SNESmapper
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2017
This was a launch title for the Nintendo Switch that fails to capture the fun of previous games in the series and fails to capitalize in offering features that could use the advantage of modern hardware. The single player mode offers a simple story and decent levels but the design itself is nothing to write home about and some of the boss battles are downright broken (I had to rely on sheer luck for some of them in order to beat the bosses).
Not the best Bomberman game out there, that's for sure.
Not the best Bomberman game out there, that's for sure.
2022
Thought this was going to be a cat meme type of game ala Goat Simulator but was pleasantly surprised as I played the game and kept getting more involved in the world and the mystery behind it.
It was an overall pleasant experience that doesn't overstay its welcome (can be completed in less than 10 hours) and provides a decent combination of good graphics, controls, decent puzzles and an intriguing world.
It was an overall pleasant experience that doesn't overstay its welcome (can be completed in less than 10 hours) and provides a decent combination of good graphics, controls, decent puzzles and an intriguing world.
Really enjoyed the shorter nature of this game which still manages to pack all the action, exploration, and set pieces that mainline games feature. This game features new semi-open-world sections in certain chapters that are fun to explore and offer something new to the series. Graphics and overall presentation are top-notch and in line with the Uncharted games.
2015
One of my favorite entries in the Yakuza series in terms of setting, story, and gameplay. It's somewhat hard to recommend this to newcomers to this series: even though it's the first game chronologically, it's also one of the best so it could spoil new players when they play less stellar games like Yakuza 1 or 3.
This game follows the beginnings of the yakuza lifestyle of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, offering gameplay variety by switching characters as the game progresses. The 80s Japan setting is well done but I wish it was a bit more accentuated. Overall, this game offers a ton of great content and explores one of the most interesting and early parts of the Yakuza storyline.
This game follows the beginnings of the yakuza lifestyle of Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, offering gameplay variety by switching characters as the game progresses. The 80s Japan setting is well done but I wish it was a bit more accentuated. Overall, this game offers a ton of great content and explores one of the most interesting and early parts of the Yakuza storyline.
Another story-driven adventure game that takes place before the first Life is Strange game and focuses in the backstory of Chloe. Without going into spoiler territory, I don't think this game reached the same heights that Life is Strange did in terms of storytelling, story decisions and characters. Nevertheless, it's a good game that helps expand some of the characters and story in this universe.
2017
There were some disappointing aspects to this game that I wish were taken care of such as the inability to change load-outs between matches (at least in the first few months the game came out, not sure if this was addressed through a patch), not being able to play with a friend for the most part (my friend kept getting placed in the opposing team), lack of robust voice chat system (more of a Nintendo problem), etc.
The single-player campaign is solid and was fun but I still think the first game had a better campaign and final boss.
The single-player campaign is solid and was fun but I still think the first game had a better campaign and final boss.
2016
Doom 2016 is one of best modern first-person shooters thanks to its fast-paced twitch based gunplay combined with excellent graphics and smooth performance thanks to solid frame rates.
It provides a familiar yet interesting story featuring the Doom Slayer that sheds more information as you progress through the game and find collectibles.
Levels are very well designed and offer multiple areas to explore as well as secret areas, providing a small open level feeling.
It provides a familiar yet interesting story featuring the Doom Slayer that sheds more information as you progress through the game and find collectibles.
Levels are very well designed and offer multiple areas to explore as well as secret areas, providing a small open level feeling.
This is one of the best and most solid SNK fighters released to date thanks to the responsive controls and amazing sprite work and corresponding animations.
The standout characters for this game are Terry Bogard and Rock Howard, and the single-player arcade mode provides a good background on their story.
The standout characters for this game are Terry Bogard and Rock Howard, and the single-player arcade mode provides a good background on their story.
2006
Ys Origin is (to date) my favorite Ys game and one of my favorite RPGs of all time. It's hard to explain and convey why I feel that way towards the game since it doesn't really offer anything earth-shattering in terms of gameplay and storyline but on a personal level I really enjoyed the setting, the character development in the game, the fast-paced action-based combat system, the soundtrack (best intro in Ys series) and how the game lays out the story for future Ys games.
Regarding character development, I really enjoyed how Yunica and Hugo turned out. Yunica starts as a sweet-loving and somewhat insecure scout group member due to her inability to use magic. However, as the journey of escalating Darm Tower's unfolds, she develops a strong will and determination that culminates with her confidence and overall character completely different to when she started this story. Hugo's character provides a good contrast to Yunica in the sense that he has a very "easy to hate" cocky and unpleasant personality that, someway-somehow, ends up growing on the player as his journey unfolds and you learn more about his past.
Despite the game only taking place at Darm Tower, I felt like the different levels offer as much variety as they can; and combined with different enemies, mild puzzles, and interesting (and challenging) boss battles, they make up for a fun journey full of surprises via the different plot changes that happen.
Regarding character development, I really enjoyed how Yunica and Hugo turned out. Yunica starts as a sweet-loving and somewhat insecure scout group member due to her inability to use magic. However, as the journey of escalating Darm Tower's unfolds, she develops a strong will and determination that culminates with her confidence and overall character completely different to when she started this story. Hugo's character provides a good contrast to Yunica in the sense that he has a very "easy to hate" cocky and unpleasant personality that, someway-somehow, ends up growing on the player as his journey unfolds and you learn more about his past.
Despite the game only taking place at Darm Tower, I felt like the different levels offer as much variety as they can; and combined with different enemies, mild puzzles, and interesting (and challenging) boss battles, they make up for a fun journey full of surprises via the different plot changes that happen.
2014
Solid shmup all around with good visuals and controls. Gameplay requires good knowledge and use of sub-weapons throughout the game.
This game offers an interesting "choose your own adventure/decision" type of mechanic that warrants multiple playthroughs. There are many types of endings ranging from bad to the true ending but for the most part they have negative implications. Gameplay is decent with action-based combat system but it will start getting repetitive if you go for all the endings. I decided to push through and get all the endings (and trophies) and even though the game becomes repetitive and somewhat stale, it still keep a somewhat high level of interest to see what the new unlocked ending will offer.
2017
This is the peak (at least for the time being) for the Mario Kart series. This game manages to provide great colorful visuals with tight gameplay featuring on-point drifting mechanics and (as best as it can be) item system.
Besides being an incredibly well rounded kart game, MK8 Deluxe also manages to be a Nintendo fan-service fest, featuring a solid mix of new and classic levels, as well as characters.
Besides being an incredibly well rounded kart game, MK8 Deluxe also manages to be a Nintendo fan-service fest, featuring a solid mix of new and classic levels, as well as characters.
A Mario Sports game that offers variety and quantity over quality in terms of the sports offered. Tennis and Golf (which have their standalone Mario games on the 3DS) are simplified versions of the main titles. Soccer is fun but not on the level of the Striker games. Horse Racing is an interesting addition and offering but it does not overly excel at anything.
I completed all tournaments. All in all, this is an average offering by Nintendo but good enough for quick sessions and killing time.
I completed all tournaments. All in all, this is an average offering by Nintendo but good enough for quick sessions and killing time.
Played this solo and managed to have a good time. This is basically Final Fantasy mixed with Monster Hunter elements in the sense that you set out on missions where you face different types of bosses that you will have to loot in order to get better gear.
It does get repetitive and a bit stale towards the end but overall it was a good experience and manages to pay homage to the Final Fantasy series.
It does get repetitive and a bit stale towards the end but overall it was a good experience and manages to pay homage to the Final Fantasy series.
2017
ARMS represents the off-shoot rare IPs that Nintendo comes up with every now and then. This is by no means a fantastic game nor does it offer a ton of gameplay but I personally enjoyed my time with this game and set my expectations in check in order to enjoy it.
Gameplay is quirky and different from anything else I've played before which is one of the aspects I enjoyed the most about this game. Generally, gameplay seems slow due to the extended arms melee combat but the game does warrant quick thinking and properly strategizing against the different fighters the game has to offer.
Overall, this game features unique gameplay, interesting characters and colorful graphics. Worth checking out if you are a Switch owner.
Gameplay is quirky and different from anything else I've played before which is one of the aspects I enjoyed the most about this game. Generally, gameplay seems slow due to the extended arms melee combat but the game does warrant quick thinking and properly strategizing against the different fighters the game has to offer.
Overall, this game features unique gameplay, interesting characters and colorful graphics. Worth checking out if you are a Switch owner.