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Magical Delicacy is a delightful blend of platforming and cooking, wrapped in a charming pixel art style. Despite some progression challenges, the game excels with its engaging exploration, memorable characters, and rewarding cooking mechanics. It's a cozy game that brings a unique twist to the "Metroidvania" genre, making it a must-play for fans of enchanting adventures.
I had no idea what to expect from Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, but it will undeniably be another hit under Capcom's growing catalog of critically acclaimed successes. On a personal level, this title echoes some portion of the developer's past that I've missed dearly, and sincerely hope it sticks around and grows. The gameplay shortcomings here may fail at encourgaing the incentivized repaly value enough, but they don't detract from the quality present here.
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus is a must-play 2D platformer that shines with its sublime movement mechanics and excellent level design. Despite a few narrative and comedic missteps, the game offers fulfilling exploration, captivating combat, and stunning visuals, making it one of the standout titles of 2024.
Spy x Anya: Operation Memories is a charming family game directed towards gamers wanting to hang out with the Forgers a little longer. The writing provides a nice dose of character interactions to satisfy fans, and players can take pictures of plenty of adorable scenes. Further, the constant stream of unlockables makes playing the surface-level mini-games tolerable after exhaustion sets in. I found fun in the overall gameloop, and I consider this a mission accomplished as far as anime games are concerned. I hope to see more games based on this series that present creative ways of telling stories through this medium.
Anger Foot will be a game brought up in the same conversations as Hotline Miami and Ape Out. It’s an experience that will go down in arcade FPS history as something that existed when we needed it. And maybe I didn’t know that I needed to unwind with a game where my primary form of attack was to kick, but that’s what this turned into. It’s nice to play a game that knows how to be a game. Your skills will be tested, but like me, you’ll keep returning for more.
Dawntrail may not be as much of a reinvention of the wheel as it was made out to be. However, it also proves that this formula is still capable of featuring incredible stories and taking us to places that can surprise and challenge our understanding of the world, both in and out of the game. It represents a huge step forward in the worldbuilding of Final Fantasy XIV and its gameplay, giving the player appropriate challenges for the hundreds of hours they likely poured into it to get to this point. If this is any indication of what’s to come, then FFXIV’s next decade is looking as bright as dawn.
Until Then offers a compelling coming-of-age story infused with supernatural elements. Set in a post-disaster town, players follow high schooler Mark and his friends as they navigate personal challenges and mysterious occurrences. Despite some narrative pacing issues and a lack of supernatural exploration, the game's immersive setting, relatable character dynamics, and unique visual presentation make it a captivating experience.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak brings a fresh start to the Trails series with its new Calvard arc. Featuring an ambitious narrative, innovative gameplay systems, and a compelling new protagonist, Van Arkride, this entry captivates both new and returning players. Despite some issues with difficulty and the LGC alignment system, Daybreak stands out as a remarkable and modern addition to Falcom's storied catalog.
Tsukihime: A Piece of Blue Glass Moon is a stellar remake of Type-Moon's classic visual novel. This partial reimagining brings modern graphics and expanded storylines for Arcueid and Ciel, providing an engaging and immersive experience. With captivating characters, a well-woven narrative, and enhanced presentation, this visual novel is a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.
Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree is an extraordinary DLC that elevates the already impressive Elden Ring experience. With a vast, beautifully designed world, challenging new enemies, and a plethora of collectibles and customization options, this expansion is a must-play for fans. Despite its difficulty, the engaging exploration and rewarding combat make it a standout addition to the Elden Ring universe. Available now on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC via Steam, this DLC promises hours of immersive gameplay.
Atlus re-releases can be a hard sell for those who experienced the original launches. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance definitley fits into that category for narrative reasons, with the new Canon of Vengeance route not executing its captivating premise strongly due to mishandled opportunities and rushed pacing.
Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom reimagines platformer mechanics by eliminating the jump button and instead utilizes dynamic environments to challenge players. With a heavy emphasis on collectibles and engaging level design, the game offers both nostalgia and innovation, appealing to fans of classic arcade games. While the unique gameplay and generous checkpoints provide a fresh and friendly experience, the game's intense focus on collecting every item and some underdeveloped late-game content could detract from its appeal for more casual players.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes is a beautiful JRPG from beginning to end. It captures the wonder of discovery and adventure in every scene, with an added dose of tension as you navigate the complexities of a nation at war. Still, much of the weight has been removed from the player to the point where it feels like the entire experience is on autopilot and you're simply participating when it wants you to, like in a boss battle or environmental puzzle. That said, if I look at this game through the lens of it being Murayama-san's adventure and not mine, I'm just happy that he allowed me to accompany him on this path. While it's a brilliant showcasing of retro meets modern, there are areas to improve, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an exceptional sequel that surpasses expectations in nearly every aspect. It combines compelling storytelling, innovative combat, and a wealth of engaging content to deliver an unforgettable adventure. As a bold continuation of the saga, it sets the stage for the final installment, leaving fans eagerly awaiting what comes next. Square Enix has truly outdone itself, showcasing the depth and potential of the Final Fantasy VII universe.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink showcases CyGames at their best. They don’t attempt to reinvent the action JRPG genre; instead, they focus on putting their unique twist on the formula. The result is a responsive and addictive experience for solo and online play. For those wanting the most, the online quests offer an almost endless supply of action. At the same time, the story campaign serves as a general introduction to the mechanics but remains equally epic. There’s room for improvement, though, and post-launch support will determine the lasting appeal of this experience, but for what it’s worth, the wait was worth it, and I’m excited for future growth in this series.
Persona 3 Reload is a highly-anticipated remake that doesn't deliver on all fronts. Still, it tries to do so with plenty of meticulous care. The added character scenes and new activities make the experience even more compelling, while the modernized visuals and new English voice cast live up to this classic's legacy. However, some of the new gameplay features make the experience too easy and forgiving. Additionally, the exclusion of some elements, like The Answer from Persona 3 FES, makes this launch less definitive than it could have been.
Anomaly Agent offers a succinct gaming experience, combining platforming and combat within a sci-fi narrative. As Agent 70, players address global anomalies, facing challenges that require both strategy and skill. The game balances its story, combat, and platforming elements effectively. However, repetitive boss fights and a simple upgrade system are questionable. Despite these issues, its design and mechanics make it a notable indie game, with enough depth to encourage replayability.
Phantom Abyss offers a thrilling gaming experience, but it won't keep you hooked for hours on end unless you have a group of friends to tackle the temples alongside you.
Another Code: Recollection is an absorbing experience from start to finish, one that will keep mystery fans comfortably engaged thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and enjoyable cast. Lacks a little special something, but it's got a lot of heart.
Tekken 8 sets a new standard for 3D fighting games with its breathtaking visuals and intricate details. This installment boasts a diverse and immersive soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. With a robust roster of 32 characters and an epic storyline, it offers extensive single-player content, including Arcade Quest mode and Tekken Ball. The gameplay emphasizes aggression, and the Heat and Rage systems add depth to battles. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the series, Tekken 8 offers an unforgettable 3D fighting game experience that transcends the genre. Don't miss this masterpiece.