While most of the mechanics persist, there are a few that make a few appearances and then bugger off for the rest of the game. The shadow arenas could have been a persistent theme, and while I’m certainly glad they weren’t, that doesn’t mean I will simply condone dropping a mechanic basically after introducing twice. Making them a bonus investment would have been a good idea. While I wouldn’t give the first Darksiders any sort of critical acclaim, it certainly isn’t fishing bottom of the barrel either. I would definitely consider picking up this switch version if you missed out on it earlier.
Overall, Nitroplus Blasterz probably won't make it into your top list of fighting games, but it certainly has its own charm. The story mode is challenging but not difficult (until the last boss; she is absolutely brutal) and offers a story line for each character, the Another Story is interesting, if not overly complicated, and each character has their own play style, which makes it fun to try out each of the characters. While the game certainly lacks in any form of tutorial, and the music and stages can get repetitive, the gameplay is solid and it was definitely fun to see all my favorite niche characters duke it out with each other. If you're a niche Nitroplus fan, this is definitely a game you may want to pick up, although fighting veterans and newer players to the 2D fighting style might not be able to get into it too easily.
Overall, I have to say I had a lot of fun with Godstrike. It scratched that itch I didn't really know I had. While some of the hitboxes are wonky at best and table-flipping awful at worst, that's only for a select few bosses really. The gameplay was smooth, and it was fun to make different skill compositions. Godstrike definitely isn't for everyone, and it still has a few kinks to work out, but still promises to be a lot of fun.
While Destroy All Humans! is a great nostalgia trip for me and I really enjoyed replaying the game, in the end it does feel like I'm replaying that PS2 title just with some enhanced graphics. While it doesn't really feel 15 years old, there are certainly moments where you question whether an improved touch would've been better for some aspects. It isn't bad, but it isn't the best it can be.
Despite these complaints, I quite liked what was being done here with Macrotis. It’s short, sweet, and to the point with very little padding or hair wrenching frustration. While it will probably only take 3 to 4 hours to complete, Macrotis: A Mother's Journey definitely has the puzzle platformer portion nail down to a decent extent. Now if only the physics and plotline could get a little nudge, it’d definitely be a pretty solid game.
Overall, Destiny Connect: is a cute little title that has a decent draw for those new to the RPG scene, but may not have the same draw for the older crowd. The soundtrack is solid and the storyline is rather interesting. Combat is pretty fluid and while there isn’t much of a difficulty, the enemies are pretty interesting and there is a lot of different tactics you can use with the different characters. Although Destiny Connect: Tick Tock Travelers makes for a good introductory RPG, a lot of those looking for another RPG in their larger repertoire may feel let down by the simplicity and “hand holding” that happens. While probably fun for the younger crowd, it may not pass muster for the older crowd.
Shadows: Awakening has a lot of promise, but is held back by some clunky controls and awkward combat situations. While the realm swapping gimmick and multiple characters to switch between on the fly are certainly nice, there isn’t really anything else that truly sets it apart. If you’re up for something a little easier or different than Diablo, or you want an introduction to the genre, Shadows: Awakening would definitely interest you, although you may want to wait for it to go on sale.
Monster Monpiece is an interesting spin on the trading card game style that has been quite popular over the last few years. A well thought-out blend of collection and strategy, with card art created by more than 5fifty different artists and a plethora of re-imagined mythological creatures, now available for your "viewing pleasure" on PC.
So now that we’ve covered the game aspects, what has changed in the PC port? Well, the first major aspect I noticed was that save times are basically instant, which is glorious, and I feel like the load times got a little shorter. There are a few frame rate drops during cutscenes, but nothing that I would call a serious flaw. All the DLC is nicely organized as well, which is nice. As a game, overall it earns a seal of approval. As a port, I would say it’s definitely a solid transition.
Overall, Shinovi Versus is a game that honestly ended eating up a lot more of my time than I expected it to. The core gameplay is solid, most of the characters are at least likeable, and each one seems to have a unique background story and personality. The soundtrack is really good and it was really nice to see that in battle costume breaks actually affect the out of battle scenes. Probably the biggest issue with the PC port of Shinovi Versus is exactly that; it feels like a port. While the game was really fun and characters likeable, the frame rate drops and the fact that I wasn’t playing it on a Vita, where I would be able to easily set it down for a while, really felt like it detracted from the experience. Shinovi Versus is a solid game that suffers primarily from the extremely niche audience that it caters to. If you’re a fan of boobs, ninjas, and beat ‘em up anime-style gameplay, you’ll like Shinovi Versus, just be well aware where you set up to start playing.
Blue Rider is a wonderful bout of nostalgia that recalls a time when arcade machines where still relevant and quarters took up more space in your pockets than wallets and credit cards. Blue Rider is a sort-of top down shooter like Raiden, 1942, or Touhou - except with a lot less bullets and a lot more freedom of motion.
Overall Dusk Diver 2 makes some improvements while setting itself back from the the first title, making them even out. While I think I preferred the first Dusk Diver, that is from a purely personal perspective, and it by no means makes the sequel any worse, just different. There are noticeable combat improvements, character swapping, and a fun skill tree no matter who you play as. Dusk Diver 2 does suffer from the occasional frame rate issue, and stages can drag on a bit too long sometimes, but are all different themed and entertaining to explore. Dusk Diver 2 is just as good as the first title, and I hope to continue seeing more games from this developer in the future.
Overall, I have to say I quite enjoyed my time with Crystar. While the combat and areas you progress through tended to get a little repetitive, the storytelling, art, and music direction, as well as an interesting cast of characters, is what really keeps the title together. While I wouldn’t recommend picking up the Switch version if you already own Crystar, it is quite nice for a title that you can pick up every so often to go through a floor or two, or some of the shorter stages, without feeling the burnout.
In conclusion, Aztech Forgotten Gods is a fun title with a cool movement and combat idea that was implemented fairly decently. The game isn’t very long, but is full of a charm that is quite nice to see. While there are a few technical issues and a lack of explanation for some of the abilities you get, Aztech Forgotten Gods was still quite enjoyable.
Overall, I have to say that Labyrinth Legacy is well worth its cost. While gameplay isn’t particularly innovative, it is pretty consistent and easy to get used to. It can feel sluggish and awkward at times, but never does it tip over to that “uncomfortable” range. Labyrinth Legacy is easy to pick up and has a good soundtrack to complement its stages. If you’re looking for a title to play with a partner, or if you’re looking for some decent roguelite action, be sure to give Labyrinth Legend a try!
Overall, Mighty Goose is a pretty fun game with a lot good points to it. The combat basis is pretty well done, the skills and upgrades are a neat touch, and the weapon system was enjoyable. Unfortunately, there just isn't a whole lot there to really dig into. Mighty Goose is well too short, and coupled with some of the more aggravating issues, such as the periodic slow-mo, the easy difficulty, and how the "post game" is just the main game but a little harder, Mighty Goose probably won't keep you occupied for too long. That being said, if you enjoy Metal Slug, this is definitely going to be put on your watch list, it will probably just be one of those titles you'll pick up on sale.
Overall, I had quite a lot of fun with Poison Control. The ARPG aspect was pretty fun, the characters were interesting, and the poison cleansing was actually fun to balance against attacking enemies. While Poison Control does get a little repetitive after awhile, but thanks to the smaller instance size for cleansing the souls, it is fairly easy to pick up for a mission or two, and then put down for a bit. The writing was well done, and the localization team did a really good job translating, which is also nice to see. Poison Control definitely won't be for everybody, but that doesn't mean it's specifically niche in its gameplay either. If you're okay with the anime stylized art style and an abundance of female characters, I'd say take a look at Poison Control to see if it interests you.
All in all, I have to say that Super Meat Boy Forever felt like a step back from its predecessor. It felt clunkier, there were some collision detection issues, and it felt a lot less refined. That being said, it's by no means bad, although it is a drastic difference from the original style. While I wasn't fond of the gameplay changeup, that is entirely personal preference and should be taken with a grain of salt. While you should come in to Super Meat Boy Forever expecting a vaguely similar feeling to the previous title, it is still by and far a different experience. A few collision detection patches and maybe some time requirement adjustments for those a little too casual to make the cutoff for the dark world stages, but who are better with the platforming, could really go a long way.
Overall, Prinny: Can I Really be the Hero? and Prinny 2: Dawn of Operation Panties are titles that are tough as Orichalcon, but full of flavour and love. These games are for masochists through and through, but are still fun even if you are using more than half your Prinny lives. The gameplay has held up well, and although difficult, it was a lot of fun, even if it feels like smashing your face against a brick wall at times. Prinny 1 and 2 are hard, but full of character. If you think you've got what it takes to triumph over the levels designed to melt through 1,000 lives, check out Prinny 1 and 2.
In conclusion, Warhammer: 40,000 Mechanicus feels more like a spiced up novel than a game in many aspects. While the clunky menus and occasional menu interactions may deter newer players or those less patient, you do get used to it after awhile. What I really enjoyed, however, was the banter between characters. Definitely not for everyone, but this just might scratch that turn-based SRPG itch you've been looking to scratch.