PixlBit

This metroidvania game puts an extremely compelling spin on the tried-and-true formula.

Metroidvania games are unquestionably some of my favorites. While there aren’t too many produced outside of the titles from where the subgenre name is lifted, they are often a treat when they become available. Outland is no exception to this rule, offering up a 2D platformer that places a far greater focus on its action elements, requiring players to master movement, attacking, and timely switching between a light/dark mechanic.

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Get in on this deal before it goes away

Through Saturday, July 9, Amazon.com is offering a pretty hefty sale on its stock of video games and accessories. Buy any game or accessory on the list, and pick any other on the list for free, while supplies last. The selection isn't great, but there are some gems in there for those that take the time to look.

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Easily the best work of Suda51 thus far, but it’s still rough around the edges.

Shadows of the Damned is clearly Suda51 and Grasshopper Manufacture’s most polished game yet. Whether it’s due to the influence of Shinji Mikami as the creative producer or due to some maturation of Suda51’s style and execution is unclear, but the 10 hour romp through hell is chock full of style, humor, and solid gameplay that trips only slightly along the way. While Suda51’s previous titles can be a bit tough to get into for the average player, Shadows of the Damned is much more accessible and will likely appeal to a much greater audience – assuming they can tolerate the never ending onslaught of penis jokes.

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I’m still amazed at just how much better a similar spin-off game is.

I’ll be honest; I don’t know much about the history of the Dynasty Warriors series, so I can’t provide you a comprehensive look at the differences from the last iteration of the series. From what I understand, there have been a number of improvements, including a more directed story experience with better character development, better graphics, more varied characters, and the inclusion of weapon machinery that can be utilized in battle. From a newcomer’s perspective, the additions don’t seem to make the game very interesting. Players can expect hours upon hours of grinding through underpowered enemies with little to break up the experience and keep it fresh. Having played the game side by side with Samurai Warriors: Chronicles, it’s clear that Dynasty Warriors doesn’t have the same flair as its spin-off series.

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It’s not the deepest experience on the 3DS, but it’ll certainly keep you busy for a good long while.

Last year, I had my first taste of the Samurai Warriors series and was pleasantly surprised by the experience. While heavy on the hack ‘n’ slashing, the game still provided for a bevy of interesting objectives and some frantic pacing as you rush about the level to meet all of the expectations. Not only were the objectives varied, but the experience was dynamic. New objectives were presented each time I went through the level, changing and morphing based on the state of the battlefield. Samurai Warriors: Chronicles falls very much in line with its predecessors, with improved graphical fidelity and a fully-voiced presentation.

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