Digital Foundry praises Halo: Campaign Evolved's visual reimagining but expresses concerns over Unreal Engine 5's technical issues like noise, stutters, and resolution problems, noting that these are early footage and the developers have time to improve before release.
The Trails series by Nihon Falcom exemplifies how a modest, story-driven approach to game development, focusing on narrative complexity and character arcs rather than high-end visuals, can build a passionate fanbase and achieve success despite limited resources, challenging the mainstream emphasis on graphical fidelity in big-budget games.
The $200 Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Collector’s Edition has disappointed fans due to broken packaging and a poorly made Snake figurine, although the game itself is highly praised. Fans are advised to consider importing the EU/Asia version for better quality collectibles, but the remake remains a standout experience.
BioShock 4 is facing significant development issues after failing an executive review, leading to narrative revisions and leadership changes at Cloud Chamber. Additionally, the planned remake of the original BioShock has been shelved, delaying fans' expectations for a modernized version of the classic game.
The remake of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 features only 10 songs from the original soundtracks, with 54 new tracks, including some from the original artists but missing major fan favorites like AC/DC’s TNT, reflecting a mix of nostalgia and new music curated by Tony Hawk himself.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 is getting a remake with new content, including a pinball-themed park inspired by arcade games, set to release on July 11, 2025, for Switch and Switch 2, featuring creative new parks and gameplay segments.
The article advocates for Iron Galaxy to develop a new Tony Hawk's Pro Skater game, highlighting their successful remake of 3 + 4 levels and criticizing the failed 5th installment, emphasizing the franchise's loyal fan base and potential for a cost-effective new entry.
Square Enix's HD-2D art style, popularized by Octopath Traveler, is being used in the Dragon Quest 3 remake, sparking interest in potential remakes of other classic games like Final Fantasy VI. Producer Masaaki Hayasaka expressed a personal desire to see FFVI in HD-2D, noting the artistic challenges involved in adapting games with established aesthetics. The Dragon Quest 3 remake aims to rejuvenate the series' user base by offering a fresh entry point while maintaining nostalgic elements. The success of Dragon Quest XI influenced the remake's development.
Nintendo has been remaking old titles for the Switch, with Mario vs. Donkey Kong being the latest. The game, originally released in 2004, offers precise, constrained gameplay with a focus on puzzle-solving. The new Switch version includes additional worlds, a "Casual" play style, and new modes. However, the article argues that the 1994 version of Donkey Kong for the Game Boy, known as Donkey Kong '94, would have been a better choice for a remake due to its more inspired and inventive design.
Persona 3 Reload, a remake of the original game, lacks the original's thematic UI design that evoked the constant presence of death. The revolving circle of combat options, reminiscent of a pistol barrel, has been replaced with a more simplistic interface, diminishing the game's dark tone. Despite retaining the revolver motif in non-combat menus, the remake's changes, including the removal of the fatigue mechanic and a more saturated color palette, often shy away from the overtly dark theme that is integral to Persona 3.
The upcoming release of Mario vs. Donkey Kong for the Nintendo Switch has garnered positive early previews, with new features such as co-op mode and casual difficulty. Reviewers have praised the game for its modern look and feel, new mechanics, and the potential to attract a new audience. The game is set to be released on February 16, and early impressions suggest it's worth checking out for fans of the franchise.
IGN's preview of Persona 3 Reload highlights the game's updated graphics, added gameplay elements, and revamped social interactions, making it feel like a fresh experience despite covering familiar ground. The tower of Tartarus has been reworked to create a more unsettling atmosphere, while the battle mechanics have been modernized with seamless actions and new finishing screens. Changes to the outside world, including the ability to physically explore locations and take on part-time jobs, add depth to the gameplay. Overall, the preview suggests that Persona 3 Reload is a well-thought-out and updated game that can stand on its own in the competitive Persona lineup.
Ubisoft has rebooted the development of the "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" game remake after it was heavily criticized for its poor visuals. The project was originally developed by Ubisoft Pune but was later handed over to Ubisoft Montreal. The game is currently in the conception phase and won't be showcased at June's Ubisoft Forward event. The producer has stated that the team is finding their own way of delivering the game and players should not expect to hear more about it this year.