Video Game Reviews

Towerfall: Ascension

Matt Makes Games Inc.

Reviewed on: PS4

Also on: PC, OUYA

Street: 03.11

This 8-bit beauty is as deep as it is simple, which is why this game is a silent killer. For a scant $14.99, a player can to take various “archers” into battle against friends, or attempt the quest mode solo/co-op. The game itself is simple: Dodge the enemies and jump on their heads—or impale them with an arrow—to finish them off. Of course one must simultaneously try to unlock power ups and avoid the mass rush of monsters that are running, flying and slinking your way. While battling the waves of bats, demons, ghosts, slimes and others, you will experience intense moments that call for a crowd of screaming fans. The first time catching an opponent’s arrow mid-air while shooting and simultaneously crushing a beast can only be described as “euphoric.” This immensely challenging, spiritual successor to Smash Bros. gone rogue transforms an initially “quick” session into hours of competition. If you’re looking for something with which to test your reactions and your reflexes, this is your game. Drinking encouraged. –Thomas Winkley

 

The Walking Dead: Season 2 Episode 2

Telltale Games

Reviewed on: PC

Also on: iOS, Xbox 360, PS3, PS Vita, Ouya

Street: 03.04

When the crew discovers what could potentially be new friends, you have to know that something is going to cause a rift in the group. The second chapter of Telltale’s episodic thriller is chock-full of emotion, fear and action, leaving you to wonder what else they could possibly pack in. As is true with The Walking Dead games, anytime other groups are brought into the action it is rarely for a pleasant experience. This episode leaves us with seemingly harsher choices than Episode 1 that have less variable results, setting us up for what seems to be an explosive next three episodes where we finally meet the feared leader of the settlement our group has run from. This point-and-click play style still hasn’t become stale after 8 episodes of absolute terror. It could be, of course, due to the fact that you are on the edge of your seat from click to click, giving you little time to realize the mechanics haven’t changed at all. Clementine is still an incredible badass that is so obviously tainted by the world. Hope is still lost. –Thomas Winkley

 

Yoshi’s New Island

Arzest/Nintendo

Reviewed on: 3DS (exclusive)

Street: 03.14

The first Yoshi’s Island was a great game, and this new island is adorably appealing and has quite a bit of charm to it. This game feels like an alternate version of its predecessor with new levels and updated graphics. That doesn’t mean the game isn’t fun— the levels are interesting and challenging with Yoshi turning into random things—helicopter, mine cart, jackhammer, etc.—to help you through to the end. Giant Shy Guys also make an appearance, in what I assume is an attempt to break Yoshi in half. Luckily, our hero is ridiculously flexible and lays some giant eggs that will bounce around a level, breaking everything in their path. Part of the old game creeps in with the backgrounds that look like they were initially drawn by a five-year-old and then “re-mastered” by an adult with Photoshop— but some backgrounds are beautifully drawn and interactive. One level involves a volcano launching fireballs from the background to the foreground, which is a nice little effect. It may look like it’s all about being cute, but it’s also challenging, and worth it. –Ashley Lippert