The latest edition of the strict, but generally fair, top British video game magazine EDGE is now available. Issue 398 features numerous reviews including Animal Well, Stellar Blade, and Endless Ocean Luminous The game that walked away with the highest review score in this month’s issue of EDGE is a tie between Animal Well and Lorelei and the Laser Eyes. Both got 9/10.
Animal well – 9
Even as we begin to pick at what we can only assume is the final layer of Animal Well—when it comes to one visible secret, we know what but not and how – there are parts of this world that will, perhaps forever, remain a kind of enigma. The fascination with those lingering unknowns is part of the reason why Bass’s remarkable indie debut takes up residence in your brain when you’re not playing it. But at a fundamental level, it’s simply a beautifully constructed adventure with wonderful character, one that marks the flowering of a great talent.
Lorelei and laser eyes – 9
Regardless of all its cinematic aspirations and borrowings, it’s clear that the heart of the Swedish studio belongs firmly to video games. As such, Lorelei’s bravura ending sequence is fully interactive, combining a final chapter test that riffs like Professor Layton and Dusk’s Hotel interstitial quizzes and credits of classic 16-bit adventures such as A connection with the pasta whistle-free tour that reminds you how far you’ve come.
Star Blade – 6
There are flashes of brilliance in Stellar Blade, still, most often sparked by the titular weapon. But it’s too wide and a bit excessive. If only Eva’s initial clarity of purpose was more infectious.
Eiyuden Chronicle: One Hundred Heroes – 7
Many of the Kickstarter backers expect a Suicoden title in all but name will undoubtedly see these as small concessions to a loving homage to the ensemble RPG that no one else has been able to emulate since. But instead of a new generation of truly memorable heroes, we won’t really get anything more than a convenient homage performance.
Tales of Kenzera: Broad –
Yet as difficult as it can be, Tales of Kenzera remains a piece of fine technique, supported by evocative landscapes, soft audio effects and a score that combines traditional Bantu sounds with modern electronics.
Land of Crows – 8
As the end approaches, we are ready to escape Land of Crows but at the same time sad when the safety bar goes up and this almost euphoric ride comes to a complete stop.
Sandy land – 5
As an adaptation of the environment, it is a little too effective: the atmosphere of the place may be good, but the desert of the manga panels is a very different experience from the virtual settlement. There are points of interest here, but they are scattered too far and wide to make this a worthwhile excursion.
Endless lighting of the ocean – 6
Suddenly expanded and then stripped (or focused if you’re feeling generous), Luminance may not be Endless Ocean as we know it, but it retains enough of the series’ signature signature to make it worth the effort.
Indicate – 7
Which means there is an infinite noodle among the most focused parts. But if Indika won’t be everyone’s pace, it proves that you can do small miracles when you dare to throw away family habits.
