CorazonAzul

We can't pretend that it's okay for a "learning curve" game to also be a mess. Straight away I deducted a point for the abilities that look like they were ripped from an MMO talent tree. What's all extra math doing here? Is this a paced strategy game or not? I deducted a point for the excessive floating numbers spam you would see in the average "phone rpg". Unless you still get a windsock out of it, clear the screen and consolidate the relevant information. Much fat to trim already, but let's move on. I deducted a point for the constantly alternating between high action, and a complete pause. If, as a developer, you have to break pace to accomplish what you want to do, toss it and work something else out. Screwing with pace **** in any game. I deducted a half point for the way that map navigation was presented. Having the heroes always sprint right- even if the map says you are heading north or otherwise- and even if the heroes are going to end up facing right anyway- was the cheapest way possible to indicate that you are moving and exploring. If that's the case, I'd have rather a few less cutscenes to develop a stronger sense of exploration. I deducted another half point for the font chosen for the dialog/etc- fat, wide and quite annoying to read. Rather careless decision here considering you have to see it all the time. Okay so this is where I'd deduct a point for the game's poor explanation of what's going on- however, it's my belief that by simply fixing all of the above, you'd be a lot closer to a game that's easy to pick up and hard to master: the holy grail of strategy/puzzle games, right? So we're at 6/10 Praises: The core ideas are good- lane-changing/combos/stamina- fresh and interesting stuff- the real payoff for indie. The art, humor and sound effects suit the game well. I don't think music is an important thing for this type of game, long as it's not annoying and we're good there. I wouldn't ask more of an indie/budget game so let's wrap it up: Great ideas that the player should be enjoying right away, instead have the player clawing through shoddy pacing/execution and extra information just to get started. I can't give this game more than a 6/10 as is, and you gotta figure $20 is worth having to not see these common "indie" mistakes again (not discriminating- high production games carry their own infectious diseases). So we'll close at 5/10, because there are far worse and far better games out there

Integrating villian Bowser into the mix adds gameplay depth and novelty to the Bros' humorous mid-length quest. Reaction-based mechanics are a tall order, but this installment comes closer to the goal than its 3DS successor.

While Dream Team's reaction-based battle structure is interesting and unique, its trial-heavy process devalues the satisfaction. Throughout their rather lengthy quest, The Bros keep the player occupied in multiple ways- visiting the puzzle platforming genre in a mostly smooth effort to break the RPG monotony.

Link Between Worlds manages to leave nothing behind from 1991's Link To The Past, while standing on its own achievements during Nintendo's near-campaign to rediscover their roots. Intelligent and polished, content is delivered in the right amounts with few issues- seamlessly elevating the classic formula to the 3DS' prowess. It's hard to find a mistake in this Hyrule.

In an ages-overdue delivery, Square-Enix finds dignity and declares not to have forgotten what a good J-RPG is. Surprisingly well intact, Bravely Default attentively caters to difficulty mongers and story-lovers alike. Rivaling or topping previous great J-RPG works among the expansive DS library, problems are few and achievements are high.

New Super Mario Bros 2 sticks to the guns in true saga-type fashion, popular with eastern audiences. Improvements over the original include brandishing the highly successful power-ups and bosses established in 1988 in Super Mario Bros 3, such as the raccoon suit and Koopalings- and fairly less obscurity and trial-and-error than its forerunner.

Although reaching shy of Super Mario World's plenitude in 1990, New Super Mario Bros is a worthy and uncomplicated renewal to side scrolling Mario. Acrobatics and creativity are rewarded, though challenges late in the game tend to be cryptic or trial-based in nature.

Vacating exploration for precision platforming galore, 3D Land ambitiously restates Mario's undertaking in the third dimension to great success. Late game challenges will demand untold accuracy of the omnidirectional Mario, sometimes causing intended actions to fluff and ultimately become the biggest obstacle of all.

Too trial and telegraph even for Contra, but one playthrough unlocks the more accessible mission mode- a collection of short runs and challenges- and playable roms for both original NES titles. A hard to beat package, despite the main content's simon-says approach to difficulty.

Starfox and Mario Galaxy's shoot'em-up lovechild pampers Nintendo in the 3DS' opening year, dropping previous 2D formats in favor of 3D worlds. Unfortunately also ushering in variable hitboxes and shooting angles, and leaving out barrel rolls and proven conduits by which to assert yourself- this dicey 3DS bid often runs on your grit alone.

Not much to say- Wellmeant skill game meets the incognizant controls of a touchscreen. You can't feel too bad donating a couple bucks to Mistwalker, in any case.

Signature flaws of the series such as strong random enemies, useless abilites, and vague townsfolk are unapologetically present, giving less encouragement and ways around the issues than the leaner Dragon Quest IV DS.

A modest adventure is bogged with over-complication of items, spiky difficulty and anti-strategic mechanics. For the premium experience you may have been expecting, consider Dragon Quest IV DS instead.

A well polished, split-genre adventure that declares not all spin-offs have to be bad or dishonest. From start to finish, it will surpass your expectations.

Horribly flawed battle mechanics and quest-planning fiercely assault an otherwise great presentation from start to end. This adventure will test your patience in the worst way.

Slowly immerses the player into a caliber of story-telling from the golden age. Pushing capabilities and a combat system worth its weight make The Last Story another truly delivering experience from the veterans.

Major flaws put Phantasy Star II just shy **** adventure, sticking to the formula of truly unique concepts but lacking basic elements. Use a guide and enjoy the soundtrack.

A polished quest, welcome with open arms to portables. The port features some new gameplay and tweaks, though its re-done artwork unapologetically disposes of Shining Force's signature style.

These faithful ports feature re-sized graphics and direct emulation, yet lack simple fixes that may have resolved issues still haunting the series- particularly the defense bug in Phantasy Star 1.

The over-ambitious NES vision is properly realized on the DS with few flaws and great pace. A lengthy but satisfying quest that never takes itself too seriously.