ZTGD's Reviews
Do not hesitate, play Yakuza and join me in experiencing one of the most unique and interesting games of the generation. [OpenCritic note: Ken McKown separately reviewed the PS4 (9) and XB1 (8) versions. Their scores have been averaged.]
There really isn’t much else included in this package. No special features, just a 4K coat of paint and a steady frame rate. Still, it is hard to believe it has been ten years since these games released. They are good enough to feel like modern games. The art styles have held up, and revisiting them has been nothing but pure joy. The package is worth the $40,and being able to buy them separately just means it is easier to jump into two of Platinum’s finest works. Do not hesitate, grab these games now.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a game I might not have felt we needed, but could not stop playing once I dove in. It retains what made the original special while also adding enough to warrant a sequel.
While there are plenty of games keeping us busy these days, Underhero is one that should be on your radar at some point. The light price tag and unending charm make it a sleeper hit and one I can whole-heartidly recommend.
If you are remotely a Monster Hunter fan, this is a must have. If you have been interested in Monster Hunter but have yet to try it, do yourself a favor and pick up Monster Hunter World and this expansion. It’s the most accessible Monster Hunter to date and a fantastic entry into the series.
Zombie Army 4 is a fine end to the series.
Patapon 2 is a great game; this remaster is only just okay.
Genesis may position itself as merely a side story; just a small alternative look at one part of this universe. But it is so much more than that. It offers a more personal story and one that may seem insignificant at first, but has wider implications to the story as a whole. Tied to that is gameplay that is both fun and chaotic in equal measure and offers replay value to those who want to go back again and again.
My only gripe is that for how much this game wants to be seen like an RPG it never really does anything of interest with it.
Glass Masquerade 2 is a great follow-up and gave me more of what I craved from the first game.
In a bid to move the series forward towards a new direction, Atelier Ryza presents a new exciting combat engine and one of the best takes on alchemy yet, but falters with its plodding pace and a cast of forgettable characters.
Stone is a game that looks interesting on the surface. Sadly it falls short on delivering just about every step of the way.
Journey to the Savage Planet is a great freshman effort from Typhoon and one of the early surprises of 2020. I will be thinking about this game as the year goes on as one of the best surprises I had literally no interest in upon kicking it off. If you enjoy exploration games like Metroid Prime I highly suggest giving it a go.
Blacksad: Under the Skin is an interesting tale of murder and corruption that presents in one of the best takes on the adventure game formula-multiple endings, choices that really matter, and a cast of characters that are extremely engaging.
In the end Sparklite feels like a game that could have been great, but ended up just being good.
Overall Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is a good title that is marred by the expectations that the Modern Warfare name brings with it.
New Super Lucky’s Tale is an extremely polished director’s cut of a solid 3D platformer.
This is something Valfaris lacks, and I wish more indie developers understood when making these games that I very much want to play, I just lose interest in far too soon.
Any RPG fan will get enjoyment out of this one and Pokémon fans new and old will have a great time exploring the Galar Region.
Ultimately, Need for Speed: Heat is a decent racer. In fact, I would say it is a great playing one. It’s just missing something new.