Twisted Voxel
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A relic of visual novel history, Never 7 offers a glimpse into Uchikoshi’s early work with its time-loop mechanic and sci-fi undertones. However, dated visuals, uneven writing, and a lackluster cast make it feel more like a curiosity than a must-play.
Urban Myth Dissolution Center offers a visually striking and intriguing mystery-solving experience with its nostalgic pixel art and modern twists. While the gameplay loop is engaging and the social media integration adds a fresh layer, the slow pacing, underdeveloped characters, and inconsistent case quality hold it back.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD swings back into action, capturing the charm of its predecessors while introducing new difficulty modes and quality-of-life features. Though it loses some of the 3DS version's 3D magic, the jump to HD brings noticeable visual improvements. The game remains a classic platformer with rewarding collectibles and solid performance, despite longer load times. While its pricing as a full-priced game is steep, it offers enjoyable gameplay and nostalgia for fans of the series.
A swashbuckling spin-off that delivers the charm and chaos of the Like a Dragon series, Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii shines with its action-packed combat, quirky side content, and Majima’s magnetic presence.
A solid but uneven return for a classic fighter, Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. shines with its deep, technical gameplay and excellent rollback netcode but falters with stripped-down content and a lackluster tutorial. While its 3D combat remains engaging, the absence of single-player modes and controversial customization cuts leave fans wanting more. A promising yet flawed revival.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II attempts an ambitious multiverse narrative with refined character arcs and a seamless combat system. However, its complex storytelling and reliance on prior knowledge may alienate newcomers and overwhelm fans. While time-hopping mechanics add depth for lore enthusiasts, they slow pacing, leading to uneven payoffs. Despite narrative challenges, character development shines, making it a solid entry for dedicated fans, albeit not the series' pinnacle.
Atomic Heart - Enchantment Under The Sea is an electrifying continuation of the game's saga, delivering dynamic combat and an engaging narrative. This DLC enhances the base game's visual appeal and introduces inventive new weapons while shifting the focus from repetitive puzzles to more action-oriented gameplay.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black brings the beloved, brutal action of the original back to life with a stunning Unreal Engine 5 remake, though it stumbles slightly in living up to its "Black" legacy.
Alien: Rogue Incursion brings a breath of fresh air to VR gaming with its immersive and action-packed experience. Developed by Survios, this first-person shooter captures the essence of the Alien franchise while offering a different approach from Alien Isolation. The game excels in its interactive elements and smooth controls, despite some visual shortcomings on PSVR 2. While the narrative may leave fans wanting more, the engaging gameplay and rich lore make it a must-play for Alien enthusiasts.
Tales of Graces f Remastered makes a great comeback for an underrated game. This version brings back its heartfelt story and wonderful characters, showcasing the charm and depth that fans missed before. The combat system is engaging, and the nostalgic art style, similar to Tales of Vesperia, makes it special. While the older environments and common anime tropes might not appeal to everyone, the new features and smooth performance on modern platforms make it enjoyable for both long-time fans and new players.
A valiant return for the PS Vita classic, Freedom Wars Remastered transports players to a dystopian future with an engaging twist on the Monster Hunter formula. Despite the original's struggles due to the Vita's poor sales, this remaster brings back its intense resource-gathering missions and customizable characters with polished visuals for modern platforms. While the barren environments and thin story may not impress everyone, the solid combat system and intriguing multiplayer mode breathe new life into this forgotten gem.
A nostalgic trip down the survival horror lane, Enigma of Fear blends retro aesthetics with modern 3D animation, creating a visually captivating experience. Despite its charming art style, the game's interface and presentation can leave players lost and puzzled. With a focus on challenging puzzles and an eerie atmosphere, it demands keen observation and memory. While some aspects, like the navigation and UI, fall short, the solid writing and engaging combat make it a worthwhile adventure for old-school horror fans.
FANTASIAN Neo Dimension masterfully revives classic JRPG elements. Originally an Apple Arcade exclusive, its transition to PC and consoles allows the game to shine. With a nostalgic yet fresh turn-based combat system, engaging narrative, and innovative Dimengeon mechanic, it's a gem for RPG fans. While the visuals may not impress, gameplay improvements like difficulty settings and voiceovers make it a must-play for the genre's enthusiasts.
Metro Awakening ventures into VR with mixed results. The game offers detailed environments and immersive sound design but struggles with performance tweaks and long load times. While it answers key lore questions and provides solid gunplay, its linear and repetitive gameplay diminishes the overall experience. Though it doesn’t match the heights of VR titans like Half-Life: Alyx, it remains an engaging spin-off for Metro fans.
Mario and Luigi: Brothership offers an enchanting adventure, combining exploration with captivating gameplay. The vibrant world of Concordia and its quirky characters bring fresh life to the series, despite a simplistic narrative. With intuitive mechanics and the classic charm of our favorite plumbers, it offers a delightful journey that's a must-play for fans.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake revitalizes a classic with a blend of retro charm and modern visuals. The HD-2D engine creates stunning graphics, though some aspects feel dated. Under Yuji Horii's guidance, the game balances nostalgia with modern enhancements, providing a refreshed experience. While there are instances of grinding and slow battles, it remains an engaging journey for both longtime fans and newcomers—essential for JRPG enthusiasts.
In The Rise of the Golden Idol, players dive into a web of mysteries, using sharp deductive reasoning to solve them. This sequel features a rich narrative and modern setting that makes each revelation satisfying. With engaging art and intuitive gameplay, it offers fresh challenges for point-and-click adventure fans, despite minor interface hiccups on platforms like Steam Deck. A must-play for enthusiasts of the Golden Idol series.
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven revitalizes the classic SaGa series with modern accessibility and enhanced visuals. This remake of the 1993 original balances the needs of veterans and newcomers while showcasing a complex, multi-generational storyline.
Despite a few minor drawbacks, Black Ops 6 successfully breathes new life into the Call of Duty series by building upon fan-favorite elements while boldly introducing omnimovement, a mechanic that is transformative to moment-to-moment gameplay.
Sonic X Shadow Generations revitalizes a classic by combining nostalgia with fresh content. With enhanced visuals and a campaign focused on Shadow the Hedgehog, it offers smooth gameplay and rich character development. While console players will appreciate the upgrades, the high price for PC users might seem steep for just the new Shadow story.