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This may please fans of the series but other than the overhaul in graphics I feel it plays too much like its predecessors. That being said, this is still a great starting point for those wanting to experience the Disgaea franchise or those looking for a solid tactical JRPG.
Scarlet Nexus is all about its combat which Bandai Namco have crafted very well, the sheer level of depth poured into it is amazing. The story will please anime fans, but it's not the most original tale, however, the writing during the character interactions is always entertaining and helps players to engage with each character. Bandai Namco has an excellent new series under their belt that really redefines the genre, especially with its stellar combat mechanics.
Legend of Mana Remaster is a great game that goes against the traditional forms of storytelling to create a unique adventure. With the monster taming and variety within the Land Make system, completing this game is a colossal feat and will require a couple of playthroughs to see everything. The addition of two-player modes makes this a must-have for JRPGs fans and newcomers alike.
Mario Golf: Super Rush is everything you could expect from a Nintendo sports game, with flashy graphics and competitive gameplay. I really enjoyed my time with the game and was deeply impressed with the nice amount of depth built into the Golf Adventure mode.
D&D Dark Alliance really brings the world of Dungeons & Dragons to life, with great monsters, tones of atmosphere and no microtransactions but is tragically held back by bugs and poor AI. The story is serviceable but I expected a little more from a D&D game based on a much-loved book series. Dark Alliance will appeal to D&D fans for its setting and characters and is a lot of fun with friends, especially when you work together to take down a might behemoth however, it feels like is severely lacking polish. If you were expecting a slower-paced, RPG, story-led experience this might not be for you, Dark Alliance is an ambitious, monster-slaying hack and slash but doesn't quite nail the landing.
There are a few mechanics that would've been nice to see in action though. Offline mode does need a few more modes for players to sink their teeth in. However, Strive hit the nail on the head in most departments and is a must-have for any fans of the genre
There really wasn't a dull moment in this game with each adrenaline-packed level sending chills down my spine. There may prove to be a little too much chaos at times making it hard to ascertain what's actually happening but that's an oversight. My main issue is the length of the game which was bittersweet but left me wanting more. Mighty Goose's punchy pixel visuals matched with its marvellous action makes it one of the best indie games out at the moment.
The Ninja Gaiden game was always a joy to play and this time around is no different. Even though there haven't been many changes to the overall experience, having all three games and DLC rolled into one is a sheer joy. Players who missed this series should definitely pick this up as it's one of the best games in the hack and slash genre. The omission of the online co-op will displease hardcore fans however I think this can be easily overlooked as being able to have all three games on a portable console is the winning factor here.
Game Builder Garage attempts to turn a scary and complex task like programming into something easy and fun with its simple mechanics, clever design and bags of personality. While it can feel frustratingly restrictive at times (especially in the beginning) and the tutorials don’t so much hand hold but grab on tight with no intention of letting you go, they do make it a playful and charming experience.
Insomniac Games have once again delivered an astonishingly well-made adventure which undoubtedly offers plenty to Ratchet & Clank veterans while acting as a perfect stand-alone entry point for newbies. It doesn't really do anything revolutionary, but what it does do, it does with fantastic production values, attention to detail and a never-ending sense of fun. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a brilliant example of a classic formula refined to a point of near perfection.
Jin Conception is a great concept but the initial gameplay may scare gamers off. Nonetheless, players who stick to it will be rewarded with a long adventure that spans around 20 hours to complete. There are some very nice ideas presented here but not all of them hit the mark, with a few bugs that also hindered my experience. However, for all its flaws Jin Conception isn't a bad game, with the visuals and music being great throughout with some of the game's mechanics improving as you progress.
Knockout City is a fresh take in the sphere of competitive gaming that takes a simple idea and runs with it leaving for some incredibly memorable online encounters though not necessarily for all the right reasons.
The stunning visuals, UI streamlining and great voice performances mean that Famicom Detective Club can stand toe to toe with any contemporary visual novels. Let's hope more forgotten gems are localised and released. I'm looking at you Mother 3.
New Pokemon Snap is worth its twenty-two years wait. Developers kept what made the original game great but have added extra layers that have greatly improve the experience. The repetitive nature of the game may not be for everyone, with some finding it a slog to complete the game. However, I feel there is enough variation and depth here to warrant its lengthy play. New Pokemon Snap is a great addition to the Nintendo Switch that combines the warm nostalgia of the N64 classic while offering what all good sequels should, a compelling experience for fans and newcomers alike.
Sometimes things get a bit too far fetched even for a Resi title, which has the unfortunate side effect of momentarily undermining the otherwise well-crafted horror atmosphere. However, Resident Evil Village remains an outstanding slice of survival horror that carries the series' torch in grand fashion.
Trails of Cold Steel IV is a huge game with so much content for players to consume, a lot of the features do require players to have experienced past games. However Trails of Cold Steel IV is a well executed final entry in an amazing JPRG series, the writers have done an amazing job to include characters from different games seamlessly. Fans of the series are certainly in for a wild ride with this one. Some of the gaming mechanics and systems may be daunting for first time players but it's a highly recommended JPRG that fans of the genre should experience.
While the PS5 has hinted at its power with the odd excellent remake and some impressive cross-gen titles, Returnal genuinely feels like the first truly fresh title designed for a new generation of hardware. Gorgeous graphics, intelligent controls and an astounding level of immersion combine to create an atmospheric thriller that wouldn't have been possible on older hardware. The game is tough, but every failed loop is a lesson learned, a push to do better and a pull to uncover more of the game's plot.
The Mysterious Trilogy Deluxe Pack is great for original fans and newcomers, all the added DLC and new features really improve the overall experience in each of the games. They all have something different to offer, that will satisfy different types of players. Like previous Atelier games the synthesising system is very daunting and can be confusing for newcomers. The game does try to explain the system but I feel it needs a much more detailed tutorial for players to understand all the ins and outs. But players shouldn't give the games a miss as they are great JRPGs to add to your collections.
Smelter is a fun action packed game with plenty of depth to keep players engaged for a while. The combat system is intuitive and works a charm with the level design actually presenting a challenge rather than just being superficial. However I do wish the developers focused more on these parts of the game and minimise the real time strategy sections which felt like drawn out mini games. Saying that Smelter is a well devised indie game filled with witty dialogue and stellar action to match.
The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark is a gloriously retro nostalgia fix for those who love point and click games. But for those who have never played them before, it's a brilliant introduction to the genre. A Fumble in the Dark is light-hearted, hilarious and often devious when it comes to the game's puzzles. But don't panic – you may get stuck from time to time but the solutions are usually fiendishly simple. A game that rewards thinking outside the box, The Darkside Detective: A Fumble in the Dark brings back so many wonderful gaming memories. If you know how to use a rubber-chicken-with-a-pulley-in-the-middle, then you're going to love it.