Noisy Pixel
HomepageNoisy Pixel's Reviews
Buried Stars came out of nowhere but it has become one of my favorite visual novels of this year. The titles’ fantastic presentation paired with the gripping narrative creates a unique experience within the genre. The localization can seem flat at times, but this is well worth the time of any adventure fan.
Robotics;Notes Elite gives us a visual novel experience full of compelling characters, immersive systems, and excellent pacing that rivals the best the genre offers. It’s both dramatic and impactful, and not afraid to have fun with its cast as it balances its story beats expertly.
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is some of the most fun I have had within the action-JRPG genre, period. The adventure includes everything you could ask from the series, with the addition of an addicting gameloop, well-written character-driven narrative, a stellar soundtrack, and great controls. This is not a title to be slept on.
Nioh 2 on PC is the same great and challenging experience. It’s packed with content that spans a lengthy timeline of nightmares making this release a must for anyone who held out on the PS4 version or who can’t get enough. The graphical options only make a great game better, but even after 120 hours, I still don’t understand anything about this plot.
Metro Exodus: Enhanced Edition is an amazing upgrade that no one will think they wanted until they play it. The free nature of it allows fans to return to a more immersive world, while those who have yet to play can experience the best version available. This is the way Metro Exodus needs to be played. Sadly, the PC requirements are high, but those who can play will be treated to some serious eye candy.
Eastward will fulfill any action-adventure needs that have been missing in your life. The character writing is fantastic and enhances the more emotional moments as the killer Miasma rears its ugly head. This game is an investment, but you’ll be left with a genuinely standout gaming experience full of action, exploration, memorable characters, and a fantastic final chapter. So do yourself a favor and play Eastward.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a remarkable and magical adventure, and it’s honestly still hard to believe this is an indie title. This is the kind of game that simply needs to be part of every gamer’s library and one that raises the bar for the adventure genre in this generation. With emotional story beats, a compelling game world, engaging level design, challenging boss battles, and surprising combat versatility, Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an experience far greater than the sum of its many interconnected parts.
Through the lens of magical realism, A Space for the Unbound takes a whimsical yet mature look at what happens when a community is under unexplainable distress. It shows you the effect one small action or one person can have. Factor in a beautiful art style, excellent storytelling, and a gorgeous soundtrack, and there’s no denying the superb quality of the content.
El Paso, Elsewhere is, simply put, an incredible game. Every aspect is meticulously crafted and works in perfect harmony with the rest. It nails practically everything it tries to do. I expected it to be a lot of fun to play, but I did not expect it to be anywhere near as compelling. I wonder how long I’ll be rotating James in my head like I’ve put him in a microwave…
The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails is a masterful spinoff boasting its own distinct identity, with an addictive gameplay loop enhanced by several excellently woven upgrade and replayability systems, as well as a finely crafted narrative and loveable cast that works well thanks to the relatively compact scale of it all. The stellar voice work and, as in typical Falcom fare, the sublime soundtrack also serve to make this adventure a must-play no matter one’s history with the developer’s lineup. This spiritual successor of sorts to Zwei is such a considerate blast from the past that I want to see more of in Falcom’s future.
Judgment is a game that anyone will love playing through from the beginning to the end. I was completely immersed in Judgement’s world and could easily spend more time running through the streets and hanging out with the friends I’ve made along the way.
Oninaki is one of the best JRPGs I've played this year (so far). It's a heartwarming yet heartbreaking adventure that never, ever fails to keep you wanting more from beginning to end. After two worthy attempts, Tokyo RPG Factory has crafted something truly special that I won't stop thinking about for quite some time.
If I had to describe Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered in one word, it would be "magical". The game truly takes the player to a new world of exploration and discovery as you experience it through the eyes of a boy determined to fight for the ones he loves.
While the journey is a little short, with its unique premise and gameplay, and unbelievable soundtrack and visuals, Sayonara Wild Hearts is the best and most unique endless runner I’ve ever played. It’s a beautiful work of art that needs not only to be played but also listened to and remembered for years.
Gunvolt Chronicles: Luminous Avenger iX shows us a different side of Copen that I have been waiting see. It’s through this entire adventure that he makes his marks as a true main protagonist and proves he is just as awesome as Gunvolt.
Doraemon: Story of Seasons has some excellent illustrations all packed in a massive open world. It's a game that has all the right ingredients from each series to make this an imaginative adventure that fans of each series could enjoy.
Everything the player does leads up to an epic conclusion, but the little battles along the way leave a lasting impact as well. This game is more than just a beautiful space opera; it's a real RPG adventure that has finally brought the genre to a new height.
I have to admit the Corpse Party series is still managing to surpass my expectations, and while the first chapter doesn’t reveal too much about the story, I’m eager to have my questions answered.
Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout’s focus on character and world-building is unlike anything found in the previous entries. These characters face some real hardships, and it became my personal goal to see them through until the end.
Ultimately, I think Pokémon Sword and Shield are some of the best games in the franchise. With fun multiplayer features, the ease of setting up a competitive squad for me to play online with fantastic visuals, solid music, and an acceptable story, I think grabbing Sword or Shield is an excellent idea for most Pokémon fans.