Derek Ex Machina

May 31

May 31 Yakuza 4 Review: An Insightful Examination of Loyalty in a Leap Forward for the Series

Yakuza 4 is a textbook example of what a sequel should be - it takes the foundation of what the previous game established and builds upon and improves what was there. Yakuza 4 simply feels a lot more fun to play and tells a story that, through its more stylized structure, is one that feels more dramatic, emotional, and impactful. While it still doesn’t quite reach the heights of later entries, Yakuza 4 is clearly a stepping stone that transitions the series from an awkward, transitionary phase to a greater, more polished experience.

May 10

May 10 NieR Replicant Review: Ambitious Storytelling Excellence Marred by Underwhelming, Frustrating Design

Derek L.H.

Game Review, Analysis

Many people love NieR Replicant because of its ambition, unconventional approach to gameplay and storytelling, and such ambition is admittedly alluring. While it doesn’t shield my eyes from the clear issues that hold the game back from true greatness, I still feel that NieR Replicant is a game that deserves to be experienced, if only to get more people thinking about how games can continue to telling captivating stories only capable through the medium of video games.

Apr 26

Apr 26 Grandia Review: A Whimsical JRPG that Captures the Spirit of Adventure

Derek L.H.

Game Review

Especially in an era where RPGs are leaning towards telling more complex, adult stories, it was incredibly refreshing to visit the world of Grandia. The battle mechanics are satisfying and strategic, but the true magic of Grandia lies in its ostensible charm in its storytelling, worldbuilding, and characters. Grandia invites players to give in to their natural senses of adventure, wonder, and curiosity, and it gloriously succeeds in doing so.

Mar 22

Mar 22 Persona 5 Strikers Review: An Impressive Musou Spin-Off that Pulls Off Being a Convincing Sequel

Derek L.H.

Game Review

Overall, Strikers’ combat is incredibly satisfying and feels like it accurately captures the spirit of the original game’s combat. In fact, that statement can be applied to the entirety of Strikers - it’s a game that convincingly captures the spirit of Persona 5 while offering a new scenario for the Phantom Thieves to go through.

Feb 15

Feb 15 Cyberpunk 2077 Review: A Solid RPG Filled with Impressive Bright Spots and Impossible-to-Ignore Faults

Derek L.H.

Game Review

Recommending Cyberpunk 2077 is tricky. While it has some significant issues in its gameplay and content, I truly feel that it’s worth experiencing just for the story missions that exemplify some of the best storytelling and worldbuilding that the cyberpunk genre has to offer. It’s truly rare to see a game that so well realizes its story, characters, lore, and world. It’s just a shame that so many gameplay systems and mechanics aren’t nearly as well-realized.

Jan 25

Jan 25 Yakuza 3 Review: A Powerful (if Unrefined) Tale of Kindness and Empathy

Derek L.H.

Game Review, Analysis

There’s very much a strong core to Yakuza 3. There’s nothing explicitly bad or unenjoyable at the game - it just feels like a victim of a series that naturally improved its execution of its ideas over time. Later games refining what Yakuza 3 brings to the table isn’t the fault of Yakuza 3, but it does highlight how unpolished and unrefined Yakuza 3 is as a result.

Dec 1

Dec 1 Resonance of Fate Review: How Stellar Ideas Can't Make Up for Lost Potential

Derek L.H.

Game Review

Resonance of Fate can only truly be appreciated by RPG faithful - and even then, I can’t guarantee that they’ll enjoy the plot nor the inevitable spike in difficulty in the late game. All others wanting to play something unique should unfortunately look elsewhere.

Jul 14

Jul 14 Gravity Rush 2 Review: A Good Sequel that Misses its Potential to be Excellent

Derek L.H.

Game Review

Gravity Rush 2 settles with being a modest sequel. It doesn’t make big advancements upon the original, but merely expands on what the original already did well. With its new additions showing flaws and not being too substantial, Gravity Rush 2 ultimately stands as a sequel that, while solid, lacks the same “Wow” factor that its predecessor had.