Video Game Reviews

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties

Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties

While Kiwami 3 does bring several quality of life changes, as well as being rebuilt in the Dragon Engine, it also suffers from a host of pacing issues, cut content, and a horrific casting choice that will likely overshadow any good this game provides. 

Disgaea 7 Complete

Disgaea 7 Complete

While an upgrade path would have been ideal, Disgaea 7 Complete has a wealth of content to keep you busy for hundreds, if not thousands, of hours. The main story can certainly entertain, but I found more enjoyment out of the DLC, even if the DLC stories are not voiced, which is a major disappointment.

Neva: Prologue

Neva: Prologue

Neva: Prologue tells us the story of how Alba met Neva, her trusted wolf companion. Early into this glimpse of their past, Alba stumbles upon a small wolf cub. When u first meet Neva, they run away, but freeing them from behind a cracked pillar causes them to follow you, eager to find out who their rescuer is.

Styx: Blades of Greed

Styx: Blades of Greed

Styx: Blades of Greed marks a long-awaited return for Cyanide Studio’s stealth-focused goblin, wasting little time reminding you exactly what kind of game it aims to be. Being a semi-linear stealth experience, it harkens back to an era when stealth action games were more mainstream.

Ys X: Proud Nordics

Ys X: Proud Nordics

Proud Nordics does provide some fine quality of life features, but they are still encased in an adventure that is nowhere as good as the previous entries in the series. The new content is fine for what it is, but does little to push the story forward, and is only for those who loved the story and want to deep dive into the lore.

Under the Island

Under the Island

As Nia moves to a new town, her life gets turned upside down when the ground swallows her up to then place her on the journey of a whole new adventure. Under the Island was a pleasant surprise, and a wonderful delight.

Gear.Club Unlimited 3

Gear.Club Unlimited 3

From Paris to Japan, you'll take on over 50 courses, purchase and drive up to 40 exotic cars, from top European and Japanese manufacturers such as Bugatti, Mazda, Nissan, and Porsche, as you attempt to build a Gear Club in Japan and lure in top talent to make your dream a reality.

The 9th Charnel

The 9th Charnel

The 9th Charnel feels unfinished despite a good attempt and breeding atmosphere. Saikat Deb has set a somewhat decent foundation here, but its execution has resulted in a boring, broken, and bland experience across the board.

Eldegarde

Eldegarde

Extraction-style games have rarely enticed me, largely due to the player vs player systems and the prospect of having them take away much of the progress I’ve made on my gear. However, when games like Eldegarde offer up PvE throughout its offerings, it certainly changes my mind about the genre and gets me intrigued. 

REANIMAL

REANIMAL

Ultimately, the game’s few technical issues are completely overshadowed by Reanimals' excellence across world design, environmental storytelling, and set-piece moments, not to mention its eerie use of audio, especially via headphones.

Romeo is a Dead Man

Romeo is a Dead Man

Romeo is a Deadman is certainly a Suda51 game, and while it is Grasshopper’s best in years, I do wish the No More Heroes jank didn't follow itself here and infect combat and general movement. Still, the craziness that is Romeo is a Deadman is sound, and those looking for another bizarre fever dream are likely to be pleased.

Ride 6

Ride 6

So, when it comes to gameplay, Ride 6 is a solid title that sits somewhere between a full-on arcade racer and a true-to-life simulation. Its physics system and focus on bikes make it stand out from the competition, but the learning curve for cornering might be too steep for casual players.

Apartment No 129

Apartment No 129

I enjoyed Apartment 129 despite the few flaws that drew me out of some moments. The developers, Dead Witness, crafted a great psychological horror experience that I recommend any aficionados of the genre try.

Winter Burrow

Winter Burrow

Winter Burrow is a cozy survival sim as you play as a mouse, desperate to survive the winter in your once occupied home, however, on this journey you will assist and befriend a bunch of different critters that would normally be quite removed from each other and incompatible.

Nioh 3

Nioh 3

If you haven’t played Nioh before but you enjoy soulslikes and character action games, then this is definitely a game you need to try. Its focus on player choice in approach, combined with more cinematic storytelling than its competition have made it my favourite game in the genre so far.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined

I was unsure going into Dragon Quest VII Reimagined whether the game would meet my expectations and if I would cherish it as much as many players have for years. Ultimately, I have loved my time with this reimagined classic.

Cairn

Cairn

Cairn reaches not only the peak of its genre but the peak of gaming itself. Built on top of the foundation of climbing is one of the most beautiful, transformative experiences I’ve ever had in life, not just gaming.

Philna Fantasy

Philna Fantasy

Cast down from orbit, you’ll find your purpose in the Adventure’s Guild, tasked with uncovering a conspiracy that sees the King of this land kidnapped. With real-time combat and a fantastic progression system, Philna Fantasy does have some engaging moments of gameplay, with only a lacking story and cast of characters really dragging it down.

I Hate this Place

I Hate this Place

I Hate This Place tells a new story set in the confines of this richly detailed world. As Elena, you'll battle monstrosities and horrors as you attempt to find your missing friend, Lou, after a ritual goes horribly horribly wrong. To be fair, have rituals in horror stories ever gone right? Yeah, didn't think so.

Nova Antarctica

Nova Antarctica

Nova Antarctica is a great time, and I enjoyed my time in these harsh lands. The fun of learning what you need to do to survive, and saving any animals I found, was a fun challenge. I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who loves to challenge themselves to survive in hostile lands and wishes to push their supply management to the test.