The Walking Dead: Michonne Episode 3 Review

Picking up immediately after the events of Episode 2, the third episode of The Walking Dead: Michonne lays the tension on thick. After fighting off a band of thugs, Michonne’s group has found itself fighting of waves of enemies of both the human and the zombie variety. This is made worse when paired with Michonne’s twisted visions of her two kids, which haunt her at all hours of the day. The setup is solid – these plot points would be right at home at an episode of the television show or an arc of the comic book. Unfortunately, the delivery is all off.

For starters, the character development is virtually nonexistant. The game halfheartedly tries to give you a chance to know the characters during one 10 minute interactive segment where you wander around a house, but most of their quips are downright cliche. Hearing a little kid you’ve never met before say he’s scared doesn’t really tell you much about his background. The same goes for her original crew. When they appear midway through the episode, there is little to no emotion attached to it, simply because we don’t know exactly who these people are. For what it’s worth, they may as well be strangers.

A huge part of the episode also revolves around Michonne’s flashbacks. Players are forced to piece together what happened in her life long ago. Things start to make sense by the end of the episode, but these moments serve more as a chance to show Michonne’s fragile psyche than move the plot forward. They just come off as disjointed though – action sequences are brought to a halt so the game can dish out backstory.

The rest of the plot seems a little off too. Protagonists and antagonists are downright bipolar, changing their attitudes in a matter of minutes. Gameplay doesn’t fare much better – much like the previous episodes, there is little to explore here. Puzzles are nonexistant, and most of the game is on a QTE-filled race to the end. There is one chance to explore your surroundings, but even this is sanctioned off from the rest of the action, like it’s a sandbox away from the rest of the game. It seems somewhat pandering, and the tips that tell you what to do next in the top left corner do not help things one bit.

The Walking Dead: Michonne Episode 3 doesn’t quite deliver the punch players are used to. Between the lack of control and uneven plot, this is one adventure that fails to live up to its source material.

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Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel Review

The fighting engine powering the world of Nitroplus Blasterz should be familiar to anybody whose ever visited an arcade. Super moves, quarter-circle motions and assists take the best elements of tag-team fighting games like Marvel vs. Capcom and The King of Fighters. However, the inputs have been simplified a good deal in this game. Using a four-button set up with three buttons dedicated to attacks, special attacks are streamlined into the intensity you wish to dish them out. Paired with the simplified inputs for meter-draining attacks, and you’ve got something that is far easier to pick up and play as opposed to, say Virtua Fighter. Conversely, this also means it has less depth.

However, for what it lacks in depth it makes up for in sheer chaos. Between the two characters and their two assists, up to six anime girls can be on the screen at once. These assists shoot lasers, send out bees, dish out darkness, and generally add to the mayhem. If Nitroplus can be summed up in one word, it would easily be flashy. Seriously, there should be a seizure warning at the beginning of the game.

As for the roster, its appeal largely depends on your love of semi-obscure anime and video game series. Saber from Fate/Stay Night and Sonico from the Super Sonico line make an appearance, as do characters from Senran Kagura, Arcana Heart and Saya no Uta. Completely lost on these franchises? Not to worry – each of the 14 characters (after DLC) has enough personality to please even the most clueless of anime fans. It’s a shame that there aren’t more characters, but the ones that are present are unique enough to stand out on their own – no clones here.

Those looking for things to do outside of the arcade-style Story Mode in Nitroplus Blasterz will be a little disappointed. There is a visual novel-like “Another Story” mode that lasts about two hours, along with a score attack mode, practice mode and a bare-bones online component (albeit with strong netcode). Features like a more fleshed out online mode or more in-depth tutorials would really give the game extra legs. As it stands right now, the modes here are serviceable but not extraordinary.

Nitroplus Blasterz is one of those games that caters to its audience quite well. Those looking for gratuitous anime fanservice or solid fighting action will eat this game right up, but those wondering what a “Super Sonico” is will be left scratching their heads in confusion.

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Yakuza 5 Review

Those familiar with the previous games in the series will know what to expect here. Series mainstay Kazuma Kiryu makes an appearance, as does Haruka and many other characters. Though each of these characters has a rich backstory spread across multiple games, those unfamiliar with the Dragon of Dojima will understand what is going on, and will only miss a few references. Split between five characters both old and new, Yakuza 5’s story of politics and intrigue will keep you hooked among its 30+ hour playtime. Just be ready for the jump between play styles – the game jumps from escaped convicts to pop idols to Yakuza members during the duration of the game.

Said story takes a number of cues from Japanese dramas. Major chairman, pop idols, mountain men and more make for a diverse story spread across areas like Fukuoka, Tokyo, Osaka and more. Everybody has a rich history, and the game will make sure you know every little nugget that makes up their lives. Though cutscenes sometimes drag on, there is a deep tale here for those looking for it.

However, the real draw of Yakuza 5 comes in the things you can do along the way. After all, life is about the journey, not the destination. Even side missions pack meaty stories, covering street racing, touring chefs, and other random happenstances. It’s a perfectly normal occurrence to go from chauffeuring people in taxi rides to slinging ramen to playing arcade games in the space of an hour. This is one game that can even make garbage collecting fun.

Of course, a Yakuza game just isn’t a Yakuza game without a whole lot of good ol’ fashioned street brawlin’. Packing a fighting system remniscent of Die Hard Arcade, players are thrown into random bouts against thugs, other Yakuza and annoying persons while traversing the landscape. Combat controls consist of two attack buttons, a grab, and a dodge and a block. Many fights can get kind of spammy with attacks, but there is an innate thrill to smashing a thugs face down onto the concrete or attacking large crowds with a Christmas tree. Just be warned that combat pops up quite a bit – there is an item that alleviates this burden, but those who are uninitiated will be faced with bouts every couple of minutes.

Yakuza 5 easily gives games like Grand Theft Auto V, Fallout 4 and even The Witcher 3 a run for their money in terms of the sheer content it brings to the table. Those looking to immerse themselves in a great adventure will have themselves a great time in this lovingly recreated rendition of Japan.

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Just Dance 2016 Review

Rhythm games live and die by their track list and Just Dance 2016 completely shines in this regard. Tracks run the gamut from top 40 hits (Meghan Taylor’s “All About that Bass”) to Disney classics (The Little Mermaid’s “Under the Sea”) to even classic songs (“Hit the Road Jack”). Select dance remixes also exist, giving players the chance to try out wildly different routines. There is something for everybody in its 45-song tracklist, one which offers a good amount of replayability. The Mojo coins (synced up with the Uplay system) accumulated from each performance also give the game some legs, allowing players to unlock avatars and other goodies.

As one of the best features from last year’s iteration, Just Dance World makes its return to Just Dance 2016. Proving that dancing is more fun with others, Just Dance World shares others’ highlights (called “Autodances”), routines, and more. There are also weekly tournaments, Community Remixes crafted by Ubisoft, and “Just Dance TV”. Everything is connected to your ID, allowing you to network with a universe of dancers. This may not be anything new, but it gives players a reason to keep coming back…at least until the next iteration comes out.

It’s just a shame that the game does not change up other aspects of its formula. Features like difficulty settings for songs or dance tutorials that break down routines (a la Dance Central) are still noticeably absent. While not a deal breaker, its one-size-fits-all approach to songs makes new routines an exercise in trial-and-error rather than a chance to be taught by a mentor. Other features, like the Smartphone-enabled dancing, are also limited to the PS4, Xbox One and Wii U versions.

This also ties into Just Dance 2016’s dance routines. Much like previous entries, the moves here will most certainly test your abilities – Dance Dance Revolution this is not. These skills, when done correctly, will greatly benefit your dancing game. Spins, hand and leg motions and more translate into a serious workout, one that looks excellent once you pull it off. Its choreography makes sense, and the time-tested gameplay works swimmingly with the Kinect – any mistake rests squarely on your shoulders. The same goes for its karaoke capabilities – while not as robust as Rock Band’s offerings, it is still a welcome addition that works as it should.

Just Dance 2016 has got its dancing game down to a science. It may not revolutionize the world of dancing as we know it, but it is the best iteration of the series thus far. Here’s to another year of hits.

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Transformers: Devastation Review

Those familiar with Platinum’s vast library of action-based titles will be right at home in Transformers: Devastation. If anything, the game closely mirrors their Bayonetta series. Players mash their way through tons of robots, switching up light and heavy attacks while dodging and parrying their way to victory. The big twist comes with their dodge system – much like Bayonetta’s “Witch Time” mechanic, Transformers: Devastation rewards well-timed dodges with a few seconds of time slowed down. It’s an addicting risk-reward mechanic that encourages you to read your opponent and get up close and personal with your enemies. While a deeper combo system would be nice, the mechanics in place here are structurally sound.

And it’s a good thing those mechanics are solid – Transformers: Devastation packs a punch. Although it has an easy “Scout” mode, even the normal “Commander” mode will have you fighting multiple bosses at once, protecting enemies, and circumventing punches, kicks, lasers, and more. The game itself is pretty short (a playthrough clocks in at around four hours), but the true joy of the game comes from stylishly conquering your opponent in record time, all while taking no damage. Each battle is ranked from D-S, with better battles bringing netting players better gear. This grind for the perfect rank might be repetitive for those looking for a 60-hour epic, but this system of self-improvement harkens back to the joy of getting a high score at the arcade.

Transformers: Devastation manages to pack a few interesting little wrinkles to Platinum’s tried-and-true formula to make something unique. Five playable characters let players choose what type of playstyle they want to go after (ranged, speedy, powerful, etc.), which can all be leveled up in battle. Weapons can also be fused together and leveled up to make greater gear, each with their own unique properties. Finally TECH skills gained from a development minigame allow players to give buffs to their favorite characters. It’s nothing revolutionary, but these are welcome additions that add some replayability to those who’ve got a thing for leveling.

Of course, a Transformers game is nothing without the Transformers themselves. Based around the G1 animated series, Transformers: Devastation packs all of the cheesy dialog, transforming robots, and over-the-top action the series is known for. The plot often gets bogged down with terminology that will make your head spin, but it makes for an interesting romp nonetheless. It’s just a shame that the environments did not benefit from the level of detail as the characters themselves. Most of the game is spent traversing either a city with identical buildings or a spaceship with countless hallways.

Transformers: Devastation isn’t just a good Transformers game, it’s a good game period. More depth and environments would benefit the game tremendously, but as it stands right now, it’s one title for both Transformers and Platinum fans alike.

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Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax Review

Ever played a 2D fighter? You’re already ahead of the game with Dengeki Bunko. In true 2D fighting game fashion, battles play out with a bevvy of combos and quarter-circle moves. However, Dengeki Bunko cribs notes from some of the greatest fighters out there. Persona 4 Arena’s auto combo system is present here, allowing players to mash out combos by continuously pressing a single button. Guilty Gear’s “Roman cancel” system is also in place for certain characters, allowing players to cancel out of combos and jump into others. Even the assists made famous from The King of Fighters make an appearance. As a result, the game feels instantly familiar while still remaining fresh.

However, the biggest wrinkle to Dengeki Bunko’s fighting game system is its counter system. Unlike Street Fighter’s parries or Garou’s Just Defends, the counters present here are more akin to the ones found in Super Smash Bros. By performing a specific action, opponents can be baited into attacking, leading to even more damage. It leads to a more defensive style of play, one that makes reading your opponent absolutely crucial. This is the hallmark of a true fighting game, one that the fighting game community absolutely devours.

If anything, the only thing that could make Dengeki Bunko’s system even better would be an air dash and ukemi system. Some characters may possess these skills, but removing them from certain characters’ repertoire of moves sometimes makes the whole shebang feel slower than it has any right to be.

But what about the fanservice? No need to worry there – Dengeki Bunko has that in spades. Characters from Durarara!!, Oreimo, Sword Art Online, and even The Devil is a Part-Timer! make their playable debut here. All are lovingingly recreated from their respective series, with some of the most creative fighting game moves to date (UFO catcher supers, anyone?). SEGA’s stable of characters also gets some love, with to Sonic, Valkyria Chronicles, and even Virtua Fighter present.

Everything in Dengeki Bunko is tied together with its story mode. Presented in a light visual-novel format, each character speaks with their opponent before and after each match. There is an overarching plot with the nefarious Zersumu, but almost all encounters play out the same. Still, it’s interesting to see how each character reacts to certain situations. A Dream Mode is also present, which shows a more varied set of dialog choices between the characters, tailored around each specific character. It’s a real treat for fans of the respective anime series.

Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax is a tribute to SEGA, fighting games, and some of the hottest anime properties out there today. The fanservice may bring all the fans to the battlefield, but the deep fighting mechanics will keep them around for weeks (if not months) to come.

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The Awakened Fate Ultimatum Review

One may think that being god is all sunshine and lollipops, but not so for the hero of The Awakened Fate Ultimatum. After biting the dust in his ordinary life, our hero Shin Kamikaze is implanted with the Fate Awakening Crystal and turned into a god. Being a god comes with lots of responsibility though, as he must fight his way through a war between angels and demons and make particularly difficult decisions. What follows is a tale that touches on genocide, child soldiers, sacrifice, and death. It’s all heavy stuff, but it works well within the script and gives choices much more weight.

Despite these somber themes, The Awakened Fate Ultimatum has its fair share of lighthearted moments. The protagonist Shin Kamizaze might be an emo prettyboy trying to find his way through life, but he acts as a great foil to the world around him. The catty relationship between the angel Jupiel and the devil Ariael oftentimes alleviates most situations without being too reliant on cliches, while Netherworld denizens Phyllis and Hien are just punchable enough to keep you fighting. It’s quality stuff, on par with the best anime series out there.

But how does The Awakened Fate Ultimatum play? Rogue-like neophytes might be a little confused at first with its quirky style of gameplay, but happenings become second nature in due time. Every move Shin Kamikaze makes causes the world around him to make one in turn, creating a chess-like state of play. Everything counts, with each character, item, and trap signifying a piece. The ultimate goal? Get to the top floor.

Some may find this type of gameplay off-putting, but it allows for a deeper element of strategy. Every single move is important, and dungeons require careful calculations of HP (health), SP (magic), and AC (overall energy) to survive. The same goes for your angel and devil abilities, which serve as a way to imbue Shin Kamikaze with “deitized” abilities. Studying enemy patterns is crucial as well, as failure can come swiftly in its unforgiving world. With the penalty for failure being the loss of your inventory, this punishment is just frustrating enough to keep you playing. It’s tough, but fair.

The Awakened Fate Ultimatum takes the best elements from rogue-likes and visual novel-style games, combining them into something that is absolutely heavenly…or devilish, depending on who you are. Those looking for something fresh and new need not look any further — this is the game for you.

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Dead or Alive 5: Last Round Review

New to the Dead or Alive universe, but love a good fighter? Dead or Alive 5: Last Round will come as second nature after a few rounds. Much like Namco’s Tekken series, fights in Dead or Alive rely on combo-heavy inputs and the juggling of characters in the air. Danger zones add a dose of, well, danger to the proceedings, and forces players to consider their placement far more than your typical fighter. It’s patented “Triangle System” also helps it stand out, placing a rock-paper-scissors-like game with counters, throws and holds. Everything moves extremely fast, and rounds are oftentimes over in less than a minute. It’s fast, it’s furious, and it’s fun.

But is it balanced? Not necessarily. There are some characters in Dead or Alive 5: Last Round that have a distinct advantage. Newcomer Raidou can easily stun any character with a few hits, while the cameo characters from Virtua Fighter come with a far more complex command system. There are a lot of mid-tier characters, but do not expect a fair fight overall.

So what’s new in Dead or Alive 5: Last Round? At first glance, not much. Menus are unchanged from Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate, the Story Mode is the same, and even the characters movelists are virtually the same. A few new fighters make their appearance, including the drunken master/capoeira/Honoka-fu schoolgirl Honoka and the aforementioned Raidou. A few new stages make the rounds as well, each with lots of life, character, and outrageous circumstances. There are also some new costumes for both the dudes and the ladies, in case you ever wanted to throw down in a Santa outfits or some bits of string.

The online mode of Dead or Alive 5: Last Round did receive a new mode in the form of the Prize Fighter system. In it, players are awarded points after securing five or more wins. They then have to hold on to their title as long as they can, increasing their rank along the way. It’s a novel feature, one that is welcome in the online modes. However, something like Street Fighter IV’s Elite system would really go a long way.

Dead or Alive 5: Last Round is not a bad game — just the opposite. The cast and crew of Gamers Heroes has spent countless hours throwing down with the cast and crew of DoA. However, there is not enough here to justify upgrading so fast after Ultimate. If this is your first foray into Dead or Alive 5, this is the one to get. However, those who already fought their way to the top might want to hold off until the inevitable revision.

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Resident Evil HD Review

Those who have yet to experience Resident Evil’s distinct brand of survival horror are in for a surprise with Resident Evil HD. Unlike the titles of today (or even later Resident Evil titles), proceedings in this game are far less forgiving. Corridors are narrow (but not linear), ammo and saves are limited, and death guarantees you a one-way trip back to the title screen. This is a game that requires careful planning and patience. Some may balk at its lack of handholding, and would write off its strict rules as cheap or outdated. However, those willing to really sink the time into it will realize that these features actually add to the game, emphasizing the “survival” part of survival horror.

That’s not to say that Resident Evil HD is absolutely impossible — far from it. Rather, the game is far more puzzle heavy, one that requires you to become familiar with your environment. Items are plentiful, but knowing what goes where is half the fun. The open nature of the game’s Spencer Mansion requires players to become best friends with the title’s map function (which is why it is mapped to its very own button). Some of the clues and items can be overly cryptic to first-time players, but there is nothing too taxing about the puzzles in play.

Resident Evil HD isn’t just about navigating through a maze of locked doors and inventory screens. Rather, the game prides itself on its action as well. Combat comes off less as a shoot-em-up spectacular than a means of survival, but fending your way through the undead can be quite a thrill. Fighting for your life against a speedy Crimson Head or a larger-than-life tarantula with a shotgun adds some much-needed action to the proceedings.

But lets say you knew all of that from playing the previous Resident Evil releases. What does Resident Evil HD bring to the table? Other than the touched up graphics (with widescreens support), the biggest change comes in the form of its alternate control scheme. The sluggish, tank-like controls that defined the series can be replaced with a free-roaming style that allows faster movement with the flick of the analog stick. While this certainly makes movement less of a chore, the fixed camera angles make it hard to move from place to place with ease. In a sense, it almost seems game-breaking. Other touches include the ability to play as a modern version of the titular characters, leaderboards, and more. These aren’t revolutionary features by any stretch of the imagination, but they are still welcome nonetheless.

Resident Evil HD is a remake done right. Rather than bend over backwards to please a new generation of gamers, it proudly sticks by its roots and is better because of it. Those looking to try something “new” should look to the past with this spot-on remaster.

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Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA F 2nd Review

Much like the original Project DIVA, Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA F 2nd puts its rhythm-based gameplay front and center. Pressing button cues to the beat, all actions are linked to a live performance of Miku or one of her friends. The better you perform, the better they perform. Simple, right?

Not exactly. The road to victory in Project DIVA F 2nd is paved in tandem button presses, note holds, Scenario Zones, and Chance Zones. The game takes pride in its difficulty, with even songs under the “Normal” difficulty requiring a high degree of perfection. However, this works in the game’s favor — passing a song due to your own skill is far more rewarding than cheesing your way through or nabbing a DLC unlock key. Those who crave skill-based gameplay will no doubt enjoy mastering and unlocking Project DIVA F 2nd’s 40 playable songs.

It’s not just the song list though — Project DIVA F 2nd prides itself on its deluge of features. New songs are a given, but there is also a robust editing mode that allows players to create, edit, and share custom note patterns between both versions of the game. Cross save play between the PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 3 version is available, as is the ability to download custom patterns from other Miku-heads online. Those who are enamored with the gameplay will find plenty to like here.

Just be mindful that the core gameplay hasn’t changed too much from Project DIVA F. A new note has been added, but things still play out the same. However, when the original had the system down pat, there is little room for improvement. Anything more would just muddle the established formula.

Of course, a rhythm-based game is only as good as its music. In this sense, the music in Project DIVA F 2nd delivers. Those among us who don’t know a lick of Japanese (like myself) will no doubt have the synthesized J-Pop melodies stuck in their head far longer than they have any right to be. This is the type of game that has a unique soundtrack, one that fits its gameplay like a glove.

Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA F 2nd is more of the same, but that’s not a bad thing. Those who crave the halcyon days of arcade-like difficulty curves or rhythm-heavy gameplay need not look any further — Hatsune Miku is here for you.

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