Category Archives: Reviews
Yooka Laylee Canceled for Wii U, heading to the Switch
Due to technical limitations of the Wii U, Playtonic Games has announced this morning 
that the Wii U version of Yooka Laylee is being canceled. However, never fret Nintendo fans, as Playtonic games is making the switch to the well, Switch! Yooka Laylee will now be released on PS4/Switch/XBO and PC. With the PS4/XBO/PC versions releasing on April 11th. This is what Playtonic games had to say to backers regarding this situation:
The Playtonic team is sad to confirm that despite our best efforts and exploring every possible avenue, we’ve encountered unforeseen technical issues that unfortunately mean it will be impossible for us to release the game on Wii U as initially planned.
We can however confirm the exciting news that we are now working very closely with Nintendo to look to bring Yooka-Laylee to the upcoming Nintendo Switch. We’re looking forward to exploring the opportunity and will have more details to share early next year.
We’d like to apologise to those affected by this development and offer all Wii U backers the opportunity to move their pledge free-of-charge to any of the versions launching on April 11th (PS4, Xbox One, PC, Mac or Linux) or upgrade to the Nintendo Switch version when we announce further details in 2017.
-Playtonic Games
So Wii U backers can either change their pledges to other platforms, or await for more updates on the Switch version to make the full switch.
Yooka Laylee so far looks really amazing, and I am glad that even though the Wii U version was having technical problems that Playtonic Games was able to have a back up plan to still bring this game to Nintendo fans to enjoy.
In the mean time, check out the latest trailer for the game!
Atelier Sophie and Nights of Azure Head to Steam February 7th, 2017
This morning Koei Tecmo dropped a surprise announcement that two of their PS4 Gust games will be making their way to Steam next year.
It’s is very interesting to see Koei Tecmo making the jump to PC with these games. Hopefully Koei Tecmo will do these ports justice and we can have two amazing PC ports of these good games. Let’s also hope that this could lead to future PC ports of other Atelier games in the future. Atelier Sophie and Nights of Azure launch on Steam on February 17th, 2017.
Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel Review
Developer: Examu
Publisher: XSEED Games
ESRB Rating: T
Release Date: (PC) December 8th, 2016
A review copy was provided by XSEED Games, thank you.
Today we’re taking some time to take a look at Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel developed by Examu, which has just made its way to PC. Will this port of the fighting game which uses visual novel characters and the like be able to hold itself up on this platform, like it has in the arcades and on console? Let’s see!
Nitroplus follows some traditions set in place by previous powerhouses in the genre with fast-paced gameplay, double jumps, assist characters, and air dashing, all mixed in to the fray. The button layout is the more unique five button type, which includes: Weak, Medium, Strong, Escape, and even a Heavy Action button. Weak, medium, and strong are your standard normal moves; Heavy Action (HA) is similar to a blow back action when standing, while crouching HA is turned into a sweeping move that will knock down the other player, immediately. Doing HA while in the air causes the same effect; while holding HA will turn it into a guard-crush move. The escape move is simply a dodge-rollー similar to that in King of Fighters, and follows the same properties as well. This move can also be done in the air, and is often used as a blitz option during combos or for applying pressure on an opponent. So much more could be said about the buttons and what they do, but as most fighting games go: it’s all about discovery, and what can be done with those tools.
Before we head into the meat of the game (the gameplay,) let’s cover what modes there are to the game. We have your standard arcade-mode-Story mode involving beating a set amount of fighters and then fighting the final boss (with cut scenes, of course.) After completing this story mode once, we then unlock “Another Story”ーwhich is a continuation of the story offered in arcade mode. Next up is Versus, your standard, local play mode; Score Attack mode, where you take place in continuous fights to make your score the best on the leaderboard and Training, where you can brush up on practicing your most damage dealing combos and more! Visiting the Gallery allows you to view the art and cut scenes from Story and Another Story mode. Option mode lets you adjust the audio, window options, keyboard and controller key settings, and in-game settings such as rounds, time limit, and CPU level. Lastly, we’re going to go over one of the more important modes: Network mode. What we have here is like all other online modes: a ranked, casual lobby search mode; replay options; a leaderboard. The netcode of the game felt on par to that of Ultra Street Fighter 4, when a stable green connection is made between two players. In other words: the game only has about 4-6 frames of input lag, which, on average, is very minimal in terms of impacting online matches
Setting all this aside, it’s finally time to look at the gameplay of Nitroplus. During character select there are 14 playable characters, ranging from all sorts of different visual novels and similar IPs. A few worth noting being Saya from Saya no Uta, and Aino Heart from the “Arcana Heart” series. There are plenty more, of course. Once your character is selected, you then need to choose two assist characters from a roster of 19 different options, with each one again from a series or title connected to the Japanese publisher in some way. While in game, you have the standard health bar and super gauge, although it is broken into three separate bars. This is a bit unusual, but not unheard of. Apart from the usual, you also have your assist gauges, which charge over time to become available. Once a round is over, said gauges deplete back to zero in time for the following round. One of the more interesting mechanics to Nitroplus is the Infinite Blast move, which works similar to that of the burst from “Guilty Gear” with additional properties. To quickly go over what Infinite Blast does: when activated it’ll regenerate health over time, gain more to the super gauge, and cancel special moves into escape actions. On the flipside, it can only work once per round.
Overall, Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel is another one of a kind fighting game brought over to the PC. Although one of the more niche fighting games using primarily characters from visual novels, there is no doubt it’ll make an even greater impact now that it’s accessible to the PC fighting-game crowd, and market.
My verdict for Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel is:
7/10
Pros:
-Phenomenal/Solid gameplay
-Varying archetypes of playable characters
-Very solid netcode
Cons:
-Less than average roster size
Exile’s End PS4 Review
Developer:Magnetic Relams
Publisher:XSEED
Platforms:Wii U, PS4, Vita
Release Date:10/25/2016
Thank you XSEED for providing a review copy of this game.
Exile’s End is a Metroidvania developed by Magnetic Realms released on PC, Wii U, VITA and PS4. Does it capture the feeling of an exploration focused side scroller while being cinematic? Read to find out.
Zelda Breath of the Wild Gameplay Show Case at VGA 2016
More impressive Zelda footage has been revealed at the Video Game Awards 2016. We see an look at an area not shown an the E3 2016 show floor.
This lush jungle looks dangerous, doesn’t it?
Check out the gameplay on Gamexplain’s channel!
Stunning Breath of the Wild Trailer at VGA 2016
One of the most exciting announcements this week was that The Legend Breath of the Wild was making an appearance at the Video Games Award Pre-Show.
What they showed just happened to show story details! Towns are indeed present so Hyrule will indeed have a community to interact with. A mysterious blonde girl is also present (totally Zelda)
Check out the trailer on Gamexplain’s channel.
STEINS;GATE 0 PS4 REVIEW
Steins;Gate 0
Platform(s):PlayStation 4/PlayStation Vita
Developer:5pb
Publisher:PQCube
ESRB Rating:M
MSRP: $59.99/$49.99
Thank You PQCube for Providing a Review Copy of this Game.
Steins;Gate 0 is the sequel to the marvelous visual novel “Steins;Gate” for PS3, PSVITA, PS4, and PC. Due to the nature of a visual novel the story is integral to the main experience, thus this will be spoiler free. However, to fully appreciate the game, knowing the events of the original Steins;Gate is necessary to the experience. This review will be talking about the true ending of the original game when it comes to the story summary.
Blazblue: Central Fiction Review
Blazblue: Central Fiction (PS4, PS3)
Gaming Gamma Review
Release Date: (NA) November 1st, 2016
Developer: Arc System Works
Publisher: Arc System Works, Aksys Games
Thank You Aksys for Providing a Review Copy of this Game.
One of the most essential fighting game developers, Arc System Works, has just released their latest game out in North America; today we’re taking a look at Blazblue: Central Fiction. The latest title in the popular Blazblue series developed by Arc System Works, will Central Fiction be able to overtake other fighters currently in the market or will it be left to the wheel of fate to decide? Find out here and now!
Blazblue: Central Fiction just like previous Blazblue titles use the same button prompts and input indicators of A, B, C, D and motion inputs. The only substantial difference is the addition of new characters such as Naoto Kurogane; DLC character Es, and more. Central Fiction as well adds new normal and special moves for previously included characters along with a new universal mechanic called Exceed Accel, a powerful one off move that automatically ends the duration of your Overdrive.
Heading into game modes we see some of the previously included ones such as story mode, training mode, arcade mode, versus, network mode, and more. Some of the more important singleplayer game modes are story mode and arcade mode, to not go in-depth with story mode it is in a visual novel like format that continues what the previous title; Chrono Phantasma Extend left off on, what I can say is that there is an unlockable character once completing the story mode but mentioning his or her name would also be a substantial spoiler. Central Fiction also offers new game modes such as the Grim of the Abyss mode, similar to a tower/ladder like game mode where you work your way to the end to fight the boss of the tower and along the way increase the stats of your selected character.
Now onto network mode, this includes the standard fighting game online system of: ranked, casual, multi-man lobbies, and settings for said modes. The netcode for Central Fiction has been working well except for the occasional lag and input delay which is a common place issue when it comes to rough connections for the players.
In terms of art, sound, and game design Central Fiction still retains much of what the series used since the start. This is 2D sprite work for the characters and a special blend of 2D and 3D assets used to give each stage a unique appearance. In line of sound design there’s no real difference apart from Central Fiction being the first in the series to not feature an English dub, aside from this characters still retain the same sound effects and voices used in the previous titles. Aside from sound effects and grunts the music is still something to be applauded, helmed by Guilty Gear art designer Mr. Ishiwatari the music continues to be some of the most varied composing for the series. Gallery mode makes a return once again to be a place where all that was mentioned, music, art, characters and their color palettes can be purchased with in-game currency earned as you play matches and so on.
Gameplay wise Central Fiction kept the same fast paced movement options, and over the top combo and damage potential while readjusting different values and animations for characters to balance out the cast for a more leveled playing field. For newer players into the series there is also a Technical and Stylish option for your gameplay. Technical being that none of your button inputs are affected and the gameplay is left as is; Stylish on the other hand makes each rapid press of a button a gateway into different and satisfying combos to help beginners and casual players of the game.
Overall, Blazblue Central: Fiction is a great fighting game and surpasses its predecessor with new content ranging from characters, music, new moves for characters, and game modes. While it is a well-made game there are some negatives such as the constant re-used audio samples and sprites, which is a common occurrence for most fighting games. As a competitor to other fighting games such as Street Fighter V, KoF XIV, Guilty Gear Xrd Revelator, and more, Blazblue can easily compete in this market to be one of the powerhouses to dominate the scene.
The verdict for Blazblue: Central Fiction is:
8/10
Cons:
-Constant re-used assets from sprites, sound effects, and more
Pros:
+Good tools to introduce newcomers to this type of fighting games
+Retains the high technical gameplay and speed for returning players
+Plenty of new additions like game modes, characters, and gallery content
+Netcode is concise and consistent with stable connections
Valkyrie Drive -Bhikkhuni review: The Power of Lesbians
Developer: Meteorise
Publisher:PQube
ESRB Rating:M
Release Date: October 11th, 2016
The Righteous Boobage Producer – Kenichiro Takaki strikes again but this time, with a new series. The girls in this series aren’t ninjas, they’re just normal girls that so happened to come down with a terrible and mysterious condition.
If you’ve heard of or seen the anime for “Valkyrie Drive” or the mobile game, the premise is more or less the same as they take on three different islands right next to each other. If you haven’t heard, to make a long story short: the world has contracted a weird disease where young girls have the ability to turn into weapons. This danger has led to the world to come together and essentially isolate anyone that’s contracted the virus on one of potentially five islands. Said virus comes in three different forms: the V-Virus variant (where you gain the ability to become a weapon,) the A-Virus variant (that allows you to wield said weapon,) with the last is being able to do both – the VR Virus variant. In the case of Valkyrie Drive: Bhikkhuni, all of the playable girls are able to do both.
The leads of Bhikkhuni are the sweet and ever loving Rinka and her almost polar opposite twin sister Ranka, as well as the people they meet along the way. It’s said that anyone that has come to the island has a high chance of being cured. The supposed secret is about learning self control, so fighting is permitted at all times outside of some safe spaces like the cafeteria. That said, the story is more than just fighting to control their virus, as not everyone living on the island care about going back home, since they have their own agendas to attend to.
Bhikkhuni is a pretty interesting evolution of Senran Kagura’s Versus series in terms of combat. At the start of every mission you choose two characters: a Liberator and an Extar witch (the term of the V-Virus holder and the A-Virus holder respectively). This is where most of the game’s replay value comes in, as all of the characters in the game come with two different level up systems. The game’s combat is a very combo heavy beat ’em up. While there is no dedicated run button, there are a dedicated dash button, dodge button and three attack buttons – one normal, one unique, and one that launches the enemy in the air. This doesn’t sound like much, sure, but you won’t be mashing buttons, as all of these provide extremely fast-based combat. The game has a ton of ways to combine all of these attacks, especially dodging, the dash, and the launcher technique. The entire game is based around combining the dash with these techniques, as when successfully done, your attack raises for the extent of the combo. Once enough damage is done, your synchro gauge will fill up; once filled, your health will refill and you will become stronger because your partner became your weapon. Depending on the level of the Extar, this can happen a few more times, or you can spend the gauge on doing a special attack. To be honest, when there are just generic enemies towards you, the gameplay is great. But when it comes to other actual characters the gameplay doesn’t live up because once the mission is over, you get your ranking and a pool of experience points to share between your Liberator and Extar. This is where the “two separate levels” bit comes into play, as the girls have separate Liberator and Extar levels. So you actually have to max out the girl’s levels twice with Extar, requiring much more experience to level up. Also, keep in mind the rank you receive at the end of your mission is pretty important, seeing as how well you do in some missions will affect the storyline.
Outside of the main storyline there’s a survival mode, a challenge mode, and three online modes. Sadly, none of these modes offer experience points and the online is more or less dead. So unless you have a friend, have fun fighting CPUs. That said, the melee mode is kind of fun. Instead of the usual 3D arena battle ground, it becomes a 2D fighter with the objective is to get your opponent off the stage. Granted, this mode is a lot more frantic because the stage is much, much smaller than the arena and generally there are 4 characters on the screen so everything just feels a little claustrophobic. Lastly, there’s the dressing room where you can dress up and play with the girls. There’s even a mini-game segment on it if you play with them enough.
In the end, despite its anime counterpart taking perversion to the next level yet stopping just before being considered pornagraphy, this game is actually one of Takaki’s tamer games of the giant breast hyper battle “genre”. Sure, it still contains the usual mechanic of clothing being ripped off and the small cinematic that comes with it is still the same as the changing dressing room mechanics. But despite all of the sexual appeal, there’s a good gameplay mechanic underneath that just can’t seemingly take off the way the game wants, which is sort of disappointing.
6/10
+Melee Mode
+Funny characters
-Game isn’t necessarily fun
Period: Cube ~Shackles of Amadeus~ Will Release Spring 2017 in the West
This afternoon Aksys has announced that they will be localizing Idea Factory’s PS Vita game Period:Cube ~Shackles of Amadeus~ and it will release this Spring.
Aksys Games and Idea Factory proudly announce that Period: Cube ~Shackles of Amadeus~ will release Spring 2017 in North America and Europe for the PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system! In search of your older brother’s whereabouts, you join the online RPG, ‘Arcadia’ in hope of discovering clues. Having lost consciousness after being drawn into a mysterious light, you wake up within the game’s fantasy world! Confused and shaken by your strange yet familiar surroundings, you learn that the only way to escape this world of life-or-death is to clear the game. As the game world begins to crumble and fall apart, you’ll have to rely on your expanding powers for survival!
–PR
This game looks like it will be quite the treat for PS Vita owners wanting to add a new Visual Novel to their collection, check out some of the key features in this game:
Many Roads to Victory
A branching narrative and multiple endings ensure each player will be leading their own unique story! Choose carefully, as each decision changes the path before you.The Danger is Real
Prepare to be sucked into a virtual world like no other! Fraught with peril, every move could be your last. As the lone hope for Arcadia, only you can defeat the powerful forces of darkness!Gripping Narrative with 30+ Hours of Gameplay
Period: Cube ~Shackles of Amadeus~ offers stylized characters, beautiful visuals and an intriguing story that will challenge your very perception of reality!-PR
Check out some of the latest screenshots for this game too:
The Gaming Gamma 