2015
While this game successfully presents the Mad Max aesthetic and world elements, it completely fails at using those elements to tell any sort of meaningful story. However, it does faithfully capture the feeling of building up a cool car and driving it through the wastelands with satisfying vehicular combat to back it up. I could only recommend this game if that aspect alone is enough for you to enjoy some open-world shenanigans.
2016
This is unfortunately a romance visual novel where the romance is the least interesting element. The elements such as magic and cat curses work with the cozy cafe vibe most of the game has, however a lot of the romance arcs suffer from very rushed pacing. Only 2 of the 6 available routes actually felt like they had moderately enough time to be believable. Can't say I would wholly recommend it unless the premise really interests you.
It's astonishing what this team was able to create here. The artful mixing of lighting, live action footage, and excellent audio design contribute to an excellent and emotional story. The game doesn't bite off more than it can chew in both level and puzzle design, which makes for a very balanced experience.
While I have a historical affinity for Schafer/Gilbert's comedic writing, this one doesn't quite do it for me. While the point-and-click puzzles are fun and witty, the usual meta jokes and zany character personalities did not coalesce into the quality I've seen in their other games.
This really does a deceptively large amount of work to differentiate itself from the original game. I see a lot of Beginner's Guide DNA in this 'New Content' that really gives The Stanley Parable a fresh thematic edge to it, which I think benefits the greater package above the original.
2021
A charming little game that has a pretty fun 3D moveset to vibe out in. I do think the repetition in some objectives does start to wear on the game in the latter half, and especially if you're going for 100%.
2021
A great improvement from the first game. Puzzles remain interesting yet become more intuitive through great level design, and the addition of a partner character gives the game an entirely different feel than the first while not diminishing the horror element. I can see parts of ICO's design philosophy in this addition that feel right at home in this game.
2017
A great horror experience with impeccable atmosphere. It's got good Limbo-esque platforming puzzles with an added 3rd dimension, although some malicious checkpointing means the occasional trial-and-error segments become more of a trial in patience.
2015
An incredibly short and witty game. The spin of making some evidence missable can seem frustrating, but when accounting for the branching paths the story can take, it manages to feel like a genuine spin on the normal Ace Attorney flavor that feels fresh.
2024
Never have I ever played a rouge-like that I've been able to stick with for the long run (most others last 3-5 hours before I turn off). The familiarity of Poker and the 52-card deck helps the game's learning curve tremendously, and the way that familiarity is twisted by the various joker cards and tarot decks gives it whimsical character.
This game presents an enthralling mystery that's backed up with very fun characters and witty writing. The game is very funny at the drop of a hat too, helped by stellar voice performances from the characters. The final twist can make things feel a bit messy, but after I had time to think on it, it still worked for me.
2022
Never have I played a game that has demanded this much of me. From mastering the different enemy types, balancing defensive and offensive playstyles, and the variety of moves at your disposal, this combat system is a feast for the player. With the mechanic of aging with every death, the game tests your ability to put up with your understanding of the systems in front of you to the point where I myself began to test myself against the game's earlier levels again and again.
2022
This is a great butt-clenching challenge game that I don't feel up to the task of mastering. Past the few hours of its campaign, I feel like more could've been done to explore its setting, but what's there is subtle enough to elaborate on what the core gameplay cannot.
This is the height of what I was imagining for the concept of an FF7 Remake. While the first game's Midgar had been shown off multiple other times in other compilation works, many other locations had yet to be given new life from the pre-rendered background art they originated from. In that respect, this game 100% delivers in the presentation department.
To be honest, the original Remake's combat did not vibe with me when I first played it. Perhaps it was an unfamiliarity with a new system, because once I jumped into this game's combat everything seemed to flow like butter. Every character's toolkit feels much more essential to the greater framework of the party since you can now switch them around more frequently.
The main thing that this game revels in is its side content. Silly side adventures and minigames are abound, and it's what I think makes Final Fantasy games so charming. This remake fully embraces the goofier parts of the original, and I think it comes out feeling like one of the best in the series since FF10.
To be honest, the original Remake's combat did not vibe with me when I first played it. Perhaps it was an unfamiliarity with a new system, because once I jumped into this game's combat everything seemed to flow like butter. Every character's toolkit feels much more essential to the greater framework of the party since you can now switch them around more frequently.
The main thing that this game revels in is its side content. Silly side adventures and minigames are abound, and it's what I think makes Final Fantasy games so charming. This remake fully embraces the goofier parts of the original, and I think it comes out feeling like one of the best in the series since FF10.
2021
It's a unique enough take on dating sims with enough funny jokes to make it through, but those jokes are absolutely not for everyone. This is pure dark comedy, and sometimes it does go a little overboard.