I wanted to give this game a perfect score, but I can't judge games based just on the first half. With that said, the first half of Grim Fandango features witty dialogue, meaningful puzzles, endearing characters and one of the finest stories you will experience in any game.
While I would never claim the second half has none of that, the settings in year 3 clash with the city/noir aesthetic established in the first half of the game, and the settings in year 4 are mostly reused from years 1 and 2. I found the puzzles more cheap and frustrating as the game went on, the main villain was a disappointment and the story, while still wonderful, did feel rushed at points as the adventure neared its conclusion.
All grievances from the weaker half of the game aside, I believe this is a game every gamer should experience at least once. Or, if you're like me, play it once a year!
While I would never claim the second half has none of that, the settings in year 3 clash with the city/noir aesthetic established in the first half of the game, and the settings in year 4 are mostly reused from years 1 and 2. I found the puzzles more cheap and frustrating as the game went on, the main villain was a disappointment and the story, while still wonderful, did feel rushed at points as the adventure neared its conclusion.
All grievances from the weaker half of the game aside, I believe this is a game every gamer should experience at least once. Or, if you're like me, play it once a year!