Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force (Nintendo Switch)

For those of you who missed out on "Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force" the first three times you'll have another chance to play through the game, and all of it's DLC on the Nintendo Switch. This version which comes out on the 17th of January is the same multiple path adventure that the previous port was. You get to play as the male protagonist Fang with up to six supporting characters as you fulfill your destiny as a fabled Fencer. Along with Fang comes his anxious Fairy partner Eryn who urges him along the way to revive the Goddess, and put an end to the battle against the Vile God that was waged so long ago. By collecting and wielding the Fencer swords, and their Fairy's magical powers you will press forth in strategic battle that is not too indifferent from previous Idea Factory JRPGs. The catch is that you can become more powerful by performing a Fairize where you merge with Fairies, and transform into the weaponized hero you were meant to be. This gifts you different combo combinations, and skill attacks that can be dealt to lesser, and greater foes alike. Unfortunately time is of the essence, and there are other Fencers also seeking to collect the 100 Fencer swords, and bring their own desires to fruition in the ultimate fight of good versus evil.

Horizon Shift '81 (Nintendo Switch)

I had a double dose of nostalgia today going into the playthrough for this review. On one hand I was once again able to play, and review a game from an old XBLIG developer favorite. That developer being Flump Studios. On the other hand I got to experience an oldschool style shmup which encompassed all the classics of old. From Space Invaders to Centipede, and even Asteroids the game at hand had it all going on. Not in a way as to be a copycat shooter, but one that actually had it's own core gimmick with the classic mechanics included on the side, and collectively so. When it comes to the experience that is, "Horizon Shift '81", it is a retro themed shmup that gets it's name from it's horizon baseline. A line centered in the middle of the screen in which the controlled ship can face or rather flip north or south while dodging, shooting, and jumping among a wide assortment of approaching and stationary lesser or greater enemy threats. It is with this grounded line that you must deal with each enemy type differently on their respective sides, and collect what can be collected according to the sides the collectibles are on. The asteroids, for example, are an enemy threat that will knock holes into the horizon creating a pitfall for your ship. A gap that can be jumped, or avoided altogether. Other enemy types like the space invaders style enemies will land on either side of the horizon line, and can only be defeated by a side dash to the left or right using the Switch's shoulder buttons once they land. Ultimately leading to score combo opportunities. Needless to say with each enemy type comes it's own set of rules. In turn making the challenge at hand all the more challenging.

My 2019 Mission Statement

Here we are. At the start of a new year. Things as usual are up in the air. The economy, the global issues, and politics are still front and center on the social platforms. They could still lead to good or bad times. One thing is for certain though. If you give up now you'll never know what could have been. I've personally set some basic goals for myself going forward. I aim to keep hope alive, and to always see the light at the end of the tunnel. Goals are a good way to keep you on track, and keep you focused. I suggest you set some goals for yourself this new year. That in mind don't set something outrageous, but instead start with something small and doable, and work yourself up to something big. It's those baby steps that eventually get you cross country in the rat race of life.

Nippon Ichi Software | My Gaming Studio Pick For 2018

Nippon Ichi software, or NISA, as we know it here in America is a niche studio that continues to stick to their paved niche route despite every other big studio chasing the trend dragon. Throughout 2018 they continued to release interesting value heavy titles as everyone else rehashed this or that in a pieced apart, exploitative, and unfinished fashion. Some games that were of NISA's own signature brand, and others that strayed from their usual series releases. Something that I'm truly appreciative of.

As a gaming journalist who has made a lasting connection with the NISA staff over the years they constantly kept me up to date with their plan for 2018, and for the coming year. Every time I opened one of their email updates I was excited to see what they had to say, and what they had to share. I was never disappointed. In fact I found myself excited for each future release even though I didn't cover everything. I'm seriously looking forward, as a fan and reviewer, to what NISA has to bring to gaming in 2019. I think it's going to be a big year for them, especially with them being onboard with the Nintendo Switch now. I hope that in 2019 NISA gets the gamer respect, and support that they so rightfully deserve. Not too many studios stick to a formula in the face of looming industry disaster, but NISA most certainly has. It goes to show that, unlike most Triple A studios, NISA appreciates their core fans and will stick by them to the end. That's why I love Nippon Ichi Software.