Brandon Langrock
This author account hasn't been claimed yet. To claim this account, please contact the outlet owner to request access.
Writing For
GameSpewLatest Reviews
I wouldn’t be surprised if we never see another game quite like Pyre, and that’s perfectly okay. Simply describing its spectacularly outlandish battle system doesn’t do it justice; upon playing it, it doesn’t take long to realise that it works – and that it works incredibly well. Pair that with a wonderful cast of characters, a riveting story, and enthralling music and visuals, and you have nothing short of a compelling game that demands your time and attention. If you are at all curious about Pyre – and you should be – then you owe it to yourself to check this one out.
Minor grievances aside, the fact remains that Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is easily the best version of the game. Those who were deterred by it the first time around are unlikely to warm up to it this time, as its divisive battle system remains completely intact. That being said, the sweeping narrative and endearing cast of characters, alongside the drastically improved character upgrade system, provide an expansive and refined role-playing experience that still manages to charm even a decade after its original release. As someone who saw most everything that the original game offered, the abundantly challenging Trial Mode is sure to keep me grinding and coming up with new strategies until I overcome all 100 stages. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Final Fantasy XII or a total newcomer, The Zodiac Age marks a triumphant and memorable return to Ivalice.
Human Resource Machine is a difficult case to argue for – while its premise and gameplay are entirely unique (albeit mildly repetitive later on), it struggles to clarify to whom it should appeal. Often too complex and obtuse in its teachings to cater to newcomer coders, it is bound to push away some of its audience with unnecessary difficulty spikes. On the other hand, successfully wrapping my mind around a difficult problem and coming out victorious is an exhilarating feeling. This is obviously not a game designed for everyone, and it often asks the player to think more along the lines of a programmer and less like a typical puzzle game fan. For the price, however, those intrigued by the game’s unique premise should feel more than comfortable taking a risk and purchasing. Overall, Human Resource Machine is a complex, albeit sometimes frustrating game that is sure to deeply satisfy those with a secret (or not-so-secret) affection for programming.
There is no denying that 100ft Robot Golf is charming and has its fair share of amusing moments. Campaign mode, while short-lived, features some genuinely funny moment due to its cast of quirky characters and its purposefully atrocious voice acting. Shoutout to the five Corgis that operate a robot in true Power Rangers fashion. However, the shortage of modes, courses, commentary dialogue, and the short length of the game’s campaign may leave players feeling short-changed. On top of that, the troubles I encountered with aiming leave 100ft Robot Golf feeling like it lacks a certain level of polish. Ultimately, 100ft Robot Golf provides some solid fun, but it lacks the content necessary to keep golfers on its courses for the long run.
Dragon Quest Builders is both a fantastic game and a testament to the incredible versatility of the Dragon Quest series. It is a culmination of everything that the series is known and loved for, combined with the strongest elements of Minecraft. With solid gameplay, a gorgeous world, and genuinely funny writing, even those unfamiliar with the franchise can easily find something here to enjoy. Everything Dragon Quest Builders offers comes together beautifully to form a unique and immensely rewarding experience.