Hardcore Gamer

• 3DS
• 3.5 / 5
• États-Unis

Culdcept Revolt tries its best to combine classic board and card games, but the execution is lacking in more complex strategies, making players feel as though they’re not building towards a strong end goal. Those interested in Culdcept Revolt will likely find the most enjoyment in competing against others online, rather than NPCs who feel as though they’re wasting the player’s time going through every motion another human player would do in full detail. With a likable cast of characters, interesting story and a wide variety of cards to create unique decks, Culdcept Revolt has a good premise that doesn’t pay off quite as well as intended.

• VITA
• 3.5 / 5
• États-Unis

Mary Skelter: Nightmares provides an enjoyable dungeon crawling RPG where fans of Compile Hearts' previous games will gladly lose themselves in the living hell known as Jail. The overall experience has a lot of residual DNA from Meiq inside but this feels more refined and mature, both in aesthetic and game mechanics. A lot of tropes common to their titles including the risque humor is of course present but that's also been part of the appeal of their titles. While it won't blow anyone away, Mary Skelter: Nightmares is a well put together, enjoyable experience and a worthy addition to any dungeon crawler RPG fan's collection.

• PS4
• XONE
• PC
• 3.5 / 5
• États-Unis

If you needed proof that some games end up putting out what you yourself put in, WRC 7 is likely the closest the series has gotten into successfully drawing in the more casual players, all the while maintaining the series' raw and challenging simulation edge. Those looking for an in-depth and sizable career mode or single-player campaign though may have to look elsewhere as outside of the change of visuals and rather simplistic management mechanics, there's little to suggest WRC 7 is brimming with such content. As foreign an affair the gameplay might feel and how steep a learning curve it initially projects, I'd be lying if I said players won't find themselves mustering up the urge to play that little bit more, even after finishing in a dismal ranking. The majority of that is down to the effort put into crafting both the visuals and the sounds present, not to mention the all-round feeling that yes, you can and most likely will get better. Thus, through the risk: reward design that is its fifty-plus courses, WRC 7 does enough to instill many a repeat play, if not a longer-lasting flair.

• SWITCH
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

I've attempted to stick to reviewing Pokkén Tournament DX on its own merits and not compare it too much with its predecessor. Of course this is the definitive version and superior choice. Fans of Pokémon will have a good time checking out the title. If there is any future content coming or major league gaming events, then it will have a bright future. Regardless, its entertaining gameplay should appeal to Switch owners and earn it a deserved fanbase.

• PS4
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

Despite the Race Director that has it out for the player, and some issues with perspective in cockpit view, Project CARS 2 is one of those games that can fill an entire niche on its own. The expansive career mode will eat up the time, quick race will allow for a wide variety of variations and multiplayer is set up to be the perfect destination for the gearhead. Being a realistic racer that's welcoming to the neophyte is an accomplishment in and of itself. To do this on top of the sheer variety of gameplay that this title has is laudable. Project CARS 2 might very well be the best simulation racer on the market.

• PS4
• 4.5 / 5
• États-Unis

NBA 2K18 is once again king of the court, proving why the series has managed to remain so superior in recent years. While not each of the updates to the signature modes prove to be as beneficial as intended, the ones that do work, particularly in MyCareer, are further boosted by rock-solid gameplay and a presentation unrivaled within the genre. The upcoming NBA season may be growing stale in its predictability, but fortunately for gamers, NBA 2K is suffering no such fate, pushing the series forward in new and exciting ways.

• PC
• 4.5 / 5
• États-Unis

SteamWorld Dig 2 is a huge, expansive and utterly fantastic mining/platformer, with a great variety of challenges and plenty of tools to attack them with. Dorothy’s progression from a robo-girl with little more than a pickaxe to her name to a multi-talented hero capable of dominating any challenge the SteamWorld throws at her is perfectly paced, with new tools and abilities coming along just as you’ve gotten used to the old ones. The mines are deep and varied with their scenery and the critters roaming their passages and it puts up a good fight without ever feeling unfair. That doesn’t mean it can’t get brutal at times, as evidenced by the need to clear a particularly tricky cave perfectly to earn one of the more meaningful relics. There’s a fun sense of humor in the writing, both for the characters and item descriptions, making it worthwhile to talk to everyone and check out the relic descriptions. Rusty’s quest back in SteamWorld Dig started out small but never stopped growing, and while he’s mysteriously disappeared, Dorothy’s quest sees the world get bigger and more detailed with a refreshing shot of storytelling continuity. SteamWorld Dig 2 ends at a satisfying point but with a few blatantly dangling plot threads and it’s a testament just how great the game is that I’d cheerfully dive straight into the sequel to see what happens next.

• PS4
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

For a seventeen-year-old game, Final Fantasy IX has aged incredibly well. If you picked up the accessible and easy to run PC version last year, then this probably isn't for you as it’s virtually the same game, just with a couple tweaks to better accommodate the control scheme and additional signage in the pause menu. One aspect that has improved is the better anti-aliasing techniques, which gives those low-poly character models a sharper look. Outside of that, though, this is the same fantastic JRPG with a compelling story and loveable characters from so long ago. You’ve had nearly two decades to play Final Fantasy IX. If you somehow passed up on it for so long, you have no excuse to avoid this JRPG classic now that it’s on PlayStation 4.

• PC
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

• PS4
• 3.5 / 5
• États-Unis

NHL 18 introduces two major modes to its solid array of dated options. The near-revolutionary Expansion Draft takes center stage and needs to be incorporated by other sports games. Hopefully, this won’t be a one-and-done for the series. NHL Threes is a solid change of pace, but ultimately lacks the feel of an excellent arcade experience. Otherwise, balance flaws and lack of innovative gameplay mechanics don’t differentiate between prior years of the game. While it’s still a solid game of hockey, you’ve skated this rink before.

• PS4
• XONE
• PC
• 3.5 / 5
• États-Unis

Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite continues the franchise’s tradition for packing a punch with its depth and replayability, but the lackluster campaign, abysmal secondary modes and middling presentation do little to help justify the full-price tag. Those dedicated to the series and genre will likely be pleased with what the latest entry has to offer, but those outside the bubble would be better off waiting for a bigger roster, and hopefully, updates and additions to the current offerings.

• PC
• PS3
• PS4
• XONE
• X360
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

All in all, the line on the graph that is PES' progression as a series has gone up with Pro Evolution Soccer 2018. A game that might have ran the risk of deterring its loyal fan-base, the improved physicality to player animations and actions only adds another layer to the series' already layered strategy that feels genuinely entertaining to watch as it is to play, regardless of the outcome. But while this year's improvements are at the forefront more than 2017's showing, the return of series-old issues both on and off the pitch prevent this year's iteration from reaching the same champion-level heights the likes of PES 2016 so wonderfully claimed. But it says something when even a fair handful of criticisms do little to detract from the pleasure of the core gameplay. Cliche as it may sound in the context of the sport, but it's what happens on the pitch that matters and PES 2018 proves once again it's the king of football titles.

• PS4
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

NASCAR Heat 2 offers a lot to do for players. It might feel a bit rushed, but it’s extremely addicting and fun. The racing is a consistent experience and Career Mode features aspects that haven’t been seen before. While it may lack the options of true simulation racers, the admirable A.I. should make up for that. Top that off with some excellent visuals and a coupon for a real race ticket, and Heat 2 continues to trend in the right direction.

• SWITCH
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

Calling this the “Definitive Edition” may not be the most apt description. It is a fantastic version of the four-year-old platformer, especially considering you can play it on the go, but there’s little here that’s new or enhanced. The touch screen capabilities were pretty much in the game since its arrival on the Wii U and the Kung Foot update is just a tournament mode. In fact, the game’s load times are actually longer on the Switch, even though they’re still not too bad overall. Still, Rayman Legends holds up as a fantastic platformer even after all of these years, creating a memorable and highly-addictive experience that’s hard to match. The art style is one that fans will remember for along time and the musical missions standout as some of the most engaging stages in any Ubisoft game. There’s an incredible amount of content stuffed into this package, and even though it may not be a revolutionary upgrade, the Switch version feels like the perfect platform for Rayman Legends.

• 3DS
• 4.5 / 5
• États-Unis

For a spin-off that manages to change the core of what makes the mainline series so popular, Monster Hunter Stories does an amazing job becoming a stand-out title for the series. There's loads to be discovered in Stories, with a perfect level of challenge for those who want to take their time or those looking to speed their way to the end-game content. While the story is simplistic and predictable, it still manages to throw in a few twists with plenty of good laughs along the way. Although it may seem most appealing to fans of the long-running series, there is plenty for any player to enjoy on their riding adventure through Monster Hunter Stories.

• PC
• PS4
• SWITCH
• 3.5 / 5
• États-Unis

• PC
• 3.5 / 5
• États-Unis

Darkwood is one of those games where it’s easy to have a mixed opinion on it. The control mechanics leave something to be desired, which is never any more true than in combat. Once we get past that, Darkwood actually gets a lot of things right. The story is shrouded in mystery as bits of the narrative are gradually revealed as the player progresses through the game. The very nature of the game is puzzling, but without any hand holding the player can figure out what needs to be done and this feels rewarding. Tension is built through a constant sense of danger and the unknown, with a visual style and sound direction that contribute to the overall sensation of dread. The end result is a more psychologically-driven sense of fear and not one made by the cheap use of jump scares. The lack of direction and poor combat controls could be enough to keep some from entering Darkwood, but horror fans that are willing to forgive these aspects can find a rewarding and chilling experience within.

• PS4
• 4 / 5
• États-Unis

Lack of local multiplayer notwithstanding, Warriors All-Stars is another worthy entry into the Musou series. This is one for fans who want to get a little silly with it and ones who have an affinity for other Koei Tecmo titles. It provides players with a respectable roster of heroes that don’t belong together to go to town, creating a unique experience under a well-known template. It also provides hours of gameplay, with branching paths and multiple heroes to use. Most importantly, it is rife with opportunities to inspire the Rule 34 crowd. They come aboard and the franchise is set for life.