Lemonstrade
2019
Taking a star off just because you need to beat the game twice to see the true ending.
2017
Colorful, fun and innovative!
Super Mario Odyssey feels like a modern re-imagining of Super Mario 64. The game is incredibly charming and just feels so unique with all the creative designs of the different life forms and worlds. Definitely worth a look if you're a fan of 3D platformers!
Super Mario Odyssey feels like a modern re-imagining of Super Mario 64. The game is incredibly charming and just feels so unique with all the creative designs of the different life forms and worlds. Definitely worth a look if you're a fan of 3D platformers!
I was absolutely hooked on Somnium Files when I've played it!
The plot is constantly engaging (with full voice acting!) and the cast is simply amazing. My only real complaint is the trial-and-error gameplay, which can get really frustrating (especially near the end where you're on a tight timer).
The plot is constantly engaging (with full voice acting!) and the cast is simply amazing. My only real complaint is the trial-and-error gameplay, which can get really frustrating (especially near the end where you're on a tight timer).
Unlike Persona 3 and 5 Dancing, Persona 4 Dancing is an actual good spinoff and unironically one of the best spinoffs in the series.
The story is lame, but you'll find yourself entertained with many great remixes...and even HATSUNE MIKU!!!
The story is lame, but you'll find yourself entertained with many great remixes...and even HATSUNE MIKU!!!
2019
This might just be the best mainline Yakuza game next to Zero. The combat feels satisfying, there's a LOT of side content, the different cities are fun to traverse and the vibes in general are incredible. Also the final boss is easily one of the best fights in the series.
Fun 3D platformer. Not as memorable as the Galaxy duology or as creative as Odyssey, but it's enjoyable enough.
Unfortunately the level quality somewhat drops at World 5 and doesn't really pick up again until the final world, which is a shame.
Unfortunately the level quality somewhat drops at World 5 and doesn't really pick up again until the final world, which is a shame.
This is exactly how the Second Run in RE2R should've been!
Separate Ways is an interesting spin on an already intriguing narrative paired with great gameplay and fun new mechanics (grappling hook!). The new bosses and levels are pretty amazing and it even comes with 50 new challenges AND new costumes for Ada and Luis!
Amazing value for just 10 bucks, an easy recommendation from my side.
Separate Ways is an interesting spin on an already intriguing narrative paired with great gameplay and fun new mechanics (grappling hook!). The new bosses and levels are pretty amazing and it even comes with 50 new challenges AND new costumes for Ada and Luis!
Amazing value for just 10 bucks, an easy recommendation from my side.
This game had me charmed from the very beginning! The combat is fun, the characters are great and the writing is surprisingly well done (plus the backtracking isn't nearly as terrible as some people say).
Really just a good time overall!
Really just a good time overall!
The Nonary Games duology includes the first two Zero Escape games and serves as an excellent gateway for anyone wanting to try out Uchikoshi's visual novels.
Complex intertwined storytelling between the games, insane twists and creative puzzles make the Zero Escape games a must-play for every Visual Novel fan out there.
Complex intertwined storytelling between the games, insane twists and creative puzzles make the Zero Escape games a must-play for every Visual Novel fan out there.
It's rare to find a good stealth game, but the Hitman trilogy does everything it strives to be in the right way.
Immersive locations, well structured level design and a ton of possibilities to execute your kills make the modern Hitman games really stand out amidst the crowd. There's just so much replayability by going for certain challenges or just goofing around doing sandbox things.
And if you ever find yourself bored from the normal missions, you can take on the roguelike Freelancer missions, sending you on randomly assigned missions across the world, with an own progression system and a safehouse to upgrade.
Overall just an amazing package and a must-play for everyone who's into stealth or sandbox games.
Immersive locations, well structured level design and a ton of possibilities to execute your kills make the modern Hitman games really stand out amidst the crowd. There's just so much replayability by going for certain challenges or just goofing around doing sandbox things.
And if you ever find yourself bored from the normal missions, you can take on the roguelike Freelancer missions, sending you on randomly assigned missions across the world, with an own progression system and a safehouse to upgrade.
Overall just an amazing package and a must-play for everyone who's into stealth or sandbox games.
2015
Bloodborne is an excellent game in many ways - especially combat and atmosphere.
No other Souls game forces you to be so aggressive and it's honestly a very refreshing take on the already established formula. The various levels are amazing in structure and nail the gothic aesthetic, also I love how they used the connected level design instead of linear progression, really makes unlocking shortcuts feel satisfying. The weapons have some really unique gimmicks and definitely offer a playstyle for each individual player.
Something I really liked about Bloodborne is how I actually could piece together the story after just one playthrough - I was never able to do this in a Souls game before! And the background lore is actually great, Fromsoft did a fantastic job with the worldbuilding here.
Now, my only flaws with this game would be the vial system and some bosses. While the latter point is somewhat subjective, vial farming can be an absolute chore (without using chalice dungeons) if you're stuck on a part and definitely puts the pacing to a halt. Also it's very easy to just outheal bosses if you just spam some of the twenty vials you're given - not the most optimal solution, but it somehow works most of the time anyways.
My final verdict? This is a definitive must-play if you just so happen to own a Playstation. Hoping for everyone it will be freed from the PSN shackles one day. Until then, fear the old blood.
No other Souls game forces you to be so aggressive and it's honestly a very refreshing take on the already established formula. The various levels are amazing in structure and nail the gothic aesthetic, also I love how they used the connected level design instead of linear progression, really makes unlocking shortcuts feel satisfying. The weapons have some really unique gimmicks and definitely offer a playstyle for each individual player.
Something I really liked about Bloodborne is how I actually could piece together the story after just one playthrough - I was never able to do this in a Souls game before! And the background lore is actually great, Fromsoft did a fantastic job with the worldbuilding here.
Now, my only flaws with this game would be the vial system and some bosses. While the latter point is somewhat subjective, vial farming can be an absolute chore (without using chalice dungeons) if you're stuck on a part and definitely puts the pacing to a halt. Also it's very easy to just outheal bosses if you just spam some of the twenty vials you're given - not the most optimal solution, but it somehow works most of the time anyways.
My final verdict? This is a definitive must-play if you just so happen to own a Playstation. Hoping for everyone it will be freed from the PSN shackles one day. Until then, fear the old blood.
2022
Actually a really solid game!
The gameplay loop is quite simple, but still so much fun. I like how the unlocks motivate you to try different levels with different characters, so you can't just cheese everything with whoever your favorite is. Speaking of unlocks, this game is heaven if you're an achievement hunter and I'll most certainly be going for the rest of those, since I've just got about half before the credits rolled. (Also there are many easter eggs and they're great!)
In the end I've had way more fun with Vampire Survivors than with several AAA games and you honestly can't go wrong with the entry price of just five bucks. If you're uncertain, I recommend checking out the mobile version - it's free and all ads are optional.
The gameplay loop is quite simple, but still so much fun. I like how the unlocks motivate you to try different levels with different characters, so you can't just cheese everything with whoever your favorite is. Speaking of unlocks, this game is heaven if you're an achievement hunter and I'll most certainly be going for the rest of those, since I've just got about half before the credits rolled. (Also there are many easter eggs and they're great!)
In the end I've had way more fun with Vampire Survivors than with several AAA games and you honestly can't go wrong with the entry price of just five bucks. If you're uncertain, I recommend checking out the mobile version - it's free and all ads are optional.
2020
Years later, Super Mario Galaxy still has my favorite soundtrack in the entire franchise. Really a fantastic score with a lot of memorable tracks!
Also the Switch port is easily the best version to play the game, I think Nintendo did a fantastic job in remastering the textures and controls where it was necessary. Enjoyed it so much that I went for 100% completion during the release week!
However it's a real shame that the 3D All-Stars trilogy was abandoned by Nintendo, now so many new players will miss out on this great game :(
Also the Switch port is easily the best version to play the game, I think Nintendo did a fantastic job in remastering the textures and controls where it was necessary. Enjoyed it so much that I went for 100% completion during the release week!
However it's a real shame that the 3D All-Stars trilogy was abandoned by Nintendo, now so many new players will miss out on this great game :(
2020
In the name of Hades!
Creating a story-based game around roguelike gameplay is certainly a challenging task, but Supergiant did a fantastic job with the ludonarrative consistency throughout the game. The insane amount of (voiced!) dialogue really make you connect with Zagreus' journey through his eyes and all the various highs and lows he's going through. Also the gameplay is great, no wonder Zagreus is always going through those same chambers again and again!
Now about the cast, they're all great and unique and the artstyle paired with the designs really brings them to life. The friendship system and occasional encounters really help them flesh out their personalities. In my opinion the developers really did a great job on depicting Greek mythology in the way they did.
I should've mentioned this earlier, but the game is very casual-friendly for a roguelike and definitely worth looking into, even if you're not into these kind of games normally. Because of the sheer amount of dialogue and permanent upgrades the games presents you between your runs, you always have something new and fun to look forward to. It also has an easy mode, which still lets you experience the same journey with less stress - don't feel ashamed to use it!
Give Hades a shot if you love mythology or roguelikes, or the artstyle or anything! This journey has been truly unique, and I've hardly ever seen a gameplay loop integrated so well into a story. Can't wait for the sequel!
Creating a story-based game around roguelike gameplay is certainly a challenging task, but Supergiant did a fantastic job with the ludonarrative consistency throughout the game. The insane amount of (voiced!) dialogue really make you connect with Zagreus' journey through his eyes and all the various highs and lows he's going through. Also the gameplay is great, no wonder Zagreus is always going through those same chambers again and again!
Now about the cast, they're all great and unique and the artstyle paired with the designs really brings them to life. The friendship system and occasional encounters really help them flesh out their personalities. In my opinion the developers really did a great job on depicting Greek mythology in the way they did.
I should've mentioned this earlier, but the game is very casual-friendly for a roguelike and definitely worth looking into, even if you're not into these kind of games normally. Because of the sheer amount of dialogue and permanent upgrades the games presents you between your runs, you always have something new and fun to look forward to. It also has an easy mode, which still lets you experience the same journey with less stress - don't feel ashamed to use it!
Give Hades a shot if you love mythology or roguelikes, or the artstyle or anything! This journey has been truly unique, and I've hardly ever seen a gameplay loop integrated so well into a story. Can't wait for the sequel!
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a breath of fresh air in more than one way for 2D Mario games and has easily become one of my favorite platformers out there.
The artstyle is great, the controls are responsive and precise and the animations are just smooth. You can really feel the amount of dedication the developers put into the game, every level has an unique Wonder Flower gimmick and the talking flowers were a personal highlight for me. It's really just a blast to play!
There are still some nitpicks I have with it. First of all, why can't different players in multiplayer equip different badges? I don't think this can be blamed on hardware limitations. Second thing, there should've been a way to play traditional online co-op and not just the "ghost mode". Oh well, maybe Nintendo thought it wouldn't work after the amounts of lag in Mario Maker 2's versus mode. Who knows! Then there's the thing with the Yoshis and Nabbit (you've probably heard it a thousand times now). They really shouldn't be locked behind a whole difficulty and the other way around, cause if you're a legit fan of these characters you can't play them without having a whole different experience. Last but not least, something feels off about the structure of levels in general. While they all feel unique in a way, they're... too simple at times. I'm not talking about the difficulty, I'm talking about the placement of things. Can't quite put my finger on what it is.
Overall Wonder was a fantastic experience though and I'll surely be going for 100% completion. Despite the small flaws I've mentioned, it's one of the most fun games this year and I really appreciate the hard work of the developers, hope they got a fat paycheck for working on this :p
The artstyle is great, the controls are responsive and precise and the animations are just smooth. You can really feel the amount of dedication the developers put into the game, every level has an unique Wonder Flower gimmick and the talking flowers were a personal highlight for me. It's really just a blast to play!
There are still some nitpicks I have with it. First of all, why can't different players in multiplayer equip different badges? I don't think this can be blamed on hardware limitations. Second thing, there should've been a way to play traditional online co-op and not just the "ghost mode". Oh well, maybe Nintendo thought it wouldn't work after the amounts of lag in Mario Maker 2's versus mode. Who knows! Then there's the thing with the Yoshis and Nabbit (you've probably heard it a thousand times now). They really shouldn't be locked behind a whole difficulty and the other way around, cause if you're a legit fan of these characters you can't play them without having a whole different experience. Last but not least, something feels off about the structure of levels in general. While they all feel unique in a way, they're... too simple at times. I'm not talking about the difficulty, I'm talking about the placement of things. Can't quite put my finger on what it is.
Overall Wonder was a fantastic experience though and I'll surely be going for 100% completion. Despite the small flaws I've mentioned, it's one of the most fun games this year and I really appreciate the hard work of the developers, hope they got a fat paycheck for working on this :p