Theft Auto and packages them up in a sublimely gorgeous aesthetic, resulting in one of the most visually pleasing indie games to release this year.
With 25 characters, two of them new to this version, plus added story chapters and gameplay tweaks, Rev 2 is the definitive version of one of the finest 2D fighters of the generation. It's not a quantum leap over -Revelator- but it represents the peak of the Xrd series.
Injustice 2 is everything a Mortal Kombat game would offer, and everything a fighting game should be, making it a must-have for both DC and fighter fans alike, even if it does feel a little bit too familiar.
It's difficult to summon many negative things to say about The Surge. It checks all the boxes of a successful Souls-like.
What it lacks in quantity it generally makes up for in quality and some good ideas, I just wish they been expanded upon and resulted in a more memorable experience, rather than a merely adequate one.