Abye
2018
A charming puzzle game that's short, sweet and unique.
Donut County has a similar charm to that of the Katamari games, but instead of adding objects to a mass, they're being taken away. This mechanic is well used, as causing objects to fall down the hole will grant the hole certain properties like a furnace that provides heat and lift.
The Trashopedia is hilarious and worth reading for the wisdom of the raccoon writing it.
Donut County is a fun distraction for a weekend, and something worth revisiting just for the charm of it all. Recommended.
Donut County has a similar charm to that of the Katamari games, but instead of adding objects to a mass, they're being taken away. This mechanic is well used, as causing objects to fall down the hole will grant the hole certain properties like a furnace that provides heat and lift.
The Trashopedia is hilarious and worth reading for the wisdom of the raccoon writing it.
Donut County is a fun distraction for a weekend, and something worth revisiting just for the charm of it all. Recommended.
A visually stunning game with an amazing soundtrack and a heartfelt story. This game combines the fun of a Metroidvania with the fluidity of a hack & slash game.
Although the late game can get somewhat repetitive, the charming characters and exploration elements dull the tediousness. Wholly recommended.
Although the late game can get somewhat repetitive, the charming characters and exploration elements dull the tediousness. Wholly recommended.
2020
Resident Evil 3 is easily the best worst game I've played in recent years.
Yes, the graphics are amazing and the controls are very smooth. The dodging mechanic is a welcomed new addition, as it serves to distance Jill's expertise from Leon and Claire's inexperience in Resident Evil 2.
The story has undergone many revisions from the original game, covering plot-holes (such as Mikhail knowing Jill's name without an introduction) and making the game more cohesive with its remade predecessors. The game reaches a more natural conclusion than the original, with an end-game area that makes more sense.
That being said, the game suffers greatly from being linear. The Nemesis, an iconic monster known for stalking its prey and defying load screens is scripted! The sense of urgency and surprise is lost when the player knows when the monster will appear, and that it can be easily downed with a certain item. The iconic stalker has easily been overtaken by the likes of Resident Evil 2’s Tyrant, which managed to surprise players and nudge them along in the game.
I have managed to complete this game (netting the trophies for not using the item box and healing in the process) over a weekend last year, and I’ve had no incentive to go back. I’m genuinely disappointed by the lack of ambition in this remake, as a larger Raccoon City and a smarter Nemesis would’ve made for a compelling game. There does appear to be elements of a larger game that has been shaved down. I recall one area being a large mass of blocked cars, with only one collectable giving the player a reason to visit. Instead, we received a game that safely ticked the boxes of a re-imagined story. A game so lacking, that many folks have suggested that it could’ve been DLC for Resident Evil 2.
I would only recommend this as an addition to the Resident Evil 2 remake, rather than a lone purchase.
Yes, the graphics are amazing and the controls are very smooth. The dodging mechanic is a welcomed new addition, as it serves to distance Jill's expertise from Leon and Claire's inexperience in Resident Evil 2.
The story has undergone many revisions from the original game, covering plot-holes (such as Mikhail knowing Jill's name without an introduction) and making the game more cohesive with its remade predecessors. The game reaches a more natural conclusion than the original, with an end-game area that makes more sense.
That being said, the game suffers greatly from being linear. The Nemesis, an iconic monster known for stalking its prey and defying load screens is scripted! The sense of urgency and surprise is lost when the player knows when the monster will appear, and that it can be easily downed with a certain item. The iconic stalker has easily been overtaken by the likes of Resident Evil 2’s Tyrant, which managed to surprise players and nudge them along in the game.
I have managed to complete this game (netting the trophies for not using the item box and healing in the process) over a weekend last year, and I’ve had no incentive to go back. I’m genuinely disappointed by the lack of ambition in this remake, as a larger Raccoon City and a smarter Nemesis would’ve made for a compelling game. There does appear to be elements of a larger game that has been shaved down. I recall one area being a large mass of blocked cars, with only one collectable giving the player a reason to visit. Instead, we received a game that safely ticked the boxes of a re-imagined story. A game so lacking, that many folks have suggested that it could’ve been DLC for Resident Evil 2.
I would only recommend this as an addition to the Resident Evil 2 remake, rather than a lone purchase.
Terminator: Resistance is a simple game, but it masterfully achieves the atmosphere and tension of the “future-war” scenes featured in the first two Terminator movies. This game has been lovingly made with an understanding of what made the franchise so appealing, as it is littered with references and in-jokes that fans of the movies will appreciate. Despite being released a month prior to Dark Fate, the game itself is not just a tie-in.
Character progression is well balanced, as the player will gradually progress from a barely surviving scavenger to combating giant machines during the story. The “Resistance” part of the title is well deserved, as the game makes the player feel like they’re pushing back against the machines. The iconic T-800 enemies are more than just fodder, and pose a genuine threat to those foolhardy enough to take them on without preparation. There are many times where the player has to switch between stealthily taking out machines, and going all out to survive.
I’ve seen the game compared to Fallout with its scavenging elements, which is a fair comparison in the sense of exploration. The game has large areas to explore with weapons to discover, but it certainly isn’t an open-world game and each area has a set exit. Throughout the game, there are choices to be made that will effect the end of the story. I don’t want to spoil this moment, but it makes for genuinely heart wrenching end-game decisions as bonds are developed with each character. The romance options feel forced and awkward, but this is minor and laughable at worst.
The music borrows heavily from the original soundtrack of the first two Terminator movies, but this is perfectly integrated into the game. There is a sense of melancholy and an uncertain future as the Desert Suite from Terminator 2 plays. It genuinely makes the game feel like anything from Terminator 2 onward did not exist.
I have very few gripes with this game, as it does what it set out to do very well. Certain parts later in the game feel underwhelming, especially when hard-earned weapons start appearing everywhere at no cost. There aren’t enough points to fill out the entire-skill tree, so some may feel cheated when certain perks are locked out without warning.
Overall, I would recommend this game to fans of the Terminator franchise and people looking for a fun RPG shooter to demolish over a weekend.
Character progression is well balanced, as the player will gradually progress from a barely surviving scavenger to combating giant machines during the story. The “Resistance” part of the title is well deserved, as the game makes the player feel like they’re pushing back against the machines. The iconic T-800 enemies are more than just fodder, and pose a genuine threat to those foolhardy enough to take them on without preparation. There are many times where the player has to switch between stealthily taking out machines, and going all out to survive.
I’ve seen the game compared to Fallout with its scavenging elements, which is a fair comparison in the sense of exploration. The game has large areas to explore with weapons to discover, but it certainly isn’t an open-world game and each area has a set exit. Throughout the game, there are choices to be made that will effect the end of the story. I don’t want to spoil this moment, but it makes for genuinely heart wrenching end-game decisions as bonds are developed with each character. The romance options feel forced and awkward, but this is minor and laughable at worst.
The music borrows heavily from the original soundtrack of the first two Terminator movies, but this is perfectly integrated into the game. There is a sense of melancholy and an uncertain future as the Desert Suite from Terminator 2 plays. It genuinely makes the game feel like anything from Terminator 2 onward did not exist.
I have very few gripes with this game, as it does what it set out to do very well. Certain parts later in the game feel underwhelming, especially when hard-earned weapons start appearing everywhere at no cost. There aren’t enough points to fill out the entire-skill tree, so some may feel cheated when certain perks are locked out without warning.
Overall, I would recommend this game to fans of the Terminator franchise and people looking for a fun RPG shooter to demolish over a weekend.
Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX feels like a game tied down by its predecessor. The game is a faithful recreation of the original, but the problem is that it's too faithful. Many of the faults of the original peek through the updated look.
The original game had many problems which haunt the DX version of the game. It is difficult to telegraph Alex's attacks as the punch hits at the end of the animation. There have been plenty of times where a mistimed punch resulted in a double KO with the enemy. Platforming is also slippery, as Alex will sometimes slide when landing, causing me to jump into an instant death pit through panic. It's difficult to change trajectory mid-jump, with the movement being only slowed by pushing in the opposite direction.
I have played the original Alex Kidd in Miracle World on the Master System II, but I wouldn't complete it until the release of the Sega Vintage Collection in 2012. That version had save states, which allowed me to circumvent many of the harsher design elements of the original game (like limited continues and instant-death puzzles). Unfortunately, Miracle World DX does not have save states.
The quality of life improvements are fleeting, as there is a new addition of unlimited continues and infinite lives at the cost of certain achievements (for the latter). There are new HUD elements, but these have proven to be more of a hazard than a benefit. Most of the time, I found myself with only a power bracelet (due to the constant death), making the interface redundant for the most part. But the HUD element remains, blocking the view of the top right corner of the screen. Later levels make use of this obscured space. In one area, the flashy prompt that notified me of the area blocked the view of the right side of the screen. This area has an instant death shower that required speed to break through blocks and escape.
This game sorely needs a redesign, as the areas that flow quickly can be rather fun. I've had great fun tearing through blocks on a motorcycle and working my way through well-designed areas that mix platforming and punching through blocks.
Unfortunately, the game is too frustrating for me as it currently is.
The original game had many problems which haunt the DX version of the game. It is difficult to telegraph Alex's attacks as the punch hits at the end of the animation. There have been plenty of times where a mistimed punch resulted in a double KO with the enemy. Platforming is also slippery, as Alex will sometimes slide when landing, causing me to jump into an instant death pit through panic. It's difficult to change trajectory mid-jump, with the movement being only slowed by pushing in the opposite direction.
I have played the original Alex Kidd in Miracle World on the Master System II, but I wouldn't complete it until the release of the Sega Vintage Collection in 2012. That version had save states, which allowed me to circumvent many of the harsher design elements of the original game (like limited continues and instant-death puzzles). Unfortunately, Miracle World DX does not have save states.
The quality of life improvements are fleeting, as there is a new addition of unlimited continues and infinite lives at the cost of certain achievements (for the latter). There are new HUD elements, but these have proven to be more of a hazard than a benefit. Most of the time, I found myself with only a power bracelet (due to the constant death), making the interface redundant for the most part. But the HUD element remains, blocking the view of the top right corner of the screen. Later levels make use of this obscured space. In one area, the flashy prompt that notified me of the area blocked the view of the right side of the screen. This area has an instant death shower that required speed to break through blocks and escape.
This game sorely needs a redesign, as the areas that flow quickly can be rather fun. I've had great fun tearing through blocks on a motorcycle and working my way through well-designed areas that mix platforming and punching through blocks.
Unfortunately, the game is too frustrating for me as it currently is.
2016
A game that masterfully balances openness with player progression, Stardew Valley redefines the farming sim genre with a variety of tasks and activities to explore.
The player can opt to complete the community centre, learning how to obtain a myriad of items as they go. Progress can also be bought through the Joja Community Development Form, foregoing tricky items but exploration and NPC friendship too.
There's no "right" way to do things. The farming element can be ditched in favour of exploring the mines or going fishing for cash. Of course, the fun of this game is customising your land with a variety of buildings and layouts.
There's a solid variety of maps to choose from, each offering benefits and hazards. Many will opt for a standard farm with a lot of land, but there are options of a Wilderness Farm that has monsters come out at night, as well as a beach farm that renders the convenient sprinklers useless. It's definitely a game that can be replayed in a variety of different ways.
As of the 1.5 update, players can now achieve "Perfection" through a list of endgame tasks with a surprise for those who manage to finish them. But the game can be played indefinitely, I've seen folks play dozens of in-game years.
The music is beautiful, with a variety of tunes that set the mood for each season. The game somehow captures the melancholy of fall and the sluggishness of summer.
I have very few gripes with this game. The variety of weapons feel redundant once a powerful sword comes into play quite early in the game. Many folks I have spoken to find the fishing to be quite tedious, with many putting it off for as long as possible (although, it didn't bother me personally). I feel that there were a few missed opportunities when it came to the effects of boots and rings, and I certainly would love to see more magical items with properties besides warping.
Other than my gripes, it's very easy to recommend Stardew Valley. It has the variety to be exciting whilst being laid back enough to be relaxing. Wholly recommended.
The player can opt to complete the community centre, learning how to obtain a myriad of items as they go. Progress can also be bought through the Joja Community Development Form, foregoing tricky items but exploration and NPC friendship too.
There's no "right" way to do things. The farming element can be ditched in favour of exploring the mines or going fishing for cash. Of course, the fun of this game is customising your land with a variety of buildings and layouts.
There's a solid variety of maps to choose from, each offering benefits and hazards. Many will opt for a standard farm with a lot of land, but there are options of a Wilderness Farm that has monsters come out at night, as well as a beach farm that renders the convenient sprinklers useless. It's definitely a game that can be replayed in a variety of different ways.
As of the 1.5 update, players can now achieve "Perfection" through a list of endgame tasks with a surprise for those who manage to finish them. But the game can be played indefinitely, I've seen folks play dozens of in-game years.
The music is beautiful, with a variety of tunes that set the mood for each season. The game somehow captures the melancholy of fall and the sluggishness of summer.
I have very few gripes with this game. The variety of weapons feel redundant once a powerful sword comes into play quite early in the game. Many folks I have spoken to find the fishing to be quite tedious, with many putting it off for as long as possible (although, it didn't bother me personally). I feel that there were a few missed opportunities when it came to the effects of boots and rings, and I certainly would love to see more magical items with properties besides warping.
Other than my gripes, it's very easy to recommend Stardew Valley. It has the variety to be exciting whilst being laid back enough to be relaxing. Wholly recommended.
A short but sweet Metroidvania experience. Even though it's the fourth game of the franchise, it's a prequel and no previous games are required to appreciate it.
Definitely recommended as an entry point to Metroidvania games and speedrunning.
Definitely recommended as an entry point to Metroidvania games and speedrunning.
2020
On its surface, Beyond Blue appears to be little more than an educational sim.
But as the game progresses, a profound story about family and the state of the planet creeps in. Providing an emotional backdrop to relaxing underwater exploration.
Beyond Blue is very well polished, with some fascinating documentaries as extras. Sea creatures provide a fun collectable element, as they provide viewable models when scanned. Many will leave this game with an appreciation of ocean conservation.
Although the game is rather short, it did not feel rushed. There is no "game over" or action, it's just a relaxing experience with a narrative. It does what it does well.
But as the game progresses, a profound story about family and the state of the planet creeps in. Providing an emotional backdrop to relaxing underwater exploration.
Beyond Blue is very well polished, with some fascinating documentaries as extras. Sea creatures provide a fun collectable element, as they provide viewable models when scanned. Many will leave this game with an appreciation of ocean conservation.
Although the game is rather short, it did not feel rushed. There is no "game over" or action, it's just a relaxing experience with a narrative. It does what it does well.
2021
This review contains spoilers
The writing and dialogue are very well put together and delivered, but I felt this game had a lot of missing potential when it comes to using its format.
Yes, I understand that it's all about things unsaid and a path to redemption narrowing the future. However, I felt that there should've been more of a tangible impact with the player's interaction with the hitman. There are achievements for being proactive, lazy or fair during the farmwork, but no accompanying dialogue.
The game would've been greatly enhanced by dialogue trees and alternative endings. Certain text options are greyed out permanently to show unsaid inner thoughts, but a method of gaining the courage to say such things would fit the theme of the game. It felt like there was ambition bubbling under the surface, but it just falls short of execution.
That being said, it's a great way to spend a night with some stellar voice acting.
Yes, I understand that it's all about things unsaid and a path to redemption narrowing the future. However, I felt that there should've been more of a tangible impact with the player's interaction with the hitman. There are achievements for being proactive, lazy or fair during the farmwork, but no accompanying dialogue.
The game would've been greatly enhanced by dialogue trees and alternative endings. Certain text options are greyed out permanently to show unsaid inner thoughts, but a method of gaining the courage to say such things would fit the theme of the game. It felt like there was ambition bubbling under the surface, but it just falls short of execution.
That being said, it's a great way to spend a night with some stellar voice acting.
2021
I really wanted to enjoy this game. I love the art style, and the positive take on the afterlife and the gameplay fits the theme rather well. I love the idea of filling a drawn world with light and colour as an indication of progress.
Sadly, it felt too slow and restrictive to be enjoyable. I found myself logging in every day for 30 minutes of gameplay before being told to come back tomorrow. This format does not fit a console very well, especially when it takes a few minutes to load. I had given up on the game after a week.
The NPCs share dialogue with lines like "It’s really important to make friends. What if you get sick and need to crowdfund your appendectomy?!" being shared by multiple characters, thus removing all humour and character.
The fetch quests felt monotonous with minimal rewards or progress. The system felt broken and unbalanced, when I could sell quartz gems for a fortune but I have to upgrade the shop for a boiled egg. I dug up a rare item and gave it to the museum, only to discover that it was required for a task after the fact.
I'll probably revisit the title after a few patches, as I have played the game quite close to its release. But in the state that I played it, I found it quite disappointing.
Sadly, it felt too slow and restrictive to be enjoyable. I found myself logging in every day for 30 minutes of gameplay before being told to come back tomorrow. This format does not fit a console very well, especially when it takes a few minutes to load. I had given up on the game after a week.
The NPCs share dialogue with lines like "It’s really important to make friends. What if you get sick and need to crowdfund your appendectomy?!" being shared by multiple characters, thus removing all humour and character.
The fetch quests felt monotonous with minimal rewards or progress. The system felt broken and unbalanced, when I could sell quartz gems for a fortune but I have to upgrade the shop for a boiled egg. I dug up a rare item and gave it to the museum, only to discover that it was required for a task after the fact.
I'll probably revisit the title after a few patches, as I have played the game quite close to its release. But in the state that I played it, I found it quite disappointing.