Jake Su
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The EscapistLatest Reviews
The way the visuals and the sound design have been upgraded also ensures that the games get the care and attention to detail that keep the series’ legend alive. The hope is that renewed interest in Suikoden will eventually give Konami no choice but to invest strongly in a new entry, but at the very least, longtime fans have something new to look forward to and cherish as they bring the fight to Emperor Barbarossa and Luca Blight.
Hooking me right from the start and eliciting pure joy all the way to the end, The Plucky Squire has gone the extra mile in rewriting what should be expected out of an action-adventure such as this. By drawing from classic inspirations and adding its own spin on things, this is a game that leverages its creativity in all the good ways, and ultimately writes a happy ending not just for Jot and his friends, but hopefully, also for the future of its creators.
As an entire basketball package, there is no denying that NBA 2K25 is something to be savored by fans of the sport. With its great selection of game modes and the various improvements made in all areas, this makes it more of an obvious choice compared to last year's offering, and when Visual Concepts and 2K Games finally cut the cord with the previous generation, there will surely be even more amazing things to look forward to for a championship-caliber franchise.
After diving into Another Crab's Treasure, it's hard to understand why hasn't more been done to expand beyond the foundational souls-like element. There's clearly room for thinking outside the box, and Aggro Crab mostly nails it with this unique take. With colorful characters and an even more vibrant world, jump in for the feel-good vibes and partake in mostly satisfying underwater combat. Despite the occasional hiccups, this is still one shell of an adventure that works great for genre veterans and newcomers alike.
It all contributes to Stellar Blade being a bit of a mixed bag, checking off boxes for what constitutes an action RPG in this modern age. That is not exactly a bad thing per se, but it is most certainly a missed opportunity for positioning the game as the leader of a new generation of experiences that build upon the successes that have come before. This title might not be the sharpest blade around, but it still has an edge that players can enjoy. Come for the visuals, stay for the combat, and try to ignore the suboptimal portions of humankind's latest attempt to take back the Earth.
All in all, MLB The Show 24 continues to swing for the fences as the best representation of the sport in video game form, and save for a few misses, it always delivers. The outstanding gameplay is enhanced with an elevated presentation in all of the modes, and the storytelling in Storylines is a big draw for those wanting to embrace the game's roots and pay homage to the legends from yesteryear. While Diamond Dynasty can be an acquired taste, and the inclusion of Derek Jeter may not appeal to all, these missteps hardly take the shine of the gem that is MLB The Show 24, and it's time to play ball.
A sequel isn't always guaranteed success, but Wargroove 2 builds on its predecessor in meaningful ways that make it a must-play for veterans and newcomers to the genre. The main campaigns are meaty and challenging, the new Conquest mode has vast potential, and the map editor will see plenty of use down the road. Polishing an already shimmering diamond, it might not make a huge splash like the first game did, but it is still an experience that generates waves of excitement.
Whether you are a seasoned combatant or a new one stepping into the arena for the first time, Mortal Kombat 1 has something for you. The Kameo system has revitalized the trusted formula, which has improved with the many welcomed changes made by the team, everything looks great in motion, and the story mode is more engaging than ever before. Invasions might not be for everybody, and online play could do with some work, but there is nothing too major holding this game back from shining brightly. A new era of Mortal Kombat has arrived, and things are looking smashingly good.
On its surface, Dredge promises a fishing adventure and there is no doubt that there's plenty of fish out there to be caught. However, the sinister undercurrents are truly what hooked me, like a voice in the fog that constantly calls me back to explore further, fish deeper, and embrace the madness of its twisting tale. This premise may not be for everyone, but for this new angler on the dock, Dredge is definitely one hell of a catch of the day.
At the end of the day, I absolutely enjoyed my time in Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, and am raring to go back for more with an additional unlockable difficulty level that has more powerful loot and difficult fights awaiting. The blend of combat, RPG elements, platforming, and a much more serious and interesting narrative makes for an engaging romp through the ancient lands of China, and aside from some small AI hiccups and design choices, there really isn't much there to dampen my revitalized love for all things Romance of the Three Kingdoms. All hail the newest and most polished Soulslike to come out in a while.