Review: Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception takes a novel approach to telling its tail tale

May 23, 2017May 24, 2017 Graham Russell 0

Have you read any good games lately? Visual novels are nothing new, but their presence on consoles is often paired with something more closely following the traditional definition of gameplay. Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception is no different, augmenting a dozens-of-hours-long story with strategy-RPG skirmishes. Still, the game’s primary motivation shines through: to tell a very specific story and have you follow along.

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A beginner’s guide to Fire Emblem

May 22, 2017May 22, 2017 Graham Russell 3

With the release of Fire Emblem Echoes and Fire Emblem Heroes, and Warriors on the way, this year has given Fire Emblem its time to shine. So where do you start if you want to get into the series? What’s the next step if you enjoy Heroes, and where do you go after that? We’re here to help you answer those questions.

* Review Switch

Review: Disgaea 5 Complete is the inescapable demon realm of your dreams

May 19, 2017May 22, 2017 Graham Russell 0

When we wrote about the original PS4 release of Disgaea 5, we said it was a maddening mix of content that would either consume your every waking moment or bring you down trying. It had so much to do that you’d never be able to escape.

Here’s the thing, though: with Disgaea 5 Complete, that’s actually okay.

PS4 Review Vita

Review: Sunday, Sunday, someday in Akiba’s Beat

May 16, 2017May 16, 2017 Graham Russell 1

As fans of JRPGs, sometimes it feels like we repeat ourselves. Quests feel oh-too-similar, characters say the same things and, generally speaking, we yearn to escape the loops in which we constantly find ourselves. Akiba’s Beat, the latest from Acquire and XSEED, explores that in a more literal sense: a world in which time loops keep the characters trapped in “be careful what you wish for” delusions in a world of neverending Sunday.

Review Vita

Review: Escape the world of The Caligula Effect

May 10, 2017May 9, 2017 Graham Russell 0

The pitch for The Caligula Effect is a great one: a new Persona-like from the writer of early games in that series, but with a Social Link system that includes everyone and a battle system that relies on true synergy and teamwork. A soundtrack from accomplished artists and a theme that puts that music front and center. A tale that explores loss and trauma but gives you the tools to overcome those troubles.

It’s such a good idea on paper.

* PC PS4 Review

Review: Craft new life in Birthdays: The Beginning

May 5, 2017May 11, 2017 Graham Russell 0

Part-puzzle, part-sandbox, Birthdays: The Beginning is a throwback to the quirky creativity of the Dreamcast era. It looks like a cross between Wetrix and Minecraft, but it plays like neither; it has more in common with Black & White, Seventh Cross: Evolution or even mobile hit Alchemy. Together, it’s really nothing like anything we’ve played before.

PC PS4 Review

Review: Dragon Quest Heroes II offers hordes of fun

April 25, 2017May 11, 2017 Graham Russell 0

Connection. Dragon Quest Heroes II strives for a cohesive world with lands between towns and battles, for cooperative combat with friends and against large foes, and for compassionate, effusive personalities that interact with energy and wit. It doesn’t want to be a series of battle maps in menus, but rather an experience that feels complete and inseparable.

Don’t worry, though: you can still hit a bunch of monsters with oversized weapons.

* 3DS DS GC Guide PS4 SNES Switch

A beginner’s guide to Puyo Puyo

April 24, 2017May 11, 2017 Graham Russell 2

Puyo Puyo is making its proper return to the West, so it’s a great time to dig into the venerable puzzle series! But where should you start? We’re here to help.

! Guide Mobile

A beginner’s guide to Fire Emblem Heroes

April 13, 2017May 11, 2017 Graham Russell 0

We’ve helped you get into Fire Emblem, but Fire Emblem Heroes? It’s a whole separate thing. It can be a lot of fun, but it’s also a bit intimidating to start! So after lots of requests, here it is: our guide to getting into Intelligent Systems’ mobile title.

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