Clearflora
Easily one of my Top 5. Detective game at its finest — you'll likely need pen and paper! If you haven't played it, just buy it and go in with no preconceptions. Finished over 3 days; couldn't wait to get back from work to continue uncovering the mystery. Only downside is that it has no replay value — I wish I could wipe my memory to play this again.
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.
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.
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.
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™.
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.
2012
I have only played this once and I'll never play it again...
... because I will never be able to recreate the beautiful emotional existential journey I had the first time. Spent the 2nd half with 1 person. Felt like I made a soul friend. Music is so uplifting (Austin Wintory is a genius). Definitely cried at the end.
... because I will never be able to recreate the beautiful emotional existential journey I had the first time. Spent the 2nd half with 1 person. Felt like I made a soul friend. Music is so uplifting (Austin Wintory is a genius). Definitely cried at the end.
*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.
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.
Feel like it doesn't get talked about much, but it's a really refreshing take on Crash and on CTR. I remember having a blast with it. That being said, I don't think I played much of the racing. Mainly just going through the campaign. Got addicted to the bowling mini game.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Pawn system is the best thing ever. Only played as a rogue, but combat is fantastic — likened to a grittier version of MonHun. I recall many in-game nights holed up on the side of a mountain waiting for the morning, because when it gets dark, it is d a r k. There was a particular excursion where I found myself in the middle of the forest at night. Got into a fight with a troll and was climbing this seemingly invisible beast - his face only just illuminated by the short cast of my sheathed lantern. Bloomin' fantastic.