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Speed Or Death on Nintendo Switch offers a unique twist to the racing game genre, prioritizing survival over sheer speed. The game challenges players to navigate through apocalyptic scenarios, from monster-infested cities to dodging dragon breath and escaping alien invasions. Unlocking different cars adds variety to the gameplay, creating an unpredictable and thrilling experience.
The graphics, while not groundbreaking, provide a visually appealing backdrop to the chaotic landscapes. The concept of surviving the apocalypse while racing is undeniably fun and keeps players engaged. However, there are notable drawbacks. Some players may find the cars lacking in speed, impacting the sense of urgency and excitement. The menu layout is less than intuitive, particularly concerning car options and default settings like automatic gears.
Car handling leaves room for improvement, with a smoother and more responsive control system needed to enhance the overall gaming experience. Additionally, the game lacks clarity on its ultimate goal, whether it's reaching a finish line or driving until a time limit expires. The absence of an on-screen map makes navigating the apocalyptic landscapes challenging.
In summary, Speed Or Death presents an innovative concept that injects freshness into the racing game genre. Despite commendable graphics and a fun premise, the game falls short in execution. Increased speed, improved menu layouts, better car handling, and enhanced navigation clarity are necessary for it to reach its full potential. The game earns a generous score of 7 out of 10 on the Nintendo Switch, with the potential to become a cult classic racing game if refined and polished.
Familiar readers of our site are likely aware of my track record with reviews from the "Pretty Girls" franchise, and today, I'm excited to delve into the 21st installment – Pretty Girls Escape PLUS. As is the tradition with these releases, the formula remains simple: take a classic game, give it a modern twist, introduce new gameplay elements, and sprinkle in some Japanese anime-style charm. It's a straightforward recipe that consistently delivers enjoyable experiences. Given my past positive reviews of Pretty Girls titles, the question remains: can Pretty Girls Escape PLUS uphold this trend? Read on to discover the answer.
Pretty Girls Escape PLUS serves as an enhanced edition of its predecessor, boasting new characters, stages, and revamped dressing room features.
The game itself, Pretty Girls Escape, falls into the escape block puzzle genre. Players navigate character blocks through challenges, aiming to clear stages by eliminating connected blocks of the same color. The strategic movement of blocks left and right guides the character blocks to the exit. Each stage introduces various obstacles, adding complexity to the puzzle-solving process. The goal? Achieve a high score by erasing as many blocks as possible with minimal moves.
Game Modes:
Stage Mode: Featuring 9 characters with 6 stages each, this mode progressively increases in difficulty. Completing stage-specific missions earns points, which can be exchanged for new costumes.
Challenge Mode: A highly demanding mode with 20 stages, each escalating in difficulty. The ultimate challenge is to conquer all levels.
The game boasts a diverse cast of 9 characters, each with unique traits. The dressing room allows players to freely change costumes, take snapshots, and utilize diorama mode to create and save scenes with multiple characters.
Characters:
Akiko: Calm and composed, she's the reliable older sister type with a touch of femininity.
Aoi: Reserved and modest, she excels at singing but struggles with dancing and improvisation.
Erisa: A beautiful and talented idol skilled in both singing and dancing.
Megumi: Motherly and kind-hearted, she balances kindness with firmness.
Risa: A bright and vivacious track and field coach well-liked by athletes.
Ami: Track and field team ace, a perfectionist dedicated to her sport.
Sakura: The beautiful manager of the track and field club who admires her coach.
Seira: Strong, serious, and responsible, she plays the role of everyone's big sister.
Ayari: Quiet and cool with a hardworking nature and a hint of tsundere.
Notably, the game maintains a "Bishoujo characters" aesthetic, ensuring no nudity or explicit content, aligning with the Japanese Manga and Anime style.
However, the game's challenge evolves beyond mere block manipulation. Tilt options, obstacle introduction (bombs, unmovable blocks), and the need to strategically move key blocks to unlock exits add layers of complexity. Each character's set of levels increases in difficulty, ensuring a progressively challenging experience. The challenge mode, with 20 stages of increasing difficulty, further enriches the gameplay experience.
The Good:
Zoo Corporation, true to form, elevates a simple game concept, enhancing visuals, and adding depth to what could be considered a straightforward game. It's a rare feat for a franchise to consistently deliver quality across diverse game types. As a puzzle enthusiast, I appreciated the initial ease of play, which later transformed into a tactical challenge with the introduction of "gimmick blocks." Time seems to fly by as you engage with the game.
The Bad:
Struggling to pinpoint any notable flaws, Pretty Girls Escape PLUS effectively executes its role as a block-falling puzzle game.
Overall:
Zoo Corporation continues its success streak with yet another flawlessly executed puzzle game. Priced competitively at around £5, with a launch discount, Pretty Girls Escape PLUS is a "no-brainer" for puzzle enthusiasts. I award Pretty Girls Escape PLUS a commendable 9 out of 10.
Barton Lynch Pro Surfing, developed by a dedicated indie team in Western Australia, is a breath of fresh air for surfing game enthusiasts who have been longing for a realistic simulation experience. However, this niche title might not be everyone's cup of tea.
The game earns praise for its stunning locations, diverse game modes, and a meticulous approach to simulating the art of surfing. The attention to detail in physics and the inclusion of legendary surfers contribute to the authenticity of the experience.
On the downside, the game feels a bit unpolished, with controls that might be challenging for newcomers. The absence of an arcade mode is a curious decision, limiting the appeal to a specific audience, mainly surfers or dedicated fans of the sport. The plethora of menus and options can be overwhelming, making it less accessible for casual players looking for a quick pick-up-and-play experience.
Graphics, touted as cutting-edge, fall short of the expected standard for a next-generation game, which might disappoint those expecting a visual feast. The absence of an arcade mode compounded by the use of surfing jargon might alienate newcomers.
A notable feature is the extensive customization options, allowing players to tailor their characters and equipment to their liking. The inclusion of real-world surf brands adds a layer of authenticity to the game.
The career mode adds depth, challenging players to climb the world rankings while managing various aspects like money, equipment, health, and performance. The game offers a variety of modes, including Tour Modes, Free Surf, and Trick Challenges, ensuring hours of engaging gameplay.
The ability to customize weather conditions in real-time adds an interesting dimension, enhancing the replayability of each location. The soundtrack, featuring Smoking Martha, Kilns, Oly Sherman, Wing Defence, Mesmeriser, and Bad Pony, complements the surfing vibe and fluid mechanics of the game.
While Barton Lynch Pro Surfing may not be the perfect wave for everyone, it successfully caters to its target niche audience of surfing enthusiasts. The game's high price tag might deter some potential players, and the lack of a more user-friendly approach could limit its broader appeal. Despite its flaws, this title manages to carve its niche in the world of sports simulation games.
DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing bursts onto the Xbox scene, offering a delightful blend of familiar characters, whimsical tracks, and karting enjoyment. Taking inspiration from the classic Mario Kart series, the game doesn't revolutionize the karting genre but provides a satisfying journey with its share of quirks.
At the heart of the game is an ensemble cast of DreamWorks characters, featuring the likes of Shrek, Po, Tigress, and Boss Baby. Each character adds a unique flavor to the chaotic karting experience.
The array of karts, numbering 20 in total, invites players to personalize their rides with a plethora of parts and accessories. This customization feature adds depth to the gameplay, allowing players to showcase their style on the track.
The tracks, inspired by iconic DreamWorks movie landscapes such as Shrek's Swamp and New York City Zoo, showcase thoughtful design and visual appeal. The game successfully transports players to these fantastical worlds, creating an immersive racing experience.
Innovative game mechanics, including magic paths and super jumps, inject a fresh element into the traditional kart racing formula. Uncovering hidden shortcuts through magical switches adds a strategic layer to the gameplay.
The multiplayer mode, whether online or local split-screen, stands out as a strong feature. It provides hours of entertainment for players of all ages, fostering a sense of camaraderie in the colorful DreamWorks universe.
On the downside, the initial tutorial disrupts the game's flow, hampering players with on-screen instructions. The inability to skip this segment may frustrate those eager to dive into the action.
Computer-controlled opponents exhibit lackluster AI, failing to consistently provide a challenging solo play experience. Improved opponent intelligence would enhance the overall enjoyment of the game.
While the game features an impressive roster of characters, the use of sound-alike voice actors instead of the original stars may disappoint fans. Authentic voice acting could have added another layer of charm to the game.
Despite being a major studio release in 2023, the graphics fall short of the high standards set by other contemporary titles. A more polished visual presentation could have elevated the overall gaming experience.
The gameplay, while enjoyable, lacks the breakneck speed that some players may expect from a kart racing title. A boost in overall speed could heighten the thrill of the races.
In conclusion, DreamWorks All-Star Kart Racing delivers an entertaining karting experience with its vibrant characters and imaginative tracks. Although it faces challenges with the tutorial, AI, voice acting, graphics, and pacing, the game's strengths ultimately overshadow its weaknesses. It stands as a solid choice for DreamWorks animation enthusiasts seeking a lighthearted kart racing adventure. With a score of 7 out of 10, it falls just short of karting greatness but remains a commendable addition to the genre.
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 delivers a solid gaming experience and successfully builds upon its predecessor, offering a visually appealing and entertaining crossover fighting game for fans of Nickelodeon franchises.
One of the standout features of the game is its great graphics, bringing to life a diverse roster of recognizable characters from various Nickelodeon shows. This makes it an excellent choice for young kids, providing a fun and engaging experience. The control scheme is a notable improvement, maintaining familiarity while introducing innovative changes. The separation of charge attacks from light attacks enhances combo execution and adds variety to each character's moveset.
However, the game does have its drawbacks. The boss fights, while challenging, lack significant innovation compared to the previous installment. The repetitive nature of button-mashing during boss battles can become monotonous and less engaging over time. Additionally, the platforming sections of the campaign are subpar, detracting from the overall gaming experience.
The plot adds an interesting dimension to the game, with SpongeBob and Patrick embarking on a journey to save the multiverse from Vlad Plasmius's mind control. The introduction of Clockwork and the Timeless Stardial provides a unique narrative backdrop, offering players a reason to engage with the single-player roguelike campaign.
In terms of gameplay, the revisions to characters' movesets, the introduction of new mechanics like aerial dodging and dodge rolling, and the addition of the "Slime Meter" contribute positively to the overall experience. The new roguelike campaign adds depth, and the incorporation of a currency system for power-ups and upgrades enhances replayability.
The expanded arcade and training modes, new mini-games, and boss rush mode contribute to the game's variety, offering players additional ways to enjoy the Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 experience. The inclusion of cross-platform play in online multiplayer is a welcome feature, promoting a more inclusive and connected gaming community.
With 25 playable characters from 17 Nickelodeon franchises and the promise of additional post-launch downloadable content, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 provides a diverse and evolving roster for players to explore.
In conclusion, while Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 has its shortcomings, it successfully builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, offering an enjoyable gaming experience for Nickelodeon fans. With its improved control scheme, engaging narrative, and a variety of gameplay modes, it earns a solid score of 7 out of 10.
Out on all formats digitally, and the physical release is on November 24th, just in time for Christmas.
