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Metal Slug Tactics doesn't quite reinvent the strategy genre, but it does offer up a lot of addictive, explosive, and satisfying action. The core of the Metal Slug series lies comfortably within this new genre, along with plenty of familiar sights, sounds, and characters that will please fans. It's a great take on turn-based strategy and one that feels distinctly true to its roots.
Slitterhead exemplifies what an indie developer with ambitious ideas can achieve within limited means. Where one system falters, another aspect of the game steps up, maintaining a balance between innovation and feasibility. While more resources could have enhanced the combat and voice acting, Slitterhead ultimately succeeds as a character-driven horror game with a focus on storytelling and atmosphere. For fans of narrative-driven horror, Slitterhead is a captivating experience that breaks the mold.
Farmagia is an experience that has revealed itself as 2024’s most pleasant video game surprise. Between the strong cast, gratifying combat, and approachable yet fulfilling farming and raising mechanics, all of my boxes were checked. Of course, I have no idea how this title performs on Switch, so it may not match the relative smoothness of the PC version’s framerate, and the narrative writing has its fair share of noticeable stumbles. I also may be in the vast minority upon this release’s reception, seeing as I’m a fan of less-than-liked recent outings such as Soul Hackers 2.
Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered brings Suda51’s cult classic to new life with enhanced visuals, a darkly humorous narrative, and intense demon-slaying action. The remaster preserves the original’s unique style while adding some welcome refinements. Although the combat can be repetitive, the game’s atmospheric puzzles, challenging boss encounters, and compelling underworld setting make for an unforgettable journey through hell. Garcia Hotspur’s quest to rescue his girlfriend, Paula, pushes both him and players to their limits, and the result is a devilishly entertaining experience that fans of the genre will appreciate.
Life is Strange: Double Exposure revives Max Caulfield’s story, but the introduction of a convoluted dual-timeline mechanic and an uninspiring cast make it a less memorable entry in the series. While Max’s iconic wit shines through environmental interactions, technical bugs and disjointed pacing detract from the experience. Despite some nostalgic moments, this return to Life is Strange’s world struggles to capture the charm that made the original special.
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is a masterful remaster that stays true to its roots while offering modern enhancements for a new generation of players. The depth of its strategic combat, generational storytelling, and open-ended exploration make it a standout entry in the JRPG genre. While it has some performance issues, they don’t detract from the overall experience.
Fear The Spotlight is a brief, nostalgic love letter to 90s horror games, blending simple stealth and puzzle mechanics. While it doesn't break new ground in the genre, its atmospheric visuals and sound design provide a few hours of engaging fun for fans of retro horror, though it may not offer enough depth to warrant a second playthrough.
Mouthwashing delivers an unsettling, cinematic spacewreck horror experience with a unique narrative exploring leadership and mental exhaustion. While the puzzles offer little challenge, the gripping storyline and atmospheric PS1-inspired visuals create an unforgettable psychological horror. Ideal for fans of walking simulators with a twist, this game explores disturbing themes that you won't easily forget.
Great Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is the fittingly excellent final collection for this franchise, bringing over two spinoffs, including one that was never officially localized. That alone deserves celebration, but this sequel is at the franchise's heights, while its predecessor doesn't particularly stand out by comparison.
Following in the footsteps of the Castlevania Advance Collection, the Castlevania Dominus Collection continues the precedent of being a must-play, masterful collection. The three main DS games included here are all exceptional action RPG experiences with lite metroidvania components that make progression and exploration increasingly fulfilling. Moreover, the inclusion of Haunted Castle and its impressive remake, alongside the numerous customizable options, extra features, and strong handheld and docked performance, only add to the positives this package boasts.
Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club revives the classic mystery series with a thrilling new adventure. This game features meticulously crafted storytelling, immersive character interactions, and stunning Live2D animation. Players take on the role of a teenage sleuth, investigating a chilling urban legend while solving puzzles and piecing together clues.
Crypt Custodian offers a delightful Metroidvania experience where players control Pluto, a cat exploring the Afterlife with a trusty broom. The game shines with its unique world design, fluid combat mechanics, and challenging dungeons. While it occasionally suffers from performance issues, its charming story and memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre. With a variety of puzzles, upgrades, and collectibles, Crypt Custodian is a game that will keep players engaged for hours.
Gundam Breaker 4 marks a triumphant return to the series' roots, offering fans an intricate and rewarding Gunpla-building experience. While the story may not be the game's strongest aspect, the detailed customization options, engaging combat mechanics, and creative features like Diorama and Painting modes more than make up for it.
Visions of Mana marks a triumphant return for the Mana series, offering a richly detailed world with deep lore, an intricate combat system, and robust customization options. While the early pacing may deter some players, those who persist will find a rewarding RPG experience filled with compelling characters, challenging gameplay, and a wealth of content, including a post-game chapter and a New Game Plus mode. Visions of Mana successfully blends classic RPG elements with modern innovations, making it a standout title in Square Enix's lineup.
Star Wars: Outlaws introduces players to a vast open world where they can truly live in the Star Wars universe. Following the journey of Kay Vess the game excels in exploration, combat, and its unique reputation system. While the narrative has its shortcomings, especially in character development, Outlaws remains an engaging and expansive adventure for fans of the franchise.
Fairy Tail Dungeons creatively adapts the beloved Fairy Tail anime series into a compelling game experience. With its unique gameplay mechanics, character-driven story, and polished visuals, the game offers fans a fresh take on the Fairy Tail universe. While the dungeon design can feel repetitive, the engaging combat and deckbuilding elements make up for it, providing an enjoyable and addictive experience for players. Fairy Tail Dungeons is a must-try for fans of the series and those looking for a unique indie game.
Bakeru is a delightful modern 3D platformer that captures the essence of classic titles like Goemon. With its vibrant world, challenging combat, and engaging exploration, Bakeru stands out as a must-play for genre fans. Despite some minor shortcomings in its combat mechanics, the game’s overall execution and nostalgic appeal make it an unforgettable experience.
Black Myth: Wukong delivers a visually stunning action-packed adventure deeply rooted in Chinese mythology. While the combat system is engaging and the world is expansive, the game is hindered by a disjointed narrative and repetitive environments. Players looking for a challenging action experience will find much to enjoy, but the lack of a cohesive story and navigational tools may detract from the overall enjoyment. Despite its flaws, Black Myth: Wukong stands as a unique and ambitious title that is worth experiencing.
Natsu-Mon! 20th Century Summer Kid transports players to a nostalgic summer vacation in Yomogi Town, where they join Satoru in his carefree adventures. From bug catching to heartfelt interactions with town residents, this cozy game offers a charming escape from reality.
Closer The Distance is a unique life simulation game that challenges players with time management mechanics and an emotionally charged narrative. Set in the quaint village of Yesterby, you guide a family through the aftermath of a tragic loss, balancing their emotional and physical needs. With stunning visuals, exceptional voice acting, and a melancholic tone, this game offers a deeply immersive experience. While the time constraints and challenging objectives may be stressful for some, the game's replay value and narrative depth make it a must-play for fans of the genre.