SmashPad's Reviews
Fans will be able to tell that NBA 2K17 has some issues that’ll annoy longtime fans of the series, but that doesn’t in any way deter it from being an awesome game of basketball.
Far too often it feels like you’re doing the same type of mission over and over, and this becomes more apparent when you’re playing single player but not so much online. You can see how massive Bolivia is when you stand on a high mountaintop but have to wonder why so much of it is the same.
Despite its blemishes, For Honor definitely boasts the most visceral multiplayer experience we’ve seen in a long time as its set to be a trailblazer in the realm of competitive gaming if Ubisoft wants it to be.
The callbacks to both Fire Emblem and Shin Megami Tensei are both extremely subtle, but they work and it would be tough to fault anybody for calling Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE a worthy entry in the Persona series and it’s another fantastic addition to any struggling Wii U library.
Final Fantasy XV was a game I truly enjoyed and is something I’d love to talk about with other gamers, but again, the only way I can recommend it is if you’re willing to invest the time in its non-video game lore.
Entwined has a nice, simple idea that it executes really well, but there’s not much meat on the bone here that makes this a must have game.
Whether you’re a returning Armored Core fan or this is your first time suiting up, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is must-play for those looking to test their skills.
I’ve wanted this game ever since I heard about it, and it seems like I waited forever, but it was absolutely worth the wait and I’m so glad I was able to play this game to its fullest extent. Polychroma Games made something special, and I believe they’ll be a studio to look out for.
Tales of Kenzera: Zau is simply stunning. It looks amazing on every platform, it features some of the best platforming I’ve played in any game, the combat is fun, and the story makes you feel. Even with all this, I think my favorite part about the game is that it’s short and sweet. I Platinum’d the game in about six hours, and I loved the vast majority of time I spent playing.
It brings me back to a time where I bought games by judging it by its cover, and this really feels like a gem.
Super Mario RPG really gave characters like Princess Peach and Bowser some much needed depth, and we’ve seen it carry on in various games for generations, so if you haven’t experienced it yet — Super Mario RPG is definitely worth your time especially as we get closer to the highly anticipated remake of Thousand Year Door.
This gives me hope that maybe we will get a new main installment in the series sooner, rather than later, but as it is, Gaiden is a more than suitable re-introduction to a franchise that still has a fanbase, and can still attract new players.
Venba is a real joy to play with its awesome art style highlighting representation in Indian cuisine, along with a heartfelt story and amazing soundtrack to boot. Like any new food, you just have to try it.
The Trails series just might be the best modern and ongoing JRPG series around, and while it isn’t groundbreaking, Trails Into Reverie is yet another great entry to this series. The problem is the best thing about the series; it really only caters to its fans.
This is the best beat-’em-up game I’ve played since Streets of Rage 4, and I cheesed through that too.
If you’re someone who’s wanted Pokémon to take the next step as far as gameplay and being different, this one is it.
The result is a well balanced game that really shows off some much needed depth that the Kirby series has really lacked up until now.
As cringy as the characters and plot make it out to be, The Quarry is a lot of fun and is really the perfect summer game, whether you choose to play it alone in the dark or in the company of others looking to waste some time.
This remake of Live A Live is a project that deserves to succeed, so this is one that JRPG fans at the very least should give a try whether they have already or not.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is one of the best looking games you’ll ever play, and if you can find your way around its old-school feel and difficulty, you’ll probably make yourself a fan of Ember Lab and look really forward to what they put out next.