Jake Su, Author at Twinfinite

Jusant Hands-on Preview – A Peaceful Ascent That Promises More

Jake Su — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0000

First revealed back in June as part of Microsoft’s showcase at Summer Game Fest 2023, the latest project coming out of Life Is Strange creators DONTNOD is peculiar, to say the least. Rather than being narrative-heavy with impactful choices to make, Jusant is a much more meditative affair as an action-puzzle climber, where the journey is of your own making.

The mysterious nature of the overall narrative of Jusant, with its focus on the secrets of a bygone civilization, depends heavily on environmental storytelling, with the main character functioning as more of a lens for players to view this world through. Scattered letters and notes provide contextual clues about the people that once were and a time before now, but only if you make the effort to find them, oftentimes requiring venturing off the beaten track.

Dredge Review – The Catch of the Day

Jake Su — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Dredge on PS5

A good mystery is often the gateway to something much bigger, and in the case of the single-player fishing adventure Dredge, developers Black Salt Games and publisher Team17 have definitely crafted a journey of constant reward and intrigue for players that are willing to dive in. The time to head for the high seas is now, where daring fishermen come for the spoils and stay for the titillating secrets that lie beneath the waves.

At its core, Dredge is a half-fishing adventure and half-inventory management experience. Having crashed their ship and being saved by the mayor of a nearby town, players are rapidly ushered into getting back out there to do what they do best, fish for profit. Of course, there is more to the proceedings than this innocent premise, but it is through the activity of exploration and fishing that more is unravelled.

The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR Review – Going Off The Rails

Jake Su — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 10:02:16 +0000

The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR on PS5 & PS VR2

It is always nice to see a platform getting support in a way that takes advantage of its unique features, and for the PlayStation VR2, immersion and putting players front and center of the action is why VR gaming hits differently in comparison to the more traditional ways of playing. It is with this approach that Supermassive Games is once again dipping into its horror well for another on-rails shooter, and while The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR keeps the action constant, it tends to go off track in other areas disappointingly.

While the mainline horror games tend to have a heavy emphasis on story, as they should, the narrative in The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR is merely window dressing. Players are strapped onto a rollercoaster ride, destined to take them to many familiar locations found in The Dark Pictures Anthology, blasting ghouls and getting scared. Why you are doing so is never answered, and while shooting things can be enjoyable, it can wear thin if there isn’t anything else engaging the player.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty Review – The Romance is Truly Alive in the Three Kingdoms

Jake Su — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty on PS5

The source material that is The Romance of the Three Kingdoms has been fertile grounds for studios and developers alike in recent years, allowing the creation of worlds and experiences that not just tell the stories in myriad ways, but also gameplay that covers all sorts of genres. In Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja’s Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, it’s time for the action roleplaying to take the spotlight again, and what a thrilling ride it has turned out to be.

From the off, it is clear that both Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo have put all of their learnings working on the likes of Nioh, Ninja Gaiden, and to some extent, Bloodborne, into Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. Rather than leaning too heavily into any one of those inspirations, this game works its own magic via different systems to deliver an experience that feels unique and more importantly, fun.

Returnal PC Review: Once More Unto the Breach

Jake Su — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 18:00:54 +0000

Returnal on PC

First released on the PlayStation 5 back in 2021, Housemarque’s AAA roguelike, Returnal, blew my expectations out of the water with its blend of hard-hitting action, strategic depth, and an atmosphere of dread that is quite unlike anything out there. Fast forward two years, and the game now finds its way to the PC platform courtesy of Climax Studios, and the work put into this port has Returnal shining brighter than before, an irresistible call back into the darkness of repeated death and learning.

Weaving together a blend of swift third-person action, platforming, and roguelike progression, it stars ASTRA scout Selene, now trapped in a seemingly neverending loop of death and rebirth on the planet of Atropos. The very first time you discover the lifeless body of a previous explorer, Returnal starts to kick into gear. Really, this intoxicating adventure only gets better and better with each run, albeit sometimes dependent on your luck.

Atomic Heart Review – Missing More Than a Beat

Jake Su — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Atomic Heart on PS5

Video game marketing is always a hit-or-miss affair, and sometimes, things just get players hyped no matter how long the game actually takes to come out. Having made a splash back in 2018, Mundfish and Focus Entertainment’s Atomic Heart is finally upon us, and while this first-person, action roleplaying shooter has almost always generated a buzz with its trailers and reveals, the real deal is less exciting than that, delivering an experience that is reminiscent of many other titles, but never at the same level of polish.

Set in a dystopian world where the Soviet Union has risen to immense power and technological advancements, it is probably the setting and worldbuilding that is the most interesting aspect of Atomic Heart. Players who are into lore and history will find a sweet home as the main character, Major P-3, who is often given more context as to the events leading up to the twisted plot in the game, as well as the long-running history of the country and its relationship with technology.

10 Wild Hearts Tips and Tricks For Beginners

Jake Su — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 05:00:00 +0000

A new kind of hunting game is coming, and Koei Tecmo and EA’s Wild Hearts is making sure players are getting a different kind of experience when fighting against the Kemono. Not only are there huge and intimidating creatures to do battle against, but there is also the matter of using crafting mechanics to turn the turn. If you are seeking some vital tips to help you bring peace back into the world, then here are the top 10 Wild Hearts tips and tricks to set you on the right path.

By making sure players have access to more tools beyond their weapons, Wild Hearts is building on a foundation that makes the environment as important as your best equipment. There are also many other ways to gain an edge, and learning this knowledge will ensure you have a better time.

Elderand Review – A Throwback With Some Rough Edges

Jake Su — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Elderand on PC

In today’s gaming landscape, indie games are no longer the niche they once were, oftentimes standing toe to toe with many of the AAA blockbusters that vie for the attention of players. And as the market gets more saturated, it can be a difficult challenge trying to stand out from the crowd, and one good way of rising above the noise is to take inspiration from classics and add your own twist to it. For fans of the Metroidvania genre, publisher Graffiti Games and indie studios Mantra and Sinergia Games’ Elderand is definitely worth a look, even if there are some rough edges to this pixellated adventure.

Image Source: Graffiti Games via Twinfinite

As a mercenary tasked with a target, things quickly unravel, and the stakes get raised, and it is on this path of survival and triumph that players will find plenty of enjoyment and an occasional helping of frustration. At first glance, there is a deep reverence for the forebears that came before it, with Castlevania: Symphony of the Night a particular font of inspiration.

All Fire Emblem Protagonists, Ranked from Worst to Best

Jake Su — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:00:00 +0000

For more than 30 years now, the Fire Emblem series has provided fans with plenty of fantasy, tactical role-playing action, but more importantly, a cast of characters that will live long in the memory. However, when we are talking about the main characters of the various Fire Emblem games, there is always going some debate about who tops the list. As for everyone here at Twinfinite, here is our Fire Emblem protagonist ranking.

23. Kris

Image Source: Intelligent Systems

The name might not ring a bell, but Kris is an important historical part of the entire series, being the first fully playable avatar in the franchise. Whether it’s the male or female version of this character, their role in Fire Emblem: New Mystery of the Emblem is essential in supporting the endeavors of Marth. Always looking to become a strong knight of Altea, Kris would eventually attain this goal, even if history never did recognize his or her part in bringing down the evil Medeus.

Justin Roiland Resigns from Squanch Games Following Domestic Abuse Allegations

Jake Su — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 01:36:22 +0000

The fallout of the domestic violence charges against animator and Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland continues. Following the announcement that Adult Swim has cut all ties with Roiland, the attention turned to Squanch Games; a game studio set up by Roiland that recently produced High On Life. As revealed on Twitter, Roiland resigned from Squanch Games on January 16 after more than six years at the helm.

pic.twitter.com/eWRdAzKwlI

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew Preview – A Stealth Strategy Treasure in the Lost Caribbean

Jake Su — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 14:00:00 +0000

It is always a pleasant time when a studio is able to do what they love and present a project that will likely excite fans of a particular genre, and with Mimimi Games, the studio’s next project is exactly that. Introduced as Codename Süßkartoffel, we finally learned just what the developers have been up to, and a mystical adventure awaits at the Caribbean seas with Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew.

Another stealth strategy title from the folks who have already given us Desperados 3 and Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun, Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is set in an alternate timeline during the Golden Age of Piracy, where the Curse of Lost Souls means that anyone shot in the heart with a Black Pearl live on in death, gaining supernatural powers. This puts them at odds with the forces of the Inquisition, who just so happens to love using soul-devouring fire to hunt down cursed pirates.

Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator Review – A Panacea For Hecticness

Jake Su — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator on PC

In a year where blockbuster games continue to take home the accolades like at The Game Awards 2022, there still lies plenty of room for indie games to make a splash with creative ideas and interesting experiments. The genre of simulator games continues to be a popular one, and while some players may harbor dreams of flying all sorts of aircraft around the world or engaging in extreme cleaning with power washing, those who think of brewing potions for maladies can enjoy Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator courtesy of NicePlay Games and tinyBuild.

A game where players collect ingredients, brew potions using a unique system of combination, and cater to a variety of customers, Potion Craft is certainly an interesting departure from the more traditional kind of game that most of us would enjoy. There is no action per se, and things are taken at a leisurely pace, allowing players to take their own time and achieve whatever aims they have without unnecessary stress.

Adam Driver Fights Dinosaurs on Another Planet in an Upcoming Blockbuster

Jake Su — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 06:38:49 +0000

If you are a big fan of Adam Driver and his journey in the genre of science fiction, then there is a new cause for celebration. In a brand new trailer drop for 65, Driver, who plays Mills, finds himself marooned on Earth after a catastrophic crash of his spaceship, but the kicker is that instead of the future, this is 65 million years ago. And yes, there are gigantic and tiny dinosaurs alike roaming the wild, and it will be up to our hero to save the day.

Mills is not alone in the fight to see another day, as the only other survivor, Koa, who is played by Ariana Greenblatt, goes along on this dangerous trek. The pair must make their way across unknown terrain riddled with dangerous prehistoric creatures and determine their fates for themselves.

Elden Ring Streamer Beats Margit & Godrick Simultaneously…With a Dance Pad

Jake Su — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 03:40:28 +0000

When it comes to a challenging Soulsborne title like Elden Ring, chances are, you would already have trouble with some of the intimidating bosses while playing normally. However, there exists a subset of players who are able to defeat these foes with a handicap, putting the rest of us to shame.

One of them happens to be variety streamer, MissMikkaa, whose exploits in the Lands Between have already made plenty of waves. Now, she has achieved another amazing feat, not only playing Elden Ring simultaneously on PC and PS5 but also beating bosses Margit the Fell Omen and Godrick the Grafted at the same time.

10 Marvel’s Midnight Suns DLC Characters Firaxis Can Have for Free

Jake Su — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 16:01:57 +0000

With the arrival of Marvel’s Midnight Suns, you’re given the opportunity to join the fight in pushing back Lilith and Hydra, preventing the end of the world due to mystical forces. As often as these epic clashes are in the never-ending battle against evil, the world could always use more heroes. While the game already features 13 different heroes, and more to come via DLC, expanding the party will give players more options when dealing with the enemy. Here are 10 characters we can’t believe aren’t in Marvel’s Midnight Suns.

Moon Knight

Image Source: Marvel Entertainment

One of the more recognizable faces outside of the Marvel movies, Moon Knight will be perfect for Marvel’s Midnight Suns by virtue of his supernatural roots. As the avatar of the Egyptian Moon God Khonshu, you already know that magical and mystical forces are nothing new to this vigilante.

Need for Speed Unbound Review – Lengths Behind a Podium Finish

Jake Su — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Need for Speed Unbound on PS5

When it comes to the racing genre, it hasn’t always been the playground of games like Forza Motorsport or Gran Turismo. Street racing has been a critical part of the genre, and the Need for Speed series is a huge part of that. However, the wheels have certainly come off in recent times, and the hope is that Criterion Software and Electronic Arts’ Need for Speed Unbound will be the key turning point for this particular franchise. Unfortunately, as much as it tries to speed ahead, this is one game that still has its grip firmly on the handbrake of the past.

At first glance, the most obvious difference with Need for Speed Unbound is the unmistakable art style. The vibrancy it brings is definitely a breath of fresh air, especially compared to the neverending arms race to achieve photorealism in games like Gran Turismo 7 and Forza Horizon 5. Best described as a mixture of comic book art and realism, the juxtaposition of realistic vehicles and cel-shaded characters work nicely to deliver a unique world.

Soccer Story Review – Not Exactly The Beautiful Game

Jake Su — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 16:00:00 +0000

Soccer Story on Nintendo Switch

With most of the globe enjoying the World Cup fever right now, it seems like the perfect opportunity for a game like Soccer Story to be unleashed by publisher No More Robots and studio Panic Barn. Whether you prefer to call it football or soccer, this is a popular sport that usually makes for fun gameplay out there on the pitch. Yet, despite the initial promise and the timing, Soccer Story leaves much to be desired even for an experience that is relatively short.

Following the event known as The Calamity, soccer as a sport is universally banned. The soccer-loving folks of this world, both animal and human, are not even allowed to speak of the sport, let alone play it. Matches are only possible under the iron fist of Soccer Inc and its corrupted leader, Bep Jatter, a less-than-subtle reference to the real-life figure that used to run FIFA, which I most certainly appreciated. It is under such circumstances that the player, either the sister or brother of twin characters, gets chosen by a magical soccer ball to save the day.

Evil West Review – A Fun Throwback to Simpler Times

Jake Su — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 19:00:00 +0000

Evil West on PS5

I’m often left wishing developers would trade quantity for quality, and so I’m pleased to say Flying Wild Hog’s latest western follows that very blueprint with the Evil West. Rather than forging some enormous open world and cluttering it with shallow objectives, it is instead a linear affair that still manages to capture a sense of wonder and adventure. It stands as a fun throwback to simpler times as a result, even if it doesn’t quite stick the landing with everything it is trying to achieve.

Entering an alternate timeline where the Old West is now the Weird West, players step into the spurs of Jesse Rentier, one-part reckless gunslinger and one-part vampire hunter extraordinaire, who wields both firearms and sci-fi technology alike in the fight against the scourge of the vampires. As the son of William Rentier and would-be successor to the Rentier Institute, his name, as well as the world’s fate, weigh heavy on the shoulders of our hero.

Return to Monkey Island Review – Walking the Plank of Greatness

Jake Su — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 03:59:14 +0000

Return to Monkey Island on PS5

The point-and-click adventure game genre hasn’t always been well-received by a modern gaming audience, but it has certainly made some strides in recent years. And when you have Guybrush Threepwood returning after 13 years, some would say that the genre is well and truly back, with Return to Monkey Island being an absolute gem of the point-and-click genre that caters to both longtime fans as well as newcomers interested for some good old pirate time.

Picking things up after the events of Monkey Island, we return to Threepwood’s side to help uncover the secrets of Mêlée Island, but before all of that, the first taste of the excellence of Return to Monkey Island comes in the form of its quasi-tutorial. Taking control of Boybrush Threepwood, the son of our hero, is both delightful and heartwarming, with the boy and his best friend Chuckie helping players get to grip with the necessary knowledge to face up to the challenges of future adventures. It also helps set things up on the narrative front when it comes to the elder Threepwood.

God of War Ragnarok Kvasir’s Poems Are a Fun Easter Egg You Probably Didn’t Notice

Jake Su — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 13:00:00 +0000

If you have been checking out the gaming scene in the past week, there is no doubt that God of War Ragnarok has been dominating the discussion. It is well deserved, considering that many find the latest Santa Monica Studio product to be one of the best experiences in gaming, including us here at Twinfinite.

One of the vital ways in which the game goes the extra mile is the fleshing out of the in-game world, which is done through hidden secrets and lore that can be found across the Nine Realms. An example of these is the set of Artifacts called Kvasir’s Poems, which at first glance, is just a collection of writings that the dwarves love. Yet, upon closer inspection, it is revealed that they are really interesting homages to previous PlayStation exclusives.