Recent reviews by .higgsy

I managed to complete Scarlet Nexus' two story campaigns within the free weekend, and I liked what I experienced. Let's break it down:

Story: Great
It's what you'd expect from an anime action game; a world so cohesively crazy that you get hooked and immersed no matter how ridiculous it is. The characters take the spotlight while the setting serves as context to their motivations. You don't have to pay attention to what's happening (and with how often plot beats and twists happen, it's likely that you can't keep up anyway), but the chemistry between the cast, helped by their VA's performances, will keep you going through the game. I recommend playing Yuito's story for your first playthrough.

Graphics: Stellar
By far my favorite aspect of the game. The artstyle blends industrial, sci-fi, and fantastical spaces into one to create a world with beauty and style. The nature-reclaimed Kunad Highway, the high-rise districts of Kikuchiba, and the cyber-oriental computer space of Arahabaki are among my favorite levels by their scenery and aesthetics alone. Every environment has it's own unique style and gimmick, complete with a wonderful soundtrack for each of them.

Gameplay: Serviceable
I'll be honest, I expected a little more in terms of gameplay. The basic combos you start with are neither stylish nor efficient, which is a bit disappointing for a game so flashy. Upgrades are hard to come by as you level up higher and higher, and even after completing both stories using a NG+ save, I still couldn't fully upgrade Yuito or Kasane.
Late-game enemies are annoying at least, with many of them being large, miniboss-like enemies with large health pools and fast attacks. They either have gimmicks that require you use a specific ability to knock them down, or are so tanky that they force you to fight on their terms. Multiple times. With at least two other enemies you also need to pay attention to. By far the biggest offenders are the "Chinery" and "Santa"-type enemies, who are fast and aggressive with attacks that interrupt or knock you down while at the same time refusing to be knocked down themselves.
In terms of combat, it's a weird union of DMC and Souls-like. You are both encouraged and discouraged from committing to longer combos, seeing as you don't have the tools necessary to avoid an incoming attack while in the middle of a combo. The "Perfect Dodge" and "Brain Drive/Brain Field" systems are also poorly implemented. Perfect Dodge has a timing window too small to be practical, and options too limited to be effective. BD activates automatically with little noticeable effects, and BF is really only effective against common enemies in the early game; later bosses have tools that allow them to completely avoid your slow and clunky attacks in BF, making it almost useless during boss battles.
It's not all bad though, the abilities and "Combo Visions" obtained through bonding with your squad offer a much needed extra layer of depth, and the "Assault Visions" reward your effectiveness in battle with strong finishing blows that can often finish off the enemy. If you're willing to master the game's systems, there are also missions accessible via the TV at the Hideout that test your effectiveness in combat, complete with a ranking system and rewards that offer further customization.

Final verdict: Recommended
Scarlet Nexus has a great cast, great soundtrack, great levels and environments, great art direction and "good enough" combat systems for a casual player. For a price tag of $40, it's up to your discretion to buy and play the game. From what I got to experience during the free weekend, I personally don't think it's worth buying full price, but the game is still fun enough for you to have a good time.

Like a Dragon is pretty stonkin' large, but thankfully it's also filled to the brim with content. My first playthrough took nearly 50 hours to complete even with the help of guides and (regrettably) giving myself foresight of what's to come (in other words, I spoiled myself). The story is great, the gameplay is a fun JRPG twist to the classic brawling the series is known for, and there's so much to do even after concluding the story. At first I was skeptical of the new direction of the series, but with Kazuhiro Nakaya leading it as Ichiban Kasuga, I'm here for the ride.

literally just the better 2042. a fun game with a decent story and neuron activating multiplayer.

drunk me bought this game on sale and now i have no idea what to do with it. it's ok i guess.