Casey Scheld Reviews Archives - GamersHeroes https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/casey-scheld-reviews/ Short and accurate game guides designed to save you time and effort. Honest Game Reviews, Breaking News, & More Sat, 03 Aug 2024 17:30:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://www.gamersheroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/cropped-Gamers-Heroes-Site-Icon-32x32.jpg Casey Scheld Reviews Archives - GamersHeroes https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/casey-scheld-reviews/ 32 32 The Star Named EOS Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/the-star-named-eos-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/the-star-named-eos-review/#respond Sat, 03 Aug 2024 17:29:25 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=144300 The Star Named EOS’ world building is at the top of its class, turning the genre on its head with camera in hand.

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For those with an affinity for rich storytelling, in-depth puzzles, or are just an old-fashioned shutterbug, Silver Lining Studio and PLAYISM’s The Star Named EOS looks to deliver on all these elements in spades. Should players follow the stars, or should the past stay buried?

The Star Named EOS Review


Following the story of Dei, things kick off with a letter and a photo from his adventurous mother. Getting a camera as a birthday present, this photography protégé sets out to take a number of pictures of his own.

Players immerse themselves in its story across different vantage points. The Star Named EOS brings players through a number of different chapters, transporting them to train carriages, lakeside campsites, café’s and other areas.

It’s a slow burn, but The Star Named EOS prides itself on its world building as players get a chance to know Dei and his mother through its approximately two hour tale.

Players are not given the whole story in The Star Named EOS, gradually piecing the overarching story and its intricacies as things progress – sometimes literally. However, The Star Named EOS is a journey well worth taking.

To aid in its immersion, The Star Named EOS gives players free rein over their camera. Players can take pictures of whatever they’d like, but there are a number of points of interest that can be added to Dei’s scrapbook. 

This is a huge plus, as it gives players the chance to appreciate the beauty that can be found in the smaller details of each area. Some pictures are done to move the plot forward and need to be staged just right, but some of The Star Named EOS’ best segments are when players truly live in the here and now.

Puzzle boxes, Morse code segments, and suitcase shenanigans alike also make sure players never get bored. Those that successfully complete each one are then able to unlock an inventory item or other point of interest for players to wrap their head around next. 

There’s a great flow when it comes to The Star Named EOS’ puzzles, and these brain-teasers entertain without overstaying their welcome – even if some require multiple steps and a dash of math.

Rounding things out is a fantastic presentation that blends animation with detailed environments. Paired with its excellent voice work, and you’ve got a polished presentation that leaves a lasting impression.

The Star Named EOS’ world building is at the top of its class, turning the genre on its head with camera in hand. For those willing to piece things together and live in the moment, this title’s mystery – and its many puzzles – are just waiting to be explored.

The Star Named EOS Review

Reviewed On: PC
Release Date: July 23, 2024
MSRP: $14.99
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Developer: Silver Lining Studio
Publisher: PLAYISM
Alternative Reviews: God is a Geek, Nintendo Life, TechRaptor
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

Review Policy | Scoring Policy | Meet the Reviewer

Anger Foot Review

Anger Foot’s fast and frantic pace is just what the podiatrist ordered. Though its bite-sized levels and twitchy gameplay aren’t for everyone, those who like to go on the offensive and nail the perfect run will enjoy stepping foot in this new territory.

Continue Reading Anger Foot Review

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Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/nintendo-world-championships-nes-edition-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/nintendo-world-championships-nes-edition-review/#respond Wed, 31 Jul 2024 17:32:31 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=144226 Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition gives a number of Nintendo classics a new lease on life, but the overall package is a bit light on content.

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Envious millennials, rejoice; the long-running Nintendo World Championships are now open to all with the release of Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition. Featuring more than 150 challenges across 13 titles, is this game rad or bad?

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review


Inspired by the international competitions held by Nintnedo between the late ’80s and early ’90s (what a glorious time!), Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition lets players experience the championships of this bygone era in a convenient package on more modern hardware.

Nintendo fans might have played through the likes of such Nintendo Entertainment Classics like Super Mario Bros. and the Legend of Zelda countless times before, but Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition turns these time-honored classics on their head.

For instance, in its Speedrun Mode, players will be tasked with becoming a speed run master by taking on challenges AQAP (as quick as possible), netting clear times, coins that unlock additional challenges, and those oh-so-important bragging rights.

How does this play out? Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition reaching Goal Posts, defeating Bosses, and even taking on an Octorok Onslaught. For those who have been there and gotten the Triforce, there’s also Master Challenges to be cleared.

These are all rudimentary tasks, but the chance to get a high letter grade (including the coveted – and shiny! – S Rank) and hit a Personal Best is a thrilling feeling that had us attempting even the most rudimentary of challenges multiple times. 

It’s just a shame that Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition doesn’t take this concept far enough. Titles like Kid Icarus and Ice Climber weren’t designed to be multi-hour epics, but at the same time the challenges feel a lot smaller in scope.

As a result, it can be far too easy to see everything that Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition has to offer sooner rather than later – especially when considering the small cut of titles it has chosen to pull from compared to the massive Nintendo Entertainment System library.

To be fair, there’s some other content in Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition to keep players going. The titular World Championships lets players test their skills against others from around the world, with certain competitions popping up in a set period of time.

The heat is also on with Nintendo World Championships: NES Editions’ Survival Mode, which has players taking on an elimination match against ghost data worldwide. This is nothing that will have players clocking in hundreds of hours, but it is still welcome nonetheless.

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition gives a number of Nintendo classics a new lease on life, but the overall package is a bit light on content. Those who live and breathe the Big N will enjoy this new take on the classics, but there’s not enough for more casual fans to enter the competition.

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Review

Reviewed On: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: July 18, 2024
MSRP: $29.99
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Alternative Reviews: Hardcore Gamer, Pocket-Lint, Trusted Reviews
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

Review Policy | Scoring Policy | Meet the Reviewer

Anger Foot Review

Anger Foot’s fast and frantic pace is just what the podiatrist ordered. Though its bite-sized levels and twitchy gameplay aren’t for everyone, those who like to go on the offensive and nail the perfect run will enjoy stepping foot in this new territory.

Continue Reading Anger Foot Review

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SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/snk-vs-capcom-svc-chaos-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/snk-vs-capcom-svc-chaos-review/#respond Wed, 24 Jul 2024 16:04:26 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=144054 SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos might not be the match of the millennium, but it still promises a good time. The team at Code Mystics has set out to make sure this crossover is the definitive version of the title. 

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The wizards at Code Mystics have worked their magic on the release of SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos, a crossover featuring two fighting game powerhouse greats. A title with roots in the Neo-Geo, is this crossover worthy of a trip to the Nude Place? 

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos Review


Originally released by Playmore back in 2003, SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos takes design from The King of Fighters series of fighters, rather than the Street Fighter-oriented roots of the Capcom vs. SNK series.

The end result is something that is a bit more niche. SNK vs. Capcom will feel right at home for those rockin’ the big red arcade cabinet after all these years, but the stiffness of the inputs, steep learning curve, and even four button setup admittedly take some getting used to.

None of these factors are inherently bad, but they do require a change of pace; this is doubly so when reflected with its 36 character roster. Series vets Ken (and Violent Ken) and Ryu and present and accounted for, but SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos features left-field pics like Metal Slug’s Mars People and Ghouls ‘n Ghosts Red Arremer.

This title also features a unique twist in the form of its Groove Power Gauge. Similar to the meter found in titles like Capcom’s Street Fighter Alpha series (naturally), this system also allows players to perform special maneuvers like Guard Cancels.

It’s nothing to the level of Garou: Mark of the Wolves’ Just Defend, but it does keep things interesting.

Despite these factors, Code Mystics did incredible work to make sure this version of SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos is in its best form.

For those looking to adjust its display options, one can change scanlines, resolution, enable VSync, and even trigger a flicker filter. There’s also Leaderboards that support best times, total wins, and character wins, alongside a gallery with art from legends like Falcoon and Shinkiro – a nice touch.

Perhaps the greatest addition to this title is its online play with rollback netcode. Players can choose to wait for the next battle with its one player mode, or can alternatively practice – a godsend for those looking to sharpen their skills.

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos might not be the match of the millennium, but it still promises a good time. The team at Code Mystics has set out to make sure this crossover is the definitive version of the title. 

SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos Review

Reviewed On: PC
Release Date: July 20, 2024
MSRP: $19.99
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC
Developer: Code Mystics
Publisher: SNK Corporation

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Anger Foot Review

Anger Foot’s fast and frantic pace is just what the podiatrist ordered. Though its bite-sized levels and twitchy gameplay aren’t for everyone, those who like to go on the offensive and nail the perfect run will enjoy stepping foot in this new territory.

Continue Reading Anger Foot Review

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Anger Foot Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/anger-foot-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/anger-foot-review/#respond Mon, 15 Jul 2024 22:34:53 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=143910 Anger Foot’s fast and frantic pace is just what the podiatrist ordered. Though its bite-sized levels and twitchy gameplay aren’t for everyone, those who like to go on the offensive and nail the perfect run will enjoy stepping foot in this new territory.

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The appropriately titled Shit City meets feet of fury with the release of Free Lives and Devolver Digital’s first person “kicker” Anger Foot. Should players kick the tires and light the fires, or does this title have its foot in its mouth?  

Either way, expect plenty of puns.

Anger Foot Review


After copping – and subsequently losing – their new Preemo sneakers, players will be thrown into a world where crime is the law by the four biggest gangs: The Violence Gang, The Pollution Gang, The Business Gang, and The Debauchery Gang.

Enter a hunt for players to go hunt them down – kicking down anyone and everyone who stands in their way. Of course, there are guns and other weaponry, but sometimes a good ol’ fashioned foot to the face (or door) is just what the podiatrist ordered.

Anger Foot lives up to its name by throwing players into a world where first person shooting is swapped out with first person kicking. It manages to make the whole endeavor feel fresh, with speed and action being the name of the game. No knee-high walls here; players need to constantly be on the move if they don’t want to start from the top.

On that note, an always ticking clock and a ranking system that rewards players factors into play, channeling players to be efficient and accurate in equal measures. 

One must make sure they are kicking first and asking questions later – it’s a foot forward approach we instantly fell in love with. Of course, the aforementioned weapons will also give players an immense feeling of power – including our favorite, the railgun.

If anything, this manic approach is factored into Anger Foot’s overall fabric. Long, sweeping levels are far too plodding; rather, short stages that run a few minutes and reward players for taking everyone down with a headshot are much more its speed.

While Anger Foot’s pace (and thumping soundtrack) will keep players on their toes, the overall presentation tends to blend together throughout its short length. Explosive elements, riot shields, and boss fights with exotic threats like the 1997 Lucida all pop up, but most levels follow the same multiroom – or multi-sewer – structure.

These stages were meant to be played multiple times for better stars and times, which is designed for those who grew up with the skill-based gameplay from the arcade days. Players can also choose the right Anger Shoes for the job, too, bringing a new perk to spice up each run.

Anger Foot’s fast and frantic pace is just what the podiatrist ordered. Though its bite-sized levels and twitchy gameplay aren’t for everyone, those who like to go on the offensive and nail the perfect run will enjoy stepping foot in this new territory.

Anger Foot Review

Reviewed On: PC
Release Date: July 11, 2024
MSRP: $29.99
Platforms: PC
Developer: Free Lives
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Alternative Reviews: Digital Chumps, Press-Start, Try Hard Guides
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

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Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/rocket-knight-adventures-re-sparked-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/rocket-knight-adventures-re-sparked-review/#respond Mon, 15 Jul 2024 14:59:18 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=143892 Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked features platforming greats that are absolute must-plays, but the overall package is bare bones. It’s great to see Sparkster and his jetpack make a return, but this awesome opossum deserves so much more.

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16-bit platforming, jetpacks, and awesome opossums are back once more with the release of Limited Run Games and Konami’s Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked. Featuring three titles from days gone by, does this collection light a spark?

Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked Review


Platforming giants Sonic and Mario dominated the 16-bit landscape when Sparkster and his Rocket Knight Adventures first hit the scene, but just because he never took center stage doesn’t mean he should exit stage left.

Kicking things off with Rocket Knight Adventure, players wield a chargeable energy sword and jetpack (cool tools of the trade, to be sure) to take on the evil Devotindos Empire. Boss fights, shoot-em-up sections, and even robotic mech duels make sure this title leaves a lasting impression – the impressive spritework and soulful musical source are no slouch either.

Sparkster: Rocket Knight Adventures 2 follows similar beats, pitting Sparkster (and his sword and jetpack combo) against King Gedol in an attempt to save Princess Cherry. 

Gameplay mechanics are as sound as ever, though the slot machine after collecting gems is a mixed blessing. Nevertheless, Sparkster: Rocket Knight Adventures 2 is well worth a playthrough for platforming fans.

Finally, a second Sparkster title is included, though it was a completely different title that was released for the SNES. Players will know the drill, with more high-flying and sword-faring action platforming fans will love. Just be warned that players will need to bring their A-game to see the true ending on higher difficulty settings.

While Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked packs three absolutely killer platforming adventures, the rest of the package is a bit light on content. Features like filters, eight different borders, screen size adjustments, and a rewind feature are par for the course, but emulators like RetroArch have been doing that for years.

To sweeten the pot, Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked features a Boss Rush mode for each title, a Music Player, and a Museum.

The first two don’t have too much flair to them; Boss Rush says what it is on the tin, while the Music Player doesn’t have too much functionality outside playing the tracks themselves. 

Even the Museum Mode of Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked is more of a gift shop. While it’s great to see magazine ads, box art, internal design documents, manuals from different regions, it’s not taken far enough.

Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked features platforming greats that are absolute must-plays, but the overall package is bare bones. It’s great to see Sparkster and his jetpack make a return, but this awesome opossum deserves so much more.

Rocket Knight Adventures: Re-Sparked Review

Reviewed On: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: June 11, 2024
MSRP: $29.99
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC
Developer: Limited Run Games
Publisher: Konami
Alternative Reviews: Nintendo World Report, Destructoid, TouchArcade
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

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Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/luigis-mansion-2-hd-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/luigis-mansion-2-hd-review/#respond Wed, 10 Jul 2024 16:47:51 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=143813 Luigi's Mansion 2 HD is well worth a play for those looking for sheer charm and puzzling adventures in equal measure; just don’t expect too many new twists and turns as you bust ghosts in the moonlight.

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The Dark Moon takes the limelight once again with the release of Tantalus Media and Nintendo’s Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, a release with roots that can be traced back to the Nintendo 3DS. Should players grab their Poltergust 5000, or does this title simply suck?

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review


Things go sideways right from the offset, with the ghosts of Professor E. Gadd’s world changing from pacifist to terrorist after the Dark Moon was shattered. Making a swift retreat to his bunker, Professor E. Gadd enlists the help of his good pal Luigi to get the pieces of the Dark Moon back together – and collect some goodies like gems along the way.

Thankfully, Luigi has the right tools for the job. For those who have yet to bust ghosts in the Luigi’s Mansion series, this tall hero differs from his brother’s outings by having players utilize the Poltergust 5000 to suck up ghosts – and anything else of interest.

As a result, Luigi’s Mansion 2 prides itself on exploration. As Luigi utilizes the Dual Scream (heh) device, Dark-Light Device, and Strobulb, they’ll scour each area in the hunt for items, ghosts, and more. Each item keeps things fresh without overwhelming players with too many options.

On that note, think of Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD as puzzle-based gameplay rather than the more traditional pixel-perfect platforming of Mario’s outings. No need to be scared, though; wrangling ghosts in Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is easily a highlight. 

Originally made for the Nintendo 3DS, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD’s world of Evershade Valley gradually unlocks new areas over time. Haunted Towers, Old Clockworks, Manors, and more all await, each culminating in a bout with a possessor that contains a bit of the Dark Moon you so rightly seek. 

While it is nice that the title breaks each area down into bite-sized chunks (complete with a ranking system!), don’t expect each area to be too overly in-depth.

The same goes with the overall presentation of Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD. While it certainly lives up to its HD moniker with a higher resolution, the graphics noticeably show their age compared to his brother Mario’s adventures. 

One thing worth noting though is that the multiplayer ScareScraper mode manages to make the formula work well with others. Broken down into Hunter, Polterpup, and Rush, these different modes serve as a nice break from the game proper. They’re not overly in-depth, but they are still welcome nonetheless – and with online support to boot.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is well worth a play for those looking for sheer charm and puzzling adventures in equal measure; just don’t expect too many new twists and turns as you bust ghosts in the moonlight.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review

Reviewed On: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: June 27, 2024
MSRP: $59.99
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Tantalus Media
Publisher: Nintendo
Alternative Reviews: Shacknews, Pocket Tactics, Irish Independent
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

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Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/super-monkey-ball-banana-rumble-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/super-monkey-ball-banana-rumble-review/#respond Sun, 07 Jul 2024 17:21:50 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=143703 Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble sticks to its roots a little too closely, with its multiplayer mode coming off as more of a bonus than the main attraction.

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After monkeying around in different remakes, AiAi and co. are rolling around at the speed of sound with SEGA’s Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble. A new move, friend, and mission await – should players go for the goal?

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble Review


The world of Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble (not to be confused with Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania) will transport players to Juicy Island. Scuttlebutt says there’s a hidden Legendary Banana treasure just waiting to be discovered after collecting seven OOPArts.

Enter newcomer Palette, who also is hunting for said Legendary Banana to find her long-lost pops. Not one for lounging around, she teaches the old guard how to Spin Dash, hitting a wealth of different stages with the bunch in the hunt for points, golden bananas, and absolute glory.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble is more or less the same as previous entries, albeit with a hefty amount more polish. Players will still be navigating stages across Golden Temples, Rose Gardens, Neon Arenas, and other fantastical worlds set above periless bottomless pits. 

However, the camera can be adjusted, the presentation has been kicked up a few notches, and the aforementioned Spin Dash adds a bit of pep to the monkey’s step by acting as a glorified slingshot (think Sonic the Hedgehog). There’s even some couch co-op action for players to dive into!

This is all welcome, but Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble’s single player mode sticks to its roots a little too closely. Gimmicks featuring switches and launch pads, along with shops, certainly add a bit of flair, but this title doesn’t reinvent the (monkey) ball.

The single player mode of Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble is a bit on the short side, clocking in at approximately two hours. Rather, the biggest change to Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble is the banana rumble itself, with 16 player multiplayer across five different modes.

These follow the same tried-and-true gameplay of the series. Goal Rush has players earning points by rolling through goals, while the aptly named Ba-Boom! channels the best Mario Kart battles with explosive bombs.

While these Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble modes are nice, they play second fiddle to its single player top banana. We felt like they’re the equivalent of the minigames from previous entries; a pleasant surprise, but nothing worth going bananas over.

If anything, that’s Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble’s greatest weakness; its lack of content. This is a partial release priced at something far more. Those who don’t mind going through the same trials multiple times will enjoy its arcade-based challenges, but it is a bit light overall.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble sticks to its roots a little too closely, with its multiplayer mode coming off as more of a bonus than the main attraction. Those that don’t mind the same old song and monkey dance will have fun, but don’t expect anything revolutionary.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble Review

Reviewed On: Nintendo Switch
Release Date: June 25, 2024
MSRP: $49.99
Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Developer: SEGA
Publisher: SEGA
Alternative Reviews: COGconnected, Checkpoint Gaming, Hey Poor Player
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

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SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/spyxanya-operation-memories-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/spyxanya-operation-memories-review/#respond Tue, 02 Jul 2024 19:52:44 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=143641 Anya Forger’s adventures in SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories are well worth the time of any secret agent.

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A new Forger family “ooting” awaits with GrooveBoxJapan and Bandai Namco Entertainment’s SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories. Based on the wildly popular SPYxFAMILY anime and manga series, does this title manage to complete its mission with great success?

SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review


Anya Forger and her family are anything but ordinary. Her father Loid Forger moonlights as the secret agent Twilight, her mother Yor Forger is the infamous assassin Thorn Princess, and Anya herself possesses the unique ability to read minds. Even her dog Bond can see into the future! There’s never a dull moment in this seemingly idyllic household.

As a member of the prestigious Eden Academy, Anya Forger has a new assignment: Fill out a diary of her memories based on previous experiences. 

Needless to say, she’ll have some fantastic material to work with.

Fans of the SPYxFAMILY series will know these beats part and parcel – SPYxANYA is a true love letter to the series. While some may not quite understand some of the references, everybody else will get a laugh out of Yor Forger’s bad cooking or Second Son Damian Desmond’s forever sour attitude.

As players fill out Anya’s diary in SPYxANYA, they’ll head out on different outings to take the perfect shots. Don’t expect this paparazzi work to be overly in-depth; shots are judged by focus, angle, and timing, with colored frames helping players out.

Those that do well by taking the best shots during outings can get themselves Play Points (PP) and Eurekas that unlock more than a dozen different minigames. There’s also a wealth of clothing options for the family that are just waiting to be unlocked.

Keep in mind that SPYxANYA is a slow burn; those looking to minmax their shots and rush to the end will be sorely disappointed. Rather, this title prides itself on charm and immersion; whether one hits the town on their way to infiltrate a candy store or pay a visit to the aquarium, players will fall in love with Anya’s adventures.

Just note that outings aren’t all done in succession; players will have to wait a few days between each one. Players can go out and play hooky from school after some time has passed to speed things up, but those that do so will miss out on some fantastic slice of life moments at Eden Academy.

That’s not to say time between outings is a bore; SPYxANYA has a number of minigames that players can give into. These run the gamut from a Pac-Man tribute that swaps pellets for peanuts, a riveting game of dodgeball, and even a hack-and-slash mode that has players channeling their inner Dante. 

While players will experience the same minigames multiple times, they’re all well-made and have some variations between them. The scoring system also encourages players to be the very best – like no one ever was. We would have loved to see more, but we did enjoy our time with each one.

Anya Forger’s adventures in SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories are well worth the time of any secret agent. While we wish there were more minigames, SPYxFAMILY fans shouldn’t hesitate to go out on this ooting.

SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review

Reviewed On: PC (A digital code was provided)
Release Date: June 28, 2024
MSRP: $49.99
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC
Developer: GrooveBoxJapan
Publisher: Bandai Namco Games
Alternative Reviews: Game8
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic

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Still Wakes the Deep Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/still-wakes-the-deep-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/still-wakes-the-deep-review/#respond Mon, 24 Jun 2024 14:15:07 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=143460 Still Wakes the Deep is a truly immersive tale, but its linearity ultimately prevents it from reaching new heights.

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The dark, freezing North Sea awaits with the release of The Chinese Room and Secret Mode’s new horror title Still Wakes the Deep. Should players weather these harsh conditions, or is this tale not worth telling?

Still Wakes the Deep Review


As a member of the crew of the derelict oil rig Beira D long ago (back in the 70s, in fact), Cameron “Caz” McLeary is having a rough day. Not only is his marriage on the rocks, he’s also got the police knocking on their doorstep out at sea, ultimately costing him his job. That is, after a thorough chewing out from his boss Rennick.

That’s the least of his worries, however; before too long, a wild drilling incident causes havoc on the ship before he was slated to jet off back home, forcing him to deal with a number of problems throughout the rig and its crew. It’s far from a normal day, and there are some supernatural events that are being thrown into the mix for good measure.

What follows is a walking sim that throws the player headlong into danger. Still Wakes the Deep prides itself on immersion; whether players are climbing a dangerous precipice, dealing with crewmates that just aren’t right, or navigating harsh conditions, intensity is the name of the game.

Paired with the excellent voice work (complete with Scottish phrases like “clacky gobshite”), stunning graphics, and dire conditions are just the thing to transport players to this rig.

However, it’s not all roses throughout these lousy predicaments. Still Wakes the Deep is a horror title that is truly immersive, though it ends up being far too linear in the process. Players will be railroaded from one stop to the next, complete with yellow-coded objects, overt objectives, and straightforward paths.

That’s not to say this title is free of danger. Don’t expect to go all Doom Guy from DOOM in this title, but do expect to navigate a number of threats through the use of stealth. Rather than a BFG 9000, one’s wits – and the occasional contextual item – will keep Caz in one piece.

Despite this, Still Wakes the Deep’s this linearity ultimately takes away from the experience. 

There’s not much player without a context marker eagerly pointing people in the right direction. With all the blocks from one area to the next, it can feel like a slog as players are navigating these different areas to get to the next problem.

The end result is something that would have been better suited as a TV miniseries. The content of Still Wakes the Deep is more than sound – shows like AMC’s The Terror capture the same ominous vibes – but pretty much all players will have the end experience after its short three-hour runtime.

Still Wakes the Deep is a truly immersive tale, but its linearity ultimately prevents it from reaching new heights. Caz’s bad day is well worth a while for those looking for supernatural horror, but this tale might have been better suited for another medium.

Still Wakes the Deep Review

Reviewed On: PC
Release Date: March 22nd, 2024
MSRP: $34.99
Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC
Developer: The Chinese Room
Publisher: Secret Mode
Alternative Reviews: TheSixthAxis, God is a Geek, PushSquare
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

Review Policy | Scoring Policy | Meet the Reviewer

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Nightmare Kart Review https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/nightmare-kart-review/ https://www.gamersheroes.com/honest-game-reviews/nightmare-kart-review/#respond Sun, 16 Jun 2024 15:08:13 +0000 https://www.gamersheroes.com/?p=143268 Nightmare Kart is positively dreamy, channeling the best kart racers to create something truly divine. While the emphasis on combat might lead to some unnecessary chaos, its addictive blend of speed and offense makes it worthy of all Hunters.

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Beast Hunters will be able to kick the tires and light the fires with the release of LWMedia’s Gothic-themed combat racer Nightmare Kart. Does the night call out for all, or is this title less than divine?

Nightmare Kart Review


Players will hit the track of Nightmare Kart right from the offset with its Campaign mode. Signing a contact under the watchful eye (literally) of the Dream Watchers, players will choose their voice and ride, beginning this Nightmare in search of answers – and some best lap times to boot.

Despite its grim setting, Nightmare Kart handles like a dream. Controls are responsive, with a Boost consuming Aether Vials and the proper drift granting them right back. There are also some advanced maneuvers, with the Power Brake providing a fast turn, tricks after jumps, and White Flares serving as item boxes.

All of these features are staples for the kart racing genre, coming as no surprise to those who have raced with the likes of Mario or Crash in the past. However, Nightmare Kart handles well, providing a thrill racing fans will flock to like a moth to a flame.

However, Nightmare Kart isn’t just a racer; it’s a combat title as well. By taking down enemies, players will be able to get themselves Blood Droplets that increase one’s max speed. There are other racers to take down, sure, but there are also a number of different threats dotting each racetrack just begging to be annihalated.

As a result, Nightmare Kart places a bit of a heavier emphasis on its items. Racing the perfect line is absolutely important, but it also pays to be aware of one’s surroundings. We loved this shift in gameplay, and while the amount of hazards can rival that of Mario Kart Wii, it is still a worthwhile addition worthy of a Molotov Mine.

For those who like battle modes, Nightmare Kart’s Team Bloodbath and Boss Battles accentuate these combat features quite nicely. Controlled chaos sums it up quite well – pairing speed with action and projectiles, it leads to a frenzy we couldn’t get enough of. There’s even a chance to play a little sportsball with some Insight – a nice touch.

Perhaps the biggest wrinkle in Nightmare Kart is its presentation. Designed to mimic a 32-bit racing game, players will navigate low poly environments, encounter vintage loading screens, and even save to a “memory card.”

While these flourishes are most certainly not for everybody, an incredible amount of attention-to-detail went into Nightmare Kart’s overall aesthetics. If released in 1996, players would be none-the-wiser – and we mean that as the highest form of compliment.

Nightmare Kart is positively dreamy, channeling the best kart racers to create something truly divine. While the emphasis on combat might lead to some unnecessary chaos, its addictive blend of speed and offense makes it worthy of all Hunters.

Nightmare Kart Review

Reviewed On: PC
Release Date: June 5, 2024
MSRP: Free
Platforms: PC
Developer: LWMedia
Publisher: LWMedia
Alternative Reviews: Bloody Disgusting
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic
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