Matt Mirkovich
All the harrumph and bluster about cut content and changes does little to change the fact that Bravely Second: End Layer is a fantastic game that should satisfy fans and foes of the original game. There is a lot of revisiting, and some forced moral quandaries that I don't exactly agree with (from a logical stand-point), but they do little to affect my overall enjoyment of this game.
The release and quick subsequent patches show that ECOLE and French-Bread are intent on seeing Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code has a long lasting presence in the minds of American fighting game fans. To finally see this game available in the US feels like some sort of dream come true.
Croixleur Sigma seems to run out of steam right when you start to get the hang of the gameplay. The presentation is top notch, but there's not much below the surface.
I'm probably being more harsh on this game than it deserves, but for the price point there is an enjoyable title here. You just need to give it time to grow on you. Hopefully gamers out there can look past the flaws that I seem to be hooked on.
Gust has some pretty good ideas with the Servan system, and the gameplay is pretty smooth once you get yourself properly kitted out, but Nights of Azure has a few boring aspects that really make it a chore to play.
Downwell is pretty much the best mobile game on the go for the Vita. If the iOS controls were better, I wouldn't have felt the need to make the platform jump. But it plays so well on the Vita, it's practically perfect.
The running and gameplay of Catalyst are top notch, and the game definitely benefits from the new locales. There are some minor graphical issues that kind of add up over time, but overall, this game has been worth waiting for.
Shadwen has a novel idea behind it, but doesn't quite live up to its promise. Dodgy AI and mechanics make this game a bit of a chore to play, especially once you figure out the optimal path that can be applied to each level.
Oxenfree is everything that is right in the indie development scene. It tells a great story, has really unique gameplay that's almost completely dialog driven, and has some of the most subtle horror elements I've seen in a game. This is one of those games that you shouldn't sleep on, make sure you check it out.
Visually, this game is right up there with some of CyberConnect2's successful Naruto games, too bad the gameplay didn't follow suit.
Va-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartending Action is precisely what is right about indie development right now. It's a really highly polished experience with a lot of secrets to be found, coupled with a story that pulls you along with strong characters. The drinks just happen to be a neat distraction.
Star Ocean: Integrity and Faithlessness has some good ideas, but they don't jive with the messy camera, the short campaign, and the shallow combat. Fans of the series might be willing to put up with these shortcomings, but with games like Odin Sphere Leifthraser out there, it's hard to recommend it.
Visual inconsistency aside, the newest entry in the King of Fighters proves to be one of its best. The gameplay and mechanics are as solid as ever and there's plenty for newcomers and old guard alike to enjoy.
Less bang for your buck is the best way to describe Hatsune Miku: Project Diva X. You've got a truncated songlist that has to be milked for modules, giving this series a grind game that it never needed to have. It's still got some great music and the presentation is as excellent as ever, but it still feels like we've been shortchanged somehow.
Attack on Titan is an impressive feat, nailing the movement of the anime and that satisfying feeling that you get when taking down a titan is captured almost perfectly. There's a few minor flaws here, but for fans of the series, you're hardly going to notice.
They really don't make 'em like this any more. The Witness is an amazing game that you'll love to hate for its challenge, cursing it, wondering why you made the purchase, and then something will click for you, and it'll become one of the best games you've ever played.
This is it Touhou fans, this is where it begins, with a pretty middle of the road action adventure game. It may not be the bullet-hell salvation we were all looking for, but it's a good start, and hopefully paves the way for more Touhou games in the future.
It's a great game overall. It doesn't pull any punches, and is relentless in its 'rhythm violence' and that makes it one of the most satisfying games out there. Now to try and S rank these songs.
Quantum Break is a great game from start to finish, and playing it with all the benefits of being on PC just make it that much better. Given that this game is coming out at a lower price point on PC as well, there's just not excuse not to get it.
Corpse Party is finally available for Nintendo fans, and it's not the most optimal experience, but the game is still horrifying nearly five years later.