Fleshmaze_Tango
2005
Game sucks but its fun (usually) and iconic.
2013
This review contains spoilers
The story, characters, and message are all top notch. Nothing is ham-fisted, and the realization of the player becoming Joel is so fucking cool and a genius way to provide commentary on violent video games in a non-patronizing way.
Unfortunately, certain issues I have with how Uncharted was handled seem to be a mainstay for Naughty Dog at this time. Most of the non-combat scenarios were very linear and I think the level design could have benefited from a more open plan, encouraging more exploration and different ways to take on a combat scenario.
Unfortunately, certain issues I have with how Uncharted was handled seem to be a mainstay for Naughty Dog at this time. Most of the non-combat scenarios were very linear and I think the level design could have benefited from a more open plan, encouraging more exploration and different ways to take on a combat scenario.
Return to form for the series, and a good one at that. Enemy variety leaves a lot to be desired but the unusual setting and atmosphere was a breath of fresh air for the series.
2017
It's really good just not for me.
2019
This review contains spoilers
I understand why people prefer 2, but to me this is the definitive Borderlands experience. The best map and gun variety in the series, and (my opinion) a more engaging story.
The only thing I strongly disliked was the design of the Sanctuary ship. It took way longer than it should have to get used to the layout and dicking around on board between arcs of the story frequently felt like a waste of time. Characters are still good though and it was nice to see some interplay between them.
The only thing I strongly disliked was the design of the Sanctuary ship. It took way longer than it should have to get used to the layout and dicking around on board between arcs of the story frequently felt like a waste of time. Characters are still good though and it was nice to see some interplay between them.
2009
The foundation of the series obviously deserves some credit for pioneering the style and gameplay, but the lack of refinement is definitely there. Not as many unique environments as I would like, and the story is only held together by the side characters, the actual plot takes much more of a backseat than in 2 and 3.
2019
Great gunplay and ability variety. Some of the maps are too big and annoying to find other squads, and the servers around me at least are consistently buggy. Buff Lifeline.
Lighthearted GTA-esque sandbox with co-op and bonkers character customization: whats not to love? Dated humor but hilarious in 2011. The gunplay is very medium, but the vehicle controls are excellent and its fun to slowly improve your fleet over the course of a playthrough. The progression is a bit to linear for me, but at least you have lots of options to spend your money on. In theory you can "spec" your character but the game is quite easy on normal.
2015
I have a love hate relationship with this game. On one hand, the dialogue seems to have gone the Skyrim route, minimizing the impact of the player in dialogue trees, though not as minimal. On the other hand, the crafting and settlements, while imperfect, add a ton to the scavenger playstyle. The story is mid but I thought Far Harbor (fuck the memory bank workshop part) and many of the side quests were thought-provoking.
Play with mods. Alternate start/start me up is a must.
Play with mods. Alternate start/start me up is a must.
2008
This review contains spoilers
I'm sure making the jump from isometric to full 3d was a gargantuan hurdle, but I still don't understand why the story took such a hit. With only a handful of details to alter for the ending, you are essentially forced to side with the brotherhood and follow in your father's footsteps. Like you can be an asshole and poison project purity but it hardly changes how the game plays out. This is the main reason I like it less than NV and 4.
The setting and world are excellent. Much more desolate than the following games in the series and i totally understand why that appeals more to some people. I just don't think the story or characters really have the chops to contend with New Vegas.
The setting and world are excellent. Much more desolate than the following games in the series and i totally understand why that appeals more to some people. I just don't think the story or characters really have the chops to contend with New Vegas.
This is not an RPG. It's a first person action/adventure game with RPG elements. That said, the world is incredibly engaging. I actually think the move away from skill points to a perk based leveling system did wonders for the franchise, and customizing your build is incredibly addicting and fun. This of course adds into the satisfying gameplay loop of explore -> loot ->level up -> repeat that has us coming back to Skyrim over and over again.
The story is generic and told through stilted dialogue. No shade to the voice actors, some of the performances have a lot of character, but the script is flat and generic. Player choice has very little input in the story. Some side quests present 2 slightly different endings, and there are quest lines that can be pursued on either side of a conflict, but compared to other contemporary RPGs, it feels more like a facade of dialogue trees.
You just need to have realistic expectations to enjoy Skyrim, but if you can take it casually its a great world to hang out in.
The story is generic and told through stilted dialogue. No shade to the voice actors, some of the performances have a lot of character, but the script is flat and generic. Player choice has very little input in the story. Some side quests present 2 slightly different endings, and there are quest lines that can be pursued on either side of a conflict, but compared to other contemporary RPGs, it feels more like a facade of dialogue trees.
You just need to have realistic expectations to enjoy Skyrim, but if you can take it casually its a great world to hang out in.
Great attempt at the first fully 3d Kirby game.
Its got the standard amount of content for Kirby, though some levels felt same-y. Mouthful mode is a good gimmick, although not as memorable as Robobot. The soundtrack and aesthetic design are excellent, some of the best in the series. The platforming and combat is extremely satisfying and feels just like combo-ing mobs in the classic games.
My main gripe with this game is the amount of copy abilities. I understand that the upgrades sort of count as their own ability, but many of them are just strict upgrades, or minor AOE and visual changes. Few of them really felt like different abilities when leveled up. However, the included abilities have a healthy amount of depth and variety, even without upgrades.
Its got the standard amount of content for Kirby, though some levels felt same-y. Mouthful mode is a good gimmick, although not as memorable as Robobot. The soundtrack and aesthetic design are excellent, some of the best in the series. The platforming and combat is extremely satisfying and feels just like combo-ing mobs in the classic games.
My main gripe with this game is the amount of copy abilities. I understand that the upgrades sort of count as their own ability, but many of them are just strict upgrades, or minor AOE and visual changes. Few of them really felt like different abilities when leveled up. However, the included abilities have a healthy amount of depth and variety, even without upgrades.
Other than dated AI, this may be the best Star Wars game ever made. Great for pubs or the campaign. Galactic conquest is also great for an extended couch session. Unfortunately some of the factions seem quite a bit worse than others, though they are mostly the same.
2015
Features a bunch of quality of life improvements over the original game, foremost of which are 2 new classes and an overhaul to the class system. Now there are essentially 5 "tiers" of perks, with each level providing 2 options for each class, leading to tons of customization for your playstyle.
I do feel the default maps are worse than the original, but KF2 has been out long enough now that it has a similar level of user content support, which helps space out the map variety.
I understand some people dislike the monetization of it, but personally I feel it is much less in your face than other games, and in game you can purchase DLC weapons at the trader if any player in the game has the DLC, which is a bonus few monetized games like this offer.
I do feel the default maps are worse than the original, but KF2 has been out long enough now that it has a similar level of user content support, which helps space out the map variety.
I understand some people dislike the monetization of it, but personally I feel it is much less in your face than other games, and in game you can purchase DLC weapons at the trader if any player in the game has the DLC, which is a bonus few monetized games like this offer.
2009
Just a good old fashioned co-op zombie-killing time. The classes have good variety, but some roles are much more important than others, such as medic and support being must picks for higher difficulty games. Most of the default maps are good, but part of my love for this game is the wealth of community content, especially the maps. Who could forget kf_420ganjafarm??