Tales of Kenzera: ZAU doesn't necessarily bring anything new to the table for the metroidvania genre, however what it does bring is a heartfelt story alongside a beautiful world.
It's a very straightforward metroidvania and sometimes that's all you want.
It's a very straightforward metroidvania and sometimes that's all you want.
2023
The aesthetic and animations are the clear standouts in Cookie Cutter, however unfortunately the further I got into it, the more I noticed how much it was lacking in terms of polish with bugs occuring more often than not.
Despite the content warning before starting the game, I was not quite ready for this to go to some dark, DARK places.
Gameplay wise; you know what you're going to get if you've played the likes of Inside and Little Nightmares, although there is a little more jank here that becomes really noticeable once you reach the end of the game.
Where the game shines is in its world, with its focus on Scandinavian folklore making it as fascinating as it is creepy.
Gameplay wise; you know what you're going to get if you've played the likes of Inside and Little Nightmares, although there is a little more jank here that becomes really noticeable once you reach the end of the game.
Where the game shines is in its world, with its focus on Scandinavian folklore making it as fascinating as it is creepy.
2024
One of the most visually stunning games I've ever played.
2023
OKAY; I get it now.
The early 90s Nickelodeon vibes are perfect.
The early 90s Nickelodeon vibes are perfect.
This review contains spoilers
Spider-Man 2 improved upon the first game in just about every way possible and provided one of the more likable depictions of Harry Osborn. His friendship with Peter came off in a genuine way that I really wasn't expecting.
Oh and if you're a fan of the original Candyman, you'll get a kick out of Tony Todd as Venom. Talk about perfect casting.
Oh and if you're a fan of the original Candyman, you'll get a kick out of Tony Todd as Venom. Talk about perfect casting.
2018
So going into Gris, I kind of knew what to expect; a nice art style, really chill audio and basic platforming.
While the platforming was exactly that, the visuals, sound and overall presentation of the game blew me away.
It is up there as one of the most beautiful video games I've ever seen. Both the music and sound compliment the visuals even more so, with the simplistic platforming working perfectly.
The 4 and a half hours spent with it were a joy.
While the platforming was exactly that, the visuals, sound and overall presentation of the game blew me away.
It is up there as one of the most beautiful video games I've ever seen. Both the music and sound compliment the visuals even more so, with the simplistic platforming working perfectly.
The 4 and a half hours spent with it were a joy.
2023
Starfield is hands down the hardest game for me to review this year.
For context; I'm not the biggest Bethesda fan. Loved Skyrim. Never enjoyed Fallout; whether it be 3, 4 or New Vegas (despite multiple attempts at trying them). That Bethesda jank that we all know (and many love?) was too much for me when it came to the general shooting mechanics (despite V.A.T.S being a highlight). So when Starfield was announced, I really didn't have much interest.
After Bethesda gave us a deep dive into the game, I was shocked by how invested I was in it.
Fast forward to today and putting over 60 hours into it, I can say that Starfield for me is a good game. But it's a good game with the makings of a great one. When it's good, it's a really great time but between a lot of loading screens when going from planet to planet, bland repetitive planets as a whole, no real map and some boring quests, you're having to go through a lot of medicore and disappointing content to get to the good stuff.
I cannot underestimate just how disappointing it was every single time I had to pause to select the planet I wanted to quick travel to. I get that it was implemented to help make travelling to all of the planets a much easier process, but I would have happily taken far less planets if it meant travelling felt more...engaging. It would have also helped with the sense of exploration that the game lacks in comparison to previous Bethesda titles.
The shooting feels great which was such a relief (and ironically makes me excited for the next Fallout). Most of the Faction Missions are where I found myself at my most invested and stand out as my main highlights.
Plus I created a version of the Serenity ship from Firefly. So thank you for that, Bethesda.
For context; I'm not the biggest Bethesda fan. Loved Skyrim. Never enjoyed Fallout; whether it be 3, 4 or New Vegas (despite multiple attempts at trying them). That Bethesda jank that we all know (and many love?) was too much for me when it came to the general shooting mechanics (despite V.A.T.S being a highlight). So when Starfield was announced, I really didn't have much interest.
After Bethesda gave us a deep dive into the game, I was shocked by how invested I was in it.
Fast forward to today and putting over 60 hours into it, I can say that Starfield for me is a good game. But it's a good game with the makings of a great one. When it's good, it's a really great time but between a lot of loading screens when going from planet to planet, bland repetitive planets as a whole, no real map and some boring quests, you're having to go through a lot of medicore and disappointing content to get to the good stuff.
I cannot underestimate just how disappointing it was every single time I had to pause to select the planet I wanted to quick travel to. I get that it was implemented to help make travelling to all of the planets a much easier process, but I would have happily taken far less planets if it meant travelling felt more...engaging. It would have also helped with the sense of exploration that the game lacks in comparison to previous Bethesda titles.
The shooting feels great which was such a relief (and ironically makes me excited for the next Fallout). Most of the Faction Missions are where I found myself at my most invested and stand out as my main highlights.
Plus I created a version of the Serenity ship from Firefly. So thank you for that, Bethesda.
2023
I always have time for pieces of media that (respectfully) delve into different cultures, so the moment I first heard about Venba; I was immediately in.
Having cooking be the primary focus in a game based around culture is such a fantastic design choice and it seamlessly ties into the game's plot.
I spent just under two hours playing Venba and I adored my time with it.
Having cooking be the primary focus in a game based around culture is such a fantastic design choice and it seamlessly ties into the game's plot.
I spent just under two hours playing Venba and I adored my time with it.
In the future when we look back at the current console generation, Kena: Bridge of Spirits will be seen as a forgotten gem.
With its Studio Ghibli meets Legend of Zelda vibe; I really enjoyed the 10+ hours I spent with it. For a game with surprisingly difficult combat, it never felt like the battle in front of you was truly impossible.
With its Studio Ghibli meets Legend of Zelda vibe; I really enjoyed the 10+ hours I spent with it. For a game with surprisingly difficult combat, it never felt like the battle in front of you was truly impossible.
2019
As great a short game as you're likely to find.