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It's really rather unfortunate just how much is missing from Blue Reflection.
While certainly not the best adventure game I’ve played, there’s no doubting that Maize is filled with heart. The love that went into development shows throughout, and it’s why I found myself constantly laughing at all of the game’s silly jokes throughout. If you’re looking for three or four hours of laughs, and don’t mind some standard puzzle design, then you’ll find a lot to enjoy here.
You definitely can't go wrong buying Pro Evolution Soccer 2018, as it plays as good as ever, but those who bought last year's game might want to wait until next year's installment if they're waiting for that next evolution. That's not to say that there aren't improvements, as the subtle tweaks and additions do add up to a better game, but these are more quality of life fixes rather than changes that'll sweep the player off their feet. Ultimately, PES 2018 is yet another great football game from Konami, but that might not be enough when they're trailing a behemoth.
FIFA 18 is an incredible football game that has something to offer every gamer. There's a very human and relatable story to be found in Alex Hunter's latest chapter, and those who just want polished gameplay will find just that in its many different modes. In addition, anyone who is a fan of the beautiful game will want to check out this year's installment.
Rarely have I had as many conflicting feelings about a game as much as I do with NBA 2K18. So much about the basketball sim is top-notch, but there are also so many elements that make me want to put it down and never touch it again. From gross business decisions that get in the way of enjoying modes to adding so many elements that get in the way of simply enjoying the on-court action, it winds up being its own worst enemy. Those who just want a solid basketball game to play exhibition matches won't find anything better, but the rest of the package winds up stepping on its own feet all too often.
There's no denying that there are rough edges, but one thing Electronic Arts has nailed is the feel of playing a pick-up game. It's a slightly less technical title than its competitor, but it offers up a far better single-player experience. If you're looking for something fresh, or just want to play as Diana Taurasi, then you can't go wrong with picking up NBA Live 18.
If you delight in the sense of drama and anticipation that arises from impossible situations, if you are engaged by a twisting mystery that is never quite what you expect, then the Danganronpa series is for you. I can't in good faith recommend that you play Danganronpa V3 before the other two, just like I would never tell you to enjoy Return of the King before partaking of Fellowship of the Ring and Two Towers. As the third part of an incredible trilogy of games, Danganronpa V3 deserves your attention in its rightful place after the other two. Make no mistake though, it's a title that's well worth arriving at when you get there, a vibrantly dark mystery that sinks its teddy bear claws in and won't let go.
Death of the Outsider is just more Dishonored in about every way, but it could have been a unique experience with a few additions like the aforementioned inclusion of mini-bosses and some co-operative missions with Daud. But I enjoyed my time slinking through its world and saying goodbye to an underappreciated franchise that opens the door for an all new direction if the story is to be continued.
Side missions are thrown on top for good measure, but their implementation is just as simple as every other aspect of the game. There's nothing to see and not much but more chunks to gain. Morphite is exhausting in its meandering loop of planet-hopping, and it doesn't work hard enough to keep the players' interest. Even with its hodgepodge of tiny planets, the game may have done better to shrink its size to an even greater degree and focus on that which makes up the majority of the experience, away from the silly jokes and entertaining banter of Myrah and Kitcat.
Mary Skelter: Nightmares is a surprisingly effective little dungeon crawler.
It's rare for a game to sneak in under the radar and genuinely catch me off guard. Tooth and Tail is one of these infrequent pleasures that feel like discovering a diamond amongst the coal. This is a stellarly constructed and well-considered RTS that goes a long way towards showing how the genre can stand out, even without the aid of a keyboard and mouse. When also factoring in the approachability that the art style brings to the table and its shockingly deep well of unit types, it becomes obvious that this is the full package. So, lace up your boots and reach for the ammunition. It's high time to blow some drunken squirrels back to hell, where they belong. Fire away, soldier.
Project CARS 2 is a solid entry, and a good continuation of the series. A solid focus in its career mode combine with tight community integration, which all mixes with a heaping helping of esports activities, giving fans and new racers alike plenty of reasons to buy Project CARS 2. While it may not boast the best visuals of console racing games, and the replay engine could've used a bit more polish, these are minor faults in an overall fun racing simulator. See you on the track.
Short and sweet, Planet of the Eyes guarantees an evening's worth of entertainment. It's not the most difficult puzzle platformer, but it provides enough of a challenge to stay satisfying as the player explores the mysterious world they've entered. Paired with some gorgeous artwork and solid writing, it's hard not to be won over by the time the credits roll.
It ultimately doesn't matter if you're upset with the roster, because at the end of the day Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite is a great way to spend a night with friends. The combat feels smooth, the depth is there for dedicated players, and it's a much more feature-complete offering when compared to the launch version of Street Fighter V. There's a ton here to like, and those who dismiss it will only be missing out on one of Capcom's finest fighting games.
As a returning Guardian, Crucible master Lord Shaxx has found the best words to describe my experience with Destiny 2 and its many improvements over the first: "This is amazing!!"
NASCAR Heat 2 is a definite step up from its predecessor, but it's still lacking a layer of polish that would propel it towards appealing to a larger racing audience. Those who want an authentic NASCAR racer should be satisfied with this year's installment, but there's just too many minor issues that bog the racing down a level. Still, it's clear that Monster Games listened to feedback of the original, and they're certainly on the right track.
New players will have to work to get up to speed, as much as the game tries to help them out, but hardcore puck nuts will find themselves going deep into overtime with this one. The almost overwhelming numbers of ways that the game can be played means that it's one that will definitely keep you going way past the finals.
Without the support of virtual reality, it would be hard to recommend Bloody Zombies as anything outright different from any other beat 'em up game. Does it need virtual reality? No, it could have just been another digital brawler, albeit one full of personality. Does it benefit from virtual reality? Absolutely, and without it, my score would be lower. VR lends a unique perspective and gives players real gameplay reasons to want to put on the headset instead of just playing on a TV. Thought of as a virtual reality game with the ability for couch co-op via the TV, Bloody Zombies is a fun brawler that has both unique implications for its own genre and VR. That kind of evolution of games and platforms is just what video games need to grow.
Ys VIII isn't Adol's typical adventure, but it's so well-crafted (aside from chatty characters) from its combat down to its methods of exploration and side mission variety. It may take a bit longer for newcomers than long-time fans to take the bait, but once you're reeled in, you will be hooked. You'll need to be hooked, because even with a crit-path strategy for completion, it will easily take over 40 hours to get through the mystery of the Isle of Seiren. Fortunately, any action-RPG fan, even those who disliked the Ys series in the past, will find plenty to lure them in and keep them on the line.
Despite feeling hesitant going into Before the Storm, Deck Nine Games' rendition of Arcadia Bay quickly reminded me of why I loved the series and its characters in the first place. Any fears of this being a cash-in on a beloved game melted away, and I was able to fully enjoy Awake without any second thoughts. I'm excited to see where Chloe and Rachel's story goes from here, even if I already know how tragic it ultimately ends.