Sipathador
2015
Compelling, existential experience combining awe and horror. A tense atmosphere and compelling environment bring the underwater wasteland to life, along with significant lore sprinkled throughout to add depth to the journey. Banger!
2007
An incredible step up from its predecessors in almost every conceivable way, Halo 3 is a banger of a time, with more kinetic gunplay, balanced enemies, better weaponry, rapid pacing, consistently phenomenal music, and so much more, this game was such a breath of fresh air after Halo 2. The story isn't much of a step up, but given the other improvements, this makes it by far the best in the series so far.
Immersive and beautiful experience that emphasizes world-building and characterization through detailed and creative artistry. Although there is a good bit of narration, the environment reinforces and builds upon the storyline to create a truly emotional and surreal experience. Phenomenal game.
2011
An excellent platformer with mindbending puzzles, a solid story, and absolutely killer characters and dialogue. While the first had whispers of those elements, the second elevated everything and fleshed it out to create a dynamic and constantly engaging experience. GladDos and Wheatly are both fantastic and breathe so much life into every moment. Laughed many times and enjoyed the whole process, what a classic.
2007
Simplistic yet mind-bending puzzle that doesn't overstay its welcome and offers plenty of interesting and even funny moments.
2020
Compelling, disorienting, and rather tense, this installation of Amnesia isn't as simple or tight as the other iterations but offers a more complex story with a grounded, thorough experience that is unsettling to say the least. The game balances between keeping tension and not desensitizing you to the dread-filled moments, throwing you off balance and creating the feeling Tasi has as she tries to remember and find her friends. Solid visuals, art direction, and voice acting also aid the experience. Perhaps a little drawn out and lacking satisfaction in some areas, but a very solid entry nonetheless.
2010
Atmospheric and kinetic, this shit slaps.
Simple and emotional storytelling at its peak, all story-based games should take notes from this one.
The best story game, and arguably the best game of all time. Aside from the brutal, engrossing gameplay, aside from the expansive environments, aside from the graphical wonders generated, aside from all the technical aspects, the depth and emotional rawness of the story are unmatched. It simultaneously distinguishes itself from its predecessor while building off of and respecting the first game to create a thematic journey that explores the cycle of violence, factionalism, forgiveness, and what it means to heal. So much here to dissect and ponder on, although at the end of the first playthrough, you can't help but feel emotionally destroyed. Masterpiece.
2017
Although little variety is experienced in the gameplay from the first, this follow-up nails a gritty, atmospheric nightmare with sufficient lore to compel you to the end of the journey.
2013
Engaging story that is spread somewhat thin with minimal direction over the plot, but still a compelling journey with believable, grounded characters.
2004
Messy and bloated, while some of the core mechanics are quite fun, Halo 2 creates far too many annoying and frustrating moments to make this an overall good experience. While you can appreciate much of what it what for its time, the irritating checkpoint system, inconsistent battle mechanics, overly long waiting periods, and redundant gunplay make it not quite worth one's time. Moments of fun, but pretty big disappointment overall.
2009
Although not as compelling and grand as its predecessor, the intimacy you develop with the troops as they reckon with something much bigger than them creates a pretty solid experience. Mechanically nothing novel, but the refined elements of Halo 3 shine through here, making it a worthwhile time.
2018
A gorgeously crafted, aesthetic exploration of grief that creates such warmth during the experience. The art direction is masterful, creating tapestries that make every scene pop with vibrant colors. The visual storytelling allows for a simple concept to flesh itself out in subtle ways, offering intrigue and engagement. The gameplay is chill, not always tricky or that engaging, but works well for the package they are offering. Excellent time!
2011
Limitless and perfect.