Matheus Senna de Oliveira

“Fighting Force Collection is less than the sum of its parts (which aren't amazing on their own). The first game is more appealing and easier to pick up, as its beat 'em up premise, despite being simple, works well, especially when played with a friend. The second title shifts to a secret agent-style adventure, with more weapons and missions that are more complex. Both are entertaining for a while, but their mechanics are practically outdated for current 3D games. That is where the collection could have improved things, with more technical enhancements, interesting materials about the games, and gameplay options. Considering the complete package, it is worth for nostalgia or curiosity reasons, but very little beyond that.”

“Project Motor Racing failed to deliver a competent and realistic racing experience. While it has qualities such as its selection of cars and tracks, as well as customization options, several things fell short. These include an uninteresting visual style and problems with gameplay and customization. In the end, the game is still a minimally interesting option for fans of the genre, but nothing more than that.”

“After so long in limbo, Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution has finally arrived with a fun adventure. Focused on the platforming genre — improved with elements like combat and metroidvania — the experience is colorful and humorous, as well as it has a good dose of challenge. While the game is very good overall, unfortunately, the "restriction" of producing a title compatible with an older console limited a release that had the potential to be amazing.”

“Combining two different themes that complement each other well, Gaucho and the Grassland is a Brazilian game worthy of praise. While on the one hand we need to take care of crops, animals, and farms, on the other we have to help friends and take care of a mystical world. The gameplay is simple and fun, with a production full of charisma, filled with references to Brazilian culture, particularly to the gaucha one. In short, a great and neighborly game that's a must-have for your library.”

“Celebrating its huge success since its original release over 20 years ago, Worms Armageddon: Anniversary Edition delivers the addictive original experience with improved visuals. Players also have access to interesting gifts such as a collection of classic games and, most notably, a museum full of videos and images about the history of the game and its franchise. Even though the party could have had newer elements, it is still perfect for fans and newcomers alike, who will find plenty of fun between sheep, bazookas and Molotov cocktails.”

“Gal Guardians: Servants of the Dark is a competent metroidvania, with cool visuals and solid gameplay. The scenarios are pleasant to explore and the fights are fun to play, all seasoned by a charming theme. It's a shame that it has some annoying problems in several areas, in addition to not offering significant innovations to such a competitive market. In the end, it's a suggestion mainly for lovers of the genre and fans of the Gal Gun brand.”

“Even though the task was not easy, RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Complete Edition could have delivered something better than a simplistic and limited port. Not only does it have optimization and gameplay problems, but it also doesn't bring any new features, not even a mediocre localization into Portuguese. This is a tip for long-time fans of the franchise or those who really enjoyed the idea of ​​managing their own amusement park.”

“In the end, Cuisineer is an interesting suggestion that manages to combine the dungeon crawling and business management genres. More than that, the game brings a competent and accessible mix, with very good production – except when it comes to loading screens – and enjoyable gameplay. Unfortunately, those who enjoy more complete experiences will find little motivation in the story and mechanics to advance. Taking care of the restaurant and getting into fights, although fun tasks at first, over time show their limitations. In any case, it is still a good option for those who want a simple, original and fun adventure.”

“Vampire Survivors: Ode to Castlevania is certainly the definitive DLC for this iconic roguelite. Packed with content based on Konami's franchise, the expansion brings a large number of new characters, with many new skills and items. In addition, we have a new stage full of interesting challenges and, above all, incredible surprises. It takes a little dedication to find these treasures — especially for new players —, but it is well worth it.”

“My initial impression of Card-en-Ciel was a little negative: the campaign started without much of a context and the matches showed some visuals with poor polish. As I explored more of the deckbuilder, I could learn more about its universe, and also experiment more with the game mechanics. In that aspect, the game does a great job, having a good amount of cards, with many effects and various illustrations along with resources to overcome the challenges with your deck. The game's issue comes from the presentation, which could have more polish during the combat, and outside of it is very simplistic. Overall, we have a great recommendation for fans of card games and anime games; for other players, it may be worth to test the demo version out before thinking about getting it.”

“Considering the success of the series in the whole world, it's curious that only now Fate/Stay Night Remastered brings to the west the visual novel that kickstarted the franchise. Be it as it may, the important part is that we finally can enjoy this incredible story, with its unique universe and captivating characters. Though the additions to the new version could have been more significant, it continues to be practically a must in the library of anyone who enjoys big adventures, even being an entry point to the genre.”

“With a simple, accessible, and competent concept, House of Golf 2 delivers a fun experience. Unfortunately, this fun lasts only a few hours, especially if it's not enjoyed with friends. Though the domestic fields are captivating, the game as a whole needed more in the way of game modes, rewards and personality. I recommend it for golf fans and players looking for an interesting experience but that should be enjoyed moderately.”

“At first listen, Disaster Band seems like a great rhythm game. With a funny and original idea, the first few games are fun enough. The problem is that this irreverence can get a little annoying over time. The dependence on online modes to enhance the gameplay – to find players and new songs – is, to say the least, a risky bet. This is a suggestion for fans of the musical genre who are willing to face all these difficulties.”

“The best iteration of the franchise in the world of strategy games, Metal Slug Attack Reloaded arrives with lots of action and game options. The traditional production with charismatic visuals and hilarious sound effects is present, making use of the entire history of the franchise to offer a lot of content. It's a shame that the title wasn't able to completely eliminate some of the negative points arising from its origins. Even so, it is worth recommending to tower defense fans and, above all, lovers of this beloved series.”

“With simple but demanding gameplay, BIT.TRIP RERUNNER is one of those games that makes you want to play “just one more time” several times. Integrating many possibilities into the runner genre, including rhythmic and action elements, the stages are fun and challenging. To top it off, the level creation and sharing mode brings even more life to the game.”

“Using a recognizable theme, Manic Mechanics turns the work at a car repair shop into a fun experience. With simple mechanics, the title manages to offer balanced challenges in which players must fix engines, paint airfoils, and make electronic chips, all of it to repair vehicles and get the highest score. Even if it has a few issues, especially when it comes to online matches, it's still a good option for your library."”

“Though a rerelease can be a good opportunity for old games to come back, Cyber Citizen Shockman 3: The princess from another world isn't one of the best examples. It may even have some positive points, like the visuals and emulation resources, but the original game is so limited that the novelties aren't enough. I recommend it to the fans of the franchise and/or platformers, as well as trophy hunters.”

“Offering a refreshing take on the classic character, PAC-MAN Mega Tunnel Battle Chomp Champs is a fun game with just the right amount of competitiveness. Unfortunately, its potential is undermined by poor online performance, in addition to little attention directed to production and content. Still, we have a solid battle royale with some potential to become interesting beyond fans of the classic franchise.”

“Despite all its qualities, that include a competent production, solid gameplay, and fun possibilities during combat, Isonzo suffers with big issues. Besides the wasted potential in not offering a campaign mode, the focus on online matches highlights connection issues and the necessity of making rooms. There is definitely a lot of entertainment on top of this FPS but only for those willing to climb a steep mountain.”

“Adding up all its good and bad characteristics, No Son Of Mine ends with a positive balance. The dark atmosphere is competent in the different environments that the game explores, as is the basic premise of the plot and gameplay. The issue is that the campaign is brief and full of tedious explorations. As the combats are equally repetitive, we have a somewhat limited experience. In other words, while the basic gameplay is interesting, it becomes boring quickly. Given that the game is an indie, it is commendable to see a robust production with important qualities. If today's title is used as a basis for a more sophisticated production, we will certainly have a great game. Otherwise, it's just an interesting tip for horror lovers.”