Author: Troy Matsumiya
Valiant Hearts: The Great War Review: A Valiant Effort
At first glance, Valiant Hearts: The Great War seems bizarre at best and flippant at worst: a cartoon-style puzzle game set during the ugly brutality of World War I. But fortunately, looks are deceiving, as Valiant Hearts is one of the most intriguing (and dare I say it, educational) games of the year. (more…)
Anomaly Defenders Review: Back to Basics
The original Anomaly: Warzone Earth took a fresh, new approach in the ubiquitous tower defense genre by flipping the traditional roles around, having you play as the creeps fighting against the towers. The fun, challenging gameplay led to a sequel (aptly named Anomaly 2), which introduced the very cool creeps vs. towers multiplayer. Well, those darn alien towers are back in a third installment, Anomaly Defenders, except this time, you are the darn aliens. (more…)
The Bridge Review: Fun Over Puzzled Waters
You gotta love small, independent developers. Like previous critical darlings Braid, Limbo, and Fez, The Bridge is a stylistic and innovative puzzle game that will keep you engrossed in its unique, exquisite, and mind-bending world. (more…)
Flashback Review: Like the Old Guy at the Disco
Delphine Software’s Flashback: The Quest for Identity, originally released in 1992, was a critical hit due to its smooth rotoscoped animation, hand-drawn backgrounds, and challenging gameplay. So it is not surprising that fans were excited about the HD remake, especially since members of the original team – including lead designer Paul Cuisset – are involved. So is the updated Flashback worth going back to the future past? (more…)
Anomaly 2 Review: Double the Fun… and Complexity
The original Anomaly: Warzone Earth turned the tower defense genre upside-down – literally, because you played as the creeps fighting against the towers. It was a fun, challenging and popular game, with fans demanding a sequel. Well, Polish developer 11 Bit Studios has happily complied with the aptly named Anomaly 2, highlighted by its killer feature: creeps versus towers multiplayer. (more…)
Call of Juarez: Gunslinger Review: Blazing Saddle (Sores)
Strap on your trusty six-shooters because we’re heading back to the Old West in Call of Juarez: Gunslinger. You’ll hunt down the most notorious outlaws in history, while mowing down hundreds of henchmen in bloody gunfights in famous locales. Sounds like a blast, right? Well, it could be if it weren’t for some clunky and frustrating game mechanics.
Anomaly 2 Beta Impressions: Creeps Vs. Towers Multiplayer… Fight!
The original Anomaly: Warzone Earth was a crazy fun twist on the ubiquitous tower defense genre, placing you as the creeps fighting against the towers. So it is very exciting to learn that Polish developer 11 Bit Studios is putting the final touches on a sequel, aptly named Anomaly 2, highlighted by what should be its killer feature: creeps versus towers multiplayer. Oh, yeah, you read that right. (more…)
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon Review: Awesomest. Game. Ever.
Dig out those leg warmers and sweat bands, poof out that big hair, and warm up the VCR, because we’re heading back to the 80s in the coolest, funniest, and awesomest game in years. Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon is a hilarious parody of the great action movies of the 1980s that takes the player on a ridiculously fun ride that will have you laughing at every corny turn. (more…)