As a big fan of this series, I am happy to hear that it is going to be giving us another release early next year.
Month in Review - November
Looks like it’s that time of the month again! See everything that we’ve been up to and catch up on anything you may have missed.
Other than the stellar lineup of games, the biggest thing this month is that we have been nominated for Best VideoGame Blog in Bytes that Rock! awards which is really awesome! If you haven't had a chance to vote for us please do!
Now to the games!
Article by Pierre-Yves
Other than the stellar lineup of games, the biggest thing this month is that we have been nominated for Best VideoGame Blog in Bytes that Rock! awards which is really awesome! If you haven't had a chance to vote for us please do!
Now to the games!
Anime and Movies
Hardware
Microsoft Xbox 360
Microsoft Xbox One
Nintendo Wii U
Nintendo 3DS
- Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight
- Moco Moco Friends
- Rodea the Sky Soldier
- The Legend of Legacy
PC
- Dark Years
- DELTAZEAL
- Elite Dangerous
- Expand
- Fallout 4
- Mushihimesama
- Pulse
- Rebel Galaxy
- Sword Coast Legends
- The Age of Decadence
- Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide
Retro Reflection
Sony PlayStation 4
- Everybody's Gone to the Rapture
- Tales from the Borderlands: A Telltale Game Series
- Tales of Zestiria
Sony PlayStation Vita
Tabletop
Article by Pierre-Yves
What makes a game memorable? (Part 1) - Gaming Thoughts
Gaming nostalgia is a very powerful thing indeed. Sometimes we recall games more fondly than they probably still deserve. Other times it gives us an incredible amount of loyalty towards a series, even if sometimes it stumbles now and again. For those of us who have been gaming for a while now, there are usually a handful of distinct moments where it just 'stuck'. The team is going to take a look back into the past - our own sort of personal Retro Reflections if you will - and recall some of those more distinctive moments.
Happy Thanksgiving!
From all of our team to all of you taking the time to read our site? We say:
Thank You.
Thank You.
Details for the leading characters in Nights of Azure
We recently shared the announcement about Gust's upcoming RPG called Nights of Azure, and now we have a little more information on some of the characters being teased to us, along with some new images.
Sword Art Online: Lost Song - PS Vita Review
We have been following Sword Art Online: Lost Song for some time now, and I am happy to say that while the game has some rough edges here and there, it is an enjoyable experience that should appeal to fans of the anime, but also serve as a good entry point to newcomers.
Yoshi's Woolly World - Wii U Review
Yoshi might not be the draw that Mario is for Nintendo, but the little guy has a pretty solid history and Yoshi's Woolly World continues that trend nicely. Visually Yoshi's Woolly World is a delight and the levels are often creative and most importantly, fun - even if it really is nothing all that revolutionary.
Disgaea coming to the PC
I was a huge fan of Disgaea (just read my review of the fifth game here) series, so I think it is very cool to hear that Disgaea is coming to a new platform - the PC.
Moco Moco Friends - 3DS Review
With everything that comes out, we are no strangers to various styles of gaming and storytelling. This ranges from cute and fluffy tales to the darker and heart-wrenching nightmares that make us wonder why we just sat through what we did. Regardless of the spectrum, there is always a careful crafting of the characters, dialogue, and scenarios that they find themselves in. Moco Moco Friends falls onto the lighthearted side of the equation, but misses the mark elements that hurt the overall experience.
Dark Years - PC Review
There's nothing inherently wrong with Dark Years. Yes, it plays like a shoddy rip-off of the excellent The Saboteur from Pandemic Studios. Yes, the graphics and models look like the first available preset assets from whatever engine was used to make the game. Yes, the voice acting is terrible and the mouths don't even move. Yes, the writing is subpar and confusing. But even so, for a small Iranian company with only limited experience, Dark Years comes off as a pretty good attempt at creating an aperture between the Iranian gaming scene to the rest of the world. However, the aperture is very, very small.
"The Pillars of the Earth": Daedalic Entertainment presents first video material
The game adaptation of Ken Follett's bestseller has been a game of some interest to me, and now we get to see a video that shows off some of the characters and also gives us a peek into the developmental insights behind the game.
Rise of the Tomb Raider - Xbox One Review
The Tomb Raider reboot was a breath of fresh air that allowed Lara to go on new adventures while telling us more about the character. We got to know her better, learned what made her tick and we enjoyed the adventure quite a bit when it released. Rise of the Tomb Raider? Simply put, it does just about everything better than the original.
Fallout 4 - PC Review
There is so much to like about Fallout 4, that I am willing to overlook some of the mistakes along the way. What could have been this year's biggest and best game will ultimately be remembered as very good but somewhat flawed experience.
Star Wars - The Force Unleashed - Retro Reflections
Like dozens of other games, “Star Wars-the Force Unleashed” waited patiently in my collection to be picked up. I wanted to play a melee combat game and since “Gauntlet-Seven Sorrows” refused to load, I decided it was time to embrace the dark side.
Memorable Music in Gaming #14
This edition of Memorable Music once again delves into games from the past, with none of the titles being even somewhat recent. That being said, I've always thought that music has a tendency to age far better than visuals do in a game.
Langrisser getting a new game next year
This was a blast from the past, but Langrisser was one of those games most people never really played. Oh, and it went by another name - Warsong here in the US. If you are a long time reader here, that name might sound just a little familiar to you. Why? Because when it came out on the Genesis years ago, it was arguably my favorite game ever, and in my opinion the best strategy game of its time. I have referenced it in reviews over the years and even made mention of how I was disappointed that the sequel never got a North American localization in a recent article.
So yeah - this is pretty exciting stuff for me.
So yeah - this is pretty exciting stuff for me.
Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide - PC Review
The end times are near but that doesn't mean things have to go quietly into the night. Set in the Warhammer universe, join into battle with one of five characters in order to traverse a world now being covered by Vermin unseen until now as they raise from the depths to slay everything in their path. Bows, Knives, Warhammers, Magic and more will be all that stand between our would-be heroes and the tides that would sweep them from history.
Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Inner Sea Races - Tabletop and Board Games Review
It has been a while since we took a look at some tabletop games, but with the recent release of the Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Inner Sea Races, this seemed as good of a time as any to cover this latest campaign setting.
We have been nominated for Best VideoGame Blog in Bytes that Rock! awards
Well this is cool - we have been nominated for the category of Best VideoGame Blog over at Bytes that Rock!, as part of their Software Awards 2015. First of all? We really appreciate the nomination! Here is what they had to say about us:
Spectre - Movie Review
I was pleasantly surprised by “Casino Royale” for introducing a James Bond who was human, didn’t rely on crazy gadgets and fought an enemy who didn’t plan to rule the world from a secret base on the moon while caressing a cat and throwing his minions in piranha pools; I remember “Quantum of Solace” only for Olga Kurylenko; and I hated “Skyfall” for ruining the character and putting him against the worst villain ever. So, considering the above and the depressing, unexciting trailer I saw a week ago, I had no expectations from “Spectre”.
Mushihimesama - PC Review
Looking for a really good shoot-'em-up game? Congratulations, because in Mushihimesama you have found one of the best I have played in several years. Mushihimesama is a must-play for fans of arcade shooters. If you consider yourself among those numbers, then pick up and play Mushihimesama - otherwise you are doing yourself a significant disservice.
Scuf Gaming Infinity1 Professional Xbox One Controller - Hardware Review
Scuf Gaming has been manufacturing professional gaming gear for a number of years now and I was finally able to get my hands on one of these paddle-based controllers for the Xbox One. With an utterly spectacular finish, stellar interchangeable sticks, and more customization options than most automobiles, the Scuf Gaming Infinity1 controller is a force to be reckoned with. It is no wonder that they are the leading controller provider for gaming professionals.
Another look at the upcoming Plants vs. Zombies Garden Warfare 2 this February
I was actually quite surprised by the first Garden Warfare game. It was bright, colorful, cute and also a really solid shooter. As a result? We've been excited for the upcoming sequel as well.
Tales from the Borderlands: A Telltale Game Series - PS4 Review
I tend to gravitate towards action games - primary shooters. However, the Telltale Games are a far cry from that genre and yet I have always been able to appreciate their quality writing, excellent voice acting and entertaining style of adventure. With that in mind, Tales from the Borderlands: A Telltale Game Series is without a doubt my favorite offering from the developer to date and one that should not be missed.
SteelSeries H Wireless Gaming Headset - Hardware Review
SteelSeries is at it again… The H-Wireless 7.1 Dolby-supporting surround sound headset takes the concept of "premium audio" and simply tosses it to the wind and resets the bar for what "quality" means in the world of gaming audio. I thought that when I reviewed the SteelSeries Anniversary Edition Siberia Elite headset last year that I knew what good audio sounded like; after all I have worked with some of the greatest manufacturers of audio equipment that money can buy and all of those years' worth of experience amounted to jaw-dropping when I first heard the Siberia Elites. The H-Wireless makes the Anniversary Edition Siberia Elite look like a set of bargain-bin, Cyber Monday freebie earbuds.
Trailer for the upcoming Koei Tecmo Attack on titan game
With Omega Force driving this game, I suspect that the action will be fast and furious in the upcoming Attack on Titan game.
Legend - Movie Review
Before watching “Legend” I thought it would probably suffer from the same deficiencies other gangster movies suffered lately: lack of action and smart characters. I was right but the movie had even more problems.
Sword Coast Legends - PC Review
Sword Coast Legends struggles with identity; at times it feels like a solid dungeon master tool and campaign creation kit, others it feels like a decidedly mediocre Dungeons & Dragons single player experiences. When looking at Sword Coast Legends solely as a game it lacks character, however if you look at it as a creation kit, Sword Coast Legends brings out the creative dungeon master in me and drudges up memories of hours spent in Neverwinter's creation tools. This is not a bad thing.
Elite Dangerous - Xbox One Review
Elite Dangerous is a massively rich, complex, and evolving space simulator. With stunning graphics, liquid-smooth 60 FPS action, and a range of missions to satisfy every style of gameplay, Elite: Dangerous on the Xbox One proves that even the most sophisticated simulators have a place on the home console. Suit up fellow space junkies, Elite: Dangerous is here to stay in a powerful way.
New information and assets for the upcoming Arslan: The Warriors of Legend
Given the tactical nature of the game and my affection for the genre, Arslan has been a title I have been personally keeping close track of over the last few months. Well, now we have even more to show and tell you about it.
No Escape - Movie Review
“No Escape” is one of those low-profile movies that often don’t get the attention they deserve. The story is about an American family who moves to a country in south-east Asia for work but finds itself in the middle of a bloody rebellion and tries to escape.
Rebel Galaxy - PC Review
Rebel Galaxy blends an open world concept with single-plane space cowboy goodness mixed with an attempt at changing space combat by emulating the naval broadsiding of old. Taking a cue from Elite: Dangerous, Rebel Galaxy is full of space stations that offer a number of different quests, from bounty hunting to trading, there really is something for everyone here. However good the space cowboy appeal may be, Rebel Galaxy feels flat and even though it is a space game, the limitation to a single plane (i.e. no "up" or "down") gives the game an "on-rails" feel that cannot be shaken.
The Legend of Legacy - 3DS Review
The Legend of Legacy is a game that has a lot of names to live up to from former Square and Level 5 employees. Follow the exploration of seven adventurers as they all come to an island untouched by civilization for ages all for different reasons. Why are they there? What do they expect to find? Take control of the adventurer of your choice and recruit the rest in order to delve further into the island and the savage lands it possess in order to find answers in this old school RPG brought over to us from Atlus.
Aegis of Earth looks like it might put a new spin on warfare
So far we just have some images and a press release to go by, but this title could be an interesting one to keep an eye on going forward.
Tales of Zestiria - PS4 Review
Tales of Zestiria is the latest in Namco’s Tales of Series to grace us with its symphony of characters that reach out from the abyss and try to maintain their innocence in the face of their destinies. Being special for more than one reason, this latest entry into the series is not only releasing on the 20th Anniversary, but has also broken a trend that it once had by simultaneously releasing on more than a single platform with Sony’s PlayStation 3 and 4, as well as the PC.
Rodea the Sky Soldier - 3DS Review
Rodea the Sky Soldier has had a rocky history, and is often the case with a title that had so many starts and stops, the end product winds up reflecting some of those issues. Rodea the Sky Soldier actually has some cool ideas, but too often the gameplay and visuals fail to deliver on that promise.
Outlast 2 trailer and information
Just because Halloween is over, don't think we aren't still keeping our eye out for creepy games in the future. One such title is the recently announced Outlast 2. We had a chance to play both the original game and its DLC last year, and we will be curious to see if Outlast 2 can improve on the original formula.
Everybody's Gone to the Rapture - PS4 Review
When people talk about a 'walking simulator' - a game that puts its focus on narrative and not gameplay mechanics, for better or for worse Everybody's Gone to the Rapture is precisely that sort of game. What it lacks in typical challenge or gameplay, it makes up for with an interesting story that rolls out to the player in an interesting fashion. There are some hiccups along the way, but the experience is worth having.
Pulse - PC Review
Pulse gets its core principles right, but as a fully realized game, the title is somewhat lacking. The concept is cool, but its short campaign and limited mechanical growth makes Pulse feel more like an idea than a fully realized game.
Sylvio 2 has been announced
Having had a chance to play the original Sylvio, I liked what the game was trying to do, even if some of the points of execution were lacking at times. Still, there was solid potential to the premise, and I am curious to see where the next installment takes things.
Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight - 3DS Review
Etrian Odyssey took a style that was well established and turned it into something special with the utilization of Nintendo’s Dual Screen. Exploring dungeons in a first person view while being able to draw out maps, mark in notes, and color in spaces to denote where powerful FOEs roam while not chasing you was brilliant as it could allow you to avoid them. While these elements make for stellar hardcore gaming as they are anything but easy, a few years back Atlus tried something new with the remake of the first Etrian entry. By adding in a story mode separate from the classic experience still being offered, players had a chance to explore the labyrinths in a whole new way. Refining the systems with Persona Q: Shadows of the Labyrinth last year, the Untold moniker is back with Etrian Odyssey Untold 2: the Fafnir Knight.
Minecraft: Story Mode - Episode 2: Assembly Required - Xbox One Review
Minecraft: Story Mode - Episode 2: Assembly Required has its charming moments, but the writing fails to impress, the choices feel shallow and the end result was a game that rings in at only about an hour in length. Unfortunately this episode just feels like it was rushed out of the door.
A lot more information on Technomancer
We have covered Technomancer announcements several times in the past, and now this further look into the game leaves us curious to see where it will go.
Tales From the Borderlands - Xbox 360 Review
Almost a full year after the release of Episode 1, the Tales from the Borderlands series came to it’s conclusion in Episode 5 in October. The full story arc follows the past exploits of Rhys, struggling mid-level employee of arms manufacturer Hyperion, and Fiona, con woman extraordinaire on the planet Pandora. If you read my first review here on the Game Den, you’ll know I was quite taken with the melding of the deranged Borderlands universe with Telltale’s lovingly crafted storytelling. Here is a look at the entirety of the series.
The Rivers of Alice (Extended Version) - Wii U Review
Where do you go when you dream at night? What fantastic creatures and unearthly places do you forget the moment you open your eyes? For Alice, her dreams bring her through beautiful landscapes filled with interesting characters, monsters and puzzles. This girl has one heck of an imagination and a rather vindictive subconscious. This is what happens when you have too much sugar before bed.
Banner Saga coming to Kickstarter very soon... in board game format
Seeing as I adored the original Banner Saga game, and I like board games, it isn't too hard to figure out why this would pique my interest.
The Last Witch Hunter - Movie Review
I was not optimistic about the “Last Witch Hunter”, for three reasons: I doubted Vin Diesel could fit in a world of magic, I wasn’t sure if the screenwriter and director would be talented enough to put witches in our era and still make a believable movie and the poster seemed like a “Blade” rip-off. I was right on all accounts.
