From Stealth to Puzzler, Hitman Strikes the Mark - The Hitman Go: Definitive Edition Take Your Time Review

  
Quick Note: The puzzles are simple, yet entertaining, making them perfect for puzzle game players and newbies alike. The transition from 3rd person action/stealth to puzzle gameplay is seamless, and fits the franchise perfectly. Whether you regularly play puzzle games or are brand new to them, you're going to have a great time with Hitman Go: Definitive Edition.

The transition from console platforms to mobile is often not pretty. There are countless games that are meant to be played on a TV with a controller, and even though some of them work well enough, such as the numerous Final Fantasy games, the games just feel off. When Square Enix announced the move for the Hitman franchise to hit mobile platforms, it was a hard pill for many gamers to swallow. However, the game has been successful on mobile platforms, and now Square Enix has triumphantly brought the puzzler to consoles.

Mobile or Handheld, Sony Needs a Portable Presence

 

I really like this photo, so I had to use it again.

In a 2015 interview at EGX at the time President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida spoke about a successor to the PlayStation Vita not being viable in the current mobile-lead environment. Shortly after the interview hit the internet, the masses followed suite, stating that this is the proof that Sony is bowing out of the handheld race, despite Yoshida-san stating in following interviews that this comment does not confirm there will be no successor to PS Vita.

Regardless of whether he meant for his comments to be seen this way or not, the gaming public is now under the impression that Sony is dropping out of handheld gaming. While some are brokenhearted, many believe this is the only thing the company can do with it's flailing handheld sales. From an immediate financial standpoint, this thought process does have some merit. But Sony  having no mobile or handheld presence will only hurt the industry giant in the long game.

Treasure Trove - Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward

Welcome back, Treasure Seekers. Every other week you can find a new underrated or lesser known game to learn about here on Treasure Trove. This week, it's time to dig deep and pull out a beautiful gem known as Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward. The second title in this underrated series follows nine captives trying to escape their death by solving tons of creative and weird puzzle rooms. It's one of the best science fiction stories found in games for sure. Enjoy!
 

Thanks to Konrad "FeniX" Gadzina and Cleyton R. Xavier for the music in this episode and Kenney for the minimal artwork for the logos. Head over to their links to check out more of their great work.

Treasure Trove - Pokemon Yellow

Welcome back, Treasure Seekers. Every other week you can find a new underrated or lesser known game to learn about here on Treasure Trove. This week is kind of a cheat, because Pokemon Yellow is SUPER well known. But, never the less, it begs to be talked about, seeing as it's being re-released on 3DS this week! Of all the Pokemon games out there, this title is probably the most looked over, unless you were playing it during it's initial release. So, let's talk about why Pokemon Yellow is the best of the original GameBoy monster collecting games. 
 

Thanks to Konrad "FeniX" Gadzina and Cleyton R. Xavier for the music in this episode and Kenney for the minimal artwork for the logos. Head over to their links to check out more of their great work.

Pint Size Metroidvania - The Xeodrifter Take Your Time Review

Quick Note: Take the Metroid formula and condense it down to about 3 1/2 hours of gameplay for the perfect bite sized play through. The retro styled graphics and sound design bring back memories of yesteryear, as does the difficulty curve, so if you're not a fan of backtracking or higher difficulty, stay away. 


Metroid and Super Metroid helped create a unique blend of exploration and tension that was then refined with Castlevania: Symphony of the Night later on the PS One. This style of discovery that requires back tracking with new powers to open up more pathways in old areas has been adapted over and over again, often times to great success. Xeodrifter is the next game in line to take this patented formula and use it perfectly in a small, digestible experience of roughly three to four hours that left me feeling complete, and honestly, wanting to just play more.