James Berich
This author account hasn't been claimed yet. To claim this account, please contact the outlet owner to request access.
Writing For
Press StartLatest Reviews
Dynasty Warriors 9 attempts to expand the scope of what a Dynasty Warriors game is with varying effects. The new open world helps to break up the monotony of just playing battles repeatedly, while introducing issues of its own. These are just growing pains though, and Dynasty Warriors fans will appreciate how Koei Tecmo have successfully reinvented their franchise and what the future holds.
Pikmin 4 brings together engaging cave exploration and a charming world to explore to offer up the most complete Pikmin experience so far. While the multiplayer offerings feel like a step back from Pikmin 3 and the game is too easy to begin with, Pikmin 4 more than makes up for these shortcomings with its adorable canine companion, vast sandboxes and gripping strategic combat.
NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139... is a fantastic celebration of a game that, even after a decade, feels unmatched in how it tells its incredibly unique story. The visual overhaul is excellent, and the combat better than ever. However, some archaic quest design acts as a deft reminder that this is a game from ten years ago. Without a doubt, though, this is the best way to experience NieR where it all began.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is well beyond anything Don't Nod has ever done. It successfully merges their renowned knack for solid characters and great stories, engaging and enjoyable combat and a unique setting to create an experience like no other. It's incredibly fun and easily the studios most ambitious game so far. It doesn't get much better than this.
Metal Gear Survive had the potential to grow into something unique but now it’s just an uninspired mish-mash of poorly balanced systems that translates to an experience that feels like a chore. The story is frustrating, the only aspects that are great are the ones carried over from Metal Gear Solid 5 and the overall gameplay loop is monotonous. Metal Gear Survive ironically won’t survive the test of time, though in several years’ time you’ll probably not be able to play it anyway.
Fire Emblem: Three Houses features some of the most refined and enjoyable battle mechanics the series has seen since its successful renaissance with Awakening. But the renewed focus on support relationships gets in the way of what some may have valued most from the franchise – the strength of its strategic design and the battles themselves. Regardless, it’s hard to argue that Three Houses is the best Fire Emblem since Awakening, so it’s still worth your time, even if you’ll have to spend it wisely.
But the sum is lesser than its parts and nothing ever quite reaches the high highs that these games that came before it did. Everything is still enjoyable, mind you, but there’s just something missing. Some extra polish, the little details, that keep ReCore from being an instant masterpiece of guaranteed success. To come back to my question, it’s obvious that most of ReCore’s budget went into perfecting the gameplay. But with that came a sacrifice. And that sacrifice was visual presentation and polish. ReCore is a game for those who yearn for an experience reminiscent of games from the fifth and sixth generation of console gaming – and in today’s gaming climate, I think that’s incredibly brave.
Dishonored 2 is a huge triumph, managing to achieve the lofty goal of outdoing its predecessor in almost every way. But it’s an experience that must be played right to be enjoyed right. This isn’t a game that will be enjoyed by constantly saving and reloading to avoid detection. It’s an experience that works best when you’re constantly improvising with the numerous number of tools and powers at your disposal. It’s a game that can be played violently with little form and function or played silently and methodically. It’s the embodiment of the oft misused concept of “player choice”. And that’s why it’s a game that anybody can, and should try.
Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is easily the best and most robust collection of classic Capcom fighters so far. While the lack of crossplay is still a disappointment carrying over from Capcom Fighting Collection, everything else about this collection shines bright. It is a truly exhaustive compilation that celebrates so much no matter how much you're into Capcom, Marvel or both.
Evil Dead: The Game pays excellent tribute to most of the Evil Dead canon with great gusto. It looks fantastic, plays smoothly, and has a robust set of multiplayer options, that means the foundation is there for a game with great longevity. It remains to be seen whether Saber will support the game with more content, which will need a refresh in the future. But if they do, Evil Dead: The Game is poised to be one of the better horror adaptations and easily one of my favourites.