Ray Porreca
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Destructoid Latest Reviews
Despite its narrative shortcomings, Draugen still has plenty to offer. Graavik has no shortage of beautiful views and stunningly detailed locations. In under three hours, Draugen pulls off a series of well-composed shots that are worth the entry price alone. Teddy and Lissie’s story never reaches its full potential, but there are worse ways to spend a few hours than exploring a wind-swept fjord.
Taken as a whole, Outward practically screams “cult classic.” Its consistent challenge, cumbersome combat, and co-op systems won’t resonate with everyone. But for a particular type of player—ones that don’t mind trading dozens of frustrating moments for open-ended experiences—Nine Dot Studios’ RPG is sure to find a dedicated audience. Outward‘s aspirations are commendable, but just like its protagonist, the end result is just average.
Donut County is as charming and funny as it is inventive and beautiful. It excels at what it sets out to do –there’s never been a better hole simulator in video game history. But underneath its colorful scenery and intuitive gameplay is an experience that feels like its inches away from true greatness.
State of Decay 2 comes together as a game that feels designed for players who like to make checklists and chip away at long-term tasks. That notion might sound contradictory to existence in a zombie apocalypse, where death comes fast and often, but engaging with the game from this perspective makes its rough edges seem more like minor smudges. State of Decay 2‘s unique approach to survival and management might not appeal to everyone, but it certainly feels like an instant cult classic.
Far Cry 5 is a solid first-person shooter set in a vibrant, breathtaking location. It plays well, looks great, and is packed with enough content to keep players invested in Hope County for a good, long while. Though Joseph Seed and Eden’s Gate work better in theory than in practice, the Montana-based doomsday cult marks a departure for the franchise that pays off.
The Red Strings Club comes full circle. It ends almost exactly where it begins. Brandeis is still falling. He’s still going to collide with the ground. His fate’s sealed. But that doesn’t really matter. In The Red Strings Club, it’s how you arrive at a moment that stands out.
Still, there’s something whimsical and endearing that drives Battle Chef Brigade forward. Across seven-to-ten hours, Mina and her cooking companions grow on you. Charming characters and a unique blend of gameplay systems create for an alluring little game that’s simple fun throughout.
.hack//G.U. Last Recode‘s intended audience is almost certainly established fans. It’s a solid remaster that looks great and runs smoothly. But it’s still a dated JRPG that dominates dozens of hours with sub-par combat and repetitive beats. If you have never experienced The World, it’s unlikely that Last Recode will pull you in. For those that never wanted to log out, it’s a decent way to reconnect.
Still, I can’t help but think that this might all be part of some master plan. To be inside STEM is to bend to the will of a collected psyche. The jarring push and pull of two distinct identities — one a town overrun and ripe for scavenging, the other a frenzied descent into the wicked world of killers — ensures that Sebastian is never comfortable for too long. The Evil Within 2 often feels uneven, but that’s probably the point. Even if it isn’t, there’s enough blood, guts, and horror to keep your heart racing.
By the time Death of the Outsider comes to a close, Billie’s gone through the ringer. It’s not the longest expansion out there, and it seems to miss a step or two in the main plot, but there’s more than enough for anyone who appreciated the moment-to-moment formula of Dishonored 2. Billie Lurk never had it easy, but after her last job, it’s finally time to rest. And that’s more than a fitting farewell for one of the best video game franchises in recent memory.