FullyOttoMatic
BACKER
2016
This is straight up the most terrifying game I've ever played. While deceptively simple in its gameplay, it more than makes up for with atmosphere and level design and does so in such a powerful way. Really not a lot I can say without giving anything away, this is one that can only really be understood through experience.
I don't entirely have my thoughts about this game worked out, but wow I loved at. A sad, beautiful, and unique picture exploring death and obsession.
2019
Very slow burn of a game with heavy emphasis on theme above all else. At first I wasn't totally with it but still intrigued, but as the end grew closer, so did the fear and anxiety where I was on the edge of my seat scared once the ending was present and things began to come together.
One of the most emotionally complex and difficult games I've ever played thus far, I'm actually blown away about how much this hit and resonated. A deeply considered and explored revenge story that deconstructs the concept in a way I've never seen done before and ultimately becomes about forgiveness and the long, hard, and brutal road to get there.
2012
Interesting start but I just got more and more frustrated as it went on. I don't like the inclusion of cover mechanics and levels being heavily based around them, but it wasn't that big a deal till the third part where my enjoyment completely tanked. The absurdity and fun of the previous two feels lost in translation and just ended up hating Max and the characters by the end. Extremely disappointing.
2013
I uh... was not ready for that... but I also needed a game like this.
2008
As much as I really did not like the combat, like at all, the parkour platforming is honestly so much fun and incredibly satisfying to pull off. I can imagine that only will grow in appreciation now that I understand the layout of the levels more. At points the level design can feel very obtuse which is frustrating in the moment, but feels great to finally figure out a path and nail it. The only hamper is the combat as said, the way it's implemented haults all momentum and feels awkward during the points where you're forced into shooting galleries. Its not enough to take away entirely, the platforming is just too good.
2019
Go into this with as little an idea as possible, what a fantastic and transformative experience.
2019
RPG's are a lot for me to get into, but wow this swept me up beautifully. Taking violence out of the equation and focusing squarely on investigation and dialogue to drive gameplay, story, and characterization was so engrossing I couldn't put it down. An amazing experience, I totally understand why this is considered a modern classic.
2020
Mick Gordon soundtrack go brrrr
2018
....Fuck dude
2015
Such a charming game with an incredibly distinct and unique aesthetic that reminds me of the feeling I got as a kid exploring night time Manhattan. Soundtrack is an absolute bop.
1999
This game's narrative is so gripping, challenging, and profound and deserves a combat design that doesn't feel this frustrating (it's generally not too big a hurdle for me, but the endgame it becomes actively aggravating).
2014
I don't think I understand the story... At all, but it was a very aesthetically beautiful and at times emotional experience. I wish I was able to connect better with what was happening, but the cryptic storytelling through narration really only disconnected me rather than draw me in and at times I felt the tactical gameplay was a bit on the clunky side. That said the art design and score made the actual process quite rewarding in the end.
Ending is kind of lame, but honestly this is some of the most fun I've had with a modern horror game in a long time. The ethos of classic survival horror is modernized brilliantly here, with set ups and encounters that are genuinely scary and put you on edge. The game also isn't afraid to be full on goofy without needing to sacrifice any atmosphere, that tension of feeling afraid with a wide grin on your face is just an awesome feeling that's captured that I hadn't felt from the series since 4. I'm super hype for Village now.