RYAN JOHNSON
Bridge Constructor (PS Vita) Review
Bridge Constructor is a game that's been around as an app for a while, but has recently been ported to Sony machines. Unfortunately, the port needs a bit more polish. The Vita version, in particular, could have handled a little less change and adhered more to the original touchscreen controls. Ryan at The Gamer's Lounge puts the game through it's paces.
Saban's Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers: Mega Battle Review
It's Morphin' Time! With a new movie coming out, the Rangers are ripe for a new game. Instead of knocking out a game based on the movie, Bandai Namco went old school, basing the game around various episodes from the original series. For fans of the Rangers or oldschool sidescrolling beat 'em ups will truly enjoy it, but unfortunately, some of the choices made on basic multiplayer game design leave the game lacking in key areas. If they can be overcome, you will find yourself a morphin' good time.
Siegecraft: Commander (PS4) Review
SiegeCraft: Commander is a new RTS game on PS4 (with XB1 and Steam editions as well) wherein you launch catapults to magically construct new towers in an attempt to take over the land and claim victory for your realm. Unfortunately, the mechanics of the game have a hard time translating into a playable affair, with no guidelines to help you launch, difficult analog controls that don't always aim where you are, and terrain that won't always let you build where you think you can. It all adds up to a difficult experience that only the most diehard RTS fans will enjoy.
Dex (Vita) Review
Dex is an exciting cyberpunk MetroidVania RPG style game with a rich storyline that draws you into a world of intrigue, where the titular character must help thwart the Singularity where artificial intelligence surpasses the human mind. An amazing tale on paper that has received accolades during it's life on Steam, but this Vita edition has a few kinks that need to be ironed out for it to be a fully enjoyable experience.
Steve Jackson's Sorcery Part 4 is a Welcome Finale to an Excellent Series
Steve Jackson's Sorcery! is a classic set of adventure books from the 80's that, over the course of the past three years, have made their way into an interactive "port" onto iOS, Steam, and Google Play stores. Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge has been with the series since the beginning, and give his opinion of the crown jewel of the series.
Dream Games: New Super Luigi Switch
Whether a vision or a crazy fever dream, Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge had fun envisioning what he'd like to see in a new Mario series game that plays off of the Switch's name and gimmicks. Ryan takes his crazy thoughts and puts them down, asking if you have any dream games of your own.
Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization Review
Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization is an MMO for people who don't have time for MMO's. A SPORPG (Single Player MMO??) with Online elements (umm...), it gets a little confusing, but it all makes perfect sense for people steeped in the lore. Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge takes a dip in the water and sees if someone new to the series can truly enjoy this unique experience.
Gurumin 3D: A Monstrous Adventure Review
Gurumin returns for another release, this time on the 3DS. Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge gets to review it and determine which way it is best for you to pick up this classic, fun little RPG.
Primordia (iOS) Review
Primordia is a 2012 PC point and click game from some of the modern masters of the genre. While an easy purchase for fans of sci fi or the P&C genre, the translation to iOS and touchscreens in general leave some to be desired. Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge was able to put Primordia (iOS) through it's paces, and comes back with his opinions.
Dragonball Xenoverse 2 Review
How many Saiyans does it take to screw in a light bulb? Just one, but it takes him 27 episodes....
As an anime fan who has been jaded to the long, drawn out world of DBZ and it's filler episodes, Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge wondered how that universe would fare if it were distilled down to it's pure form, allowing you to leap in and really be a part of the world. The result? Dragonball Xenoverse 2 expands on what made XV1 great and makes you feel like a kick-butt Saiyan, without ten episodes of sweating and yelling to get there. Read in to get a full story on the good and bad behind the newest online edition of the Dragonball world.
Superdimension Neptune vs. Sega Hard Girls Review
Superdimension Neptune Vs. Sega Hard Girls--A title that both confuses the living heck out of you and also helps you completely understand what it's about. It's definitely a niche title, as it's about the only title in memory to pit two warring factions of anthropomorphic video game consoles against each other. In this visual novel/RPG game, you find yourself fighting to save history in a way that lightheartedly pokes at some of the greatest (and darkest) moments in Sega history. Read in for Ryan's full review of this title.
Rive Review
Bullet Hell + Mega Man + Portal = Rive. If that gets your attention, then you should be playing. Rive is sadly the last game to be made by Two Tribes, because they are going out with a (literal) bang (actually, quite a few billion bangs). Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge was able to put in time with the game and gives you his frantic review inside.
The Huntsman: Winter's Curse Review
It's been a long time since movie games have been good. Seen more as a cash-in to get a little more revenue, it's hard to see a game come from a Hollywood plotline and be quality. The Huntsman: Winter's Curse works hard to buck that trend, and Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge runs it through it's paces in the hopes of catching a diamond in the rough. Read in to see his thoughts.
Psycho-Pass: Mandatory Happiness Review
Psycho-Pass is a new visual novel from the world of the anime, letting you see a side story that runs along the same time as the anime. Not a traditional game per se, more of a "choose your own adventure" book. But even then, there are basic mechanics that are needed in a game where your choices can change the fate of the story. Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge takes a look at it to see if this visual novel is worth your time.
Severed (iOS) Review
Severed is the newest title from Drinkbox Studios, makers of the super excellent Guacamelee. Within, we control Sasha as she fights to regain her memories and enact revenge on those who attacked her family. Severed is a touch-heavy game, but does not fall into the traditional tropes of the touchscreen genre. Severed cuts away the negativity that encroaches on bland iOS games and gives a satisfying experience all around.
Layers of Fear (Possibly) Finds Closure in Inheritance DLC
"Do I have to go in there?" As probably the most un-horror fan on The Gamer's Lounge team, Ryan gave the original Layers of Fear his coveted NOPE award, meaning he couldn't handle the scares and horrors inherent in it. However, when distilled down to it's core elements, Layers of Fear was a horror-walking simulator, with nothing much to do short of going through the motions. Here in the Inheritance DLC, the developers have produced that same icky feeling, with a resounding NOPE coming out of Ryan's brain. For true fans of the genre, though, they couldn't ask for anything more.
Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X Review
Hatsune Miku. A strange story, indeed. Starting as a synthesized voice model, she has expanded to an internet phenomenon, and now this virtual idol has tours across America and has even appeared on the David Letterman show. With her catchy tunes and upbeat music, Miku has captured the heart of many fans around the world. This rhythm game allows you to play along with her, with your button presses helping Miku hit the notes. The presentation is unique, but will Miku capture the hearts of your average fan outside of Japan? Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge investigates.
King of Fighters XIV Review
King of Fighters returns this year with a different art style. For the first time in the main series, the graphics have jumped to full polygons instead of the sprite-based gameplay that the series has held onto for so long. But did the base gameplay transition well? Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge investigates.
Fairy Fencer F: Advent Dark Force Review
A mere two years ago, Fairy Fencer F was released on the PS3. It is now being remastered and brought back with a release on the PS4, bigger and better than before. A lot has been added to the game since the first release. Lovers of the first release will find a lot to appreciate, as the original's hindrances have been attended to, but does that make it a great game? Ryan at The Gamer's Lounge investigates.
Grand Kingdom Review
Grand Kingdom offers a new take on medieval tactical warfare. It's spin mixes board game strategy with turn-based Final Fight style action. Ryan Johnson at The Gamer's Lounge gets to take a spin with the title and reports whether it's worth your time.