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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.
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.
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.
After many years of fixing, it's great to see the trials of V and his/her adventure in Night City -seediness & all- now in its final Super Saiyan God form. The Phantom Liberty expansion is a helluva adventure as well featuring the best talent for its narrative, lovely structure and levels, and all-around captivating spy motif and cloak-and-dagger who-can-we-trust package.
Alan Wake 2 is not for everyone, but for fans of the Remedy Connected Universe since 2010's Alan Wake, it's exactly the game that we've been waiting for. While the game still follows conventional Resident Evil-like survival horror elements, there are enough unique mechanics here and blend atmospheric visuals and trippy live-action sequences to make this a genuine Remedy Entertainment experience that only the Finnish developers could deliver. It's also one of 2023's best games and a definite contender for GOTY, even in a year filled to the brim with phenomenal games.
Dredge is a great mix of moody atmospheric horror storytelling mixed in with fishing and sailing. The DLC that just came out, The Pale Reach, adds a ton more to an already-packed 10-hour base game, adding 11 new fishes/crabs to catch, a new ice-floe-filled landscape, and new dangers. So really, now's a good time as any to go fish.
Every aspect of Steamworld Build feels meticulously designed. The goals are clearly emphasized so you don't get lost. Even dragging and dropping units is satisfying, and arranging paths or placing mining equipment functions perfectly well. The interaction between the above-ground and below-ground elements feels well-paced and thoughtfully designed. The familiar art style of the series shines through in every little detail, with its bright and eye-catching colours that make every aspect of the game absolutely loveable.
Void Stranger is unapproachable at first glance, even after an hour or so of playing it. [...] But if you stick with it long enough, 20 to 30 hours give or take, Void Stranger will deliver an immaculate experience unlike anything on tap this year. You need to play by its rules and also bend/break them in the process. The going is tough, but the tough gets going. Void Stranger will make you as hardy as they come.
You will fail many times and you will also succeed many times. How it happens, well, it's all different. You will never lose the same way. The roguelite element is a delight. Even in failure, you learn something that will help you in the next playthrough. [...] Against The Storm is wonderfully done, with each playthrough feeling fresh. Even though I am terrified of the Queen's wrath, and the storm, come what may, I will run it back over again.
Trust me when I say that Pizza Tower fills in that 2D platforming niche that can be enjoyed by casual fans and hardcore connoisseurs who long for Nintendo to make a new non-minigame Wario title that isn’t simplified garbage. With developer Tour De Pizza around keeping the dream alive, we don’t need it. Pizza Tower is a superior substitute that takes what its developers learn from past Wario Land platformers and makes it fresh again.
I never thought 2024 would start with a banger of a 2D title, especially from a company like Ubisoft that's known for copy-pasta open-world games, yet here we are. While Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown has elements from other 2D search action titles, it adds a few more innovations and uses its platforming and level design talent to create a remarkable and memorable platforming and sword-slinging experience, polish and all. Give this Metroidvania a whirl; you'll be pleased to know that it keeps the Prince of Persia platforming legacy alive and very well, thanks to its new search action trappings.
Simply put, Lil' Guardsman is undoubtedly a remarkable title that provides players with a one-of-a-kind gaming experience. Its blend of comedy, cozy adventure, puzzles, and fantasy offers a refreshing take on an indie comedy adventure.
In conclusion, Persona 3 Reload is worth playing for both old fans (who've played the original Persona 3) and newcomers because it is quite simply the most playable version of the game with modern quality-of-life improvements and new mechanics that make it near definitive. While the lack of certain content (like The Answer epilogue) stops it from being able to truly definitive; if there's one Persona game that you want to play, there's no reason to choose Persona 5 when you have Persona 3 Reload.
I may not have played all of the Like A Dragons series, but this one...This one I honestly had tons of fun with. [...] While it may be daunting for newbies like myself, it's worth jumping into the deep end and rolling with it. Because once its metaphoric dragon jaws snag you, it's hard not to get immersed and enjoy the levity and drama Sega offers in its crime-slash-fun-time gameplay set in a bold tropical landscape.
Death Trick: Double Blind really did keep me in suspense, and I was impatient to figure out who did it in this mystery storyline. But like I said, this is definitely what you want in a mystery visual novel; the sense of guessing and well-woven narrative that keeps you in suspense! You feel completely involved, and makes you feel like an ace detective even for a second. In all honestly, I still can't find anything jarringly negative to say about this visual novel because I genuinely enjoyed every lovingly written & designed part of it.
Rise Of The Ronin is Team Ninja's best title to date, perhaps on par with Nioh 2. It's not the most revolutionary title, but the developer continues to shape the Souls-like genre into their own distinctive style and that continues with this latest game. If you're looking for a meaty historical open-world game that's not too difficult but still provides a bit of a challenge, Rise Of The Ronin is that game.
With great controls, a decent learning curve, and fun levels and lovely aesthetics, Pepper Grinder fills in the short-but-sweet arcade gaming niche that we love out of a twitch-based indie offering. Drill out!
The art style is seemingly minimalistic but that's what makes it shine. Even the music really sets the mood for your assassination. I'm honestly impressed that all this was done by a solo developer. [...] Unlike a shot in the dark, Children of the Sun is a banging good time that stimulates your puzzle senses while delivering its premise with precision.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes perfectly captures the zeitgeist period of Japanese role-playing games of the late 90s, faults and all. [...] Players who yearn for the days of an epic fantasy story with solid turn-based combat & dungeon puzzle shenanigans most immersive will find a lot to love in this heartfelt tribute from the late Yoshitaka Murayama and his team Rabbit & Bear Studios.
This Mr. Driller entry is a must-buy for anyone who injects puzzle gaming juice in their veins, especially for anyone who hasn't played a Mr. Driller game before. Come for the catchy music and remastered artwork, stay for the drilling.