LeonardoMF93
Need for Speed: Unbound is EA's latest attempt to restore this franchise to its former glory. While the game offers enjoyable aspects, it still grapples with the same issues seen in recent NFS titles.
The standout feature of Unbound is undoubtedly its visuals. The game seamlessly blends realistic graphics with cartoon elements. For instance, you'll control a realistic car, but as it accelerates, you'll notice the smoke is inspired by cartoons.
Ultimately, NFS remains a typical racing game, but it introduces some intriguing new elements to the gameplay. One notable addition is the calendar feature. To complete the game, you must win a special race that occurs once a week, but participation requires payment. Earning enough money involves participating in minor events, and you must carefully balance the risk to keep progressing before the day ends. Getting caught by the police results in losing all your winnings for that day.
The storyline is decent for a racing game. In all honesty, it surpasses the narratives commonly found in games of this genre, although it doesn't stand out as particularly special.
While I had fun playing Need for Speed: Unbound, I remain disappointed that the franchise hasn't returned to its former glory. I recommend giving this game a try if you have an EA Play subscription or can acquire it at a reasonable price.
The standout feature of Unbound is undoubtedly its visuals. The game seamlessly blends realistic graphics with cartoon elements. For instance, you'll control a realistic car, but as it accelerates, you'll notice the smoke is inspired by cartoons.
Ultimately, NFS remains a typical racing game, but it introduces some intriguing new elements to the gameplay. One notable addition is the calendar feature. To complete the game, you must win a special race that occurs once a week, but participation requires payment. Earning enough money involves participating in minor events, and you must carefully balance the risk to keep progressing before the day ends. Getting caught by the police results in losing all your winnings for that day.
The storyline is decent for a racing game. In all honesty, it surpasses the narratives commonly found in games of this genre, although it doesn't stand out as particularly special.
While I had fun playing Need for Speed: Unbound, I remain disappointed that the franchise hasn't returned to its former glory. I recommend giving this game a try if you have an EA Play subscription or can acquire it at a reasonable price.
Like a Dragon: Ishin! is undoubtedly the best hidden gem of 2023. This Yakuza series spin-off transports players to a pivotal moment in Japan's history, circa 1860, when the nation was encountering visitors from other countries, reshaping crucial aspects of its way of life.
This game is a remake of a title originally developed for the PS3 and exclusively released in Japan. This remake version boasts stunning visuals and modern gameplay. With its new features, it stands out as one of the top games available on PS5 and Xbox Series, while also being accessible on PS4 and Xbox One.
The narrative revolves around Sakamoto Ryoma, who grapples with conflicting pressures and uncertainty surrounding his identity and societal role. Amidst a coup in Tosa, he is determined to uncover the assassin responsible for his mentor's death, leading him to operate under a secret identity on the streets of Kyoto and aligning with the formidable Shinsengumi.
One drawback for me is the reuse of faces familiar from other Yakuza games. In a story set two centuries ago, it feels off to see these faces interacting again. The presence of undercover villains is somewhat undermined if you're familiar with the Yakuza storyline, as it becomes predictable, affecting the impact of plot twists.
The game offers an open world to explore, although not overly expansive. Despite its size, there are some noteworthy locations to visit.
Combat in the game is both enjoyable and accessible. While there are four fighting styles available, players will likely find themselves primarily using just two during gameplay. The standout moments in combat are undoubtedly the encounters with bosses.
It's unfortunate that Like a Dragon: Ishin! isn't receiving as much attention as it deserves. This release is unquestionably solid, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys action games.
This game is a remake of a title originally developed for the PS3 and exclusively released in Japan. This remake version boasts stunning visuals and modern gameplay. With its new features, it stands out as one of the top games available on PS5 and Xbox Series, while also being accessible on PS4 and Xbox One.
The narrative revolves around Sakamoto Ryoma, who grapples with conflicting pressures and uncertainty surrounding his identity and societal role. Amidst a coup in Tosa, he is determined to uncover the assassin responsible for his mentor's death, leading him to operate under a secret identity on the streets of Kyoto and aligning with the formidable Shinsengumi.
One drawback for me is the reuse of faces familiar from other Yakuza games. In a story set two centuries ago, it feels off to see these faces interacting again. The presence of undercover villains is somewhat undermined if you're familiar with the Yakuza storyline, as it becomes predictable, affecting the impact of plot twists.
The game offers an open world to explore, although not overly expansive. Despite its size, there are some noteworthy locations to visit.
Combat in the game is both enjoyable and accessible. While there are four fighting styles available, players will likely find themselves primarily using just two during gameplay. The standout moments in combat are undoubtedly the encounters with bosses.
It's unfortunate that Like a Dragon: Ishin! isn't receiving as much attention as it deserves. This release is unquestionably solid, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys action games.
2023
Final Fantasy XVI is being classified as a new direction for this traditional franchise. The game has abandoned the classic RPG system to focus more on action-packed battles. For some people, this change was welcomed, but some longtime fans didn't appreciate this new direction.
As I'm not a huge Final Fantasy fan, I enjoyed the battle system. My only previous experience was with Final Fantasy XV and VII Remake, so I come from this new action-oriented era of the franchise, and all the action on XVI didn't bore me.
It's a complex system, but it can be quite easy to manage all the characters' powers. The game can provide challenges at the hardest level, but it can also be a "walk in the park" for beginners. In the end, it's a classic action battle system that we've seen in other games.
The boss fights are really good and a lot of fun, but I can't say the same for when we are playing as Eikons. Controlling and facing these massive monsters feels like completely generic battles.
The world is lacking. There's hardly anything interesting to explore. We have small open worlds that don't invite us to visit other places. During my gameplay, I was always heading toward the main objective, and it didn't affect my level ups.
The map is pretty similar to what we saw in the Xenoblade franchise. It's incredible how similar it looks, even with how enemy encounters start.
The best thing about Final Fantasy XVI is definitely the story. I can say for sure that it has one of the best storylines I've ever seen in video games. The characters and their motivations are really deep. It's a complex story, but it's also really good and clearly inspired by Game of Thrones. The game touches on topics like slavery, war, and the excessive exploitation of natural resources. I didn't like how it ended, but that didn't ruin my overall experience.
Something I really enjoyed is the fact that we can consult a summary of the game anytime we want. You can pause a cutscene to see information about the character, place, or army they are talking about. By pressing a button, you can quickly read a small summary based on what's happening in the part of the game you're at. With such a complex story, this feature was very helpful in preventing players from feeling lost. It's a feature that I'd like to see in other games.
In my opinion, Final Fantasy XVI represents a new direction for the franchise, aimed at a broader audience. It offers enjoyable gameplay and an amazing story. While there are some downsides, they aren't that significant. I highly recommend it for players who haven't experienced the series before but are familiar with action games.
As I'm not a huge Final Fantasy fan, I enjoyed the battle system. My only previous experience was with Final Fantasy XV and VII Remake, so I come from this new action-oriented era of the franchise, and all the action on XVI didn't bore me.
It's a complex system, but it can be quite easy to manage all the characters' powers. The game can provide challenges at the hardest level, but it can also be a "walk in the park" for beginners. In the end, it's a classic action battle system that we've seen in other games.
The boss fights are really good and a lot of fun, but I can't say the same for when we are playing as Eikons. Controlling and facing these massive monsters feels like completely generic battles.
The world is lacking. There's hardly anything interesting to explore. We have small open worlds that don't invite us to visit other places. During my gameplay, I was always heading toward the main objective, and it didn't affect my level ups.
The map is pretty similar to what we saw in the Xenoblade franchise. It's incredible how similar it looks, even with how enemy encounters start.
The best thing about Final Fantasy XVI is definitely the story. I can say for sure that it has one of the best storylines I've ever seen in video games. The characters and their motivations are really deep. It's a complex story, but it's also really good and clearly inspired by Game of Thrones. The game touches on topics like slavery, war, and the excessive exploitation of natural resources. I didn't like how it ended, but that didn't ruin my overall experience.
Something I really enjoyed is the fact that we can consult a summary of the game anytime we want. You can pause a cutscene to see information about the character, place, or army they are talking about. By pressing a button, you can quickly read a small summary based on what's happening in the part of the game you're at. With such a complex story, this feature was very helpful in preventing players from feeling lost. It's a feature that I'd like to see in other games.
In my opinion, Final Fantasy XVI represents a new direction for the franchise, aimed at a broader audience. It offers enjoyable gameplay and an amazing story. While there are some downsides, they aren't that significant. I highly recommend it for players who haven't experienced the series before but are familiar with action games.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom had a challenging mission to accomplish: to surpass Breath of the Wild. In the end, we can say Nintendo achieved this goal and delivered one of the best games of all time.
To start this review, we have to mention that the game is quite similar to its predecessor. The developers reused the same main map but added an entirely new world in the skies and in the depths. Furthermore, the game improved Link's abilities, which, to be honest, are much better.
The graphics in Tears of the Kingdom remain consistent with what we saw in Breath of the Wild. It's a beautiful game, but it would have benefitted from more powerful hardware to run at a higher resolution and without any frame drops. I frequently encountered issues with low frame rates, but it's impressive to see a game of this caliber on the Nintendo Switch.
The story is quite compelling and is undoubtedly the best in the franchise. It's remarkable how the developers crafted such an emotionally engaging narrative and allowed players to have unique experiences due to the myriad possibilities for progression.
Honestly, towards the end of my journey, I started to feel a bit fatigued and rushed through the game a bit. It happened to me, although I haven't seen others complaining about it.
Another important point to mention is that you shouldn't play Tears of the Kingdom if you haven't played Breath of the Wild. Not just because the stories are connected, but also because, after playing Tears of the Kingdom, you'll realize that Breath of the Wild almost feels like a beta version in comparison. So, you won't be able to fully enjoy the first game after experiencing this superior sequel.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a modern classic. It's incredible how Nintendo developed a game that lived up to all the hype players had. It's a must-play title in the Nintendo Switch library, and we'll still be talking about it for decades to come.
To start this review, we have to mention that the game is quite similar to its predecessor. The developers reused the same main map but added an entirely new world in the skies and in the depths. Furthermore, the game improved Link's abilities, which, to be honest, are much better.
The graphics in Tears of the Kingdom remain consistent with what we saw in Breath of the Wild. It's a beautiful game, but it would have benefitted from more powerful hardware to run at a higher resolution and without any frame drops. I frequently encountered issues with low frame rates, but it's impressive to see a game of this caliber on the Nintendo Switch.
The story is quite compelling and is undoubtedly the best in the franchise. It's remarkable how the developers crafted such an emotionally engaging narrative and allowed players to have unique experiences due to the myriad possibilities for progression.
Honestly, towards the end of my journey, I started to feel a bit fatigued and rushed through the game a bit. It happened to me, although I haven't seen others complaining about it.
Another important point to mention is that you shouldn't play Tears of the Kingdom if you haven't played Breath of the Wild. Not just because the stories are connected, but also because, after playing Tears of the Kingdom, you'll realize that Breath of the Wild almost feels like a beta version in comparison. So, you won't be able to fully enjoy the first game after experiencing this superior sequel.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a modern classic. It's incredible how Nintendo developed a game that lived up to all the hype players had. It's a must-play title in the Nintendo Switch library, and we'll still be talking about it for decades to come.
For months, I was in doubt about paying for this game. I saw some reviews, but I was not certain if it would be fun to play. So, I decided to give Marvel's Midnight Suns a chance, and I can confidently say it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had in the gaming industry in recent years.
Marvel's Midnight Suns is a unique blend of real-time strategy games like XCOM and card games like Hearthstone. I'm a big fan of games like XCOM, but I usually don't enjoy card games, which made me hesitant about this one. However, in the end, the card aspect is the heart of this game, and it enhances the strategy element, adding complexity and an element of luck.
About the gameplay, you have a stage with certain objectives, and you control a group of heroes facing off against enemies. Each hero has cards that require a certain amount of power to use and a designated area to cause damage. This requires you to strategically position your characters to attack your foes while avoiding enemy attacks. Meanwhile, you also need to manage your deck of cards.
The story is interesting and focuses on lesser-known heroes, although you still have a team that includes Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Captain Marvel. The connections between all the heroes are well-developed, and you'll become more interested in these lesser-known characters and how they come together to prevent the end of the world.
One downside for me is the hub area where you spend time between missions. It's quite large but not very enjoyable to explore.
The graphics may not be top-notch, but that wasn't a problem for me. During the missions, the game looks more beautiful because you get to appreciate the stage from an overhead perspective.
Marvel's Midnight Suns is a delightful surprise, and it's a shame that it doesn't receive more attention. It's a fantastic game that deserves more recognition. If you enjoy strategy games or are looking for something unique, I highly recommend giving it a chance. In my opinion, it's worth every penny!
Marvel's Midnight Suns is a unique blend of real-time strategy games like XCOM and card games like Hearthstone. I'm a big fan of games like XCOM, but I usually don't enjoy card games, which made me hesitant about this one. However, in the end, the card aspect is the heart of this game, and it enhances the strategy element, adding complexity and an element of luck.
About the gameplay, you have a stage with certain objectives, and you control a group of heroes facing off against enemies. Each hero has cards that require a certain amount of power to use and a designated area to cause damage. This requires you to strategically position your characters to attack your foes while avoiding enemy attacks. Meanwhile, you also need to manage your deck of cards.
The story is interesting and focuses on lesser-known heroes, although you still have a team that includes Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Captain Marvel. The connections between all the heroes are well-developed, and you'll become more interested in these lesser-known characters and how they come together to prevent the end of the world.
One downside for me is the hub area where you spend time between missions. It's quite large but not very enjoyable to explore.
The graphics may not be top-notch, but that wasn't a problem for me. During the missions, the game looks more beautiful because you get to appreciate the stage from an overhead perspective.
Marvel's Midnight Suns is a delightful surprise, and it's a shame that it doesn't receive more attention. It's a fantastic game that deserves more recognition. If you enjoy strategy games or are looking for something unique, I highly recommend giving it a chance. In my opinion, it's worth every penny!
Star Wars: Jedi Survivor does everything that a sequel should do: it improves upon every aspect compared to its predecessor. At its release, one could argue that the Jedi franchise represents the best offering from the Star Wars universe in video games.
Jedi Survivor closely resembles Jedi Fallen Order in terms of gameplay. It retains some influences from the Souls series in its combat mechanics. Generally, I would say that Jedi Survivor is easier than Fallen Order, but, like its predecessor, it still offers challenging battles that may require multiple attempts to conquer.
In combat, a strategic approach is essential. You can't simply attack relentlessly; knowing when to defend is crucial. To be a true Jedi, one must maintain emotional control. Impulsiveness is a trait of the Sith, and you are not one of them.
One notable improvement in Jedi Survivor is the placement of respawn points. As someone not particularly fond of Soulslike games, I dislike repetitive gameplays. Now, the checkpoints are thoughtfully positioned, reducing the need for repetitive actions. Additionally, the game allows players to revisit certain sections of the map to face the same enemies and challenges if desired.
The level designs surpass what we saw in Jedi Fallen Order, although they are not perfect yet. Similar to the previous game, these are small open worlds that you can explore with the appropriate abilities. To be fair, they could use some enhancements, but I appreciate the direction they're taking.
The standout feature of the game is undoubtedly the story. It's a canonical narrative within the Star Wars universe and features intriguing characters. The developers have done an excellent job, and I won't reveal any spoilers, but you'll be surprised by the plot twists.
I've heard that many players experienced significant performance issues, but when I played the game shortly after its release, I didn't encounter any major problems. In my opinion, it's a more polished game than Fallen Order, which I played years after its release and encountered numerous issues.
Star Wars: Jedi Survivor ranks among my top 5 favorite games of 2023 so far. As a Star Wars fan, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend it to anyone, even if you're not a Star Wars enthusiast.
Jedi Survivor closely resembles Jedi Fallen Order in terms of gameplay. It retains some influences from the Souls series in its combat mechanics. Generally, I would say that Jedi Survivor is easier than Fallen Order, but, like its predecessor, it still offers challenging battles that may require multiple attempts to conquer.
In combat, a strategic approach is essential. You can't simply attack relentlessly; knowing when to defend is crucial. To be a true Jedi, one must maintain emotional control. Impulsiveness is a trait of the Sith, and you are not one of them.
One notable improvement in Jedi Survivor is the placement of respawn points. As someone not particularly fond of Soulslike games, I dislike repetitive gameplays. Now, the checkpoints are thoughtfully positioned, reducing the need for repetitive actions. Additionally, the game allows players to revisit certain sections of the map to face the same enemies and challenges if desired.
The level designs surpass what we saw in Jedi Fallen Order, although they are not perfect yet. Similar to the previous game, these are small open worlds that you can explore with the appropriate abilities. To be fair, they could use some enhancements, but I appreciate the direction they're taking.
The standout feature of the game is undoubtedly the story. It's a canonical narrative within the Star Wars universe and features intriguing characters. The developers have done an excellent job, and I won't reveal any spoilers, but you'll be surprised by the plot twists.
I've heard that many players experienced significant performance issues, but when I played the game shortly after its release, I didn't encounter any major problems. In my opinion, it's a more polished game than Fallen Order, which I played years after its release and encountered numerous issues.
Star Wars: Jedi Survivor ranks among my top 5 favorite games of 2023 so far. As a Star Wars fan, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend it to anyone, even if you're not a Star Wars enthusiast.
2023
The remake of Resident Evil 4 is the best way available to play this classic third-person shooter. After the huge success of the remake of Resident Evil 2 and the problematic Resident Evil 3, Capcom has finally found the best way to revive the old games of this iconic franchise.
The gameplay makes the game completely modern by today's standards. The original version of Resident Evil 4 didn't age well, and all those problems are fixed here. For example, we can finally shoot and walk at the same time. This remake brings Leon's old story up to date with most modern gaming features.
The graphics are among the best available for the PS5 and Xbox Series. We can finally see the power of these consoles in this game. We have beautiful settings and characters. You can play it in 4K at 60fps.
The story is very similar to the original version with minor changes. We follow the story of Leon, a secret agent trying to find the US president's daughter. You'll find yourself in the middle of a village inhabited by "zombies" and you'll learn what happened there.
The remake of Resident Evil 4 is one of the best games of 2023. This version is dedicated to old fans, but it was also designed to attract new players. If you like third-person shooters, there's no reason to stay away from this game. It's worth every penny.
The gameplay makes the game completely modern by today's standards. The original version of Resident Evil 4 didn't age well, and all those problems are fixed here. For example, we can finally shoot and walk at the same time. This remake brings Leon's old story up to date with most modern gaming features.
The graphics are among the best available for the PS5 and Xbox Series. We can finally see the power of these consoles in this game. We have beautiful settings and characters. You can play it in 4K at 60fps.
The story is very similar to the original version with minor changes. We follow the story of Leon, a secret agent trying to find the US president's daughter. You'll find yourself in the middle of a village inhabited by "zombies" and you'll learn what happened there.
The remake of Resident Evil 4 is one of the best games of 2023. This version is dedicated to old fans, but it was also designed to attract new players. If you like third-person shooters, there's no reason to stay away from this game. It's worth every penny.
2022
Bayonetta 3 is a classic hack and slash game developed exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. As the title suggests, it's a sequel to two other games.
Regarding the gameplay, there's not much to say. It's a hack and slash game with combat mechanics reminiscent of the old games from the God of War franchise, for example. In my opinion, there's almost no significant improvement when compared to the other two Bayonetta games, especially the second one.
I would consider it a step back when it comes to the story. The first two Bayonetta games had better plots. While the third episode of this franchise isn't a huge problem, it's not as good as what we've seen before, making it somewhat forgettable. In my opinion, this game relies heavily on the charisma of its characters for its storyline.
As for performance, I can say it's almost the best that Nintendo Switch can offer at this point in the generation. I haven't noticed any significant FPS drops during my gameplay, which is crucial for a hack and slash game. The graphics may not reach their full potential on this hardware, but they are acceptable.
Bayonetta 3 was a highly anticipated game that, in my opinion, didn't fully meet expectations. It's definitely not a bad game, but it lacks the same impact as the previous two. It's an enjoyable game, but whether it's worth the $60 price tag is debatable.
Regarding the gameplay, there's not much to say. It's a hack and slash game with combat mechanics reminiscent of the old games from the God of War franchise, for example. In my opinion, there's almost no significant improvement when compared to the other two Bayonetta games, especially the second one.
I would consider it a step back when it comes to the story. The first two Bayonetta games had better plots. While the third episode of this franchise isn't a huge problem, it's not as good as what we've seen before, making it somewhat forgettable. In my opinion, this game relies heavily on the charisma of its characters for its storyline.
As for performance, I can say it's almost the best that Nintendo Switch can offer at this point in the generation. I haven't noticed any significant FPS drops during my gameplay, which is crucial for a hack and slash game. The graphics may not reach their full potential on this hardware, but they are acceptable.
Bayonetta 3 was a highly anticipated game that, in my opinion, didn't fully meet expectations. It's definitely not a bad game, but it lacks the same impact as the previous two. It's an enjoyable game, but whether it's worth the $60 price tag is debatable.
2023
Hogwarts Legacy is one of the games that I've been most hyped about in years. I was a Harry Potter fan when I was a teenager, and the idea of an RPG game set in Hogwarts couldn't excite me more.
Besides all that, shortly after its release, I was on vacation in New York City. In the Big Apple, I reconnected with this franchise by visiting the official store and attending the Broadway play. It couldn't be a better time to return to Hogwarts.
But talking about the game, I can say that it didn't meet my expectations, but it's not a bad game. It's definitely one of the best games of the year (2023) and the best product of the Wizarding World, excluding the original seven books.
As for the gameplay, I can say it's pretty good. To be honest, despite my hype, this was the part I had reservations about. The last Harry Potter games based on the movies were generic shooters, but that's not the case here. It still feels like a shooter, but much better than I was expecting.
The story is pretty good, second only to the original seven books. The game is about a new Hogwarts student who enters the school in the fifth year and has the ability to harness ancient magic. To be honest, it feels like the story was created to make the game possible, with its mechanics and the idea that it wouldn't be fun to play as a first-year child who doesn't know anything about magic.
By the way, it was a good idea to set this game a hundred years before the Harry Potter saga to disconnect from the characters we already know and allow those who have no connection with Harry Potter to enjoy the game.
The best part of the game is its atmosphere. It's really cool to return to Hogwarts. The entire world is very well done, but the school is the best part.
Hogwarts Legacy is the best Harry Potter game ever and one of the best things the franchise has offered in years. I truly recommend it to anyone, even if you don't have any connection to the saga. It's a pretty good game on its own.
Besides all that, shortly after its release, I was on vacation in New York City. In the Big Apple, I reconnected with this franchise by visiting the official store and attending the Broadway play. It couldn't be a better time to return to Hogwarts.
But talking about the game, I can say that it didn't meet my expectations, but it's not a bad game. It's definitely one of the best games of the year (2023) and the best product of the Wizarding World, excluding the original seven books.
As for the gameplay, I can say it's pretty good. To be honest, despite my hype, this was the part I had reservations about. The last Harry Potter games based on the movies were generic shooters, but that's not the case here. It still feels like a shooter, but much better than I was expecting.
The story is pretty good, second only to the original seven books. The game is about a new Hogwarts student who enters the school in the fifth year and has the ability to harness ancient magic. To be honest, it feels like the story was created to make the game possible, with its mechanics and the idea that it wouldn't be fun to play as a first-year child who doesn't know anything about magic.
By the way, it was a good idea to set this game a hundred years before the Harry Potter saga to disconnect from the characters we already know and allow those who have no connection with Harry Potter to enjoy the game.
The best part of the game is its atmosphere. It's really cool to return to Hogwarts. The entire world is very well done, but the school is the best part.
Hogwarts Legacy is the best Harry Potter game ever and one of the best things the franchise has offered in years. I truly recommend it to anyone, even if you don't have any connection to the saga. It's a pretty good game on its own.
2018
Florence is a graphic novel game that depicts a specific phase in a girl's life. It's a brief experience that didn't resonate with me.
The game features relatively easy puzzles and doesn't offer much in terms of gameplay. It's more reminiscent of a visual show than a traditional game.
The artwork is quite enjoyable. Frankly, the game appears to be hand-drawn, which is likely its standout feature.
You can complete Florence in about 40 minutes, making it worth a try. While I personally didn't connect with it, your experience might differ if you can relate to the challenges the main character faces in her story.
The game features relatively easy puzzles and doesn't offer much in terms of gameplay. It's more reminiscent of a visual show than a traditional game.
The artwork is quite enjoyable. Frankly, the game appears to be hand-drawn, which is likely its standout feature.
You can complete Florence in about 40 minutes, making it worth a try. While I personally didn't connect with it, your experience might differ if you can relate to the challenges the main character faces in her story.
SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is a classic 3D platform game set in the world of SpongeBob. The game was announced as the most important game of this franchise, but it's not what they told us.
Starting with the positive aspects of this game: the characters and their charisma. While the story isn't extremely intriguing, it resembles an episode of the cartoon. SpongeBob and his friends exhibit the same humor that we typically see in the TV show, providing some laughs during gameplay.
Unfortunately, the gameplay is rather boring. I had the impression that I was playing a generic 3D platform game from the PS2 era. There's nothing innovative here, and everything that The Cosmic Shake attempts to do has been done much better in many other games.
The Cosmic Shake targets SpongeBob fans specifically. I'm not one of them, so I had an enjoyable time with it, but that's about it. If you're a devoted fan of this franchise, you'll likely have fun observing the characters' interactions. In conclusion, I recommend considering purchasing this game only if you find it at a significantly reduced price; otherwise, it might not be worth it.
Starting with the positive aspects of this game: the characters and their charisma. While the story isn't extremely intriguing, it resembles an episode of the cartoon. SpongeBob and his friends exhibit the same humor that we typically see in the TV show, providing some laughs during gameplay.
Unfortunately, the gameplay is rather boring. I had the impression that I was playing a generic 3D platform game from the PS2 era. There's nothing innovative here, and everything that The Cosmic Shake attempts to do has been done much better in many other games.
The Cosmic Shake targets SpongeBob fans specifically. I'm not one of them, so I had an enjoyable time with it, but that's about it. If you're a devoted fan of this franchise, you'll likely have fun observing the characters' interactions. In conclusion, I recommend considering purchasing this game only if you find it at a significantly reduced price; otherwise, it might not be worth it.
2022
Tinykin pays homage to Pikmin, and while it shares similarities, it's certainly not an inferior game. It offers a simpler approach than the Nintendo franchise but manages to adeptly execute nearly all its aspects.
The gameplay closely resembles that of Pikmin. You guide a collective of diminutive creatures, utilizing them to access various locations and retrieve items. These creatures can be likened to ants in concept. Each type possesses distinct abilities; for instance, the pink ones excel at carrying heavy items, the yellows are bridge builders, and the blue ones can harness electricity.
The game's art style stands out as one of its strongest features. The developers opted for a charming cartoon aesthetic, which enhances the game's visual appeal. Playing as a diminutive alien resembling a regular human, albeit in miniature form, creates a captivating contrast with the familiar real-world setting of a typical house on Earth. Observing everyday objects from this altered scale proves to be highly enjoyable.
As for the narrative, it's acceptable. The developers attempt to infuse a sense of mystery, though it falls short of being truly captivating. The characters' efforts to rationalize ordinary occurrences through religious contexts carry a certain novelty, but the story is not as deep as it could be.
In conclusion, Tinykin presents itself as a commendable alternative to Pikmin. It delivers entertainment, visual charm, and well-executed mechanics, yet it doesn't exceed these qualities. If faced with the choice between this game and the Nintendo franchise, opting for the latter is advisable. Nevertheless, I do recommend giving Tinykin a shot if the opportunity arises.
The gameplay closely resembles that of Pikmin. You guide a collective of diminutive creatures, utilizing them to access various locations and retrieve items. These creatures can be likened to ants in concept. Each type possesses distinct abilities; for instance, the pink ones excel at carrying heavy items, the yellows are bridge builders, and the blue ones can harness electricity.
The game's art style stands out as one of its strongest features. The developers opted for a charming cartoon aesthetic, which enhances the game's visual appeal. Playing as a diminutive alien resembling a regular human, albeit in miniature form, creates a captivating contrast with the familiar real-world setting of a typical house on Earth. Observing everyday objects from this altered scale proves to be highly enjoyable.
As for the narrative, it's acceptable. The developers attempt to infuse a sense of mystery, though it falls short of being truly captivating. The characters' efforts to rationalize ordinary occurrences through religious contexts carry a certain novelty, but the story is not as deep as it could be.
In conclusion, Tinykin presents itself as a commendable alternative to Pikmin. It delivers entertainment, visual charm, and well-executed mechanics, yet it doesn't exceed these qualities. If faced with the choice between this game and the Nintendo franchise, opting for the latter is advisable. Nevertheless, I do recommend giving Tinykin a shot if the opportunity arises.
Octodad: Dadliest Catch is the kind of indie game that you'll never see any traditional developer releasing. It's a game that pokes fun at yourself.
Before delving into the gameplay, I need to explain the plot of the story. It's nothing particularly special, but it will surely elicit some laughs. You play as an octopus who has a normal family that remains oblivious to his true identity. Consequently, you find yourself in ordinary situations, needing to conceal your non-human nature.
The standout feature of this game is its gameplay. You manipulate each tentacle of the octopus to interact with items and even walk, all while attempting to mimic human behavior. It's worth mentioning the intentionally challenging physics, which can make even the simplest tasks a real struggle. However, bear in mind that these difficulties are by design, and that's precisely what makes this game exceptionally unique.
Octodad: Dadliest Catch definitely won't be one of the best games of your life. It offers a short yet amusing experience. I recommend it if you're seeking something completely different from anything else.
Before delving into the gameplay, I need to explain the plot of the story. It's nothing particularly special, but it will surely elicit some laughs. You play as an octopus who has a normal family that remains oblivious to his true identity. Consequently, you find yourself in ordinary situations, needing to conceal your non-human nature.
The standout feature of this game is its gameplay. You manipulate each tentacle of the octopus to interact with items and even walk, all while attempting to mimic human behavior. It's worth mentioning the intentionally challenging physics, which can make even the simplest tasks a real struggle. However, bear in mind that these difficulties are by design, and that's precisely what makes this game exceptionally unique.
Octodad: Dadliest Catch definitely won't be one of the best games of your life. It offers a short yet amusing experience. I recommend it if you're seeking something completely different from anything else.
2018
Luigi’s Mansion is a remaster for the Nintendo 3DS of a classic game with the same name, originally developed for Gamecube. Despite having some downsides compared to the original, this version is a perfect way to allow people to play one of the most distinctive games in the Mario Bros franchise on a popular console, preventing it from being forgotten on the fourth home Nintendo console.
To start, I can say that Luigi’s Mansion is one of the most charismatic games I have ever seen. You play as Luigi, looking to solve a mystery at a haunted mansion. The story is nothing special, but it's better than any other Mario game. It’s really funny to see a fearful character dealing with a place full of ghosts.
The battle system is really fun. While exploring this haunted mansion, you’ll face some ghosts, and you have to defeat and collect them with your powerful vacuum. It’s completely different from anything I have ever seen in a video game.
Even though it was released for a modern console, the 3DS version is a step back compared to the original. I never played this game on a GameCube, but it’s obvious that the lack of a second analog stick to control the camera is a downside. The performance is not a problem here due to the small screen on the 3DS.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 and 3 are better, obviously, but I still recommend you to play the first one. You won’t see it as an old game, and you’ll have an amazing time helping Luigi on his first spooky journey.
To start, I can say that Luigi’s Mansion is one of the most charismatic games I have ever seen. You play as Luigi, looking to solve a mystery at a haunted mansion. The story is nothing special, but it's better than any other Mario game. It’s really funny to see a fearful character dealing with a place full of ghosts.
The battle system is really fun. While exploring this haunted mansion, you’ll face some ghosts, and you have to defeat and collect them with your powerful vacuum. It’s completely different from anything I have ever seen in a video game.
Even though it was released for a modern console, the 3DS version is a step back compared to the original. I never played this game on a GameCube, but it’s obvious that the lack of a second analog stick to control the camera is a downside. The performance is not a problem here due to the small screen on the 3DS.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 and 3 are better, obviously, but I still recommend you to play the first one. You won’t see it as an old game, and you’ll have an amazing time helping Luigi on his first spooky journey.
Star Wars: Episode I - Racer holds a special place in my heart as it was my very first game and the only one I had for almost three years when I was a child. Despite that, I was never able to finish it because I always found it too difficult and impossible for me to complete, especially with a Nintendo 64 joystick at such a young age.
Many years later, I revisited this game when it was released on new platforms. Now playing on my Nintendo Switch, I see it as a regular racing game with many influences from F-Zero.
Star Wars: Episode I - Racer is a racing game originally released in 1999, coinciding with the premiere of the Star Wars prequels in cinemas. You'll get to play with some racing characters that you briefly saw in Episode I: The Phantom Menace, on courses developed exclusively for the game.
There's not much cosmetic customization here, only upgrades to improve certain aspects of your pod racer. In the end, I don't think it was a critical element of the game since you unlock new characters to continue your campaign.
As a racing game, I'd say it was a good one for its time, but it's not completely outdated. You'll find yourself exploding your pod numerous times, which can be frustrating.
Regarding the graphics, it's pretty cool considering it was originally released for the Nintendo 64. Obviously, it looks like an old game, but I don't see it as a problem like some other games from the third Nintendo console.
In conclusion, it's great to see Star Wars: Episode I - Racer on modern platforms. For years, this game was forgotten on the Nintendo 64. Even with that, I recommend playing it only if you have some nostalgic memories of it, as there are plenty of racing games nowadays that are better than this one.
Many years later, I revisited this game when it was released on new platforms. Now playing on my Nintendo Switch, I see it as a regular racing game with many influences from F-Zero.
Star Wars: Episode I - Racer is a racing game originally released in 1999, coinciding with the premiere of the Star Wars prequels in cinemas. You'll get to play with some racing characters that you briefly saw in Episode I: The Phantom Menace, on courses developed exclusively for the game.
There's not much cosmetic customization here, only upgrades to improve certain aspects of your pod racer. In the end, I don't think it was a critical element of the game since you unlock new characters to continue your campaign.
As a racing game, I'd say it was a good one for its time, but it's not completely outdated. You'll find yourself exploding your pod numerous times, which can be frustrating.
Regarding the graphics, it's pretty cool considering it was originally released for the Nintendo 64. Obviously, it looks like an old game, but I don't see it as a problem like some other games from the third Nintendo console.
In conclusion, it's great to see Star Wars: Episode I - Racer on modern platforms. For years, this game was forgotten on the Nintendo 64. Even with that, I recommend playing it only if you have some nostalgic memories of it, as there are plenty of racing games nowadays that are better than this one.