Simoss13
2016
Firewatch is a visual novel style game in which took a creative perspective as most of the game is voiced acted over a radio to a faceless female boss.
You start by making life choices, weather you have kids or you move house etc that will lead you taking serenity on a fire tower over the summer looking for early signs of a bush fire. This is done by first person perspective where you trail the forest for suspicious behaviour though the summer.
I loved the idea of a personal story as you choose your options. Although engaged me though the full 4 hour journey there were a few issues;
- The art style they chose was fine and I like low poly textures, it just seems graphically blank walking to point A to point B
- The game is very linear, being in a forest, I would of expected certain areas to be more open to explore and discover.
- Henry (your character) seems to walk a little too show. You can run but keeps turning off.
- Although you can choose dialogue options though having great remarks, this had little impact for the end game. If they have alternative endings from the choices in the story, the replay value would be great.
Overall the biggest issue is the gameplay itself I found to be dull at times as all you mostly do is walk to different parts of the forest. If you want a personal compelling story by all means give it a go but do not feel excited (or even entertained) by the gameplay
You start by making life choices, weather you have kids or you move house etc that will lead you taking serenity on a fire tower over the summer looking for early signs of a bush fire. This is done by first person perspective where you trail the forest for suspicious behaviour though the summer.
I loved the idea of a personal story as you choose your options. Although engaged me though the full 4 hour journey there were a few issues;
- The art style they chose was fine and I like low poly textures, it just seems graphically blank walking to point A to point B
- The game is very linear, being in a forest, I would of expected certain areas to be more open to explore and discover.
- Henry (your character) seems to walk a little too show. You can run but keeps turning off.
- Although you can choose dialogue options though having great remarks, this had little impact for the end game. If they have alternative endings from the choices in the story, the replay value would be great.
Overall the biggest issue is the gameplay itself I found to be dull at times as all you mostly do is walk to different parts of the forest. If you want a personal compelling story by all means give it a go but do not feel excited (or even entertained) by the gameplay
What can I say but tongue in cheek fun. Star Wars Complete Saga stars you off in a hub world and you take on zone representing each movie in the Star Wars universe for when the game was released. Each zone is broken up with 6 levels with the levels being iconic areas in the movie.
You can select you character with the main difference in choosing a jedi or a shooter. The game never takes itself seriously and adds some parodies to the movies which gives it charm.
The theme music and all the characters are thereto choose from.
The games is heavily more made for kids but cannot deny some issues being that if you die there is no consequences other that losing some currency and the vehicles levels. Those vehicles move poorly and can frustrate you at times. I appreciate the gameplay variety but they needed to have far more polish in the design.
The game has an assumed knowledge on the movies. If you haven't watched the movies you may feel out of place with what the game is trying to convey as the in-game plot is weak and no dialogue to queue you in.
Once you finish the main campaign there is plenty to do in terms of mini games and collectables which can unlock some really cool characters.
Give this to you kids (under 12) and they will love it, for me personally the issues was more glaring.
You can select you character with the main difference in choosing a jedi or a shooter. The game never takes itself seriously and adds some parodies to the movies which gives it charm.
The theme music and all the characters are thereto choose from.
The games is heavily more made for kids but cannot deny some issues being that if you die there is no consequences other that losing some currency and the vehicles levels. Those vehicles move poorly and can frustrate you at times. I appreciate the gameplay variety but they needed to have far more polish in the design.
The game has an assumed knowledge on the movies. If you haven't watched the movies you may feel out of place with what the game is trying to convey as the in-game plot is weak and no dialogue to queue you in.
Once you finish the main campaign there is plenty to do in terms of mini games and collectables which can unlock some really cool characters.
Give this to you kids (under 12) and they will love it, for me personally the issues was more glaring.
2017
This game is a system seller! How Mario moves, the level design, the music and the capture mechanic is world class. It was fantastic how you can have a second player as cappy.
The issue I have is forced motion controls. There are plenty of buttons, can't the player choose between motion or button pressing?
I also have an issue that some moves cannot be done done in two player mode and some movements ONLY can be done in two players.
The moons are the main collectible and is highly motivating to go exploring. I find about 50 moons far too easy to obtain and about 100 too tedious or difficult. Do I really need to bounce a ball 100 times for a moon?
This game will make you feel like an excited child, guaranteed!
The issue I have is forced motion controls. There are plenty of buttons, can't the player choose between motion or button pressing?
I also have an issue that some moves cannot be done done in two player mode and some movements ONLY can be done in two players.
The moons are the main collectible and is highly motivating to go exploring. I find about 50 moons far too easy to obtain and about 100 too tedious or difficult. Do I really need to bounce a ball 100 times for a moon?
This game will make you feel like an excited child, guaranteed!
Sly 2 is a step up from the last game being a (mostly) stealth 3d platformer. They took what was iconic and created detailed open zones that feels like a perfect fit for the genre.
There is plenty to love in this game; the small zones that are dense with plenty to do and explore (the complete opposite in todays gaming world), quirky characters and interactions, and the varied gameplay which includes the mini games.
The theme and setting for Sly Cooper is iconic and leans more into it, I enjoy that you can play as all 3 members in this game, all having unique abilities to setup the heist. For instance, Murry can take on 5 enemies no problem while Sly is fantastic in traversing the stage. Sly 2 is not perfect as a few issues I found is:
- World 3, is not good. The missions and level design is sub par. Thankfully it was only one world I had issues with.
- Although an improvement, the story is fine but is lacking punch and the heists seems too lack sense upon what you are to achieve hindering motivation.
- When going though the zones, the game loop barely changes and makes the game repetitive towards the end. The zone areas are similar size and the enemies are the same just a different appearance.
- The games difficulty stays constant after the third zone so lacks the feeling of progression for the player
The game took about 17 hours to beat and was so rich in content. I played it on PS3 but if you are building a PS3 library, this game is one of the greats to have. Now to wish for a PS5 remake
There is plenty to love in this game; the small zones that are dense with plenty to do and explore (the complete opposite in todays gaming world), quirky characters and interactions, and the varied gameplay which includes the mini games.
The theme and setting for Sly Cooper is iconic and leans more into it, I enjoy that you can play as all 3 members in this game, all having unique abilities to setup the heist. For instance, Murry can take on 5 enemies no problem while Sly is fantastic in traversing the stage. Sly 2 is not perfect as a few issues I found is:
- World 3, is not good. The missions and level design is sub par. Thankfully it was only one world I had issues with.
- Although an improvement, the story is fine but is lacking punch and the heists seems too lack sense upon what you are to achieve hindering motivation.
- When going though the zones, the game loop barely changes and makes the game repetitive towards the end. The zone areas are similar size and the enemies are the same just a different appearance.
- The games difficulty stays constant after the third zone so lacks the feeling of progression for the player
The game took about 17 hours to beat and was so rich in content. I played it on PS3 but if you are building a PS3 library, this game is one of the greats to have. Now to wish for a PS5 remake
2023
I played Pikmin 3 and could not resonate with me but playing Pikmin 4 was a different story. Pikmin 4 was simultaneously a relaxing and intense time.
I welcome the changes to the franchise including the perspective, adding a helpful dog and challenge arenas. The gameplay loop was addictive with their amazing level designs along with the game mechanics to make it all come together perfectly. It does so well, that I 100%'ed the game. Which is a rare for me.
The traditions of a day cycle, collecting Pikmin and collecting items is all there. They also reintroduced caves from Pikmin 2 which was great to see.
They added customising your character and time management puzzles which was satisfying.
As much as I loved the charm and presentation, the game has some very minor issues of:
- Load times being quite lengthy (this could be a hardware issue)
- I don't normally care, but I really want a New Game Plus option.
- The final (about 5%) was very tedious and/or challenging having the last cave being a chore to do. Just note the final cave is optional to get the good ending the game.
Pikmin 4 is good for the soul and with 6 worlds to cover, it stayed it's welcome perfectly. Took me around 50 hours to 100% (with the secret ending) of the game and may come back to it again.
I welcome the changes to the franchise including the perspective, adding a helpful dog and challenge arenas. The gameplay loop was addictive with their amazing level designs along with the game mechanics to make it all come together perfectly. It does so well, that I 100%'ed the game. Which is a rare for me.
The traditions of a day cycle, collecting Pikmin and collecting items is all there. They also reintroduced caves from Pikmin 2 which was great to see.
They added customising your character and time management puzzles which was satisfying.
As much as I loved the charm and presentation, the game has some very minor issues of:
- Load times being quite lengthy (this could be a hardware issue)
- I don't normally care, but I really want a New Game Plus option.
- The final (about 5%) was very tedious and/or challenging having the last cave being a chore to do. Just note the final cave is optional to get the good ending the game.
Pikmin 4 is good for the soul and with 6 worlds to cover, it stayed it's welcome perfectly. Took me around 50 hours to 100% (with the secret ending) of the game and may come back to it again.
I am not overly into metroidvanias but found this one to be well made. The game also has platforming elements akin to Mario 2d games.
I enjoyed the art style as well as the music as it captivates a Mexican theme. Most importantly, the level design is fantastic, which is crucial for such a game. The controls are tight and majority of deaths felt is was at fault of my own.
Great enemy variety which escalates in difficulty as the game progresses.
There are moments at the end game with so many enemies you will get stunned locked which is unfair. I did find some platforming rooms to be tedious but there is a sense of accomplishment in figuring it out and beating the room. The final two bosses were difficult as they move quickly and have an attack range far greater then yours. Although I can admire the mechanics implemented to test the player on their skill sets.
Overall it took e 8.5hours for the game with some extra side quests done and recommended for people whom are up for the challenge.
I enjoyed the art style as well as the music as it captivates a Mexican theme. Most importantly, the level design is fantastic, which is crucial for such a game. The controls are tight and majority of deaths felt is was at fault of my own.
Great enemy variety which escalates in difficulty as the game progresses.
There are moments at the end game with so many enemies you will get stunned locked which is unfair. I did find some platforming rooms to be tedious but there is a sense of accomplishment in figuring it out and beating the room. The final two bosses were difficult as they move quickly and have an attack range far greater then yours. Although I can admire the mechanics implemented to test the player on their skill sets.
Overall it took e 8.5hours for the game with some extra side quests done and recommended for people whom are up for the challenge.
2018
Crosscode is pixel art RPG that gets a lot of things right with some major caveats. Firstly, I loved the story. The characters and twists made is so compelling. With the story being something very personal and a life experience instead of 'saving the world' cliché, I really wanted to know more. And Emilie is simply the best character.
The pixel art and animations is amazing also. I think its more of a 32bit style having such detail and expressions. I appreciate that they removed the major grindy issues of this game as some "MMORPG's" tend to have.
The combat is engaging. There is a some button mashing enemies but you have to plan and find weak points in attacks. However there was some major downfalls on this game for me:
- The dudgeons. They should be a high point but they were just so long. With some puzzles requiring perfect timing and with so many rooms, it just broke me as it became such a chore.
- The balancing between zones. For instance, in the first zone you fight enemies at level 11 and could be level 12 by the time to move on. But find the enemies in the next zone to be level 16, why the 5 level gap between zones?
- I know you can adjust the difficulty in the game at any moment, as I found the game very difficult but the precision needed to shoot key areas to progress is too tight and became very frustrating.
- Being a top-down game and lack of depth perception I wonder if the platforming had to be such a regular occurrence due to the amount of falls
- Unlike MMO's the opportunity to find great loot is so sparse and you will end up buying gear from vendors. Anyone that play MMO's know that is not what you want to do.
It took me 45 hours to get though but feel it could of been a 30 hour experience and suited me better. It's a great game and expected something different then what I got. Recommended for the gaming enthusiasts out there that love huge dudgeons and a challenge.
The pixel art and animations is amazing also. I think its more of a 32bit style having such detail and expressions. I appreciate that they removed the major grindy issues of this game as some "MMORPG's" tend to have.
The combat is engaging. There is a some button mashing enemies but you have to plan and find weak points in attacks. However there was some major downfalls on this game for me:
- The dudgeons. They should be a high point but they were just so long. With some puzzles requiring perfect timing and with so many rooms, it just broke me as it became such a chore.
- The balancing between zones. For instance, in the first zone you fight enemies at level 11 and could be level 12 by the time to move on. But find the enemies in the next zone to be level 16, why the 5 level gap between zones?
- I know you can adjust the difficulty in the game at any moment, as I found the game very difficult but the precision needed to shoot key areas to progress is too tight and became very frustrating.
- Being a top-down game and lack of depth perception I wonder if the platforming had to be such a regular occurrence due to the amount of falls
- Unlike MMO's the opportunity to find great loot is so sparse and you will end up buying gear from vendors. Anyone that play MMO's know that is not what you want to do.
It took me 45 hours to get though but feel it could of been a 30 hour experience and suited me better. It's a great game and expected something different then what I got. Recommended for the gaming enthusiasts out there that love huge dudgeons and a challenge.
This game defines the adventure genre. I loved exploring, the mechanics and the art style. The tutorial was handled well and hands on. They respected me like I actually played a video game. Some shrines were too ambiguous and frustrating as I needed to look up on how to solve them.
Metroidvanias are not really my type of genre, but there was something that clicked with me in this game that made it amazing.
The graphic style was really captivating. Having a dark moody atmosphere but also had a variety of colours and differing environments made the the game so engaging.
I loved, loved, loved the combat! You basically can take a parry melee hit when an enemy is attacking and can blast them when they are stunned. It never got old. The metroids vary in size and skills and have a decent variety of attack pattern. My favorate part is when you parry, climb on top of them and give a metroid a good dose of missiles down their throat, gives that, 'take this!' feeling when you fist pump.
The levels are well made and the upgrades are relevant and honestly, pretty cool.
The main issues I have (although minor) is the levels can be long and doesn't it make it clear if you need to break a block to progress. I don't want a huge display, but a signal on what is destructible and what is not as I did get lost or spend awhile stuck looking for one block to progress which can be frustrating, a slightly different colour of texture is all.
The story is kinda paper thin, if there was more to explain the purpose of the mission would give a higher motivation t the cause of the game. Another issue I had was it can be a difficult game.
The challenge for me was kinda tough but rewarding. This if Shovel Knight difficulty. I bought this for my 10 year old son and he struggled past Zone 3. If there was a more accessible mode it would be great. Otherwise I can see how this was the best game for 2017 on the 3DS that pays respects to the classic Metroid games in the past.
I got lost a couple of times and therefore took me about 13 hours to finish due to being not the most hardened veterians of the genre. if you like a challenge and the genre you must go and scout this game out.
The graphic style was really captivating. Having a dark moody atmosphere but also had a variety of colours and differing environments made the the game so engaging.
I loved, loved, loved the combat! You basically can take a parry melee hit when an enemy is attacking and can blast them when they are stunned. It never got old. The metroids vary in size and skills and have a decent variety of attack pattern. My favorate part is when you parry, climb on top of them and give a metroid a good dose of missiles down their throat, gives that, 'take this!' feeling when you fist pump.
The levels are well made and the upgrades are relevant and honestly, pretty cool.
The main issues I have (although minor) is the levels can be long and doesn't it make it clear if you need to break a block to progress. I don't want a huge display, but a signal on what is destructible and what is not as I did get lost or spend awhile stuck looking for one block to progress which can be frustrating, a slightly different colour of texture is all.
The story is kinda paper thin, if there was more to explain the purpose of the mission would give a higher motivation t the cause of the game. Another issue I had was it can be a difficult game.
The challenge for me was kinda tough but rewarding. This if Shovel Knight difficulty. I bought this for my 10 year old son and he struggled past Zone 3. If there was a more accessible mode it would be great. Otherwise I can see how this was the best game for 2017 on the 3DS that pays respects to the classic Metroid games in the past.
I got lost a couple of times and therefore took me about 13 hours to finish due to being not the most hardened veterians of the genre. if you like a challenge and the genre you must go and scout this game out.
2017
The story is funny and crazy, its kind of like a South Park episode. The writing in this game was the shining element in the game.
Unfortunately, it was the gameplay and controls that let it down. The gameplay, oh boy! It's not awful, I just personally found it somewhat tedious and annoying. The game plays and replays the same day at school where if you select different narrative paths you will get some unpredictable and shocking different outcomes. At this point I will need to say, THIS GAME IS NOT FOR YOUNG CHILDREN!
Reading new branch text was the highpoint of this game. The main problem is you will have to go though storylines again and again to see a different path and sometimes the different narrative option you choose will lead to the same outcomes or resetting the day over again. In taking this path in making the game to be repetitive and grindy to seek new outcomes.
My biggest frustration is if the last action you make may not be what you expect, you will go to the next scene and left to restart the entire day for one choice you made that wasn't favourable.
When playing the game with a controller, the character moves quite abruptly and uncontrollably fast at times. which wasn't game breaking, was distracting to say the least. When playing with a keyboard and mouse, I find the twitchiness has improved, but you cannot position yourself correctly at times due to moving slightly too fast. I did prefer the controller as all functions are mapped to the face buttons making it easier to navigate in game menu options.
In summary, this game had a plot that was simple but engaging. In doing all story paths took about 6 hours to do. I just would of like to see this broken into a week instead of repeating the same day. If you like story/narrative type games it comes as recommended especially since I spent about $2USD on the game. If you like to see more progress and expecting more action gameplay, I cannot say this is a game for you.
Unfortunately, it was the gameplay and controls that let it down. The gameplay, oh boy! It's not awful, I just personally found it somewhat tedious and annoying. The game plays and replays the same day at school where if you select different narrative paths you will get some unpredictable and shocking different outcomes. At this point I will need to say, THIS GAME IS NOT FOR YOUNG CHILDREN!
Reading new branch text was the highpoint of this game. The main problem is you will have to go though storylines again and again to see a different path and sometimes the different narrative option you choose will lead to the same outcomes or resetting the day over again. In taking this path in making the game to be repetitive and grindy to seek new outcomes.
My biggest frustration is if the last action you make may not be what you expect, you will go to the next scene and left to restart the entire day for one choice you made that wasn't favourable.
When playing the game with a controller, the character moves quite abruptly and uncontrollably fast at times. which wasn't game breaking, was distracting to say the least. When playing with a keyboard and mouse, I find the twitchiness has improved, but you cannot position yourself correctly at times due to moving slightly too fast. I did prefer the controller as all functions are mapped to the face buttons making it easier to navigate in game menu options.
In summary, this game had a plot that was simple but engaging. In doing all story paths took about 6 hours to do. I just would of like to see this broken into a week instead of repeating the same day. If you like story/narrative type games it comes as recommended especially since I spent about $2USD on the game. If you like to see more progress and expecting more action gameplay, I cannot say this is a game for you.
2017
Little Nightmares is a atmospheric puzzle platformer. The graphics, music and tone on offer is amazing and can see the cult following on this game. I like the ability to traverse and use your environment with the ever looming fear it offers.
The variety of gameplay is also interesting as it delivers puzzle solving, stealth and escapes from danger. Surprisingly there are also boss battle moments also.
The game works in what it has to achieve and displays your character evolving over time with no spoken words.
A downfall (for me at least), is a lack of plot. You are just dumped into this zone and you leave. Unsure the underlying purpose of the truly artful game. Yes I got this game for free on Steam, but to pay full retail I would wonder if I got my money's worth with just 4 hours of gameplay. I definitely recommend when a sale appears to try this thriller.
The variety of gameplay is also interesting as it delivers puzzle solving, stealth and escapes from danger. Surprisingly there are also boss battle moments also.
The game works in what it has to achieve and displays your character evolving over time with no spoken words.
A downfall (for me at least), is a lack of plot. You are just dumped into this zone and you leave. Unsure the underlying purpose of the truly artful game. Yes I got this game for free on Steam, but to pay full retail I would wonder if I got my money's worth with just 4 hours of gameplay. I definitely recommend when a sale appears to try this thriller.
A total surprise for me... I am not a big fan of turned based games, but seeing characters move around to cover and a slightly goofy spin peaked my interest. I gave it a go, and played a few maps. After awhile I was slowly getting hooked in without realising. Then all of a sudden it hits me, "I am dedicating waaaay too much on rabbids". You know why? Because this is a thinking game and it's done well.
Don't let the rabbids discourage you. They are sprinkled in to keep it light hearted not moronic nonsense. It is more like 3/4 Mario for a rough idea.
The music is world class and probably the 3rd best OST I've played on Switch so far.
Difficulty curve is steady and fair. I enjoyed the skill tree and item upgrades to add depth to the gameplay.
Choosing the right characters in later stages is important and gets you really planning your battles, choose wisely. The game is a good length of about 25 hours. Any longer it would of been tedious.
The game was good enough that I rushed to buy the DLC and had a great time with that also, shame you can't choose a team on the DLC. Some issues I had:
- I feel the game is a little buggy at times, especially when on an action shot angle
- The AI seem kinda predicable When backtracking to collect prizes
- The fast travel points did not match the campaign battle arenas and can be disorientating to know where you were at times
Don't let the rabbids discourage you. They are sprinkled in to keep it light hearted not moronic nonsense. It is more like 3/4 Mario for a rough idea.
The music is world class and probably the 3rd best OST I've played on Switch so far.
Difficulty curve is steady and fair. I enjoyed the skill tree and item upgrades to add depth to the gameplay.
Choosing the right characters in later stages is important and gets you really planning your battles, choose wisely. The game is a good length of about 25 hours. Any longer it would of been tedious.
The game was good enough that I rushed to buy the DLC and had a great time with that also, shame you can't choose a team on the DLC. Some issues I had:
- I feel the game is a little buggy at times, especially when on an action shot angle
- The AI seem kinda predicable When backtracking to collect prizes
- The fast travel points did not match the campaign battle arenas and can be disorientating to know where you were at times
2011
Mario 3D Land was my first 3DS game I played and have to say, game is great! If you are looking for an open sandbox game or a side scroller, this is not it, its in-between .I feel this was a nice idea and innovative on the franchise. The game is a little easy the main campaign but getting the star coins and the bonus world is rewarding as it unlocks bonus levels. The level design has great variety and should be commended. This game has great value and would recommended.
After many years I tried Black Flag as I was interested in the pirate theme. Luckily I was impressed. Coming into the franchise fresh I feel I'm missing some key points in the story that would of been through the games library arc but the main story of Edward was easy to understand and surprisingly interesting.
I liked the open world nature of the game. Being so vast at the time would of been novel as only few games achieved this on 7th Gen hardware.
The graphics are beautiful (except for the characters faces) still hold up today. There are some minor frame drops but hardly noticeable.
Music is fitting. My favourite is being on your ship sailing in the seas hearing your crew sing shanties, really builds the mood of pirate theme.
I just find blending assassins/templars with pirates in the Caribbean a little jarring.
The upgrade system is fair. However, I did find I had to do some grinding for the resources needed at times.
The game is worth your time clocking about 45hours on the main story and extras. There is some critiques I have though:
- The platforming can be janky causing some frustration. I did die a few times where the character was climbing instead of running (or vice versa)
- The open world is refreshing, I didn't feel the world was exactly "alive" compared to games like GTA. So travelling to islands seem like "copy-paste" and takes some immersion away
- Post the 3/4 mark, the games missions tends to repeat themselves too often
I liked the open world nature of the game. Being so vast at the time would of been novel as only few games achieved this on 7th Gen hardware.
The graphics are beautiful (except for the characters faces) still hold up today. There are some minor frame drops but hardly noticeable.
Music is fitting. My favourite is being on your ship sailing in the seas hearing your crew sing shanties, really builds the mood of pirate theme.
I just find blending assassins/templars with pirates in the Caribbean a little jarring.
The upgrade system is fair. However, I did find I had to do some grinding for the resources needed at times.
The game is worth your time clocking about 45hours on the main story and extras. There is some critiques I have though:
- The platforming can be janky causing some frustration. I did die a few times where the character was climbing instead of running (or vice versa)
- The open world is refreshing, I didn't feel the world was exactly "alive" compared to games like GTA. So travelling to islands seem like "copy-paste" and takes some immersion away
- Post the 3/4 mark, the games missions tends to repeat themselves too often
When I heard that you are a castaway on a mysterious island, it had me intrigued. The plot had a 'Lost' TV show vibe, along with being an ARPG I had to get it.
I found the music to be stellar and only judging by the music I would award a 10/10. Not my favourite type of music but enjoyed it as the guitarist seemed to have a blast jamming at times.
Without going through details, the plot is well illustrated and makes you invested in every character. There is some plot twists and interesting ideas to keep you motivated. However, I feel the plot later sways to the JRPG cliché which loses a unique identity.
The combat is deep yet straight forward and changing characters within the team add variety as they each have different moves and attributes.
The button mapping is unsatisfactory, however you can customise this in the menu options. The upgrade system is easy to understand making it less of a chore to get into the action.
A few issues I encountered on the Switch version I played are:
- Enemies in the far background have a terrible framerate (like single digits) and is comical in a way. When approaching the enemy, the frame rate increases. I am not a FPS snob but something to notice if you are.
- Graphics look strongly like an early PS3 game. Great attempt on their first 3D game but did disappoint me given the framerate issue above.
- Some scenes seem to stretch too for and the characters seems to blurt out the obvious. There are moment I am not playing the game at for for over 20minutes and get me impatient to play the game
- Some scenes jump from full voice audio to just text boxes and seem to be quite random when this happens. Wasn't a major complaint as file size and cost of voice actors, but was it was the inconsistent nature that was jarring.
- The game is riddled with invisible walls that break immersion for me. The game seems more open-world in the images then what is actually happening also. The game is not fully linear but could be more open to explore this wonderful island.
The game took me around 70 hours to finish on hard mode and I got the true ending. Some parts could be streamlined to make it a 60hour experience for me. I recommend playing but cannot say I will play again due to the investment made and long cut scenes in certain areas.
I found the music to be stellar and only judging by the music I would award a 10/10. Not my favourite type of music but enjoyed it as the guitarist seemed to have a blast jamming at times.
Without going through details, the plot is well illustrated and makes you invested in every character. There is some plot twists and interesting ideas to keep you motivated. However, I feel the plot later sways to the JRPG cliché which loses a unique identity.
The combat is deep yet straight forward and changing characters within the team add variety as they each have different moves and attributes.
The button mapping is unsatisfactory, however you can customise this in the menu options. The upgrade system is easy to understand making it less of a chore to get into the action.
A few issues I encountered on the Switch version I played are:
- Enemies in the far background have a terrible framerate (like single digits) and is comical in a way. When approaching the enemy, the frame rate increases. I am not a FPS snob but something to notice if you are.
- Graphics look strongly like an early PS3 game. Great attempt on their first 3D game but did disappoint me given the framerate issue above.
- Some scenes seem to stretch too for and the characters seems to blurt out the obvious. There are moment I am not playing the game at for for over 20minutes and get me impatient to play the game
- Some scenes jump from full voice audio to just text boxes and seem to be quite random when this happens. Wasn't a major complaint as file size and cost of voice actors, but was it was the inconsistent nature that was jarring.
- The game is riddled with invisible walls that break immersion for me. The game seems more open-world in the images then what is actually happening also. The game is not fully linear but could be more open to explore this wonderful island.
The game took me around 70 hours to finish on hard mode and I got the true ending. Some parts could be streamlined to make it a 60hour experience for me. I recommend playing but cannot say I will play again due to the investment made and long cut scenes in certain areas.