Clearflora
Shorter than expected BUT incredibly clean game. Loved the nostalgic art style and story thread through each chapter. A little tricky and definitely made me feel dumb towards the end. But it all comes together! 🏆
2022
I did not realise the escape rooms were timed when I downloaded this. More panic than I was wanting. But I enjoy puzzles and escape rooms, and it has a nice popping art style! I think it ran for the perfect amount of time (about 5 hours). Challenging, diverse puzzles!
I was loving this at the beginning; driving and gliding around through gritty Gotham, clearing up side quests, getting Riddler trophies, the Joker thread in the background. If you stick to the story, and do side quests that take your fancy, this is a solid experience. But doing side quest clear up near end-game is sadly no fun - I just couldn't find the energy to do it. But it's still a very chill game to play and would recommend for an easy-going ride with The Bats™.
2021
CO-LLAB-OR-ATION! I love co-op story games! And such wonderful levels as well.
I played with my sister over the holidays. She doesn't really play action games, so there were some platforming mishaps. The boss levels are methodical and I was immediately concerned that we wouldn't be able to do them. But my sister is a boss herself and we got through them really well. I underestimate her, and she kicks my butt at almost all the minigames. Jokes on me.
I played with my sister over the holidays. She doesn't really play action games, so there were some platforming mishaps. The boss levels are methodical and I was immediately concerned that we wouldn't be able to do them. But my sister is a boss herself and we got through them really well. I underestimate her, and she kicks my butt at almost all the minigames. Jokes on me.
I would have loved Frog Detective as a kid. As an adult, these are quick and simple games oozing with charm. Each case is bigger and better than the last. The magnifying glass is absolutely not useless. It's for close inspection of critter faces. Only real detectives know. I've already googled 'Frog Detective merch'. I'm in deep lads.
2022
Despite SV having its issues (optimisation problems, lack of story depth, empty world) it's still a lot of fun; especially at the beginning when you're introduced to Paldea and allowed to roam free. I personally had fun filling my dex as I made my way between the 3 stories. Unfortunately I can't recall anything I truly loved, but there were good moments (Titan storyline, Let's Go feature, mount exploration, Clodsire <3). The post-game trip to Area Zero felt very action JRPG - if that's the direction Pokemon is going, sign me up.
2018
Bit late to the party, but wowee. Not sure how long this ran for me, maybe ~30 hours. Explored pretty much everywhere in Midgard. The characters are top tier and I appreciate the giant friendly creatures; more giant creatures in games please.
2016
Like any short indie, I just wanted more! It's a chill mystery coated in a retrowave mist. What it does well, it does really well. I haven't played many games in my short existence, but I'm finding it difficult to compare it to anything. The vibe, the mystery, the -whatthehelljusthappened-. This one is for the sci-fi story buffs; it's a slow burn. Set Oxenfree aside for a rainy weekend and you're golden.
There's replayability here so will dive into that when I'm feeling it! (Thanks for the rec. FallenGrace!)
There's replayability here so will dive into that when I'm feeling it! (Thanks for the rec. FallenGrace!)
I once read, regarding story length in any medium, that your tale should not be too long or just the right length, but ideally too short - keeping the story churning in the mind of the player. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons does exactly this. I wanted to learn more about several areas you journey through; the game shows a lot but tells very little, leading you to imagine your own lore. One of the most delightful and beautiful games I've played in a while.
2006
I like that this game is focused a lot more on puzzles/area navigation than fighting; and good ones too. Little to no hints — just observation, a pair of strong hands and a grappling hook. The story was fairly decent; you learn about the fate of Lara's mother weaved in with Arthurian legend. I played the sequel, Underworld, years ago and I've forgotten everything. This game ends on a cliff-hanger so will need to pick up Underworld again! I would have been very happy if I had played this at the time in 2006. Any game where Lara gets a motorcycle is good in my books.
Very fun even if the combat gets a little repetitive. Played solo but can imagine even better co-op. Felt a bit dirty using the Mordenkainen Sword spell, but there's room for replayability here so I don't feel too guilty!
*Not finished all 3 so will update as and when.
ME1: I forgot how good this game is?! I remember it being the weaker of the 3 (which it might still be) but, remastered tweaks aside, story is still very cool. I really enjoy the simplicity of 1 (compared to 2); point and click galaxy map and overheating weapon mechanic are things that I miss having started 2. Kicks off the franchise with a bang.
ME1: I forgot how good this game is?! I remember it being the weaker of the 3 (which it might still be) but, remastered tweaks aside, story is still very cool. I really enjoy the simplicity of 1 (compared to 2); point and click galaxy map and overheating weapon mechanic are things that I miss having started 2. Kicks off the franchise with a bang.
DARQ looks fantastic; each level a nightmare laced with intuitive puzzles and haunting liminal spaces. The Tower and Crypt DLCs stand nicely on their own. This game felt like it was touching at a much larger story; I would love to learn more about Lloyd and his world. However a lot was achieved in a short space of time - can't wait to see what the devs do next.
Being cutscene heavy, the story is what carries this game — sometimes I felt like I was inside a movie. Characterisations and dialogue are 10/10. Perfect GotG humour. Battle system worked best with bosses/elite minions; using your team's arsenal as effectively as possible. Overall an enjoyable adventure.
2021
Love me some ancient history and this game provides an eloquent mystery with historical threads. "Groundhog Day" type stories are very hit and miss for me (both games and movies), but this game provides some quality of life "skips" to prevent you from repeating your actions — you can if you want, but you don't have to. Dialogue is excellent and never felt overwhelmed with information; it was all delivered very concisely. Really enjoyed the intro and overall concept.