ZTGD's Reviews
With its breathtaking art direction, engaging gameplay and moving narrative it is a game that will resonate with players on a personal level much like this years Tales of Kenzara: Zau.
Ravenswatch is a lot of fun to play, I unlocked all of the playable characters and played with each and had a good time with all of them. The randomly generated nature of each level is nice but the truth of the matter is this game is very short. And while I recommend that players play multiplayer, the game does offer the option to play single-player but it’s hard as balls. I am sure some of you who love these brutal difficulty games will enjoy, but for those of us who have yet to ascend that difficulty mountain, dis tew much. All that being said though, I like Ravenswatch quite a bit. While my time with it is short, it was still a pretty enjoyable experience.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a stellar addition to the franchise, with its multiplayer and zombies’ modes offering countless hours of entertainment. The game successfully combines smooth gameplay, strategic depth, and immersive storytelling, making it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike. Although the campaign has room for improvement when it comes to character development, it still provides a bombastic and thrilling narrative that complements the other modes. Overall, Black Ops 6 is a testament to the enduring appeal and continual innovation of the Call of Duty series.
Whether this is your first or fourth time going through this absolute classic, you’ll completely adore this version.
LEGO Horizon Adventures is a weird game. On one side it is well-designed, looks good, and the voice performances are outstanding. On the other hand, I am not sure it will have a wide appeal. Horizon is the most successful polarizing game I have ever seen. Everyone has played it and it feels like a majority do not care for it. Combine that with a LEGO game and you get an awkward experience that feels like the definition of “who is this for?” Still, it is a solid game that anyone who wants more of that world will certainly enjoy.
The second IREM collection may not be packed with well-known games, but it includes important games. These titles set the stage for more popular games and launched the careers of these developers. It is worth knowing that from the outset. That is how I would market this collection, it makes it worth owning alone. Being able to see the origins of classic arcade games is great. Toss in making previously unavailable in the West games and you have a can’t miss collection that any gamer that grew up in 90s arcades would be disappointed to miss out on.
Planet Coaster 2 is a bigger, badder version of the original. I spent countless hours building parks in that as well as their other titles such as Jurassic World. These types of games just resonate with me, at least the sandbox portions do. I highly recommend this game, but if you have the option, go with the PC version just for mouse and keyboard support. It really does enhance the experience. Either way, there are dozens of hours of fun to be had in the world of Planet Coaster 2.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a fantastical adventure, brought to life in expert fashion by a team with all the experience and talent they needed to achieve a vision which truly feels like a culmination of the many lessons learned throughout their storied legacy.
Throne and Liberty is a visually stunning MMORPG that brings a lot to the table with its lush environments and old-school PvP gameplay. However, its overly complicated mechanics could prove to be a significant barrier for many players.
Horizon Zero Dawn is a game Sony really wants you to love. This update is technically impressive on every level. The upgrade price is fair, and kudos to Nixxes for not just upping the resolution and framerate, there is a TON of work done here around the entire world. If you enjoy Aloy’s adventures, this is a no-brainer.
The game is made for replayability, if you like spooky games with your friends or if you have always wanted to hunt for ghost but don’t really want to leave the house, well have I got a game for you.
Shadows of the Damned is the definition of a cult classic. The game is just fun, and I adore the wackiness I expect from Suda51 mixed with the core game design from MIkami. Toss in the excellent voice acting and score, and you have a game that should be a household name. Do not skip this title for a second time.
Empire of Ants is a unique strategy game that offers players a fresh perspective on the insect world, the last game I personally played with ants was Sim-Ant. The game’s ability to blend realistic visuals with strategic gameplay creates a compelling and immersive experience.
Potionomics: Masterwork Edition is a magical and quite charming simulation game that offers a really unique blend of deck-building, business simulation and relationship building. It has a pretty engaging story and its cast of characters is really fun, but I was never able to get into the deck-building, haggle battles that players need to play in order to sell their wares. I am certain that there are fans that will love this, but it just wasn’t for me, and by that, I mean the card game. I loved everything around it, just kind of bummed I wasn’t able to fully embrace the whole game.
I wish I had more to say about the game in general, but it is a relatively simple experience. The campaign only lasts around 5-6 hours and never really switches up dynamics. With tedious combat and clunky controls, it is serviceable at best, and kind of boring at worst. Can we get a remaster of the move, the game. Kong deserves better.
But where this game truly shines is in the excellent strategic elements, even if they are more difficult than I would have liked. MST might not be the return to the Metal Slug series that many fans are hoping for, but it is, nevertheless, a fun and worthy entry into the series ongoing legacy.
Visually the game looks good. It is very colorful, and the level themes are really well done. The performance is solid, and the music is whimsical and familiar. The isometric perspective can be an issue at times with planning jumps, but it works for the most part. Developer Ocellus has done a really great job at mimicking the best in the business when it comes to just about every facet of the game.
Slitterhead is unique. That is the biggest compliment I can give it. There are things here that I love. The mood of the game, the music, and the concepts. It just doesn’t mesh well into a cohesive experience. It feels stuck in the past, which is fine in some instances, but when it comes to its crimes, it really drags it down. I promise I will never forget this game, and it is included in Game Pass, so definitely give it a whirl if you subscribe, but at full price, I might wait a little while to take the plunge.
he game’s ability to blend classic shooter mechanics with Lovecraftian horror creates a unique and memorable experience. Whether you’re a fan of the original or new to the series, Forgive Me Father 2 offers a thrilling journey into madness that is not to be missed.
This time of year is flooded with horror games, but we rarely see retro titles with as much love and care as RetroRealms provides. WayForward crafted a solid action platformer with recognizable characters. It is a little pricey and I worry we may not get future endeavors, but I would love to see Chucky, Freddy, and so many others get their own games. For now this is the perfect game to play during spooky times if you have a nostalgia for classic side-scrolling action titles.