I had high hopes for Monster Hunter Stories 3 already, but I never expected it to be this good. Between the improvements from past games and new mechanics introduced here, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is cementing this series as the premier RPG in the monster-taming genre. I still can't believe how good it is.
While I’m a little hesitant to crown it already as the final-ever version that will never be bested, Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake is a great overall experience for this all-timer, 20+ years later. Some may bicker over the finer details or want a specific previous Camera Obscura incarnation, but this is a top-notch version of a survival-horror treasure, best played loud and in the dark.
Maybe that's the main takeaway. Scott Pilgrim EX certainly looks nice and feels warmly familiar, its hero roster is superb, and they're all fun to control and well differentiated. A playthrough is short and sweet at a few hours if you’re not too distracted, and there’s even a New Game+. But there's otherwise not much here that stands out, and the game lacks any impressive set pieces or water cooler moments, with nothing approaching the multi-stage Gideon boss fight in the original.
Sure, it's not perfect. But overall, Under the Island is a game that I would, and already have, recommend to my closest friends and family. This game is simply a fun time, and one that any fans of this genre should try out Under the Island.
If the team can refine things a bit with the next iteration, they could have another hit. For now, High On Life 2 stands as a conditional recommendation.
