Lexi Luddy
This author account hasn't been claimed yet. To claim this account, please contact the outlet owner to request access.
Writing For
ShackNews
Gamer GuidesLatest Reviews
The Mad Dog of Shimano is getting up there in age, but he’s still got a few new tricks up his snake-skin sleeves that Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is worth taking to the seven seas for.
Afterlove's difficult development shines through in minor glitches but that can't take away from its uncompromising, uncomfortable, and cathartic look at friendship and grief.
As someone who plays a lot of games, it is very rare to question “Why am I doing this?” “Why am I getting platinum trophies?” “Why am I levelling up every sub-class?” “Why am I prestiging?” We do it because it's fun, or satisfying, or because it will reward us in some way. Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap had me questioning those rewards and that satisfaction in a very fundamental way. I have leveled up characters, beat hidden bosses, and gotten golden gun skins… But to what end though? So I can do it again? So I can move the boulder ever slightly further up the mountain before it slides back down again? For most games, we do it because the answer is, “It's fun.”
Infinite Wealth does have some flaws. Live-action dates continue to be uncomfortable, the new game plus should not be locked behind paid DLC (we couldn’t even test it out as the code we were provided didn’t include it), and the story is so complicated that it could do with an index similar to games like Yakuza 4 and 5. However, none of that overshadows the best in class turn-based combat, the deep systems, the bevy of enjoyable side activities, the great new characters, stunning graphics and banging soundtrack, the funny, heartbreaking, heartwarming, gut-wrenching writing, and the brilliant ending.
Gaiden sets up a lot for the future, but also manages to pay tribute to the legends that came before. Despite being a shorter narrative Like A Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name is chock full of things to do. Moreover, what is here is some of the best stuff RGG has ever crafted, from memorable set-pieces to fun combat, all while juggling years of fan-service and payoff, and setting up Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth. It’s a shock that Gaiden doesn’t crumble under its own weight and restrictions.