Gortiamas
2007
One of the best visual novels I've played. An incredibly strong cast of characters coupled with a beautiful art style, interesting interpersonal mysteries to solve and a great soundtrack make Hotel Dusk one of my easiest and most-repeated recommendations. If possible, play the game with an instant text display code.
A fantastic follow-up to Hotel Dusk that shifts the focus from interpersonal relationships to Kyle's own internal struggles, including his unwillingness to open up to others. Improves on Hotel Dusk's presentation in every way, but I wonder if keeping Kyle and his neighbors from really getting to know each other was as good of an idea in practice as it was in theory.
Inject this right into my veins. It's not the tennis but everything that surrounds it that makes this one of my favorite GBA games. The amount of progress-dependent dialogue and sheer number of unique NPCs packed into this game's world make every playthrough a treat and prime for discovery.
2016
Absolutely wonderful puzzle game. I've never before played one that so effortlessly teaches the player the rules of its world while also enabling a creative and observant player the chance to forge their own path across the island. The bonus audio logs and videos can be interesting, but you're probably better off skipping them.
2006
Really enjoyable game that doesn't overstay its welcome. Prone to difficulty spikes, but nevertheless a fun adventure with a great postgame.
2019
I played Baba is You on and off for about a year and a half before diving straight in and finishing the last third of it in about a week. I cannot stress how solemnly and sternly I warn against doing that. My mind felt like mush three hours before the end. A fantastic core mechanic that is explored just about to its fullest extent.
2008
This review contains spoilers
Just fantastic. I really appreciate that they wanted to tell a story with intense stakes without compromising on the humor of everyday life. Moments like going to the future, the end of time, or ones of Balthazar's Vaults for the first time will stick with me for a long, long time.
A great, if predictable, story with a fantastic soundtrack and some wonderfully-written characters make this an enjoyable experience from start to finish.
2021
Really awesome core gameplay that is sorely let down by its level design starting about a third of the way through. There are moments when your leaps can clearly be used to complete an area that would otherwise be incredibly difficult, but I don't think the player is taught how to use them well enough. The minigames are exhausting at best.
2021
This review contains spoilers
A great rhythm game that leans way too hard into the visual tropes that Undertale brought to the mainstream in its first thirty minutes. Every time a boss took me down, I felt compelled to get right back up.
I still prefer taking down Frog. Why should we take the words of what claims to be the Universe at face value? Even in the malaise of everyday life can joy and beauty be found.
I still prefer taking down Frog. Why should we take the words of what claims to be the Universe at face value? Even in the malaise of everyday life can joy and beauty be found.
2015
Fun gameplay, an excellent soundtrack, and DEEP LORE & questioning of video game tropes almost make Undertale seem like it was destined to be one of the foremost indie darlings.
2014
Very fun, but I think its sister games show just how clunky our Blue Burrower is on a revisit. Jake Kaufman's music is great.
Great little remix adventure with a cute story.
THIS is where Shovel Knight got really great. Wall climbing and sliding along the ground fit together perfectly to make a fast-paced action platformer. Kaufman's new compositions are even better than the originals.
I loved Joustus and I'm not sorry.