Andrew Stretch's Reviews
Infinity Strash: DRAGON QUEST The Adventure of Dai is an anime-based action title that, due to floaty combat and poor storytelling, feels like an anime video game of the past. It's clear to see what the target was, it's just unfortunate that it fell short. Roguelike elements show potential but when the reward isn't satisfying there isn't much of a draw.
The Teal Mask is some of Pokemon's tightest storytelling, and introduces players to a fun new region. The performance issues are still a glaring scar across what should be one of Pokemon's better outings. (Review Policy)
Disney Illusion Island is a great entry as a first Metroidvania for younger fans. While the slower paced movement might not mesh well for all gamers, there's a lot to do in this expansive world filled with quick wit and hidden collectibles.
Final Fantasy XVI is everything I could have hoped for and more. Combat is fast paced and rewarding as you master combos and abilities. Eikon fights, while not as interesting to play, are gorgeous to witness. All of this is wrapped up into a deep story and fully fleshed out world that you'll want to be protecting.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom manages to maintain the sense of adventure that Breath of the Wild instilled but elevate it even further with the implementation of deep new crafting mechanics and abilities while specifically addressing and improving the weapon system, difficulty, and story. (Review Policy)
Ravenlok is a cute and short game where you play as a girl who stumbles into a magical world and finds out she's destined to save it. The combat is shallow but functional, and the game's charm is through its interwoven quests and gorgeous environments.
Wild Hearts has everything you need for a competent Hunting style game. The weapons are fun to use and the upgrades go a long way to make you feel powerful. It's the Karakuri system that will be what draws new players to it adding a new level of depth to gameplay.
Dead Space manages to completely capture what made the original game so good while updating it for the times. As Isaac Clarke exploring the Ishimura is as terrifying as ever with Necromorphs popping out of the wall, but with enhanced visuals and audio are elevated to a new level. The added depth to Isaac's character are a welcomed addition, though his reaction to certain conversations does leave a bit to be desired.
Persona 3 Portable creates a compelling story and interweaves global danger with the importance of building up friendships around you. Portable brings with it some good enhancements even if it's not the 'perfect' way to play it. The Tartarus mega-dungeon however wears out its welcome quickly as you tediously climb.
Crisis Core Reunion is an excellent example of a remake. Crisis Core looks and plays better than ever before with updated controls and the story is just as good as the original if you're someone who buys into brooding anime boys. If you're wanting to refamiliarize yourself with Zack's journey or replay this classic FF title then now is the perfect time!
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are an ambitious take and while the open world and density of the Pokemon world are nailed the story feels like a background element and performance issues are constant
While the opening to Bloody Ties stumbles a bit once Aiden reaches the Carnage Hall this DLC does an amazing job not just in the challenges that it pushes upon players, but with the narrative depth surrounding Ciro and his family. Unfortunately key moments are let down by clunky combat.
The Jackbox Party Pack 9 brings with it an excellent variety of party games to fit any mood. Whether you want to perform and engineer the comedy yourself or have the game provide ample opportunity there's a game that will appeal to everyone. That being said, there also might be games that just don't appeal to you at all.
Scorn is aesthetically impressive and sets a tone early on. Unfortunately there's nothing more to back up this experience as plot is non-existent and puzzles are linear.
Soul Hacker 2 does a really good job crafting an enjoyable high stakes story and populating it with realized characters. Combat has been left mostly unchanged, which is for the better, but there's a lot to be desired in the copy-paste treatment of the large Soul Matrix dungeon.
Digimon Survive leans heavily into the Visual Novel genre and it pays off. For fans of VN or Digimon this story is one of the best out there. Combat is enjoyable but some mechanics don't stick the landing.
Lost Valley brings with it a new campaign, subclass options, and enhancements to the Dungeon Maker system. While there's a lot of content within the campaign, the fetch quest style progression didn't offer much in terms of a grand adventure, instead leaving players feeling like they're completing a list of chores.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus is a massive leap forward for the franchise in terms of substance and gameplay. Improvements have been made across the board to battle mechanics, world exploration, Pokemon interactions, and more. From Pokemon enthusiast to casual fan you need to play this game.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human is an entertaining game with enjoyable characters and fun parkour elements. Unfortunately a lot doesn't hold up to scrutiny. If what you're after is more Dying Light though, then this is your game.
Halo Infinite does a great job of nailing what makes Halo work so well while expanding the gameplay, adding in new elements like an open world and new armor abilities.