A 2d platformer. In general, I do not like, and am not good at, 2d platformers. However, this game is a masterpiece. Playing each level gives me the same sense as mastering a piece of music. A lot of the game did not feel like the difficulty came from tricky platforming, but rather a sort of puzzle whose solution was being in the right places at the right time. This was a welcome surprise and is the main reason I almost 100% this game. I resolved to aquire every strawberry in a level and complete that level's B-side before moving on to the next. Playing this way absolutely broke up the plot pacing, but the added challenge sharply increased my skill at the game and the later levels were less frustrating than if I had not played the way I did. I would play one new level for several hours until I either completed it, or developed a bruise on my thumb from pressing the plus key switch, usually both. There are also a plethora of assist options so players of all skills and ability can play Celeste.

A mature on-rails first person shooter with some visual novel elements. The anime art style is pleasing and the levels have a deal of variety; some even have paths that you choose from. One probably knows what they're getting into when they get this.

A memory and quick time event (qte) game with pretty visuals, satisfying sound effects, and exciting music. The first many times you make a dish you rely on your qte skills until you learn the recipe at which point you can execute the inputs with hardly any thought. Chef for Hire levels are the best part as they introduce new dishes and higher difficulty over time.

A multiplayer-prefered couch co-op spaceship management simulator game. The graphics and sounds are cute and pleasing to the eyes and ears. Playing with two players feels like the "intended" way to play as having three or four makes the game much easier. There are four campaigns that each have unique mechanics and enemies. Upgrades to the ship are interesting and can lead to loud opinons from your crew.

2014

An excellent puzzle game with 3 simple rules. Great for short sessions. Once you know the rules and are familiar with the game it is very easy to enter a flow state on the large boards.

A tactical rpg set in The Lord of the Rings. Battles are from all three of the novels and films. The player takes the side of either Light (protagonists from the source material) or Darkness (the baddies). There are many things to consider during each battle. Battles are often pitched affairs that feel make me feel like distaster is right around the corner.

A turn based rpg that takes place during (slightly behind) the events of the films and books. Very derivative of the original source material, but it's not a bad thing. Visuals are great and set piece battle and boss fights are epic.

One of, if not THE, first games I ever completed. The animation is super smooth and the wonky humor was great. There are several types of levels and tons of secrets to find and unlock.

Great starfighter dogfighting action. Varied ship and mission objectives including third person shooter sections.

Great starfighter dogfighting combat. Variety of ship and mission objectives.

Contains Legend of Zelda, Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link, Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Legend of Zelda: Majoras Mask. An excellent collection of classic games.

Nintendo's second sandbox exploration game. Fluid movement and great variation in environments and obstacles.

A lifestyle simulation game that just wasn't for me. Extremely interesting idea and execution though.

A nice clean communication game with great characters.