VGChartz's Reviews
A solidly-constructed and engaging action-adventure game with a terrific set of boss battles and a huge world filled with secret chambers, ferocious monsters, and a hint of things to come for gaming's most celebrated bounty hunter.
I can’t help feeling that if TT had dug just a little deeper, and expanded on the combat with things like elemental skill trees or multi-character combos, they could have made it even more engaging.
The more time I have put into the game, the less satisfied I’ve felt, not because it's bad in any one way, but because Bunge has again failed to deliver a fulfilling and lasting experience.
Overall, though, Absolver’s core systems are very strong and I am eagerly looking forward to revisiting the Adal Empire when Sloclap drops new content.
Maybe a Knack III would elevate the series, but as of right now Knack stands as one of the most aggressively average and forgettable Sony first-party franchises.
It would be easy to take a quick look at Beach Buggy Racing and write it off as shovelware. It's not. It's a surprisingly fun kart racer with lots of single player content and local multiplayer options for four friends.
With Baja: Edge of Control HD, THQ Nordic has brought back into the limelight an undervalued gem of a racer.
This is a title that can go head-to-head with anything released in 2017, including Breath of the Wild. With charming characters, fun combat, lots of opportunities to explore, and a large set of role-playing mechanics operating like clockwork, it accomplishes everything it sets out to do.
If you had told me last year that one of my favourite games of 2017 would involve Rabbids I would've called you crazy. How wrong I was - it turns out having a franchise as solid and polished as Mario does wonders to ground the humour of the childish Rabbids, and ensures this is one of the most downright enjoyable strategy games I've played in quite some time.
When the game does relinquish control, during firefights and around puzzles, it tends to improve sharply. Such is the case in chapter 9, where the designs of the studio meet the input of the player to create a winning symbiosis. Earlier chapters are far less successful and consistent. The end result is a game that's less than the sum of its parts.
Subsurface Circular will assuredly not be for everyone, but it's a brilliant addition to Mike Bithell’s body of work.
Intellectually and aesthetically, it's a knockout. However, it's held back somewhat by a stingy power-up system, a burdensome time mechanic, and a few mundane modes.
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.