Higloman
Genre: Action RPG | Released: 1992 | Platform: Game Boy | Developer: Nintendo R&D1 and Intelligent Systems | Publisher: Nintendo | Language: Japanese | Length: 10 hours | Difficulty: Easy | Do I Need To Play Anything First: Nope | Accessibility Options: None | Monetization: Single Purchase | Microtransaction: None | Gambling Elements: None | Content Warning: Very mild cartoon violence | Parenting Guide: All ages | How Did You Play It: I played the fan English translation via my Steam Deck | Did you need a guide: Never | Mods: English Translation
Is It Good: It’s charming.
Back of the Box: Nintendo, please translate yo games.
This was a fun one. This is a game that never made its way to the west and was trapped on the ol’ black and white (green) Gameboy, but thankfully via the interwebz fans have translated it (extremely well too) into English. It is baffling to me why Nintendo chose not to localize it, as The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls stands up even today. It’s a top down RPG with fun dialogue, characters, and a clever mechanic where the main character changes into a frog and a snake for some light puzzle and platforming.
Now a cult classic, this is a great dip into the well of lost games for those looking to see what could have been. Easy, fun, and short, what else could you want?
Is It Good: It’s charming.
Back of the Box: Nintendo, please translate yo games.
This was a fun one. This is a game that never made its way to the west and was trapped on the ol’ black and white (green) Gameboy, but thankfully via the interwebz fans have translated it (extremely well too) into English. It is baffling to me why Nintendo chose not to localize it, as The Frog for Whom the Bell Tolls stands up even today. It’s a top down RPG with fun dialogue, characters, and a clever mechanic where the main character changes into a frog and a snake for some light puzzle and platforming.
Now a cult classic, this is a great dip into the well of lost games for those looking to see what could have been. Easy, fun, and short, what else could you want?
1998
Genre: Lonely Dragon Riding RPG | Released: 1998 | Platform: Sega Saturn (sigh) | Developer: Team Andromeda | Publisher: Sega | Language: English | Length: 18 hours | Difficulty: Moderate | Do I Need To Play Anything First: No, I this is the first Panzer Dragoon Game I have played | Accessibility Options: Zilch | Monetization: Single Purchase | Microtransaction: None | Gambling Elements: None | Content Warning: Very mild violence and mild substance references | Parenting Guide: 13 and up for sure | How Did You Play It: On a Sega Saturn. And I totally bought a legit copy and not a knock off, for sure yes yes | Did you need a guide: Yes, I could not for the love of god find a hallway hidden behind a building | Mods: None
Is It Good: Yes, it’s excellent.
Back of the Box: Hey, it’s that game on eBay for $900.
Legend has it that only 10,000 copies of Panzer Dragoon Saga were made for the English world. Plus it’s exclusive to the Sega Saturn which, well, did not sell very well. Given its frankly insane current market value most people have not played this game, nor have they heard of it (unless you are a filthy pirate, which I know none of you are).
This is a shame as Panzer Dragoon Saga a landmark RPG that deserves a spot along in the pantheon of fantastic Japanese Role-Playing games. This is lean, exciting, no fluff RPG with a fantastic battle system, fun plot (Which is fully voiced), great cinematics, and outstanding art design. I loved that battle system, a fascinating combination of a rail shooter and turn-based combat.
This is no hidden gem, it’s a full-on JRPG crown. Wear it if you can.
Is It Good: Yes, it’s excellent.
Back of the Box: Hey, it’s that game on eBay for $900.
Legend has it that only 10,000 copies of Panzer Dragoon Saga were made for the English world. Plus it’s exclusive to the Sega Saturn which, well, did not sell very well. Given its frankly insane current market value most people have not played this game, nor have they heard of it (unless you are a filthy pirate, which I know none of you are).
This is a shame as Panzer Dragoon Saga a landmark RPG that deserves a spot along in the pantheon of fantastic Japanese Role-Playing games. This is lean, exciting, no fluff RPG with a fantastic battle system, fun plot (Which is fully voiced), great cinematics, and outstanding art design. I loved that battle system, a fascinating combination of a rail shooter and turn-based combat.
This is no hidden gem, it’s a full-on JRPG crown. Wear it if you can.
2019
Genre: Jazzy Arcady Action | Released: February 2019 | Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch | Developer: Gabe Cuzzillo, Bennett Foddy, Matt Boch | Publisher: Devolver Digital | Language: English | Length: 2-4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult, but forgiving | Do I Need To Play Anything First: No | Accessibility Options: Nearly none, I wish you could change the game speed | Monetization: Single Purchase | Microtransaction: None | Gambling Elements: None | Content Warning: Graphic blood, it is cartoony but people explode in puddles of blood | Parenting Guide: Rated M for mature, and I agree | How Did You Play It: On my steam deck | Did you need a guide: Nope | Mods: None
Is It Good: Oh baby yes!
Back of the Box: Peta approved
Ooooohhh wow wow wow I really liked this. You play as a big ol’ monkey smashing into military goons while desperately trying to make a mad dash for escape. All set to the smooth sound of Jazz.
This is technically a Hotline Miami clone, but it brings such a clear identity and sharpness of vision it feels fresh and new. Highly recommend, it’s short, clever, and wicked fun.
Is It Good: Oh baby yes!
Back of the Box: Peta approved
Ooooohhh wow wow wow I really liked this. You play as a big ol’ monkey smashing into military goons while desperately trying to make a mad dash for escape. All set to the smooth sound of Jazz.
This is technically a Hotline Miami clone, but it brings such a clear identity and sharpness of vision it feels fresh and new. Highly recommend, it’s short, clever, and wicked fun.
Genre: Tactical role playing dating sim… thing | Released: July 2019 | Platform: Nintendo Switch | Developer: Intelligent Systems | Publisher: Nintendo | Language: English | Length: 40-60 hours, but you could play all the rotes and spend 200+ hours. | Difficulty: Moderate, but there are great rewind and accessibility modes. You can also make it as hard as you want. | Do I Need To Play Anything First: No, this is a stand alone game in it’s own universe | Accessibility Options: Not terrible, it helps that the game is turn based, but the text size can not be modified | Monetization: Single purchase | Microtransaction: DLC add on, but nothing egregious | Gambling Elements: None | Content Warning: Mild fantasy violane, mild blood and language, themes of war death and mortality | Parenting Guide: Rated T for teens, and I agree | How Did You Play It: On my switch | Did you need a guide: I used a guide to help me choose how I wanted to level my team, but I never got ‘stuck’ | Mods: None
Is It Good: Yes, it’s a great tactical fire emblem game. And the only one I’ve ever finished (although it did take me nearly four years of trying)
Back of the Box: Look, dating your students is NOT creepy, okay? Don’t think about it. Please.
Fire Emblem is a series that fills me with shame. I have played many of them, but have never, ever finished one. When I was younger I found the tactical battles + your friends dying permanently if you so much as sneeze in the wrong place too frustrating. I would hit a mission in the late game, be unable to proceed without someone dying, and lose interest.
Three Houses is a Fire Emblem game for me, a filthy filthy casual. You can generously rewind time if you make a dumb move. There are clear visuals as to who is going to attack you, and where you can move to be safe. There is no perma death (if you want). I can see why Three Houses took over the zeitgeist when it came out, the idea of picking from one of three battling classes while teaching at school is a very clever premise.
It's just too bad I found a great deal of this game plodding and dull. The writing and character interactions often felt like a chore, and I groaned every time I had to run around the school to chat with people on the off chance they might say something of note. BUT! I finished it. And now I want to go back and try the other games again, so Three Houses did something right.
Is It Good: Yes, it’s a great tactical fire emblem game. And the only one I’ve ever finished (although it did take me nearly four years of trying)
Back of the Box: Look, dating your students is NOT creepy, okay? Don’t think about it. Please.
Fire Emblem is a series that fills me with shame. I have played many of them, but have never, ever finished one. When I was younger I found the tactical battles + your friends dying permanently if you so much as sneeze in the wrong place too frustrating. I would hit a mission in the late game, be unable to proceed without someone dying, and lose interest.
Three Houses is a Fire Emblem game for me, a filthy filthy casual. You can generously rewind time if you make a dumb move. There are clear visuals as to who is going to attack you, and where you can move to be safe. There is no perma death (if you want). I can see why Three Houses took over the zeitgeist when it came out, the idea of picking from one of three battling classes while teaching at school is a very clever premise.
It's just too bad I found a great deal of this game plodding and dull. The writing and character interactions often felt like a chore, and I groaned every time I had to run around the school to chat with people on the off chance they might say something of note. BUT! I finished it. And now I want to go back and try the other games again, so Three Houses did something right.
2000
Genre: immersive sim, fps | Released: June 2000 | Platform: PC, PS2 (but like, don’t play this version) | Developer: Ion Storm | Publisher: Eidos Interactive | Language: English | Length: 25-40 hours | Difficulty: Medium, but you can make it much harder | Do I Need To Play Anything First: Nope | Accessibility Options: You can turn on auto aim, but there are limited options | Monetization: Single purchase (often goes on sale for like a buck) | Microtransaction: None | Gambling Elements: None | Content Warning: Language, drug use, violence | Parenting Guide: Rated M for mature, and I agree | How Did You Play It: On my PC, with a modded version of the Game of the Year edition | Did you need a guide: Once, I could not for the life of me find a data pad which ended up being on a shelf. I felt… not smart| Mods: I started with his guide from PC gamer and played GMDX
Is It Good: It’s a classic, and I grew to love it.
Back of the Box: See the game that changed the world.
I’m going to tell you to play Deus Ex. It’s one of the most important games released, and earns its place among the pantheon of classics. BUT, please note it is an old PC game from the year 2000, and temper your expectations accordingly. This game expects you to save scum, and be prepared for CLUNKY game play.
But past that, you will find an astoundingly deep game with expansive levels, interesting choices, and a huge amount of player freedom. Each level feels like its own world, and I loved exploring rooms, streets, and hallways while reading other people's emails. This was great, and I now understand why people have such reverence for this game.
Is It Good: It’s a classic, and I grew to love it.
Back of the Box: See the game that changed the world.
I’m going to tell you to play Deus Ex. It’s one of the most important games released, and earns its place among the pantheon of classics. BUT, please note it is an old PC game from the year 2000, and temper your expectations accordingly. This game expects you to save scum, and be prepared for CLUNKY game play.
But past that, you will find an astoundingly deep game with expansive levels, interesting choices, and a huge amount of player freedom. Each level feels like its own world, and I loved exploring rooms, streets, and hallways while reading other people's emails. This was great, and I now understand why people have such reverence for this game.
2019
Genre: Charming ghost hunting action adventure | Released: October 2019 | Platform: Nintendo Switch | Developer: Next Level Games | Publisher: Nintendo | Language: English | Length: 15 hours (and felt just right) | Difficulty: Easy, with some moderately harder optional collectibles | Do I Need To Play Anything First: No, it’s pretty stand alone with small Easter eggs to the other games | Accessibility Options: Very poor, Nintendo come on! | Monetization: Single Purchase with optional DLC | Microtransaction: None | Gambling Elements: None | Content Warning: Whacky cartoon violence, very mild ghost frights. Nearly always geared towards comedy | Parenting Guide: E for everyone, which I would personally bump to E10+ due to puzzle elements and the very slight jump scares | How Did You Play It: On my Switch | Did you need a guide: Sadly, yes. The last boss was really frustrating me and I turned to a video, and there was one level that I felt signposted things really poorly and I ended up looking up a solution after wandering for a long time. | Mods: None
Is It Good: I really enjoyed this, it was a delightful romp.
Back of the Box: Mario? Maarrriiioooooo?
Luigi’s Mansion 3 is excellent. It is clearly a labor of love from Next Level Games, with every inch packed with details, humor, and splendiferous animations. While not a masterpiece, this is a charming and fun adventure that is sure to bring a smile to your face. I loved hunting for the hidden gems, some of the puzzles are really clever, and the presentation is absolutely stellar.
This is a unique game and worth a play.
Is It Good: I really enjoyed this, it was a delightful romp.
Back of the Box: Mario? Maarrriiioooooo?
Luigi’s Mansion 3 is excellent. It is clearly a labor of love from Next Level Games, with every inch packed with details, humor, and splendiferous animations. While not a masterpiece, this is a charming and fun adventure that is sure to bring a smile to your face. I loved hunting for the hidden gems, some of the puzzles are really clever, and the presentation is absolutely stellar.
This is a unique game and worth a play.
Genre: Arcade Light Whip (gun) action shooter | Released: 2009 | Platform: Arcade | Developer: Konami (boo) | Publisher: Konami (BOO!) | Language: English | Length: 30-45 minutes | Difficulty: Moderate to VERY HARD | Do I Need To Play Anything First: Nope | Accessibility Options: None | Monetization: Quarters, feed me quarters | Microtransaction: QUARTERS! | Gambling Elements: None | Content Warning: Violence, blood, horror themes | Parenting Guide: The game is 15 and up, but I found it pretty tame personally. | How Did You Play It: On my PC with a Wii remote | Did you need a guide: No | Mods: Several, Guide 1, Guide 2, and this discord group will help https://discord.gg/ufTAfzqZYS
Is It Good: It’s fine, has good moments
Back of the Box: One of the rarest Castlevania games is now playable in your home!
So... It’s fine. Using a light gun as a whip to attack ghouls and skeletons is fun, but I found the game really hard in a not fun way. The music is catchy, but I felt the game overstayed its welcome and was glad when it ended.
A fun novelty, but there are WAY better Castlevania games more worth your time.
Is It Good: It’s fine, has good moments
Back of the Box: One of the rarest Castlevania games is now playable in your home!
So... It’s fine. Using a light gun as a whip to attack ghouls and skeletons is fun, but I found the game really hard in a not fun way. The music is catchy, but I felt the game overstayed its welcome and was glad when it ended.
A fun novelty, but there are WAY better Castlevania games more worth your time.
2001
Genre: Bullet hell shoot em up with children! | Released: 2001 | Platform: Arcade, Windows, Mac, Linux, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One (it’s part of the Capcom Arcade collection)| Developer: CAVE | Publisher: Capcom | Language: English | Length: 30-60 minutes | Difficulty: Hard to Very Hard | Do I Need To Play Anything First: Nope | Accessibility Options: Zilch | Monetization: Part of DLC for collections | Microtransaction: IF you are playing on a real machine (somehow) preparer to spend A LOT of quarters. Otherwise free play is the only way | Gambling Elements: None | Content Warning: Very mild cartoon violence | Parenting Guide: Look, this is a very very hard game, but it has lots of colours and flashing lights. Younger players may grow frustrated | How Did You Play It: Via MAME | Did you need a guide: No… But on my second playthrough I looked up a tutorial and learned a few mechanics that would have been nice to know | Mods: None
Is It Good: Yes
Back of the Box: Weeeeeeee! BANG BANG! BOOOOOM! Video Game are FUN!
Progear is wonderful animated, has a really bubbly artstyle (which is needed due to the child warfare angle, ‘cause otherwise the implications are horrific), and is HARD. I loved the sprite work, soundtrack, and overall had a great time. A lesser known Capcom classic, definingly worth a spin for those looking to try a bullet hell shooter for the first time.
There is a great push and pull mechanic the rewards careful planning, and enough context for an exciting romp. This video made me want to play it.
https://youtu.be/bL-euOdbOXQ
Is It Good: Yes
Back of the Box: Weeeeeeee! BANG BANG! BOOOOOM! Video Game are FUN!
Progear is wonderful animated, has a really bubbly artstyle (which is needed due to the child warfare angle, ‘cause otherwise the implications are horrific), and is HARD. I loved the sprite work, soundtrack, and overall had a great time. A lesser known Capcom classic, definingly worth a spin for those looking to try a bullet hell shooter for the first time.
There is a great push and pull mechanic the rewards careful planning, and enough context for an exciting romp. This video made me want to play it.
https://youtu.be/bL-euOdbOXQ
Genre: Puzzle, narrative mystery, unlike anything else | Released: October 2018 | Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch | Developer: Lucas Pope | Publisher: 3909 LLC | Language: English | Length: 8-12 hours | Difficulty: Moderate to Hard | Do I Need To Play Anything First: Nope | Accessibility Options: None | Monetization: Singe Purchase | Microtransaction: None | Gambling Elements: None | Content Warning: Violence, Death, Gore, disturbing imagery and themes | Parenting Guide: I’d say 16 and up | How Did You Play It: On my Xbox | Did you need a guide: Do not use a guide, you are running the entire purpose of the game. However, I did not clarification on some of the labels as to whether something was considered a beast or not. | Mods: None
Is It Good: Fantastic. It is essentially perfect, I have no notes.
Back of the Box: The only insurance investigator game you’ll ever like.
This is brilliant. Play it.
You play as an insurance investigator trying to discover what happened to the crew of the Obra Dinn, a 19th century ship that had been thought lost for years. You have one magical ability: with a mysterious pocket watch you can move back into time to observe the moment of death for anyone who was on board. Your job it to identify and record every crew members fate.
This is not an easy game, but with determination and observation you can figure out the fate of every crew member. Some may find this frustrating, but I really, REALLY liked this. This is an exceptionally well designed game, remarkably restrained, and polished to a mirror shine. I can not imagine how difficult creating a puzzle box like this would be.
10/10
Is It Good: Fantastic. It is essentially perfect, I have no notes.
Back of the Box: The only insurance investigator game you’ll ever like.
This is brilliant. Play it.
You play as an insurance investigator trying to discover what happened to the crew of the Obra Dinn, a 19th century ship that had been thought lost for years. You have one magical ability: with a mysterious pocket watch you can move back into time to observe the moment of death for anyone who was on board. Your job it to identify and record every crew members fate.
This is not an easy game, but with determination and observation you can figure out the fate of every crew member. Some may find this frustrating, but I really, REALLY liked this. This is an exceptionally well designed game, remarkably restrained, and polished to a mirror shine. I can not imagine how difficult creating a puzzle box like this would be.
10/10
2015
Genre: Funny, Sweet, Indie Game Released: 2023 | Platform: Web (not very mobile friendly) | Developer: Nicky Case (ncasenmare) | Publisher: indie | Language: English | Length: ONE MINUTE | Difficulty: Zero | Do I Need To Play Anything First: No | Accessibility Options: None | Monetization: FREE | Microtransaction: FREE | Gambling Elements: None | Content Warning: Warm fuzzy feelings | Parenting Guide: For anyone | How Did You Play It: On my web browser| Did you need a guide: No | Mods: None
Is It Good: It’s charming and lovely.
Back of the Box: a one-minute minigame. What do you have to lose?
Play it here: https://ncase.me/door/
This game is one-minute long. I thought it was super charming and sent it to all my friends. You should try it. Click the link.
Is It Good: It’s charming and lovely.
Back of the Box: a one-minute minigame. What do you have to lose?
Play it here: https://ncase.me/door/
This game is one-minute long. I thought it was super charming and sent it to all my friends. You should try it. Click the link.
Genre: Action Adventure + Minecraft 2.0 | Released: June 2023 | Platform: Nintendo Switch | Developer: Nintendo EDP | Publisher: Nintendo | Language: English | Length: 30-200+ hours (I played for 120 before hitting credits) | Difficulty: Moderate | Do I Need To Play Anything First: No, but I would suggest playing Breath of the Wild first | Accessibility Options: Poor when compared to Microsoft and Sony, basic functionality only. Very disappointing for 2023 | Monetization: Single Purchase | Microtransaction: None | Gambling Elements: None | Content Warning: Fantasy violence, mild frightening scenes. | Parenting Guide: Rated E10+ and I agree. Some puzzles may be challenging for younger players | How Did You Play It: On my Switch | Did you need a guide: I looked up some recipes, but never got stuck | Mods: None
Is It Good: It’s just so much fun, I LOVED playing this game. Easily one of my favourites. Masterclass.
Back of the Box: The best $90 expansion I’ve ever played.
I have two thoughts for Tears of the Kingdom.
1. This is some of the most fun I’ve ever had in a game. I devoured this game, it’s one of the best games ever. Full stop. The freedom it offers, the creativity it allows, and the brilliance the team at Nintendo has pulled off is astounding. Don’t listen to anything else I say, if you have a passing interest you are going to love it.
2. I am a bit disappointed, and I feel some elements are greatly lacking. The combat is very ho hum, especially at end game where it becomes a chore of overlong big health bars. The story is somehow… worse then the first, and I am really surprised at how repetitive and dull the main quest is. The last temple and final boss area are… really bad. Like, shockingly poor. The menu navigation during combat is cumbersome, and the quests are often really dull with poor rewards.
I hope Nintendo decides to do one more final game in this style. Make more linear unique dungeons, write a story that is more engaging, improve the quest system, and beef up the combat. I am salivating at the thought.
Is It Good: It’s just so much fun, I LOVED playing this game. Easily one of my favourites. Masterclass.
Back of the Box: The best $90 expansion I’ve ever played.
I have two thoughts for Tears of the Kingdom.
1. This is some of the most fun I’ve ever had in a game. I devoured this game, it’s one of the best games ever. Full stop. The freedom it offers, the creativity it allows, and the brilliance the team at Nintendo has pulled off is astounding. Don’t listen to anything else I say, if you have a passing interest you are going to love it.
2. I am a bit disappointed, and I feel some elements are greatly lacking. The combat is very ho hum, especially at end game where it becomes a chore of overlong big health bars. The story is somehow… worse then the first, and I am really surprised at how repetitive and dull the main quest is. The last temple and final boss area are… really bad. Like, shockingly poor. The menu navigation during combat is cumbersome, and the quests are often really dull with poor rewards.
I hope Nintendo decides to do one more final game in this style. Make more linear unique dungeons, write a story that is more engaging, improve the quest system, and beef up the combat. I am salivating at the thought.
2018
Genre: Adventure with light detective elements | Released: 2018 | Platform: Nintendo 3DS | Developer: Creatures | Publisher: Nintendo | Language: English | Length: 10 ish hours | Difficulty: EASY | Do I Need To Play Anything First: No, but you probably should have some knowledge of the Pokémon world | Accessibility Options: None | Monetization: Single purchase | Microtransaction: none | Gambling Elements: none | Content Warning: none | Parenting Guide: mild peril and mild cartoon violence, good for everyone | How Did You Play It: On my Nintendo 3DS | Did you need a guide: Gosh no | Mods: None
Is It Good: It’s fine.
Back of the Box: What Pokémon games should be. Or at least look like.
Detective Pikachu is an average to dull detective game, buoyed by frankly insane presentation and style. This game captures what a world of Pokemon would be like, and for that I enjoyed myself. I have always wanted to play a game as a person in a what feels like a living world, and this game gets closer to that then most. The story is fun in a Saturday cartoon kinda way, butttttt: the movie is better.
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Is It Good: It’s fine.
Back of the Box: What Pokémon games should be. Or at least look like.
Detective Pikachu is an average to dull detective game, buoyed by frankly insane presentation and style. This game captures what a world of Pokemon would be like, and for that I enjoyed myself. I have always wanted to play a game as a person in a what feels like a living world, and this game gets closer to that then most. The story is fun in a Saturday cartoon kinda way, butttttt: the movie is better.
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1994
Genre: Robot Beat’em up | Released: 1994 | Platform: Arcade | Developer: Capcom | Publisher: Capcom | Language: English | Length: 1 hour | Difficulty: moderate to hard | Do I Need To Play Anything First: Naw Dawg | Accessibility Options: None, like most arcade games | Monetization: Insert Quarter Now | Microtransaction: Please, give me more quarters | Gambling Elements: None | Content Warning: Cartoon violence | Parenting Guide: Cartoon Robot Warfare, so as long as you don’t think about it it’s fine for 10 and up | How Did You Play It: Via my MAME set up | Did you need a guide: Nope | Mods: None
Is It Good: Easy breezy fun.
Back of the Box: Like mechs? Like fighting robots? Got quarters?
Armored Warriors is a Capcom brawler through and through. Bombastic combat, wonderful spritework, excitingly brisk pacing, and so hungry for quarters.
I booted it up in mild curiosity, and unintentionally ended up playing all the way through. Then I played it again a few days later. It’s just great classic arcade fun.
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Is It Good: Easy breezy fun.
Back of the Box: Like mechs? Like fighting robots? Got quarters?
Armored Warriors is a Capcom brawler through and through. Bombastic combat, wonderful spritework, excitingly brisk pacing, and so hungry for quarters.
I booted it up in mild curiosity, and unintentionally ended up playing all the way through. Then I played it again a few days later. It’s just great classic arcade fun.
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Genre: Old School Platformer | Released: 2006 | Platform: Nintendo DS | Developer: Nintendo EAD | Publisher: Nintendo | Language: English | Length: 6-10 hours | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate, with some challenging side content | Do I Need To Play Anything First: No, this is a great place to jump in | Accessibility Options: Nearly none | Monetization: Single Purchase | Microtransaction: None | Gambling Elements: Random luck games for power ups | Content Warning: Mild cartoon violence | Parenting Guide: It’s Mario… So all ages of course | How Did You Play It: On my 3DS | Did you need a guide: Nope, but I did not go for all the secrets | Mods: None
Is It Good: It’s delightful.
Back of the Box: More Super Mario Bros. But new! ….New’ish!
Hey, guess what? The game that sold 30.8 million copies is really fun and I liked it. New Super Mario Bros for the DS is like a reimaging/remake/homage to the NES original, and I think it’s one of the best Mario platformers out there. It’s incredibly polished, slick, filled with joy and secrets, and short. Wonderful.
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Is It Good: It’s delightful.
Back of the Box: More Super Mario Bros. But new! ….New’ish!
Hey, guess what? The game that sold 30.8 million copies is really fun and I liked it. New Super Mario Bros for the DS is like a reimaging/remake/homage to the NES original, and I think it’s one of the best Mario platformers out there. It’s incredibly polished, slick, filled with joy and secrets, and short. Wonderful.
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Genre: Narrative Adventure | Released: October 2015 | Platform: Xbox 360/One, PS3/4, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Wii U | Developer: Telltale Games | Publisher: Telltale Games | Language: English | Length: 1.5 hours | Difficulty: Easy | Do I Need To Play Anything First: No | Accessibility Options: A few, most will be able to play this | Monetization: Single Purchase (although the game has been unavailable and delisted for a while now) | Microtransaction: Each episode can be purchased | Gambling Elements: None | Content Warning: Very mild cartoon violence | Parenting Guide: You’ll probably have a good time playing this with your kids | How Did You Play It: On PC via my 100% legally obtained copy | Did you need a guide: The last puzzle is pretty bad, but otherwise no. I figured it out, but don’t ask me to explain it. | Mods: None
Is It Good: Not really, it’s a bit dull.
Back of the Box: Don’t worry, they’re BUILDING to something. Hopefully.
Minecraft: Story Mode – Episode 1: The Order of the Stone is a 2015 narrative adventure set in the Minecraft universe that feels so close to being great. It’s very slow, a bit plodding, and desperately tries to spice things up with silly quick-time events. That being said I liked the characters, it was wonderfully cinematic, and I am interested in seeing where things go. The groundwork laid out is not bad, truthfully.
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Is It Good: Not really, it’s a bit dull.
Back of the Box: Don’t worry, they’re BUILDING to something. Hopefully.
Minecraft: Story Mode – Episode 1: The Order of the Stone is a 2015 narrative adventure set in the Minecraft universe that feels so close to being great. It’s very slow, a bit plodding, and desperately tries to spice things up with silly quick-time events. That being said I liked the characters, it was wonderfully cinematic, and I am interested in seeing where things go. The groundwork laid out is not bad, truthfully.
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