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Everything about Earth Defense Force 4.1: The Shadow of New Despair is, let’s face it, pretty below par when it comes to technical, visual and audio quality. The gameplay isn’t the smoothest, the visuals leave a lot to be desired and the audio, what little of it, is just basic. Given all that, though I still can’t help but really enjoy the game, it’s just so stupid, so ridiculous that’s it’s actually a fun game to play. It’s even better when you can play it with a couple of friends as the ridiculousness just never ends.
If you missed out on Project X Zone the first time around, here is a great chance to jump straight in and to see why so many of us are having a blast. You can go back and play the first game if you like, but I feel confident in saying that it can be missed if you’d rather play the most recent release. At least one of your favourite gaming icons will play their part, so why not see what they are up to these days? This is a strategic experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Disgaea PC is a great game to be introduced to this beloved franchise because not only does it include all content from the Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness remake, but also extra features. However, the sheer amount of customizability available can be overwhelming to those unfamiliar with strategic RPGs; with a level cap of 9999, the amount of grinding may sound daunting. However, the aforementioned content is more of a benefit than a setback because it allows players lots of freedom. Nonetheless, be ready to sink countless hours into this game if you want to fully experience what it holds. For a game originally released in 2003, Disgaea: Hour of Darkness underwent a number of makeovers to become the Disgaea PC we know today. Though gameplay cannot truly be modernised, it is still good enough to be still enjoyable to this day.
It’s a shame that Stella Glow will be imageepoch’s last game, but what a game to finish on. Based on the initial trailer and screenshots, I was expecting some great SRPG elements and an engaging story from Stella Glow and I can safely say it delivers on all that and more. Combining a brilliant soundtrack and fantastic visuals each map continues to impress upon each visit and with multiple ending the replay value is high. Strategy RPG fans this title is not one to miss and it’s easy to grasp for newcomers to the genre so definitely give it a try if you’re on the fence.
Return to PopoloCrois: A Story of Seasons Fairytale clocks in at around 30 hours of core story but features a lot of side content and a fantastic farming simulation that you can easily pour hours into. There’s a good range of things to do within the game given its hybrid nature. Really fitting the pickup and play style this game is perfect for short bursts or extended sessions.
Unfortunately, a lot of the issues we originally had with the game are still present in the Revival Edition but Nippon Ichi Software has added significantly to the game which also warrants praise. If you didn’t like what you saw with the PlayStation 3 version then this probably isn’t for you but for those that did enjoy it then the Revival Edition is certainly worth a shot.
Certainly the most fun Senran Kagura game available in English but there are too many other games that do not come with Estival Versus' negatives to warrant recommending it, unless you really want the video game equivalent of watching a raunchy anime while it is still censored for TV.
Though Neptunia U may not be the best installment of the franchise, it is still a very welcome addition. Admittedly, gameplay gets quite tedious with the constant slaying of hordes, but it is a game that will never tire in the long-run. The main story can be beaten in a few hours, but there is never a lack of great comedy in between. Remember to also take advantage of the viewer option. It is there for a reason, especially for situations where clothes are constantly getting ripped.
Samurai Warriors 4 Empires is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it’s the same great 3D hack and slash action you’re used to, with more options to busy yourself with. On the other, it’s the same hack and slash action you’ve played before, with more options than may be necessary. This title itself is a solid addition to the series, but franchise fatigue could see Koei Tecmo's Warriors falling on their own swords.
République is worth spending time with. It’s a well-made game that isn’t perfect, but has enough attentional content that makes it more than your bog-standard escape from one room to the next stealth experience. If you have some free time, help Hope escape from a life she wants to forget. If you do, Cooper will personally thank you from the bottom of his heart, and deliver a performance you will want to tell everybody about.
Nights of Azure on PlayStation 4 from Gust and Koei Tecmo is visually gorgeous and features an attractive soundtrack. If you’re a fan of Gust titles or new to their games you need to give this Action-RPG a try.
Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel is a must-have if you are a fan of Nitroplus which should be a great deal of people. But anyone else is likely to find the game offering far too little to be worth buying on release.
I can’t recall having ever played a more repetitive, tedious, chore of a game than Trillion: God of Destruction. The only way I feel that I can describe the game is that somehow the developers went ahead and made a game based on a first draft concept without fine-tuning any of its components even once. It’s a real shame that Idea Factory and Compile Heart’s good reputation has been marred by this monstrosity.
To be quite honest, my most favorite aspect of the game was being able to speak with Noire as a “Player” and view the affectionate side of her, a contrast to her usually stern outward demeanor. It is like a subtle dating sim disguised in this strategic RPG. The gameplay was quite enjoyable with various unique aspects one would not see in other Neptunia or strategic RPG games. Going through missions may feel tedious at times, but one can take a break from fighting by visiting the Basilicom and having a chat with Noire to boost one’s spirits. Overall, it is a very fun game for franchise fans and newcomers alike, especially if one is a Noire fan. It is definitely a great addition to the ever-growing Neptunia franchise.
If you are new to the Souls games, the third instalment is a great place to start. The opening tutorial does a grand job of telling you how to survive and then it’s up to you how you progress after that. If you’ve been told, or heard, these games are difficult, they aren’t lying. Just don’t give up and you’ll be rewarded with one of the greatest gaming satisfaction of this generation.
I’ve become a huge fan of dungeon crawlers in recent years and Experience Inc has certainly had a hand in my growing love for them. Having played some of their previous titles in Demon Gaze, Operation Abyss: New Tokyo Legacy and currently Ray Gigant (expect a review soon) I’m a little underwhelmed by Stranger of Sword City. The gameplay is solid but seems overly hard and needlessly punishing to players. Stranger of Sword City feels like a game that's definitely geared more towards the hardcore players. The story, visual and audio all appear very plain compared to their previous titles for me and it’s a real shame.
Yo-Kai Watch is a game that is probably going to be considered a Pokémon clone by many, but for me, it does things so much better. It’s visually stunning, with a deeper story than you might expect, as well as a much fresher take on the monster-collecting role-playing games that Pokémon made popular. If you’re on the fence about picking up this title, then I implore you to take the plunge and give it a go, you may just be pleasantly surprised. Yo-Kai Watch was an eye-opener for me and I’m glad that I got the chance to play this fantastic game. Fingers crossed we’ll be getting its sequels sometime soon!
The Neptunia series of games continues to provide excellent games, this latest entry rising to be one of my favourites in a series I already rank above most others. The roster of characters we all love is present herein, and the action gameplay is a nice change of pace while waiting for the next main series entry. Though I, for one, am eagerly anticipating the next spin-off game, Superdimension Neptune vs Sega Hard Girls.
Ray Gigant is easily my favourite Experience Inc title and quite possibly my favourite dungeon-crawler RPG so far, a huge thank you to Acttil for bringing it to the west. Ray Gigant managed to excel in so many areas from plot, gameplay, visuals and sound which I find is a rare thing these days. If you’re a fan of dungeon-crawling RPG or just looking for a new title to try out on the Vita then Ray Gigant needs to be high on your list.
The game is quite enticing during the first run, however, the constant puzzle-solving can be quite tedious at times. The tediousness is exacerbated by Moin’s excruciatingly slow walking pace, taking a long time just to move from one point to another. It is unfortunate that game speed cannot be adjusted. Though the replay value is not high, the game presents amazing auditory and visual sensations. Admittedly, if Nippon Ichi Software develops another game like htoL#NiQ, I would probably play it. However, it must be kept short like this one or else my impatience towards the tedious gameplay may get the better of me.