When Indivisible is good, it reminds me of some of my favorite games. But it hits those heights only rarely, and is usually pulled down by tedium, repetition, and other issues.
A few puzzles are exhilarating to decipher, but too many others beat the concepts into the ground through repetition without offering enough to keep the solutions fresh
The basic fun of fighting is counterbalanced by some punishing design that makes it hard to get fully invested in the action
Even when the action gets predictable, the charming presentation and small touches keep the sense of adventure alive
Combat is fun on a basic level, but repetition and a lack of evolution blunt that over time. The story and setting also fail to live up to their initial promise
Building and defending your settlements doesn't have enough variety, and the challenging parts are more frustrating than fun
198X is exciting as a stroll down memory lane, but its simplicity and abbreviated story leave it short on substance
Surprising moments succeed at sending occasional shivers down your spine, but the game doesn't bring you deep enough into its world to inspire fear
Despite a fun concept at its core, the characters and story don't pull players in as events unfold
Katana Zero starts strong on all fronts, but it doesn't evolve or cohere in ways that sustain the excitement of its early stages
Long periods of waiting and repetitive tasks make this simulation hard to recommend, especially since your efforts only rarely pay off
Chaining together impressive combos is as fun as ever, though hopping among three characters makes it hard to hone your expertise
Desert Child has interesting ambitions that never quite develop into an enjoyable experience
Even though the formula is familiar, teaming up with friends to exterminate the alien menace is enjoyable
The Quiet Man isn't fun, interesting, or worthwhile in any way. No one should play it
Infiltration, combat, and exploration are all fun in the moment. However, the repetitive objectives and lack of crafted moments make the gameplay blur together as the hours pass
Though pacing problems make the journey far from riveting, the gameplay tweaks and overall story are worth experiencing if you're already a fan of Xenoblade Chronicles 2
This is a fantastic return for a series that has been struggling with its identity. Large maps and interesting abilities give you the freedom to explore different strategic opportunities, and your ingenuity pays off with enticing rewards
Combat is the highlight of the adventure. The stories unfolding between encounters are uneven, and the grinding required to progress is a frustrating roadblock
This inventive tale can be uplifting one minute and disheartening the next, but it strikes a consistent and compelling tone