Reviews by Cullen Black
Unicorn Overlord seems allergic to risk-taking, and it makes for a safe and enjoyable product that fails to introduce anything new. So when I was given just a passable game, I couldn’t help but be let down.
review by Cullen Black on 02 April, 2024
The Dragon Quest Monsters series makes a great return on Nintendo Switch, but in regards to its story it does very little to properly honor the legacy of the game it takes inspiration from.
review by Cullen Black on 01 February, 2024
Final Fantasy XVI is a confident game with amazing combat, an earnest narrative, and unbridled spectacle. Faults in pacing, RPG depth, quest design, and all those other nagging criticisms be damned - this game is special.
review by Cullen Black on 21 June, 2023
Loop8 is a game full of great ideas that never come together.
review by Cullen Black on 01 June, 2023
Octopath Traveler II is the rare sequel that manages to improve on the original without changing too much, finding success by expanding and polishing.
review by Cullen Black on 21 February, 2023
Harvestella is Square Enix's endearing first attempt at a farming sim RPG, only slightly held back by its budget.
review by Cullen Black on 07 February, 2023
As a follow-up to a 2019 cult classic adventure game, this surprise sequel is full of heart and blows past expectations.
review by Cullen Black on 22 June, 2022
The Radical Dreamers Edition brings back two classics for the first time since their debut, but the Switch version leaves a lot to be desired.
review by Cullen Black on 05 April, 2022
While the racing itself is solid enough, limitations on multiplayer and strange monetization gimmicks hold this cart racer back.
review by Cullen Black on 17 March, 2022
While its tactical combat is wonderful, issues with the branching narrative and morality systems hold Triangle Strategy back from true greatness.
review by Cullen Black on 03 March, 2022
Despite an interesting setting, tedious gameplay and poor performance makes The Good Life a disappointing outing for Swery.
review by Cullen Black on 11 January, 2022
NEO: The World Ends With You does a wonderful job recapturing what made this formula work so well on the DS, but in a more approachable way.
review by Cullen Black on 26 July, 2021
Scarlet Nexus contains just about everything you’d want to see from a new game IP. Clear ambition, innovative gameplay, gorgeous visuals, and room to improve. A lot of room to improve, but it's still a commendable effort.
review by Cullen Black on 23 June, 2021
Its flaws are plain to see, and your mileage will vary depending on what you value in RPGs. But if you're willing to spend time looking for the best of Bravely Default II, you'll find a great, rewarding experience.
review by Cullen Black on 25 February, 2021
If you enjoyed Breath of the Wild’s story and characters, and like musou games, this is a great combination of the two that’s worth checking out.
review by Cullen Black on 09 December, 2020
Dragon Quest XI S is a near unrivaled masterpiece, one I wish I could erase my memory of and re-experience for the first time.
review by Cullen Black on 01 December, 2020
After 23 years the cult classic "anti-RPG" moon is finally leaving Japan. Does it live up to it's legacy?
review by Cullen Black on 09 September, 2020
The Trails series makes an exciting return to portable consoles.
review by Cullen Black on 26 June, 2020
A modern classic reborn on Nintendo Switch, this is the best version of the best game from Monolith Soft.
review by Cullen Black on 27 May, 2020
Persona 5 Royal isn’t just my favorite Atlus re-release, it might just be my new favorite Atlus game of all time.
review by Cullen Black on 17 March, 2020
The best way to play the best Atelier games to date, now on a system you actually own!
review by Cullen Black on 12 February, 2020
This light-hearted spin-off of Steins;Gate offers fans something they never knew they wanted.
review by Cullen Black on 11 February, 2020
The remake of the incredibly innovative 1996 classic has finally come west, but sadly doesn't live up to its tremendous legacy.
review by Cullen Black on 03 February, 2020
Spike Chunsoft's latest revival of their old PSP dungeon crawler/dating sim hybrid unfortunately ends up unmemorable despite it's incredibly outrageous premise.
review by Cullen Black on 19 November, 2019
Another great and content-packed SPRG lands on modern platforms.
review by Cullen Black on 25 October, 2019