ScoutmasterDemi
2022
I most loved Dave in the earlier stages where the "push your luck" diving elements were more pronounced. The game does a good job at pacing its new mechanics but none of them are particularly deep.
1986
The first open world Zelda! I was expecting cryptic nonsense, but the game is pretty straight up with its secrets and progression. I love how keys in dungeons can be taken to others, and there's a real charm to its simplicity. I prefer the more linear Zeldas for their presentation and depth, but don't sleep on this 40 year old game because I was very surprised by my enjoyment!
2019
Wow! It takes the best elements of the original while offering an updated and exciting combat. Limited inventories are stressful in the best way possible. It is a thrilling game made all the better by staying true to classic game design. It's also gorgeous and I seeing baby-faced & innocent Leon get gradually worn down by the tension of a small-scale apocalypse.
Silly and self-aware, it serves its purpose and doesn't overstay it's welcome. Being free is icing on the biscuit.
2021
The mashup of "roguelike" + "dating sim" is a fresh concept, but it feels like both sides of the equation aren't up to snuff. A bit more polish on the combat would have gone a long way to making this feel less gimmicky.
Big shoutout to the creep character for the best simulation of unwanted advances.
Big shoutout to the creep character for the best simulation of unwanted advances.
2000
The game that I wanted Legends 1 to be! There are some VERY unfair zenny grinds that are unfortunately necessary to not be miserable in dungeons. I can absolutely forgive it. The opening scene alone is worth every penny!
There's really no game like this: the aesthetic, voices, and humor are all great, and the varied gameplay keeps things fresh throughout the game.
Navigating the ship's menus wasn't easy, and there are many aspects of the Servbot system that are arbitrarily complicated or are unneeded for the challenges the game provides. Still, this is one game I'll gladly vouch for!
Navigating the ship's menus wasn't easy, and there are many aspects of the Servbot system that are arbitrarily complicated or are unneeded for the challenges the game provides. Still, this is one game I'll gladly vouch for!
This review contains spoilers
Better than I expected! While the reaction commands might seem bare-bones compared to later Mario titles, it's still a blast. Many tracks are forgettable while others are iconic. Yoko Shimomura really hits her stride in the rest of the Mario RPG series.
Smithy's villains are pretty mid, but the endgame areas and themes are unsettling in the coolest way. In a wholesome world of wishes, the desire to fill that world with weapons feels absolutely sacrilegious. It was so clever to emphasize that dichotomy... This is my favorite villain in all of Mario because it truly feels invasive. It was clever of the devs to consider the magic of Mario's world and the sorts of evil that could soil it.
Smithy's villains are pretty mid, but the endgame areas and themes are unsettling in the coolest way. In a wholesome world of wishes, the desire to fill that world with weapons feels absolutely sacrilegious. It was so clever to emphasize that dichotomy... This is my favorite villain in all of Mario because it truly feels invasive. It was clever of the devs to consider the magic of Mario's world and the sorts of evil that could soil it.
2001
The tension that enemy ghosts give as you suck them in is very satisfying.
Dated controls, a bit too short. The power ups weren't very impactful, and the progression was more-or-less exactly tied to finding keys. I also wish Luigi's fear played up more than just his expressions -- maybe if he sprinted out of control at moments or had more cutscenes to emphasize it? (The humming he does is fantastic though!)
Dated controls, a bit too short. The power ups weren't very impactful, and the progression was more-or-less exactly tied to finding keys. I also wish Luigi's fear played up more than just his expressions -- maybe if he sprinted out of control at moments or had more cutscenes to emphasize it? (The humming he does is fantastic though!)
This review contains spoilers
I want to be so smug, to berate the game for the horrendous and borderline unforgivable performance issues that shipped in the most profitable franchise in the world's marquis game. The lack of voice acting is equally jarring, and I wish that the various routes weren't level-gated to be truly open.
But... Area Zero was surprisingly GREAT! Like... really, really great. And the new Pokemon and evolutions are pretty cool. It really is a fun game. Let's hope Gamefreak heard the backlash and gives their development cycle more time to really give these games a fair shake.
But... Area Zero was surprisingly GREAT! Like... really, really great. And the new Pokemon and evolutions are pretty cool. It really is a fun game. Let's hope Gamefreak heard the backlash and gives their development cycle more time to really give these games a fair shake.
2022
This review contains spoilers
An invigorating return to form! While I normally don't love collect-a-thons, Frontiers does it right: it's full of rewarding ventures around every nook and cranny. It's such a blast blasting through massive landscapes at top speed. The bosses are memorably epic. Ian Flynn is top-notch: I love the final boss's characterization. I can't wait to see what Sonic Team cooks up next!
This review contains spoilers
Frustrating at times and outdated in certain aspects, the many standout moments trump any ill feelings. The Deku Tree's passing, Zelda's escape from Hyrule Castle, Ganondorf onthe organ, and... the finale... Wow! The payoff is there and so much more.
1997
Short but enjoyable, a very different kind of Mega Man game. I love the personality squeezed into every cutscene. The entire time I was wondering when our airship would depart for other lands. Kattelox Island does have its moments though, and while the gameplay is rigid (it predates analog PS1 controls), it's a fun time.
There were some really great moments, and the scenario was both strong and intriguing, though it does overstay its welcome a pinch. I wish the brutal difficulty could be toned down ever so slightly, as the long length is made even longer by the necessity of grinding.
2016
Possibly the definitive Pokemon experience. Black and White come close, but it's hard to put a price on how refreshing the Alola region is and the excitement of the first ever regional variants.
And my boy GUZMA!!
And my boy GUZMA!!