Game8's Reviews
Donkey Kong Country is a classic that earned its place in gaming history, but the magic has clearly faded with its third encore. Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is just more of the 2010 Wii game but with better visuals, swankier music, and not nearly enough quality-of-life changes to justify its AAA premium price tag. Throw in clunky co-op mechanics and a useless shop system into the mix, and you've got something that could've been worthwhile ten years ago, but isn't worth $60 now.
Tales of Graces f Remastered proves that the “power of friendship” can still hit home when done right. While it may stumble with its well-worn plot, its characters and their interactions elevate the experience beyond typical JRPG tropes. Combine this with a combat that’s deeply satisfying and quality-of-life features that breathe new life into each playthrough, and you’ve got a remaster that’s genuinely enjoyable in its own right.
SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada is an extraction shooter where players mine AO Crystals, engage in battles, and try to survive in a hostile environment. The core gameplay loop is engaging, offering strong customization options for both mechs and Magus companions, as well as a world full of environmental hazards that add tactical depth. The game’s replayability is bolstered by the progression system, encouraging players to return for more sorties. However, the narrative is lackluster, with no compelling plot to drive the player forward, and the PvP aspect suffers from unbalanced gameplay where new players are often thrown into the same map as fully equipped veterans, leading to frustration.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins is an amazing and much-needed reboot that the franchise needed while keeping its whole identity and foundation intact.
Freedom Wars Remastered is a faithful but imperfect revival of a cult classic PlayStation Vita game. While it retains the compelling dystopian premise and addictive combat that made the original standout back in 2014, it also carries over some of its shortcomings. The narrative brims with potential, yet falls short in its execution. The visual design is imaginative, but can’t break free of its Vita-era origins. For returning fans, it’s a nostalgic trip worth taking, with the same-old addictive gameplay and just enough improvements to feel fresh. For newcomers, it’s a more challenging sell; its dated structure and design may not resonate with players as strongly today. But in spite of its flaws, Freedom Wars Remastered is a welcome effort to keep its unique world alive, and it leaves hope for a future that will fully realize the potential of its setting.
Builders of Egypt lays down a solid foundation with its well-designed city-building mechanics. Unfortunately, the cracks in its construction are hard to ignore. Its lack of visual clarity hinders effective gameplay, and it struggles to establish an identity beyond its setting and theme. While it’s far from a bad game, its greatness isn’t quite ready to be immortalized in a pyramid just yet.
Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana revives a classic with smart updates, keeping its fast-paced action and challenge intact. While some elements show their age, the core adventure remains timeless, making it a must-play for both veterans and newcomers alike.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is an exceptional action-adventure game that expertly combines thrilling storytelling, immersive gameplay, and stunning visuals. The game takes players on a captivating journey that balances puzzle-solving, combat, and exploration with a cinematic flair that honors the Indiana Jones franchise. While minor issues, such as limited enemy AI sophistication in stealth and the lack of certain mechanics, hold it back from perfection, these flaws do little to detract from the overall experience. It’s a standout title that showcases what the genre is capable of, delivering excitement, challenge, and emotional depth in equal measure.