Recent reviews by Holy Toast

What can I say? This game started off as a guilty pleasure for me and ended up being a really fun time that I am unashamed of. It's a fun hack-n-slash with its fair share of lewd moments . Estival builds on what Shinovi started with more levels, missions, and a larger cast of characters. Each has their own moment(s) to shine and this helps to keep the series fresh.

Story
It's been a while but the main story of Estival is built on a solid enough premise. The girls from the four schools of Hanzo, Gessen, Hebijo and Crimson Squad find themselves on a tropical island, each competing in a festival tournament. The main story plays out over a series of chapters/days and has a fair number of touching moments which reveal motives/intentions of characters. While there are these moments in between, the story is very much split into smaller arcs (so don't go expecting an epic story). There are a wide number of missions that mainly involve defeating enemy troops and finishing off against one of the Senran Kagura girl (s). Afterwards, the game features a boatload of side/extra missions which delve even further into the zany antics of the cast. Most of these are silly, unadulterated fun leaving you laughing with the silly dialogue and events.

Characters
As a fan of the series, I feel that the characters are where the Senran series thrives. Each character has their own likes/dislikes, motives, themes, and interests and these are displayed proudly throughout the game. The writing and dialogue had me laughing out loud repeatedly, with the Japanese voice acting being really entertaining to boot. The wackiness is perfect for a good, fun time.

Gameplay
Senran Kagura ends up shining with the gameplay with each girl having their own movesets + specials + stats. What I noticed right away was that many of them play differently with some being more sluggish and powerful while others being more swift. Right away the story mode of the game gives you an opportunity to try different characters, and of course you'll have your favorites. The battle modes + enemies can get a bit repetetive (fight enemies + fight boss), but the dialogue in-between + after battles is what keeps you coming back. That, and of course the in-battle cut-scenes (specials + stripping) which Estival improves upon in every respect. If you purchased the game for the lewd content, you will not be disappointed.

Music
Senran Kagura's music fits well enough for the game series. The Opening + menu themes are solid, and there are a few character theme songs that you'll love, but for the most part it blends into the background. The Steam version has DLC that can allow you to play the Shinovi OST if you'd prefer. It's a shame though that you can't mix and match (between the two).

Overall
If what you're looking for is a fast paced hack-n-slash with a lot of silly/funny moments (developed by a team that is clearly passionate), then I can recommend this game. I've had a ton of fun with it and look forward to all of the future Senran Kagura titles ~.

Oddly relaxing side-scroller game.

Very charming with the upbeat doge music and costume options.

Just a dollar? I recommend it ~

~Ooh-La-La~

Senran Kagura Bon Appétit is a foray by XSeed and Marvelous into a new genre for the game series. Bon Appétit can best be described as a rhythm game much in the same vein as Guitar Hero. You play as one of the Hanzo/Gessen/Hebijo/Crimson Squad girls who is cooking and competing against a fellow Shinobi. Your goal is to maintain your rhythm with the songs and make amazing dishes. The game features the same wild antics that are present in Shinovi and Estival, while also treating us to some comedy + saucy gold.

Positives
+ Some rocking songs! - There are some really catchy songs here that are worth your listening.
+ Laugh out loud moments - Comedy gold here folks. Especially the Hanzo interjections.
+ Fanservice galore - Bon Appétit doesn't hold back on what it's known for.
+ Some replayability - Easy/Medium/Hard difficulty help keep the game from stagnating.

Negatives
- Limited number of songs! - Only 22 songs. Eventually gets to be repetetive over a long period of time.
- Difficulty Restrictions - Normal feels too easy... Hard feels way too difficult for me. Can leave you stuck.
- Aged graphics - Character sprites are not the smoothest... some cut-off edges on curves.

In any case, I enjoyed Bon Appétit for everything it provided. Go ahead and purchase it at full price if you're an avid fan. If you're in any way unsure, I'd suggest waiting for a discount.

While this game carries with it its fair share of flaws, I feel that Romance of the Three Kingdoms 13 is one of the best realized versions of the ROTK franchise. What this game does well is the relationship and city building when compared to other titles. You can play as either a ruler, governor, or vassal (though the AI will hassle you repeatedly for remaining a vassal). Building rapport and ties with fellow officers enables greater coordination inside and outside of combat. As you play, the game revolves around building a kingdom with a core group of officers and expanding before enemy forces outnumber/surround you.

Positives
+ Amazing Portraits with good dialogue
+ Fulfilling game progression (from leading one city to expanding)
+ Epic score
+ Create Your Own Officer! (import portraits as well)

Negatives
- AI has some flaws [sending reinforcement units 1 by 1 rather than all at once].
- AI will eventually surround + team up against you unfairly on higher difficulties
- Game missing some key elements to make it stand out (waiting on the PUK!)
- If you're not familiar with the history + characters, this will be daunting.

As mentioned in my last note, the PUK should be arriving in the US at around late April (I think). The expansion brings with it a number of features that will make ROTK 13 the best in my opinion. Only downside with it is that it'll cost an additional 30+ dollars to purchase...

Regardless though, I recommend the game for providing me many hours of entertainment and excitement. Give it a shot!.

By far one of the best games I've had the pleasure of playing. I love the world that Yoko Taro created and am currently getting through my second full-game playthrough. As you play it, you can tell that the game was made with a lot of thought and care. The world feels lived in, and the way that the story unravels always leaves you wanting to continue.

Positives:
+ Phenomenal Soundtrack
+ Incredible in-game atmosphere from the get-go
+ Amazing gameplay mechanics (Thank you Platinum Games)
+ Compelling storyline and characters

Negatives:
- Some players report frame-rate hiccups (try the unofficial patches!)
- Some questing can take a long time (large maps to run back and forth through early on)

Give it a shot if and when you get the chance! I don't think you'll regret it.

- Toast