Axel Cushing
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Writing For
GameLusterLatest Reviews
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.
V Rising shows us that being a vampire lord isn't all about smoldering looks, frock coats, and soaring Gothic architecture. It's a lot of work, apparently. But it has its perks, such as roaming the countryside, picking fights with champions, and occasionally draining them dry for their power.
The Planet Crafter can't seem to make up its mind about what it wants to be. The survival mechanics are iffy, the narrative elements spotty, and the "chill" vibe it's shooting for misses badly. Avoid this particular rock.
Graven tries a little too hard to bring back the glories of early 90s shooters and gets the look right, but doesn't seem to realize the gameplay's retrograde complications dampen the potential enthusiasm.