Itchy_Sideburns
1990
Probably the best 2D platformer ever made.
A pretty solid improvement on the original Metroid II and a good foundation for what MercurySteam would continue to do in Metroid Dread (that is, fluid movement and combat). But, it is a step down from other more modern Metroid games, thanks to the repetitiveness of fighting Metroids over and over again and that same fluidity not really done the best service with 3DS controls.
2013
sigh I mean, honestly, it's a pretty good introduction/re-introduction for newcomers or people who haven't played in a while. It's just that, it's a very back to basics Pokemon, especially compared to the more interesting Black and White games. It feels like in the rush to go to 3D, implement a new type, and start focusing more and more on gimmicks, that other things faltered here (still the least amount of Pokemon added in a new game outside of Legends: Arceus and a bad and lazy plot even by Pokemon standards.)
My team: Greninja, Venusaur, Pangoro, Aegislash, Heliolisk, and Sylveon
My team: Greninja, Venusaur, Pangoro, Aegislash, Heliolisk, and Sylveon
2000
Really enjoyed this one! Its return to classic Final Fantasy style and simpler story may be a balm for those who had a bit of a hard time grappling with VIII's grand, operatic clunkiness. I do find the pacing a little... slow to say the least, both in the combat and in the story. Luckily, I think the cast is maybe the best that I've seen yet from a Final Fantasy game, which makes up for the slower or more unengaging parts
2004
My favorite Pikmin game so far! Even though it took a little time to come to grips with less time limits and less emphasis on the hub world puzzling compared to 1 and 3, I do really dig Pikmin 2's more strict approach to its levels/caves. Some later levels can be pretty frustrating, but it's a nice challenge (and made slightly more bearable by saves between levels) to make up for the lack of time limits. Purple and White Pikmin are great additions to the puzzling possibilities, as well, thanks to their specific abilities (increased carry weight and power for purples, faster carrying and poison resistance in whites) and limited availability. Also, I love how in-depth the world building is thanks to the Piklopedia and Treasure Hoard that even provides funny commentary and differing viewpoints from Olimar (biology of creatures/views on treasure he finds), the spaceship (how to sell treasures), and Louie (best ways to eat creatures). That comedic streak even extends to the plot and crux of the game that it's all spent to clear up the debt for Olimar's company as he slaves away on a cute yet hostile planet
Nintendo writers: "What name can we use for the land that's the opposite of Hyrule?"
One writer: "Ummm... how about Lorule?"
Nintendo writers: "..." start cheering and clapping profusely
One writer: "Ummm... how about Lorule?"
Nintendo writers: "..." start cheering and clapping profusely
Before this marathon, the only main Pokemon game I had never played at all. I was worried that I might get tired of wandering around Unova after two straight games, but this game shows how interesting of a setting it is. There's less going on in the narrative as the first game, but it visits its repercussions often. The increased diversity in Pokemon gives a wealth of options to use in a playthrough, and the amount of post-game content rivals even that of HeartGold. I think this might be my favorite Pokemon yet.
My team for this playthrough: Samurott, Magnezone, Flygon, Heracross, Zoroark, and Volcarona
My team for this playthrough: Samurott, Magnezone, Flygon, Heracross, Zoroark, and Volcarona
A solid start to the Civ series with a pretty charming pixel aesthetic. Obviously, it's not quite as replayable or complex as its sequels, but it is nice to play a relatively quick Civ game
1994
Still a classic. It's surprising how much of a jump in quality in the Metroid series happened when you just add a map, a few tweaks to items and combat, and a bit of storytelling (environmental and otherwise).
Despite the heavier emphasis on Halo-esque action and setpieces over puzzles, especially in the odd first two levels, it is really well-done once it actually gets into the main Metroid "meat" of the game.
Pretty standard Mario game, except for the fact that Mario kills Bowser in this one.
1993
Despite being checks notes 30 years old, Doom still plays really well in the moment-to-moment combat, about as well as any FPS today really. Some of the level design, especially in the last chunk, is pretty frustrating, but overall a really great time!
2010
One of the best platformers ever made. A refinement of what made the original Super Mario Galaxy so special.
Boo! (as in it sucks, certainly not that it's scary)
2001
I'm finally going to get around to doing a, hopefully, quick marathon of the Pikmin games up to 4. I've honestly only played 3 before, so I'm curious to try out the older ones now. This one's a nice little package that can still be a little difficult with the time limit and the Pikmin's wonky AI (luckily got all ship parts in 22 days, even with two or three days spent going back to the Impact Site to restock my Pikmin numbers). I quite enjoyed its air of mystery and how it only tells you about the world through Olimar's eyes. He has a more interesting perspective than I thought with him being portrayed as curious and stubborn and gullible, when my only other experiences with him are in Pikmin 3 (where he is barely in it) and Smash Bros. (which doesn't show off much of his personality except that he's good at leading Pikmin)