ScoutmasterDemi
1995
This review contains spoilers
I was skeptical going into this game. So many people tout it as the Greatest, and while I don't agree, it's certainly worth your time. Entering 2300 AD and 12000 BC for the first time were both huge highlights, ambient experiences elevated by a phenomenal score. If there's one strength Chrono Trigger has, it's mood. That main theme... It's incredible. Another quick highlight: I decided to fight Lavos at a low level just for fun. When I expectedly lost, I was blown away that a specific game over scenario played... It really left an impression on me.
In lighter news, the courtroom scene is classic! What a fun concept that pokes fun at RPG behavior. And the numerous endings are a lot of fun. Then you've got Magus, an awesome character that is unfortunately held back by a weak cast. No, speaking in Ye Old English is not a character trait, Frog. I hear the DS version fixed some translation issues like that, but a game like this deserves the big screen so I'll be sticking to the SNES.
The serious moments are great while the silly moments (too many IMO) make you roll your eyes. Still, the game continued to surprise me throughout my playthrough. Most surprising was how fresh battles felt despite being over 20 years old! I loved the combination of turn-taking and location on the battle map mattering, plus the party combination are just awesome. All in all, a worthy game.
In lighter news, the courtroom scene is classic! What a fun concept that pokes fun at RPG behavior. And the numerous endings are a lot of fun. Then you've got Magus, an awesome character that is unfortunately held back by a weak cast. No, speaking in Ye Old English is not a character trait, Frog. I hear the DS version fixed some translation issues like that, but a game like this deserves the big screen so I'll be sticking to the SNES.
The serious moments are great while the silly moments (too many IMO) make you roll your eyes. Still, the game continued to surprise me throughout my playthrough. Most surprising was how fresh battles felt despite being over 20 years old! I loved the combination of turn-taking and location on the battle map mattering, plus the party combination are just awesome. All in all, a worthy game.
1990
Still plays like a charm. Searching for alternate goalposts and P-Block Switches is a ton of fun. The Cape Feather is busted!
2000
This review contains spoilers
Compared to VII, VIII, and X, this one played it way too safe, to the point of feeling generic. The best thing about it is the battle system: clearly defined jobs are so much better than the "nothingness" of its PS1 predecessors. Unfortunately, this game is full of one-dimensional characters and a lackluster plot. The "big twist" at the end was questionable, though the "You Are Not Alone" sequence is a standout moment and the music, as always, is great. I just can't give this higher than a 6 when Quina exists...
2015
Fascinating concept. This is a great way to introduce your loved ones to the story telling possible in a video game.
2008
This review contains spoilers
I feel so conflicted reviewing Time Hollow. On one hand, the sound direction is incredible, and the main time manipulation mechanic is fascinating. It takes full advantage of the touch screen and leads to some clever easter eggs. Unfortunately, said Easter eggs don't really go anywhere. In a visual novel about "time travel" it seems unforgivable that no action has any bearing on the linear story? Uneven climax. So much squandered potential!
2012
This review contains spoilers
The pinnacle of style in all of game, matched or surpassed only the next entry. Dojima is deliciously real. Nanako is precious. The cast is so charming; I was constantly hungry for more cutscene interaction with them. Except Teddy. He was endearing before he became a human (??) and he's way too conspicuous to ignore. But more than anything else Persona 4 is just FUN. It's the kind of classic you can recommend to almost anyone.
2002
An absolute gem. I can gaze at the cover and listen to "Dearly Beloved" all day.
Everything about Kingdom Hearts is pure magic. You can tell Nomura put all of his craft into making something special. He had something to prove with his mash-up of Disney and Final Fantasy. Sometimes the weight of that crossover hits me unexpectedly, like "Yeah, that was a thing. And it was incredible!!"
Also. "Deep Dive." 'Nuff said.
Everything about Kingdom Hearts is pure magic. You can tell Nomura put all of his craft into making something special. He had something to prove with his mash-up of Disney and Final Fantasy. Sometimes the weight of that crossover hits me unexpectedly, like "Yeah, that was a thing. And it was incredible!!"
Also. "Deep Dive." 'Nuff said.
2000
This review contains spoilers
Choosing when to fire the laser is a hooped mechanic. You can't just dilly-dally all day hunting for upgrades. Plus... You might just get there firing it on a mise! A few standout tunes, possibly the best ending(s) in the series. It's a shame Capcom forced more sequels when this was clearly the intended finale. Pretty good, but I'll take X1 any day.
The secret to this game is that you let your guard down. It's a Shonen game, you've seen it all. Before you know it this game has eclipsed every expectation. So many memorable and downright badass moments go down in the story, the crown jewel of the entire franchise. Battles are fantastic--mixing and matching Styles by drawing upon your Brothers BrotherBands, accumulating Noise to acquire Illegal Cards and while simultaneously transforming into a godly beast... The gameplay loop is fun. Ridiculously fun. Music is top-notch. And while PvP can never live up to Battle Network, this is deep and rewarding in its own right. I think it's all the better because it's a Shonen game. It's a rare game that evokes youth without preying on nostalgia. I can't heap enough praise on Megaman Starforce 3.
This review contains spoilers
Imagine following up a great game by doing the opposite of everything that worked. Vista Point? School? Nah, those important plot beats just don't exist anymore. Constellations? Space? Nah, here's some cheesy... I don't even know what to describe it. But cramming dinosaurs, ninjas, the abominable freaking snowman into a game, it's just dumb. That's the most concise way to describe this game. Dumb. And while you're at it, he's a broken encounter rate. But hey, Rogue is pretty cool.
The secret to this game is that you let your guard down. It's a Shonen game, you've seen it all. Before you know it this game has eclipsed every expectation. So many memorable and downright badass moments go down in the story, the crown jewel of the entire franchise. Battles are fantastic--mixing and matching Styles by drawing upon your Brothers BrotherBands, accumulating Noise to acquire Illegal Cards and while simultaneously transforming into a godly beast... The gameplay loop is fun. Ridiculously fun. Music is top-notch. And while PvP can never live up to Battle Network, this is deep and rewarding in its own right. I think it's all the better because it's a Shonen game. It's a rare game that evokes youth without preying on nostalgia. I can't heap enough praise on Megaman Starforce 3.
2015
This review contains spoilers
Charming, unique, surprisingly fresh battle system. The retro 8-bit style accentuates the dialogue. Genuinely moving, even surprising moments. A great game!
1994
Less good, still great.
1993
One thing that always strikes me is how phenomenal the sound design is. Yes, the music is obviously fantastic, but the BLAST of a charged Mega Buster never fails to impress. Dashing around, climbing up walls... It's just so much fun. While the story is nothing special, there's this quality to the X bootup cutscene that pulls at my imagination. And then the title screen! And the intro stage!! Someone at Capcom knew how to bring the HYPE. Timeless!!!!
2017
At no point in this game did I stop being impressed. Hollow Knight pushes indie game boundaries with unassuming grace. I love how rich the lore is without any hand-holding whatsoever. If you crave exploration in video games, it doesn't get better than this.