It's fine and there are some concepts which I think could be really cool if they fleshed them out a little more but at the end of the day: it's just KH1 but way worse. Less worlds, a worse story and combat that, whilst still fun, is a bit too simplistic all combine to make this not feel very worthwhile by today's standards. The system sector parts of the worlds were fun little challenges with some nice risk and reward even if it's the same 5 or so randomly generated rooms on a cycle. I feel like if they added roguelike elements to these sections that would spice things up much more. All that considered, Re:Coded absolutely has some merit of its own: it's simple hack and slash fun and the command melding system feels more refined than in Birth by Sleep by allowing you to experiment a little with your new command before taking the plunge and fusing the old ones. I also admired the attempt at different gameplay styles; 2D platforming and turn based rpg are styles you wouldn't really expect from this series so it was refreshing to see them pop up for a quick spectacle then exit before they overstay their welcome. Those merits don't really boost the experience above others in the series however so we're left with a very middle-of-the-road KH game even if there is fun to be had.

Really nice turn-based strategy using all of the Persona 5 flair. Whilst not my favourite of the Persona 5 spin-offs, I had a lovely time with all the stages and the story with Toshiro and Erina was really surprising yet sweet. I played on the normal difficulty and found most stages relatively easy aside from a couple battles near the end; even so the triple threat all-out attack and other mechanics kept things interesting, making stages more like puzzles to see how efficiently you can exercise your strategies. OST was, as usual, amazing. A lot of the soundtrack has these songs that are meant to be heard on loop to facilitate the time you are taking with your strategies whilst also mixing in some slower songs in between; both fit the game amazingly. The art direction is a big shift from other games in the series: everyone is now much more rounder and stylised. It's a cute style and I love how it looks but it does make certain serious moments in the story lose their impact a little. Nothing major but just thought I should mention. That being said I can't really say there was a whole lot of new ground covered here as opposed to the other spin-offs outside of the new characters and gameplay. The Thieves have their moments and get to exhibit their quirks here and there but they certainly aren't the main focus here which I think is fine - it gives the new characters room to breathe even if it did leave me wanting just a little more. All in all, I had a great time with Tactica. It has a certain cosiness to it thanks to its music and chibified art direction which is boosted with a solid gameplay loop. Check it out!

This has to be my favourite 2D Mario that I've played so far. I love the wackiness that can come about with the wonder flowers even if some felt slightly less thought out than others - level design was engaging enough that I had a blast the whole time. I also want to mention the amazing comedy supplied by the talking flowers; the on-and-off commentary they provide really added so much personality to each level. I hope they show up here and there in the series from now on. My gripes with the game feel very nitpicky in the scale of things: the score felt a little by the numbers - it was by no means bad but I can't really say that any of the games' original tracks really hit as some of the series' others have. The bosses also aren't anything to write home about. They're simplistic and get the job done, sure, but they don't really leave all that much of an impression especially so because 90% of them are Bowser Jr. All in all, Wonder is a great time that delivers on fun levels and a whole lot of personality; reimagining 2D Mario in a novel way.