Category Archives: Reviews
New Persona 5 PlayStation 4 Theme and More Gameplay
This morning Atlus has announced a new free PlayStation 4 theme for you to download!
No one appreciates the splendor of pleasing aesthetics and true beauty like Yusuke Kitagawa, so it was only right that we released a theme and three avatars that feature the artistic savant. Oh, and did we mention it’s free from today until 3/21? Download the theme and avatars now, and let the unrestrained elegance of codename Fox take hold of your PlayStation 4. Take a peek at the theme below!-PR
Super Bomberman R Review – Having a Blast
Developer: Hexadrive/Konami
Publisher: Konami
Platform: Nintendo Switch
ESRB Rating: E10+
Release Date: March 3rd, 2017
MRSP: $49.99
Bomberman is making his return to dedicated gaming devices with a brand new entry that promises classic puzzle-action gameplay. Did it deliver? This game was tested with all of the control schemes, including the pro controller.
Nier: Automata Review – Do Machines Dream of Electric Sheep?
Developer: Platinum Games
Publisher: Square Enix
Platform: PlayStation 4/PC
ESRB:M
Release Date PS4: March 7th, PC: March 17th
“Nier: Automata,” a game announced out of left field by Square Enix with series director and scenario writer Yoko Taro doing his usual duties with Platinum Games. The dream has finally been realized: a game created with the level of polish Yoko Taro deserves.
RESIDENT EVIL 7: BIOHAZARD REVIEW
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Platform: PlayStation 4/Xbox One
ESRB Rating: M
Release Date: January 24th, 2017
MRSP: $59.99
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is the latest entry in the long running survival horror series by Capcom. Recent entries have focused on action over horror and Resident Evil 7 was promised to be a return to the series roots. Did Capcom deliver a truly frightening experience? The game was tested on the base PS4 model, PS4Pro and PlayStation VR. This will be a spoiler free review.
Berserk and The Band of the Hawk Review – Steel and Sacrifice
Developer: Omega Force
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Platform: PlayStation 4*, PlayStation Vita, PC (Steam), Playstation 3 (JP Only)
ESRB Rating: M
Release Date: February 21st 2017
MRSP: $59.99
*The PS4 Pro Version was used to review this game
A review copy was provided by the publisher for this review.
The cleverly titled “Berserk and The Band of the Hawk” is the latest entry in Koei Tecmo’s series of anime themed “Dynasty Warriors” spin-offs. These games usually take the trademarked aesthetic and atmospheric tones found in each respective series and match that with a never ending amount of soldiers to carve your way through as your favorite anime protagonist. Does this game end up being a good Dynasty Warriors game? Does it end up being a good Berserk game? Lets take a look.
Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Book
Developer: Gust
Publisher: Koei Temco
Platform: PC
Computer specifications:
i5 6600k
16GB of RAM
Nvidia GTX 970
ESRB Rating: T
MRSP: $29.99
“Atelier Sophie: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Book” follows the adventures of a young girl named Sophie who embarks on a journey to become a great alchemist. This is the first installment to the Mysterious series, with the second being “Atelier Firis: The Alchemist and the Mysterious Journey.” As the beginning game in the Mysterious series, it introduces new mechanics such as a new and much simpler Alchemy system and a very drastically different battle system from previous Atelier series.
Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue Review
Developer: Square-Enix
Publisher: Square-Enix
Platform: PlayStation 4
ESRB Rating: E10+
Release Date: January 24th, 2017
MRSP: $59.99
A retail copy was purchased by the reviewer for this review.
“Kingdom Hearts 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue” is the newest collection that provides set up for the highly anticipated Kingdom Hearts 3. What makes this compilation standout from the previous ones is the inclusion of “A Fragmentary Passage:” a small demo that essentially gives us a small glimpse of what Kingdom Hearts 3 will be. But is this collection worth it? Well, let’s dive in deep and find out!
Upon loading up the game you’re given three choices. Given that you’ve played the prior installments, I would recommend starting with Dream Drop Distance, followed by 0.2 and to end it off the movie Kingdom Hearts χ (Chi) Back Cover.
Dream Drop Distance is just as you remember, but it does have a few enhancements here and there that make it much more enjoyable. For starters, it has a native resolution of 1080p, and even plays at 60fps, making this the first Kingdom Hearts game on console to officially run at a native 1080p 60fps. Aside from the graphical enhancements, there were a few new Dream Eaters added to the game. I should like to note that, while I did not encounter this problem myself, a few players did report the game freezing on them occasionally. The combat does feel much more responsive on the PS4, and flow motion feels much more immersive and spectacular due to the higher framerate. If you’re playing Dream Drop Distance for the first time, or if you’re a veteran player, the HD version is a welcomed addition that you will enjoy. The voice acting and soundtrack is just as great as ever.
Next we have “Kingdom Hearts 0.2 A fragmentary passage,” the main draw of this collection. This game details what exactly happened to Aqua after Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep. As a glimpse into what Kingdom Hearts 3 will play like I was very impressed. Not only does the game run at 1080p, it also targets 60fps; unfortunately enough, the framerate does drop occasionally. Mind you, I did play this on the PS4 Pro, so the game may not be the 60fps on the base PS4.
The combat is where this game truly shines. The layout and menu screen for the combat is very reminiscent of Kingdom Hearts 2, but only on the surface. Once you perform combos or deal damage, a small bar appears at the top of the menu; when maxed out, you can perform a super attack based on fire, ice or lighting magic. You can also perform standard combos with your Keyblade to access a form for Aqua to perform special attacks. Shotlock from Birth By Sleep also makes a return as flow motion from Dream Drop Distance. Blizzard can be used to make rails that can trigger flow motion rail grinding to quickly get through the environment.Seeing Yoko Shimomura work her magic again never gets old, as the music in this demo left me craving more.
The only true negative is the fact that it is extremely short. 0.2 can be completed within 2-3 hours. The game does offer objectives to extend replay value, but aside from changing Aqua’s appearance or getting trophies, there’s isn’t much other to offer players. Nonetheless, if you’re itching to see what Kingdom Hearts 3 will play like, 0.2 is a perfect thing to hold you over.
Lastly we have Kingdom Hearts χ (Chi) Back Cover. This is simply a movie telling the events of the PC Browser game Kingdom Hearts χ (Chi) that was released last year. There’s quite a lot of information here that expands upon story details mentioned in earlier games. And seeing it all flow together in a movie like format is pretty nice if you want to take a break from the combat of the other games.
In conclusion, Kingdom Hearts 2.8 is a fine collection for the series. The only true problem is that, in comparison to the previous collections, it does comparatively offer the least amount of content, especially given that they’re asking for the full price of $60. I would honestly suggest you wait for a price drop in order to get more value for what you pay.
8/10
+Playable Aqua
+Great soundtrack
+Amazingly fluid combat
+Mickey actually heals you unlike Donald
– Little content for a collection
– Doesn’t feel worth the full price
Gravity Rush 2 Review Laws of Mewton
Developer: SIE Japan Studio
Publisher: Sony
Platform: PlayStation 4
ESRB Rating: T
Release Date:
MRSP: $59.99
A retail copy was purchased by the reviewer for this review.
Gravity Rush 2 is one of the prime reasons why I love Japanese videos games. They tend to be filled with weird and fun ideas that just can’t be seen anywhere else— and this game is no different. Gravity Rush 2 has you play as Kat, the self-proclaimed “Gravity Queen” as she’s able to shift gravity to her will with the help of her cat, Dusty. The game takes place immediately after Gravity Rush Overture, a 20 minute animation that ends with Kat being separated from Raven and Dusty due to a gravity storm. Outside of the last few minutes, I wouldn’t say it’s a “must” watch, but it does help fill in some of the blanks. Naturally, it would be highly recommended if you played the first game as well as there will be a ton of returning characters.
NISA Event News Blowout Pt 2: Previously Announced Games with Release Dates
NISA just finished their press event where they went and talked about over 19 games where not only did they announced new games, but gave release dates for some previously announced games as well. Clinking on the name of the games will take you to the game’s website, granted some are more ready than others. Note: The Operation Babel link will take you to its respective Steam page.
NISA Event News Blowout Pt 1: New Games
NISA just finished their press event where they went and talked about over 19 games with some of them being new games. Clinking on the name of the games will take you to the game’s website, granted some are more ready than others.
The Gaming Gamma 