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- Last reviewFebruary 27, 2019
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Now includes the 4v4 Ghost War PvP mode. In Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands, the Santa Blanca drug cartel has transformed the beautiful country of Bolivia into a perilous narco-state, leading to lawlessness, fear, and rampant violence. With their corrosive influence growing, the cartel is set to bring this entire country to ruin. But all hope is not lost. You and your elite team of Ghosts must infiltrate and destroy the deadly cartel to save Bolivia, and its people, from total collapse. Set in a massive open world, you have total freedom of choice; every decision made affects the world around you. You decide how to play.
Customer Rating
4
Better than Division and maybe future Division 2.
on January 21, 2019
Posted by: Clearlysaneguy
from On planet Earth in Los Angeles
Verified Purchase:Yes
The Division even the upcoming second The Division (should be modeled after this game) by NOT being online required in a open world setting. I mention this in a Wildlands review because Ubisoft doesn't do that bad a job with Tom Clancy games, it is just when online required is involved. Now to the Wildlands review:
First thing I’ll say about the actual gameplay, is that I love it.
I’ve always liked third person games, but tend to prefer first person aiming.
Third person is great for running around, and being able to see where you are in relation to obstacles and hazards. It can be difficult sometimes to determine this in first person games.
First person aiming is better because it’s more like lining up a real sight picture, right down the sights.
Wildlands does exactly this.
I really would’ve preferred to have the ability to jump, rather than climb only, but once you get used to that limitation, it’s not as noticeable.
I found driving vehicles to be very fun, and each different vehicle feels, different. Different acceleration, different speeds, different handling… different. Driving also changes if you’ve got a blown tire, or two, or three, or four.
With updates, the helicopters have become fun to fly now too. The original set up was odd and quirky to figure out. The updated handling is exactly what I’ve come to expect from years of playing games with helicopters in them. Much more intuitive and manageable. And once you figure out how to avoid the SAM sites, it’s no problem. Mostly. You WILL get shot down from time to time.
Motorcycles are great fun, but be aware that if you are going full speed and hit something, you will get thrown off the bike and you will die.
While the vehicles overall feel very real, you can drive a car off of a hundred foot cliff and land with no damage to yourself, and very little to the car. A minor gripe, really.
There are fast travel points, but with as much fun as it is to navigate the landscape, I found myself rarely using them. I may be in the minority with this, but for me, sometimes the journey is as fun as the destination.
The missions have a variety of different goals. From stealth infiltration and kidnapping to outright assault and mayhem.
There are some missions that are repeated (interrogating enemies for intel, as an example) but I don’t feel like it’s any worse than any other typical game.
I found all of the activities to be fun, fitting to the story and setting, and never once felt bored while doing them, even if it was repeatedly.
Part of the reason I think I never got bored, is that you can do missions in a ‘do what you want, when you want, how you want’ kind of way.
Just because you are kidnapping an enemy Lieutenant for the second or third time, doesn’t mean you can’t do it in a different way. Take a truck, stuff him in the trunk of a car, or evac in a helicopter. It’s up to you.
That kind of flexibility is absolutely a blast. Planning the mission is just as big of a part as execution of the mission.
Recon the area and make your own plan on how you think you can best accomplish your goal. Or how you think you’ll enjoy it more.
Snipe people from a distance, distract the enemies with a flare while you sneak in, find a back way in to the compound taking out lights and sticking to the shadows, or charge right in guns-a-blazing.
Disable the alarms and fire as few shots as necessary or let them call in back up to get a proper firefight going. If you aren’t having fun playing this, it’s your own fault, and you just aren’t trying.
The game is not short, but I definitely found myself wanting more, when it was over.
Really more of a sign of how much I enjoyed the game rather than feeling like I wasn’t getting a full experience.
While there isn’t a “New Game +” mode (starting over will reset your accomplishments, skills, and gear) you can replay any completed missions, at any time.
When I wanted to replay the game, I just replayed the missions one after the other, and since there is no ‘correct’ order to completing the different regions the first time through, you can do them in whatever order you please the second or third time as well.
The main reasons FarCry games are fun for me, are the large maps and sandbox type ‘go anywhere, do anything’ style of gameplay, along with the ability to approach missions in a manner of your choosing.
There is a goal, but how you get there, which direction you approach from, etc. are up to you.
The main reasons that Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 was a decent TC shooters was the character and weapon customizing ability and fun gameplay.
I really don’t care much at all about online PvP gameplay. The Division and Rainbow Six: Siege did very little for me, plus story means more to me than online gaming does.
With Wildlands not only do I get full online co-op campaign, but you can have multiple people join the game.
Unlike the FarCry online gameplay, there isn’t a limit to the distance between players. You can be on completely different sides of the map, fast travel independently of one another, and even complete different goals at the same time. Just another way that you can assess the situation and attack the game how you please.
Wildlands took everything I love about R6:V2 and FC games and combined them.
If someone had asked me what I would want from a Ghost Recon game, this is it.
Aside from a few minor gripes, this game is about as perfect of a game as I could’ve expected it to be.
With weekly challenges you get a little more content here and there, and extra rewards just for playing the game.
Even aside from rewards for weekly challenges, I foresee myself playing this game for a very long time to come.
I hope that any future installments emulate and add to the gameplay and style of this spectacular title, and don’t take steps backward.
First thing I’ll say about the actual gameplay, is that I love it.
I’ve always liked third person games, but tend to prefer first person aiming.
Third person is great for running around, and being able to see where you are in relation to obstacles and hazards. It can be difficult sometimes to determine this in first person games.
First person aiming is better because it’s more like lining up a real sight picture, right down the sights.
Wildlands does exactly this.
I really would’ve preferred to have the ability to jump, rather than climb only, but once you get used to that limitation, it’s not as noticeable.
I found driving vehicles to be very fun, and each different vehicle feels, different. Different acceleration, different speeds, different handling… different. Driving also changes if you’ve got a blown tire, or two, or three, or four.
With updates, the helicopters have become fun to fly now too. The original set up was odd and quirky to figure out. The updated handling is exactly what I’ve come to expect from years of playing games with helicopters in them. Much more intuitive and manageable. And once you figure out how to avoid the SAM sites, it’s no problem. Mostly. You WILL get shot down from time to time.
Motorcycles are great fun, but be aware that if you are going full speed and hit something, you will get thrown off the bike and you will die.
While the vehicles overall feel very real, you can drive a car off of a hundred foot cliff and land with no damage to yourself, and very little to the car. A minor gripe, really.
There are fast travel points, but with as much fun as it is to navigate the landscape, I found myself rarely using them. I may be in the minority with this, but for me, sometimes the journey is as fun as the destination.
The missions have a variety of different goals. From stealth infiltration and kidnapping to outright assault and mayhem.
There are some missions that are repeated (interrogating enemies for intel, as an example) but I don’t feel like it’s any worse than any other typical game.
I found all of the activities to be fun, fitting to the story and setting, and never once felt bored while doing them, even if it was repeatedly.
Part of the reason I think I never got bored, is that you can do missions in a ‘do what you want, when you want, how you want’ kind of way.
Just because you are kidnapping an enemy Lieutenant for the second or third time, doesn’t mean you can’t do it in a different way. Take a truck, stuff him in the trunk of a car, or evac in a helicopter. It’s up to you.
That kind of flexibility is absolutely a blast. Planning the mission is just as big of a part as execution of the mission.
Recon the area and make your own plan on how you think you can best accomplish your goal. Or how you think you’ll enjoy it more.
Snipe people from a distance, distract the enemies with a flare while you sneak in, find a back way in to the compound taking out lights and sticking to the shadows, or charge right in guns-a-blazing.
Disable the alarms and fire as few shots as necessary or let them call in back up to get a proper firefight going. If you aren’t having fun playing this, it’s your own fault, and you just aren’t trying.
The game is not short, but I definitely found myself wanting more, when it was over.
Really more of a sign of how much I enjoyed the game rather than feeling like I wasn’t getting a full experience.
While there isn’t a “New Game +” mode (starting over will reset your accomplishments, skills, and gear) you can replay any completed missions, at any time.
When I wanted to replay the game, I just replayed the missions one after the other, and since there is no ‘correct’ order to completing the different regions the first time through, you can do them in whatever order you please the second or third time as well.
The main reasons FarCry games are fun for me, are the large maps and sandbox type ‘go anywhere, do anything’ style of gameplay, along with the ability to approach missions in a manner of your choosing.
There is a goal, but how you get there, which direction you approach from, etc. are up to you.
The main reasons that Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 was a decent TC shooters was the character and weapon customizing ability and fun gameplay.
I really don’t care much at all about online PvP gameplay. The Division and Rainbow Six: Siege did very little for me, plus story means more to me than online gaming does.
With Wildlands not only do I get full online co-op campaign, but you can have multiple people join the game.
Unlike the FarCry online gameplay, there isn’t a limit to the distance between players. You can be on completely different sides of the map, fast travel independently of one another, and even complete different goals at the same time. Just another way that you can assess the situation and attack the game how you please.
Wildlands took everything I love about R6:V2 and FC games and combined them.
If someone had asked me what I would want from a Ghost Recon game, this is it.
Aside from a few minor gripes, this game is about as perfect of a game as I could’ve expected it to be.
With weekly challenges you get a little more content here and there, and extra rewards just for playing the game.
Even aside from rewards for weekly challenges, I foresee myself playing this game for a very long time to come.
I hope that any future installments emulate and add to the gameplay and style of this spectacular title, and don’t take steps backward.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
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Join in the battle to retake Earth from the evil Mechanoid invaders when you play NIER: AUTOMATA for PS4. This exciting RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world combines powerful storytelling and vibrant graphics to create a compelling experience for gamers. With its multiple gameplay styles, NIER: AUTOMATA for PS4 lets you engage in melee battles and firefights.
Customer Rating
5
My personal GOTY for 2017, 18 ,19.....
on January 21, 2019
Posted by: Clearlysaneguy
from On planet Earth in Los Angeles
Verified Purchase:Yes
Back in 2017 I didn't know this game existed was in production or otherwise like as say Final Fantasy XV or Persona 5. I tried the demo January of 2017 on a whim shortly before its official release in February and instantly felt I have to have this game. I own Drakengard and Nier on the Ps2 and Ps3 but Nier Automata(NA) is the JRPG for me that is at the calibur of my personal favorites Lunar 2, Skies of Arcadia, Suikoden 2 and Breath of Fire 3 in being the total package of sight, sound, story, emotion and all out fun.
This is an action game, but unlike any you have ever played. As a NA not only switches from third-person action game (Kingdom Hearts) to top-down shooter (Ikaruga), to Twin Stick shooter (Enter the Gungeon), to Geometry-Based Twin Stick shooter (Geometry Wars), to side-scrolling shooter (Contra), it also switches SEAMLESSLY between them. There's no load screen. The camera simply shifts or fades out and the controls stay the same. Combine that with a soundtrack that also switches seamlessly between 8-bit and orchestral versions, and quiet and dynamic versions (with and without vocals!) to adjust to what is happening, and you have something completely new in games. You have a game that changes the sights and sounds dynamically on-the-fly in tandem so that the visuals and audio are always expressing exactly the same emotion based on what you do. This is similar in concept to the game Rez, where your actions to destroy enemies make different sounds depending on what you do, but that game (while awesome), only performs on rails in 3D, and features one version of a song that you riff off of. Nier's audio/visual experience is a whole other beast entirely.
The first act of this three act (or three play-through, if you will) game ought to make you says "Wow!" quite a few times. I know that I was consistently surprised, shocked, amazed, and delighted in those first 15 hours. Once you get past that tutorial (don't give up! the game is teaching you how to play, I promise!), you are in for a roller-coaster of a ride. You'll have many "What the heck?!" moments followed by some of the most intense boss battles you've ever seen. The structure is, again, like Kingdom Hearts. You head somewhere, a cut-scene kicks in, you have somewhere to go, or something to do, you fight Machines along the way, encounter bosses, get new items, equip them, and unlock new places to go, etc. It's just that this core gameplay is taken to it's adult limit in terms of the unexpected and awesome. You have plugin chips that radically alter how you fight and heal, but they also can take away elements of the UI if removed (or even kill you!), you have many equitable weapons for both close range and long range attacks, and this means if you aren't enjoying the game you need to alter your combat style and equipment to reflect your personal taste and the situation at hand.
Many people who don't like this game complain about it's flawed mechanics/execution. It's open-world, but there's invisible walls where you can't go. Your attacks don't evolve as you level up and the combat is repetitive. The game varies from too easy to too hard. There isn't enough character development. The plot isn't explained obviously enough/doesn't make sense. They don't like replaying the first campaign a second time.
I agree with others who have stated a 10 out of 10 doesn't have to be about perfection of mechanics and execution. It can be about being revolutionary in concept, and in a competent execution of said revolutionary concept. This game is not PERFECT. It has flaws and weaknesses. But it's 4th-wall-shattering revolutionary execution of it's concepts is so groundbreaking that the flaws just don't matter if you get what the game's creator was trying to make you experience.
A lot of people have talked about the music of this game so I'll be brief. Not only is the music amazing but it dynamically changes in response to what you are doing in the game. You need to play the game to understand what I'm talking about but suffice it to say that you need to both play the game and listen to the score on its own to fully appreciate it, because it really is THAT good. Just when you think you're starting to get tired of it and think you'll soon never want to hear it again, it gets stuck in your head.
The first play-through of 15 hours is a shock-and-awe masterpiece of Grade A Action Movie Awesome. It tells a complete story, it's fun, it's fulfilling. But it's pretty obvious by the end that you known NOTHING about what's really going on. The second playthrough introduces a new hacking mechanic which is/can be used so often that many get tired of it. That said, it is certainly interesting, and adds, along with the new cut-scenes, a completely new dimension to the second playthrough. The second playthrough also grants you a new perspective, and has a HUGE revelation to the plot at the end that you probably saw coming a hundred miles away. Even so, it definitely adds to the game.
The third playthrough takes everything you have seen up to this point and dials it up to 11. You gain ANOTHER completely new perspective, everything you known and love is completely destroyed, and you'll likely find yourself yelling at your TV along with the protagonists "WHAT IS GOING ON!?!?!?" It's not as "fun" as the first play-through, and the big shockers are in the plot, not in the gameplay, so in a sense it's not as "good" as the first play-through. That said, it carries the majority of the emotional weight of the game, and let's you play as my favorite character (and it's the second half of the story), so if you want to see the entire story I think it would be absolute madness to give up after beating only the first play-through as 2B.
The overall plot has elements of everything from the Holy Bible, Shakespeare (yes, the themes of his plays are buried in there, and even the character names are references), to The Matrix, Battlestar Galactica, and the anime Akira. The character development is subtle, and if you like your plot points and character development anvil-dropped on your head you may miss the subtleties. A clenched-fist and mysterious quiet musing here echoes across multiple breakthroughs.
ALL of the voice actors who worked on this game deserve accolades. There was ample opportunity to cheese-it-up on this game, but every voice actor in the English dub gave a heartfelt nuanced performance.
This game is the total package.
This is an action game, but unlike any you have ever played. As a NA not only switches from third-person action game (Kingdom Hearts) to top-down shooter (Ikaruga), to Twin Stick shooter (Enter the Gungeon), to Geometry-Based Twin Stick shooter (Geometry Wars), to side-scrolling shooter (Contra), it also switches SEAMLESSLY between them. There's no load screen. The camera simply shifts or fades out and the controls stay the same. Combine that with a soundtrack that also switches seamlessly between 8-bit and orchestral versions, and quiet and dynamic versions (with and without vocals!) to adjust to what is happening, and you have something completely new in games. You have a game that changes the sights and sounds dynamically on-the-fly in tandem so that the visuals and audio are always expressing exactly the same emotion based on what you do. This is similar in concept to the game Rez, where your actions to destroy enemies make different sounds depending on what you do, but that game (while awesome), only performs on rails in 3D, and features one version of a song that you riff off of. Nier's audio/visual experience is a whole other beast entirely.
The first act of this three act (or three play-through, if you will) game ought to make you says "Wow!" quite a few times. I know that I was consistently surprised, shocked, amazed, and delighted in those first 15 hours. Once you get past that tutorial (don't give up! the game is teaching you how to play, I promise!), you are in for a roller-coaster of a ride. You'll have many "What the heck?!" moments followed by some of the most intense boss battles you've ever seen. The structure is, again, like Kingdom Hearts. You head somewhere, a cut-scene kicks in, you have somewhere to go, or something to do, you fight Machines along the way, encounter bosses, get new items, equip them, and unlock new places to go, etc. It's just that this core gameplay is taken to it's adult limit in terms of the unexpected and awesome. You have plugin chips that radically alter how you fight and heal, but they also can take away elements of the UI if removed (or even kill you!), you have many equitable weapons for both close range and long range attacks, and this means if you aren't enjoying the game you need to alter your combat style and equipment to reflect your personal taste and the situation at hand.
Many people who don't like this game complain about it's flawed mechanics/execution. It's open-world, but there's invisible walls where you can't go. Your attacks don't evolve as you level up and the combat is repetitive. The game varies from too easy to too hard. There isn't enough character development. The plot isn't explained obviously enough/doesn't make sense. They don't like replaying the first campaign a second time.
I agree with others who have stated a 10 out of 10 doesn't have to be about perfection of mechanics and execution. It can be about being revolutionary in concept, and in a competent execution of said revolutionary concept. This game is not PERFECT. It has flaws and weaknesses. But it's 4th-wall-shattering revolutionary execution of it's concepts is so groundbreaking that the flaws just don't matter if you get what the game's creator was trying to make you experience.
A lot of people have talked about the music of this game so I'll be brief. Not only is the music amazing but it dynamically changes in response to what you are doing in the game. You need to play the game to understand what I'm talking about but suffice it to say that you need to both play the game and listen to the score on its own to fully appreciate it, because it really is THAT good. Just when you think you're starting to get tired of it and think you'll soon never want to hear it again, it gets stuck in your head.
The first play-through of 15 hours is a shock-and-awe masterpiece of Grade A Action Movie Awesome. It tells a complete story, it's fun, it's fulfilling. But it's pretty obvious by the end that you known NOTHING about what's really going on. The second playthrough introduces a new hacking mechanic which is/can be used so often that many get tired of it. That said, it is certainly interesting, and adds, along with the new cut-scenes, a completely new dimension to the second playthrough. The second playthrough also grants you a new perspective, and has a HUGE revelation to the plot at the end that you probably saw coming a hundred miles away. Even so, it definitely adds to the game.
The third playthrough takes everything you have seen up to this point and dials it up to 11. You gain ANOTHER completely new perspective, everything you known and love is completely destroyed, and you'll likely find yourself yelling at your TV along with the protagonists "WHAT IS GOING ON!?!?!?" It's not as "fun" as the first play-through, and the big shockers are in the plot, not in the gameplay, so in a sense it's not as "good" as the first play-through. That said, it carries the majority of the emotional weight of the game, and let's you play as my favorite character (and it's the second half of the story), so if you want to see the entire story I think it would be absolute madness to give up after beating only the first play-through as 2B.
The overall plot has elements of everything from the Holy Bible, Shakespeare (yes, the themes of his plays are buried in there, and even the character names are references), to The Matrix, Battlestar Galactica, and the anime Akira. The character development is subtle, and if you like your plot points and character development anvil-dropped on your head you may miss the subtleties. A clenched-fist and mysterious quiet musing here echoes across multiple breakthroughs.
ALL of the voice actors who worked on this game deserve accolades. There was ample opportunity to cheese-it-up on this game, but every voice actor in the English dub gave a heartfelt nuanced performance.
This game is the total package.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Play your way through early 20th century London streets as a brand new vampire in Vampyr for PS4. Driven by your need to feed, yet compelled to find a remedy for the city's influenza epidemic, this game's doctor protagonist finds himself conflicted at every turn. Battle vampire hunters, dark forces and shadowy monsters in Vampyr.
Customer Rating
3
Not a bad game worth 3.5 stars.
on January 21, 2019
Posted by: Clearlysaneguy
from On planet Earth in Los Angeles
Verified Purchase:Yes
Things I like: The combat is fun, and special powers were impressive. Enemy variety is kinda standard, but has enough variety to not be completely boring. The whole investigation side of things where you figure out stuff about people and the city is a neat idea, and pretty well implemented. Characters are very well developed, and generally interesting to get to know. Taken all together, the game play is good and the setting feels alive. The idea of wanting to save everyone, but needing to kill people in order to be strong enough to save them in the first place, is well implemented.
Things I don't like: Animations during conversations are stiff, and all the dialogue and voice acting feels like it's pulled straight out of a soap opera. It's... not great. It's especially jarring when conversations are such a major part of the game, and you have to suffer through them because everything around them is honestly really cool. Oh, and the romance arc feels force and rushed, but that's par for the course when it comes to video games anyways.
This game satisfied my RPG fix til Dragon Quest XI came out. If they had more time to develop the graphics or more of a budget, DONTNOD would've rivaled or topped the later entries of the Castlevania PS3 series in my opinion. The story and setting was certainly on point.
Things I don't like: Animations during conversations are stiff, and all the dialogue and voice acting feels like it's pulled straight out of a soap opera. It's... not great. It's especially jarring when conversations are such a major part of the game, and you have to suffer through them because everything around them is honestly really cool. Oh, and the romance arc feels force and rushed, but that's par for the course when it comes to video games anyways.
This game satisfied my RPG fix til Dragon Quest XI came out. If they had more time to develop the graphics or more of a budget, DONTNOD would've rivaled or topped the later entries of the Castlevania PS3 series in my opinion. The story and setting was certainly on point.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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0of 1voted this as helpful.
Find the dragon within when you play Shining Resonance Refrain. This game version is available with preorder purchases, and it comes with a metal slip case. Choose Refrain Mode to enable characters not previously playable, or play as a dragon to use powerful attacks during battles. Shining Resonance Refrain follows the story of Yuma as he seeks to save Astoria Kingdom and restore peace to the land.
Customer Rating
5
NierAutomata, DarkRose and Atelier in one.
on January 21, 2019
Posted by: Clearlysaneguy
from On planet Earth in Los Angeles
Verified Purchase:Yes
This game is probably why I started enjoying games like Nier Automata and Dark Rose Valkyrie. It's a great JRPG, but also it's a very long game (100+ hours with the user generated dungeons) with a good story and character development. It is a bit like the Nier Automata in regards to real time battles, but not as fast or bullet hellish. Dark Rose Valkyrie seemed inspire some the cutscenes and relationship/dating aspects of the game although Shining Resonance came first as I believe. It's a mixed bag that is very fun to play in my opinion. However, you are forced to play the story main character most of the time, especially if you want to use the Shining Dragon. You can't switch characters on the fly like most real time RPGs, but instead have to go to the menu mid battle and select, but still this is a great RPG you just can't pass up. Iv'e spent 60+ hours in the bonus dungeons alone farming the best orbs to boost my stats. In conclusion Shining Resonance Refrain is a good game that has inspired many of my favorite JRPGs in the past five years.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Revisit the original Dreamcast series that launched an action RPG empire with Shenmue I & II for PlayStation 4. An updated user interface provides streamlined gaming experiences, and a choice of modern or classic controls lets you decide how to experience each adventure. Arcade games, duck racing and a host of side activities deliver a break from the game. Shenmue I & II includes faithful recreations of both Hong Kong and Japan for retro-inspired fun.
Customer Rating
3
Precursor to Yakuza series for better and worse.
on January 20, 2019
Posted by: Clearlysaneguy
from On planet Earth in Los Angeles
Verified Purchase:Yes
First, I am a Dreamcast and Shenmue fan. I still own the originals of both. Here's the good and bad of the this updated compilation:
THE GOOD:
Classic tale of revenge. Wastes no time getting you roped into the story. The characters and environments are memorable. The story is engaging and it's easy to get sucked in for hours. The pacing is slow, but I find it as a comforting zen-like experience. I love that I can remote play on my Vita and enjoy it handheld throughout the house. The games don't seem to take too much HD space on my PS4 either, which is nice.
THE BAD:
In regards to the core game itself, the game and flow feels dated. Especially if you grew up on anything newer than PS2 era systems. These are basically just ports of a game engine that was released almost 20 years ago. Keep that in mind when it comes to graphics and textures. The controls pre-date the dual analog stick standard. So expect tank controls with minimal right analog support. The audio samples of the voice overs are not very good and you'll definitely notice it when you first play. The combat is based on old Virtua Fighter mechanics which are not great, but it gets the job done. There's not much combat anyway.
In regards to the re-release efforts, I hit multiple cutscene glitches. During realtime cutscenes, the camera would change to some random static shot while the music and voiceovers play. Sometimes it's a static shot of a lamp or a static shot inches from a blank wall. I hit these bugs in less than an hour of play. I really hope they patch this soon. The main draw of the game is its ability to pull you in. But these cutscene glitches are immersion breaking. It's unfortunate because the original releases felt so polished. I think there's audio problems when running through the streets that was not present in the original. The sound of the foot steps randomly cuts out. I'm surprised they couldn't improve the NPC pop up. The popup may be worse than the original.
THE GOOD:
Classic tale of revenge. Wastes no time getting you roped into the story. The characters and environments are memorable. The story is engaging and it's easy to get sucked in for hours. The pacing is slow, but I find it as a comforting zen-like experience. I love that I can remote play on my Vita and enjoy it handheld throughout the house. The games don't seem to take too much HD space on my PS4 either, which is nice.
THE BAD:
In regards to the core game itself, the game and flow feels dated. Especially if you grew up on anything newer than PS2 era systems. These are basically just ports of a game engine that was released almost 20 years ago. Keep that in mind when it comes to graphics and textures. The controls pre-date the dual analog stick standard. So expect tank controls with minimal right analog support. The audio samples of the voice overs are not very good and you'll definitely notice it when you first play. The combat is based on old Virtua Fighter mechanics which are not great, but it gets the job done. There's not much combat anyway.
In regards to the re-release efforts, I hit multiple cutscene glitches. During realtime cutscenes, the camera would change to some random static shot while the music and voiceovers play. Sometimes it's a static shot of a lamp or a static shot inches from a blank wall. I hit these bugs in less than an hour of play. I really hope they patch this soon. The main draw of the game is its ability to pull you in. But these cutscene glitches are immersion breaking. It's unfortunate because the original releases felt so polished. I think there's audio problems when running through the streets that was not present in the original. The sound of the foot steps randomly cuts out. I'm surprised they couldn't improve the NPC pop up. The popup may be worse than the original.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Fight to save the world in Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age for the PlayStation 4. Explore villages and cities, castles and dungeons, to discover mysteries around every corner, and assemble your team of warriors to engage the enemy. Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age features the riveting manga-style artwork of Akira Toriyama, bringing added excitement and beauty to every quest, mission and battle.
Customer Rating
5
My personal GOTY 2018.
on January 19, 2019
Posted by: Clearlysaneguy
from On planet Earth in Los Angeles
Verified Purchase:Yes
If you harrowing adventure with great humor, character design with great time tested gameplay, buy this game. In my opinion the game surpasses DQ7 and 8. It's so good I have nothing more to write.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Turn strategy into victory with Valkyria Chronicles 4 for Sony PlayStation 4. Elements of turn-based strategy, role-playing and third-person shooter games come together for unique, creative game play, and a compelling narrative drives the story through an expansive, beautiful world. Valkyria Chronicles 4 improves the previous game with new mechanics and elements.
Customer Rating
4
Not as fun as Valkyria Chronicles Rem but good.
on January 19, 2019
Posted by: Clearlysaneguy
from On planet Earth in Los Angeles
Verified Purchase:Yes
To start This game satisfies my need for another Final Fantasy Tatics game although it is not made by Squareenix or even a Final Fantasy Tactics game. A lot of excellent IPs have dissapeared from the 90s and even early 2000s (Lunar, Skies of Arcadia, Vandal Hearts, Suikoden and even Final Fantasy Tactics) so when I look at JRPG/tactics games I look for a bit of nostalgia and a bit of something unique. Valkyria Chronicles series kind of borrows from all the games mentioned but still remains unique. Here are the good and bad.
The good:
-The game still has that great "sketch" look with hand-drawn textures and a subtle filter over the screen.
-Character models are far more detailed and expressive.
-Visual effects are majorly improved. Sandbags fall apart with physics, ragdolls aren't as silly as VC1, snow actually gets pressed down when characters/vehicles move across it, and even some really nice attention to detail such as tank ragnite engines giving off tons of steam during winter missions.
-TONS of new gameplay mechanics: Captains can move with 3 other ppl, APCs, call in special assistance from command, Grenadier units, Elite snipers can now intercept fire, mortar lancers, etc.
-Missions are way more varied and interesting. VC1, as fun as it was, was typically just "kill all enemies/capture all bases/kill boss unit". This game mixes things up quite a bit with more objectives as well as changing objectives multiple times in a mission.
-Squad isn't just randos. In VC1, your squad mates had personalities, but that was about it. They were relegated purely to just being the forces you deployed and didn't exist outside of gameplay. In VC4, not only do your squad mates appear and take part in cutscenes and dialog, but they even all get their own side missions. Doing these side missions gives you a look into the characters as well as gets rid of some of their negative Potentials with positive ones (ex- being around tanks lowers AP changes to being around tanks increases defense).
-TONS of new customization options. You can now equip accessories, there are more branching paths in R&D so you can tweak individual squadmates (ex- make one shocktrooper have high defense and high attack w/ poor accuracy so their playstyle is now running face-first into gunfire to decimate enemies from up close). You can also tweak your tank's emblem for different stat boosts.
The bad:
-Enemy AI still isn't very great. They still have a bad habit to run directly in front of your troops or even run past them while getting shot before finally stopping to shoot back. This might be different in harder difficulties, I haven't tried yet.
-Some dialog and cutscene transitions are a little weird and animation can be stilted at times. Doesn't really ruin anything, but it does make some of the viznovel style scenes a little janky.
-Some crazy difficulty spikes. There's a point pretty far into the game, I think around chapter 12 where the difficulty SKYROCKETS. I'm talking rarely having any of my troops get downed to suddenly having half my troops getting gun downed in a single turn. Probably also doesn't help that this mission also introduces an enemy ability to essentially undo your entire previous turn.
-Some weird hitboxes/collisions. It doesn't happen often, but there were a couple times where I had a clear line of sight to an enemy only to have the bullet hit the collision of a wall/rubble that extended way too far off the 3d model. Only happened maybe 2 times, but it was frustrating nonetheless.
Overall, this game is fantastic and exactly what I wanted out of a series that I've been waiting to get more of for an entire decade. I would 100% recommend this to anyone who loves tactical RPGs (Vandal Hearts, FF Tactics, etc), if you enjoyed the first game, or even if you're a newcomer (this game takes place during the first game so you can play this without knowing anything about the previous ones.
The good:
-The game still has that great "sketch" look with hand-drawn textures and a subtle filter over the screen.
-Character models are far more detailed and expressive.
-Visual effects are majorly improved. Sandbags fall apart with physics, ragdolls aren't as silly as VC1, snow actually gets pressed down when characters/vehicles move across it, and even some really nice attention to detail such as tank ragnite engines giving off tons of steam during winter missions.
-TONS of new gameplay mechanics: Captains can move with 3 other ppl, APCs, call in special assistance from command, Grenadier units, Elite snipers can now intercept fire, mortar lancers, etc.
-Missions are way more varied and interesting. VC1, as fun as it was, was typically just "kill all enemies/capture all bases/kill boss unit". This game mixes things up quite a bit with more objectives as well as changing objectives multiple times in a mission.
-Squad isn't just randos. In VC1, your squad mates had personalities, but that was about it. They were relegated purely to just being the forces you deployed and didn't exist outside of gameplay. In VC4, not only do your squad mates appear and take part in cutscenes and dialog, but they even all get their own side missions. Doing these side missions gives you a look into the characters as well as gets rid of some of their negative Potentials with positive ones (ex- being around tanks lowers AP changes to being around tanks increases defense).
-TONS of new customization options. You can now equip accessories, there are more branching paths in R&D so you can tweak individual squadmates (ex- make one shocktrooper have high defense and high attack w/ poor accuracy so their playstyle is now running face-first into gunfire to decimate enemies from up close). You can also tweak your tank's emblem for different stat boosts.
The bad:
-Enemy AI still isn't very great. They still have a bad habit to run directly in front of your troops or even run past them while getting shot before finally stopping to shoot back. This might be different in harder difficulties, I haven't tried yet.
-Some dialog and cutscene transitions are a little weird and animation can be stilted at times. Doesn't really ruin anything, but it does make some of the viznovel style scenes a little janky.
-Some crazy difficulty spikes. There's a point pretty far into the game, I think around chapter 12 where the difficulty SKYROCKETS. I'm talking rarely having any of my troops get downed to suddenly having half my troops getting gun downed in a single turn. Probably also doesn't help that this mission also introduces an enemy ability to essentially undo your entire previous turn.
-Some weird hitboxes/collisions. It doesn't happen often, but there were a couple times where I had a clear line of sight to an enemy only to have the bullet hit the collision of a wall/rubble that extended way too far off the 3d model. Only happened maybe 2 times, but it was frustrating nonetheless.
Overall, this game is fantastic and exactly what I wanted out of a series that I've been waiting to get more of for an entire decade. I would 100% recommend this to anyone who loves tactical RPGs (Vandal Hearts, FF Tactics, etc), if you enjoyed the first game, or even if you're a newcomer (this game takes place during the first game so you can play this without knowing anything about the previous ones.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Play an updated version of a favorite fame with Okami for PlayStation 4, which features the dazzling imagery of sumi-e ink printing in crystal clarity. Take on the role of Amaterasu, the Japanese sun goddess, and fight to save humanity. Use unique combat styles and weaponry in Okami to vanquish the enemy and advance in the game.
Customer Rating
5
Too bad Capcom didn't keep the studio.
on January 19, 2019
Posted by: Clearlysaneguy
from On planet Earth in Los Angeles
Verified Purchase:Yes
Love this game. The storyline, theme, artwork, gameplay, characters and music is all very captivating. I haven’t been immersed in the game in quite some time. Even though the game is 13 years old, it still holds up. Much like Mega Man Legends there probably won't be a sequel/ prequel since Capcom disbanded the studio. It is truly a fun experience anyhow and Best Buy has it at a great price.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Swing into action with this Marvel Spider-Man game for the PlayStation 4. This Insomniac offering lets you take crime fighting to all of Manhattan via third-person action, including plenty of iconic web-slinging, parkour moves and combat opportunities. A brand new story line satisfies hardcore fans and newcomers in this Marvel Spider-Man game.
Customer Rating
5
Like Arkham Knight but so much better!
on January 19, 2019
Posted by: Clearlysaneguy
from On planet Earth in Los Angeles
Verified Purchase:Yes
I absolutely love the game, it's by far the best Spiderman game to date. Any popular Marvel character game should have Insomniac Games develop it. Spiderman has so much detail, humor with great story progression/pacing. Like Arkham Knight but better!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Spyro's back and he's all scaled up! The original roast master is back. Same sick burns, same smoldering attitude, now all scaled up in stunning HD. Spyro is bringing the heat like never before in the Spyro Reignited Trilogy game collection. Rekindle the fire with the original three games, Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! and Spyro: Year of the Dragon. Explore the expansive realms, re-encounter the fiery personalities and relive the adventure in fully remastered glory. Because when there's a realm that needs saving, there's only one dragon to call.
Customer Rating
3
Great to see my favorite Spyro 2 updated.
on January 19, 2019
Posted by: Clearlysaneguy
from On planet Earth in Los Angeles
Verified Purchase:Yes
I have all the originals from the PS1 era so I'm making a reviewed based on past to present.
Spyro reignited trilogy would have easily earned a five star rating. Let's start with the positive:
First,it's Spyro! The gameplay is as fun and addictive as you remember on the PS1. There have also been some added bonuses and levels that were not in the original title. In fact, gaining entry into the first one nets you an easy trophy! Even though old school gamers don't need a reason to pick up this title and play all over again, it's a fun little bonus.
There is now a hintbook in game that acts as a "checklist" for all the goals that need to be accomplished and all the items that need to be collected. A mini map feature has also been added that can be turned on or off at anytime. All of these additions make the game a little better in my opinion, as I remember getting "lost" at certain points in the original. So the issue of "where do I need to backtrack to?" isn't present.
The camera flows much more smoothly now and doesn't get "stuck" against certain objects. The overall controls have been improved and don't feel as clunky as they did on the original. Jumping and gliding to different areas to collect that one last chest or gem isn't as trial and error as it used to be.
The graphics are very beautiful and fluid. This really impressed me during the first few minute of playing the game. There are now more detailed versions of the dragons that you set free. For instance in the opening artisan level, one dragon holds a lute and wears a renaissance hat while another has a paintbrush while sporting an apron.
Now unfortunately comes the negative and why I need to dock two stars. This isn't the fault of the game itself, but rather the publisher. The Spyro trilogy release date was pushed further back only to put "some of the levels" of 2 and 3 on disc. The rest must be downloaded online. There is no excuse for this. I would have waited a year to get ALL of the content from ALL three games on disc.
This was a very lazy, half-truth deception. I do not pay for digital ghost copies of games. That has zero trade in value. I am not a millennial and am not going to start throwing down money for a game that I will not really own. When the PS4 is dead and the PS5 is out, I'll just no longer be able to play the remake of Spyro 2 and 3 as it's not on disc and no longer available online? After all Sony has offered up so many digital PS2 titles on PS4.I will not support this practice and encourage companies to continue this type of greed.
This could have been prevented and easily made into a five star game as having all three Spyro remakes on one disc would have been amazing. If something is going to take up 55GB of my space the full game should be on the disc. Crash didn't get this kind of treatment, neither should Spyro.
Spyro reignited trilogy would have easily earned a five star rating. Let's start with the positive:
First,it's Spyro! The gameplay is as fun and addictive as you remember on the PS1. There have also been some added bonuses and levels that were not in the original title. In fact, gaining entry into the first one nets you an easy trophy! Even though old school gamers don't need a reason to pick up this title and play all over again, it's a fun little bonus.
There is now a hintbook in game that acts as a "checklist" for all the goals that need to be accomplished and all the items that need to be collected. A mini map feature has also been added that can be turned on or off at anytime. All of these additions make the game a little better in my opinion, as I remember getting "lost" at certain points in the original. So the issue of "where do I need to backtrack to?" isn't present.
The camera flows much more smoothly now and doesn't get "stuck" against certain objects. The overall controls have been improved and don't feel as clunky as they did on the original. Jumping and gliding to different areas to collect that one last chest or gem isn't as trial and error as it used to be.
The graphics are very beautiful and fluid. This really impressed me during the first few minute of playing the game. There are now more detailed versions of the dragons that you set free. For instance in the opening artisan level, one dragon holds a lute and wears a renaissance hat while another has a paintbrush while sporting an apron.
Now unfortunately comes the negative and why I need to dock two stars. This isn't the fault of the game itself, but rather the publisher. The Spyro trilogy release date was pushed further back only to put "some of the levels" of 2 and 3 on disc. The rest must be downloaded online. There is no excuse for this. I would have waited a year to get ALL of the content from ALL three games on disc.
This was a very lazy, half-truth deception. I do not pay for digital ghost copies of games. That has zero trade in value. I am not a millennial and am not going to start throwing down money for a game that I will not really own. When the PS4 is dead and the PS5 is out, I'll just no longer be able to play the remake of Spyro 2 and 3 as it's not on disc and no longer available online? After all Sony has offered up so many digital PS2 titles on PS4.I will not support this practice and encourage companies to continue this type of greed.
This could have been prevented and easily made into a five star game as having all three Spyro remakes on one disc would have been amazing. If something is going to take up 55GB of my space the full game should be on the disc. Crash didn't get this kind of treatment, neither should Spyro.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
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