Julius Jones

Waited for 12 years for this game, so mine would be the first stone thrown if it was a disappointment. It isn't, it's an absolute diamond in the rough. In 2012, video game wizards stood around a bubbling cauldron of standard RPG mechanics, and they watched it emit sparks as they added ingredients. Climbable enemies like Shadow of the Colossus, heavy and satisfying Soulslike combat, a fresh party system, the ability to change your class and abilities infinitely. The result was an eclectic but totally unique game, the original DD. This time, they used PRIMO ingredients. The big enemies are even more dynamic and fun to fight, the combat has been ironed out so that I no longer get mad at the controls when I die-- it was my fault. The pawns are infinitely smarter, and will learn your behavior. If you climb a lot, they'll start offering you a shield-springboard to high areas unprompted. And now you're rewarded for sticking it out in one vocation just as much as you are for trying several, so whichever playstyle you are, you won't feel like you're missing out. Overall, this game is unmissable if you're bored with standard RPGs and looking for something that doesn't feel like any other game. Enjoy.

Alright, as an anime fan I always wished that a site would release reviews for games that are specifically for fans of the IP. Like, most DBZ games can be a 6 or 7 out of 10 for most gamers but a 9 if you're a huge fan. If you've ever wanted that, here is my review of Kakarot. There is no DBZ game like it. The closest relative it has in any series is the Ultimate Ninja Storm games, but it is by no means a clone. There is no versus, no online, this is a straight up JRPG. The story is almost verbatim the anime, but with little extras thrown in for fans who have seen it a thousand times. And like the Storm games, it is great fun to simply watch certain classic scenes recreated with the beautiful unreal engine. When Piccolo destroys the moon, his monologue about turning Gohan into a warrior is given the backdrop of meteors from the moon explosion streaking across the night sky. I got chills. The combat is fun and satisfying, there is a learning curve as the controls are similar to Storm but cleverly DBZ-ified. One of my favorite details is the mechanic for menus mid-fight: Whenever you hold L1 for a radial menu of super moves, or R1 for support character actions, the fight enters slow-motion. This creates some cool moments, and is optional in the menu if you want a challenge and faster gameplay. The RPG elements fit right in. Flying around and exploring nets you Orbs, which are used to upgrade skills, so you're rewarded for nerding out over the map (which is loaded with content.) Low level enemies fly around and provide random encounters for exp. I got so into the side quests and exploration, I let Raditz lock Gohan in a hot space pod for probably 3 hours. I am only one saga into the game, and I really considered calling out of work today to play it until my eyes bleed. The lack of any modes besides story is the only drawback, but if you have Xenoverse 2 then stfu and play the different modes in that. This game is a straight up single player experience.