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An anime visual novel with poker at parts. The visuals were nice but sometimes grossed me out, with AI generation in parts that I can’t get behind. A niche crossover of genres that will find a dedicated audience but sadly not myself.
Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition is a must have Switch game, not only have Monolith Soft added massive improvements to the core gameplay over the Wii U version, I am convinced some black magic is going on as I still wonder how they have managed to make a game look this good and play as smooth as it does on a console that other companies seem to struggle to get even close to the performance or graphical fidelity that Monolith Soft always seem to do.
Crocs simplistic story and gameplay felt very much like it's own thing especially back in 1997 among other games at the time but the remaster of this game makes a lot of the flaws more noticeable sadly. It still is very much a charming game in it's own right and it was nostalgic if anything to play again especially with the soundtrack that remained untouched. I still hope the team decide to do a Remaster of Croc 2 as I can see they are passionate to the fans and who knows we may see Croc 3 one day in all its glory.
With a lack of modes and features in both online/offline play, (just three modes if you include the tutorial) / marred by poor server issues, and some pretty basic fighting mechanics; It is hard to support a purchase for the full recommended retail price. All the flash and impressive presentation values soon wear off. Story mode has its highs and lows that hardcore fans will love due to its faithful implementation of the original comic tale. Bleach REBirth Of Souls will prove popular to hardcore fans who love the nostalgia factor, (whilst arguably just grateful for an actual Bleach video game release). I felt the game could and should offer much more. A lack of depth in modes and its basic gameplay mechanics leave me feeling what could have been had more time been pumped into this release. REBirth Of Souls is a rough diamond that sadly, probably didn't have the budget to match the ambition.
Assassin's Creed: Shadows is a great addition to an already great series. Japan is a wonder to explore, like many it is a location I very much wanted to visit, and I was not disappointed. While playing as two characters is not a new feature to Assassins Creed, having two main characters is. Needing to swap between them for various activities is a good way to shake up the gameplay with their differing styles. Overall I thought the game was very well done, with enough new features to keep the game fresh while still staying true to the series.
Rebellion have tried something different with Atomfall and have brought a really good game to us. Maybe it lacks direction, but that's where the developers have gone with this and there will players that absolutely love this.
Hazelight Studios have continued to expand their portfolio over the years and we have seen their co-op games become increasingly popular and with good reason, they are fun, easily accessible and incorporate visual storytelling in a co-op game, something that is rarely seen if at all and even when it is it usually isn't done well. Split Fiction is a game that had taken my expectations and exceeded them massively.
WWE 2K25 builds on last years foundations, with increased polish and upgrades to provide an experience that plays better than last years whilst trying out some fresh new modes. The Island probably needed another years work for a more seamless, enjoyable playthrough.
‘Monster Hunter Wilds’ is one of the best games in the franchise to date. Excellent combat that has never felt better, thanks to the ability to aim attacks. A plethora of quality of life adjustments making the game more accessible for new players and more convenient for veterans. The new assortment of monsters are both originally designed and fun to fight. It’s narrative feels like a retread, but it’s rewarding end game will keep you engaged. Performance is questionable and sadly does effect the otherwise brilliant experience.
With some fantasic puzzles met with some fustrating level designs, control mechanics that are improved but still feel flawed (in modern) this is a release that will please fans itching for more expeditions. Aspyr have done a fantastic job fixing up the graphics and presentation of the game, to bring it upto a relatively sound PS3 looking title. Tomb Raider IV-VI remastered looks great in 4k and runs smoothly in 60fps.
Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii doesn't take itself too seriously, the story is light-hearted and some of the characters you come across are ridiculous, but in a good way, you can also find moments throughout the game that can increase the bond between Majima and his crew. In the beginning the game can feel a little repetitive, but the world soon opens up when you get your ship, and with the introduction of subplots to complete, mini-games to play and treasure to find there is always something to do if you want to take a break from the main story.
A brilliant business management game in setting that I don't believe has been tackled before. Quirky exhibits and museums really add to the game. 'Two Point' does expect a little bit too much involvement for some exhibits. All in all a great tycoon game giving that 90's gameplay with modern day quality of life.
While I will always advocate playing the PC versions of RPG Maker due to being more user friendly and allowing you to import your own resources as console limits this, I would say if you wanted to give making your own RPG on console a go, I would opt for RPG Maker MV over RPG Maker WITH as it feels closer to a PC Maker and is more user friendly but on console that is a hardly a great statement to stand by.
Trails Through Daybreak II is a slightly disappointing sequel to the first part into the Trails through Daybreak story arc. While I enjoy the character building and grinding the optional dungeon to unlock everything the game has to offer, the campaign itself feels bloated and seeing the same scene and rewinding time overstays its welcome long before the game would reach its conclusion.
I loved every moment of Dynasty Warriors: Origins and it’s an amazing return to form for the franchise that defines a genre and I can’t recommend it enough, I’d wholly recommend taking charge go the battle field and indulging in the romance of the three kingdoms in the best way Omega Force and Koei Tecmo know how, unrelenting 1 vs 1000 action.
Momodora: Moonlit Farewell may certainly be its final farewell but it is one that has gone out with a bang! If Bombservice plan to bring a new game to us in the future then I am all for it.
Nintendo serve us up yet another helping of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD. Whist it doesn't feel like a full remaster, it still plays well and has me pleading with Nintendo to make a full new DK game when the Nintendo Switch 2 arrives.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is a mastercraft of an RPG, delivering a hyper-accurate recreation of Medieval Bohemia that is oozing charm, finesse and style out of every pore. Featuring an enthralling open world, mastercrafted combat, a superb narrative laden with political intrigue and deception, all brought to life by an amazing score and soundtrack from the excellent Jan Valta that immerses you in the world like never before. You owe it to yourself to pick this one up, as it’s easily one of the greatest video games I’ve ever played.
Citizen Sleeper 2 is a simple and yet challenging game, with an in depth story full of interesting characters. The controls are easy to use and remember as they appear on the screen next to the actions they control. The management aspect of the game is beautifully done, and the addition of the stress system and permanent penalties gives a need for caution and a real sense of risk to your actions.
Tales of Graces f Remastered is a JRPG which delivers a good story overall, fantastic combat and a good character building system outside of combat and one that will keep you occupied for a long time. If you're expecting new and improved features over the PS3 version then you won't find that however you will have access to all content from the get go.