KingOfMadOxen
26 Reviews liked by KingOfMadOxen
Hitman: Blood Money
2006
Kino
The best Bethesda game and its not even a Bethesda game. Huge achievement for the turn around time they had, but some classic issues with the engine are just as present as any other Fallout title.
It's the best Mass Effect game. Points off for frequently repetitive combat, although satisfying and with just enough depth. Writing here is the best in the series.
OH BOY this was not as good as I remember. Still an enjoyable "cinematic" adventure story, if you're into that type of thing.
The concept of a shooter/platformer/puzzle game is novel but the sum leaves a lot to be desired in all areas.
I feel like the multiplayer is very overlooked, pretty tactical and satisfying for the time. The multiplayer maps integrated the platforming and shooter mechanics better than the main game.
Probably giving half a star more to nostalgia and the impact of the plot on my 13 year old brain (very epic, best game I'd ever played).
The concept of a shooter/platformer/puzzle game is novel but the sum leaves a lot to be desired in all areas.
I feel like the multiplayer is very overlooked, pretty tactical and satisfying for the time. The multiplayer maps integrated the platforming and shooter mechanics better than the main game.
Probably giving half a star more to nostalgia and the impact of the plot on my 13 year old brain (very epic, best game I'd ever played).
Resident Evil
2002
The OG remains one of the best in the series. The fresh coat of paint powers it up to contend with the modern games.
Good mix of combat/puzzles/backtracking. This is the premiere fixed camera style Resident Evil game.
Good mix of combat/puzzles/backtracking. This is the premiere fixed camera style Resident Evil game.
Resident Evil 4
2005
The best 3rd person Resident Evil game. What it lacks in co-op it makes up for in DMC-inspired style. The atmosphere and setting are genre defining. Points off for unnecessary length and a repetitive second act.
Resident Evil 5
2009
This review contains spoilers
Played surprisingly well for the first co-op Resident Evil game. Controls are just as satisfying as RE4, but lacking some of the enemy variety.
Co-op ads so much to a game. The inventory integration was handled well and still feels RE-y.
The general tone is not nearly as strong as RE4, as seen in more bombastic action scenes, a first act entirely during the day, and turning Chris even more boring, somehow. A far cry from Leon Kennedy.
I personally love Wesker in this game. The story doesn't provide a ton of substance for his motivation, but revelations about his past are interesting if you enjoy the greater Resident Evil narrative.
Solid overall package. If nothing was a step down from RE4 this would be one of the best Resident Evil games.
Co-op ads so much to a game. The inventory integration was handled well and still feels RE-y.
The general tone is not nearly as strong as RE4, as seen in more bombastic action scenes, a first act entirely during the day, and turning Chris even more boring, somehow. A far cry from Leon Kennedy.
I personally love Wesker in this game. The story doesn't provide a ton of substance for his motivation, but revelations about his past are interesting if you enjoy the greater Resident Evil narrative.
Solid overall package. If nothing was a step down from RE4 this would be one of the best Resident Evil games.
Minecraft
2011
Unrateable
Killing Floor
2009
Just a good old fashioned co-op zombie-killing time. The classes have good variety, but some roles are much more important than others, such as medic and support being must picks for higher difficulty games. Most of the default maps are good, but part of my love for this game is the wealth of community content, especially the maps. Who could forget kf_420ganjafarm??
Other than dated AI, this may be the best Star Wars game ever made. Great for pubs or the campaign. Galactic conquest is also great for an extended couch session. Unfortunately some of the factions seem quite a bit worse than others, though they are mostly the same.
Great attempt at the first fully 3d Kirby game.
Its got the standard amount of content for Kirby, though some levels felt same-y. Mouthful mode is a good gimmick, although not as memorable as Robobot. The soundtrack and aesthetic design are excellent, some of the best in the series. The platforming and combat is extremely satisfying and feels just like combo-ing mobs in the classic games.
My main gripe with this game is the amount of copy abilities. I understand that the upgrades sort of count as their own ability, but many of them are just strict upgrades, or minor AOE and visual changes. Few of them really felt like different abilities when leveled up. However, the included abilities have a healthy amount of depth and variety, even without upgrades.
Its got the standard amount of content for Kirby, though some levels felt same-y. Mouthful mode is a good gimmick, although not as memorable as Robobot. The soundtrack and aesthetic design are excellent, some of the best in the series. The platforming and combat is extremely satisfying and feels just like combo-ing mobs in the classic games.
My main gripe with this game is the amount of copy abilities. I understand that the upgrades sort of count as their own ability, but many of them are just strict upgrades, or minor AOE and visual changes. Few of them really felt like different abilities when leveled up. However, the included abilities have a healthy amount of depth and variety, even without upgrades.
This is not an RPG. It's a first person action/adventure game with RPG elements. That said, the world is incredibly engaging. I actually think the move away from skill points to a perk based leveling system did wonders for the franchise, and customizing your build is incredibly addicting and fun. This of course adds into the satisfying gameplay loop of explore -> loot ->level up -> repeat that has us coming back to Skyrim over and over again.
The story is generic and told through stilted dialogue. No shade to the voice actors, some of the performances have a lot of character, but the script is flat and generic. Player choice has very little input in the story. Some side quests present 2 slightly different endings, and there are quest lines that can be pursued on either side of a conflict, but compared to other contemporary RPGs, it feels more like a facade of dialogue trees.
You just need to have realistic expectations to enjoy Skyrim, but if you can take it casually its a great world to hang out in.
The story is generic and told through stilted dialogue. No shade to the voice actors, some of the performances have a lot of character, but the script is flat and generic. Player choice has very little input in the story. Some side quests present 2 slightly different endings, and there are quest lines that can be pursued on either side of a conflict, but compared to other contemporary RPGs, it feels more like a facade of dialogue trees.
You just need to have realistic expectations to enjoy Skyrim, but if you can take it casually its a great world to hang out in.
Fallout 3
2008
This review contains spoilers
I'm sure making the jump from isometric to full 3d was a gargantuan hurdle, but I still don't understand why the story took such a hit. With only a handful of details to alter for the ending, you are essentially forced to side with the brotherhood and follow in your father's footsteps. Like you can be an asshole and poison project purity but it hardly changes how the game plays out. This is the main reason I like it less than NV and 4.
The setting and world are excellent. Much more desolate than the following games in the series and i totally understand why that appeals more to some people. I just don't think the story or characters really have the chops to contend with New Vegas.
The setting and world are excellent. Much more desolate than the following games in the series and i totally understand why that appeals more to some people. I just don't think the story or characters really have the chops to contend with New Vegas.
Fallout 4
2015
I have a love hate relationship with this game. On one hand, the dialogue seems to have gone the Skyrim route, minimizing the impact of the player in dialogue trees, though not as minimal. On the other hand, the crafting and settlements, while imperfect, add a ton to the scavenger playstyle. The story is mid but I thought Far Harbor (fuck the memory bank workshop part) and many of the side quests were thought-provoking.
Play with mods. Alternate start/start me up is a must.
Play with mods. Alternate start/start me up is a must.
Lighthearted GTA-esque sandbox with co-op and bonkers character customization: whats not to love? Dated humor but hilarious in 2011. The gunplay is very medium, but the vehicle controls are excellent and its fun to slowly improve your fleet over the course of a playthrough. The progression is a bit to linear for me, but at least you have lots of options to spend your money on. In theory you can "spec" your character but the game is quite easy on normal.