Axel Cushing
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Writing For
GameLusterLatest Reviews
It's hard to see Len's Island as anything but a low quality effort to get a toehold in the survival-crafter genre. Non-existent narrative, actively hostile character progression, and a likely unoptimized graphics engine destroy any ease of use or enjoyment one might accidentally find.
Blades of Fire could have been another Soulslike with a gimmick. Instead, MercurySteam has delivered a well crafted world with an intriguing adventure and the means to let players really find out what works best for them when they need to take hold of some cold steel.
Even as a console port, IXION is a miserable experience. Obtuse systems, bad narrative design, an all-too short campaign which grinds the player's face in misanthropic loathing - none of it is worth the price tag.
Suikoden I & II HD Remaster gives players the chance to experience (or re-experience) a piece of gaming history long thought lost, warts and all. If you can survive the design decisions of three decades in the past, you'll come to understand why these titles are so beloved.
Two great games afflicted by the curse of time, and only the barest effort seemingly expended to get them functional on modern consoles, the remasters of Soul Reaver and its sequel somehow diminish these pieces of gaming history even as they bring them forward for current audiences.
Songs of Silence gives players a lush visual palette and an excellent score from one of the industry's best, then proceeds to squander all the goodwill with aggravating systems, terrible design, and painful narrative efforts. Silence may be golden, but this isn't anywhere close.
Drova: Forsaken Kin tries to mimic the "Nintendo Hard" action RPGs of yore, and succeeds to its detriment. If you're the sort of masochist who loves stunt challenges in Soulsbornes, you might find the 8-bit aesthetic and obtuse systems enjoyable. If you're not, then not so much.
Enotria: The Last Song definitely veers away from the typical gloomy Gothic look of the typical Soulsborne, but doesn't commit to the bit completely. Iffy combat, unhelpful menus, and lousy balancing make for a miserable experience. If you're trying to find the worst example of the genre, this one's a contender.
Artistically impressive, mechanically abusive, and narratively bankrupt, The First Descendant is (and likely will be for years to come) the defining example of how not to create a loot shooter.
Updated for modern systems, Riven reminds us why it's a classic adventure game. Perhaps a bit short now, occasionally obtuse in its puzzles, but still visually stunning and engaging.