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As a hopeless Disgaea addict, I may never escape the gravity well this game created in my living room. Remember me fondly, my friends.
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Hades 2 is an iterative improvement on the old formula. And the old formula was pretty much perfect. If you’ve been hoping for more Hades, you simply can’t pass up on Hades 2.
Overall, Gloomy Eyes is an engaging, enchanting experience. The complementary abilities of its two protagonists allow for interesting puzzles, and its story has a lot of heart despite the gloom. I liked the VR film, but the game is an equally enjoyable take on a haunting little tale.
I really wanted to love Hotel Barcelona. It has such an interesting presentation and game world. But its gameplay is just plain awful. It has a generic roguelite structure, and controlling Justine feels abysmal. The UI is also an overcluttered eyesore. I hope fans of SWERY and SUDA51 find something to love in Hotel Barcelona. But as it is, I just can’t recommend a game that plays this horribly.
This remake adds thoughtful quality-of-life features that enhance the experience, though not enough to warrant its price point. Still, it’s a charming adventure that offers plenty for both newcomers and returning fans, and a nostalgic reminder of a time when the genre truly thrived.
However, for those who want to experience atmospheric, nerve-shredding moments, The Beast delivers. It challenges you not only to endure the infected but to examine the humanity you cling to in a world intent on stripping it away.
Trails in the Sky: 1st Chapter is a must-play for JRPG fans. Bring on the 2nd Chapter, because I can’t wait to see where this story goes!
All in all, Atelier Resleriana: The Red Alchemist & the White Guardian is a slow-paced but cute JRPG with an expansive crafting system. If you like Atelier games, you’ll have fun with it. If you’ve never tried an Atelier game, it’s not a bad place to start. Just don’t expect something revolutionary from a slice of life game about grief, town development, and alchemy.
But, most importantly, it’s simply a ton of fun. Sucker Punch Productions has raised the bar to a seemingly insurmountable height. When it’s all said and done, people will look back at this generation and regard Ghost of Yotei as a true magnum opus. It’s games like these that remind me just how special the medium can be.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is a loving remaster of the most beloved strategy JRPG of all time. If you have any love for the genre, it’s a must-play.
I also lost reasonable amounts of progress to in-game crashes. I took it as a chance to fix mistakes I’d made, but didn’t save more frequently, though. Especially in the game’s later hours, the process just took too long. Every settlement was clearly always running in the background, slowing the whole thing down. Still, even this port can’t keep me away. I’m already ready to brave the frost again.
Baby Steps has a simple premise, but a lot of depth. You’re pushed to be patient and persistent by the mechanics. In fact, the whole game is built around punishing you for being foolish or hasty. Every character is begging you to relax, take in the scenery, and have a good time. If you listen, you just might enjoy yourself. But make no mistake, this game can be crazy frustrating. Tiny mistakes can lead to gigantic consequences, after all. If you’re patient enough to master the deranged control scheme, you’ll be shocked by what you can accomplish in Baby Steps.
Silent Hill f is the entry fans have been waiting for since 2004’s The Room. The shift from small-town America to rural Japan gives the game a distinct identity, allowing the developers to craft a unique experience that still captures the spirit of the series. Ryukishi07’s storytelling shines, with your journal steadily filling with information and mature themes explored in subtle yet impactful ways. While combat has seen improvements over its predecessors, it still pales in comparison to the game’s atmosphere and puzzle design. After two long decades, and a remake of a genre classic, Silent Hill is finally back.
It’s a bit disappointing that Yasuke gets no new weapons and that the basic mission design remains relatively unchanged. It’s also a shame that Awaji Island and its enemies are gated from all but endgame players. However, for anyone frustrated by Shadows’ inconclusive finale, Claws of Awaji will bring some much-needed closure in DLC that rewards committed players.
Shape of Dreams does many things very well. It counters the roguelike problem of early game frustration by giving players lots of powerful and impressive tools right from the start. The flow of combat and the variety of builds have a lot of depth. The bite-sized battles are perfectly paced, though probably more satisfying for a group than a solo player. Shape of Dreams definitely has that compulsive, “just one more run” element at its core, and it’s a great scaffold for more content down the line.
Nothing about Katanaut screams originality, but the game’s particular combination of familiar elements comes together in an addictive package. There are a few minor annoyances, but nothing rises to the level of real frustration. Fans of side-scrolling Metroidvanias, retro-themed action games, and roguelites should have a great time with Katanaut.
While there’s a lot of potential meat on the bone, it’s all wrapped up in perfecting your runs. If you’re not in love with that arcade, roguelite style, there’s really nothing for you. Though it’s definitely not for everyone, you might end up having a lot of fun with Donkey Kong Bananza’s DK Island & Emerald Rush DLC.
And while on-pitch gameplay feels sharper than ever, the surrounding modes remain too familiar to past iterations, weighed down further by aggressive monetization through FUT’s premium season pass. EA Sports FC 26 takes meaningful steps forward on the pitch, but it still needs bolder changes off it to truly move the series ahead.