Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review

Things go sideways right from the offset, with the ghosts of Professor E. Gadd’s world changing from pacifist to terrorist after the Dark Moon was shattered. Making a swift retreat to his bunker, Professor E. Gadd enlists the help of his good pal Luigi to get the pieces of the Dark Moon back together – and collect some goodies like gems along the way.

Thankfully, Luigi has the right tools for the job. For those who have yet to bust ghosts in the Luigi’s Mansion series, this tall hero differs from his brother’s outings by having players utilize the Poltergust 5000 to suck up ghosts – and anything else of interest.

As a result, Luigi’s Mansion 2 prides itself on exploration. As Luigi utilizes the Dual Scream (heh) device, Dark-Light Device, and Strobulb, they’ll scour each area in the hunt for items, ghosts, and more. Each item keeps things fresh without overwhelming players with too many options.

On that note, think of Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD as puzzle-based gameplay rather than the more traditional pixel-perfect platforming of Mario’s outings. No need to be scared, though; wrangling ghosts in Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is easily a highlight. 

Originally made for the Nintendo 3DS, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD’s world of Evershade Valley gradually unlocks new areas over time. Haunted Towers, Old Clockworks, Manors, and more all await, each culminating in a bout with a possessor that contains a bit of the Dark Moon you so rightly seek. 

While it is nice that the title breaks each area down into bite-sized chunks (complete with a ranking system!), don’t expect each area to be too overly in-depth.

The same goes with the overall presentation of Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD. While it certainly lives up to its HD moniker with a higher resolution, the graphics noticeably show their age compared to his brother Mario’s adventures. 

One thing worth noting though is that the multiplayer ScareScraper mode manages to make the formula work well with others. Broken down into Hunter, Polterpup, and Rush, these different modes serve as a nice break from the game proper. They’re not overly in-depth, but they are still welcome nonetheless – and with online support to boot.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is well worth a play for those looking for sheer charm and puzzling adventures in equal measure; just don’t expect too many new twists and turns as you bust ghosts in the moonlight.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble Review

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble sticks to its roots a little too closely, with its multiplayer mode coming off as more of a bonus than the main attraction.

Continue Reading Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble Review

SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review

Anya Forger’s adventures in SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories are well worth the time of any secret agent.

Continue Reading SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review

Still Wakes the Deep Review

Still Wakes the Deep is a truly immersive tale, but its linearity ultimately prevents it from reaching new heights.

Continue Reading Still Wakes the Deep Review

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Review

Shadow of the Erdtree is the perfect swan song to Elden Ring. It gives you all the challenge, the loot, and the lore of the base game in a smaller chunk. Prepare to lose yourself to its siren call yet again.

Continue Reading Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Review

Nightmare Kart Review

Nightmare Kart is positively dreamy, channeling the best kart racers to create something truly divine. While the emphasis on combat might lead to some unnecessary chaos, its addictive blend of speed and offense makes it worthy of all Hunters.

Continue Reading Nightmare Kart Review

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Review

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is a classic example of the old mantra: get past the start, and you’ll love it. If you have Xbox Game Pass, you have no reason not to try this game.

Continue Reading Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Review

The post Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble Review

The world of Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble (not to be confused with Super Monkey Ball: Banana Mania) will transport players to Juicy Island. Scuttlebutt says there’s a hidden Legendary Banana treasure just waiting to be discovered after collecting seven OOPArts.

Enter newcomer Palette, who also is hunting for said Legendary Banana to find her long-lost pops. Not one for lounging around, she teaches the old guard how to Spin Dash, hitting a wealth of different stages with the bunch in the hunt for points, golden bananas, and absolute glory.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble is more or less the same as previous entries, albeit with a hefty amount more polish. Players will still be navigating stages across Golden Temples, Rose Gardens, Neon Arenas, and other fantastical worlds set above periless bottomless pits. 

However, the camera can be adjusted, the presentation has been kicked up a few notches, and the aforementioned Spin Dash adds a bit of pep to the monkey’s step by acting as a glorified slingshot (think Sonic the Hedgehog). There’s even some couch co-op action for players to dive into!

This is all welcome, but Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble’s single player mode sticks to its roots a little too closely. Gimmicks featuring switches and launch pads, along with shops, certainly add a bit of flair, but this title doesn’t reinvent the (monkey) ball.

The single player mode of Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble is a bit on the short side, clocking in at approximately two hours. Rather, the biggest change to Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble is the banana rumble itself, with 16 player multiplayer across five different modes.

These follow the same tried-and-true gameplay of the series. Goal Rush has players earning points by rolling through goals, while the aptly named Ba-Boom! channels the best Mario Kart battles with explosive bombs.

While these Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble modes are nice, they play second fiddle to its single player top banana. We felt like they’re the equivalent of the minigames from previous entries; a pleasant surprise, but nothing worth going bananas over.

If anything, that’s Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble’s greatest weakness; its lack of content. This is a partial release priced at something far more. Those who don’t mind going through the same trials multiple times will enjoy its arcade-based challenges, but it is a bit light overall.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble sticks to its roots a little too closely, with its multiplayer mode coming off as more of a bonus than the main attraction. Those that don’t mind the same old song and monkey dance will have fun, but don’t expect anything revolutionary.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is well worth a play for those looking for sheer charm and puzzling adventures in equal measure; just don’t expect too many new twists and turns as you bust ghosts in the moonlight.

Continue Reading Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review

SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review

Anya Forger’s adventures in SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories are well worth the time of any secret agent.

Continue Reading SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review

Still Wakes the Deep Review

Still Wakes the Deep is a truly immersive tale, but its linearity ultimately prevents it from reaching new heights.

Continue Reading Still Wakes the Deep Review

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Review

Shadow of the Erdtree is the perfect swan song to Elden Ring. It gives you all the challenge, the loot, and the lore of the base game in a smaller chunk. Prepare to lose yourself to its siren call yet again.

Continue Reading Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Review

Nightmare Kart Review

Nightmare Kart is positively dreamy, channeling the best kart racers to create something truly divine. While the emphasis on combat might lead to some unnecessary chaos, its addictive blend of speed and offense makes it worthy of all Hunters.

Continue Reading Nightmare Kart Review

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Review

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is a classic example of the old mantra: get past the start, and you’ll love it. If you have Xbox Game Pass, you have no reason not to try this game.

Continue Reading Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Review

The post Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review

Anya Forger and her family are anything but ordinary. Her father Loid Forger moonlights as the secret agent Twilight, her mother Yor Forger is the infamous assassin Thorn Princess, and Anya herself possesses the unique ability to read minds. Even her dog Bond can see into the future! There’s never a dull moment in this seemingly idyllic household.

As a member of the prestigious Eden Academy, Anya Forger has a new assignment: Fill out a diary of her memories based on previous experiences. 

Needless to say, she’ll have some fantastic material to work with.

Fans of the SPYxFAMILY series will know these beats part and parcel – SPYxANYA is a true love letter to the series. While some may not quite understand some of the references, everybody else will get a laugh out of Yor Forger’s bad cooking or Second Son Damian Desmond’s forever sour attitude.

As players fill out Anya’s diary in SPYxANYA, they’ll head out on different outings to take the perfect shots. Don’t expect this paparazzi work to be overly in-depth; shots are judged by focus, angle, and timing, with colored frames helping players out.

Those that do well by taking the best shots during outings can get themselves Play Points (PP) and Eurekas that unlock more than a dozen different minigames. There’s also a wealth of clothing options for the family that are just waiting to be unlocked.

Keep in mind that SPYxANYA is a slow burn; those looking to minmax their shots and rush to the end will be sorely disappointed. Rather, this title prides itself on charm and immersion; whether one hits the town on their way to infiltrate a candy store or pay a visit to the aquarium, players will fall in love with Anya’s adventures.

Just note that outings aren’t all done in succession; players will have to wait a few days between each one. Players can go out and play hooky from school after some time has passed to speed things up, but those that do so will miss out on some fantastic slice of life moments at Eden Academy.

That’s not to say time between outings is a bore; SPYxANYA has a number of minigames that players can give into. These run the gamut from a Pac-Man tribute that swaps pellets for peanuts, a riveting game of dodgeball, and even a hack-and-slash mode that has players channeling their inner Dante. 

While players will experience the same minigames multiple times, they’re all well-made and have some variations between them. The scoring system also encourages players to be the very best – like no one ever was. We would have loved to see more, but we did enjoy our time with each one.

Anya Forger’s adventures in SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories are well worth the time of any secret agent. While we wish there were more minigames, SPYxFAMILY fans shouldn’t hesitate to go out on this ooting.

The post SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

Still Wakes the Deep Review

As a member of the crew of the derelict oil rig Beira D long ago (back in the 70s, in fact), Cameron “Caz” McLeary is having a rough day. Not only is his marriage on the rocks, he’s also got the police knocking on their doorstep out at sea, ultimately costing him his job. That is, after a thorough chewing out from his boss Rennick.

That’s the least of his worries, however; before too long, a wild drilling incident causes havoc on the ship before he was slated to jet off back home, forcing him to deal with a number of problems throughout the rig and its crew. It’s far from a normal day, and there are some supernatural events that are being thrown into the mix for good measure.

What follows is a walking sim that throws the player headlong into danger. Still Wakes the Deep prides itself on immersion; whether players are climbing a dangerous precipice, dealing with crewmates that just aren’t right, or navigating harsh conditions, intensity is the name of the game.

Paired with the excellent voice work (complete with Scottish phrases like “clacky gobshite”), stunning graphics, and dire conditions are just the thing to transport players to this rig.

However, it’s not all roses throughout these lousy predicaments. Still Wakes the Deep is a horror title that is truly immersive, though it ends up being far too linear in the process. Players will be railroaded from one stop to the next, complete with yellow-coded objects, overt objectives, and straightforward paths.

That’s not to say this title is free of danger. Don’t expect to go all Doom Guy from DOOM in this title, but do expect to navigate a number of threats through the use of stealth. Rather than a BFG 9000, one’s wits – and the occasional contextual item – will keep Caz in one piece.

Despite this, Still Wakes the Deep’s this linearity ultimately takes away from the experience. 

There’s not much player without a context marker eagerly pointing people in the right direction. With all the blocks from one area to the next, it can feel like a slog as players are navigating these different areas to get to the next problem.

The end result is something that would have been better suited as a TV miniseries. The content of Still Wakes the Deep is more than sound – shows like AMC’s The Terror capture the same ominous vibes – but pretty much all players will have the end experience after its short three-hour runtime.

Still Wakes the Deep is a truly immersive tale, but its linearity ultimately prevents it from reaching new heights. Caz’s bad day is well worth a while for those looking for supernatural horror, but this tale might have been better suited for another medium.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is well worth a play for those looking for sheer charm and puzzling adventures in equal measure; just don’t expect too many new twists and turns as you bust ghosts in the moonlight.

Continue Reading Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble Review

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble sticks to its roots a little too closely, with its multiplayer mode coming off as more of a bonus than the main attraction.

Continue Reading Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble Review

SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review

Anya Forger’s adventures in SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories are well worth the time of any secret agent.

Continue Reading SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Review

Shadow of the Erdtree is the perfect swan song to Elden Ring. It gives you all the challenge, the loot, and the lore of the base game in a smaller chunk. Prepare to lose yourself to its siren call yet again.

Continue Reading Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Review

Nightmare Kart Review

Nightmare Kart is positively dreamy, channeling the best kart racers to create something truly divine. While the emphasis on combat might lead to some unnecessary chaos, its addictive blend of speed and offense makes it worthy of all Hunters.

Continue Reading Nightmare Kart Review

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Review

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is a classic example of the old mantra: get past the start, and you’ll love it. If you have Xbox Game Pass, you have no reason not to try this game.

Continue Reading Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Review

The post Still Wakes the Deep Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

Nightmare Kart Review

Players will hit the track of Nightmare Kart right from the offset with its Campaign mode. Signing a contact under the watchful eye (literally) of the Dream Watchers, players will choose their voice and ride, beginning this Nightmare in search of answers – and some best lap times to boot.

Despite its grim setting, Nightmare Kart handles like a dream. Controls are responsive, with a Boost consuming Aether Vials and the proper drift granting them right back. There are also some advanced maneuvers, with the Power Brake providing a fast turn, tricks after jumps, and White Flares serving as item boxes.

All of these features are staples for the kart racing genre, coming as no surprise to those who have raced with the likes of Mario or Crash in the past. However, Nightmare Kart handles well, providing a thrill racing fans will flock to like a moth to a flame.

However, Nightmare Kart isn’t just a racer; it’s a combat title as well. By taking down enemies, players will be able to get themselves Blood Droplets that increase one’s max speed. There are other racers to take down, sure, but there are also a number of different threats dotting each racetrack just begging to be annihalated.

As a result, Nightmare Kart places a bit of a heavier emphasis on its items. Racing the perfect line is absolutely important, but it also pays to be aware of one’s surroundings. We loved this shift in gameplay, and while the amount of hazards can rival that of Mario Kart Wii, it is still a worthwhile addition worthy of a Molotov Mine.

For those who like battle modes, Nightmare Kart’s Team Bloodbath and Boss Battles accentuate these combat features quite nicely. Controlled chaos sums it up quite well – pairing speed with action and projectiles, it leads to a frenzy we couldn’t get enough of. There’s even a chance to play a little sportsball with some Insight – a nice touch.

Perhaps the biggest wrinkle in Nightmare Kart is its presentation. Designed to mimic a 32-bit racing game, players will navigate low poly environments, encounter vintage loading screens, and even save to a “memory card.”

While these flourishes are most certainly not for everybody, an incredible amount of attention-to-detail went into Nightmare Kart’s overall aesthetics. If released in 1996, players would be none-the-wiser – and we mean that as the highest form of compliment.

Nightmare Kart is positively dreamy, channeling the best kart racers to create something truly divine. While the emphasis on combat might lead to some unnecessary chaos, its addictive blend of speed and offense makes it worthy of all Hunters.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is well worth a play for those looking for sheer charm and puzzling adventures in equal measure; just don’t expect too many new twists and turns as you bust ghosts in the moonlight.

Continue Reading Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble Review

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble sticks to its roots a little too closely, with its multiplayer mode coming off as more of a bonus than the main attraction.

Continue Reading Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble Review

SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review

Anya Forger’s adventures in SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories are well worth the time of any secret agent.

Continue Reading SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review

Still Wakes the Deep Review

Still Wakes the Deep is a truly immersive tale, but its linearity ultimately prevents it from reaching new heights.

Continue Reading Still Wakes the Deep Review

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Review

Shadow of the Erdtree is the perfect swan song to Elden Ring. It gives you all the challenge, the loot, and the lore of the base game in a smaller chunk. Prepare to lose yourself to its siren call yet again.

Continue Reading Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Review

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Review

Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is a classic example of the old mantra: get past the start, and you’ll love it. If you have Xbox Game Pass, you have no reason not to try this game.

Continue Reading Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Review

The post Nightmare Kart Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER Review

Plucky young Esper ES88 possesses quite the skill – with her handy squid-like Neurodiver, she has the ability to enter one’s memories. This is more than just a simple party trick; she can use it to clear out brain fog, uncover repressed thoughts, and even alter the way one thinks.

There’s just one problem – a rogue Esper known as the Golden Butterfly is using these abilities for mischief throughout the greater Neo-SF Bay Area. With GATE, TRACE, FORTUNA, and the greater power of the MINERVA organization at her side, it’s up to players to find the truth.

What follows is a title that prides itself on its immersion. Featuring a world that pulls from both Latin and Japanese influences, NEURODIVER’s fusion of different cultures is a breath of fresh air in the gaming space.

This immersion also applies to its worldbuilding. From bars to cafés to even zoos, each area is given plenty of flair for players to encounter. As locals to the real-life Bay Area, we loved seeing its unique spin on each area.

NEURODIVER gives players the chance to interact with different objects in true point-and-click fashion as they piece different memories together. While there isn’t a terrible amount of depth, finding out what goes where leads to some light puzzle solving that is welcome.

It’s just a shame that NEURODIVER is a short one, spread across five brief chapters and an intro. With each one presented in an anime-style episode format (complete with commercial bumpers), it just doesn’t have enough runtime to flesh things out.

Each chapter does possess its own puzzle and storyline, but it oftentimes feels like they are a bit more standalone chapters. There are a lot of interesting concepts when it comes to protests and previous MINERVA history, but they’re not given too much time to sit before the next major storyline takes shape.

NEURODIVER does provide a fantastic audiovisual presentation for each of its chapters. The sprite work is at the top of its class, the synth channels the best early 90s titles, and the professional voiceover talent really drives things home. We especially loved ES88’s bubbly performance, which is so full of life

Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER provides a fantastic futuristic experience that we were all too eager to dive into. While we would have appreciated more runway with its brief tale, ES88’s hunt for the Golden Butterfly is well worth a trip down memory lane.

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is well worth a play for those looking for sheer charm and puzzling adventures in equal measure; just don’t expect too many new twists and turns as you bust ghosts in the moonlight.

Continue Reading Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble Review

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble sticks to its roots a little too closely, with its multiplayer mode coming off as more of a bonus than the main attraction.

Continue Reading Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble Review

SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review

Anya Forger’s adventures in SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories are well worth the time of any secret agent.

Continue Reading SPY×ANYA: Operation Memories Review

Still Wakes the Deep Review

Still Wakes the Deep is a truly immersive tale, but its linearity ultimately prevents it from reaching new heights.

Continue Reading Still Wakes the Deep Review

Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Review

Shadow of the Erdtree is the perfect swan song to Elden Ring. It gives you all the challenge, the loot, and the lore of the base game in a smaller chunk. Prepare to lose yourself to its siren call yet again.

Continue Reading Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree Review

Nightmare Kart Review

Nightmare Kart is positively dreamy, channeling the best kart racers to create something truly divine. While the emphasis on combat might lead to some unnecessary chaos, its addictive blend of speed and offense makes it worthy of all Hunters.

Continue Reading Nightmare Kart Review

The post Read Only Memories: NEURODIVER Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

Lunar Lander Beyond Review

Joining the ranks of the Pegasus Administration, Lunar Lander Beyond has players setting out into the great beyond as the latest pilot on payroll. 

However, even through players are guided by the AI assistant HARA every step of the way, this gig is far from easy. Not only do players have to contend with one’s ship health and fuel as they rescue crew members and perform adept landings, they’ll also have to contend with stress that can ultimately lead to one going insane – never a fun moment. There’s also something called the “Cosmic Event” that is the talk of the town – never a dull moment to be on the job!

While this may seem like a lot to manage, that’s also the draw. Lunar Lander Beyond is a game of resource management, reflexes, and careful planning. One can easily dial down the difficulty, lean on the Stabilizer, or choose a different pilot or ship – the options are most certainly there for those looking for them. This is also paired with a number of different features that can be equipped, from tractor beams to turboboosts.

However, the real fun of Lunar Lander Beyond comes from true mastery of its system. Momentum is the focal point of this title; truly understanding the way one’s ship moves as you hit the thrusters and use fuel provides a moment of zen; think of it like hitting the race line of a video game.

The same management comes from its crew management. Each character has their own traits, including Elite traits, but there’s also the chance that a bad run out could lead to a demotion – or the aforementioned insanity. It requires careful planning when it comes to who to send out, what ship to bring, and which abilities to equip, adding to a bit of strategy that we absolutely love. Those that fail to do so will be seeing eyeballs and pink elephants, just begging to take a pill.

However, those that do take the time to learn its system will be handsomely rewarded with better medal ranks, additional credits, and even extra pilots. There’s also the occasional curveball thrown in for good measure, like defending a strong point, avoiding a security system, or trying to maneuver around mines. This, in turn, requires players to make a choice between safety and sanity – never an easy ask.

Despite its great gameplay, the presentation of Lunar Lander Beyond could use some work. There are some shining moments to be had with its fully voiced over dialog and animated cutscenes. However, there are also certain design elements that are static, and survivors are depicted as stick men. It can be a bit jarring to see this discrepancy in its world, and did take us out of the experience on more than one occasion.

While Lunar Lander Beyond requires a delicate touch, the feeling that comes from mastering a perfect run and ship-shape crew cannot be beat. For the management fiends and skill-driven fans among us, get ready to kick the tires and light the fires during this Cosmic Event.

The post Lunar Lander Beyond Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

Spirit City: Lofi Sessions Review

Lenny the cat (quite literally) serves as your spirit animal in Spirit City, giving you a chance to truly relax and help you with all of your tasks. After customizing one’s character, a comfy room with plenty of creature comforts is at your disposal. The world is your oyster in this paradise; while there, players can choose to knit, read, write, and even nap in this virtual environment. There’s also the chance to change the time of day, play curated lo-fi tunes from the talented folks at Homework Radio, and even add a background noise (including our favorite, the crackling fireplace).

This is all done to help players knock out those nasty real-life tasks that always loom over one’s head. Thankfully, Spirit City: Lofi Sessions has the tools needed to make sure that those looming tasks are conquered.

Enter the title’s productivity corner, which includes a to-do list, a timer, a habit tracker, and a journal. As somebody who uses old-fashioned pen and paper to jot down tasks, our time with Spirit City: Lofi Sessions transformed the way we handle our never-ending workload.

We ended up keeping the title on as a background tool for a few days, writing down things to do, penning notes (including the ones for this review!), and getting lost in its general vibes. While the amount of tools is a bit on the light side, each one came in handy during the review period.

Gamification elements also appear in Spirit City: Lofi Sessions in a number of different forms. Along the way, players will earn EXP, level up as a Spiritographer, and earn Spirit Credits that can be spent on different room customization options. These factors scratch that dopamine itch quite well, encouraging players to come back and go for just a little bit more – there’s even daily tasks to keep that momentum going and come back; a smart move.

Perhaps the biggest gamification element in Spirit City: Lofi Sessions are its different spirits. Players will be able to utilize different activities and factors to encourage pun-tastic spirits to make an appearance. We love these little critters; they absolutely warmed our heart and encouraged us to try out the title’s different options. Don’t treat it as a speedrunning jaunt just waiting to be conquered. Rather, Spirit City: Lofi Sessions is a title that’s about the journey than the destination.

Spirit City: Lofi Sessions is a fantastic (and pun-tastic) tool that dishes out good vibes as players knock out their tasks. While the title could use more customization options, we enjoyed getting down to business in its cozy world.

Lidia Sobieska TEKKEN 8 Release Date Revealed

The Warrior Prime Minister Lidia Sobieska is set to make her way to Arika and Bandai Namco’s TEKKEN 8 on July 26 (July 25 in PT).

Continue Reading Lidia Sobieska TEKKEN 8 Release Date Revealed

The Outlast Trials Project Lupara Update Coming July 16

The first major update for The Outlast Trials, dubbed Project Lupara, will come out for PC and consoles July 16.

Continue Reading The Outlast Trials Project Lupara Update Coming July 16

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Now Available for Nintendo Switch

The world of Strangereal has made its arrival on the Nintendo Switch with today’s release of Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown for the platform.

Continue Reading Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Now Available for Nintendo Switch

Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Overview Trailer Released

See how players will be able to speedrun against players worldwide in Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition with the overview trailer for the title.

Continue Reading Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition Overview Trailer Released

Shadow 101 Sonic X Shadow Generations Trailer Released

Get acquainted with the ultimate life form with the Shadow 101 trailer for SEGA’s Sonic X Shadow Generations.

Continue Reading Shadow 101 Sonic X Shadow Generations Trailer Released

New Vapid Dominator FX Interceptor and Declasse Impaler LX Cruiser This Week in GTA Online

Players will be able to take a bite out of crime with The Vapid Dominator FX Interceptor and Declasse Impaler LX Cruiser this week in Rockstar Games’ GTA Online.

Continue Reading New Vapid Dominator FX Interceptor and Declasse Impaler LX Cruiser This Week in GTA Online

The post Spirit City: Lofi Sessions Review appeared first on GamersHeroes.

Contra: Operation Galuga Review

Things are heating up from the offset of this title, with the terrorist group Red Falcon setting up shop on the Galuga Archipelago. They’ve been keeping busy, contending with a group of super soldiers sent to deal with them that are now MIA. If that’s not enough, gravity waves centered around the area hint at these baddies possessing an artifact of mass destruction.

What’s a soldier to do?

Enter Bill Rizer and Lance Bean of the EMC Contra Unit, no strangers to the perils of war. These two pec-tacular warriors – along with Lucia, Ariana, and others – set out to right this wrong through sheer firepower and spectacle.

No need to worry, though; these fearsome fighters have the skills needed for the job. Contra: Operation Galuga gives players a double jump, a horizontal midair dash, and even the chance to precisely aim at the hold of a button. Paired with two weapons (one primary and one secondary), equippable perks, even an Overload function that works in a pinch, and players will give Rambo a run for his money through their moves and grooves on the battlefield.

Of course, Contra: Operation Galuga has the challenge to put all of these factors to the set. The first jungle stage might seem like a retread of the arcade and Nintendo Entertainment System classic, but things go over the top (just like the Stallone movie!) with ice train chases, high-tech labs, and other exotic locales. There’s even tweaks to classic sections like the vertical climbing levels, always setting out to keep us on our toes. The average stage clocking in at approximately 10 minutes too – just enough time to make a bombastic entrance and exit.

This system proves to be fair for the most part, with reflexes and pure skill proudly shining through after all these years. Players will have to contend with a lot of bullets at any given time, and while the default system is a bit more lenient compared to the 80s originals, players will still have to bring their AAAA game to survive.

However, there were some cheap hits with the general way Contra: Operation Galuga is designed. By using a 2.5D perspective – 3D graphics on a 2D plane – we found that it can be hard to determine hitboxes in certain scenarios. There were also select sections where the perspective and even the direction changed, making our initial go-around a bit of a slaughter. Again, triumph comes from practice, but there are times we just can’t claim “skill issue” in good faith.

Just be warned that Contra: Operation Galuga is a short mission, clocking in at around two hours and change during our initial playthrough. The title is $39.99 as of this writing on Steam; while it encourages replayability, it does prove to be a bit light on content – even if it does support up to four players.

The soldiers of Contra: Operation Galuga have the right moves for this mission, but the steep cost, short length, and awkward perspectives lead to a less-than-perfect execution.

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SoulGame Studio’s Minishoot’ Adventure dares to imagine a world where these two genres come together in perfect harmony. Does this hybrid go together like peanut butter and chocolate, or should these two genres keep separated?

Minishoot’ Adventures Review

At first glance, Minishoot’ Adventures seems like your typical top-down shooter. You’re piloting a ship, can maneuver in 360 degrees of motion, can fire at will, and can even take down other ships through a stream of multicolored bullets.

However, things aren’t what they seem; this title features a fair amount of exploration. Players will collect heart pieces, trigger switches, collect keys, upgrade one’s abilities via a skill tree, and can even pinpoint where they want to go. There’s even breakable pots and boss rooms as players take on the Unchosen and his minions – sounds like the adventures of a little green elf, right?

These two concepts might seem at odds with each other, but Minishoot’ Adventures is wildly original. The idea of traveling across an overworld and discovering secrets might seem unorthodox, but exploring a world while putting our skills to the test was a thrilling feeling. Note that there are “Explorer,” “Original,” and “Advanced” modes with different firing modes to match, making Minishoot’ Adventures suitable for all styles of play.

Players can make a beeline for the main objective on the map, but players can also come across distress signals and ships that have lost power along the way. There’s also collectibles like Golden Scarabs, a leveling system with a skill tree, and other perks that can make your shipling is the best shipling to ever ship.

Just note that the puzzles in Minishoot’ Adventures do not require a ton of heavy lifting. Some segments require exploration while others require clearing out a set room, but don’t expect anything too complex. This is far from a dealbreaker considering its focus on the action, but those looking for the depth that comes from the Hero of Time’s adventures with multiple items and floors will need to adjust to this brass tacks approach.

That’s not to say Minishoot’ Adventures is an easy title; far from it. Between the sections where players need to carefully navigate a chasm while big ol’ bullets come from the top, racing a spirit to the finish, or even freeing an old friend, this is one title that will require players to get acquainted or crash and burn. Without a suite of items these battles can feel a bit limiting, but muscle reflexes serve as a suitable substitution.

Taking inspiration from a little green elf, Minishoot’ Adventures combines bullet hells and exploration to create something truly unique. This title might not be the toughest or most compex title on the market, but the feedback loop between combat and exploration kept us captivated.

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