Examiner's Reviews
Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris proves a great downloadable title for your collection. It's not only a great Tomb Raider game, but a great isometric in the vein of Gauntlet that keeps your interest, and easily pushes you along without dragging.
Professor Layton vs Phoenix Wright was an excellent experiment that captures both series rather well. The puzzle vs court case gameplay tie together seamlessly while not stepping too far outside their box. Again, the story may take some giant leaps and drags on a bit too long, but it’s still a game worth visiting for fans of each series. From this gentleman, there are no objections here.
Everything fans loved about the original Resident Evil: Remake on Gamecube has literally been duplicated and brought over to the HD Remaster. Fans will appreciate this as mainly a new coat of paint was added to the visuals. Anyone that has had interest in stepping into the series might appreciate the alternate control scheme and vary levels of difficulty to choose from. Bringing this title to the modern, high definition age was an excellent idea as Capcom has succeeded in bring a classic back to life from its library.
Anyone who is able to look past the game's faults however will find it a rewardable zombie adventure that isn't perfect, but has plenty to do.
Overall, Life is Strange Episode 1: Chrysalis is an outstandingly charming, albeit brief beginning to this beautiful, new world. DONTNOD Entertainment has laid out what is to come in stellar fashion and I can't wait for Episode 2 to arrive, though waiting until sometime in March is still a decision I seriously question.
Despite its minuscule length, "Game of Thrones: Episode Two: The Lost Lords" continues the awesome story in stellar Telltale fashion. With great storytelling and an awesome cast of characters, it's a game you'll buzz through, hungry for the next episode.
Is the game challenging? Hell yes! Will it make you want to rage and throw your 3DS across the room? Quite possibly! Why is it so popular in Japan and you either love it or hate it here in the states? The game's appeal falls in getting past the learning curve. Learning it is half the battle, the other half takes place on the field.
While the game is most fun when played with friends or a team with communication in the strength column, it's just as enjoyable to get into a solo match and hunt, be it a monster, or hunters.
Overall, The Order: 1886 is an exceptional game that can be mistaken for a film as much as it can be for a game. Ready At Dawn achieved their mission of showing how a game can be great even when priorities lie in the visual, sound and plot departments.
"Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy+" is a more than solid addition to the series, granted you to didn't take to the air when the game was originally released in 2011. Amiibo features and improved controls and visuals aside, there's not enough to warrant another purchase. However, if you're feeling for some solid aviation-fueled drama on your new 3DS, this is your only choice.
Resogun: Defenders offers a nice range of content across the two new game modes. Protector is highly enjoyable as it twists the standard Resogun gameplay in favor of a faster, more action-packed game mode with a bigger emphasis on building and protecting human cities and bases. Commando is an inventive idea that takes ideas from the past, but adds in some modern day style.
At three dollars and with tons of replayable content, Gunman Clive 2 is a great contender for a modern classic. It displays the best things about the 3DS and creates an addictively entertaining time that's fun for all.
Charming and inventive, "Mario Vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars" is one of the best sequels to own in 2015 on the 3DS and one of the most enjoyable Wii U games you can play with kids and friends. With a top-notch level editor, it's never been more fun to jump right into a game and discover what makes it so great.
"DmC Devil May Cry: Definitive Edition" not only tweaks and enhances the overall experience of the 2013 game, but adds in small dashes of greatness that elevate the title to new heights. Although a mouthful, the title is expertly descriptive. If you want an action game that is truly the "Definitive Edition" of the 2013 entry, as well as a great core "Devil May Cry" experience, this collection reigns supreme.
Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is Nintendo's first true new IP in a long time. Thankfully the experiment worked, proving the old studio still has some magic up its sleeve. It's not perfect, but a sequel could definitely smooth out its rough edges. Here's hoping this won't be the last time players will see Abraham Lincoln and his diverse agents of S.T.E.A.M.
For those looking for something different from the standard "Civ" experience, or something that's an even larger departure than "Beyond Earth" was, this may just be the scratch for said itch.
Ori and the Blind Forest is a great game Xbox One game. Its world and characters are delightful. The music and visuals are extraordinary. The high level of difficulty and distinct save system may be off-putting for some players, but those looking for an exceptional Metroid-like substitute will thoroughly enjoy what Moon Studios have created here.
Revelations 2 has its moments as the game includes a lot of easter eggs for fans of the series. The Raid Mode is a fantastic and addictive game mode that is worth the price of admission alone. It tells a sufficient story, but the new characters do not really stick out. The cooperative A.I. is as diverse as ever, but the intelligence behind it has much to be desired.
Silly, but sometimes intense, "Tales from the Borderlands: Episode 2: Atlas Mugged" is another solid addition to the series, even if it doesn't challenge you much.
Minor gripes like the netcode and kill trades aside, the game delivers an online experience that can be cathartic, tense, and ultimately an adrenaline rush – something that echoes the core tenets of a "Battlefield" game.