All posts by Aaron Dobbe

Aaron Dobbe, PlayStation, Review, Video Games

Superbeat Xonic Review

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PERFECT PLAY! INCREDIBLE!

It’s been quite the year for rhythm games! The once-dormant genre is making a comeback in a big way, with new entries in the Guitar Hero, Rock Band, Project Diva, and even Persona series. Drawing on their past experience with the DJMAX series, the developers at Nurijoy are capping off the 2015 resurgence of rhythm games with Superbeat Xonic. But did they end the year on a high note? Continue reading Superbeat Xonic Review →

Aaron Dobbe, PlayStation, Review, Video Games

Persona 4: Dancing All Night Review

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NOT QUITE FEELING THE VIBE

Well, this game happened. The latest chapter in the long-running Persona 4 sub-sub-series is here, and it’s a rhythm game. It just so happens that Persona 4 and rhythm games are two of my favorite things ever, so this should be right up my alley, right? I thought so too. But after spending a lot of time on the portable dance floor, I’ve been left feeling more conflicted than I have been about any other game I’ve played in recent memory. It’s hard to express my true feelings about Persona 4: Dancing All Night, so a fellow writer here at MONG suggested I do it the way this game would want me to…

…through dance! Continue reading Persona 4: Dancing All Night Review →

Aaron Dobbe, Nintendo, Review, Video Games

Freedom Planet Review (Wii U) [UPDATE]

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BEAUTIFUL

Update: We now have the final retail version of Freedom Planet, and after playing the campaign for another hour, I’m pleased to report that the critical bug that delayed the game appears to be fixed! Freedom Planet will release on Wii U on October 1st, 2015. Read on for our review.

Freedom Planet, the first effort from new studio GalaxyTrail, is a throwback character platformer that started life as a Sonic the Hedgehog fangame, but quickly grew into something much bigger. An original world, original characters, and original content were all created for the project, and the result was compelling enough to find success on Kickstarter. Now the game is coming to Wii U, but how does it hold up to the influx of other indie titles arriving on Nintendo’s platform? Continue reading Freedom Planet Review (Wii U) [UPDATE] →

Aaron Dobbe, Nintendo, Review, Video Games

Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX Review

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HELLO, 3DS

I love the convenience of digital console games nowadays. Not just because I rarely have to go to game stores anymore, but because the format has allowed major Japanese publishers to take greater risks on localizing niche titles that may or may not catch on. The Hatsune Miku: Project Diva series is just one of many examples – SEGA brought us Project Diva F as a digital-only release, but the success of the title prompted full-on physical releases of Project Diva F 2nd, and now, Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX. The diminutive digital diva has made her debut on the 3DS, but can this chibi-sized rhythm game keep time with the excellence of its predecessors? Continue reading Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX Review →

Aaron Dobbe, PC, Review, Video Games

Yomi Review (PC)

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DIGITAL ANALOG DIGITAL GAME

Are you interested in fighting games, but don’t have the time or dexterity to compete at the highest levels? Or do you simply want to dive deep into the genre’s characteristic strategy and mind games without worrying about executing perfect combos and special moves? If so, you might be interested in a card game called Yomi, from Sirlin Games. Designed by a competitive Street Fighter veteran, the game simulates a one-on-one martial arts duel between two colorful characters. Now, Steam users have the opportunity to join the fight — but is it worth the price of admission? Continue reading Yomi Review (PC) →