Early Game Review: 'Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes - Definitive Edition'

After going dormant for nearly a decade, "Might & Magic" is roaring back to life with a remastered version of one of its better entries. "Might & Magic: clash of Heroes - Definitive Edition"

Due out today on Switch and PS4, the game has held up remarkably well since its original 2009 release on the DS and port to the Xbox 360 and PS3 in 2011.

Picking up steam on the fresh rerelease of the "Advance Wars" games on Switch. Both franchises focus on turn-based combat that grows increasingly complex. "Might & Magic" prioritizes formations, reinforcements and timely, momentum-shifting magical flourishes.

Divided up into five stages that span as many as 25 hours, the story seeps into deep, engrossing lore as it sets up slews of conflicts that test your strategic skills and ability to adapt to surprising developments that arise on the battlefield. There are also 1-on-1 and 2-on-2 multiplayer battle modes available.

The game looks and plays more smoothly than before, thanks to numerous upgrades that improve the flow and general quality of life. The integrity of the original release remains intact, and the jarring remnants of aged game design have all but vanished. The final product could easily pass as a new, retro-themed release.

With just as much to offer for longtime series fans as well as curious newcomers, "Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes - Definitive Edition" rises to the occasion with a burst of magic tricks to make the experience seem vivid, vital, and every bit as tantalizingly frustrating as the battles seemed in their heyday.

Publisher provided review code.

Review: 'Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective'

A remastered version of the 2011 DS game, "Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective" has re-emerged in remastered form on modern consoles.

Because the game was designed for such a quirky system, the shift to the controller and TV setup is awkward. The Capcom dev team's adjustments, however, manage to smooth out the rough spots. 

The premise holds up well, and seems refreshingly imaginative once forgotten about and re-experienced. 

You play as an amnesiac, freshly-killed ghost who can manipulate nearby objects to cause chain reactions. Your mission is to use your powers to solve the mystery of your own death.

Creative puzzles and sly writing keep a smile plastered on your face as you make your way through the charming levels. It brought me back to a time when I toted my DS around in my pocket at all times, to squeeze in a few minutes of play whenever I had a free moment.

In those days, it was easier to move your soul from object to object via touch screen, but I enjoyed revisiting the classic with the new control setup. They sure don't make 'em like "Ghost Trick" anymore, and likely never will again. Yet like its lead character, its spirit lingers around and continues to find new mischief to get into.

Publisher provided review code.