Crit_Nerd
2023
This review contains spoilers
Game of the year for me for sure, and I haven't even gotten to the true ending yet, but I plan on yet because I enjoyed the game that much. Beautiful art direction, fun combat, and a great OST make this for a great experience.
The little references to The Messenger were awesome to see as someone who enjoyed that game a lot. Oddly enough, I feel it falls victim to some issues that The Messenger did. The story starts off being one thing and then becomes something else entirely. Now, unlike The Messenger, it doesn't shift genres in the gameplay, just in story.
I think my only problems were some nitpicky things such as puzzles not being entirely clear or some QOL things that could be added to a game that's filled with many accessibility options. A mini map or speeding up combat could be helpful, but the battles go quick enough that I'm okay with it.
I'm kicking myself a bit for not contributing to the kickstarter when it was happening. If Sabotage does it for their next game, they have my undivided 100% attention as they're two for two so far for games I have played from them. After the post game, I'm definitely going to do another playthrough of The Messenger.
The little references to The Messenger were awesome to see as someone who enjoyed that game a lot. Oddly enough, I feel it falls victim to some issues that The Messenger did. The story starts off being one thing and then becomes something else entirely. Now, unlike The Messenger, it doesn't shift genres in the gameplay, just in story.
I think my only problems were some nitpicky things such as puzzles not being entirely clear or some QOL things that could be added to a game that's filled with many accessibility options. A mini map or speeding up combat could be helpful, but the battles go quick enough that I'm okay with it.
I'm kicking myself a bit for not contributing to the kickstarter when it was happening. If Sabotage does it for their next game, they have my undivided 100% attention as they're two for two so far for games I have played from them. After the post game, I'm definitely going to do another playthrough of The Messenger.
2011
I wanted to try other games from this developer, especially since Hades was getting such stellar reviews (Still on backlog currently). It's clear that the roots of that gameplay take hold. It's got a great artstyle and soundtrack. Gameplay is acceptable and I enjoy the different weapon types. It was enjoyable for what it was.
2023
I found the first 2/3 of the game strong. The world was small enough that figuring out the map wasn't too hard at first, the combat was starting to click and the platforming was the right amount of challenge. Then the rest of the game happened. Some battles started becoming tedious rather than fun, some of the platforming sections felt that way as well, and there's a section of the map that has you navigating in near darkness and it's just not enjoyable. Not to mention the ending I got felt a bit anti-climactic. It really tanks the experience, but I thoroughly enjoyed so much of it leading up to it. It's a solid game overall and I'm glad I played it.
1997
I understand why this game was so beloved back in the day, but I am glad that there were added QOL features such as speed up and god mode so that people can breeze through the battles to experience the story, because it works well. The materia system for the combat adds a lot of variety for the party and I think I will come back to this game at some point. It's dated in some aspects, particularly with the visuals and traversal, but it's an RPG must play.
This had a bit of a rough start and there are a bit too many city tracks from Tour for my liking, but it breathes life into a game that needed a refresh. I'm surprised this wasn't done closer to it's initial launch. It's now made MK8D into the most Mario Kart and packed to the brim with content. I got introduced to some great tracks that I never played (Mostly on Wii). I do wish there was more Double Dash (My personal fave), but I think the choices made were solid. New characters and mii costumes was a nice surprise too! I had a good time with this overall.
A fun Metroidvania. Having the powers being incorporated in the combat was great. The dialogue is hilarious. It's executed well.
2018
This improves on the original in every way. The movement and combat are more versatile. The story embraces the ridiculousness and is filled with funny dialogue. It also looks great visually. This is how sequels need to be handled.
It's more Cuphead. Ms. Chalice adds a new way to play the game. The visuals and music are wonderful. What else needs to be said?
I don't think it's fair to give this a number rating considering I didn't get too far into it. It felt near impossible to find a rhythm with the movement and every time I thought I had it, I would die. The lives system is an archaic thing that didn't need to be in this game. There aren't many games that have me just stop like this, but it was clear after a few hours of trying to beat the first game in the trilogy that I wasn't going to be enjoying myself, so why should I power through it? Not everything works and I'm glad I got this on sale. On to the next game...
2007
Played this on Mario 3D All Stars on Switch. There's no denying the level designs are incredibly creative. I think the biggest thing were the controls and despite being an improvement over the Wii version (From what I've heard), it felt like I was fighting the game constantly. I think this was the game that made me realize I'm not a 3D Mario guy, and that's okay.
Solid platformer, although the first game definitely had it's finicky problems such as requiring being pixels apart from enemies to grab them. Also not a huge fan of easy mode equaling infinite lives. It should have been a toggle. I can understand how these would have been beloved games back in the day. If somehow this gets a sequel, I'd be intrigued.
2023
This review was written before the game released
From a gameplay perspective? Incredibly fun, especially since I didn't play the first game too much. The grind, for new players, especially is not worth it at all. Grinding matches to get the whole roster back is absolute bullshit, especially since there's a mode where heroes are randomized and you don't have to own them to use them. The nature of acquiring cosmetics is basically an uphill battle where Blizzard wants you to just throw money because the grind is too long. It's predatory and it's incredibly unfair. Other games with this model are doing it way better than them and it's a shame to see it stoop this low. I only have an interest because the core gameplay is free to play and that's it.
I played the first game when I got my switch over 5 years ago. I remember enjoying for what it was, but felt that despite the multiple endings, I was never that interested in doing repeat playthroughs to get them. That's basically how I feel with this game.
It takes a lot longer to hook you in, and it finally becomes interesting in the back half of the game, especially if you've played the first one. It doesn't really take advantage of the "tear" mechanic which made for some interesting puzzles. I also felt like I wasn't ever conflicted on what choices to make. It felt pretty straightforward, despite what the game was trying to make me feel. It was fine.
It takes a lot longer to hook you in, and it finally becomes interesting in the back half of the game, especially if you've played the first one. It doesn't really take advantage of the "tear" mechanic which made for some interesting puzzles. I also felt like I wasn't ever conflicted on what choices to make. It felt pretty straightforward, despite what the game was trying to make me feel. It was fine.
I bought this game years ago and then just stopped. I started a new game as I wasn't far into it in my original save. It's a really cool concept in terms of movement and the Metroidvania aspect was enjoyable. I love the look of it and the soundtrack was decent. Even when I found a groove with the movement, it was exploring the later portions of the game that became tedious. I liked it, didn't love it.
My roommate and I had a blast playing this game. The levels are so well designed and being able to upgrade copy abilities adds a lot to the feeling of progression throughout the game. The post game adds a surprising amount of challenge despite the main story being a breeze. One of my favorites of 2022 so far.