Demon Gaze II (PS4)

While NISA's "Demon Gaze II" isn't the profound spectacle that a lot of their mainstay titles are it possesses a simpler charm that incorporates a mixture of first-person dungeon crawling, and interactive storytelling to great effect. Two elements which come together quite nicely in a not so overbearing, or chaotic kind of way. The story this time around which is fairly much standalone in itself leans only a little on the previous game, and uses the lore of the established Demon Gazer as a means to set the stage for the fight against a tyrant who is burning up the souls of the citizenry for star power in order to build up an army of subservient demons. The game opens up abruptly throwing a lot of confusing conversation pieces at you, but as you play onward your created character's role in the plot is made known. As it turns out you were a revolutionist who was a part of a revolutionary party that was trying to overthrow Asteria's current ruler, Lord Magnastar. Before the game even began your character was abducted by an unknown individual, and bestowed with the power of the Demon Gaze. A power that allows you to capture demons in your eye, and control them. Upon rescue by your comrades you, and your amnesia stricken self are brought back to Stella's Place. An HQ of sorts, and base of operations for the previously mentioned revolution. A place where your memory, and purpose will slowly return as the fight before you is engaged ...

Way of Redemption (PS4)

Pixel Cream releases what should have been, in all due respect, a free to play game. It is filled with an obvious drive to make more cash beyond the initial sales price, and doesn't shy away from promoting the extra paid for options at the main menu listing with little in the way of incentive for paying up or even playing for the offered rewards. Not only that, but it is in all accounts laid out like a free to play game. The game in question, "Way of Redemption", is at base level a hybrid of the hero MOBA genre and table hockey or volleyball sports genres. It features seven different mythological, and futuristically fabricated heroes/heroines battling for redemption with more to come, supposedly. It has online league play as well as 1v1, and 2v2 battles in both offline and online format. The catch being that online co-op can't be partaken of on the same console.

As with most free to play games of this build you'll also find in place the ill-advised cross-play between PS4 and PC. Something that is only in place to build up a community for money making sake without consideration of the ramifications for inviting two server based communities that cannot be cross-moderated. A community is also something this game does not seem to have, regardless. At heart "Way of Redemption" is a game with a backstory never fully realized, and only hinted at through team names (Revenge & Salvation), brief mythology bios, and a scrolling caption at the bottom of the main menu screen that discloses the reward for winning is the cleansing of your sins. The experience is peppered with the usual microtransaction options, loot chests, and minimalist mechanics/features that are glamorized through a fairly decent visual presentation.

Well ... CoD WWII Got Good

After my candy coated meltdown about CoD WWII being an abomination, and bastardization of a pivotal war in human history I logged back into the game to find it did a near 180. As if on cue the developers fixed two of the main issues I was complaining about. The loading times are greatly improved, and you can now back out of matchmaking after a match. The whole matchmaking bit looks entirely new for some odd reason, and it is itself a huge improvement over what once was. So, adding back in a little of that maple syrup flavored sweetness I think the game is alright now, albeit with the inclusion of the usual community tampering. The experience is probably more along the lines of an "8/10" at this point, and that is me still tacking on the historical inaccuracies I mentioned in the previous write up. The whole diversity for diversity sake BS. I close with a slow congratulatory hand clap from yours truly to those at Sledgehammer. Way to pick yourself up out of the trenches, and soldier on!

Slayaway Camp: Butcher's Cut (PS4)

Blue Wizard Digital's horror themed isometric puzzle game is a hilarious homage to the horror movie classics of old. Particularly those of the 80's back when VHS tapes were a thing, and sneaking a late night peek at you parent's secretive viewing of such films was the cool thing to do. Featuring nods to some of everyone's favorites in both an optionally toned down PG version, and a more sinister R rated version you'll find killers that mimic legends such as Jason Voorhees, Jack Frost, Krampus, and many others. All of which are made playable back at the main menu which is set up like a movie rental store with related killer figures, and VHS covers that double as in-game features. It is the VHS tapes in particular that act as the stage sets which must be conquered through puzzle solving. The goal of the puzzles therein, which can be viewed isometrically, or top-down has the killer in your control at all times. You simply have to move him, or her via sliding, and guide them against barriers or walls into the victims, interactive objects, and triggered traps in order to ultimately rid the residents of the stages of their mortal coil. These murderous missions allow for rewinding, pausing, and fast-forwarding much like a VHS tape playing in a VCR would ...

ELEX ~ The Verdict

Pirahna Bytes' game, "ELEX" is a sight to behold, and a well narrated journey filled to the brim with the utmost attention to detail. You'll find that Magalan, the home world which all of the post-apocalyptic factions are fighting in, and where the game takes place is a beautifully rendered place enriched with tons of lively characters to talk to as well as unique locations that vary according to the residing population. The protagonist, or anti-hero of the tale who starts the story off seems to step in midway into the upheaval of each factional society, and is made an outcast who must make allies before he can exact revenge on those who wronged him. His adventure is of the open world sort, and gives the player controlling his actions, and reactions free reign on whatever tasks they wish to take on. When it comes to said tasks, or quests Jax (the anti-hero) must prioritize his objectives in order to better prepare himself for the fights ahead. This entails earning currency to buy equipment, as well as completing quests to rank up among your chosen faction to learn their skills, and improve upon your strengths via RPG stat upgrades.

ELEX ~ A Preview Review

It is launch day for ELEX, and honestly I've just scratched the surface of this 50+ hour game. I can't give it a final verdict yet as I've not played enough of it to see if it is worth the asking price. I can, however give you my thoughts on what I've experienced so far ...

ELEX, at heart is a post-apocalyptic action RPG with a warring factions theme. As the cast out protagonist of the Albs, a power hungry faction that is greedy for the newly introduced element Elex, you find yourself doing the dirty work for various other factions in order to get revenge on those who did you wrong, and stole from you. The other factions such as the Clerics, the Berserkers, and the Outlaws were each effected differently by the new element that was introduced via an asteroid, and each utilize the alien gift for a survival advantage. Some were corrupted while others learned to harness the energy source in different ways. The Berserkers, for example turned the Elex into a mana source which gave them magic powers. The Clerics were able to use Elex for technological advancements while the Albs were able to infuse Elex into their bodies to become more powerful. Those corrupted by the addiction of Elex though were eventually transformed into mutants, and became enemies of all.

Cyberdimension Neptunia: 4 Goddesses Online (PS4)

For those of you new to the Neptunia games they are a part of a JRPG gaming series created by Compile Heart, and Tamsoft. Each of the adventures, and even the spin-off entries included in the line-up which are published by Idea Factory Intl. incorporate a lore that mimics, makes fun of, and pokes at the real life gaming industry happenings. Whether it be related to content creators or the gaming community the mostly all girl cast of characters playfully make you think deeply of each aspect of the gaming industry while they deal with their own lighthearted in-game engagements against foe, and friend. The main characters including Neptune, Blanc, Vert, Noire, Nepgear, Uni, Rom, Ram, and a whole host of other characters based on gaming console companies, and PR among other things hail as the CPU goddesses of their respective Gameindustri nations as well as characters of related interest. Usually fighting over Gameindustri shares via all out battles, or saving their nations from certain doom inflicted by a threat of various evil entities the Gameindustri gals steal your heart with their charm, and sometimes lewd antics.

Pinball FX3 (PS4)

The years 2007 through 2017 have been quite the journey for famed pinball developer Zen Studios. They've grown with the times creating, and innovating along the way while producing impressive results. They took chances with intellectual properties outside of their Zen Pinball, and Pinball FX brands at times branching out into VR gaming as well as into actual pinball table creation among other things. They've gone that extra mile to say the least. That's why it took me by surprise when I found out the studio was going to change their signature pinball setup. After what seems like ages since the last released Zen Pinball 2 tables I read about the soon-to-be released Pinball FX3. About it being more about the gamer, and more multiplayer oriented, or focused than ever before. A goal the studio obviously had in mind from the beginning.

Looking back I can kind of understand why the developer chose to go this route. Though the early iterations of their pinball franchise were praised by journalists, and created by their development staff with the utmost attention to detail the new video game releases outside of Zen Studio's company were stealing gamers' attention as new games tend to do. I knew this for a while now as I too migrated from new game to new game looking for my next video game fix. It never was that the pinball tables they produced were boring, or bad, but that new gaming experiences stole my attention. A gaming issue that plagues many indecisive gamers. Thankfully the crew at Zen Studios decided to not let their legacy fall to the wayside ...

Hidden Dragon Legend (PS4)

Potential. Unrealized potential. That's what I think of when I think of, "Hidden Dragon Legend". It had all the hallmarks of a proper action platforming experience, and even borrowed some alternative genre mechanics for combat to a somewhat impressive effect, but failed miserably at storytelling and character building. It gave the player the most basic of plots, albeit a bit choppy and rushed. A plot which held little weight in comparison to the actual in-game platforming, and puzzle solving. That, and the overall visual presentation which was definitely more than indie. What ended up being most frustrating out of all that though was the fact that the combat which was a key feature of the game wasn't as refined as it should have been for a final product. Combos from the makeshift fighting game setup often times did not reflect the required button presses shown in the games training mode. Extra button presses were often required to meet combo requirements, and even in in-game battles the additional skill features would sometimes fail to activate even though the meter for them to be used was filled. It's things like this that make me feel Oasis Games could have spent more time making a more complete, and flawless experience worth buying. Sadly, they did not though ...

Senran Kagura: Peach Beach Splash (PS4)

If you like bouncy busty anime gals having fun with squirt guns then this latest Senran Kagura adventure might be for you. If however you are easily offended by censorship, or are a feminist you might not enjoy it so much. Personally I found it to be fun though quite perverted. That having been said I am a grown adult male who has seen worse in the way of sexuality, and who can handle adult content without getting butthurt over it. What XSEED, and Marvelous! provides here is mild in comparison to a lot of adult games, and is actually quite fun. The game, as it were features both single player, and multiplayer content with a new RPG card system that adds immense replay value. Returning are all the Shinobi gals from the previous series' entries as well as the mob battles, and character versus character scenarios. They are still with their resident clans, and leaders, but are switching things up with a demon appeasing ceremony of the splashy kind. One that is televised by "NewTube", and hosted by Senran Kagura's equivalent of Team Rocket in the form of Ms.S and Mr. K. The P1-Grand Prix which the girls are forcefully summoned to is in fact a ceremony in the guise of a televised squirt gun based sports event. The victor of the event will get any wish their heart desires, and in the process they'll stop a looming threat. There's wacky hijinks aplenty, and combative gameplay that's fun enough to whet your arena shooter whistle.

Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony (PS4)

NISA's latest entry in the Danganronpa series is one that goes back to it's root formula. At least somewhat. Providing once again the base character introductions, night and day exploration, character interactions, mini-games, chapter based episodes, wacky intermissions, crime scene investigations, and the murder trials brought on by the imposed killing game the developer draws the gamer into the tedious tasks at hand with great attention to detail. New additions to the experience come in the form of 16 new ultimate students, each with their own quirks and talents made prominent alongside the introduction of five foul-mouthed Monokubs, and a new school location inside what looks to be a massive cage. A cage called the, "End Wall". What drives the plot home this time is not only the unusual circumstances behind the latest event, or the new location, but more so those involved. While Monokuma returns as the series mainstay antagonist the newly introduced Ultimates, and Monokuma's five inherently murderous children known as the Monokubs (Monodam, Monokid, Monophanie, Monotaro, Monosuke) also help to push the new killing game forward.

In the way of Ultimate classmates you have the main female protagonist Kaede Akamatsu (Pianist), as well as the contributing ultimate student classmates in the form of Suichi Saihara (Detective), Angie Yonaga (Artist), Gonta Gokuhara (Entomologist), Himiko Yumeno (Magician), K1-B0 (Robot), Kaito Momota (Astronaut), Kirumi Tojo (Maid), Kokichi Oma (Supreme Leader), Korekiyo Shinguji (Anthropologist), Maki Harukawa (Child Caregiver), Miu Iruma (Inventor), Rantaro Amami (???), Ryoma Hoshi (Tennis Pro), Tenko Shabashira (Aikido Master), and Tsumugi Shirogane (Cosplayer). Each of which harbor what I like to call "PC Culture" personalities along with their accompanying Ultimate talents. Their quirks, or personalities adhere to, and poke fun at gender issues, religious beliefs, and cultural phobias among other things. It's these identity politics nods that, in my opinion, weaken the otherwise interesting and intriguing plot twists at hand.

Mary Skelter: Nightmares (PS VITA)

IFI (Idea Factory International) is mostly known for their lighthearted action JRPG adventures like that of the Neptunia series. Games which are adorned with a delightful bunch of bubbly female protagonists fighting against villainous threats within their world, the Game Inudstri. For whatever reason that base formula, and series was dropped briefly for something much darker, and more mature, but oddly very fun to play through. This bloody tale that features dual protagonists in the form of Jack, and Alice begins on a horrific note with them being subjected to torture in a living tower known as the "Jail" which is located where a forgotten vanished Japanese city once stood. Run by demonic Marchens, and plagued by devilish Nightmares the once free inhabitants of the now gone Japanese district plan an escape that may never come. Luckily for Jack, and Alice though their roles are crucial to the opposing DAWN organizations escape efforts, and as a Blood Maiden herself Alice must tag along with DAWN's recruits through the dungeon-like Jail if she ever hopes to free her and her beloved Jack from their torment.

The Coma: Recut (PS4)

I hate comparing games to past releases, but something struck me as being very familiar in Devespresso Games' Korean survival-horror game, "The Coma: Recut". There is unmistakable similarities between this game, and Well Bred Rhino's story driven creations such as that of, "All the Bad Parts". I'm not implying that it's copycat material, but more so that the gameplay structure is very much like said games. You have basic 2D platforming stages spread across multiple floors and rooms, and must make your way through each of the areas as an animated cartoon cutout of the protagonist upon given story cues to unlock previously locked areas until you can complete the game's outlined plot. Not only that, but you'll be searching environmental objects for useful items as well as picking up left behind clues, and even buying supplies from school vending machines using coins (won) that are hidden throughout the multiple areas of the designated location. As far as further similarities go you have a protagonist in a school who awakens to a mysterious world inhabited by alien creatures. In this case those alien creatures turn out to be ghastly shades who rule an alternative reality built upon negative energy. That realm being known as, "The Coma". In this story the protagonist Youngho encounters Sehwa High's dark past through a sleep induced traversal. One caused by studying late into the night for the next day's exam. In the topsy-turvy world he awakens to he finds possessed students, suicide victims, a pursuing malevolent version of his teacher, and a twisted plot involving a student named, Seho. The jump scares are plentiful, and the chasing spirit that haunts you on your way out a neverending threat.

Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Trilogy (PS4)

Bandai Namco, and their partnered development studios have always excelled in bringing to life the various anime worlds they choose to adapt. The Naruto series is no exception to that rule. In fact I think out of all their anime video game adaptations the Naruto series ranks up there among their best alongside newcomers like One Piece. Over the years Bandai Namco has published several Naruto games ranging from older yet memorable console creations to new-gen upgrades that rehash older Naruto lore while building upon it's ongoing legacy. The games included in this particular trilogy encompass all of the important Naruto origin stories as well as the more well known climactic battles built upon generations of Hidden Leaf Village ninja recruits involvement. In each of the three games you'll find story modes established upon, and driven forward by various lore inclusive interactive missions as well as a multiplayer mode that takes the chakra, and item inclusive brawls into 1v1, and team based battles. The games progressively change with each series iteration offering revamped map options, village options, and a selection of series characters sometimes exclusive to each experience. There's a lot of replay value in each game, and it all goes well beyond the item collecting. The battles themselves, which can be enjoyed in both local and online form will offer that goto entertainment that most Naruto fans look forward to. While the trilogy is dated it still holds up to today's standards with a graphics presentation fitting of a new-gen console. Even the soundtrack is impressive in it's own right.

Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth (PS4)

This latest Utawarerumono game is one that is not shy in thrusting you face first into a lore already well established. It is, at heart, a follow-up to "Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception", and it shows. From Kuon's amnesia stricken introduction to her learning of her friends' circumstances that unraveled during a politically motivated visit to the neighboring imperial city of Yamato near her home nation of Tuskur, Kuon fights for forgotten memories, and eventually to reunite with those friends who are in peril from the looming war. To begin with Kuon's awakening is interrupted with fragmented memories that gradually return in the company of familiar acquaintances in a full-on, and unmanned visual novel presentation. One that can be automated, or clicked through at your own pace. This introduction catches the player up on things in a matter of about an hour, and ends with a tutorial showcasing a hands-on version of the simple SRPG elements. A grid based system of strategic battle where elements play a role in damage dealing/resistance as well as an action chain mechanic where multiple critical hits can be landed if timed properly. As the story continues to open up in the guise of a tale being told through multiple character perspectives, one being Kuon's and the other Haku's, dialogue between said characters is shared as battles are fought for both political, and friendly reasons.

Destiny 2 ~ First Impressions

Though I'm only part of the way into Destiny 2's story campaign I'm finding a detachment from the situation, and the characters presented in the extended lore. Instead of building upon the dire circumstances plaguing Earth, and it's citizens Bungie pushes things forward at breakneck speed not building enough upon side characters' relationships, but instead going way overboard with the guardian's role in the predicament. While everyone else from Earth's last safe haven struggle somewhat to get their sh*t together, and put up a fight your guardian, and ghost have a miraculous vision that leads them to a chunk of the Traveler which in turn restores their gifted powers. Ultimately making them the last hope for humanity. Between the immersion breaking missions, and the cutscenes that follow in which your guardian and ghost gain the starring role you'll find little emphasis on the emotional joint elements that should have been in place in such a tale. Everything in the story seems halfhearted, and forced to a point that it's more like an expansion to the first game than a true sequel. Your roles as the guardian hero (from what I've seen) include missions that require going from area to area to rebuild social gathering sites, and fixing safeguards as well as taking on outings that require you to fight supposedly formidable foes. The usual enemy suspects return seeming so out of place, and equally as forced as everything else that their existence is of little consequence to the proposed pivotal points of the new Destiny equation.

One Piece: Unlimited World Red Deluxe Edition (PS4)

This older entry in the One Piece gaming series by Bandai Namco returns complete, and with bonus perks for those willing to pay up for it. New to the core gaming experience that was once offered at full retail pricing without the bonus add-ons you'll get a graphics upgrade of 1080p resolution along with a complimentary 60 frames per second done up in a variable style. You'll also get 40 pieces of DLC ranging from additional characters to applicable costumes for said characters. The game as a whole is more robust, and enhanced than it was originally. For those of you who didn't get to play through the game during it's initial launch back on the PS3, and PS Vita know that it has a lot to offer in the guise of two separate modes made available from the start. Those modes being the 'Story Mode', and "Battle Colliseum". In 'Story Mode' you'll follow Luffy, the straw hat pirates, and Whitebeard as they fight in an epic battle against Akainu, and the marines. You'll participate in side quests, missions, mini-games, and other interesting in-game activities in the Transtown hub area while occasionally going on mission outings of varying difficulty ratings to confront mobs of enemies, and bosses that forward the story through gameplay, and amazingly rendered cutscenes done up in a 3D cell shaded anime style ...

ARK: Survival Evolved (FINAL REVIEW)

From a Beta to the final product Wild Card Studios', "ARK: Survival Evolved" has evolved into quite the polished product. While I did notice some lingering issues in the form of a half-done "Survival Guide" tutorial section without control explanations included, and a couple of bugs the game impressed me enough to get a recommendation in my Youtube video review. I think the developer's dedication to the project through the Beta phase, and future content scheduled for release beyond the final version is enough to make me believe that the game will continue getting the love and attention it needs to make server play last. Server play, as you might have guessed is a key selling point for ARK. It allows for online coop, and competitive clan/tribe play on hosted, or non-hosted servers. For those of you worried about a more singular experience there is a singleplayer option within the base survival mode. If you prefer server play though you can find those lobbies ready for your enjoyment. The catch is you'll get the base game at the base price, and the DLC add-ons at a more premium price. The DLC in question adds in extra server options based on new unique in-game areas.

Paragon ~ Drongo

Today Epic Games released their new Paragon character, "Drongo". Drongo is being hailed as a scavenger, and looks like someone from a post-apocalyptic wasteland. His name sounds sort of Australian, and the inclusion of an ability damage boomerang pretty much confirms this origin. His skills are very military in nature outside of the inclusion of the boomerang. He has an AOE gas grenade that's good for clearing out minions, and banking gold. He also has a radioactive bullet buff that goes along with his primary weapon which is a revolver that does not require reload. His ultimate is a cluster rocket that when launched causes Drongo to back flip out of the way. A sort of scatter blast without the blast. In the way of stats he is heavy on the basic damage, but low on durability, and the other stats. Though his mobility is fairly good as well.

Darkest Dungeon: Crimson Edition (PS4)

Darkest Dungeon is a brilliantly orchestrated video game love letter to all things Lovecraft. Taking into account H.P. Lovecraft's intertwining worlds of psychological horror, and that staple style of storytelling the developer known as Red Hook applies every possible detail in accordance to said source material to make the game's journey into delirium all the more genuine. Every choice you make in relation to your outgoing party's descent into the abysmal estate grounds that they find themselves treading underfoot is so crucial that the experience at hand becomes quite the task from the get go. From the intense battles to the trek through the growing darkness you will witness your hired characters losing their sanity as they fall victim to every physical, and metaphysical threat imaginable. Their only comfort coming from rest, and restoration at a nearby hamlet. A place where the sins of the flesh, and a visit to the sanitarium can cure all of their ills. Of course this all comes with a price, and it is through your increasingly difficult adventures that you will not only stave off the unwelcome denizens of the damned to relieve your family's curse, but also loot the residence for what it's worth. With an eerie atmosphere amplified by blood red visuals, and a dark theme filled with voice-over talent befitting of a 'Triple A' game release this challenging ordeal that awaits you will no doubt intrigue even the most wary of gamers despite any issues they might have with hardcore gaming experiences. That I believe.