ZTGD's Reviews
In the early hours of Trails of Cold Steel, I was skeptical that it could live up to the lofty standards set by Trails in the Sky. However, after my first year spent as a student of Class VII, I can confidently say that it has, and knowing that this is just the beginning of a new series fills me with great anticipation.
SteamWorld Heist is another gem. The universe and its inhabitants are joyful to play with and kept me coming back for more. Image & Form took a bold step by not opting for the easy route, instead choosing to expand on an already interesting theme. Heist is as good as any full priced 3DS game out there; and in most cases, even better. With hours and hours of gameplay, it's a steal at just $16.99.
Fun Tidbit – The music in this game is quite odd. I can swear I heard someone singing about sushi at one point.
Devils Third has some ambitious and unique online gameplay, and at its core the campaign feels like an old brawler and shooting game from years ago, but it's games like these that make me appreciate the smaller titles or the underdogs that sit next to all the big budget titles. Devils Third is the embodiment of schlocky B action movies, and if players can associate with that style or old-school games, there is something of value to be found here. If everything read up until this point has you nodding in agreement or wanting to check this out, forget the numerical score, the $60 price tag might just be worth it. Otherwise wait for a price drop…if it ever happens.
The problem I have with Holiday Star as a visual novel is the fact that the storytelling is, unfortunately, pretty weak. I did not feel remotely immersed in the stories and there was nothing to truly ingratiate me as a player – and I use that term literally in the sense of a person sitting down to play a game – in terms of my ability to interact with, influence, or even care about the narrative and its outcome. This, combined with Holiday Star's inability to even attempt to welcome new players into this zany universe, is a pretty major shortcoming. If you enjoyed the original game, this sequel will probably hold a certain amount of interest. For everyone else, I'm not sure it's worth the time.
For five bucks, you get a pretty decent fighting game on Xbox One that you and some fighting game friends can have a fun time with. It is unfortunate to see no online play as this game would greatly benefit from it, but I could see a small grassroots scene for this game at local tournaments if enough people give it a shot, and for the price and what you actually get, I think it's well worth it.
Chivalry: Medieval Warfare is not a good game. Perhaps if there was a single player campaign, some competent combat, or even some unique online modes, it might be redeeming, but as it stands it is a textbook example of how to ruin a great idea. I imagine the online community also died in the time it took me to write this review, so I guess my best advice would be to stay as far away from this game as possible.
An additional mechanic during the game is the use of boss battles. During these levels, the objective is the same. Part way through these levels though, both power cores disappear and I must work together with my opponent to defeat the boss, but once defeated, I go back to annihilating my opponent. These bosses are challenging and unique, each with their own style, attacks and fantastically themed music. Whoever deals the most damage gets a boost for when the power core reappears, usually a boost in attack and a higher core defence.
Helldivers is held back from an even higher score by the fact that it is, ultimately, fairly isolating for the solo player. However, Arrowhead Game Studios have still created a wonderfully entertaining game here; one that performs best when its brilliant cooperative elements are fully embraced.
Even for comedic value, I would still not suggest the $8 price tag. While not broken, the game is boring, uninspired, and plain ugly. Offering no co-op at all means even if you wanted to Mystery Science Theater the game, it would be a boring mess. Steer clear of Rock Zombie. It's not undead. It's just dead altogether.
Pokémon Picross is still a very competent Sudoku game and the added layer of "catching 'em all" is fun and offers a bit more to the core experience. The "free to start" angle is an interesting one and one that I really don't mind. It's all up to the player if they want to play more, and I enjoyed what I did play. It's free to try and if you enjoy what you play, there's a ton of content to be had and puzzles to be solved. You have nothing to lose to begin with and if you end up enjoying the game, I say drop the cash down on it. Just remember, you have to hit the money threshold to fully get it.
Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival could have been really fun. But the lack of things to do during the main game hinder it so badly. The reason why Mario Party is so beloved is because of the crazy variety of action available on offer as you're running around the board. It's the thing that lets this game down the most. Everything else has been crafted to the standard you would expect of a game bearing the Animal Crossing name, it is a shame that the core gameplay couldn't hold up its end of the bargain. It's the perfect example of 'So close, but yet so far."
Kung Fu Panda: Showdown of Legendary Legends was a surprise for me. I expected another quick license cash-in, and instead got a pretty solid Smash Bros. clone. The price feels a little hefty considering there is DLC also available, and let's be fair, these characters don't have the draw of Nintendo's roster, but for those without a Wii U, it is a solid substitute.
There isn't much else to say about the game, but I cannot recommend it enough. Fans of those types of racing games will be in awe of what Shin'en has accomplished here. I know it is cliché to say, but please give this team the rights to make a new F-Zero game. Fast Racing NEO is the closest and best thing to happen to the genre in years. This is one game not to sleep on.
While I feel like I would get more out of the game if I knew who any of the characters are, they do try to explain in a small introduction who everyone is, but I still missed a lot of things, and I can't help but feel like this is just a standard game. The combat is a bit boring and repetitive, the characters all share almost the same personality, and the areas and encounters are somewhat lackluster. I was never having a bad time with the game, but I wasn't having anything I could really write home about. It has some redeeming qualities, but in the grand scheme of things, it stumbles more than it flies. Fans of the anime should really be the only ones that pick this up, and even then, I would say at a discounted price.
Rainbow Six Siege is a nice return for the series, but know about its caveats before diving in. This is a team game. Communication is necessary, and it is not a twitch shooter. If those things sound appealing, then Siege is definitely worth the time.
Deadpool is a good game with baggage attached to it. The price is too high and some annoying game play quirks, but it is still a great romp, especially for fans of the character. It is cool that this game got a second chance, but I suspect not many will bother due to the high price for entry. Still if you have never played the game and only own the new consoles, it is definitely worth checking out. Maybe just wait for a sale or a price drop before diving in.
Snoopy's Grand Adventure is a great game for parents to check out with their kids. The price tag is a bit on the high side, and the performance is mind-boggling, but the design is perfect for kids age 4-7. My boy had a great time, and even related to Snoopy and Woodstock without having prior knowledge of them. I definitely recommend checking it out if you are looking for something to enjoy with younger kids. Hardcore platform fans will find little challenge here.
Just Cause 3 is truly a one-note experience, but one with a loop so addictive I can't stop playing it. This is the most fun sandbox I have toyed around in since the previous entry, and I can easily see myself sinking another couple dozen hours exploring the world of Medici. Those that found JC2 underwhelming or repetitive won't find much to change their mind here, but for fans like myself that simply can't get enough destruction, Just Cause 3 delivers on all levels.
Hard West does a ton of things right in my book. It offers quite a few of what I would call mini campaigns that not only keep the player engaged, but constantly add new elements to gameplay while progressing the storyline. It's a pro and a con, as every time a new story section is introduced, each lasting a few hours, the next is almost as if starting anew, which might rub players the wrong way. At the same time the player is constantly engaged with something new to do or way to play, even if it only feels minor at times. It's not the longest or the most in depth RPG, but for the price, the theme, and unique style, Hard West is clearly worth your time in gold and offers a fairly authentic western experience, well besides the demon and supernatural overtones that is. Saddle up partner, the west might be hard, but it's also a worthy, fun time.