Review round-up: The games of January 2013
I’m not sure what it’s like from the outside looking in, but as someone who’s directly involved with covering games and has to be thinking about them on a daily basis, January was one hell of an action-packed month.
We kicked the year off proper with more than 30 reviews, including assessments of some long-awaited releases like DmC and the localized Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. Did they live up to expectations? An untold number of comments have been written on the subject, and many more have yet to be written.
If you weren’t keeping track, this is the post for you. We’ve broken down our January reviews into an easily-digestible format with highlight quotes and scores for each individual game. Looking for something new to play? Prepare your scroll wheel.
A New Beginning: Final Cut
The German-language version — which was the original — is meant to be better, but alas I know about ten words in German so I really cannot confirm or deny this. It does strike me that the worst aspects of the game are due to the terrible effort made by the translation team and English-speaking voice actors, though.
If you are truly desperate for good puzzles and sumptuous art, then you could do worse than play A New Beginning, but I found it impossible to look past the many issues and really enjoy the few things it manages to do right. There are too many superior adventure games to count, and it’s not even one of the better games with an environmental message.
Read the full A New Beginning: Final Cut review
The Sims 3: Seasons
Each of these features adds a nice layer of depth to the game, but they really don’t add a lot of new gameplay. There isn’t any new career to follow, there aren’t any exciting new public lots, and while playing, I pretty much just goofed around waiting for the seasons to change. If you find yourself playing The Sims 3 a lot anyway, then Seasons will add something to the experience. If you are waiting for a new expansion to make you get back into playing The Sims 3, however, skip Seasons and wait for the next one.
Read the full The Sims 3: Seasons review
Forge
All in all, Forge is quite enjoyable. At the same time, I did find myself struggling to want to continue playing. I’m not sure if maybe it’s that the game is more of a shooter than I expected, or how it lacks that progression and stat growth, or if it is just because it’s incomplete. When I do play, I enjoy Forge, but I wish that I was playing an MMORPG with the same gameplay setup instead. In the end, unless you’re someone heavy into shooters who is looking for something different yet familiar, or are into MMOs for the PvP mainly, then it would be worth waiting for the game that will be “forged” a few months down the road.
Read the full Forge review
Gunman Clive (3DS)
Gunman Clive can be pretty tough. In your average oppressive 2D action game, a motivating, beat-driven soundtrack can really help you push through the process of replaying a level for the tenth time. When Gunman Clive’s soundtrack goes for old west authenticity instead of platformer euphoria, it can make the more challenging parts of the game feel less like a battle and more like a grind.
That said, the game is still a steal at $2. Fans of 2D action platformers need to check it out. If Hörberg Productions is ever graced with the opportunity to develop a mainline Mega Man game, I’m confident that fans of the series would be happy with the results.
Read the full Gunman Clive review
Anarchy Reigns
Despite some issues, brawler fans should find everything they’re looking for with Anarchy Reigns. It’s ridiculous, it’s fun, and it’s packed with enough content to last you a long while, so long as you don’t get tired of beating dudes up over and over. The budget pricing of $29.99 makes this decision even easier.
Read the full Anarchy Reigns review
Joe Danger Touch
Like Rayman Jungle Run, Joe Danger Touch really “gets it” when it comes to iOS gaming. You don’t need to 100% replicate console experiences, and “simplified” doesn’t have to always mean “dumbed down.” All in all, Hello Games did a great job bringing the Joe Danger franchise to your pocket, and I highly recommend it to anyone — former fan or not.
Read the full Joe Danger Touch review
Seduce Me
However, taken simply as it is, as a game where solving puzzles leads to porn, it’s near the forefront of its field, particularly among non-Japanese games. It does make an effort to provide more than naughty pictures, including cursory character development and some semblance of a narrative. It’s pretty and technically sound.
While slightly anemic in content, it’s titillating when it needs to be, and is at times even fun to play – I wouldn’t mind playing the card games with real-life friends (minus the sex).
And frankly, for a porn game, that’s sometimes all one needs.
Read the full Seduce Me review
Fire Pro Wrestling
Fire Pro Wrestling on Xbox Live Arcade is the most basic of wrestling games. Flat, featureless, and simplistic, it is devoid of any redeeming qualities found elsewhere such as replay value or fun. What could have been a cool, cartoon-y version of a classic franchise is but a wasted shell of its former self.
Read the full Fire Pro Wrestling review
Final Fantasy All the Bravest
Final Fantasy All the Bravest is not really a game. It’s a cash delivery system, with you playing as the courier, your money the cargo, and Square Enix the unpaying recipient. After years of trying to monetize videogames, Square Enix has now moved on to monetizing customers themselves. It’s cut out the irritating middle man that is the videogame, and found a way to simply get people to hand over money in exchange for nothing. That is what All the Bravest is. It’s nothing. It’s air. It’s a thought. You’re buying a concept in order to keep buying concepts.
Read the full Final Fantasy All the Bravest review
DmC: Devil May Cry
There is an argument to be made that, when judged alongside the rest of the series, DmC is a bad Devil May Cry game. The suggestion may be debatable, but there’s a potential case to be made. It’s more streamlined, it’s not as challenging, and ultimately it has stripped away what a significant portion of the fanbase love most of the series. However, even if one sides with the argument that this is a bad Devil May Cry game, that does not preclude it from being deemed a terrific videogame on its own merits, and in my estimation, that’s exactly what DmC: Devil May Cry is.
Read the full DmC review
Kinect Party
Kinect Party is a fantastic game in the right scenario. If you often have guests over your house, especially family or children, then this is definitely something to check out. It’s hard for anyone to dislike a game in which you build a castle and promptly turn into a dragon to destroy it.
However, I find that this isn’t the best thing to suit lone gamers like myself. I do love pretending to be trapped inside a jello mold with my dog every once in a while, but that can get old. That’s not to say that it isn’t a good game — it certainly is for what it aims to achieve — but Kinect Party is best played with others!
Read the full Kinect Party review
AirMech (beta)
If you’re even remotely interested in MOBAs or RTSs, then you’ll be doing yourself a great favor by downloading AirMech and firing it up. It succeeds in building on the solid foundation laid by Herzog Zwei over 20 years ago, while simultaneously feeling modern and fresh. Now, I need to get back to the game so I can eventually buy a UFO that transforms into a giant mechanical spider. Abductions here I come!
Read the full AirMech review
Krunch
It isn’t perfect, as certain level design elements are a bit jarring and the lack of a quick-restart level option can make five seconds feel like forever. That being said, Krunch is a title that is sure to please anyone who stayed up late completing the Skyscraper Warp Zone in Super Meat Boy or ripped their hair out completing the Veni Vidi Vici room in VVVVVV. Fellow masochists, rejoice!
Read the full Krunch review
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
If you’re a lover of games that require you to put in before you get out, and you recall the glory days of the Eastern RPG, where experience points were the lifeblood and the grind was king, you have literally no decent excuse for not finding a way to play Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. A classic of the modern age, built entirely from classics of the past, it’s advised you get comfortable, cancel all your plans, and prepare to enjoy a game that will dominate your life for the next few months.
Read the full Ni no Kuni review
The Cave
All told, The Cave is a morbid, humorous romp filled with life lessons which should be apparent already to all but the total sociopath. While there are some niggling issues with overall polish, it’s a fun time for fans of adventure games that should set you to giggling and, hopefully, feeling just a little bit guilty about that glee.
Read the full The Cave review
Borderlands 2: Sir Hammerlock’s Big Game Hunt
Enjoying Sir Hammerlock’s Big Game Hunt is about managing expectations, about knowing what you want out of Borderlands 2’s constantly expanding menu — its strong suits are the subtle twists on combat and enemy behavior, exploration, farming, and a hidden raid boss that costs almost 100 Eridium to spawn.
Its narrative and mission structures are too loose and shambolic, though, and implemented with the same lack of care that led the designers to include a tribe of mind-controlled “savages” throwing spears at each other as the campaign’s principle enemy. Sir Hammerlock’s Big Game Hunt is, like each of the game’s expansions, more Borderlands 2 at its core, but it’s a shallow version of it, without any of the main game’s self-awareness or charm.
Read the full Sir Hammerlock’s Big Game Hunt review
Strike Suit Zero
When the final, sadly unsatisfying mission came to a close I was ready to put down SSZ. Replayability is offered in the form of scores, medals, and some unlockable ship bonuses you may not have been able to grab when first attempting the missions, but I’d had my fill. I would be happy to get in a thousand more dogfights, but I’m done with protecting and escorting my UNE chums. It’s rare that a game knows when to call it quits, but that’s the situation here. It’s not so long that it outstays its welcome, but not so short that it fails to show off all its promise.
The ending, or at least the one that I got (there are two different ones), implies the possibility of a sequel, and I couldn’t be happier with that prospect. With better targeting, and less mentally sub-normal allies, I could very well find myself in Heaven. Until then, Strike Suit Zero will undoubtedly help you scratch that space combat sim itch you must have by now.
Read the full Strike Suit Zero review
Corpse Party: Book of Shadows
Fans of Corpse Party would do well to pick up the second installment. The first game left a lot of unanswered questions and Book of Shadows does an admirable job at answering them. I’ve enjoyed spending time with these characters, even if it is the worst day of their lives. As for the uninitiated, well, they might want to consider expanding their horizons. But seriously, play the first before tackling this one.
It’s not like PlayStation Portable or Vita owners have been spoiled for choice when it comes to quality software as of late. Visual novels may be niche, but just about anyone can enjoy a good horror story. If you can get past the insipid gameplay, Corpse Party: Book of Shadows provides a pleasurable and haunting narrative that’s well worth experiencing.
Read the full Book of Shadows review
Westerado
The soundtrack goes perfectly with the detailed, sun-soaked pixel art visuals that tap into one’s nostalgia, while also creating a surprisingly authentic western look. Westerado‘s a very animated game, never staying still for a moment. The protagonist’s poncho constantly waves away, chickens never stop pecking at invisible seeds, and dried out weeds endlessly dance in the ceaseless wind.
Even if you are put off by the plethora of bugs, it’s free and accessible at the click of a button. You’d be doing yourself a disservice by not checking it out at least once. No doubt you’ll find yourself checking it out again and again, as I have been. Drape that knackered old poncho over your shoulders, roll up that cigarette, and strap on a rusty six-shooter — it’s time to hunt down a real bastard.
Read the full Westerado review
Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes (iOS)
Although outsourcing to Tag Games was probably a smart business move, I can’t help but think how picture-perfect Clash of Heroes would have turned out if Capybara had done it themselves. With a lot of polish in terms of the controls through a future update, this could be one of the finest games on the App Store. Otherwise, just stick to the other incredible versions if possible.
Read the full Clash of Heroes review
DJMAX Technika Tune
DJMAX Technika Tune offers a smooth, enjoyably frustrating experience rooted in precisely-tuned gameplay fundamentals. It’s presented attractively, with a level of engagement that relies on mechanics rather than sentiment and effectively transcends one’s taste in music, which in the case of the arguably exotic track listing would present the highest initial barrier to entry. It may not be especially generous with the extras and fluff, but gets it all right where it counts the most, with the added bonus of making the PS Vita’s touch gimmicks useful and relevant to play.
Read the full DJMAX Technika Tune review
Boob Wars: Big Breasts vs. Flat Chests
Even playing devil’s advocate and writing this from the perspective of somebody who might be into these games, Boob Wars isn’t good. By the standards of those who want to masturbate themselves silly over violent cartoon sex, we’re looking at something sub-par, lifeless, and cynical. To offend a regular bypasser is one thing, but this feels offensive to even the target audience.
Then again, I could be wrong. Maybe this truly is the game fans have been waiting for. I don’t claim to speak for them, and nor would I, but all I can say is, if you want to get off with cartoons, there’s much better out there. I can give you the links later. You really don’t need to waste your time with this brainless, gormless, depressing little exercise in grisly misery.
All that said … the soundtrack’s pretty good.
Read the full Boob Wars review
Kentucky Route Zero
Kentucky Route Zero evokes the feeling of old ghost stories told around a campfire. There’s the familiarity of friends and family around a warm, man-made fire, but with it comes the unnerving tale of the strange and unusual. Kentucky Route Zero is beautifully bizarre and perfectly poignant, and most of all, deserves your attention.
Read the full Kentucky Route Zero review
Fire Emblem: Awakening
While Fire Emblem: Awakening may not turn the notch up to 11, it’s everything that’s right about strategy RPGs. Whatever options you choose to go with at the beginning of the game, it’s either one of the most accessible strategy games to date, or one of the most difficult.
It’s a brilliant design that will pay dividends for Nintendo in the long run, as it will convert plenty of new fans. If you’ve been itching to get into a Fire Emblem game, this is a great place to start. If you’ve been playing them all along, you’ll feel right at home.
Read the full Fire Emblem: Awakening review
Skulls of the Shogun
While Skulls of the Shogun does a great job of offering a decent amount of units, there’s no inherent “wow” factor when it comes to gameplay. Although the traditional grid is tossed in favor of a circular movement shadow, it still feels about the same as the genre always has, minus the game’s visual and vocal charm.
Ikachan (3DS eShop)
I appreciate that Nicalis is trying to share more of Pixel’s catalog — such as this, the foundation for his later works — but asking us to part with $5 for what amounts to a concept project is a little too tough to swallow.
Ikachan is a marvelous introduction to a much larger, more ambitious game. But that’s all it is: an introduction. If you are willing to accept that, you’ll happily enjoy the short time you spend in its watery world.
Read the full Ikachan review
Puddle
Fans of LocoRoco or those hurting for games to play on their Wii U will probably dig it, so long as they have the patience to rev it up a little bit. It’s still a neat little puzzler for sure, but it needs a bit more tweaking for me to wholly recommend it. If you’ve always been on the edge in terms of buying this game, this release should tip you, as it’s the definitive version.
Read the full Puddle review
Antichamber
Antichamber is a perfect example of how a player learns to play videogames. There’s no gameplay tutorial, no loading screen tips (or loading screens, for that matter), just good ole’ fashioned learn-as-you-play information aided by the in-game advice. There’s never a reference of mouse or keyboard, outside of the main lobby area.
Antichamber is a unique and delightful first-person puzzle game that relies a bit too much on the wrong kind of puzzles. The plot is intentionally vague and some players may completely ignore it, but it hardly detracts from the overall experience. Antichamber looks great, is confusing in all the right ways, and may change the way people approach not only videogame puzzles, but real life obstacles as well.
Read the full Antichamber review
Euro Truck Simulator 2
A far cry from some of the more technical and unforgiving sims on the market, Euro Truck is as welcoming as it is authentic, forgiving while still prepared to reprimand those who fail. It’s one of the best jumping points anybody curious about sims could have, and for everybody else, it’s still just a damn fine experience in its own right.
It may sound like a joke that so many people are piling glowing praise on a trucking sim, but Euro Truck Simulator 2 is the real deal.
Read the full Euro Truck Simulator 2 review
Everything else Destructoid reviewed:
Razer Sabertooth
The customizability of this controller and the fantastic performance of its buttons and sticks would definitely appeal to professional and competitive gamers, but I fear that the $79.99 MSRP will prevent some from jumping in. That would be a shame as the d-pad and face buttons alone were enough to win me over. I’d love to see a version of this controller that drops the customization and OLED screen for a lower price point.
Read the full Sabertooth review
ROCCAT Isku FX
Is the FX worth the extra $10 over the Isku (or even other keyboards)? I’m going to have to say no, because the new keys simply aren’t worth the additional cost. Even beyond the fact that both keyboards are oddly expensive for not being mechanical, I feel that it might have been smarter to just re-release the Isku to include multicolored key lighting instead of making an even more expensive version.
Read the full Isku FX review
The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia
The book contains so much Skyward Sword that, if you don’t like it in some capacity, you may be disappointed. If you have no appreciation of the retro titles as well, the impact may be diminished, especially the portions involving Miyamoto and Aonuma.
Even still, Hyrule Historia is a great read. I learned some things both old and new, and I got to enjoy some beautiful art.
Read the full Hyrule Historia review
Published: Feb 1, 2013 08:00 pm