Ink_Soul
2017
I tried, but I'm just not having fun with the combat system. It bothers me how I need dozens of hits to kill every enemy, and most of them can off me in two hits. Apparently, it gets easier (way) down the line, but I don't have the patience to wait. So many other games to play! I'm not going to rate the game because it feels unfair since this is mostly a me-problem.
2023
I never knew a game could disappoint me this deeply. But after waiting so long for a character to return - a character I had obscenely high hopes for because I know she could be the greatest - only for her to become a boring nothing whose only purpose nowadays is to become someone's lover, I am forced to rethink my entire relationship with a franchise. And the conclusion is: Mortal Kombat has lost its way thanks to Warner Bros., Dominic Cianciolo, and a team of creatively bankrupt developers. I want no part in this anymore.
https://www.kamidogu.com/2024/01/ashrah-character-analysis-and-why-her-mortal-kombat-1-version-needed-to-do-much-better/
https://www.kamidogu.com/2024/01/ashrah-character-analysis-and-why-her-mortal-kombat-1-version-needed-to-do-much-better/
2020
I'm still going to play many hours of this game, but I've now (after 320h) completed the story for the first time, so I can come here and officially say how much I loved the journey and the destination!
I had no previous experience with D&D, and my only other turn-based game was Transistor. For a long while, I kept myself from buying BG3 for fear I wouldn't like it. How wrong I was! Incredible cast of characters (and of VAs!), immersive world, great storytelling... it's hard to find something I didn't love about it! (Okay, I do have something: pleeeease Larian, give Minthara more content!)
I had no previous experience with D&D, and my only other turn-based game was Transistor. For a long while, I kept myself from buying BG3 for fear I wouldn't like it. How wrong I was! Incredible cast of characters (and of VAs!), immersive world, great storytelling... it's hard to find something I didn't love about it! (Okay, I do have something: pleeeease Larian, give Minthara more content!)
Insomniac did it again! Even though I went into this game expecting to enjoy it, I was surprised at the level of attention and care that was clearly put into every detail.
Opinions may vary in terms of story and world-building, but one thing every Spider-Fan agrees on is how delightful it feels to swing around New York. I didn't think it could get any better after the first game and Miles Morales, yet it feels absolutely fantastic here, from the movement speed to the new additions like the web wings (which I didn't expect to like as much as I did). Combat is more refined, both Peter and Miles proving to be extremely fun to play with.
The world is bigger than in the previous two games, and I'm glad to say Insomniac made this bigger world feel as alive as their previous iterations of New York did - even more now with the PS5 allowing for more structures and inhabitants.
I loved the story. There's some fat here and there like in the first game, but overall, I thought it a more well-rounded experience. Every boss feels unique and exciting to play against (one of my issues with the first game since fighting the Sinister Six didn't feel as rewarding as it should've been), Miles and Peter shine as protagonists, and even MJ's missions are more interesting this time around. The plot goes to some places I didn't expect, which made the whole journey more thrilling. Did I want more of Venom? Of course. I always want more of Venom. But I enjoyed Insomniac's take on the character a lot, so I can't complain.
There's a clear improvement on side quest design - another of my biggest gripe with the first game. Some were misses, but mostly, Insomniac built an engaging list of side stories this time - and it's even more exciting when we see how those side stories may lead to DLCs or plots for the next game.
Speaking of Spider-Man 3... phew! I cannot wait!
Some bugs here and there, but for me, nothing game-breaking.
Opinions may vary in terms of story and world-building, but one thing every Spider-Fan agrees on is how delightful it feels to swing around New York. I didn't think it could get any better after the first game and Miles Morales, yet it feels absolutely fantastic here, from the movement speed to the new additions like the web wings (which I didn't expect to like as much as I did). Combat is more refined, both Peter and Miles proving to be extremely fun to play with.
The world is bigger than in the previous two games, and I'm glad to say Insomniac made this bigger world feel as alive as their previous iterations of New York did - even more now with the PS5 allowing for more structures and inhabitants.
I loved the story. There's some fat here and there like in the first game, but overall, I thought it a more well-rounded experience. Every boss feels unique and exciting to play against (one of my issues with the first game since fighting the Sinister Six didn't feel as rewarding as it should've been), Miles and Peter shine as protagonists, and even MJ's missions are more interesting this time around. The plot goes to some places I didn't expect, which made the whole journey more thrilling. Did I want more of Venom? Of course. I always want more of Venom. But I enjoyed Insomniac's take on the character a lot, so I can't complain.
There's a clear improvement on side quest design - another of my biggest gripe with the first game. Some were misses, but mostly, Insomniac built an engaging list of side stories this time - and it's even more exciting when we see how those side stories may lead to DLCs or plots for the next game.
Speaking of Spider-Man 3... phew! I cannot wait!
Some bugs here and there, but for me, nothing game-breaking.
I still have some branches I want to explore, but after finishing four playthroughs, I can say that I'm pleased to add another game based on Greek mythology to my list of favourites!
Stray Gods is a charming murder mystery with a cast of lovely characters that resolve their conflicts through music. The cast is phenomenal, and many of the tracks have been on repeat since I heard them for the first time - queen among them, "You and I"!
There are some audio issues and a few mandatory story developments that feel odd depending on some choices you make, but all in all, this is a fantastic experience.
Stray Gods is a charming murder mystery with a cast of lovely characters that resolve their conflicts through music. The cast is phenomenal, and many of the tracks have been on repeat since I heard them for the first time - queen among them, "You and I"!
There are some audio issues and a few mandatory story developments that feel odd depending on some choices you make, but all in all, this is a fantastic experience.
This was my first Ratchet & Clank, and from the various weapons to the awesome boots and satisfying platforming, I had a great time with it! I wasn't sure if the comedy would land with me, but it did (mostly), giving me some quality time with new characters and characters who I only knew by name. The story meanders a bit at some points, and I wish the portals had been used more, but overall, this was a great experience.
2022
Very few games have frustrated me so much, so quickly. After understanding the mechanics , I had some fun with the game, even though the armour system is atrocious. But then came the first boss. Maybe I'm an idiot, but I can't understand how the dodge work. Feels extremely random: sometimes it will be flawless, other times the boss decides he wants to hit me. Perhaps, if I put more effort into it, I'd eventually learn the dodge, but I didn't find the motivation to keep playing it. It's unfortunate because the team clearly cares for the Souls subgenre, which is a subgenre that I also like a lot. Hope their next game will hit the mark.
Cute, but not much beyond that. There are some great ideas here that are held back by mediocre execution.
Combat was fun for the first couple of hours, and while it didn't become a chore, it did grow less and less satisfying. The repetitive enemies likely contributed to this as well, perhaps more than the combat mechanics themselves.
The story isn't very compelling either. I like the idea of this Spirit Guide helping spirits to find peace, but it would've worked better if Ember Lab had weaved those characters into Kena's journey (and thus better explored the MC) instead of making them her journey. As it is, I felt like the side characters had the biggest and coolest adventures (because the side characters are indeed cool) while I was merely an spectator. The ending was supposed to feel cathartic, and I wish I had embraced the emotions I was clearly supposed to feel, but I didn't feel anything due to passive nature of the plot.
Despite all its flaws, I was glad to finally play Kena. The game's short length is certainly an advantage, making it a good wee adventure to play over a short time span.
Combat was fun for the first couple of hours, and while it didn't become a chore, it did grow less and less satisfying. The repetitive enemies likely contributed to this as well, perhaps more than the combat mechanics themselves.
The story isn't very compelling either. I like the idea of this Spirit Guide helping spirits to find peace, but it would've worked better if Ember Lab had weaved those characters into Kena's journey (and thus better explored the MC) instead of making them her journey. As it is, I felt like the side characters had the biggest and coolest adventures (because the side characters are indeed cool) while I was merely an spectator. The ending was supposed to feel cathartic, and I wish I had embraced the emotions I was clearly supposed to feel, but I didn't feel anything due to passive nature of the plot.
Despite all its flaws, I was glad to finally play Kena. The game's short length is certainly an advantage, making it a good wee adventure to play over a short time span.
2021
I must be frank with myself: I'm really not having a good time with this game. There are cool mechanics, and some of the weapons are fun to use, but I don't feel motivated to go on cycle after cycle. I haven't played many rogue-likes; in fact, the only other game of the genre I played was Hades, and in my opinion, Returnal completely pales in comparison. Perhaps this game just isn't for me, which is why I'll refrain from rating it. I'd like to return some day, but for now, I've broken the cycle and am free from Atropos.
I wasn't too interested in it because of Marvel's Avengers and MCU fatigue, and even after it won Best Story at the Game's Award, I was still suspicious for some reason. But this game surprised me in all the best ways!
It joins my list of favourite superhero games (favourite superhero stories, really), but narrative and game designers across the industry should pay attention to some of the amazing things this game does. It's a masterclass on team-based stories, and the constant banter between the Guardians is delightful, whether Peter's choices influence the narrative or not.
There are a few points that I didn't like as much (Peter's blasters do get repetitive after a while), but they're small compared to how much fun I had playing this.
It joins my list of favourite superhero games (favourite superhero stories, really), but narrative and game designers across the industry should pay attention to some of the amazing things this game does. It's a masterclass on team-based stories, and the constant banter between the Guardians is delightful, whether Peter's choices influence the narrative or not.
There are a few points that I didn't like as much (Peter's blasters do get repetitive after a while), but they're small compared to how much fun I had playing this.
This review contains spoilers
I'm a simple girl with simple desires. Guerilla finally gave us the lesbian romance we had been waiting for, and with a great new character, so 10/10
This review contains spoilers
There's a lot to like about Forbidden West. The world is gorgeous; every terrain is an opportunity to gawk at Mother Nature and the machines that roam it, and the characters' models impress. Speaking of machines, there are old and new models, and the new designs are super cool. The gameplay took what worked in the first game and revamped it; the new weapon classes create more robust fighting opportunities without feeling overwhelming, the glider is fantastic, and the combos you can perform with the spear are not only visually interesting, but they make fighting humans actually fun this time around... although, I must add, there's still room to improve the melee combat. Steps have been taken to make the open world feel less like a checklist, which is much appreciated. Puzzles are more annoying than they should be, but fortunately, they are mostly associated with collectables.
My biggest criticism lies with the story. "The world is going to end/someone wants to destroy the world" is an extremely boring conflict. While the first game also circled around an extinction event, Zero Dawn had an advantage: I was unfamiliar with the universe. For most of the game, I was 1) trying to understand what brought the world to the state it's currently in; 2) going on a quest of self-discovery with Aloy. Forbidden West doesn't have the benefit of the mystery; I lost most of my interest in the story once the Far Zenith crew joined the plot. And while I like a lot what they tried to do with Aloy's arc in this, it didn't quite work. For a game that relies much of its emotional drive on human connection, I was hoping for a better cast. For once, I couldn't care less when Varl died. His only personality trait here was to serve Aloy. There are good characters: Alva (💜), Kotallo, and Sylens (RIP Lance Reddick) are three of the best, and I give kudos to Sylens because morally conflicting characters are always more interesting. In truth, most of the new characters are good while the returning names feel left aside.
Horizon is at its best when it embraces its eco-fiction core. Admittedly, I have a love-and-hate relationship with Horizon; or, better saying, a love-and-disappointment relationship. I enjoyed Forbidden West a lot more than I thought I would; so much so that I've pre-ordered the DLC. And I'm looking forward to the third game, yes... well, kind of. The possibility of travelling all the way to China, learning more about the Quen and seeing how the other tribes do things there is exciting, but the idea of facing Nemesis makes me so damn tired.
My biggest criticism lies with the story. "The world is going to end/someone wants to destroy the world" is an extremely boring conflict. While the first game also circled around an extinction event, Zero Dawn had an advantage: I was unfamiliar with the universe. For most of the game, I was 1) trying to understand what brought the world to the state it's currently in; 2) going on a quest of self-discovery with Aloy. Forbidden West doesn't have the benefit of the mystery; I lost most of my interest in the story once the Far Zenith crew joined the plot. And while I like a lot what they tried to do with Aloy's arc in this, it didn't quite work. For a game that relies much of its emotional drive on human connection, I was hoping for a better cast. For once, I couldn't care less when Varl died. His only personality trait here was to serve Aloy. There are good characters: Alva (💜), Kotallo, and Sylens (RIP Lance Reddick) are three of the best, and I give kudos to Sylens because morally conflicting characters are always more interesting. In truth, most of the new characters are good while the returning names feel left aside.
Horizon is at its best when it embraces its eco-fiction core. Admittedly, I have a love-and-hate relationship with Horizon; or, better saying, a love-and-disappointment relationship. I enjoyed Forbidden West a lot more than I thought I would; so much so that I've pre-ordered the DLC. And I'm looking forward to the third game, yes... well, kind of. The possibility of travelling all the way to China, learning more about the Quen and seeing how the other tribes do things there is exciting, but the idea of facing Nemesis makes me so damn tired.
My first experience with this long-running franchise was with the very first game, which I liked... but not so much. I gave True Colors a chance, mainly because of the lesbian romance, and I liked it more than the first game... but not by much.
True Colors is set in Haven, a beautiful small town that appealed to my own dream of living in such a place (minus Typhon, please). It has a better cast of characters (Steph didn't disappoint) and a generally more engaging narrative. The mystery gripped me, and some of the dilemmas Alex faces made me stop for a good few seconds to consider my options. The writing felt more mature and nuanced... until it all collapsed. Because, you see, the thing that I detested about the first LiS is exactly what made me roll my eyes at True Colors. Perhaps the joke is on me for expecting at least a little more subtext in a game whose protagonist can literally manipulate people's emotions - a superpower that, in the hands of a more skilled team, could've been amazing.
True Colors is set in Haven, a beautiful small town that appealed to my own dream of living in such a place (minus Typhon, please). It has a better cast of characters (Steph didn't disappoint) and a generally more engaging narrative. The mystery gripped me, and some of the dilemmas Alex faces made me stop for a good few seconds to consider my options. The writing felt more mature and nuanced... until it all collapsed. Because, you see, the thing that I detested about the first LiS is exactly what made me roll my eyes at True Colors. Perhaps the joke is on me for expecting at least a little more subtext in a game whose protagonist can literally manipulate people's emotions - a superpower that, in the hands of a more skilled team, could've been amazing.
2022
A fantastic expansion on the formula that made the popularly titled "Soulsborne saga." Entering this world left me with my mouth hanging, and I caught myself smiling many times as I discovered more of this much bigger world. Braving dungeons became a hobby, and I kept marvelling at how many new regions there were. Hopefully, more games will adopt this design for open-world games instead of the old-fashioned and tiring Ubisoft formula.
This isn't to say, however, that Elden Ring is perfect. I had one major issue with the game, and that's the bosses. Yes, they get repetitive, and while a repetition would be reasonable when it came to optional bosses, especially those found in dungeons, it baffled me how boring were quite a few of the main bosses. And I'm not talking only of variations, but also of overall design. I lost count of how many bulky men I fought. And then there's the final boss. Bad? Not exactly, it just felt... disconnected from the game. On the other hand, Elden Ring introduced one of my new favourite bosses: Malenia. She was a breath of fresh air!
Despite this problem (and the Mountain of the Giants not living up to the hype of its name), Elden Ring was a very enjoyable experience, and an exciting first step into the future of the undying Soulsborne saga.
This isn't to say, however, that Elden Ring is perfect. I had one major issue with the game, and that's the bosses. Yes, they get repetitive, and while a repetition would be reasonable when it came to optional bosses, especially those found in dungeons, it baffled me how boring were quite a few of the main bosses. And I'm not talking only of variations, but also of overall design. I lost count of how many bulky men I fought. And then there's the final boss. Bad? Not exactly, it just felt... disconnected from the game. On the other hand, Elden Ring introduced one of my new favourite bosses: Malenia. She was a breath of fresh air!
Despite this problem (and the Mountain of the Giants not living up to the hype of its name), Elden Ring was a very enjoyable experience, and an exciting first step into the future of the undying Soulsborne saga.
2022
Short and sweet. Good cast of characters, although the titled stray cat obviously take the first place. I feel like a few side quests in the two bigger sections of the map would've been nice: nothing lengthy or complex, just compact storylines to get us to interact more with some of the robots.
For those who're going after the platinum, beware: "Can’t Cat-ch Me" is one of the most frustrating, rage-inducing trophies you'll find in an otherwise charming game.
For those who're going after the platinum, beware: "Can’t Cat-ch Me" is one of the most frustrating, rage-inducing trophies you'll find in an otherwise charming game.