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If you bought Shovel Knight when it came out and loved every minute of it, Specter of Torment is a fantastic reason to return to this world and its characters. Sharp gameplay, taut worldbuilding, and brimming with personality, this is a trip to the dark side that is worth taking.
Overall, Night In The Woods is a charming and well-executed slice of American life in a small town.
Seeing the world from Raz’s perspective is great and something anyone with a PSVR headset should jump into. It feels very much like the original Psychonauts but updated for 2017. The environment is colorful and inventive, taking place mostly in the ‘real’ world with some minor detours for mindscapes. The sound design is excellent too, working well with the headset to form an immersive environment.
Halo Wars 2 does not necessarily add anything new, but its formulaic approach to RTS games is a breath of fresh air for console owners. A bland story, mixed with incredibly realized cutscenes, fun yet repetitive mission structure, and fast-paced competitive multiplayer creates a full package that is definitely worth your time.
For Honor is an ambitious IP that hit the blade right in the jugular, creating a beautiful new combat system, character in its various roles and factions, and an underlying amount of depth and customization that contributes to an engaging multiplayer experience with tons of replayability. If you've wondered what it's like to hold a 5 foot long sword, For Honor is going to be your best chance at feeling the intimacy of dueling with histories deadliest warriors.
Despite my grievances Kat and company shine like a shard of glass under the midday sun. The journey will put you on the other side of 40 hours. Minus some turbulence here and there the flight is worth it. Inside this Kat beats the heart of a lion, and though it may not soar, Gravity Rush 2 falls with style.
In conclusion, Nioh is a confident and engaging action RPG that wears cultural pride on its sleeve like a badge of honor. An absolutely absorbing time sink that continues to reward and challenge the further and further you go. A masterful return to form for the action chops of Team Ninja, one that I will gladly return to with love even as it pounds me into powder.
In conclusion, Tales of Berseria is another installment in Bandai Namco’s series that manages to be a refined adventure worth taking with reliable, albeit antiquated, gameplay. While it doesn’t break any new ground in the genre or in gaming as a whole, I can still fully appreciate the polish and care that has gone into this game’s characters, writing, and combat. If you’re a fan of the series and are willing to take a trek down a darker path, this latest tale will be worth telling. If you’re like me and haven’t given the series a fair shake just yet, this is the installment to get you on board.
Complaints and level design grumbles aside, Double Dragon IV is a proud throwback to gaming’s yesteryear and if you’re a fan of the series you can do a lot worse than picking this up. Just watch out for the disappearing bits near the end, the timing on those things are murder.
All that being said, The Flame in the Flood is still a great survival experience, worthy of your time.
(P.S.: Playing through the game multiple times is so, so worth it)
I think these questions are invaluable to ask yourself after you finish the game because there isn’t a correct answer. These are the same questions hackers in the real world deal with daily, how far is too far to do something for the greater good? Mainlining may not be the most unique game play experience you will play all year but it certainly brings up questions and ideas that you will be playing out in your head long after the last suspect is caught.
Take a break, relax with Toby at the hot springs; camp out with the party and chat, then wake up to a rising sun and lively tunes; or cross paths with a fancy fish in the strangest place. It is a title to enjoy and blow off some steam, so forget about hardcore challenges if you want to give this tale a go.
An arcade style beat em’ up that offers as much wacky nonsense as it does serious crime drama, this prequel fits in nicely with previous installments. With Yakuza Kiwami (a remake of the original) hopefully arriving this Summer, Yakuza 0 can easily be called the perfect entry point for the series.
If you want to experience a different type of fantasy narrative through an underrepresented cultural lens, there is some merit to be found here. But those with a low tolerance for half-baked combat might have to look elsewhere.
There is some merit to Ubisoft Annecy’s little project. When you get used to the controls–and they behave themselves–there is a lot of excitement to be had with tackling the slopes. But it’s a hollow shell of entertainment that could have used more time with UI design and a clear break from the publisher’s more recent habits. Wait for a sale if you’re craving shredding some of Steep’s digital powder, otherwise stay away.
A solid collection of games that offer minimal improvements that struggle to justify their repurchase.
Pokemon Sun and Moon mixes up its tried and true formula to create something distinctly refreshing. A must buy for Pokemon fans and those who want to get into the series.
Dishonored 2 is a good game marred by too many issues, and adds up to far less than the sum of its parts.
Watch Dogs 2 vastly improves on what the original had to offer. A good story delivered by a great cast make for a hackers paradise that can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter how tech-savvy they are.