Hyrule Warriors Review

"This title features a heavy emphasis on Zelda elements, while retaining the solid, plain old fun hack and slash gameplay of Dynasty Warriors. While the basic story isn't exactly tear-jerking, with no heavy emphasis placed on it, and no hype for it to live up to, it's a feature that can be overlooked."

On September 26th, Nintendo released the heavily promoted Hyrule Warriors, A new Zelda title with Dynasty Warriors gameplay, to the Wii U. Will the game live up to the hype that's surrounded it? Find out below.

The game centers around mission based gameplay, where the character you play as (Main characters of the Zelda series, including, Zelda herself, Link, Impa, Sheik, Minda, and an array of other characters with widely different play styles, allowing for a completely different experience each time you replay a level) completes multiple objectives with a varying time limit always looming over you. Each mission features different exciting missions, with the core of each level, to capture points and rage through huge amounts of enemies always staying the same.

The game also features a basic plot around saving a lost Zelda, which in turn you know, prompts end of the world saving stuff too. The plot then leads you to different land mark areas featured in the series, including Sky Loft from Skyward Sword, and prominent scenes from Twilight Princess and Ocarina of Time. While the plot isn't exactly enthralling and isn't up to the standards of other Zelda entries it suffices well enough for this side entry that has a heavy focus on gameplay rather than story.

The first few hours on spent on the game are filled with unlockables, with rupees constantly flying everywhere. This really allows for a sense of accomplishment after completing each mission, which can counteract some of the mission objectives that can tend to slog on at certain points. Another low point of this game is the fact that while you're fighting with an entire army, you're also required to complete virtually each objective alone. This element of gameplay can at certain points require you to be multiple places at once, which can greatly ramp of the difficulty level of certain missions, and have you replaying the same level objective over and over.

This title features a heavy emphasis on Zelda elements, while retaining the solid, plain old fun hack and slash gameplay of Dynasty Warriors. While the basic story isn't exactly tear-jerking, with no heavy emphasis placed on it, and no hype for it to live up to, it's a feature that can be overlooked. The game features a bazaar which allows you to work with collected materials, potions, and an array of other elements that can spice up gameplay. I've already had a ton of fun, and I expect hours more out of this title, which does feature a huge amount of play time.

What did you think of the title? Tell me down below, and I'll see you next time!

Mario Kart 8- Wii U Review

On Friday, the 30th of May, Nintendo released the newest entry into their flagship series, Mario Kart, on the Wii U. How does the newest installment stack up to previous titles? Find out below.

Mario Kart 8 follows the tried and true formula the series has followed from its origins on the SNES, which entails the introducing a few new elements item, kart, and character wise, introducing many new and retaining old tracks from previous entries, and an addition to the racing formula to keep the series fresh. While the bulk of the actual racing formula doesn't stray from the well known of previous entries, the new element added in this installment is anti-gravity. The anti-gravity portion of Mario Kart 8 allows for 90°, upside down, and other impossible portions of new and old tracks to be navigated with ease, which makes for new exciting twists in an array of different tracks. While the anti-gravity element is interesting, and can change certain tracks' whole dynamics, overall it doesn't impact gameplay as heavily as previous titles' changes have in the past, such as introducing gliders, underwater tracks, and 2 racers to a kart.

Apart from the new racing element introduced in new Mario Kart entries, a highly anticipated feature of new installments is the character roster. However, while 8 features 30 characters (an overall rise of 4 from Mario Kart Wii), a large portion of these 30 consist of each and every Koopaling. While featuring the Koopalings is a bonus for fans of the 7 member clan, they and 2 metal versions of regular characters are the bulk of newly introduced characters, and many newcomers from the Wii and 3DS Mario Kart installments were left out of this game, making for an overall less diverse cast of characters. However, with the array of new tracks and items present in Mario Kart 8, character diversity is made up for.. for the most part.

Overall, I really enjoyed Mario Kart 8. With new racing elements, new tracks, new sharing features, and more reliable online play, Mario Kart 8 really does mark a high for the series, and really could become a system seller for the struggling Wii U.

What did you think of the new Mario Kart 8? Do you have a Wii U, or will this convince you to pick up one of your own? Post in the comments below, and I'll see you in the next review!

The Walking Dead Game: Season 2 Episode 3 Review

On the 13th of May. the third installment of the second season of Telltale's critically acclaimed Walking Dead series was released in the US. How does it compare to previous installments? Find out below.

In the previous episode, it seemed as if most choices left you, not really in control, as playing it twice and picking different answers mainly left you in the same place as before. However, in this installment of the season, there was a large amount of choices, that seem to leave you more in a lot more control of what happens.

MINOR SPOILERS FROM PREVIOUS EPISODES BELOW

When Clementine and the rest of the group were captured in the last episode, I wasn't sure what was going to happen. However, very shortly into this episode, I realized this was even worse than I thought, and that the group had to get out as soon as possible. This entire mood added a huge level of suspense over the entire episode, keeping me on the edge of my... beanbag chair... the entire episode. The tension only built through out the level, peaking multiple times through out the level.

Clementine also seems to develop this episode, as she grows even harder as she realizes just how much evil there is in this world. The episode contained a multitude of tough choices through out, and with many, I had to make sacrifices to my character, lie, and make friends with people I hate (Bonnie anyone?) just to survive. Through out a large portion of this episode, I was sitting there in awe that Clementine was able to keep so calm all the time. I'd basically be totally insane at this point.

Every time there was a serious choice to make (don't worry, there's a plethora of them!), I was constantly wondering, "What will this result in?", and "Is this right?" and for the first time out of both season, I chose silence as an answer, a few times too. Like, Clementine is basically four, why is she constantly making life altering decisions for a group of adults?

Overall, this episode definitely packed a punch. With many edge of the seat moments, plenty of gasps from yours truly, sights I'll never unsee, let alone Clementine, and overall an aura of oncoming danger, This is by far the best episode of this season. What did you all think of the episode? Post your thoughts in the comments below, and I'll see you next time!

Infamous: Second Son Review (PS4)

On the 21st of March, Sony Computer Entertainment of America released its newest flagship title, Infamous: Second Son, to the Playstation 4. How does the newest installment into the long running Infamous series stack up to its 2 Playstation 3 predecessors? Will it be able to achieve the same commercial and critical success as its predecessors? Find out below.

The first thing that I noticed about this game was its graphics. While a few of the next gen games that have been released contained quality graphics, I've seen none like these. While watching cutscenes, the difference between these and an actual movie are barely visible, and actual gameplay is no different. The vibrant, neon signs that dot the city of Seattle, where the game takes place, give off the appearance of a real city, and each and every face you pass has a tremendous amount of detail, sometimes even looking more realistic than our main character Delsin, whose beanie alone contains 7,500 polygons. Literally, that's like more detail than in my entire life.

Speaking of, our hero (or villan, depending on how you play the game) Delsin is an intricately weaved character, and rather than Infamous's previous hero Cole, otherwise known as Mr. Personality, has charm, tons of humor, and, a personality, and doesn't give off the cold vibe we got from Cole in both previous installments, a nice change for the series. Delsin has an affinity for art, namely, graffiti, often using it as a symbol of rebellion against the D.U.P., the main enemy of the game, an organization attempting to contain all known conduits, including Delsin. Delsin's cocky, brave attitude often leads to harmless skirmishes with his brother Reggie, a police officer who accompanies Delsin on his journey to combat the D.U.P., which adds a fun, light side to the narrative. Once again, something we missed in Infamous 1 and 2.

The plot of this game is similar to past iterations of the series, our main character, a conduit, up against a large army set on taking him out at all costs, even if it means wreaking havoc upon the town they're meant to protect. While we arrived at the main plot point in a different way than other installments in the series, the overall story of the game starts out in a very familiar fashion. However, as Delsin continues to explore Seattle, the main setting of Second Son, the story starts to unravel, showing us rich detail, and an intricate story that while, is solid, is just, good, and isn't the main selling point of the game. However, the gameplay, is something worth looking into.

Second Son features gameplay similar to that of 1 and 2, at least, control wise. However, as opposed to the electricity powers our previous hero Cole controlled, Delsin controls fire and smoke, however, many of the attacks are incredibly similar, and the smoke almost acts as just a skin change, with the usage and effects of the attacks being overall very similar. Delsin also shares another similarity with Cole power-wise, being that Delsin must find smoke sources and recharge his powers in a manner similar to Cole. However, while Cole's recharge stations were readily available in numerous places around the city, Delsin's are sparsely found throughout the city, however, each one restores his entire power bar, rather than finding multiple sources to recharge only parts of the bar.

Another difference between gameplay of the titles are the new powers Delsin is able to obtain. Without spoiling the story, Delsin is able to acquire neon and video powers, which, while sound, strange to say the least, are very formidable, and add an new level of diversity and well, fun, to the tried and true gameplay.

And as always, choices that effect how the town looks upon you return once again, with even small details such as how you attack your opponents can change how the town looks upon you in the blink of an eye.

Another thing about this game that attracted me was its attention to detail. While in the previous installments the militia would fire upon you at first sight, in Second Son, if you act like a normal person, you can easily slip through the crowd undetected, adding a more realistic, lifelike element to the narrative. Other small details like that are found throughout the game, making for a more immersive, lifelike experience.

Overall, I really enjoyed this title. The stellar gameplay is similar, and familiar enough to earlier installments of the series to catch onto easily, but also provides a new, fun, take on the formula. Featuring a solid, yet definitely not perfect narrative, diverse, unique, and intricate characters, great gameplay, and an overall charm present though out the game, this is a title I definitely suggest everyone to take a look at. What did you think of the game? Make sure to tell me below, and I'll see you guys next time!

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Review

On Friday,  February 21st, Nintendo released Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, the follow up to the 2010 hit Donkey Kong Country Returns. How will the new Wii U title stack up against its predecessor? Find out below.

Tropical Freeze already has a few advantages over Returns right off the bat, the first, being that this is DK's first adventure in full HD, which Retro, the game's studio, takes advantage of, giving the game vibrant, detail rich environments. While this doesn't add anything to the gameplay aspect of this title, it does enrich anyone who happens to be watching the game's experience, which, with Nintendo games, seems to happen more often than not. The stunning environment allows Retro to show off some of the improved landscapes with wide, panoramic camera views as you traverse levels with barrels, mine-carts, and other unique means of transportation. The second advantage DKC TF has is rather than player 2's only available character option being Diddy, you also get a choice of Dixie and Cranky Kong to assist Donkey, with all 3 having their own unique powers. Along with that, after building up a meter though collecting bananas, Donkey and his partner are able to perform a move that clears all enemy on the screen, and depending on which character you have, turns all the defeated enemies into golden hearts, coins,  or other items to help DK on his quest.

For extra topics I didn't cover in the written review, or if you hate reading check out the video review! :)

While the choice between characters is great, one problem with the entire system is, player one. In the newest installment of Nintendo's flagship series, Super Mario, Super Mario 3D World, the game has 4 possible players to choose from, and you don't have to be the game's star Mario, at all, and can instead opt to be Luigi, Peach, or Toad. However, in the case of DKC TP, that option isn't available, and player one is forced to play the game's titular character. While this would be ok, the fact is DK doesn't have any special abilities of his own and, sadly, falls short of the other characters.

Another complaint is with the use of the gamepad. Considering the fact that the Wii U is a slowly failing system, you'd think Nintendo would attempt to showcase the gamepad as much as possible in a blockbuster game like DKC TP. However, the gamepad is barely used at all, with its only feature being off-tv play.

So, while the game does have its downfalls, it's able to really shine in its gameplay.

While the game only features 6 worlds (opposed to Nintendo's usual 8), it makes up for it with each level being diverse and different from the last. The game features returning elements from previous installments in the long running series, including mine-cart levels, our favorite rhino, Rambi, and secret levels through out all 6 worlds. All 3 of DK's pals offer a unique ability that allows DK to get small secrets buried in each level, such as the 9 puzzle pieces to collect in every level. Overall,  the gameplay is fun, fresh, and yet, is still true to older installments in the series, which, to gamers who've been there since the SNES, is great to experience. With plenty of secrets tucked away in every nook of the game, it has a ton of replayability,  and I recommend any platformer fan to pick it up today!

Do any of you have the new title? What do you think of it? Tell me in the comments below, and I'll see you in the next review!

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds Review

Hey everyone, this past week, the newest entry into the Legend of Zelda series, A Link Between Worlds, a follow up to the 1992 title A Link to the Past, was released on the 3DS, the first original Zelda title on the system. Check out a review of the new title after the jump!

A Link Between Worlds (ALBTW) is set in the same world as A Link to the Past (ALTTP) and offers waves upon waves of nostalgia, with most of the map being almost identical to it's predecessors'. The combat system is the same tried and true system, however, the game does switch it up slightly, allowing you to rent items in the game at an incredibly early point, that would usually only be obtainable later in the game. While this does add a sense of freshness to the game, this does add it's own set of annoying features, such as the items being taken from you if you die, meaning if you're deep in a dungeon you have to travel all the way back to your house to re-rent the item, which, depending on how far you are from your house, can be incredibly frustrating.

My let's play!

Another notable new element featured in the game is Link's ability to turn himself into a drawing, and travel on walls, a feature that was heavily promoted before the game's release. While the feature is interesting, I don't really understand why it was so heavily promoted, as it really isn't revolutionary or groundbreaking in any way. Before the game's release, I was worried that this would take away from the game, but overall, it didn't add or take from the game in any way.

There are also a few smaller changes from the original game, such as the magic meter refilling on its own (a welcomed change), the ability to swap out your items and view your map easily on the handheld's bottom screen without stopping the action, and more, that all add to the new title.

With just enough returning elements from ALTTP that bring back multitudes of nostalgia, enough new elements to make the game feel incredibly fresh and new, a great soundtrack, a wonderful plot, and great, original gameplay, this title has everything I'd expect from a Zelda game, and ALBTW improves upon its predecessors in every way, exceeding my expectations and honestly, makes this one of my favorite entries in the series.

Well, that's it for my review! What'd you guys think of the game? Tell me in the comments below, and I'll see you next time!

PS4, Knack, and Contrast Review

If you don't want to read this, feel free to watch this video review :)


Hey everyone! Today I'm here to review two launch titles for the Playstation 4, the retail title Knack, and the indie free to play Contrast, along with the system itself. Check out the review for Knack down below.

Overall, Knack, is just okay. That's it. The graphics are in no way stunning, and honestly, could have probably been pulled off on the PS3. While the story's nice, it's certainly not a bragging point. But to me, there are multiple problems with the overall gameplay. As Knack grows (or shrinks) the amount of damage enemies deal do as well. I have not yet explored a part of the game where it didn't require more than 3 hits to completely knock Knack out. At multiple points in the game, there are groups of three or four enemies together that can take out Knack in one hit, causing a plethora of restarts before you gain any ground. This also makes it so the only way you can cause any damage is by running in really fast, trying to get a hit, and then run back out, leaving us with annoying, redundant gameplay. Another flaw in the gameplay has to do with one of Knack's main damage dealers, sunstones. "Sunstones are items found around the world of Knack which can be destroyed in order to fill up Knack's energy bar in order for him to execute Super Moves."-Knack Wiki. If you use a sunstone on an enemy, and then proceed to die (you will. an incredible amount of times) in the same area, the damage the deal to enemies is undone, however, the amount of energy you used isn't, meaning that if you die after using a sunstone, the damage doesn't stay, while the energy still disappears. With overall redundant, overly difficult gameplay, mediocre at best graphics and plot lines, honestly, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.

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Next, we move onto another launch title, Contrast.

Contrast and Knack are polar opposites, in all ways. The puzzle platformer game is set in a parallel 1920s world, where a young girl Didi, meets Dawn, a mysterious woman who is able to transform into a shadow and travel along lit walls. The unique gameplay is simple yet engaging, and is presented in a wide variety of ways, with every level being different from the last. The gameplay is very engaging, and lives up to its name as a puzzler, with multiple ways to progress through a level, while also keeping your mind sharp through out, always having to plan ahead. The story of the game is crafted beautifully, and is incredibly compelling. The story has twists, shockers, and even humor in it, and manages to stay fresh through the entire game, always making you wonder what's to happen next. Usually, I'm not a fan of  puzzle games, but Contrast has something for everyone. Intense (yet not too intense like some other games) puzzles, platformer elements, a unique and intriguing plot, and overall wonderful gameplay. Besides a few minor glitches (I haven't noticed one yet that hugely interfered with gameplay) this is a wonderful game that I'd recommend to anyone looking for a solid launch title.

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And finally, we move onto the system itself, the Playstation 4.

Unboxing by yours truly :)

Overall the system itself, IS AWESOME! *Insert rabid fangirlism here* The system immediately grabs your attention with a beautiful upgraded UI, but it also simple at the same time, letting you know where everything is, so it's easy to grasp for newcomers. One of the most interesting features of the new system is the ability to connect your PS Vita over wifi to use it as a controller, showing the action on both screens. While working with high speed wi-fi, the feature is flawless, and essentially works like off screen play for the Wii U, allowing you to continue the action when someone else wants to use the TV. This feature is not only helpful, but saves you $50 dollars on another controller. However, if your wifi is spotty at times, the remote play is essentially useless, and remote play with a USB cord, is unfortunately, not available. 

Another noticeable upgrade from the PS3 is the loading times, for example, a few months ago when the PS Store was upgraded, the loading times for it were unbearable, however, the store now loads in a fraction of a second, along with notably decreased loading times for games as well. The main gripe with the system for me, however, is how the system handles capturing gameplay. The capturing seems to turn on and off whenever it wants, making it impossible to record audio in sync, as it's impossible to tell when it will stop recording. Another problem with the capture is the fact that you can't record audio along with video, rather, having to record video and audio separately. As a YouTuber, I was really excited for the capturing aspect of the system, unfortunately, I think I'll wait for a capture card. On the flip side, livestreaming your gameplay is a much more capable and usable feature.

Another great aspect is the Dualshock 4. the new controller fits perfectly into any sized hands and is overall much better than the previous Dualshock, featuring upgrades such as a microphone jack, a clickable touch pad, and an overall upgraded, sleeker, and easier to use design.

With new, great features such as multitasking, being able to play games while they're downloading, and all the aforementioned details, this system really is, for the players. 

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Well, that's it for my review! If you have it, what do you think of the PS4? Are you waiting for the Xbox One? Share all your comments down below, and I'll see you guys soon!