I'm so happy to say Uchikoshi has done it again, and is back with another mind-bending narrative that's gonna stay on my head for a while for sure. Though I think I enjoyed the first game a bit more, mostly due to some key plot twists and important information being presented in a non-conventional way that doesn't fully click with me, this sequel is still a must-play if you enjoyed the first game, just don't expect much continuity despite the somewhat controversial "spoiler-free mode". Here, new and returning characters are very well written and it's easy to understand their personalities and objectives. Plus, Somniums are much better here as, unlike in the first game, they feel cohesive to the game's story and truly represent what's going on inside of each character's heads. Yes, this game dwelves more into emotions, traumas and mental issues than its predecessor. I found that truly interesting and helped me relate more to certain characters. It's easy to see why there are so many people obsessed with both AI games. Uchikoshi knows his audience, and he delivered accordingly. I'm so ready for AI 3 whenever it happens. Let my man cook.

Actually a decent DLC. Doesn't add much new that wasn't already in the base game, but the new area, characters and story were fun to experience. A bit shorter and smaller overall than what I was expecting, but sets the tone for the second part of the DLC which looks promising so far. Kieran and Carmine have great character development for a Pokémon game, but it would've peaked if both ended up cutting their stupid fringe bangs.

Also how is anyone supposed to be scared of Ogerpon have you LOOKED AT HER

Probably the most fun and charm-filled Mario 2D game ever made. Every level is crafted with great care and each of them feels unique in its own way, mostly due to the addition of the Wonder Flower, a power-up based on the idea that you never know what it's going to do, and it works flawlessly, though the effects are better in some levels than other. The fact that the creators had no deadline when it came to brainstorming ideas clearly shows. Every level made me smile, and the bits I've played in multiplayer mode were also incredibly fun. There's really nobody I wouldn't recommend this game to, as it's easily accessible for new players, and has enough challenges to keep experienced players entertained, especially the very last level, which kept me busy for around 2 hours. A game that, gameplay-wise, may not push any boundaries, but does what it wants to do flawlessly.

By far the most fun I've had playing a WarioWare title, though most of the time it was due to my very own embarassment doing all kind of silly poses and movements, which are used in very original ways across all microgames. The story is short, as always, but it's highly replayable and a blast to play with a group of friends, which I cannot wait to do. Sometimes controls failed and made me lose microgames, but my Joy-cons are kinda busted and have massive drift, so that might be the reason. Still, this truly feels like Smooth Moves 2 and I couldn't be happier about it.

An expansion to the lore of The Talos Principle with more and harder puzzles, which felt tough but never frustrating (except the grey ones, those are downright BRUTAL but they're optional!). The story is presented in a forum-like format where characters talk to each other and discuss life and its worth, which feels more straightforward, yet immersive. Overall, a great challenge which broadens the mechanics of the game.

I really wish I enjoyed this more than I did as a longtime Mario fan. I mean, it was very good and I didn't mind the length at all, having completed everything in about 6 hours, but despite the obvious main mechanic of having Bowser appear to cause havoc, I didn't feel like it was as filled with new ideas as other titles? Yes, I know it's a short game, but the few areas it has all have pretty much the same stuff you can do. Beat one area, and you've already seen almost everything. As much as I find that awfully unusual in Mario games, I still enjoyed playing through this. It has the usual Mario charm, Bowser fights are just too epic for their own good, and the ending is so silly I couldn't help laughing and smiling. Yes, it was a good experience. Maybe I was expecting something more grand than what it was meant to be, but that's on me.

Honestly peak level design and ideas as usual from Mario games, just a mindless 3D platformer that doesn't try to reinvent the wheel or bring anything new to the table, yet excels at what it does. Every level feels different and it's a blast to play with friends and explore and collect everything in each level. Also love how challenging it can get at times, ending with what could possibly be my favourite 'final challenge' in the entire Mario franchise. Also, I beat this back in 2013 and I apparently forgot to add it to Backloggd until just now?

Actually a fun concept for a daily browser game, as a fan of Pokémon guessing games. Maybe an option to replay past puzzles would be appreciated, but it's fine as it is.

Cool free DLC that adds a whole new area with new missions, creatures, achievements and Easter Eggs, and more content for a game that was already good is very appreciated! I love how the devs are clearly proud of this title and really wanted to have more fun with it.

My first insight into the mind of Yoko Taro and the world of NieR, and I must say it's off to a good start. Some questionable structuring and gameplay decisions were made, but fortunately it was worth the (sometimes) pain of enduring though some purposedly annoying bosses and sections. Even through I began with the handicap of action RPGs not being among my favourite gaming genres, I love games like these where you start as a complete stranger to its world, and you start learning more and more about its meaning, purpose and philosophy as you progress. Playing though the game? Could've been more fun... but understading and realizing what Yoko Taro and everyone involved with the script and story wanted to convey? That's why, despite everything, I can simply not dislike this game despite its evident (in my opinion) flaws, all accompanied with a brilliant soundtrack worthy of its accolades and well-written characters, both main and secondary. Proof that games are about the experience and not about objective stats such as budget or metascore, and may even make me reconsider how I view gaming as a whole after some time.

2021

Just a chill, cozy game about exploring closed environments to clear objectives by taking pictures, which feels comfortable, easy and relaxing. The artstyle is fantastic and the grayscale suits it suprisingly well, and helps you remember the game. NPC designs and interactions are made with great care, and the game has just the right length. Some objectives feel a bit unclear, though.

I've already reviewed both games in this collection individually, but when put together, it's true that they can easily make one (very long) singular Ace Attorney game so, as a whole, it's true the slow pacing at times doesn't make it lots of good favours during the first few cases, and it's not until the end of what would be the first game that I found myself seriously involved with the plot. But the wait was worth it. If you pick this game up, just be patient if it's too slow for your tastes, you'd be missing literal peak gaming and storytelling otherwise.

I knew Shu Takumi wouldn't let me down. An outstanding unraveling of the many mysteries left unsolved in the first game. I am so glad this is a direct follow-up to the first game, as it get directly to the point, with no filler chapters and with an amazing pace when it comes to getting answers, and stumbling upon new mysteries. Of course, it comes without saying that the plot is, like, REALLY good. All cases, most notably the last one, are such a rollercoaster of emotions that made sure this game won't leave my mind for an eternity. I really don't want to spoil anything, just pick up Chronicles and play through the two games.

I also love how it focuses so much on character growth and development. Most characters are already met in the first game, but it's here when they really show their potential. Their experiences, their goals, and their realizations in court... it all makes them visibly change, and it makes it really easy to relate to them. The first game left me wanting to know more about the characters, and I couldn't be happier in that aspect. Even the new characters are incredibly unique and well-made, as usual from the Ace Attorney series.

I really can't say much more about Resolve without bringing up Adventures, and/or spoiling part of the plot, so I'll go straight to the point: Ace Attorney keeps being one of the best franchises I've ever been introduced to. I never imagined I could be left at the verge of tears from watching a court proceeding unfold. Just go play this game. It's true the pacing may be slow at times, but it's all worth it in the end. This is one of those games I'll be forever obsessed with, and for a reason.

I remember waking up in the mornings when I was a little child, and leaving Pictochat open just in case some random kid who also happened to be using Pictochat to chat and send random doodles with them. Life was good, I was happy. I never made any friends this way but that was before I knew what loneliness was so we good.

A (non) game that excels at some of my favourite kinds of humour, those being fourth wall breaks and self-awareness, while also trying to innovate as a point-and-click adventure with puzzles and concepts that kept surprising me until the very end. A short experience worth every minute it lasts, despite a few parts dragging on for longer I would've wanted, but it's okay because I was still constantly laughing.