Each of the game's areas are divided into levels and various sections. The sections have different sets of tile configurations that a player needs to maneuver around. Clearing all the sections is the only way to exit the level and advance through the game.

In the start of the game, you are given basic commands; move forward, move left, etc. As you complete levels, you open up a new set of tools to use at your disposal. For example, you can scan tiles, use tiles, and you can even create your own functions. As you get deeper into the game, you won't be able to rely solely on simple (or barebones) instructions to your little robot. Instead, you'll need to think harder to ensure you are writing effective algorithms that combine many of the different elements that you have been taught. Players need to keep in mind, any commands that are given to the robot needs to be robust enough to work on all sections. Progression can feel a bit tedious at this point, requiring you to rewrite, debug, and test your code numerous times. Welcoming the challenge (just like in real programming), I felt thoroughly satisfied when all my effort paid off.

Completion rewards come in the form of background world lore, unraveling the narrative as you progress through the game. A text-based transmission is received informing you about the current situation and any new unlocked functionalities. Strangely enough, I didn't find myself enjoying the reward system. I found the character development to be on the weaker side of the spectrum, feeling more like a programming tutorial provided by an unrelatable engineer; although I do applaud the effort of adding an actual story element to a level-based puzzle game. As I mentioned earlier, however, the satisfaction of completing the puzzle itself was more than enough to satiate my appetite.

Simply Put

Robo Instructus welcomes existing programmers and newcomers alike, but I wouldn't consider it a casual experience. It takes a lot of patience and endurance to get through some of the more complex levels. The difficulty can spike quite early on, which may dissuade people from completing the game, especially if you are new to coding. With that said, the thrill of seeing all your work and code flow together to complete levels is exciting. There are multiple ways to get through each of the puzzles, so if you get stuck, you may want to try and think of a new approach.

While the last Castlevania project he worked on during his time at Konami was canceled in favor for MercurySteam’s Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, Igarashi-san decided to end his relationship with Konami and start his own company. It didn’t take long before fans were clamoring for a new title fitting the mold of the term dubbed after the man himself, an “Igavania.” Turning to Kickstarter, just like Inafune-san did with Mighty No. 9 (MegaMan), Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night was born. Inspiration is an understatement, as Bloodstained feels quite similar to recent 2D Castlevania titles, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. As a spiritual successor, Bloodstained feels like a best-of title, refining previous aspects and building upon them to craft one of the best games of the year.

The game revolves around two main Shardbinders, those that have been subjected to experimentation through the use of shards (demon powers). In an almost eerie familiarity, you’ll explore a massive castle with various motif corridors to put an end to Dracula; I mean Gebel. As Miriam, you’ll gain access to a wide selection of different weapons to slay your way to victory, but the crux of it all, it is a necessity to impale yourself with this shards from defeated enemies to gain essential powers. Although the game can be completed at roughly the 12-hour mark (much longer if you are a completionist), Bloodstained features a large sprawling map, and you’ll frequently reach sections that are seemingly impossible to access. These areas, for those that are unfamiliar with the Metroidvania style of gameplay, requires you to circle back to previous locations once you gain new traversal abilities, such as being able to double jump, squeeze through tightly spiked corridors, and more.

As previously mentioned, Miriam equips various types of shards collected by killing monsters. From boots giving you powerful spinning high kicks, to different kinds of swords, clubs, rapiers, and whips, the weapons are varied enough that you’ll learn which weapons and attack types work best against certain foes. The shards aren’t a guaranteed drop, so it may take a few kills for a particular enemy to drop the shard you want. Even then, the powers gained from the shards can be upgraded by collecting multiples of the same shard type. If you have the patience, you can become quite literally invincible early on in the game using only these abilities. However, the use of the spells costs mana, essentially mimicking Castlevania’s use of sub-weapons (ax, dagger, holy water, etc.). There are two equipable slots, one that can be triggered instantly, while the other slot allows you to aim the magic in any direction using the right analog stick. You can cut down monsters and demons with a column of fire, or choose to aim a fireball to launch at flying foes. Over time, you’ll earn new skill sets that may question your decision making. While during my first few hours with the game, I went for an overwhelming offensive type build, I opted for a more defensive focused type of play style during more difficult sections, including the use of a healing ability. Thankfully, you unlock different presets as you level up, letting you swiftly change between them as needed, ideally per engagement to ensure you always have the proverbial edge.

One of the biggest complaints with the initial demo was how the game played, which meant it was being compared to SotN. Thankfully, the final release feels just as good, if not better than any side-scrolling action-RPG. In fact, even the same maneuvers, such as attacking just before you land gives you the chance to land two hits in quick succession. Call it muscle memory, but it is one of the first things I noticed early on, without even thinking. Of course, with the inclusion of the different shard types, you’ll no longer be limited to dodging and ducking. This is an excellent addition for me, as I never could quite perfect my dodging in these types of games. The first set of weapons at your disposal are quite basic, but as you level up, you’ll gain access to additional pieces of equipment and magical items that add another layer of depth to the experience. One of the first ones that I fell in love with was a neon colored laser sword, or lightsaber, with additional electric attacks, good at slowing down those pesky flying heads (and bats).

In typical fashion for the genre, you’ll have to backtrack through the map, unlocking teleportation rooms, save rooms and the central hub you’ll be frequenting. Here, you can upgrade your equipment, craft the best items in the game, if you spend hours grinding, and take side-quests that provide spectacular rewards late in the game. However, some of the requirements are grind-heavy, meaning your late game journey consists of grinding for low drop-rate shards endlessly. Although once you reach a specific point in the narrative, you can face-off against the end boss without exploring the rest of the game, you’ll want to hold off as long as possible. Some may not care, which is perfectly fine, especially with New Game +, but I found it exploring every inch of the massive map quite enticing.

The voice acting can be a bit stiff at times, especially during certain moments where there can be a lot of dialogue; however, the music is quite enjoyable and gothic, especially with guitar riffs reminiscent of Castlevania. There are moments where the action can hiccup, typically when you collect a new shard, and at times during sequences, but nothing that took away from the experience. I need to mention that the review is based on the 1.02 update, that was released after launch. I did have to restart the game due to the game-breaking bug in 1.01, so you need to ensure that you keep the game updated

Simply Put

After years of development and a handful of delays, Koji Igarashi’s highly anticipated return to gaming is perfection personified, or close to it. It is one of the finest side-scrolling action-RPGs that you’ll play, with beautifully stylistic and colorful visuals that work wonderfully with the 2.5D presentation. The endgame grind may be too much of an investment, but I love every moment of it, especially considering how much I enjoy the hack-and-slash gameplay and being able to swap between my customized presets at any moment. It may feel quite familiar to his previous work but sets the bar for the series moving forward.

Yagami's interest in the gruesome murders of Yakuza members at first is directly tied to his previous law firm, who requested his natural talents as a detective in order to get their client cleared of murder accusations. The issue becomes complicated, as the defendant is none other but a Tojo Clan (Matsugane Family) captain, one in which Yagami has a history with. It's not long before you'll question the true motives of the murderer and find yourself risking your life and those around you to uncover the truth. As it was with Kiryu, when you are dealing with Yakuza, nothing is as simple as it seems.

Although a spin-off title, much of Judgment should be familiar to those that have played the original Yakuza releases or the fantastic recent releases that have certainly revitalized the franchise, especially in the West. You'll be exploring a version of Kamurocho, a dangerous sprawling urban landscape that feels familiar, yet different at the same time. Judgment is the third game to be released using Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's impressive Dragon Engine. Being able to walk in and out of shops, and other landmarks, and even engaging in street brawls without loading is a phenomenal sensation. Yes, environmental objects tend to fly around when you run into them, and you'll always be bumping into non-playable characters (NPCs) frequently, but the immersion from completing multiple interactions without a single load is quite liberating.

While roaming through the streets of Kamurocho, Yagami finds himself at war with various gangs, Yakuza families, and others that may impede his investigations. There are two key combat styles for Yagami to use; crane and tiger. At any point during a fight, you can switch between the two. Each of the combat styles has their strengths, with one being the better option when facing a group of enemies, and the other better suited towards one-on-one encounters, such as when battling a boss-type characters. Just like Kiryu's flashy heat maneuvers, you'll charge a unique gauge, in this case, it is labeled EX. Doing so allows you to trigger special moves that not only cause massive damage to your foes, but utilize a wide range of wrestling moves, weapons, and interactions with the environment. Even the locales join in once you start to raise your reputation around town. I never like to spoil the more unique moves in these games, but trust me, you want to ensure to pull of an EX move near a koi pond. Overall you'll feel a bit more mobile and agile in Judgment, performing flying attacks by running up and leaping off walls, and more.

As the game is considered a role-playing game (RPG), you'll find Yagami a tad on the weaker side when you first start playing, especially on the higher difficulties. Thankfully, the upgrade system has been streamlined to feature a single skill point currency that is used for all types of upgrades, such as learning new combos and techniques, increasing your health, and more. Certain upgrades remain locked until you reach specific points in the narrative. Fighting is the easiest and most common way to earn skill points, so you'll want to keep the number of times you run away to a bare minimum. Side missions are a good source of skill points, and if you enjoyed the wacky side stories in Yakuza, you'll feel right at home with Judgment. The side cases that you can take are not only enjoyable but come in many different flavors, with the ones that are genuinely outrageous standing out from the rest. While the main story keeps you grounded, this is where the game truly shines in terms of stylistic characters, and at times, some truly zany narrative set pieces. What is Yagami doing right now? Oh nothing, just chasing down a sentient wig, flying through the streets at night, or using a GPS tracker to stop a mad panty thief, or investigate a haunted apartment. The side cases aren't found by roaming through the streets like in previous games, and instead, you'll acquire them from your notice board, and friends that you'll make during your time with the game.

Judgment wouldn't be much of a crime drama if Yagami didn't spend his time properly investigating crime scenes. When entering these specialized areas, the game switches from the traditional third-person perspective to a more inviting first-person view, allowing you to search for clues and other pertinent details. Don't forget to locate the annoyingly vocal, meowing cat in these scenes before completing your investigations, if you want to be thorough. At times you'll have move around to find the proper locations to search, and others you'll be set in a specific spot, only able to shift your view point. Zooming in does help, as well as having the controller rumble when hovering over hidden areas during search mode (it's a purchased special skill).

Besides testing his eyesight in finding clues and his fighting merit, you'll be tasked with tailing and chasing potential perps. Chase sequences are a bit more exciting, requiring you to avoid obstacles and pedestrians, but weaving your way around and over anything in your path using quick-time event button prompts. If you lose sight of your target by failing to avoid the obstacles, you'll have to restart. Tailing scenarios have a similar fail state if you lose sight of your target for too long. It also features a visibility mechanic, forcing you to hide behind cars, signs, and buildings when your mark (the target) turns around. It can be a bit repetitive, and isn't overly complicated, as the target quickly forgets they even saw you and continues on their way. Things become a bit more exciting when you get to use a drone to snap photos and keep yourself hidden out of sight, not to mention participate in the drone racing league.

Some side missions aren't available until certain conditions are met, such as raising your reputation with the locales. As I already mentioned, these feature the same goofiness and absurdity that fans have loved over the years. Most cases aren't overly long, but not all of them feature fighting. Restaurants and cafes serve as a way to instantly replenish your health, besides purchasing items that you can use in and out of battle. The more you purchase, the higher your rating with that particular place and employee. Playing on the lower difficulties, you'll hardly take any damage, and you are unable to eat or drink anything if you are at full health. This essentially means you won't grow your relationships at any point in the game unless of course, you let enemies punch Yagami directly in his face on purpose.

Kamurocho feels familiar, especially since I've reviewed the four recent Yakuza releases within the past couple years. With that said, most of the other titles feature multiple locales to explore, even if brief, but Judgment takes place entirely in Kamurocho, except for a small section. I was disappointed that it is the only location, but it is such a fantastic place to explore. During the first couple chapters, the city felt less impressive and less alive, but it was due to the game slowly opening up different aspects of the game turning Kamurocho into a bustling district brimming with life. Afterward, you'll have so many different places to explore, such as Sega arcades full of classic titles, UFO catchers, and even a new shooter harking back to Sega's classic arcade series The House of the Dead. There is also a playable pinball machine tucked away in your office built with the Unity engine. Eventually, you'll be able to ask the women in Yagami's life out on dates, building upon their relationships, serving as a replacement for the host club interactions from the mainline Yakuza titles.

Simply Put

Judgment proves that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's gameplay approach works with a new set of realized and charismatic characters. While it was a shame to see Kiryu's journey came to an end last year, Yagami and his former Yakuza buddy Kaito may be my new favorite duo. The narrative is highly engaging, and whether you use the Japanese or the English voices, the performances are outstanding. There is so much to see and accomplish between main story missions, that it is hard to list even a small portion of what you can do.

“We always planned to bring Lucky to Nintendo Switch – it’s a fantastic console and the perfect fit for Lucky’s adventures,” said Paul Bettner, founder and CEO of Playful Studios. “But we realized we had a great opportunity to improve on everything that has come before. Led by feedback from our passionate community, New Super Lucky’s Tale is a platforming adventure that measures up to the most beloved games of the genre and the best way to experience Lucky’s story yet.”

For the first time, players will be able to fully rotate the in-game camera, providing a better sense of freedom and exploration. Lucky comes equipped with an impressive new set of moves, such as the slide and enhanced burrow, as well as more precise and responsive controls. The level progression system has been expanded, allowing players more freedom to tackle stages and challenges in any order that they choose (no longer gating stages based on collectibles). There will be numerous improvements to the game's visuals, music, sound, cinematics and more, including new characters and dialogue.