ChrisVsBacklog
2009
The epic inaugural entry in the sprawling fantasy franchise. Dragon Age Origins sets the stage for a world of heroes and myth, supported by inventive and well developed cultures and politics. The world building at work in this game is worthy of heaps of praise, and quickly draws you deep into the fight for the fate of Ferelden.
The combat and UI feel dated by modern standards, but can be helped along by an avid mod community that helps to round out some of the rougher edges.
The combat and UI feel dated by modern standards, but can be helped along by an avid mod community that helps to round out some of the rougher edges.
2011
While the world of Thedas continues to be a compelling playground, the stakes in Dragon Age 2 lag behind the other entries in the series. Instead of a tale of global importance, DA2 is focused primarily on the struggles of Hawke and their band of buddies. While the ramifications of the events in Kirkwall reverberate into the world at large, DA2 never quite feels like the grand adventure you expected.
2021
A visual treat, this is a platformer by design but a walking sim by execution. A story of self discovery via David Bowie's career trajectory, the tale unfolds over gorgeous vistas and strange civilizations that will pull you in and push you forward.
2022
A great dungeon delver roguelight with brilliant Twitch community integration. I really enjoyed my time with Cult of the Lamb, but feel like it runs out of steam in the back half. The developers have voiced that they plan to add more, and I would revisit it should that come to pass. As it stands now, the research and tech tree will be full well before you are done with the dungeon side of the game, leaving things unbalanced. Until both halves of the formula are better in sync and yield risk/reward for the other side of the coin, Cult of the Lamb will continue to feel slightly under-baked.
2022
Undoubtedly stylish and alarmingly cute, Stray is a game with stunning art direction anchored by OK game design. There are only so many ways a cat jumping can be woven into puzzle solutions, and the developer must have realized that limitation as the game's exploration dramatically shifts across the three main acts. The story, while interesting, concludes before the desired conclusion, and left me feeling like the adventure didn't pay off.
The biggest let down of 2022 for me. I enjoyed Big Bad Wolf's previous outing, The Council, and assumed that putting the formula to work in the World of Darkness setting could yield nothing but positive results.
Unfortunately, Swansong suffers from uneven character build diversity, strange pacing decisions, and huge story threads that can be easily missed. While the use of RPG elements in a narrative adventure is still a neat concept, Swansongs three POV characters basically need to be built a certain way to make the most of their story paths. If you decide to play through Swansong, do yourself a favor and use a wiki to build your Kindred with the ideal skillset so that you can avoid needless pressure points.
Unfortunately, Swansong suffers from uneven character build diversity, strange pacing decisions, and huge story threads that can be easily missed. While the use of RPG elements in a narrative adventure is still a neat concept, Swansongs three POV characters basically need to be built a certain way to make the most of their story paths. If you decide to play through Swansong, do yourself a favor and use a wiki to build your Kindred with the ideal skillset so that you can avoid needless pressure points.
2022
Hugely effective claustrophobic horror story, with a unique "closed box" exploration technique. A quick jaunt, the game is a one sitting experience, and worth your time if only to see how much is accomplished with so little.
A basic 2d slashing action with the most realistic rice cultivation simulation strapped alongside. I'm not sure who the target audience is, but I quickly discovered that it was not me.
2020
A short search and find adventure telling of a near future body horror medical practice. As uncomfortable as it is brief, this is yet another upsetting experiment from Yames.
2022
Unsettling imagery, a disgusting feeding mechanic, and a story that becomes more upsetting with each new detail. Growing My Grandpa is at once unique and disturbing, but strangely fulfilling.
2020
A biblical themed underwater narrative adventure, the story is a bit too obtuse for its own good.
2021
A short horror story that ramps up slowly but ends abruptly.
The troubled exploration of a cursed family, the journey is at once whimsical and tragic. How much of the Finch family history is real and how much is fanciful retelling? More importantly, what will the next chapter of their story be?
2019
A great coffee break action arcade roguelike, Nova Drift plays like Asteroids got into a summer romance with Binding of Isaac and birthed a beautiful space baby.
2021
As has become the trademark of Daniel Mullins Games, Inscryption isn't what you think it is. Once you get a handle on the true reality of the game, it will surprise you again, and prove you've been wrong again.
A clever meta-storytelling adventure with a surprisingly well realized gameplay system stacked on top of it that is worthy of the praise it receives. Inscryption is a brilliant design, and the less you know going in, the better.
A clever meta-storytelling adventure with a surprisingly well realized gameplay system stacked on top of it that is worthy of the praise it receives. Inscryption is a brilliant design, and the less you know going in, the better.