RYAN JOHNSON
Hard Reset: Redux Review
Hard Reset is a 2016 rerelease of a 2011 game in the works since 2009 that was dedicated to reviving the FPS gameplay stylings popular in 1993. Much like the title of the game itself, the newly released console edition is a "hard reset" of the genre, giving people who miss the days of Quake and Wolfenstein 3D exactly what they ask for. Does it hold up to modern gaming archetypes, or should this style of gameplay be left in history where it belongs? Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge investigates.
In Between Review
In Between is a very artistic game about a man coming to grips with his own demise. Within, the feeling of not knowing which way is up becomes literal, as our hero manipulates (or is manipulated by) the very force of gravity, and changing the direction of that force is integral to success and helping our protagonist find his own ending. Here's hoping it's a good one. Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge investigates.
Stories: The Path of Destinies Review
Stories: The Path of Destinies is a recent release on PC and PS4. Within, you play as a swashbuckling sky pirate fox out to overthrow an evil emperor. Not all decisions lead to a happy ending, though, and you find yourself Groundhog Day-ing through your adventure, learning from your mistakes to come out as a true hero. Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge sits down with the game and gives you the full scoop.
MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune vs. Zombies Review
Ryan Johnson | The Gamer's Lounge
MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune vs. Zombies is a long mouthful to say. Unfortunately the quality gameplay and excellent work done in making a solid title is wasted on levels that you can beat in the time it takes to say the name of the game four times, and that's not really stretching the truth. A solid title that could have benefitted from a bit more fleshing out, Ryan Johnson gets to put it through the paces and comes out with a final review.
Ray Gigant Review
Ray Gigant is a new downloadable dungeon crawler/visual novel title for the PlayStation Vita. Within, a traditional anime story unfolds of world destruction, with the youth being the only ones who can save us from extinction. While rough in some spots, it still provides an entertaining experience by offering new takes on inventory management and resources.
Organic Panic Review
Organic Panic starts out simple enough, maybe even too simple. But sticking through (especially with jumping into cooperative multiplayer) reveals a smart, fun downloadable at an affordable price that can provide plenty of action, laughs, and eureka moments to justify it's purchase.
Shadow Complex: Remastered Review
Epic Games has rereleased ChAIR's classic Shadow Complex for the Xbox One. A modern-day Metroidvania that scratches the itch that has been left idle for so very long was amazingly appreciated seven years ago on the 360, and the modern remaster, while not desperately different, is a welcome addition to the One's repertoire. Coming out soon on the PS4 as well, Shadow Complex is ready to reel in another generation of gamers.
Senran Kagura: Estival Versus Review
The Senran Kagura series has a few...assets it's known for. But underneath that veneer of anime tropes lies an entertaining third person brawler, much akin to a more arcadey version of Dynasty Warriors. Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge puts it through the paces to see if it's worth your time.
Layers of Fear Review
Ryan at The Gamer's Lounge isn't a scary movie or game kind of guy. He was tasked with reviewing Layers of Fear. His primary review can be boiled down to NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE! Now, depending on what kind of games you like, this could be very bad, or very, very good. Read in for more information.
Dying Light: The Following Review
Dying Light's The Following expansion recently dropped, with the new Enhanced Edition replacing the original title, boasting all of the downloadable content. Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge was able to put the new Enhanced Edition through the ropes, and gives you a rundown on what to expect in The Following.
Megadimension Neptunia VII Review
A game that straddles the line between fan service and a compelling strategic RPG, Megadimension Neptunia VII may be intimidating to anyone who's not been privvy to the series. This leap to PS4 allows the developers to up the graphics and add some new fun strategic elements.
The Deadly Tower of Monsters Brings it's A-Game with B-Movie Charm
Ryan Johnson | The Gamer's Lounge
The Deadly Tower of Monsters is a new Diablo-esque game set in a retro-60's space movie scene. Blatantly labeling itself as a DVD release of an old-school movie, the game uses chintzy stop-motion and wire animated monsters to humorous effect. But does the fun sheen cover a quality game, or is it as corny to play as it looks? Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge takes it for a spin and gives you his review.
One Upon Light Review
One Upon Light is a new indie top down puzzle/suspense game that puts you in the shoes of a scientist that, due to a series of unfortunate events, finds himself unable to set foot in light, and must slink through the shadows to get back to his lab to figure out what happened and how to reverse it. Ryan Johnson of The Gamer's Lounge helps you decide whether to let this one slink back into the shadows or shine some light on it, though those two descriptions may be backwards from what you think...
Kromaia Omega Review
Kromaia Omega releases today on PS4. This new take on SHMUPs finds you piloting a nimble spacecraft in full 360 degree space dogfights reminiscent of oldschool StarFox, with gargantuan bosses and unlockable spacecrafts that provide new challenges going through previous levels. Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge got to sit down with the game and gives his review.
Nova-111 Review
Nova-111 is a unique turn-based strategy game that adds a healthy injection of chaos and tension by allowing some of your obstacles to move in real-time. With a little bit of quirky humor, 111 deviously hidden collectibles, and a healthy dollop of brain scratching challenges within, the game warrants a closer look. Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge gives his opinion on this indie gem.
Pumped BMX + Review
Pumped BMX+, available across all major platforms with cross-save capabilities in the PlayStation camp. Playing this game brings your fingers back to the feeling they had when first booting up a Tony Hawk video game. While a short ride, it provides plenty of challenges and is good for short bursts of skill-based action, despite the mobile pedigree.
Frozen Free Fall: Snowball Fight Review
Frozen Free Fall: Snowball Fight takes the match-three freemium mold and brings it to home consoles with a two-player versus twist. Is this enough to make you want to build a snowman again, or should you just let it go? Ryan Johnson of The Gamer's Lounge weighs in.
I Am Bread PS4 Review
I Am Bread, the infamously difficult PC title about a slice of delicious bread and it's plight to become toast, has recently been released on PS4. Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge got to take it for a spin. While an enjoyable challenge, there's one thing about translating to consoles that this reviewer felt could have been done better.
The Swindle Review
The Swindle offers a unique gameplay experience, one that has equal chances of catching you with endearing charm and making you wretch violently at the mere thought of it. This is your fate if you only give it one shot. Take a little more time, and you'll learn what the game is really about.
Dragon Fantasy: The Chronicles of Westeria Review (3DS)
Dragon Fantasy is an indie RPG recently released with cross-buy for 3DS and Wii U. While a lighthearted romp through a traditional fantasy world, the disjointed storyline and a few choppy mechanics crying for updates may make it wise for one to seek it out on a mobile platform rather than a traditional console.