Tech-Gaming

• PC
• 79%
• États-Unis

Despite a few minor problems, I’m contemplating a purchase of Crown Trick on the Switch, just so I can play the game on the go. Typically, I do this when a game is captivating, and this title narrowly makes it over that hurdle. At least some of the allure is the game’s art. While there’s not a surplus of animation, the game’s sprites are attractively drawn, and effects like explosions are eye-grabbing often filling the screen with conflagration. If you appreciate a cerebral workout during dungeon crawling, then Crown Trick deserves consideration. Although assistance comes from abilities augmented across multiple playthroughs, mastery is also rooted in experience. Learning how to enter a room and kill everything with a sequence of moves feels gratifying. With Crown Trick, it’s a proficiency learned through repetition rather than generated with quick reflexes, setting the game apart.

• PC
• 75%
• États-Unis

• PC
• 74%
• États-Unis

Beyond accelerated leveling up, there’s little innovation here. But that’s OK, as commanding a team of powerful party members has its virtues. With skillful Japanese voice acting, and manga-style art, Tears of Avia feels like an ambitious doujin crafted by a small team of diehard SRPG fans.

• SWITCH
• 84%
• États-Unis

• SWITCH
• 80%
• États-Unis

If Quintin Tarantino grew up playing Japanese role-playing games instead of watching films, his first work would probably be a lot like Undead Darlings ~no cure for love~. Filled with colorful characters, punchy dialog, and a procession of pop culture references, it’s great fun to digest.

• PC
• 86%
• États-Unis

• PC
• 78%
• États-Unis

• PS4
• 89%
• États-Unis

• SWITCH
• 74%
• États-Unis

• PC
• 83%
• États-Unis

• SWITCH
• 85%
• États-Unis

While most music games have the occasional bit of filler, Bergling’s body of work is unrelentingly remarkable, whether through the synergy of a guest vocalist or the unexpected break. As such, Invector acts as a heartfelt tribute to the late musician, adding another way to appreciate Avicii’s legacy. Between working your way through multiple difficulties and a multiplayer component, there’s incentive to revisit the game regularly.

• SWITCH
• 74%
• États-Unis

While some of the aforementioned snags are troubling, the Switch version of RPG Maker MV does have its virtues. It has a larger asset pool when compared to the PC version which offered two assets banks. Now, designers can select from Fantasy, Science Fiction, Japanese, Chinese, Arabian, Modern, Steampunk, and Dark Fantasy themes, as well as pull from an inventory of over 170 sample maps. Character portraits, an essential component of any RPG, are robust, with the package offering over 250 bust-ups for use. Layering also comes into play with the character generator, where you can select from sixteen different variables. Arguably, the best part of the package is an option for vocalized music to play during battles. There’s no excuse for anemic boss battles with MV. Despite some concerns about the responsiveness and accessibility of the user interface, RPG Maker MV lives up to its premise. Following a few days of learning, you can design your very own role-playing game, without learning how to code. The package could use a bit more polish, but the potential can’t really be knocked.

• PC
• 84%
• États-Unis

• PS4
• 83%
• États-Unis

• SWITCH
• 82%
• États-Unis

• PC
• 78%
• États-Unis

Sporadically, games running on the Unity Engine exhibit visual sacrifices or long loading times. Fortunately, that’s not the case with Kandagawa Jet Girls, which demonstrates a comprehensive commitment to polish. On PC, the game arrives with a launcher that permits players to adjust elements like resolutions (720p-1080p), framerates (30,60,120,144, and unlimited), anti-aliasing, as well as attributes like shadow quality, bloom, and depth of field effects. While Jet Girls might not exhibit speed, it’s brightly-hued milieu and enchanting character art and modeling are every bit as proficient as the work in the Senran Kagura franchise. Some might argue that Kandagawa bests the ninja-girls, by flaunting a multitude of different body types. Although the music offers the typical upbeat melodies to help drive the action, it’s the game’s voice acting that’s the real aural star. From playful writing to eye grabbing visuals, Kandagawa Jet Girls nails the secondary qualities. But when it comes to delivering intense, jet-skiing action, the game isn’t as proficient. Sure, you’ll have a bit of fun with Rin, Misa, and the rest of the girls. But with a notable lack of challenge, don’t expect the enjoyment to last past the season. This is a cheery summer fling, that you’ll probably forget about in the fall.

• SWITCH
• 79%
• États-Unis

Narratively, the title never overburdens players with garrulous conversations or long bit of exposition. Instead plotting is done through succinct conversations or even better, through adorably drawn manga-style panels. At the beginning of the game, Annika is stricken with the age-old scourge of amnesia, placing an aura of mystery around her interactions. While that might be a bit cliched, injecting a bit of the melancholic into an otherwise sunny setting, does endow the storytelling with a bit of distinction. Certainly, the game’s gentle soundtrack, which picks up during boss fights, helps the title carve out its own charming identity. At its best, Giraffe and Annika captures the thrill of reconnoitering an island filled with natural wonder. Often, there’s a sense of childlike wonder while trekking across Spica, and it’s a sensation that few portable games cultivate. Sure, it’s slightly undermined when heading into the game’s dungeons, but before long, you’re back outside, basking in what Giraffe and Annika does best.

• SWITCH
• 72%
• États-Unis