Phil Villarreal's Blog, page 15

Early Game Review: 'Star Wars Outlaws'

Enthusing the mentality and appeal of rogue characters in the "Star Wars" mythos such as Han Solo, Lando Calrissian, Boba Fett and the Mandalorian, "Star Wars Outlaws" — due out Friday — revels in exploring the bountiful riches of the franchise's grey area, where heroism and villainy can be bought and sold in favor of personal gain.

Abounding in rich culture, subtle social commentary and indulgent escapism, the effort from Ubisoft, Lucasfilm Games and Massive Entertainment heaps on fan service in a canonical entry that revisits memorable locations and characters while also heaping on a delightful dollop of realms and creatures previously unknown.

That such a morally ambiguous effort — along with the recently released film "Deadpool and Wolverine: — gets the Disney stamp of approval marks the corporation's willingness to embrace the scummier fringes of its properties as well as its core white knights. This is a game that dares you to challenge perceived norms and stretch moral boundaries in the name of a barrier-free exploration of situational ethics.

The open-world venture has you play as new character Kay Vess, a bitter scoundrel who seeks to scrap together the means to outwit all sides of the military industrial complex and the underworld in order to survive and thrive in a galaxy far, far away. You start off by scrounging for credits in a seedy back alley in order to pay a sketchy repairman to fix a device that will allow you to hack appliances. 

How you choose to approach the task varies depending on the amount of exploration, grinding and risk you can stomach. You can gamble your savings -- probably only the right move if you can catch a hot tip on the fixed race on which you'll bet — sell scavenged merchandise or endeavor at odd jobs. 

You are then tasked to infiltrate a night club, sneaking your way past security with a combination of sweet talk and false innuendo, with the goal of obtaining a forged security card that seems to be your ticket out of the slums.

I had a blas playing as Kay, and feel that the story would translate well to a miniseries format on Disney+. There were enough familiar locales and icons to satisfy my fanboy side, and enough new content — all of which was seamlessly integrated, rather than forced — to intrigue my yearning to explore.

The freedom of choice of how you choose to navigate this quirky netherworld is captivating, making "Star Wars Outlaws" a first-of-its-kind effort in the franchise's video game oeuvre, and I enjoyed the ride. This is a game that thoroughly understands how much untapped exuberance there is in George Lucas's creation. I’ve never had so much fun in a Star Wars game.

Publisher provided review code.

Game Review: 'Frontier Hunter: Ezra's Wheel of Fortune'

Billed as "Genshin Impact" meets the Metroidvania realm, "Frontier Hunter: Ezra's Wheel of Fortune" packs a bevy of anime hijinks into an expansive, exploration-driven package.

The dev team at IceSitruuna follows the success of "Tower Hunter: Ezra's Trial" with a game that takes bigger swings and packs more dynamic twists and turns into the cleverly written tale.

Often in games of this ilk, combat is a monotonous chore that bottlenecks the storytelling. The throwdowns in "Ezra's Wheel of Fortune" (2019), however, is the opposite. An invigorating mix of tactics, twitch skills and light puzzle dynamics, the conflicts make for invigorating triumphs and, with the challenging boss battles, devastating setbacks.

The sound and graphics designs are top-tier, and there is just enough quirkiness to keep the tone on the whimsical side rather than stumbling into mawkishness.

"Frontier Hunter: Ezra's Wheel of Fortune" may not rewrite the book on 2.5-D Metroidvania escapades, but it does manage to pen its own compelling chapter.

Publisher provided review code.

Early Game Review: 'Madden NFL 25'

With all the hype surrounding EA Sports College Football 25 this season, Madden NFL 25's release feels almost like an afterthought. However, it doesn't take much time with the new entry to get the stark feeling that this is still THE football sim, and for all the well-deserved love heaped upon NCAA, it's still relegated to the status of Little Bro when it comes to comparisons with the real big dog.

Due out Friday, the game marks the series' continual evolution as it strives to capture the grit, brutality and emergent thrills of the league itself.

Like cover athlete Christian McCaffrey, the gameplay is quick, flashy and energetic. 

Chief among additions to this year's roster include a FieldSENSE upgrade that captures the cinematic flair of the game's sights and sounds by giving you control of small touches that add up to big changes. For instance, you can alter the touch on a pass in order to float it past the outstretched hand of a defender, or stutter step to make a defender fall on his face in the open field, allowing you to squeeze a few more yards out of a scamper.

Also new is the physics-based tackling system, dubbed BOOM Tech, which allows defenders to level ball carriers, scrape past blockers, and also lets superstars wriggle their way free of the grip of certain doom.

Many facets of the visuals and presentation have been adjusted, with the concentrated aim of making the on-field product echo the wild battles you experience while watching on TV, as well as synthesizing the sights and sounds in the crowd at games.

I appreciated the array of uniforms available for each team. Even though my beloved Arizona Cardinals aren't rocking official throwbacks this year, they can don uniforms from the Pat Tillman era, the mid-20th century reds, or even the recently replaced Color Rush unis that are now collecting dust in my jersey closet.

Other modes with considerable upgrades include the card-based Ultimate Team, which has been made more accessible and replayable, Franchise Mode, which carries more customization options, and Superstar Mode, which allows you to take the field in a created player of your design and live out your pro football dreams.

The new commentary team of Greg Olson and Mike Tirico make consistently astute observations that help reframe each game's narrative at key junctures, tossing out key stats to underline points and reacting to the ebb and flow of the game. I was justly chastised for my five-interception performance in Buffalo.

With the promise of fresh content set to drop throughout the year, tracing the steps of the way the real-life drama unfolds week to week, "Madden NFL 25" promises to be the go-to watercooler of sorts for NFL obsessives to devour the intricacies of the game, scheme out potential fantasy squad trades or live out virtual echoes of the triumphs and defeats they witness on Thursdays, Sundays and Mondays. 

Overall, "Madden NFL 25" plasters a grin across the face of even a perennially defeated Cardinals fan like myself. Hope springs eternal in August, and "Madden NFL 25" is stoking the fires of an invigorating season to come.

Publisher provided review code.

Game Review: 'Star Wars: Bounty Hunter'

A remastered version of the fondly remembered 2002 release, "Star Wars: Bounty Hunter" gives the game creaky old game a much-needed reworking. 

Armed with an updated camera system, modernized control options, graphical upgrades and deeper, more detailed textures and lighting, the game feels like a wholesale Mandalorian Beskar replacement.

Feeling nearly like a wholesale re-imagining rather than a quick-and-dirty port for a nostalgia grab, the new game shows off the care and passion for the old title held by the team at Aspyr, which worked in tandem with Lucasfilm Games to make sure the upgraded effort matched the spirit of the original.

Perhaps the most welcome, if also the most controversial, addition is a flashlight, which allows you to perk up some of the game's drab, washed-out environments.

Set amid the prequel trilogy, you play as Boba's father, Jango Fett, at the height of his reign as one of the galaxy's most feared mercenaries. You navigate with a jetpack, strafing opponents with elements of verticality. 

Fan service abounds. After you complete your first run-through, you unlock the Boba Fett skin, allowing you to redo your run as gravelly-voiced Junior.

The third-person shooter definitely suffers from design flaws of its time, but those are often as charming as they are irritating. There is a certain, pre-Disney/J.J. Abrams purity to the sensibilities offered by "Bounty Hunter." You mangle your way through the enviroments with a whipcord, flamethrower and dual blasters.

Although I was groaning just as often as I was smiling, even my grimaces were joyful ones. Like the recent remasters of the older "Tomb Raider" games, this one is mainly for those who came of age with the game and want to re-experience it, as well as for those who feel they have missed out on a key chapter of "Star Wars" history and want to experience it in its finest form yet. Either way, you are in for a wild, slightly aggravating, good time. 

Publisher provided review code.

Game Review: 'Hairdresser Simulator'

An odd, strangely satisfying lark, "Hairdresser Simulator" sets you up in a shop with a parade of demanding clients. It's on you to use your vision and handcraft skills to send them home happy with their new 'dos.

Developer Petard Games, working with publisher Frozen Way, adds plenty of flourish to what might have been a stale effort. You can experiment with colors, straightening or curling and layering in order to attain your vision. 

If you'd like to experiment with your own look, you can upload a photo that the game morphs into an in-game model, letting you try out your wild ideas without having to suffer the actual consequences in the mirror.

While the game challenges you to build your own hairdressing empire by taking on more clients, expanding and upgrading your facilities, products and tools, the game offers the most fun in its sandbox mode. Creations are limited only by your imagination.

A simple and staunch creation, "Hairdresser Simulator" accomplishes its modest goals. You can probably find something similar in the form of a free app, but in the console realm it seems to be a rare breed.

Publisher provided review code.

Game Review: 'Closer the Distance'

Taking on themes such as grief, despair, regret and loss, Skybound Games produces a daring and captivating narrative in "Closer the Distance." 

The dev squad behind the episodic classic "Orwell" ties together a group of family and friends who are coping with an accidental death of a young woman named Angela. Set in the town of Yesterby, you take the role of Angela, using supernatural abilities to explore the town, uncover secrets both dark and innocent, learn the intimate thoughts of everyone and do what you can do ease the pain of everyone that remains.

The characters develop their own relationships over time, and your actions as Angela carry heavy influence. You can stand back and let things take their course, intervene to set people up for unexpected happiness, or cause havoc that hastens the descent into darkness. The game gently pushes you in the direction of helping to inspire hope and catharsis of all you touch.

A game like this lives or dies by its writing, and thankfully, "Closer the Distance" shines in that department. Characters are crafted with dignity, care and elegance, making it a pleasure to get to know each of them and do what you can to ease their lives.

The design encourages multiple playthroughs, because the choices you make can cause the story to branch off in decidedly different directions. This is a game to get a friend to buy along with you, so you can discuss your differing experiences as you move along, sort of in the manner of an interactive book club.

"Closer the Distance" is one of the under-the-radar gems of the 2024 gaming year, and will doubtless end up on many players' top 10 lists while vying for awards contention. The true reward, though, comes in taking the time to enjoy its small, fleeting delights and use them to reflect on your own existence.

Publisher provided review code.

Early Game Review: 'SteamWorld Heist II'

A quirky platformer with intriguing characters, snappy storytelling and a signature style, "SteamWorld Heist II" is geared to swipe your attention for hours on end.

The latest from indie outfit Thunderful Games, the long-awaited sequel, due out Thursday, doubles down on the whimsy and absurdity that made its predecessor a cult hit.

The game follows the swashbuckling original, which was released back in 2015 on the 3DS. The game quickly made the leap to consoles and PC, and dazzled audiences with its oddball writing, intriguing mission structure and wild character design.

You tag along with Captain Leeway and his goofball crew as you sail the Great Sea and rack up treasure and resources to tangle with a mysterious threat. Via turn-based, side-scrolling gun battles and real time strategy-flavored combat at sea, you set sail through a steampunk-infused world.

Customization is king, with the ability to upgrade your ship, swap out and enhance robotic crew members and adjust your arsenal often meaning the difference between easy success and stiff challenge.

Despite the adherence to the preset formula, there is plenty of fresh content to enjoy. The story is filled with wild twists, and the strange characters you encounter always have something interesting to say. There is also plenty of fun to be had in the offbeat combat system, which encourages strategic maneuvering and trial and error.

"SteamWorld Heist II" may not rewrite the manual, but it manages to recapture the elusive charm that the first game so thoroughly nailed. It should bring a smile to veteran gamers that the SteamWorld ship has dropped anchor yet again.

Publisher sent review code.

Joey and Phil Discuss 'EA Sports College Football 25' Modes, Multiplayer

Phil Villarreal: Joey, we have both been testing out the waters in EA Sports NCAA Football 25 for a while now. I've been impressed with what I've seen so far. After a rough pre-launch, servers have been stable. It's always easy to find a game, and the competition is pretty intense. What has stood out to you?

Joey Greaber: This game's greatest achievement, for me, is in its presentation. Its ability to make it feel like Saturday in the fall using realistic crowd noise, passionate commentating, and iconic school band anthems impressed me, even if it was while getting dominated in an online match by someone who is likely half my age.

Phil: I like the way home field advantage dictates so much of your mentality and strategy. I found myself getting ready for a play near the goal line at Autzen Stadium, and couldn't trust my quarterback enough to sling it in the end zone. The conservative approach sometimes backfired, but you take whatever points you can on the road. I have been thoroughly enjoying my time online, but really wish there was online co-op. Anything missing from the experience for you?

Joey: I have found myself going the conservative route too, mostly by running the option or throwing short passes. I think the game needs a better create a coach system in Dynasty mode. Character creators have come a long way, but this one feels like it was carried over from NCAA 2014. Also, the character models that make up the crowd leaves a lot to be desired from a realism standpoint.

Phil: I agree with the crowd thing. I think it's an Uncanny Valley situation, where faceless crowds would have been fine, but because there is so much detail, it makes the repetition and blandness in many of the models stand out. However, I do like the ways the crowds reflect real-life whiteout situations, and the way crowd-fueled traditions made their way into the game. By the way, before we wrap up, we've got to address the most divisive thing in NCAA Football 5 - the kicking game. I still struggle with it, and that deeply affects my tactics, being a conservative player who would rather take three points on a deep drive than floor it on fourth down. Now I find myself nearly always going for it rather thank kicking when I've got the ball outside of the red zone. What about you?

Joey: It makes me feel more sympathy for real life kickers. If I am even the slightest bit offset from the center, I feel immense dread when trying to tilt my analog sticks at the correct angle. When you add in the new accuracy meter and the power meter, it just makes it even more complicated. Some of my kicks have been more wide right or left than I have ever imagined possible in a video game. I too find myself going for it on fourth down more often than not.

Phil: The unreliability factor when it comes to kicking at this level is all too real, and even though it aggravates me at times, I can see why it makes sense in a game about college football. All in all, the kicking struggles make for an interesting wrinkle in a package that is fantastic overall. As a player who gets bored slugging it out against AI, I need excellent multiplayer in any sports game, and that's what NCAA Football 15 delivers. I can only imagine the ways the game will grow throughout the season, as it reflects real-life developments in what is sure to be a wild season. Final thoughts, Joey?

Joey: I too am curious how the game will grow. I hope to see a few new modes added, such as the return of mascot mode or even the ability to replay classic moments as Madden has had over the years. Overall, I applaud EA for focusing on the little details that make college football stand out as a sport and inserting it into this game. The tradition of each program, the pageantry, it's all there.

Publisher provided codes for review.

Hot on Home Video: 'Back to Black,' 'Fall Guy,' 'Rocky I-VI Collection'

BACK TO BLACK

Marisa Abela of HBO's "Industry" sizzles in a breakout role as Amy Winehouse in this insightful biopic, which tracks the star's meteoric rise to fame as she battled addiction. Abela's performance, bolstered by a dead-on singing impression of Winehouse, powers the film. Eddie Marsan and Lesley Manville fill out the lead cast, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson. The film delves into the influences and inspirations that fed into Winehouse's creative process.
Extras include a look into Abela's transformation into Winehouse, a look at the artist's music and filmmaker commentary.

THE FALL GUY

A crowd-pleasing, critical darling that oddly didn't rake in tons of cash at the box office, this overlooked action flick gets a second chance at finding a mass audience on home video. Ryan Goslking and Emily Blunt star in a remake of the 1980s TV series. The story follows the path of a veteran stuntman who recovers from a devastating injury when a movie star goes missing.

Bonus features include an extended cut of the film that adds 20 minutes of footage, a gag reel, alternate takes, a breakdown of the film's stunts, a slew of making-if featurettes and a look inside the making of "Metalstorm," the film within a film.

ROCKY I-VI COLLECTION

There have been several collections of "Rocky" films -- I'm still waiting for the "Rocky"/"Creed" series combo -- but several have been incomplete to various degrees. This collection rounds up the six mainline "Rocky" films, ranging from the original, 1976 Best Picture Oscar winner to the well-liked 2006 "Rocky Balboa." 

Extras include such trifles as the "Rocky Balboa" director's cut, which includes 14 minutes of previously unreleased footage, as well as Sylvester Stallone's recut version of "Rocky IV," dubbed "Rocky IV: Rocky vs. Drago."

Studios provided screeners for review.

Book Report: "The House of Morgan: An American Banking Dynasty and the Rise of Modern Finance"

 

The House of Morgan: An American Banking Dynasty and the Rise of Modern Finance by Ron Chernow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mark Chernow is my favorite historical writer. Just as he did in his biographies of Hamilton, Washington, Lincoln and Grant, he sifts through mountains of historical data, records and accounts and weaves them into a tight, entrancing tapestry.

"The House of Morgan" forces me to view history through a new lens, considering the financial implications and influence wielded over world events by bankers and their whims, needs and mandates.

It's astounding how little national leaders and their armies had to do with the fates of civilization in comparison to the power wielded by the most influential banking entities of their respective times. This three-dimensional glimpse at historical events makes you reconsider a lot of what you thought you knew.

This was Chernow's first book, and he was still developing his authoritative voice. While it may not top his later, greater works, it's a foundational building block for one of our time's greatest authors. Like his other efforts, "The House of Morgan" is a treasure worth experiencing and studying.

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