Best Strategy
Editor’s Note: There are no previous winners listed since this was not a category we voted on last year.
Welcome to our new Award Category, Best Strategy. We definitely had a great group of games to choose from! And now, with no further ado and in no specific order, I present our nominees.
Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk
NA Release Date: September 18th, 2018
Platform(s): PlayStation 4 Pro
Review
In a far-off land, deep beneath the mysterious town of Refrain, lies an unexplored underground labyrinth… or so says the official page. This labyrinth is said to be full of treasure that could control the world, and make one immortal. The problem is the whole thing is filled with cursed miasma, a substance that brings death to any human it touches. Anyhow, one day a witch arrives to explore the labyrinth. Her name is Dusk Witch Dronya. She had with her a legendary book, said to have been written by the only man to explore the labyrinth and survive. With such a great setup you can see why this title made it into our nominees for best strategy.
Tetris Effect
NA Release Date: November 9, 2018
Platform(s): PlayStation 4
Review
I doubt our wonderful editors would let me get away with this… but, it’s Tetris. What else can we say? Oh. How about the fun new twists in this one? You start out in journey mode and then move on in Orbit mode. This mode hosts the extra challenge modes, online leaderboards, and worldwide event matches with their own criterion. As you play you are leveling up to unlock more avatars, visual skins, and, especially, new songs. There seems to be a ton of nuance to this game. Do yourself a favor and click to read the review (link above).
Gensokyo Defenders
NA Release Date: November 29th, 2019
Platform(s): Switch, PlayStation 4
Review
Next up we have an action-packed tower defense game set in the fantasy world of Gensokyo. The story follows everyone’s favorite fairy, Cirno, who is out to prove that she is the strongest by taking down all the major players in the newest fairy game, War Games! Enjoy the thrill of placing traps, engaging in one-on-one combat, and much more in Story Mode, Online Co-Op Mode, and 2D Mode.
Valkyria Chronicles 4
NA Release Date: September 25th, 2018
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Review
The continent of Europa is split in the yea 1935 EC. The Imperial army dominates in the Eastern Theater while the Federation forces launch Operation Northern Cross. The hope here is to tip the scales in a last ditch effort. Things looked bad until Claude, commander of Squad E, had a wish upon a star come true. Backup had arrived, and the joint ops leader brought a new toy. She called it the mortar: a prototype, portable grenade launcher.
Disgaea 1 Complete
NA Release Date: October 9th, 2018
Platform(s): Switch, PlayStation 4
Review
This grid based strategy game begins as the Overlord of the Netherworld has died. King Krichevskoy was a mighty ruler, and news of his untimely demise spread throughout the Netherworld quickly. Demons took over the Netherworld causing quite a bit of disorder. After a two year nap the Overlord’s son, Laharl, awakes, unaware of what has happened, and ventures out to set the demons straight. As he is showing them who the rightful heir to the throne is you get to enjoy some pretty deep gameplay.
…and the winner is
Valkyria Chronicles 4
Follow along the tale of bittersweet adolescence in a game that draws from many historical perspectives with plenty of failures and triumphs. Watch, learn, play along as people struggle to find themselves while dealing with the chaos of the battlefield.
