NookGaming
HomepageNookGaming's Reviews
Touken Ranbu Warriors might be a surprising entry to the Warriors franchise, but it’s a welcome addition. I’m not sure that it’ll be a hit due to its niche appeal and unusual targeting, but there’s plenty of fun to be had here.
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is an interesting time capsule from an era that wasn't actually a long time ago but feels like forever. It's a fun 8-hour romp as long as you turn your mind off and expect a somewhat budget feeling PS2 era title. Visually and in its gameplay it has started to show its age. It's a shame that the 360/PS3 version didn't make the jump. I feel these stand up to today's standards a little better than its Frankenstein of a baby brother. It's not got the legacy of Jedi Knight and it's not in the same league as Jedi Fallen Order, but there is still a decent bit of budget fun that can be found here. If nothing else, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is still miles better than its rushed-out sequel!
Cotton Fantasy is frankly my favorite Cute 'em Up I've played in years. The different character playstyles caught me off guard and I fell in love with the title so quickly. In the gameplay department, it does very little long and sets the standard of the series for the most part. If it took the omissions from Cotton Reboot for a potential sequel we could be looking at a G.O.A.T contender. Sadly the visuals do let the overall package down and I feel that may have done some damage to the stage designs. It's not enough to knock the title down but is something that could be easily addressed in a future title in the series. This Cotton anniversary stretch has been great and what better way to cap it all off with the best gameplay the franchise has seen? The only thing sweeter than Willows it seems is Cotton Fantasy!
Maglam Lord is a game I really want to like. It has strong aesthetics, a cute premise, and a deep weapon customization system. It’s the elements around them that I’m not that fond of. A good JRPG needs a good story to encourage you to see it through to the end, but its plot and characters are sadly not that great. The camera issues during combat also didn't help matters much. Don't get me wrong, this game isn't a poor showing and I’m sure there’s someone out there who will gel with this title and have a great time, but I can’t say I’m among them.
Nintendo Switch Sports isn’t perfect, but there are certainly improvements to the original formula such as the inclusion of online and the addition of features or modes in some sports. While I doubt it will have the same cultural impact on gaming, it’s certainly still worth picking it up to play with the family or to keep yourself active by challenging others online.
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is a 35-hour love letter to Japanese Manga and late 80s to early 90s Science Fiction with outstanding writing but ultimately average combat sections. While I did enjoy the city defense aspect of the game, it stunk of missed opportunities. It didn't have that same allure, love, and feeling of weight and scale that the other half of the game had. I'm not a fan of visual novel gameplay, but I enjoyed nearly every hour with 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. While it's also available on other platforms, playing it on the Switch allowed me to pick off story sections in my spare time, and I think that helped keep my interest. While not the perfect game I wanted it to be, it's close. But as we know close is no cigar. That said, I still suggest if you have an interest in the genres mentioned above you put 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim on your list ASAP.
I struggled to rate Café Stella and the Reaper's Butterflies. It does a lot right, but it also does a lot that I didn’t like too. I mostly enjoyed the experience, but I can’t say it left much of an impression on me. It had a few great moments, but no standout plot. Many of the characters I really liked, but some routes fell flat. It has the high quality of a Yuzusoft title in many ways, but it’s the weakest of them that I’ve played. While it’s worth playing, unless you’re particularly into cafes I’d say to wait for a sale.
Z-Warp is a bargain-priced, arcade romp and just a generally all-around good time. It controls well, has addictive scoring, an endearing art style, and it doesn't damage your wallet for the privilege. While not oozing in content, the price and quality do put this title over as a serious contender for a perfect introductory Shmup for newcomers or a great snack before a hardcore player's next conquest.
The House of the Dead: Remake is utterly disappointing. While the addition of Horde Mode is a net positive, it’s brought down by ugly visuals, poor performance, and worse controls. In my entire time with the game, not once did I ever feel the heavy weight of the game’s faults lifted so I could enjoy myself. There is some brilliance to be seen here, but that’s courtesy of what the original game was, not what the remake mostly fails to uphold. The House of the Dead is better enjoyed elsewhere.
If you love cats and cat cafes, you would likely find there is plenty to gush over in Cat Cafe Manager. Not only is its fail-safe game mechanics friendly for casual players, but the game’s addictive gameplay loop strengthened by the presence of multiple adorable cats would also satisfy cat lovers who enjoy management sims as well. Though the inventory and staff management could be better, I had fun designing and running my cat cafe in Caterwaul Way anyway. With amiable Regulars to meet, a short feel-good story to experience, and cheery music to listen to, Cat Cafe Manager is a fine relaxing game to hop onto after a hectic day.
Dōkyūsei: Bangin’ Summer isn’t perfect, but it does a great job at bringing a classic into the modern era. The remake fixes most of the issues that would make it seem incredibly dated, along with updating it with some beautiful graphics.
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga kept me hooked with its huge variety of worlds to experience, activities to do, and things to collect. The humor provided plenty of laughs, and there were plenty of in-jokes for franchise fans. It’s a great way to experience Star Wars all over again.
Big Bang Pro Wrestling is a curiosity from the Neo Geo Pocket Color. While it looks nice, it hasn't aged quite as well as previous releases on the Neo Geo Pocket Colour Selection Volume 1 or the more recent SNK vs Capcom: Card Fighters Clash. This title is more for die-hard fans of the console or someone struggling for a wrestling fix on the Nintendo Switch, though there are alternatives such as Arcade Action Wrestling. Sadly this game is more Legend than Heavyweight Champion of the World.
I wasn’t a huge fan of this in Early Access. It was a great idea but more of an unpolished diamond than something I would have raved about. I’m glad I went back to this title in its final release as all the issues I had with the game have been addressed. It’s more of a complete package and meets the expectations I had when it dropped into my inbox many moons ago. It’s with great and disturbed pleasure that I take back most of my grievances with Forgive Me Father, open my arms in my mentally weak state and offer my soul to Dagon.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land is a far more successful venture into 3D than I first expected. What it lacked in a challenge, it more than made up for in sheer fun and the enjoyment of exploration. I’m looking forward to seeing what they do in the future.
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is a cult fighting game hit for all the right reasons. It’s such a genuine pleasure to have the title once again readily available on modern platforms. It offers enough options for fans of Persona 3/4/5 who may not be fighting game fans to have a good time, but it also offers enough heft and chaos that only an Arc System Works fighting game can provide. It’s a shame that not all ports are created equal and the Switch owners are going to be missing out on the Rollback patch, which will no doubt breathe even more life into the game, but with its plethora of modes, unlockable artwork, and hefty roster to play around with, it’s very hard not to recommend this game to anyone who is a fan of the source material or the genre in which the game is set. Even though it's been years, every day at your Junes is still fantastic!
Dairoku: Agents of Sakuratani is mainly bogged down by average writing that did not do enough justice to the enchanting world of Sakuratani and its cast of charming characters. Aksys Games’ translation quality is a mixed bag as well. Despite that, my 45 to 50 hours spent with this otome visual novel has been mostly enjoyable. If you fancy some supernatural romance with the ayakashi, entertaining stories rich in Japanese mythology, and pleasant culturally hybrid music to pass your time with, then you may like what Dairoku: Agents of Sakuratani has to offer.
Hoa may not offer much gameplay or narrative, but for those willing to savor the relaxed experience, Hoa’s beautiful art and sweeping music can whisk you away for a short, lovely jaunt through a magical world.
There is no wrong way to enjoy a Rune Factory game. That was true in 2006 and it especially holds true today. Endless discoveries make for an endlessly enjoyable take on the farm sim genre. Although it is a clumsier game than its predecessor due to technical issues, Rune Factory 5 upholds the ever-heartwarming and ever-rewarding legacy of the series.
Triangle Strategy is old school through and through, from its graphics down to the amount of investment it requires from the player. In a world after Fire Emblem: The Three Houses, the investment required might be a little too much for some, but those that give it the initial time and attention it requires are in for a slow burn of an SRPG with an amazing finish.