Reviews
1838
in total
published by DarkStation
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Signs of the Sojourner
A review for DarkStation2021-03-26
While frustrating at times, Signs of the Sojourner does a fantastic job of nailing the actual flow of communication in the form of a card game. It also provides an excellent sense of freedom. By the time I got to one of the game’s multiple endings, I really felt like my actions and choices had earned it. I only wish that it had gone on a bit longer. Just when I really felt like I was getting everything the game was throwing at me, it ended. Still, I appreciate a game that leaves me wanting more and the different paths I could have taken provide enticement for a second trip.Read entire review on DarkStation -
Bravely Default II
A review for DarkStation2021-03-24
There are some things you expect coming into a Square Enix produced JRPG. You expect some grinding, you expect some weird dialogue, you even expect it to take a while to get going (I’m looking at you Final Fantasy XIII and the 30 hours it took to get good). What you don’t expect is for the game to feel like it’s just going through the motions with its story, for the central class system to not feel worthwhile, and for the battle system’s main claim to fame being you get to skip your turn to go later. Turns out Defaulting on this one is the right move.Read entire review on DarkStation -
Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town
A review for DarkStation2021-03-23
The decision on this game comes down to the pros vs the cons, and whether you think you'd be happy to enjoy it as it is, or if you'd rather wait until some more updates. The load times and staggers can be mildly irritating and can amass during longer play sessions, but are by no means game-breaking or a reason entirely not to give it a go. Especially for those looking to play a little more casually, or in shorter bursts, or maybe aren't now accustomed to the world of SSD loading times, I still have to recommend this title as worth a go - just perhaps not necessarily the one to pick above the others.Read entire review on DarkStation -
Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection
A review for DarkStation2021-03-15
Ghosts 'N Goblins Resurrection is a bona fide niche title that will only hold appeal to the masochistic. Even on its easiest setting, where dying leads to an instant respawn, I can’t have fun with a game that amounts to slamming your head against a rock wall. It might have been better for Capcom and Nintendo to make the original games available through the Nintendo Online service because Resurrection is an experience modified to make it somewhat more digestible to a new audience. Choosing different difficulties is a nice touch but after beating the game on Page, which was insane even with no-cost respawning, what incentive did I have to go back and do it all again while adding even more painful roadblocks? Yeah, no thanks. I’m too old to put up for this sort of thing now.Read entire review on DarkStation -
Capcom Arcade Stadium
A review for DarkStation2021-03-05
If you’re a fan of SHMUPs or action games and platformers, I think the titles are here to be worth your time but for fans of other genres, it’s probably worth holding out to see what future events Capcom plans to hold in this stadium.Read entire review on DarkStation -
Ys IX: Monstrum Nox
A review for DarkStation2021-02-23
While it isn’t perfect, Ys IX: Monstrum Nox is one of the best action-RPGs I’ve played in recent years. With fantastic combat, a compelling story and characters, and exploration which is among my favorite in any recent game, after a slow first hour or two it grabbed me and never let go. Whether you’re a series veteran or you’ve never played an Ys game in your life, you’ll find an adventure that’s well worth taking.Read entire review on DarkStation -
The Nioh Collection
A review for DarkStation2021-02-22
In the end, I enjoyed myself most when I stopped comparing Nioh to Souls games and appreciated it for what it is. Nioh has fast-paced, challenging combat with a deep loot and upgrade system. With well-designed levels and a ton of content, it's easy to sink a lot of time into this visit to Sengoku era Japan.Read entire review on DarkStation -
The Medium
A review for DarkStation2021-02-08
The Medium may lack the sparkle and glam of big games because of its introverted and personal nature but that’s the very reason its take on mental issues holds up so exceptionally well.Read entire review on DarkStation -
Airborne Kingdom
A review for DarkStation2021-01-29
Airborne Kingdom is a pleasure to spend a relaxing few hours with. It has a refreshing approach to the city building genre which is genuinely unique and although it eschews conflict and drama, the survival elements, resource collection tasks and challenges of building an optimal floating city are both engaging and relaxing. Airborne Kingdom has an outstanding core premise and aesthetics but lacking some genre-standard features like a sandbox mode or customizable structures, it can offer up its pleasures and be done a little too quickly.Read entire review on DarkStation -
Olija
A review for DarkStation2021-01-28
Olija’s atmosphere is spot on and despite its huge pixels, the game manages to channel Hugo Pratt’s fabled Corto Maltese graphic novels that take place in similar exotic corners of the world. The gameplay also works most of the time, but as is often the case with indie games, the authoritarian developer has gone overboard. The less is usually more but here, the style simply went over the substance and 12 hours of playtime more than overstays its welcome considering the game's ultimately shallow bounty.Read entire review on DarkStation -
Twin Mirror
A review for DarkStation2021-01-11
It was a valiant effort by Dontnod, but it missed the mark. Graphically beautiful but mechanically messy, Twin Mirror is a failed attempt at a psychological thriller. The worst disappointment, however, is that the game made me want to visit Basswood, which...doesn’t exist.Read entire review on DarkStation -
Cyberpunk 2077
A review for DarkStation2020-12-17
Believe it or not, there is fun to be had in Cyberpunk 2077. Night City is an amazing place to explore and parts of the gameplay are kinda fun. But for all the promises and potential of a game that spent eight years in development, is this really it? The Witcher 3 managed to grow into a powerhouse of a game by the end of its lifecycle. Perhaps the same will be said about Cyberpunk 2077 in a year’s time? Maybe.Read entire review on DarkStation -
Shiren The Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate
A review for DarkStation2020-12-02
If you're looking for a challenge and love roguelikes, Shiren the Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate is a good choice. Its deep gameplay can be really rewarding when you finally reach your goal. However, if you're looking for a calming and relaxing experience, you won't find it here.Read entire review on DarkStation -
Cake Bash
A review for DarkStation2020-11-30
Overall, Cake Bash is a fun, simple game that the whole family will enjoy. The graphics are bright and colorful, and as someone who has a major sweet tooth this game made it really difficult to avoid raiding the cabinets for second dessert. If you’re hungry, don’t play this game; the detail in the frosting and cakes aren’t conducive to diet plans.Read entire review on DarkStation -
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
A review for DarkStation2020-11-30
Sony Interactive Entertainment and Sumo Digital’s Sackboy: A Big Adventure on the Playstation 5 is a charming, vibrant, graphically astounding platformer that serves as a great entry into the genre for newcomers. However, more seasoned veterans of the platforming genre, who were just given the marvel that is Astro’s Playroom, might feel that the narrative and mechanics are quite simple and annoyingly familiar due to Sackboy: A Big Adventure clearly borrowing mechanics and level progression from iconic genre mainstays such as The Super Mario Brothers franchise.Read entire review on DarkStation -
DIRT 5
A review for DarkStation2020-11-19
Obviously, PS5 and XSX versions of the game will look better but that doesn’t change the shallow gameplay. The recent Project Cars 3 was too arcadey for its own good and DiRT 5 follows on the same easygoing tracks. The game is just too meh all around. Winning races is always fun but if you don’t need to put any effort to it, it just isn’t all that rewarding or exciting. If you want your racing games easy-peasy, then go for DiRT 5 but those who crave for some real challenge are better off sticking to other, better titles.Read entire review on DarkStation -
Pikmin 3 Deluxe
A review for DarkStation2020-11-16
Pikmin 3 Deluxe is the best version of the best game in this series. I missed my map at times, but the new additions more than makeup for having to pull it up when needed. If you’ve already played the original version though, there probably isn’t enough here to justify purchasing the game again unless you really love playing co-op. For any gamer who missed it the first time though, Pikmin 3 Deluxe is one of the best games released in 2020.Read entire review on DarkStation -
The Pathless
A review for DarkStation2020-11-16
It’s hard to say when the games overall strayed into paths so unfortunately tainted by violence and blood, but to me, The Pathless is what video games are essentially about; flights into fantastical worlds like no other media could do. It is meditative escapism at its finest. Not all games need to be motion captured tragedies or realistic violence simulations. Of course, I enjoy those games now and then, too, but to detox all their pain and suffering I need something like The Pathless.Read entire review on DarkStation -
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
A review for DarkStation2020-11-11
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is ultimately a masterclass in pacing and storytelling with an fabulously gorgeous backdrop, welcome combat shake-up, and a cast of extremely affable characters, especially the newcomer Ichiban Kasuga.Read entire review on DarkStation
