OmiGCN
I am definitely biased because this game is my childhood, but I really consider this to be the best Mario Kart to date, especially with friends.
Variety of characters? Check.
Variety of tracks? Check (not as much as newer games but good on its own).
Fun? Once again, check, I consider Mario Kart to be chaos in essence, and this game (thanks to double the amount of items, and special crazy items specific to a character) embraces the chaos better than any other game in the series.
Multi-player? Check, it has so many different modes to play against your friends, and a mode that gets one player to control the car and the other to throw the items, that is, again, chaotic.
This game is definitely a must-play if you want to play Mario Kart with friends, or to experience what is, in my honest opinion, the Mario Kart that understands what Mario Kart truly should be: unfiltered fun chaos
Only downside I could honestly find to this game is the controls: they are not bad but they are a bit slippery, it requires getting used to them.
Overall, awesome game, especially with friends.
Variety of characters? Check.
Variety of tracks? Check (not as much as newer games but good on its own).
Fun? Once again, check, I consider Mario Kart to be chaos in essence, and this game (thanks to double the amount of items, and special crazy items specific to a character) embraces the chaos better than any other game in the series.
Multi-player? Check, it has so many different modes to play against your friends, and a mode that gets one player to control the car and the other to throw the items, that is, again, chaotic.
This game is definitely a must-play if you want to play Mario Kart with friends, or to experience what is, in my honest opinion, the Mario Kart that understands what Mario Kart truly should be: unfiltered fun chaos
Only downside I could honestly find to this game is the controls: they are not bad but they are a bit slippery, it requires getting used to them.
Overall, awesome game, especially with friends.
2005
Hideki Naganuma made this 10 times better than it should have been. Aside from that, the stages are cool, the bosses are somewhat boring but they have some interesting gimmicks going on. Definitely challenging enough, give this game a try.
1993
It does not have a lot of content, but you should not expect that from a 1993 arcade game anyways. It definitely has challenges to keep you entertained (damn you black car) but you may get tired from it unless you really like it. Overall, a solid start to a series that most arcade racing fans love, with enough of its characteristic controls to make you fall in love with.
2002
This is, without a doubt, one of the most immersive games I've played. Controls are good enough (they are better in the Wii version to be honest), but the whole atmosphere and the world this game makes you experience make it one of the best games I've ever played. Graphics-wise, it still holds up, with some really impressive lighting techniques for the time it launched.
Definitely a timeless classic that everyone should, at the very least, try once.
Definitely a timeless classic that everyone should, at the very least, try once.
2020
An extremely impressive tech-demo that goes much harder than it actually should. I had a really great time with it, and I would definitely want a full-fledged game with this little guy. The best use of DualSense's features, for now at least.
Review for the DS version (completely DIFFERENT from Wii/PS2/PSP)
As a kid, I used to play this game, but I couldn't get past the first big boss, or at least I don't recall so.
Having played the entire thing a lot of years later, I can say that while this game has redeeming qualities and is actually good by licensed games' standards, it falls short in some regards.
The music is pretty much a banger, with the boss theme and other tracks like Hoover Dam being the best in the soundtrack.
Gameplay, while cool, does feel rough at times, with not enough feedback to know when you're actually damaging enemies at times.
It's a good time, but it's something I can't see myself going back into again, unless my nostalgia kicks in, to be honest.
As a kid, I used to play this game, but I couldn't get past the first big boss, or at least I don't recall so.
Having played the entire thing a lot of years later, I can say that while this game has redeeming qualities and is actually good by licensed games' standards, it falls short in some regards.
The music is pretty much a banger, with the boss theme and other tracks like Hoover Dam being the best in the soundtrack.
Gameplay, while cool, does feel rough at times, with not enough feedback to know when you're actually damaging enemies at times.
It's a good time, but it's something I can't see myself going back into again, unless my nostalgia kicks in, to be honest.
1999
Having played this game 20 years after its original launch, I can see why people say this is a really dated experience, yet I can't bring myself to actually dislike what I went through.
We have Ryo Hazuki as the MC trying to avenge his father, and that's pretty much the motivations behind the actual game plot going the way it does.
However, I feel the way it's pulled off feels really well-done, seeing that you can at times feel the actual resolution and determination in Ryo to go after Lan Di, the guy who killed his father, while still feeling the struggle and melancholy of leaving everything behind (including Nozomi, which actually hurts) in the actual game.
Gameplay-wise, it's just a walking simulator with some fights (gameplay being ripped out of Virtua Fighter) here and there.
However, it has to be one of the most immersive and charming experiences I've played in a good while: everything contributes to the atmosphere, from little side quests like the cat, to the soundtrack, and the actual game system, which feels closer to a real-life simulation than an actual game at times. They even took real weather data in the time frame the game takes place in and added it into the game, if that isn't dedication I don't really know what else could be it.
It's a masterpiece in its own merit, but a flawed one at that, seeing as you could actually end up waiting with no real stuff to do except wandering around or even using your phone in real life.
However, truth is, there is something so unique about this game that there is no way I could be even close to hate it.
Definitely NOT a game for everyone, but for some of you, it's worth your time.
We have Ryo Hazuki as the MC trying to avenge his father, and that's pretty much the motivations behind the actual game plot going the way it does.
However, I feel the way it's pulled off feels really well-done, seeing that you can at times feel the actual resolution and determination in Ryo to go after Lan Di, the guy who killed his father, while still feeling the struggle and melancholy of leaving everything behind (including Nozomi, which actually hurts) in the actual game.
Gameplay-wise, it's just a walking simulator with some fights (gameplay being ripped out of Virtua Fighter) here and there.
However, it has to be one of the most immersive and charming experiences I've played in a good while: everything contributes to the atmosphere, from little side quests like the cat, to the soundtrack, and the actual game system, which feels closer to a real-life simulation than an actual game at times. They even took real weather data in the time frame the game takes place in and added it into the game, if that isn't dedication I don't really know what else could be it.
It's a masterpiece in its own merit, but a flawed one at that, seeing as you could actually end up waiting with no real stuff to do except wandering around or even using your phone in real life.
However, truth is, there is something so unique about this game that there is no way I could be even close to hate it.
Definitely NOT a game for everyone, but for some of you, it's worth your time.
2008
This game (here comes an actual cheesy as hell sentence to make you interested) feels like Undertale before the actual Undertale came out.
Now that I probably caught your attention, for better or for worse, I'll explain myself.
First of all, this game is actually FREE, so why aren't you playing it yet? :(
That aside, this game feels revolutionary in its own right, I won't spoil any details but hoo boy was this an experience. The game itself controls like a classic RPG (it's a literal RPG Maker game, nothing else should be expected). However, it's the actual world, vibe, and the overall story what makes me rate this game that high, since the gameplay just works as a medium to bring this story to life.
The music, the characters, everything feels so surreal yet so unique that it brings a feeling you barely get when playing games anymore.
Story/ambience is its main selling point, but as I can't say anything about that, just trust me, it's that good.
If you're gonna play this game, it's short, you could beat it in a few hours, but you should at the very least try to unlock the secret ending scene (doesn't bring much to the table, honestly, but it's the way you can experience all the game has to offer).
Try not to look too much online, and just play this game (in any case just search for vague hints for the secret ending scene), it's literally free, and I assure you it's a great experience.
Now that I probably caught your attention, for better or for worse, I'll explain myself.
First of all, this game is actually FREE, so why aren't you playing it yet? :(
That aside, this game feels revolutionary in its own right, I won't spoil any details but hoo boy was this an experience. The game itself controls like a classic RPG (it's a literal RPG Maker game, nothing else should be expected). However, it's the actual world, vibe, and the overall story what makes me rate this game that high, since the gameplay just works as a medium to bring this story to life.
The music, the characters, everything feels so surreal yet so unique that it brings a feeling you barely get when playing games anymore.
Story/ambience is its main selling point, but as I can't say anything about that, just trust me, it's that good.
If you're gonna play this game, it's short, you could beat it in a few hours, but you should at the very least try to unlock the secret ending scene (doesn't bring much to the table, honestly, but it's the way you can experience all the game has to offer).
Try not to look too much online, and just play this game (in any case just search for vague hints for the secret ending scene), it's literally free, and I assure you it's a great experience.
1992
The game ever, so good they were afraid of making a sequel because of it not being as good as the first one.
A masterpiece that will make you go deaf because of its superb sfx and music.
It will probably make your eyes melt because of its crisp and outstanding visuals.
Life-changing game too, made my wife stay and it helped in winning the lottery.
Please play this game.
A masterpiece that will make you go deaf because of its superb sfx and music.
It will probably make your eyes melt because of its crisp and outstanding visuals.
Life-changing game too, made my wife stay and it helped in winning the lottery.
Please play this game.
Since this entry contains Chapters 1 to 4, I'm gonna review them individually (with as little spoilers as possible) and add a summary for the bundle itself after all of them to sum up my thoughts on it as a whole.
Note: you can also find these reviews submitted individually in the respective chapters' pages.
---[Higurashi Ch. 1 ~ Onikakushi]---
Score: 9/10
Considering this chapter is free on Steam, if I didn't have the rest of Higurashi in my possession already this would have sold me on the entire thing. Great start, great presentation of the whole premise, I love the characters and the SoL content. After the first half finishes this turns into one of the best experiences I've had in this medium so that really means something. Overall, a really good experience and a great start, setting the mysteries you'll want to unravel from here onwards.
---[Higurashi Ch. 2 ~ Watanagashi]---
Score: 9/10
Even though it's still a really enjoyable chapter, it didn't hit nearly as hard as Chapter 1 did. The Slice of Life content is still really good and entertaining and so is the more serious and eerie stuff, but it lacked impact compared to Chapter 1 (it may not be fair to compare it as much but oh well). Considering giving it a 8 due to the weird pacing at times and the lack of impact, but it still deserves a 9. Still great with the introduction of new characters and setting up the mystery even further.
---[Higurashi Ch. 3 ~ Tatarigoroshi]---
Score: 10/10
This is so far the peak of Higurashi, this whole chapter is amazing from start to finish, Satoko went from being my least favourite main character to one of my favourite characters overall. A specific optional tip in Day 7 made me die inside a bit, which is the only time this game had this kind of impact on me. The second half of this chapter is just perfectly written and crafted, Keiichi really shows how good of a MC he can be, and the entire ending of this left me in awe. If it does get better than this, I'm in for a ride.
---[Higurashi Ch. 4 ~ Himatsubushi]---
Score: 8/10
I don't really have much to say about this, to be completely honest. It gave more mystery to some existing unknowns and it was a nice change of pace from the previous three chapters. Ooishi and the MC really shine here, but as much as I like this chapter, giving it a 9/10 would be unfair to the other three, as this one really shows it's a bonus chapter at times (plus it's quite short compared to the rest). Still worth it and a great time regardless.
---[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (Question Arcs)]---
Score: 9/10
Definitely a solid read that has captured my attention completely, as I love both sides/natures of what it has to offer. If it gets better than this, sign me in for the Answers Arcs (which I'm probably starting soon enough).
Note: you can also find these reviews submitted individually in the respective chapters' pages.
---[Higurashi Ch. 1 ~ Onikakushi]---
Score: 9/10
Considering this chapter is free on Steam, if I didn't have the rest of Higurashi in my possession already this would have sold me on the entire thing. Great start, great presentation of the whole premise, I love the characters and the SoL content. After the first half finishes this turns into one of the best experiences I've had in this medium so that really means something. Overall, a really good experience and a great start, setting the mysteries you'll want to unravel from here onwards.
---[Higurashi Ch. 2 ~ Watanagashi]---
Score: 9/10
Even though it's still a really enjoyable chapter, it didn't hit nearly as hard as Chapter 1 did. The Slice of Life content is still really good and entertaining and so is the more serious and eerie stuff, but it lacked impact compared to Chapter 1 (it may not be fair to compare it as much but oh well). Considering giving it a 8 due to the weird pacing at times and the lack of impact, but it still deserves a 9. Still great with the introduction of new characters and setting up the mystery even further.
---[Higurashi Ch. 3 ~ Tatarigoroshi]---
Score: 10/10
This is so far the peak of Higurashi, this whole chapter is amazing from start to finish, Satoko went from being my least favourite main character to one of my favourite characters overall. A specific optional tip in Day 7 made me die inside a bit, which is the only time this game had this kind of impact on me. The second half of this chapter is just perfectly written and crafted, Keiichi really shows how good of a MC he can be, and the entire ending of this left me in awe. If it does get better than this, I'm in for a ride.
---[Higurashi Ch. 4 ~ Himatsubushi]---
Score: 8/10
I don't really have much to say about this, to be completely honest. It gave more mystery to some existing unknowns and it was a nice change of pace from the previous three chapters. Ooishi and the MC really shine here, but as much as I like this chapter, giving it a 9/10 would be unfair to the other three, as this one really shows it's a bonus chapter at times (plus it's quite short compared to the rest). Still worth it and a great time regardless.
---[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (Question Arcs)]---
Score: 9/10
Definitely a solid read that has captured my attention completely, as I love both sides/natures of what it has to offer. If it gets better than this, sign me in for the Answers Arcs (which I'm probably starting soon enough).
Considering this chapter is free on Steam, if I didn't have the rest of Higurashi in my possession already this would have sold me on the entire thing. Great start, great presentation of the whole premise, I love the characters and the SoL content. After the first half finishes this turns into one of the best experiences I've had in this medium so that really means something. Overall, a really good experience and a great start, setting the mysteries you'll want to unravel from here onwards.
Even though it's still a really enjoyable chapter, it didn't hit nearly as hard as Chapter 1 did. The Slice of Life content is still really good and entertaining and so is the more serious and eerie stuff, but it lacked impact compared to Chapter 1 (it may not be fair to compare it as much but oh well). Considering giving it a 8 due to the weird pacing at times and the lack of impact, but it still deserves a 9. Still great with the introduction of new characters and further setting up the mystery.
This is so far the peak of Higurashi, this whole chapter is amazing from start to finish, Satoko went from being my least favourite main character to one of my favourite characters overall. A specific tip in Day 7 killed me inside, which is the only time this game had this much impact on me. The second half of this chapter is just perfectly written and crafted, Keiichi really shows how good of a MC he can be, and the entire ending of this left me in awe. If it does get better than this, I'm in for a ride.
I don't really have much to say about this, to be completely honest. It gave more mystery to some existing unknowns and it was a nice change of pace from the previous three chapters. Ooishi and the MC really shine here, but as much as I like this chapter, giving it a 9/10 would be unfair to the other three, as this one really shows it's a bonus chapter at times (plus it's quite short compared to the rest). Still worth it and a great time regardless.
2017
So, I tried this game out of curiosity after having heard of it, mainly due to being one of Arcaea's first collabs with other rhythm games.
The servers are no longer online and it's no longer downloadable through Google Play Store, so yeah it's sadly died off, therefore I could only try offline mode, which is as barebones as it can get, since it only consists in trying out the songs the game has in Practice Mode, that, as far as I can tell, doesn't even save your top scores.
Whatever modes and content the game had online, I can't talk about them from experience, though I might get better informed about it and come back to fill that out eventually.
After having played for a while, I can say it's pretty fun: the songs, even though it doesn't have much as the game didn't last too long, are pretty good and what you'd expect from an arcade-y rhythm game, and the chart are decently fun, with a fair level curve to get better at the game.
Its graphics are also really pretty, with how the character sprites look and all, so there's that to take into account too.
What I don't get are the ratings, I've managed to do a Full Combo in one song, with almost all of it being perfect notes, yet I didn't get even an A, just a B, and considering there's also A, S and SS, I don't know what I'm exactly missing out on (if my memory serves me right I do recall reading something about how the ranking system was pretty much broken or really weird in the last updates so that might be it).
Last, but not least, its English translation is serviceable enough, but a complete mess, there's no way that wasn't machine translated.
To sum it up, this is a potential-filled yet unpolished rhythm game that sadly went off too soon, the visuals are really pretty and if properly ironed out could have been a really good rhythm game, but alas, it couldn't.
If Collesta, the game devs, ever decide to try a revival, I'll be there to try it out as from the little I could play of it, they were getting onto something and I'd be glad to watch them polish it up and try again.
P.D. This score may not accurately reflect what the game was during its active runtime, I'll try to figure that out eventually.
The servers are no longer online and it's no longer downloadable through Google Play Store, so yeah it's sadly died off, therefore I could only try offline mode, which is as barebones as it can get, since it only consists in trying out the songs the game has in Practice Mode, that, as far as I can tell, doesn't even save your top scores.
Whatever modes and content the game had online, I can't talk about them from experience, though I might get better informed about it and come back to fill that out eventually.
After having played for a while, I can say it's pretty fun: the songs, even though it doesn't have much as the game didn't last too long, are pretty good and what you'd expect from an arcade-y rhythm game, and the chart are decently fun, with a fair level curve to get better at the game.
Its graphics are also really pretty, with how the character sprites look and all, so there's that to take into account too.
What I don't get are the ratings, I've managed to do a Full Combo in one song, with almost all of it being perfect notes, yet I didn't get even an A, just a B, and considering there's also A, S and SS, I don't know what I'm exactly missing out on (if my memory serves me right I do recall reading something about how the ranking system was pretty much broken or really weird in the last updates so that might be it).
Last, but not least, its English translation is serviceable enough, but a complete mess, there's no way that wasn't machine translated.
To sum it up, this is a potential-filled yet unpolished rhythm game that sadly went off too soon, the visuals are really pretty and if properly ironed out could have been a really good rhythm game, but alas, it couldn't.
If Collesta, the game devs, ever decide to try a revival, I'll be there to try it out as from the little I could play of it, they were getting onto something and I'd be glad to watch them polish it up and try again.
P.D. This score may not accurately reflect what the game was during its active runtime, I'll try to figure that out eventually.