Noisy Pixel
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Ruffy and the Riverside is a whimsical platformer that blends clever puzzle mechanics with charming storytelling. While its unique element-swapping feature brings refreshing gameplay twists, occasional pacing issues and vague objectives slightly hinder the experience. A visually delightful and inventive indie gem.
Lies of P: Overture is a challenging and atmospheric DLC that builds on the original game's strengths with expanded levels, memorable boss fights, and a darker, more focused narrative. While occasional difficulty spikes and polish issues persist, it’s a must-play for Soulslike veterans seeking an intense, rewarding experience.
Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut retails for $50 USD, and I can’t say that doesn’t feel like a high asking price – like I said in my review of Ishin! a few years ago, that’s more than what it cost to pick up the entire trilogy of remastered PlayStation 3-only entries. I think it’s ultimately worthwhile because you’re getting a genuinely incredible game that now has an English dub and looks better than ever before, and it’s an absolute no-brainer for any Nintendo fan who has never experienced Yakuza before. As we look forward to Stranger than Heaven, it’s more worth it than ever to look back at this absolute action classic.
Fuga: Melodies of Steel 3 delivers an emotionally charged conclusion to CyberConnect2’s tactical RPG trilogy, blending heartfelt storytelling with refined combat mechanics. With its branching timelines, impactful choices, and upgraded strategy systems, it stands as a strong finale, though a few pacing and difficulty issues linger.
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo delivers a clever, challenging Metroidvania adventure with inventive mechanics, retro visuals, and a surprisingly nuanced narrative, making it a standout indie gem from Pocket Trap.
Elden Ring: Nightreign takes the franchise into cooperative territory with a bold, punishing multiplayer expedition mode. While its demanding design may alienate casual players, the game delivers deep combat, rich class variety, and satisfying progression for veteran Souls fans.
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Battle Destiny Remastered revives the 2012 Vita-exclusive with upgraded visuals, broader platform availability, and a satisfying loop of suit customization and solo missions. While it won’t convert newcomers unfamiliar with the SEED universe, longtime fans will appreciate its deep Mobile Suit roster and tactical combat system.
FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time delivers a charming and content-rich RPG experience, blending life simulation and action elements with Level-5's signature whimsy. While its narrative lacks staying power and some systems feel unbalanced, the game thrives on variety, rewarding exploration and patience with near-endless gameplay loops.
Monster Train 2 evolves the roguelike deck-builder formula with inventive mechanics, deep strategy, and massive content, delivering one of the most refined and replayable entries in the genre.
Throes of the Watchmaker is a free DLC expansion for Sea of Stars that deepens its turn-based gameplay with stronger character arcs, vibrant new locales, and a heightened challenge, though some pacing issues and a lackluster supporting cast hold it back from true greatness.
DOOM: The Dark Ages is the most well-executed entry in this long-respected franchise yet. Exceptional stage layouts, terrific implementations of player choice, and rewarding enemy design alongside the new shield and parry mechanics make this riveting FPS familiarly refreshing. Despite a few bumps in the road where spectacle overtakes ingenuity, DOOM: The Dark Ages is an undeniably must-play outing that can effortlessly appeal to prospective new and veteran returning DOOM fans.
Maliki: Poison of the Past blends whimsical storytelling with vibrant turn-based battles and light farming mechanics. Though its ambitious systems sometimes feel underdeveloped, its heartfelt writing, creative puzzles, and stunning soundtrack create a memorable indie adventure.
Clair Obscur is a genuine standout RPG, driven by courage, sacrifice, and the powerful bonds formed in the midst of tragedy. It pushes you to confront loss and hope in equal measure, resonating long after the credits roll. This is a beautifully tragic expedition that demands your emotional investment, repaying it with a story and characters that will reward the time it takes to develop the skills of not taking any damage in combat. This may be a divisive game within the community due to its skill-based combat system and a few questionable choices with the direction of the story, but all I can tell you is that this is one tragedy you’re going to want to see through.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves marks a triumphant return for SNK’s legendary series, blending classic 2D fighting mechanics with bold new systems and a striking urban aesthetic. With a balanced roster, refined combat depth, and full cross-play, it stands tall among modern fighters, though occasional presentation inconsistencies and a shallow RPG mode hold it back from perfection.
The Hundred Line: Last Defense Academy is a bold narrative-driven SRPG from TooKyo Games and MediaVision, blending high-stakes strategy with life-sim mechanics and a labyrinth of branching storylines, delivering a wildly ambitious experience packed with emotional depth, dark humor, and over 100 endings.
Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree is a striking 2.5D soulslike action RPG set in a grim, crumbling fantasy world. With immersive exploration, challenging combat, and deep class customization, it rewards curiosity and skillful play. While its narrative takes a back seat to gameplay, its haunting art direction and oppressive atmosphere make it a standout experience for fans of atmospheric, challenging RPGs.
Phantom Breaker: Battlegrounds Ultimate combines nostalgic, retro beat-'em-up action with modern co-op multiplayer thrills. Its dynamic combat and cross-platform play deliver high-energy party moments, yet a shallow narrative and solo mode pacing issues may leave some players wanting more depth.
As a point-and-click escape room game, I had fun solving the various puzzles and navigating the scenarios, but the writing encourages a deeper analysis. While overly obtuse in some moments, I enjoyed how it brings its themes together. I’m unsure if someone will have the same experience I had, but I easily recommend this nightmare.
Rusty Rabbit blends heartfelt storytelling and platforming action in a post-human world ruled by rabbits. While its mech controls require patience, the emotional core and worldbuilding shine through, delivering a charming experience that lingers longer than expected.
Lunar Remastered Collection lovingly brings two classic JRPGs, Silver Star Story and Eternal Blue, to modern platforms with updated visuals, nostalgic anime cutscenes, and heartfelt storytelling. While the gameplay remains simple and occasionally dated, the charm, character dynamics, and iconic soundtrack make this collection a must-play for fans of retro RPGs and genre history.