L3monLime
2013
One of the best scripts ever written for a video game. Proves that video game storytelling has much to offer in ways that novels, films, and TV cannot, this coming from a film guy.
Lots of subtleties in the gameplay and design that aid the player in inhabiting their role and building an incredibly organic connection with the characters.
Lots of subtleties in the gameplay and design that aid the player in inhabiting their role and building an incredibly organic connection with the characters.
2018
This may just be the best representation of Spider-Man in any medium, this coming from a guy who prefers films over games.
I played this on the GameCube back in the day, but I guess this app forgot that version exists.
Like Mario 64, I can appreciate all the crawling Ocarina did (it’s definitely aged a bit better), but on top of just feeling very clunky, the 3D nature of the game is practically an illusion. The way the game goes about progression makes it feel like you’re playing on a leash.
However, I do love the “cinematic” feel this game pulls off, especially given the limitations of the time, looking the way it does. The build up to and fight with the final boss in particular feel appropriately tense and climactic in a way that Mario 64’s Bowser just didn’t.
Like Mario 64, I can appreciate all the crawling Ocarina did (it’s definitely aged a bit better), but on top of just feeling very clunky, the 3D nature of the game is practically an illusion. The way the game goes about progression makes it feel like you’re playing on a leash.
However, I do love the “cinematic” feel this game pulls off, especially given the limitations of the time, looking the way it does. The build up to and fight with the final boss in particular feel appropriately tense and climactic in a way that Mario 64’s Bowser just didn’t.
You can really feel Insomniac trying to make good on their Universal contract here. Feels more like Spyro 2 Deluxe, but hey, Spyro 2 was phenomenal.
2021
The best campaign in over a decade… Even if that isn’t saying much. Very well written characterizations. The core gameplay and open map work hand in hand, allowing for hours of fun off the beaten path. It feels like the E3 2000 version of Halo, fully realized. While it’s a fine iteration overall, the multiplayer suite feels very “been there, done that” as it attempts to be the perfect hybrid of Halo 3 and Reach. As much as I love the series, if Halo can’t move forward without being too derivative of or different than what came before, maybe it should just be laid to rest.
2021
A near seamless marriage between Super and Fusion. Love the pacing in this one.
1994
Third time’s the charm. Textbook Metroid.
1985
One of the first video games I recall playing, and still a favorite to this day.
Not very complex, but it works perfectly for what it is.
Not very complex, but it works perfectly for what it is.
The first Mario game I ever owned. A great little remake packed with features that don’t hinder the game’s core essence, but add to it… Except for the limited scope made to accommodate the GBC’s screen. That’s this game’s version of using the D-Pad on Super Mario 64 DS.
It also makes the Japanese version of Super Mario Bros. 2 that much more evil.
It also makes the Japanese version of Super Mario Bros. 2 that much more evil.
1996
The Citizen Kane of 3D gaming. I was a PlayStation kid in the 90’s, but I can appreciate the groundwork and trials that went into its creation, but it can’t help like feel just that: an experiment.
2007
Easily Halo’s peak. While the campaign is less of a story and more like Halo 2’s missing third act, the mission design is thorough and highly replayable. They actually feel like the culmination of a larger story. The multiplayer is a perfect refinement of Halo 2’s, expanding on what was great and adjusting what was not without hindering its identity. Forge and theater breathe life into the game that, to this day, cannot be found in other shooters of this caliber.
2012
A beautifully written script bogged down by a derivative campaign (with two or three standouts) and a multiplayer facing an identity crisis that doubles down on some of Reach’s worst qualities. Still, some very fun multiplayer maps.
2015
Worst campaign in the series by a country mile, multiplayer maps ranging from boring to decent, but the competitive multiplayer mechanics and gameplay had the potential to be among the best in the series.