MikeSzoke
2021
Haven't played every mode yet, but really enjoying what I've played of Franchise and RTS. Wish there were more improvements made (especially with trading) but it's fun
Another good entry into the Pokemon franchise. Not quite managing to push past the other best mainline titles. For me, I've yet to play a Pokemon game that's better than a 7/10. They're good turn based RPGs, lacking in depth and polish, but overpowering in charm and playability.
2021
An absolute blast to play. Love the artstyle, level design is great. Only disappointment is there's not a lot to it. Only a handful of levels, took me maybe 30 minutes to beat. Would love to see more of it in the future
2017
A charming 3D platformer. The level design is good, and is consistent throughout. Some minor pacing issues with individual levels, but not many other complaints. Most of the game is just good, not quite great or anything particularly spectacular. But definitely enjoyable. I especially liked some of the optional bosses in the game. There's just something about it that's lacking. It's a fun game, and I'd recommend it. But I suppose some of it's appeal was lost on me.
2003
Calling Mega Man X7 boring would be an understatement. The transition to 3D ultimately caused it to lose almost everything that would identify a Mega Man game. The precision of movements, level design, and enemy placements are gone. Replaced by vast levels, slow movements, simple platforming, and generally disappointing level design. There is little to no redemption for this title.
2010
This review contains spoilers
Dark Void is a cut and dry 3rd person shooter. Lacking in weapon and enemy variety, with a cookie cutter aliens on Earth plot. The combat is mechanically bare, half the weapons aren't worth looking at. The only saving grace is that the jetpack sections can be kind of cool, when the pacing of them isn't horrible at least.
Don't even get me started on the story itself. I mentioned it briefly already, but it really is just a generic alien story. The plot is very reminiscent of say Crysis, but not even in the same league of quality. They also force an unnecessary romance plot between the two main characters. Of which you randomly find out are exes.
In many ways this game is just mediocre. But it makes a few design errors that particularly bothered me. Such as the entire screen flashing bright red every single time you take damage. Not only does this obscure your view completely, but since it does it individually for every bullet your take, the game turns into a Seizure Machine. Just absolutely horrendous design.
Don't even get me started on the story itself. I mentioned it briefly already, but it really is just a generic alien story. The plot is very reminiscent of say Crysis, but not even in the same league of quality. They also force an unnecessary romance plot between the two main characters. Of which you randomly find out are exes.
In many ways this game is just mediocre. But it makes a few design errors that particularly bothered me. Such as the entire screen flashing bright red every single time you take damage. Not only does this obscure your view completely, but since it does it individually for every bullet your take, the game turns into a Seizure Machine. Just absolutely horrendous design.
2016
One of the best first person action games I've ever played. It offers a riveting combat system that fuses classic hack n slash style with bullet hell mechanics seamlessly. A truly addictive combat system that'd depth is furthered by a plethora of weapons to choose from, accompanied by hundreds of unique upgrades that can be applied to them, and of course many physical abilities as well. Shadow Warrior 2 truly allows you to shape the game to your playstyle.
The level design advances that philosophy as well. The open level design in each level provides you with nearly limitless possibilities. Even the side missions are just as fulfilling as the main story. Full of great bosses, plot lines, and tons of unique weapons to gain as rewards.
The weakest part of Shadow Warrior 2 is the writing. It is not the deepest puddle in the parking lot, but it's serviceable, full of twists, and has a great sense of humor to go along with it. Pacing is the primary issue it falls victim of. It jumps back in forth from progressing the plot at the pace of a snail, to the speed of a cheetah.
Ultimately Shadow Warrior 2 is evidence that the indie and small budget game scene is not one to underestimate. I would argue that the combat system utilized is better than the vast majority of modern western AAA gaming.
The level design advances that philosophy as well. The open level design in each level provides you with nearly limitless possibilities. Even the side missions are just as fulfilling as the main story. Full of great bosses, plot lines, and tons of unique weapons to gain as rewards.
The weakest part of Shadow Warrior 2 is the writing. It is not the deepest puddle in the parking lot, but it's serviceable, full of twists, and has a great sense of humor to go along with it. Pacing is the primary issue it falls victim of. It jumps back in forth from progressing the plot at the pace of a snail, to the speed of a cheetah.
Ultimately Shadow Warrior 2 is evidence that the indie and small budget game scene is not one to underestimate. I would argue that the combat system utilized is better than the vast majority of modern western AAA gaming.
First title done. (Arkham Asylum). The game manages to hold up in most areas. The combat is serviceable. Lacking in depth and variety, it manages to maintain engagement to carry through with the story. The story itself is also pretty good, if hindered by some poor pacing at times. The game truly shines through the world building, lore, exploration, and foreshadowing.
A short, but sweet turn based RPG that fits in everything fans of the show love.
Overview
Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor is an original story set in Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. The game is an open world, Action Adventure title. It was developed by Monolith Productions and published by WB Interactive Entertainment. The team went to great lengths to ensure that the game meshed with greater LOTR universe. So, as well as being canonically accurate to Tolkien's works, it also fits into Peter Jackson's movie timeline. The studio also had both the Tolkien Estate and Peter Jackson involved in the writing the game.
It takes place during the 60 year gap between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring. It follows the Captain of the Black Gate. An outpost for the Rangers that stands at the border of Mordor. The protagonist, Talion is forced to watch as the Black Captain's of Sauron murder his men, his son, and his wife before killing him. Only he doesn't stay dead. Somehow he winds up connected to a Wraith. And every time he dies, he comes back to life. Earning him the title of Grave Walker and Death Walker from the Orcs of Mordor.
Writing
I wasn't expecting much in terms of story, but I was impressed. Besides some pacing issues, the game posses an extremely good story of revenge. Talion's only motivation is to kill the Black Hand, the Captain responsible for his family's death. The Wraith in turn, seeks revenge against Sauron for the same reason. The game goes to great lengths to establish Talion is nearly heartless. The development away from this starts off as subtle, before the ending of the game pays off with some stellar character development (as well as setting up the sequel). The details in the game are outstanding as well. Such as the dagger that he posses, being the broken sword of his murdered son. The name of the Sword (Acharn) meaning "vengeance". The Lore implementation is satisfactory as well. There are many relics you can find that paint a deeper picture of Mordor, Middle Earth itself, and all of its inhabitants from various eras. I also really like that the game doesn't rely heavily on pre-existing characters. Gollum is seen occasionally, and there is Sauron obviously. But otherwise is features a great, original cast. That at times isn't fleshed out enough.
Gameplay
The gameplay cannot be understated. While seemingly simple at first, just one button for sword attacks, it quickly deepens itself. Stealth mechanics, various executions, shadow strike attacks, dodging, countering, area effects, beast taming etc. Timing is absolutely essential and the game does not hold back. It will gladly throw hoards of enemies at you. But every area is perfectly crafted to allow you to tackle each encounter however you want. The freedom the game offers is part of what makes it so great. You're constantly being put into new situations and being told to figure out how to adapt, or die and try again. But, with the Nemesis system you are punished for dying. The Orcs that kill you are promoted and made stronger due to your death. They gain more strengths, have less weaknesses, even becoming completely invulnerable to certain attacks. They will also remember you, and if you anger them it only makes then stronger. The entire concept of the Nemesis system is so well thought out and executed in the game. It ties the message of revenge into the core gameplay. Every aspect tying together for a greater message.
Content
I want to highlight how well the game handles the side content. Most open world games are overstuffed with collectibles and filler missions. But Shadow of Mordor does a great job of fixing those problems. There aren't 30 tall towers to climb that take 10 minutes each to do. There's like 10 short towers that take 30 seconds to do and offer combat and visual advantages. Almost all the side missons are great. The Legend missions are challenging, the survival/hunting missions make the world feel more alive (although i wish the flowers did more than just heal), only missions that are kinda ehhh are the Outcast missions. They're all just very similar, and very easy, and take a lot longer sometimes than other missions. BUT! There's only 24 of them. I beat the game with 100% completion in less than 25 hours. Shadow of Mordor simply knows not to overstay the welcome.
Design
I touched on the game design a little already, so I won't spend too much time talking about it. But yeah, the level design is spectacular. The combat design is very deep, offering a multitude of ways to play, and never allowing a dull moment. It also nails avoding ludonarrative dissonance. Everything you see Talion and the cast do in cutscenes, can also be done during gameplay. It makes the whole game feel more coherent, and allows you to do a lot of really cool stuff.
Now, the art direcrion and OST are also rather good. Character designs are all extremely good. Even the Orcs are given great treatment with many unique designs that match their personality. The game lacks color for the first half, then pops full of it upon entering the second area. The contrast is really great, and the music help solidify this. The OST is also full of leitmotifs, that tighten the composition into something more meaningful. Once again tying the message of revenge back together.
Overall:
Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor is a near masterpiece. Stunning gameplay, a good story with a greater message, phenomenal game design, and a perfect example of what western devs SHOULD do with their Open World games. I highly recommend this game to not only LOTR fans, but to any video game fans itching for a great open world. Who knows? You might just get into a whole new franchise while you're at it!
Score: 8.5/10
Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor is an original story set in Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. The game is an open world, Action Adventure title. It was developed by Monolith Productions and published by WB Interactive Entertainment. The team went to great lengths to ensure that the game meshed with greater LOTR universe. So, as well as being canonically accurate to Tolkien's works, it also fits into Peter Jackson's movie timeline. The studio also had both the Tolkien Estate and Peter Jackson involved in the writing the game.
It takes place during the 60 year gap between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring. It follows the Captain of the Black Gate. An outpost for the Rangers that stands at the border of Mordor. The protagonist, Talion is forced to watch as the Black Captain's of Sauron murder his men, his son, and his wife before killing him. Only he doesn't stay dead. Somehow he winds up connected to a Wraith. And every time he dies, he comes back to life. Earning him the title of Grave Walker and Death Walker from the Orcs of Mordor.
Writing
I wasn't expecting much in terms of story, but I was impressed. Besides some pacing issues, the game posses an extremely good story of revenge. Talion's only motivation is to kill the Black Hand, the Captain responsible for his family's death. The Wraith in turn, seeks revenge against Sauron for the same reason. The game goes to great lengths to establish Talion is nearly heartless. The development away from this starts off as subtle, before the ending of the game pays off with some stellar character development (as well as setting up the sequel). The details in the game are outstanding as well. Such as the dagger that he posses, being the broken sword of his murdered son. The name of the Sword (Acharn) meaning "vengeance". The Lore implementation is satisfactory as well. There are many relics you can find that paint a deeper picture of Mordor, Middle Earth itself, and all of its inhabitants from various eras. I also really like that the game doesn't rely heavily on pre-existing characters. Gollum is seen occasionally, and there is Sauron obviously. But otherwise is features a great, original cast. That at times isn't fleshed out enough.
Gameplay
The gameplay cannot be understated. While seemingly simple at first, just one button for sword attacks, it quickly deepens itself. Stealth mechanics, various executions, shadow strike attacks, dodging, countering, area effects, beast taming etc. Timing is absolutely essential and the game does not hold back. It will gladly throw hoards of enemies at you. But every area is perfectly crafted to allow you to tackle each encounter however you want. The freedom the game offers is part of what makes it so great. You're constantly being put into new situations and being told to figure out how to adapt, or die and try again. But, with the Nemesis system you are punished for dying. The Orcs that kill you are promoted and made stronger due to your death. They gain more strengths, have less weaknesses, even becoming completely invulnerable to certain attacks. They will also remember you, and if you anger them it only makes then stronger. The entire concept of the Nemesis system is so well thought out and executed in the game. It ties the message of revenge into the core gameplay. Every aspect tying together for a greater message.
Content
I want to highlight how well the game handles the side content. Most open world games are overstuffed with collectibles and filler missions. But Shadow of Mordor does a great job of fixing those problems. There aren't 30 tall towers to climb that take 10 minutes each to do. There's like 10 short towers that take 30 seconds to do and offer combat and visual advantages. Almost all the side missons are great. The Legend missions are challenging, the survival/hunting missions make the world feel more alive (although i wish the flowers did more than just heal), only missions that are kinda ehhh are the Outcast missions. They're all just very similar, and very easy, and take a lot longer sometimes than other missions. BUT! There's only 24 of them. I beat the game with 100% completion in less than 25 hours. Shadow of Mordor simply knows not to overstay the welcome.
Design
I touched on the game design a little already, so I won't spend too much time talking about it. But yeah, the level design is spectacular. The combat design is very deep, offering a multitude of ways to play, and never allowing a dull moment. It also nails avoding ludonarrative dissonance. Everything you see Talion and the cast do in cutscenes, can also be done during gameplay. It makes the whole game feel more coherent, and allows you to do a lot of really cool stuff.
Now, the art direcrion and OST are also rather good. Character designs are all extremely good. Even the Orcs are given great treatment with many unique designs that match their personality. The game lacks color for the first half, then pops full of it upon entering the second area. The contrast is really great, and the music help solidify this. The OST is also full of leitmotifs, that tighten the composition into something more meaningful. Once again tying the message of revenge back together.
Overall:
Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor is a near masterpiece. Stunning gameplay, a good story with a greater message, phenomenal game design, and a perfect example of what western devs SHOULD do with their Open World games. I highly recommend this game to not only LOTR fans, but to any video game fans itching for a great open world. Who knows? You might just get into a whole new franchise while you're at it!
Score: 8.5/10
If the quest design wasn't so horrible, this would likely be a lot higher
Take every cringey jrpg trope ever invented, and put it onto one game. With awful voice acting, quest design, etc.
2017
Garbage
2017
Nearly broken. Literally had to cheese the game to advance at times. Probably better on pc
A really well made jrpg, has a bit of a slow start, and the final dungeon/boss drag quite a bit. Otherwise, it's a stellar example of world building and story telling. You'll have to resist starting the next game immediately