It’s crazy to think about how long Atlus’ popular Shin Megami Tensei franchise has been around, especially when you consider how much of the series is dominated by various spinoffs. Some of those spinoffs have undoubtedly eclipsed the popularity of the rest of the franchise, but that doesn’t mean fans haven’t been eagerly anticipating what Atlus has up its sleeves next for the mainline series. After a nearly decade-long wait, Shin Megami Tensei IV is finally here. If you’ve been desperate for the real follow-up to 2004’s Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne, you’ll be happy to know the long wait was well worth it.
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Project X Zone‘s international release was a pipe dream. Considering Namco Bandai’s previous entry (Namco X Capcom) never made its way to the States, it was reasonable to think the same of this increasingly-rights-tangled successor. Surprisingly enough, the game has been released outside of Japan, and the fans rejoiced. However, would Namco Bandai be able to handle localizing all the material in a way that made sense? READ MORE
Everyone has guilty pleasures. The paperback section at the grocery store. The out-of-place, lower-than-B-grade DVD racks at gas stations. Novelty shot glasses. Keiji Inafune’s Bugs vs. Tanks! is the game equivalent of those things, the things that people who take life far too seriously would turn their noses up at. It’s the eShop parallel to that absurd horror movie you found on the shelf behind the Steven Seagal direct-to-video releases at your local, non-chain convenience store. Even compared to most of the other Guild titles available, it isn’t very good. However, it’s infectious in its earnest adherence to being silly. I likely won’t miss it, but I didn’t put it down until I was finished. READ MORE
We all have a game or game series we go back to from time to time simply to play casually for relaxation purposes. Sometimes, after a hard day at work or a troubling study session, you need something simple to enjoy. For myself and many others, that series is Animal Crossing. It never demands a lot of your attention, and yet it somehow always manages to get as much of it as possible. The formula has never changed drastically from game to game, and yet each title adds something special to keep you coming back for more. Animal Crossing: New Leaf may not be the most innovative or groundbreaking game around, but sometimes playing it safe is all you need. READ MORE
Playing a game you enjoyed a second time can be rough, potentially adding exposure to flaws you may have glossed over when the experience was exciting and new. I can safely say that, while it has its fair share of issues, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D is as solid now as it was on the Wii. READ MORE
