GameSpew's Reviews
If you’re a fan of old-fashioned RPGs and aren’t turned off by the idea of grinding for hours on end in order to overcome the latest big bad, chances are you’ll quickly become besotted by Bravely Default II.
As Rogue-likes go, Curse of the Dead Gods is up there with the best of them. It’s got brilliant combat, dastardly traps to overcome if you want their riches, and numerous unique systems layered on top that add considerable depth. With the prospect of death (or at least grave misfortune) around every corner, it keeps you on your toes, uncertain of what the future holds. But you’ll find yourself going back time and time again, ever hopeful that soon, the temple that’s been holding you back will be conquered. It’s not for the faint of heart, but Rogue-like fans would be mad to give this the cold shoulder.
Pumpkin Jack is an unspectacular 3D action platformer, but considering it’s largely the work of just one man, it’s quite an achievement. There’s a nice variety of gameplay on offer, some solid visuals, and an enjoyable soundtrack. And even though some gameplay elements outstay their welcome, they at least offer a reprieve from the annoying combat. If you can grit your teeth as you spam the attack button time and time again, there’s some enjoyment to be had here, especially if you’re a fan of the genre.
Is Taxi Chaos going to blow you away? Of course not, but it is pretty decent. You won’t care for its soundtrack, its visuals won’t wow you, and its handling is as simple as can be. Blasting around New Yellow City while picking up passengers and dropping them off at their desired locations is fun though, while pro mode is highly rewarding for those who learn the ins and outs of the game’s map. So, if you’re after something to scratch that Crazy Taxi itch, Taxi Chaos may well be of interest to you.
There’s an awful lot to love about Rogue Heroes: Ruins of Tasos, especially for those who were huge fans of SNES-era 2D adventures. It wears its influences proudly, and mixes them up with compelling Rogue-like elements. Sure, a bit more challenge would be nice, but when exploring, solving puzzles and progressing is this much fun, who really cares?
It’s a frustrating oversight, especially since Colossus Down begs to be shared. Still, it’s a real treat solo and if you’ve got a twisted sense of humour and a taste for side-scrolling punch ’em ups, you can’t go wrong with Colossus Down.
Unoriginal art direction aside, Natsuki Chronicles is a thoroughly entertaining shoot ’em up that any fan of the genre should check out. Though thanks to its generosity with handing out additional credits and shields in each of its game modes, it’s even suitable for those with only a passing interest in the genre looking for a good entry point. Only players who truly wanted to follow its story will find real fault with it – everyone else will find it to be a blast from beginning to end.
Despite its lack of real consequences, Astrologaster is a lot of fun to play; the excellent writing and top-notch voice acting really bring this ridiculous concept to life. Yes, it’s a shame the player’s actions don’t make more of a difference, but Astrologaster is still worth going along with – especially if you want a unique look at 16th century London.
There’s honestly not really anything good I can say about Fallen Legion Revenants. Messy combat combined with an unwieldy control system means it’s not fun to play. A boring and confusing story prevents you from getting invested in its characters. I don’t think it looks as good as previous games in the series. And its voice acting is unimpressive. I suppose it’s got a decent soundtrack? That’s about as complimentary as I can be. Ultimately, Fallen Legion Revenants is one of the worst games I’ve played in some time. And that’s not a nice thing to write as someone that enjoyed their time with Fallen Legion Flames of Rebellion
#DRIVE obviously won’t scratch the same itch that a fully-featured racing game will, but if you’re looking for something to waste some time with, there’s fun to be had here. For an endless runner game, #DRIVE offers a reasonable amount of depth, and unlocking all the locations and vehicles is reason enough to keep coming back, 10 minutes at a time.
If you like games that don’t hold your hand and let you figure things out for yourself, you should perhaps give Die Young a try. Even more so if you also have a taste for adventure. The world presented to you in this fight for survival is truly vast and varied, with rewarding secrets to be found in various nooks and crannies. As you approach the end of Die Young and strive to achieve the best ending out of the three available, however, be prepared for things to take a turn for the worse. While there are many frustrations to be experienced throughout, it saves its most severe for last.
Although I’ve picked apart several problems with Atelier Ryza 2, the bottom line is that they’re all minor issues. Rarely does anything detract from the joy of stepping into Ryza’s shoes and simply existing in this gorgeous world. There’s so much to do, and every element of the game – from exploring, to crafting, to combat – is immersive and rewarding. It’s a shame there’s no English voice acting, and a bit more direction would be helpful at times, but even with those faults, Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy remains a delightful way to spend 40+ hours of your life.
This is where SOLAS 128 falls down: it doesn’t ever really feel intuitive. It fails to point you in the right direction in the opening moments – a brief explanation of what each button does would go a long way. The vague ‘story’ also lets the whole experience down somewhat; had it been more fleshed out, it would elevate the mechanics.
Yes, having to replay the same section time and again until you get your jump, timing and execution just right can be infuriating, but when you do nail a section, it comes with a great sense of achievement. No matter how difficult its challenges become, Glyph is a game that begs you to keep going. And thanks to its charming design and beautiful environments, it’s likely that you will.
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox might just be the best Ys game yet. More emphasis on storytelling and a wider range of gameplay elements makes for a game that’s a little more absorbing, and one that also gives you some time to breathe between all the fast-paced action. It takes a little time to get going, but once the narrative is in its stride you’ll want to know more about the Monstrums that battle by your side, and what secrets the Prison at the heart of Balduq holds. Add on top lashings of entertaining combat and a soundtrack that’s a pleasure to your ears from beginning to end, and you have a game that’s simply a joy to throw yourself into.
Aside from some repetition between the two titles, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is a joy from start to finish.
Little Nightmares II is a true evolution from the first game. Tarsier Studios has done a fantastic job in creating a world that’s even more terrifying, brought to life with absolutely sublime art and sound.
Blending an engaging and often thought-provoking narrative with combat that flirts with both strategy and chaos but always remains fun, Persona 5 Strikers is quite simply one of the best action RPGs I’ve ever played.
The issue is only being able to play for short bursts because your eyes hurt. Or because you’re sick of reaching over to the mouse to select a new game mode, even though your controller worked on the main screen. With friends, in short bursts, Kinetic Edge can be fun. But for the most part, it feels like rolling a ball uphill, rather than down: awkward and difficult.
The power you feel upon becoming a half-man, half-wolf monstrosity in Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood is its saving grace. There’s nothing else out there that offers a similar experience. Sure, it gets a bit repetitive, but you’re a freaking werewolf, capable of picking up a grown man and ripping his head clean off. Boss fights are a highlight, too, actually putting your combat skills to the test, unlike the majority of battles where soldiers are thrown into the arena like lambs to the slaughter. Like its protagonist, Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood has many sides to it that are all rough around the edges, but it’s not totally devoid of charm.