Final Weapon
HomepageFinal Weapon's Reviews
Atelier Ryza is an amazing trilogy within Gust’s Atelier series. Even still, this repackaging isn’t something you should rush to get unless you’re a fan or newcomer, as the new content, much like previous DX versions of Atelier games, doesn’t bring much that’s new to the table. There are just some nice extras that I wouldn’t consider integral to the overall experience.
Lumines Arise is a radiant revival that perfectly captures the rhythm and emotion the series is known for. The experience is simultaneously soothing and challenging, offering a unique game that both longtime fans and newcomers will appreciate. While the VR mode leaves a bit to be desired, Lumines Arise is an absolute joy that should be experienced without hesitation.
Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home Special Edition attempts to emulate the success of its predecessors, but so many issues hold it back, including flimsy controls and an unimaginative world. There is hardly any new content added for the special edition, so there isn't much for returning players to check out either.
Tales of Xillia Remastered successfully brings the original title to modern consoles while maintaining its charm and warts. It won't change anyone's opinion who played it over a decade ago, but it is the best option for those who want to experience this title in the beloved Tales series for the first time.
BALL x PIT is a fantastic reinvention of Breakout with a new twist. The game combines concepts from the roguelite genre, farming simulators, and shoot-em-ups. In theory, this blending of elements shouldn't work, but the game is fantastically addictive thanks to a fun gameplay loop. Even though the game can often get repetitive, the presentation and balanced difficulty help to navigate through any monotony. If you're a fan of Breakout or the roguelite genre, then BALL x PIT is a must-buy.
PowerWash Simulator 2 is a complicated release. On the one hand, the new features and additions to the formula make for a game that is charmingly satisfying, regardless of what console you play it on. On the other hand, the updates to the overall experience add very little new material compared to the original game, making it feel more like a remake of PowerWash Simulator rather than a brand new game.
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O World Stage upgrades Virtua Fighter 5's single-player offers with the fun and rewarding World Stage mode and implements cross-play to keep players engaged in one large player pool. Despite some matchmaking issues, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O World Stage brings a compelling suite of online features, including Ranked matches, to keep players engaged with another avenue of fighting game content.
Painkiller reimagines the cult classic as a three-player co-op raid shooter, blending its breakneck gunplay with modern progression and a fresh take on heaven and hell’s eternal war. It doesn’t quite reach its full potential due to a short length, awkward mechanics, and limited content, but when the action hits, the promise of a great game is here.
Borderlands 4 is a fantastic return to form for the divisive franchise. The narrative is a great change of pace from previous entries, immediately separating itself with a far darker tone, higher stakes, and a great cast of both new and familiar characters. Furthermore, the gameplay represents a significant evolution from what one'd expect from the franchise, offering new customization options, features, and a balance of fun both solo and with a friend. While there are some issues, such as bugs and the game's monotonous traversal, I look forward to seeing how Gearbox continues to develop the franchise in the future.
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake masterfully modernizes two timeless RPGs with the gorgeous HD-2D art style. Significant story changes, wonderful quality-of-life improvements, and flawless performance on Nintendo Switch 2 make this a must-play game for any fan of the genre. Without a doubt, this is the definitive way to experience the Erdrick Trilogy for both newcomers and longtime fans alike.
Double Dragon Revive fails to deliver a much-needed shot of adrenaline for the Double Dragon series, falling flat in almost every regard. Only the most hardcore of genre fans will find anything to praise here, and all others should stay far away.
Bounty Star attempts to merge mech combat and farming together into one delicious melting pot. It might sound like an unlikely combo, but it strangely works. Unfortunately, the farming elements are average at best. But if you're looking for a serious mech experience, it could still be worth a look.
The Outer Worlds 2 is a fantastic modern RPG. The emphasis on player choice and customization, the great dialogue and characters, exceptional worldbuilding, and fun gameplay mechanics make it one of Obsidian's best games in years. However, that excitement is hindered by frustrating navigation mechanics, constant glitches, and characters that lack depth due to the absence of romances and natural speech options. While this is a great return to form for the genre, you may be better off waiting for all of the issues to be fixed in a post-launch update before buying.
From the team behind Earth Defense Force comes Full Metal Schoolgirl, which combines third-person shooter and character-driven action game elements for an incredibly fun roguelike hybrid. Players can choose a Japanese machine girl and ascend a 100-floor building to take out frustrations on a fully mechanized corporation. The structure of the game can be tedious due to lengthy runs up the skyscraper, and there's a lack of overall content, but the gunplay makes this game too fun and addicting to put down at times.
Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted is a solid return for the series that mostly does right by the original. The core gameplay still holds up, the added modes are fun, but inconsistent visuals, missing dynamic music, and a few technical hiccups keep it from being excellent.
Once Upon a KATAMARI is a strong return to the series that every fan should experience. Everything that made the originals great is still here, along with a few new additions. Not all of them land perfectly, but none take away from the fun. While it’s on the shorter side, the game’s replayability and incredible soundtrack keep me coming back for more.
Persona 3 Reload finally hits the Nintendo Switch 2, but what should've been a celebration quickly turns into a major letdown. The frame pacing and constant stutters make every step through Tatsumi Port Island a chore, no matter how enjoyable the game itself can be. Maybe ATLUS will patch the frame rate issues in the future, but even then, the lack of support for 60 FPS might be enough to detract some players regardless.
Ninja Gaiden 4 is a triumphant return for the series, with Team Ninja and PlatinumGames uniting to deliver the most intense and fluid combat the franchise has ever seen. Its dual-protagonist story between Yakumo and Ryu is beautifully told, with jaw-dropping dynamic gameplay sequences for both characters. A stellar score ties it all together, making Ninja Gaiden 4 one of 2025's best games and firmly cementing the franchise's grand return in the modern era.
Keeper shows off Double Fine's beautiful art direction and creative minds, but fails to tell a compelling story despite its best efforts. Combine this with a largely uninteresting gameplay loop until the final hour, and we have a rare misfire by one of the best studios working today. Hopefully, Double Fine returns to this world in another capacity at some point, as there is a lot of potential here that could still be salvaged.
CARIMARA is a creepy horror mystery based on Normandy folklore. The atmosphere encapsulates an eerie yet beautiful tone, which is mesmerizing to play. However, the experience is very short, and the central mystery falls flat because some of the answers are unsatisfying.