Kakuchopurei
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I was really left wanting more of Gunbrella's levels and gameplay, to the point where I feel that 6 hours wasn't enough. Perhaps it could benefit from more stages that mix challenge and creativity. As it stands, it is still a great indie action platformer to pick up. Gunbrella really delivers where it counts: an action-packed 2D run-and-gun search action offering with a quirky-yet-serious presentation and a badass weapon.
Goodbye Volcano High just feels like a very tryhard Life Is Strange with furries and full of hodge-podge maudlin writing. I'm very sure this game will satiate its niche audience, but I can't say this is going to change anybody else's mind about visual novels made by Western developers.
Immortals of Aveum feels like a bunch of different ideas all smushed up together to make one game; none of it feels cohesive or even forms a standout experience. The storyline is something you see coming, although it does it in a way that still makes you want to play it out to see it actually happen, despite the horrible combat and puzzles you have to go through to get there. Despite all of its drawbacks, which is quite an enormous amount, I did somehow find myself enjoying little parts of the game. But just a fraction; not enough to recommend it to people in good faith.
Ultimately, Starfield not only marks the beginning of a new Bethesda universe but also stands as a testament to the studio's ability to adapt its RPG mastery to a spacefaring epic. As players traverse the cosmos and uncover the mysteries it holds, Starfield promises to provide countless hours of immersive gameplay, solidifying its place among Bethesda's iconic RPG titles. It truly delivers on all fronts.
Armored Core 6: Fires Of Rubicon manages to stand out in a sea of good games in 2023 and it is a strong contender for Game Of The Year. Even if you've never played an Armored Core game, or if you don't like Soulslike games (which shouldn't be an issue in the first place), this game is recommended for fans who crave great mecha action games. There's nothing else like it in the market right now, and Armored Core 6: Fires Of Rubicon is finally the game that elevates this franchise beyond its niche to the mainstream. There's no doubt about it.
Samba De Amigo: Party Central is best enjoyed in a group setting, rather than playing it alone. It is perfect to play at parties or gatherings where the atmosphere is lively and fun. The game features fantastic music and is highly engaging, which makes it addictive and enjoyable at first. However, despite offering a variety of challenges, it fails to leave a lasting impression and is far from being considered one of the standout rhythm games of 2023.
There's no other way to put this: Sea Of Stars is sublime from start to finish. It's a love letter to the best era of JRPGs -the late 90s to 2000s- made to look like the past but comes with a lot of newfangled modern-day features to duplicate the spirit and joy it emanates. And despite its obvious inspiration, it stands tall and proud on its own two feet, sword in one hand and Solar/Moon powers to blast away all doubt of JRPGs existing in proper and fun form in 2023.
Overall, F1 Manager 2023 is the game for F1 statistics nut out there. Clearly designed for those who appreciate the intricacies of running an F1 team more than the actual driving of the cars, F1 Manager 2023 is a step up from last year's game; but barely enough. We wished for new features such as the ability to store a track setup or even custom designs. But since things are headed in the right direction albeit incrementally, this would do. For now. Whether you're a Gunther Steiner or a Christian Horner, F12023 allows you to chart your own unique career as an F1 team manager. Mid-season starts this weekend so it's the perfect time to pick up the game - otherwise what are you going to do in between practice sessions? Talk to your kids?
While Baldur's Gate 3 has its issues (what game doesn't?), it definitely deserves all the praise it's been getting and then some. Although it launched in a packed year (The Legend Of Zelda Tears Of The Kingdom, Final Fantasy 16, Resident Evil 4 Remake, Dead Space Remake, Hi-Fi Rush), Larian Studios' latest effort is a strong GOTY 2023 contender.
Blasphemous 2 is a lovely search action game made for anyone who wants a challenge, an R-rated experience, and a good mix of combat and exploration. For veterans, this sequel fixes a few of the problems from the first game so that it seems less cheap and buggy.
Shadow Gambit The Cursed Crew is one of the best strategy games of 2023 so far. It's a delightful experience that requires patience to enjoy. For fans of the stealth strategy genre, this game is a must-play, especially the unique save-scumming mechanic that distinguishes the game from other titles in the same genre.
In wrapping up, Turbo Overkill delivers a distinctive fusion of humour, breakneck action, and imaginative gameplay mechanics for a boomer shooter. While this throwback FPS boasts numerous strengths including its concept, humour, and visual flair, it doesn't come without certain challenges, particularly in terms of level design, controls, and potential spikes in difficulty.
Batterystaple Games took up the responsibility to create a loving tribute to the Mega Man X series and adds a new spin on things to make the game challenging and highly replayable for hardcore fans of the genre. Fans of the archetype 2D run-and-gun power-up filled charged Mega Buster action title can stop praying for a Mega Man X follow-up. 30XX is essentially that and a bag of Nuts.
For the low price of US$14.99, you could do worst [than this indie mecha title] and it'll at least sate your jollies if for a few hours.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons' roguelike structure might take a while to get used to, and the game can get absurdly tough in Mission 3 and onward. And it'll take you a while to get used to each character's recovery animations as it's purposely made like this to make you think twice before you button mash. Still, you won't find a worthy remake and beat-em-up revitalization project like this "side story" filled with so many deep cuts that will make beat-em-up fans of the Technos era smile.
Dlala Studios aims to recapture that [90s 2D platforming] magic with its new Nintendo Switch-exclusive title, and succeeds on all fronts. Disney's Illusion Island is a feel-good all-ages search action fare that four people (or less) can really enjoy. From its pleasing aesthetics and whimsical music to its fun-if-familiar platforming and lovely controls, along with some post-game replayability and challenges, it's safe to say that this title might start a possible return of 90s Disney game platforming and action.
If you love imaginative brainteasers involving photographs and optical illusions but in immersive first-person video game form, you'll have a picture-perfect time with Viewfinder.
Park Beyond may have lightyears ahead with its impossification mechanic, but other features and bugs encountered made it not worth the while of spending hours sinking in the game.
Ghost Trick: Detective Phantom is one of those rare gems that shows you standalone games can exist, and you don't need follow-ups. It's rewarding. It's fun. And they've got a cute darn pomeranian trying to protect its owner with its life. What's not to like about it?
Final Fantasy 16 is a stellar and noteworthy entry in the series that's just as impactful as Final Fantasy 6 and Final Fantasy 7's debut back in their respective heydays. And that is not a statement I make lightly.