Tech-Gaming

• SWITCH
• 69%
• États-Unis

• PC
• 75%
• États-Unis

hese kinds of elements demonstrate an affluence of imagination within the staff at Implausible Industries. Many of the ideas and much of the execution conveys an invigorating sense of creativity. Perhaps that will be enough to counterbalance the feeling of being repeatedly subjugated by the Supernatural across the game’s dozen territories. Maybe it’s a case of digital Stockholm Syndrome, but I keep returning to the game, eager for more abuse.

• SWITCH
• 78%
• États-Unis

• PS3
• 89%
• États-Unis

• 3DS
• 86%
• États-Unis

• SWITCH
• 3.4 / 5
• États-Unis

If you can get past that hindrance, then Defend the Rook can offer enjoyment. Unlike most turn-based, gridded battlers, it runs at a quick pace. From supplemental damage dished out by towers to a restrained number of adventurers to manage, Rook keeps things moving at a rollicking rate. While the fight waves of foes can get repetitive even with the random perks, there are a few unlockable characters and modifiers that attempt to maintain interest. Yet, if any of this interests you, I’d have to recommended the mouse-based control scheme and larger screen of the Steam version over the Switch version.

• PC
• 77%
• États-Unis

B.I.O.T.A. recalls a time when games were tough but fair. It was an era when cheat codes allowed for progress, even for those without the patience for mastery. If you miss that approach, B.I.O.T.A. can chaperon you to bygone days.

• XONE
• 88%
• États-Unis

• SWITCH
• 93%
• États-Unis

Upraised by a prodigious score from Hitoshi Sakimoto (Final Fantasy Tactics, Radiant Silvergun, Vagrant Story), 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is undeniably one of the most ambitious offers to arrive on Switch. Narratively, the title’s entwining of plot strands and inspired world building is unrivaled. What’s more, the game adeptly leaps from heartfelt confession to giant science fiction reveal with staggering suppleness. While Vanillaware could have easily iterated on their previous successes, the team’s willingness to venture out in an audacious new direction was praiseworthy. 13 Sentinels’ aim is high, but amazingly the studio pulls it off with nary a hitch.

• XSX/S
• 89%
• États-Unis

• SWITCH
• 75%
• États-Unis

• SWITCH
• 77%
• États-Unis

• PS4
• 83%
• États-Unis

• SWITCH
• 83%
• États-Unis

• SWITCH
• 78%
• États-Unis

Narratively, Crystar tackles concepts typically shunned as too sophisticated for gaming and should be commended for its exploration of emotionality. But the gameplay that supports this storytelling isn’t as sophisticated, which is a bit saddening.

• SWITCH
• 82%
• États-Unis

Andro Dunos 2 is the real deal; looking, sounding, and playing like a long-lost Neo Geo MVS title. Hopefully, this means that a sequel to Aicom/Yumekobo Pulstar is a possibility.

• SWITCH
• 73%
• États-Unis

• PS5
• 80%
• États-Unis

Relayer’s Japanese dialog is adept, employing the talents of both notable and emerging voice actors. And while publisher Clouded Leopard should be commended for a global release, the English dubbing is rather lackluster. Not only is there a notable discrepancy in audio quality but direction can be off, with actors sporadically emphasizing the wrong word. Oddly, the post-game content lacks any voice acting, which is jarring after expectations have been set. Fortunately, the game’s text has been editing since the release of the demo, minimizing the number of grammar blunders and inconsistent capitalizations. Despite a few blemishes in the variability of combat and in the game’s storytelling, Relayer comes recommended. The two core components, visual novel-style exposition and turn-based battles feed into each other quite adeptly. While it’s habitually engaging to watch giant robots duke it out, Relayer never forgets about the ambitions of each individual inside the suit. It’s a better game for it.