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This Week in Games - Pokémon, Kaiju, and Pals
Jean-Karlo deep-dives into Pokémon's Ultraman origins, the big update to Palworld, and classic games making a comeback!
― Welcome back, folks! I've been playing the much-anticipated summer event in Goddess of Victory: NIKKE. It's what you expect: the bathing suits are scandalous, and the Live2D animations are Live2D, but the story is surprisingly good. It's not Shakespeare, but the NIKKE events do a ...
The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak Game Review
Trails Through Daybreak is a phenomenal RPG that provides a strong opener for the next era in the series while also serving as an excellent starting point for newcomers.
― The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak is a phenomenal RPG that provides a strong opener for the next era in the series while also serving as an excellent starting point for newcomers. The Legend of Heroes series—often simpl...
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Game Review
Elden Ring's DLC dares to ask the question: Can a solid story, an impressively designed, vertical world, and tons of cool new weapons offset the punishing combo of hyper-aggressive enemies and a flawed leveling system?
― I love Elden Ring. Even after years of avoiding the “Soulsborne” games due to constantly hearing about their punishing difficulty, the lure of a world created by George R. R. Martin ...
This Week in Games - Diving Into The Crunchyroll Vault
This week, we take a look at the Crunchyroll Games Vault, the implications of Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi working with Square Enix again, and sad demise of Mega Man X DiVE.
― Welcome back, folks! I've reached a rather embarrassing situation with my Nintendo Switch: I'm running out of space on the console. I've installed so many games over the years that my 256-gig SD card only has about ...
This Week in Games - Need-To-Know Nintendo and Neptune Goes To Brazil
Jean-Karlo weighs the pros and cons of masking the creative team behind Nintendo titles, plus a long-shelved console is making waves in Brazil!
― Welcome back, folks! As it turns out, that bit of sickness I felt last week was COVID. Thankfully, I've kept up to date on all my vaccinations; this wasn't anywhere near as bad as it could have been, and none of the people around me (that I know of) have go...
Tsukihime -A piece of blue glass moon- Game Review
Successfully balancing fresh and familiar content and expanding on its own story, Tsukihime -A piece of blue glass moon- ranks among the all-time best video game remakes I’ve ever played.
― It's hard to overstate just how big a deal the official English language release of Tsukihime -A piece of blue glass moon- (TBGM) is. Until very recently, English-speaking fans of Type-Moon—the creators of Tsukihi...
This Week in Games - Nintendo Direct June 2024: New Age of Hype
Nintendo's 40-minute Direct left a lot of room to get excited! Jean-Karlo dives into the latest news as well as some bonus lost gems that were recently unearthed.
― Welcome back, folks! What a wild week this has been. As you read this, I'm currently fighting off a summer cold that's been going around. The good news is, I'm just warm and congested—no sore throats (I hate having a sore throat). Not the...
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Team Discuss Updating the Series After 25 Years
The video game industry has changed quite a bit since Fatal Fury's hiatus. The team discuss updating for the modern fighting game community.
― The Fatal Fury series made its debut in 1991 with Fatal Fury: King of Fighters around the time when other fighting game franchises were starting to appear or hit their stride. The biggest ones we know and love today, including Street Fighter, Tekken, and Mort...
DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO Producer Explains the Long Wait for More
Jun Furutani promises characters from Dragon Ball Super movie and the Dragon Ball Daima series.
― The Dragon Ball franchise is one of the most recognizable properties in the world, with a variety of manga, TV shows, and video games created out of it. The Dragon Ball Sparking video game series was incredibly popular in Japan. Known as Dragon Ball: Budokai Tenkaichi series internationally, it garnered ...
Assassin's Creed Shadows Makes Great Use Of Its Two Protagonists
With a series focusing on stealth, trickery, and assassinations, you'd think there'd be an Assassin's Creed game in Japan, right? It took a while, 17 years to be exact, but we're finally here.
― Assassin's Creed has been a household name in the gaming industry ever since it debuted in 2007. With a series focusing on stealth, trickery, and assassinations, you'd think there'd be an Assassin's Creed gam...
Samurai Warriors 4 DX Game Review
These games front-load the fun and give the player a type of spectacle and power fantasy that can only really be found within this series.
― Samurai Warriors 4 DX is a great Warriors title through and through, and a surprise port dropped out of the blue for us to enjoy. Like hot-blooded warlords mustering armies in past eras, even the mere mention of the Warriors games gets people gathering into warr...
This Week in Games - Summer Games Fest 2024 Wrap-Up
One of the biggest game showcases of the year just wrapped and Jean-Karlo is here with some modern (and nostalgic) highlights.
― Welcome back, everyone! A major downside of this column is that the nature of its publication makes it a little hard to cover the news; by the time last week's column went up, Summer Games Fest was already in full swing, after all. While a lot of stuff here might already be...
Director Kawata and Producer Hirabayashi of Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
Our Summer Game Fest coverage continues with a look at the Japanese mythology-inspired Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess tower defense game.
― Capcom's upcoming tower defense game, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, caught my eye during Summer Game Fest's presentations for its visuals and folklore motifs. The single-player action game combines stellar strategic gameplay, a detailed environment, cloth...
Monster Hunter Wilds Brings Players Back to Nature
The embedded appreciation for nature—and its interconnectivity—in Wilds marks an exciting new addition to the franchise.
― Monster Hunter fans rejoiced at Capcom's newest trailer for Monster Hunter Wilds at Summer Game Fest 2024. While the cinematics amped up the adrenaline rush of the hunt for the new beasts, the preview at Summer Game Fest Play Days demonstrated how that'll play out in the game. Wi...
Metaphor: ReFantazio Feels like Home for JRPG Players
. As much as I've enjoyed the sleek designs ATLUS is now known for, gameplay is more than just aesthetics. Thankfully, Metaphor breathes new life into the JPRG genre.
― At the Summer Game Fest Play Days, attendees played a trial version of ATLUS and Studio Zero's upcoming game, Metaphor: ReFantazio. Development and planning for Metaphor began right after the first Catherine game and has been touted a...
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance Game Review
While people understandably don't want to encourage Atlus to keep trying for two bites at the apple, this one is worth it.
― There's no ignoring the Grimalka in the room with this one: Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance is an Atlus Remake. And with the original Shin Megami Tensei V only being three years old, folks have plenty of trepidation towards Vengeance. The good news is that if you haven't played...
An In-Depth Preview of Rusty Rabbit Game with Writer Gen Urobuchi and Producer Yuichiro Saito
Rabbits, robots, and religion collide in Rusty Rabbit. We sat down with Gen Urobuchi and Yuichiro Saito to discuss the deceptively fuzzy new game.
― Gen Urobuchi's latest game caught the attention of gamers and anime fans alike with its recent story and character trailer. NetEase first teased Rusty Rabbit with a concept trailer at Tokyo Game Show 2023, and now both Urobuchi and producer Yuichiro Sait...
This Week in Games - Dragon Gangster Drivers And Rusty Riding Rabbits
Before Summer Game Fest truly kicks off, Jean-Karlo checks out the upcoming Yakuza TV series news and Gen Urobutchi's deceptively cute rabbit puzzler.
― Welcome back, folks! In honor of the Astro Bot announcement, I spent some time playing Astro's Playhouse over the weekend. It's a cute tech demo disguised as a platformer, helped by Astro being an adorable little mascot. The historical angle of colle...
This Week in Games - Sony And Marvelous Woke Up And Chose The Same Day To Showcase, And I'm Paying For It
Jean-Karlo attempts to condense two big video game showcases into a coherent column, from the revamped Silent Hill 2 to the grazing pastures of Story of Seasons.
― Welcome back, folks. This is related to a big story for this week, but this past weekend, I listened to Utada Hikaru's re-recording of "Simple And Clean". It's very emotional. Utada Hikaru is a good twenty-plus years older than when she or...
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Video Game Review
Here we have a from-the-ground-up remake, but does this beloved classic still hold up in a modern sense, or is that praise just nostalgia talking?
― It's nice when Nintendo surprises us with a remaster or re-release of one of their more difficult-to-obtain games. The original Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door for the Nintendo GameCube is a classic for many. However, since the game was never re-rele...
Cupid Parasite: Sweet & Spicy Darling Video Game Review
With seven full routes and one mini-route with a character from the previous game, if you enjoyed Cupid Paradise, Sweet & Spicy Darling is worth playing.
― The first order of business is this: if you haven't played the original Cupid Parasite otome game, there isn't much point in picking up Sweet & Spicy Darling. There is one new route for this sequel, but even that relies on you knowing the backgrou...
This Week in Games - Uguu Stocks On The Rise
The touchstone visual novel Kanon is coming to Steam! Plus, Gundam in Call of Duty, Nintendo's latest studio buy, and more!
― Welcome back, folks! Last weekend, I had a sudden pang of nostalgia, and I started missing Avalon Code. Avalon Code was one of the many offbeat RPGs released on the Nintendo DS, this one by Matrix Software (and released in the US by Xseed). It had a fun concept: the world is g...
Straight Shooting with Game Creator Suda51
We sat down with game creator Suda51 ahead of his MomoCon appearance to talk about his new game Hotel Barcelona, his current must-watch TV shows, and more.
― The renowned Suda51 has been responsible for countless cult-favorite video games. From the psychedelia of Killer7 to the hells of Shadows of the Damned, from the sunny streets of Santa Destroy in No More Heroes to the blood-soaked setting of the...
This Week in Games - Games Are Our Business... And Business Is Restructuring
Sony and Square-Enix are both reorganizing, from new CEOs to staff cutbacks. Also, sad news about Penny Blood, more Cotton, and the latest video game news!
― Welcome back, folks! You know, it's always nice to discover old stuff from a franchise you love that you didn't know existed. For example, I didn't know that the old Captain N: The Game Master cartoon had an episode that featured the world of Dr...
This Week in Games - Switchin' It Up
The Switch sequel console is finally happening! The details are scarce, but you can find out more in this week's column. Also: an interview with El Shaddai's Sawaki Takeyasu, Microsoft layoffs, and more.
― Welcome back, folks! What a wild week this has been for the gaming industry. We'll go further into it, but jeez. This past week also saw the disappearance of Capcom's Dark Void and Dark Void Zero. ...
This Week in Games - EVO Japan 2024: You Ain't From Chicago If You Ain't Broken exA Before!
Find out about the young star who set the internet aflame and walked away with two medals. Plus: Thousand-Year Door updates, a new HunterxHunter game, and Miku!
― Welcome back, folks! As is my wont, I'd like to plug my El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron HD Remaster that went up earlier this week... but I've also got the disappointing news that Megaton Musashi W: Wired finally released in the US la...
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Video Game Review
I cannot imagine how Square Enix could top themselves after this.
― Final Fantasy VII Rebirth initially launched on the last day of February, and if you look at the date of this review's publication, you will immediately be able to discern one thing about this second entry of the FF7 Remake series: It is gargantuan. The first game got plenty of praise (and plenty of flak) for taking the relatively sh...
El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron HD Remaster Video Game Review
With a new Nintendo Switch port available, even more gamers can experience Enoch's transcendental adventure across the world. How does it fare on Nintendo's portable device?
― El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron was a curious game when it released in 2011. The world wasn't quite ready for it then, but time (and a PC port) helped people accept it. With a new Nintendo Switch port available, even more...
SAND LAND Video Game Review
SAND LAND is a curious game that combines an eclectic set of gameplay features into a well-realized package that, despite its flaws, is perfectly solid and more than the sum of its parts.
― SAND LAND is a curious game that combines an eclectic set of gameplay features into a well-realized package that, despite its flaws, is perfectly solid and more than the sum of its parts. Going into this one, all ...
This Week in Games - Atlus With the Old, In With the New
Atlus reveals its big new game, Metaphor: ReFantazio, amid the recent exit of Shin Megami Tensei artist Kazuma Kaneko. PLUS: A Golden Axe comedy series and Pokémon Go models get a makeover.
― Welcome back, folks! As you probably noticed, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes came out earlier this week. It's a fun time, as you could see in my review of it. It's come to my attention that there are some per...
The Story of Suikoden
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes promises to revive the Suikoden series in everything but name, but what's so great about Suikoden that it's worth reviving? Well, read on…
― It's 1996, and the PlayStation is just starting to take over the game industry. It has many genres covered: racing, fighting, action, sports, puzzles, train-conducting, deep-sea diving, fire-fighting, and so forth. But what abou...
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes Game Review
People might think of this game as a celebration of the energy and experimentation of RPGs past, a tribute to a time when archetypes and genre conventions hadn't yet calcified and anything was fair game. And for once, they'd be right.
― There's a point that Lady Perielle returns to often when people ask her why Nowa, a young warrior from a small village, is the leader of the resistance front against ...
This Week in Games - Nintendo Indies Showcase 2024
Jean-Karlo looks at some of the most promising titles from Nintendo's latest showcases, explains why a big player heading over to Nintendo is worth watching, and more!
― Welcome back, folks! Does anybody know what to do when a snack you like isn't in production anymore? I used to look forward to Russel Stover's pectin jellybeans every Spring, but apparently, those aren't in production anymore. I've e...
This Week in Games - Ask Yourself, "What Would Shadow Do?"
The Year of Shadow is upon us! What sort of festivities can we expect for a resident Edgehog? Also: Jean-Karlo salutes the Miiverse community and more in This Week in Games!
― Welcome back, folks! Last week, I saw a bit of consternation from folks with regards to SaGa Emerald Beyond, specifically since SaGa games can be rather impenetrable. It's a tall order, but I still vouch for the SaGa games. Mis...
This Week in Anime - What Is An 'Anime Game,' Anyway?
Chris and Lucas try to quantify the 'vibe' that makes something an anime game; is it point of origin, art style, or something else?
― Chris and Lucas try to quantify the 'vibe' that makes something an anime game; is it point of origin, art style, or something else? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the participants in this chatlog are not the views of Anime News Network.Spoiler Warning...
This Week in Games - Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes Preview
This is the Suikoden game fans have been waiting for. It might have a new title, but the heart is there.
― Welcome back, folks! Another April Fool's Day has come and gone, another chance for unfunny people at gaming studios to make another "Hey, wouldn't it be funny if we made a dating sim for our game!?" gag for the pile of joke-visual novels we've seen over the years. As an aside, while I haven't h...
This Week in Games - Dragon's Dogma 2 and an Interview with SAND LAND Producer Keishu Minami
This week, Jean-Karlo looks into Dragon Dogma 2's microtransaction drama, gushes about the notable visual novels on the horizon, and has a chat with the upcoming SAND LAND game's producer, Keishu Minami.
― Welcome back, folks! It's a busy Spring, and I know folks are likely neck-deep in Dragon's Dogma 2. But someone on Twitter went and reminded me that Touch Detective 3 + The Complete Case Files is o...
Exploring the World of the SAND LAND Video Game
Explore ruins, infiltrate enemy areas, cruise the dunes, and more in this video game tie-in to the airing anime series.
― The world is still mourning the loss of the beloved artist Akira Toriyama. His unique worlds and love of fantastical machinery have captured the imagination of fans worldwide for decades. Fans, at the very least, can look forward to one last hurrah from Toriyama in the form of the...
This Week in Games - Mourning Mutsumi Inomata
This week, Jean-Karlo morns the loss of artist Mutsumi Inomata and takes a look at her contributions to gaming. Also in the news, there's a new Fatal Fury on the way as well as new title Mega Man Battle Network fans are sure to enjoy.
― Welcome back, everyone! As you read this, Dragon's Dogma 2 is already out and folks are likely going nuts making and sharing pawns. I still haven't had a chance to pl...
This Week in Games - The Gaming World Says Good-Bye to Akira Toriyama
Jean-Karlo invites us to take a look at Akira Toriyama's influence and legacy in the gaming industry. There are also good/bad news for Puyo Puyo and The Super Mario Bros.
― Welcome back, folks! I didn't get a chance to plug it last week, but my column on monster-collecting games came out last week! The timing on that column was... something. That weekend turned out to be the 25th anniversary of the D...
This Week in Games - Nintendo Stamps Out Emulator Yuzu Devs
Jean-Karlo discusses the recent emulator debacle, some of the most interesting games from the Microsoft Partner Stream, and KOS-MOS creator Monolith's 25th anniversary!
― Welcome back, folks! Over the weekend, I saw Dune Part 2. It was really fun, but it reminded me of how disappointing it is that we haven't gotten a new Dune real-time strategy game to tie in with it. Dune II: The Building of a Dynas...
Collect 'Em All: Other Video Games About Catching Monsters
On the heels of Pokémon and Palworld, Jean-Karlo looks back on years of monster collecting, from Megami Tensei to Dragon Quest Monsters.
― Pokémon is undoubtedly the king of the mountain when it comes to the collectible monsters subgenre of RPG—or "Mons" games, as fans call them. And while it's also currently the world's leading multimedia franchise, there's still something to be said about the many ...
Ufouria: The Saga 2 Game Review
Ufouria: The Saga 2 delivers a long-overdue comeback for a cult classic from the NES era, but can it live up to a legacy?
― Ufouria: The Saga 2 delivers a long-overdue comeback for a cult classic from the NES era, but can it live up to a legacy? The original Ufouria: The Saga was one that got away. Its North American release was canceled back in 1991, and even though the game made it out in Japan an...
Mario vs Donkey Kong Game Review
The most interesting part of Mario vs Donkey Kong is trying to figure out why Nintendo released this title, in this way, at this time.
― Mario vs Donkey Kong is fine. I should probably open this review by talking about the mechanics of the game, how much should or should not change in a remake, or if this title is worth its $50 price point; but, several hours after seeing the credits roll, I remain f...
This Week in Games - How Zygarde Got His Game
Jean-Karlo goes over all the good news from this year's Pokémon Day and worrying developments in the world of emulation.
― Welcome back, folks! It's been a fun week on my end; some good stuff came in the mail (I finally have a nice copy of the Valis collection). I still really want that one LGR physical edition of VA-11 Hall-A; it sure would be nice to find one at not-price-gouge-y prices. I also nee...
This Week in Anime - Previously On Final Fantasy VII
Before you boot up Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, let's remember Squaresoft's foray into feature films, including Spirits Within and the divisive Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children.
― Before you boot up Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, let's remember Squaresoft's foray into feature films, including Spirits Within and the divisive Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed...
Sympathy Kiss Game Review
Sympathy Kiss is guaranteed happy escapism despite its workday setting and sometimes awkward writing. This is a nice low-key treat for otome game fans.
― Some otome games go all in on the escapism factor, putting their playable protagonists in various fantasy or dangerous situations where finding love and survival go hand in hand. That's not the kind of game Sympathy Kiss is. Otomate and Idea Factory...
Reflecting on Aerith's Death on the Eve of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth's Release
“Did you hear that there is actually way to save Aerith from getting killed by Sephiroth?”
― Spoiler Alert! This piece is going to cover spoilers from pretty much every single Final Fantasy VII thing that's come out leading up to Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, including the original game, Advent Children, Crisis Core, FFVII Remake and even Rebirth's trailers. “Did you hear that there is actually way to ...
Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island Game Review
Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island could very well become someone's "forever" game: even if you reach the peak and obtain all the riches...maybe you'll be down for one last romp through the dungeon.
― In one run through the mystery dungeon, my sword and shield had been rusted to -1 stats by a ninja using water jutsu. I was low on health, and I had accidentally wandered int...
This Week in Games - Directly To The Lands Between
Return to the world of Elden Ring and all the gaming lands in between, and Jean-Karlo breaks down the Nintendo Direct and Shadow of the Erdtree DLC!
― Welcome back, folks! What a week for news this has been. I imagine folks want to get right into stuff, but I had some fun stuff I wanted to show off! I got some long-awaited goodies from @Kamaniki featuring KOS-MOS! Thank you kindly for everything, Gig...
Another Code, Ace Attorney, and Adventure Games 20 Years Later
The game genre's success has had highs and lows. Is the Nintendo Switch ushering in a new era of sleuthing?
― A new year of game releases has begun, and with it, the first wave of new titles by various developers and publishers. Among these offerings have been several action-heavy titles and role-playing games but, in contrast, Nintendo and Capcom have done something rather different to start 2024 b...
Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash Video Game Review
Cursed Clash is a retelling of the first couple of arcs from the franchise, and right off the bat, there is something undeniably cheap about the presentation.
― What's this? A 3D arena-based fighting game with tag team mechanics based on the current most popular shonen anime? Where have I seen this before? Cursed Clash is a game that will feel familiar to fans of anime video game adaptations that hav...
This Week in Games - Not My Elena
Capcom's "Trendy Elena" sparks controversy, Suikoden creator Yoshitaka Murayama leaves behind a legacy of great games, and three Japanese RPGs pass the 1 million sold mark this year!
― Welcome back, folks! We had some fun stuff come in this past weekend. In the wake of our Another Code: Recollection review, another really fun game I anticipated came in for review. I'll talk more about it in the comin...
Granblue Fantasy Relink Video Game Review
Gorgeous visuals highlight Granblue Fantasy Relink as an ambitious title that is exceptional in most categories and solid in the rest.
― Granblue Fantasy Relink is an ambitious title that is exceptional in most categories and solid in the rest. At this point, there's a good chance that if you are plugged into the gaming space, you have heard of Granblue Fantasy in some capacity. Granblue Fantasy Reli...
Tekken 8 Video Game Review
Tekken's bombastic story continues in this latest franchise entry, coupled with an impressive soundtrack and a story that doesn't take itself too seriously.
― I love Tekken! It's such a fun, dumb franchise where the same three people constantly try to kill each other, but it's over-the-top fun in all the best ways. I have not played every iteration, but I wanted to dive into the latest installment si...
This Week in Games - Is This Really A Final Fantasy VII Trailer? We Still Don't Know Sephiroth Or Nothing.
Jean-Karlo gets polygonal as he goes over the newest details for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the upcoming Sonic game and state of Microsoft.
― Welcome back, everyone! You've likely seen our review of Another Code: Recollection by now. What a wonderful experience that was. It's great that it got a second chance at bat. And it's been selling so well! Nintendo must've underproduced that title because it ...
KONOSUBA - God's Blessing on this Wonderful World! Love For These Clothes Of Desire! Game Review
KONOSUBA - God's Blessing on this Wonderful World! Love For These Clothes Of Desire! offers plenty of wonderful content for existing fans of Konosuba but some aspects of the game make it rather unsuitable for newcomers.
― Are you the kind of fan who can not get enough Konosuba? Have you read the books and watched the anime—including the film and Megumin spin-off—multiple times? Did you even watch Ise...
Another Code: Recollection Game Review
What does it mean to die? What does it mean for the people left behind? What does it mean for a memory to die? These questions and more are answered in this remake of a 2005 cult classic.
― What does it mean to die? What does it mean for the people left behind? What does it mean for a memory to die? These weren't questions people were ready to answer when Trace Memory was first released in the United...
This Week in Games - Kojima Can Strand Servants, Discuss
Layoffs hit Activision Blizzard, Sony shows off a ton of upcoming titles, and Fate/stay Night is finally getting an official English-language release.
― Welcome back, folks! I'm still here, plugging away at stuff. Udon put out the word that they're making another one of their comic book spin-offs for a Capcom series. On the one hand, I'm excited because they announced a Darkstalkers book featuring Je...
This Week in Games - Not The Best Of Pals
"I think a lot of folks who wring their hands about The State Of Pokémon™ would be better off just realizing that they outgrew Pokémon and stop making that GAME FREAK's fault."
― Welcome back, everyone! It was very nice to have such a warm welcome from everybody last week. And! We got something fun in the mail! Never mind me getting my copy of Another Code: Recollection (Look forward to a review shor...
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth Game Review
A strong contender for one of the best games in the series, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is most enjoyed not blitzing toward its credits but basking in the depths of its detours.
― As a fan of the Yakuza series, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth's announcement felt like fondling a Christmas present and trying to discern the quality of its contents by the grooves of its packaging. Although Infinite Wea...
Apollo Justice Trilogy Video Game Review
This is the perfect way to complete your Ace Attorney collection, with lots of extras and features that will delight long-time fans and give newcomers a look into all the talent and creativity that goes into these games.
― You don't know how to get into all the Ace Attorney games? OBJECTION! In 2024, there is simply no excuse not to play through the entire Ace Attorney catalog — every mainline game, ...
Anonymous;Code Game Review
Less beefy than it's Science Adventure predecessors, Anonymous;Code nevertheless introduces an interesting gameplay mechanic to keep players engaged.
― Anonymous;Code is the newest title in the Science Adventure series of games and is in the same world as Steins;Gate, Robotics;Notes, and Chaos;Head. If you've played any of these visual novels (or seen their anime adaptations), you likely know what to...
This Week in Games - Brace Yourself For Gamer Discourse In 2024
More layoffs, Genshin Impact developer miHoYo adopting AI, and the fear of harassment for a Last of Us TV series actress are the focus this week.
― Hello all, I hope your week was equal parts chill and exciting because this week is gonna be a mixed bag of not-so-fun news with a dash of neato news for good measure. Yes, I know we're only two weeks deep into 2024 to have bad news. Unfortunately, like a...
This Week in Games - You Can't Keep Shigeru Miyamoto Down
Miyamoto and two other game industry titans have no interest in retiring any time soon. Plus: Jack Black's new video game film role, Twitch's nudity snafu, and more!
― Welcome to 2024, otherwise known as the sequel to last year. Hopefully, the first week of the new year has been equally restful and kind to you as you batten down the hatches for what is sure to be a busy few months of video game and s...
The Best Anime of 2023 - This Year in Video Games
Jean-Karlo slides in to finish the year with the best games and biggest developments in the industry!
― 2023 is finally in its casket. Many would quickly call 2023 one of the best years of gaming in a while, owing to the slew of phenomenal titles released this year. This, however, ignores the almost 7,000 employees laid off from various gaming studios across the nation this year alone. It also ignor...
This Week in Games - So Long, Kotick! Thanks for Nothing
Controversial CEO Bobby Kotick is out at Activision Blizzard, Hideo Kojima has a movie in the works, Twitch tries to find a middle ground on sexual content, and a data breach sparks ethical conversations among gaming journalists.
― Good day, morning, afternoon, and whatever in-between time you happen to be while reading yet another edition of this Week in Games. Surely, the week before Christmas spel...
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC: The Indigo Disk Game DLC Review
The Indigo Disk features more narrative strength equivalent to what we saw in the main game with the right amount of foreshadowing in payoff towards the game's worldbuilding.
― The Indigo Disk DLC is some of the better post-game content in the franchise for a while. If the Teal Mask was a side story that you could check out at your leisure, then The Indigo Disk is the proper follow-up to the events o...
This Week in Games - The Long Death of E3
The gaming industry says goodbye to an old friend as E3 is finally put out to pasture. Plus, Sega is accused of threatening its recently unionized works, and Epic Games may have scored an epic win in court.
― If you're reading this, you've survived yet another week in games. Huzzah. Surely, this week was chill in comparison to last week's hectic Game Awards-centric week. Right? Nah, this week was pre...
Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising Game Review
After the pandemic mired Granblue Fantasy Versus' release, Rising is giving it a new lease on life with impressive gameplay upgrades and new modes to explore.
― Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising is a release I've been looking forward to for some time now, despite having next to zero knowledge of Granblue Fantasy. The original Granblue Fantasy Versus was sandwiched between unfortunate timing for real-wor...
This Week in Games - Give Game Developers Their Flowers
The Game Awards honored some of the year's best in entertainment, but the same can't be said for the program's treatment of the industry's developers. Plus, Twitch exits South Korea and concern over a new Splatoon 3 weapon.
― Congratulations, reader, you've made it to another Friday. It's crazy to believe this week would be busting at the seams with video game news outside of Geoff Keigley's not-E3 e...
New Shiren the Wanderer Game Director and Project Manager Talk About Going Back to Basics
Fans enthusiastically told Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island game director Keisuke Sakurai that the first Shiren game was their favorite, and he listened.
― Recently, at a hands-on event in Tokyo, I was able to meet with Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island's director and project manager, Keisuke Sakurai and Hideyuki Shinozaki. We talked a bit ab...
Two Hours Hands-on with Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island
This throwback to "Nintendo hard" games of yesteryear is unforgiving, but that could be just the right challenge for retro game fans.
― The Shiren the Wanderer series, itself a subseries of the popular Mystery Dungeon franchise, has been on hiatus with no new games being released since 2010s The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate on the Nintendo DS. However, thanks to the success of that game's Ni...
This Week in Games - That Naruto Sounds Different...
Controversy unfolds this week, from strange-sounding lines in Naruto X Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections to what qualifies as an "indie" game.
― Happy Friday, fellow weeb gamers. Although this week has been pretty light on announcements and trailers from video game companies outside of Capcom's release date announcement (and $70 price tag) for Dragon's Dogma 2, it's also had its fair share of ...
The Newest Pokémon DLC is the Biggest Yet
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 2 offers an expansive new area to explore with plenty of new adventures for franchise fans.
― Despite some issues, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games have innovated a lot of things for the franchise. At the time of this writing, these are the Pokémon games I have spent the most hours on. The recent Teal Mask DLC was enjoyable for its simple story and interesting ch...
Cuisineer Game Review
Approaching Cuisineer wasn't that different from reading an ingredients list before I'd begun cooking. With a bit of time and step-by-step instruction, the disparate parts begin to coalesce into a rather appetizing treat.
― Cuisineer is a delightful title that blends several disparate elements in ways both fresh and familiar, all in an affordable and adorable package. You'll recognize a lot of mechan...
This Week in Games - Wouldn't That Be Level-5 Five Times Over?
Jean-Karlo looks back on 25 years of Level-5 games, plus a new customer-unfriendly move from GameStop and the gacha games that's putting its players into gem debt.
― Welcome back, folks! It seems like my easygoing weekends are ending; I've got a game I'm working on at the moment. Look forward to that review sometime next week! For now, I hope you've checked out my colleague Kennedy's column on the .h...
World of Horror Video Game Review
World of Horror is like being alone in the computer room downstairs late at night, cautiously clicking through some danger-filled adventure game without hints about what lies ahead. World of Horror is every possible fear from that night.
― We're certainly at no loss for modern throwbacks, those games that expertly summon the aesthetics of pixel-built classics from the 1980s and 1990s. We have retro-s...
Little Goody Two-Shoes Game Review
With ten endings, yuri romance options, and unsettling horror Little Goody Two-Shoes deserves a spot in your visual novel library.
― The first thing you'll likely notice about Little Goody Two-Shoes is the name and its apparent juxtaposition with Elise's character. Today, we use the phrase "goody two-shoes" to describe someone who is sanctimoniously perfect, which comes from the 18th-century children...
The Case For Remaking .hack//IMOQ
With more people than ever talking about the idea of the first .hack game series making a potential comeback, it’s worth examining why so many people want more of this iconic 20-year-old JPRG.
― Years before there was Log Horizon, Sword Art Online, or even Stay Alive, .hack told compelling stories set against the backdrop of MMORPG players being trapped in a game—or in some cases, being made comatose...
Sonic Superstars Game Review
As a high-speed platformer, Sonic Superstars still doesn't play as well as the original Genesis games from decades ago, but it hits the realm of "close enough."
― From the creators of Balan Wonderworld comes the latest mainline 2D Sonic game...kind of? Sonic Superstars is more of a 2.5D title, but it is a continuation of the classic mainline Sonic games that started with the Genesis titles up until S...
Super Mario Bros. Wonder Game Review
The newest Mario platformer is oozing charm, thanks partly to surprisingly fresh level design.
― After years of New Super Mario Bros., we finally got a…new Super Mario Bros. game (I had to make the joke, I'm sorry). So here it is, the first original 2D Mario game for the Nintendo Switch, and it only took them way longer than any of us were expecting. However, given Nintendo's very open philosophy abo...
Detective Pikachu Returns Takes on Police Corruption
Detective Pikachu Returns interrogates humanity's fear of those unlike themselves, their willingness to subjugate others for a sense of safety, and the desire to assimilate themselves into those groups for power.
― In order to discuss important themes in Detective Pikachu Returns, this review will contain major plot spoilers. Detective Pikachu Returns is starkly political, from a franchise best known...
This Week in Games - Trust The Fungus. Touch The Fungus.
Nostalgia wave hits us this week with Gigabash x Ultraman collab, Super Mario Bros. Movie 30th anniversary, and Touch Detective coming back to the US!
― Welcome back, folks! So, uh, confession time: I had forgotten all about the Portland Retro Gaming Expo being last week. (I tunnel vision badly.) Last Friday, I even considered going on a lark to visit the Retronauts booth... but then I remembered tha...
Final Fantasy XVI Producer Naoki Yoshida on the Game's Anime Influences and Design Philosophy
Find out how various anime served as inspirations for the final game.
― Final Fantasy XVI is a major departure from the Final Fantasy games of old. We had the chance to talk with Final Fantasy XVI producer Naoki Yoshida about why this is and how various anime served as inspirations to the final game. The Final Fantasy XVI universe seems dark and very adult, perhaps more than usual for this license. ...
Sonic Frontiers: The Final Horizon DLC Game Review
New playable characters, a new ending, and expansive lore all make Sonic Frontiers: The Final Horizon DLC worth it, but players will have to overlook unsatisfying controls and grinding.
― This review contains spoilers for the base game of SONIC FRONTIERS. Sonic Frontiers was a pleasant surprise. In the world where SEGA seems to constantly struggle with what it wants to do with the spiky blue hedgehog...
Resident Evil 4 (2023) DLC: Separate Ways Game Review
Let's be honest here—the original "Separate Ways" mode was more of a fun novelty. What could CAPCOM possibly do with a $10 DLC to justify the double-dip? As it turns out, the answer is, "A hell of a lot."
― 2023 has been stuffed to the brim with incredible video games, so it may well warrant reminding you all that, even though it's been nearly twelve months since it released, the Resident Evil 4 rem...
This Week in Games - Slim Pickings
Among the delight of anticipating the Izuna sequel, Lego Isabelle, Silent Hill: Ascension, and Gungrave G.O.R.E.'s Switch port, there is a questionable new PS5 Slim.
― Welcome back, everyone! Great news: I finally got to play Xenoblade Chronicles 3 for once this past weekend! It's nice to have spare time. The game is still introducing some phenomenal characters (even if I'm tilting my head a little a...
This Week in Games - Not So Epic
Layoffs continue in the gaming industry, and the creator of Hatoful Boyfriend reveals he's been stiffed by Epic on his royalties. Plus, new Digimon devices and Square Enix goes all in on its "Cait Sith" pronunciation.
― Welcome back, folks! We picked up on some cool news over the weekend—Bandai Japan is making a new series of Digimon virtual pets: a reissue of the Digital Monster Pendulum toys, modif...
WarioWare: Move It! Video Game First Impressions
I got to try a half-hour of the new WarioWare game at the 2023 Nintendo Holiday Tour. Once directed to the hidden area, I and other press members were in for the world's wackiest workout.
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Do you ever find yourself nostalgic for the Wii era? Motion controls might not have been the best fit for all or even most games, but there's something to be said about how fun they could be for party gaming. Few...
This Week in Games - Big Names, Big Departures
It's a week of shake-ups in the gaming industry as Platinum Games and Sony see off Hideki Kamiya and Jim Ryan. Plus: CAPCOM president Haruhiro Tsujimoto thinks games are due for another price hike.
― Once again, I'd like to thank my readers who thought of me amidst the Izuna news last week. I appreciate being thought of like that. I like it when friends think of me when they see stuff they know I lik...
Silent Hope Game Review
For a first attempt at a dungeon crawler, Silent Hope does a stellar job of capturing what makes these games so addicting.
― First and foremost, Rune Factory and Story of Seasons fans need to be aware that Silent Hope is not a farming game. Yes, those are Story of Seasons cows roaming around the hub, and farming and cooking are important systems. The main weapon types in this game even call back to t...
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC: The Teal Mask Game Review
An intriguing story can't hide how appallingly poor The Teal Mask DLC runs on the Switch system.
― It has been almost a year since the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It might not be my favorite game on the Nintendo Switch, but I have put the most time into it. As a Pokémon game, it does almost everything right to update the material and bring it to a new generation, only held back by the fact...
This Week in Games - The Game Industry Uniting Against Bad Decisions
Japan sets a precedent for Let's Play content, and Unity just pissed off the sleeping dragons that are The Pokémon Company, Disney, Activision-Blizzard, and China. Plus: the announcements from Nintendo Direct and Sony's State of Play.
― Welcome back, everyone! Y'know, I thought this would be a pretty calm week; I hadn't had a game assigned to me, and it didn't seem like there would be any big announc...
Samba De Amigo: Party Central Game Review
Sega diehards and casuals should consider adding Samba de Amigo: Party Central to their rotation of party games, along with Mario Kart and Wii Sports.
― Sega has finally seen fit to bring back one of their missing party-game favorites; Samba de Amigo: Party Central now exists in a world where Guitar Hero and Rock Band no longer dominate the rhythm game genre and where the most people can look forward...
Bringing Under Night 2 to the Arena: A Chat with Arc System Works CEO Minoru Kidooka
Kennedy speaks to Arc System Works CEO Minooru Kidooka about Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes], Guilty Gear -Strive-, Arc System Works' 35th anniversary, and more.
― Founded in 1988, Arc System Works (or ArcSys for short) is the game developer/publisher behind many iconic anime fighting games such as BlazBlue, Dragonball FighterZ, and Guilty Gear—whose most recent entry recently surpassed 2.5 milli...
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