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Eric Van Allen


Favorite Games:
  • The World Ends With You
  • Final Fantasy X
  • Mass Effect 2

145 games reviewed
79.0 average score
80 median score
66.9% of games recommended
May 9, 2015

Fresh and engaging, The Weaponographist is a succinct package of roguelike goodness. If you need a quick fix of something new for a weekend, this weapon-breaking dungeon-delver will suit that need perfectly.

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75 / 100 - Chroma Squad
May 28, 2015

Chroma Squad isn't particularly deep or epic, but makes up for it in heart and charm, nailing the Saturday morning antics of its inspiration and creating a cheery game that anyone can enjoy.

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May 28, 2015

Ultra Street Fighter IV for the PS4 is the comprehensive, definitive edition of one of the best fighting games around. While you might want to be the competitive type if you plan to play, there's something here for the warrior in everyone. Just be wary of early launch bugs.

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Jun 4, 2015

Heroes of the Storm is a more user-friendly approach to the genre, but lacks the depth and complexity of other offerings. A great game to pick up for a quick couple matches, filled with Blizzard star power and fun matches that last just long enough, but no real meta-gaming or theory yet.

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Jul 8, 2015

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt ends Geralt's tale in spectacular fashion, finding ways to fill a giant world with thrilling combat, beautiful sights, and a bevy of compelling content. A strong conclusion to The Witcher trilogy, and a masterpiece that will keep you enthralled for weeks and months to come.

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Jul 14, 2015

God of War III Remastered delivers exactly what it says: a prettier version of the same game you played five years ago. Those looking for the same experience will find it, and those looking for something new or a fresh take on the series won't get much out of this remaster.

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45 / 100 - Godzilla
Jul 20, 2015

Godzilla faithful will be once again disappointed by this lackluster offering. Unintuitive controls, poor responsiveness, broken combat, repetitive missions… Not even Jet Jaguar can save this game from itself.

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75 / 100 - Submerged
Aug 2, 2015

Submerged is a short but impactful experience, crafting sound and sight together to create something unique and different from the mold. It won't keep you coming back for days and weeks, but in its runtime it stands out as one of the most intimate and interesting interactive set pieces I've played this year.

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90 / 100 - Galak-Z
Aug 11, 2015

A unique concept, brilliant execution and excellent mechanics make Galak-Z: The Dimensional a stellar title. Perfectly capturing the Gundam pilot inside all of us, this is must-have material for anyone who's always wanted to fly away in a mech and take down some imperial scum.

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Aug 17, 2015

Hatoful Boyfriend tells an endearingly crazy story that will have you smiling, laughing, crying and feverishly turning the virtual page. It takes some buy-in, but pays off if you're looking for something way off the beaten path.

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90 / 100 - Until Dawn
Aug 24, 2015

Until Dawn is the proper slasher game fans have always wanted, and succeeds at creating a wildly unique and enjoyable narrative experience. Beautiful graphics and sound, amazing performances and engaging stories make this a must-play for any horror fan.

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Sep 29, 2015

If you enjoy grinding numbers, goofy anime antics, and over-the-top style, Disgaea 5: Alliance of Vengeance will give you hundreds of hours of replayability. If you don't like the idea of spending hours and hours replaying levels and building up characters, then you might want to look somewhere else.

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100 / 100 - Undertale
Sep 30, 2015

Undertale is one of the most unique efforts seen in indie gaming. Combining a love for the old with a willingness to innovate and utilize game mechanics to express ideas, rather than a binary input-output, this game should be on any and every one's radar.

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7.5 / 10.0 - Read Only Memories
Oct 6, 2015

Read Only Memories manages to frame current issues in a neo-noir light, and excels in many ways at that. I'm still thinking about Turing's notion of the social contract, and how that relates to the way we interact with others.

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Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water finds a wildly effective new way to utilize the GamePad as the Camera Obscura, and builds some great story and atmosphere. Barring an odd control scheme and some tedious missions, this is a stellar horror title for any Wii U owner.

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75 / 100 - LEGO Dimensions
Oct 19, 2015

Lego Dimensions is a great blend of toys-to-life and charming Lego gameplay, but falters under the monetary weight required to get the same breadth of play that previous games did. Some of the best content in the game is locked behind figures, but if you like building with Lego bricks and playing Lego games, this a no-brainer.

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Life is Strange is in its own category as a fiercely unique and moving series. Despite stumbles, it is poignant and moving, crafting excellent framing for some of the most difficult decisions and developing a memorable relationship between its protagonists. One of the best efforts of the year, unafraid and willing to take chances, and well-deserving of your time.

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75 / 100 - Rebel Galaxy
Oct 27, 2015

Rebel Galaxy simplifies the formula in an approachable and exciting way, but the 2D space combat, lack of direction and loneliness of single-player space-faring hold it back from reaching the epic scale of other space sims. A fun solo venture, but it won't suck out thousands of your hours.

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Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below is an excellent musou game and a blast to play. It retains its Dragon Quest heritage beautifully, while still creating an experience fun for any fan of musou gameplay.

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Nov 9, 2015

Rise of the Tomb Raider continues Crystal Dynamic's standard of excellence, and creates an introspective and engrossing journey that combines a compelling narrative with fluid, exciting gameplay. Lara Croft is back, better than ever, and this series definitely proves to be the best Tomb Raider experience around.

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