I Hate This Place features a very interesting premise—one based on blending horror, resource management, and survival—yet it fails to truly shine in any of these individual aspects, save for its ambition to adapt the source comic into a video game (something it accomplishes remarkably well). It suffers from performance issues, a few significant programming bugs, and an overall level of polish that likely would have benefited from a longer development cycle. Even so, if you enjoy this type of adventure and are willing to give it a chance, you will discover a truly unique and charismatic release.
Well, we think so. We believe that—even if the game itself is little more than merely competent—the effort put into preserving it, along with the care invested in the extras and the translation, is something that more forgotten games deserve. We would have liked to see a bit more ambition when it came to updating the game—as well as a more competent CRT filter—but if you are a fan of City Hunter, or simply interested in discovering a title that remains somewhat obscure in the West, it is worth checking out once you find it at a price that appeals to you.
Demonschool cleverly blends Persona's social mechanics with tactical RPG combat and B-movie giallo horror, creating a distinctive experience fueled by humor and an excellent soundtrack. Although its puzzle-like turn-based battles are dynamic, the game's pacing falters, sometimes feeling prolonged with repetitive encounters and a notable absence of modern quality-of-life features.
Ultimately, it's a shame that such an interesting premise resulted in the game we have before us today. An adventure we started with enthusiasm, but which, long before the credits rolled, already felt like a burden. It wouldn't have solved all its problems, but we believe that with a few more months of development, some of its significant presentation flaws could have been corrected. It's a game that aims to stand out for its graphics, its atmosphere, its story, and its combat, and it stumbles in all of them. All video games are made of scraps that eventually come together in the final stages of development; in 1348 Ex Voto, the incoherent stitches are plain to see.
In short, it's a game you'll enjoy if you like this type of title, but it falls short in aspects like the plot (which is very circumstantial), although John Carpenter's signature style is prominent and creates a fairly immersive atmosphere.
Its semi-open world adds several elements to the equation, making exploration more satisfying, and the combat gains depth by incorporating new mechanics on top of a gameplay foundation that otherwise remains completely unchanged. It's a highly recommended adventure, especially for fans of the series, though those interested in Monster Hunter and who enjoy RPGs might find this a worthwhile stop, both because it's a standout role-playing game and because it's a great way to get into the franchise.
Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf delivers an aesthetically stunning and entertaining adventure with intelligent level design and a consistent pace. While its new mechanics integrate well, the experience remains largely predictable and too continuist, lacking the surprising moments needed to truly evolve the genre it inhabits.
Styx: Blades of Greed delivers satisfying, vertical stealth and impressive Unreal Engine 5 visuals, showcasing a charismatic protagonist and enhanced mobility. Yet, its ambition is undermined by clumsy combat, inconsistent AI, and noticeable technical bugs, like texture loading, preventing a truly polished and seamless experience.
