Andrew Stretch
- Spyro The Dragon
- The Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past
- Skate 3
Andrew Stretch's Reviews
Eiyuden Chronicles: Hundred Heroes hits the right notes on paper but in practice, the story is poorly executed, battles are bland, recruitable characters are beyond forgettable, and the game itself is sluggish. The style and audio design do a good job, but not enough to save the overall experience.
The Rising Tide DLC does finally reveal the fate of Leviathan, but it's somewhat lackluster. Coupled with simple side-quests and a small region, this DLC doesn't add too much to FFXVI. The post-game content is well worth it for fans of FFXVI's combat. (Review Policy)
Children of the Sun is a unique FPS puzzle game that takes a dark approach to a fun logic puzzle of trajectories. While the formula does iterate as the game progresses it still left us wanting for more by the time credits rolled.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth carries on the torch from Remake and delivers another incredible experience. The world of FFVII comes alive as you venture across it with Cloud and his party. Watching the story play out with gorgeous graphics and fantastic acting elevates the entire experience. This is a must play for Final Fantasy fans.
With a story that follows predictable beats, mechanics that provide zero gameplay benefit, and murky visuals, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora delivers an extremely underwhelming experience. PC players be warned of many technical issues.
Super Mario RPG is a fun if not short RPG adventure with Mario and friends at the helm. It mixes together a colorful and interesting world with fun interactive RPG elements. Whether you're replaying this game from the SNES or experiencing it for the first time you should have fun.
World of Horror does an incredible job matching the 80s horror aesthetic in both look and gameplay. While the gameplay and some of the deeper mechanics are obtuse on first entry, through experimentation you'll find out just how deep this roguelike gets.
The Jackbox Party Pack 10 offers up mostly new games with one returning title. These games are some of Jackbox's best in a while and are sure to leave your party in stitches.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is not only another incredible entry into this franchise but the best one yet. Between improvements to traversal, an enthralling narrative, and a densely packed world, Insomniac has taken each element of their previous games and elevated it.
Assassin's Creed Mirage is tight experience delivering a great example of non-linear gameplay, and a fantastic return to form. Unfortunately Basim's outing also emulated the technical difficulties we've come to expect from Assassin's Creed titles.
Infinity Strash: DRAGON QUEST The Adventure of Dai is an anime-based action title that, due to floaty combat and poor storytelling, feels like an anime video game of the past. It's clear to see what the target was, it's just unfortunate that it fell short. Roguelike elements show potential but when the reward isn't satisfying there isn't much of a draw.
The Teal Mask is some of Pokemon's tightest storytelling, and introduces players to a fun new region. The performance issues are still a glaring scar across what should be one of Pokemon's better outings. (Review Policy)
Disney Illusion Island is a great entry as a first Metroidvania for younger fans. While the slower paced movement might not mesh well for all gamers, there's a lot to do in this expansive world filled with quick wit and hidden collectibles.
Final Fantasy XVI is everything I could have hoped for and more. Combat is fast paced and rewarding as you master combos and abilities. Eikon fights, while not as interesting to play, are gorgeous to witness. All of this is wrapped up into a deep story and fully fleshed out world that you'll want to be protecting.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom manages to maintain the sense of adventure that Breath of the Wild instilled but elevate it even further with the implementation of deep new crafting mechanics and abilities while specifically addressing and improving the weapon system, difficulty, and story. (Review Policy)
Ravenlok is a cute and short game where you play as a girl who stumbles into a magical world and finds out she's destined to save it. The combat is shallow but functional, and the game's charm is through its interwoven quests and gorgeous environments.
Wild Hearts has everything you need for a competent Hunting style game. The weapons are fun to use and the upgrades go a long way to make you feel powerful. It's the Karakuri system that will be what draws new players to it adding a new level of depth to gameplay.
Dead Space manages to completely capture what made the original game so good while updating it for the times. As Isaac Clarke exploring the Ishimura is as terrifying as ever with Necromorphs popping out of the wall, but with enhanced visuals and audio are elevated to a new level. The added depth to Isaac's character are a welcomed addition, though his reaction to certain conversations does leave a bit to be desired.
Persona 3 Portable creates a compelling story and interweaves global danger with the importance of building up friendships around you. Portable brings with it some good enhancements even if it's not the 'perfect' way to play it. The Tartarus mega-dungeon however wears out its welcome quickly as you tediously climb.
Crisis Core Reunion is an excellent example of a remake. Crisis Core looks and plays better than ever before with updated controls and the story is just as good as the original if you're someone who buys into brooding anime boys. If you're wanting to refamiliarize yourself with Zack's journey or replay this classic FF title then now is the perfect time!