Superhondanut
Penny's Big Breakaway is a pretty cool game. It seems to take a bit from 3D Mario, while also having a focus on momentum that was probably inspired by 2D Sonic. It's still definitely its own thing though overall. You'll be using Penny's yo-yo to fly through the air, hang from poles, grab unique power-ups and ride it like a vehicle down slopes along with many other uses. It can seem a bit clunky at first, but once you get the hang of the movement, it's great soaring through levels at high speeds while racking up as high a score as possible by keeping up your combo.
The level design was decent, never to the point of frustrating, but also not like too easy. There are bonus levels you can unlock with the in-stage collectibles that offer a bit more of a challenge.
The music and aesthetic were consistently great, no complaints there. I really like the style of this game.
I will say however, that it can also feel a bit janky at times. You'll encounter collision detection issues sometimes, falling through an object or sliding across it unable to move until you fall off. It isn't too bad, but it is there. A part of me also wishes there was something a bit more to this game, but it's an indie game and I'd definitely be up for them to iterate and improve upon this formula.
Out of all the 3D platformers I've played, I'd rate this pretty highly, but it's not beating the highs of Super Mario Galaxy or A Hat in Time for me. SMG is just a lot more well-constructed and consistently great game (probably not fair to compare an indie with a AAA, but still), while I feel AHIT has a movement system I enjoy a lot more. Penny isn't trying to do the same thing obviously, and I will say, this is an outstanding effort by a talented team of devs and I'm waiting in baited breath for whatever they do next. Definitely check this out if you're a fan of 3D platformers and want a fun time.
The level design was decent, never to the point of frustrating, but also not like too easy. There are bonus levels you can unlock with the in-stage collectibles that offer a bit more of a challenge.
The music and aesthetic were consistently great, no complaints there. I really like the style of this game.
I will say however, that it can also feel a bit janky at times. You'll encounter collision detection issues sometimes, falling through an object or sliding across it unable to move until you fall off. It isn't too bad, but it is there. A part of me also wishes there was something a bit more to this game, but it's an indie game and I'd definitely be up for them to iterate and improve upon this formula.
Out of all the 3D platformers I've played, I'd rate this pretty highly, but it's not beating the highs of Super Mario Galaxy or A Hat in Time for me. SMG is just a lot more well-constructed and consistently great game (probably not fair to compare an indie with a AAA, but still), while I feel AHIT has a movement system I enjoy a lot more. Penny isn't trying to do the same thing obviously, and I will say, this is an outstanding effort by a talented team of devs and I'm waiting in baited breath for whatever they do next. Definitely check this out if you're a fan of 3D platformers and want a fun time.
The House in Fata Morgana is beautiful, gut-wrenching, masterful and breathtaking. This visual novel will take you on a journey unlike any other, so I can't recommend it enough. You might cry, you might get angry, you might be happy, but in the end, I guarantee it'll emotionally resonate with you. Nothing that had so much heart clearly put into it could leave anyone walking away from it not having gained something from the experience of reading it. I'm so glad I finally read it, because it's an experience I'll never forget. Play this. PLAY IT. PLAY IT FUCKING NOW.
2009
It feels weird to have finally played NoAH after all these years. This game has a really cool, paranoid atmosphere and style I like a lot. I'm not going to say it has the most well-written story in the world, but for me at least, it was engaging, even if this was my second playthrough after playing the original game years ago. The NoAH additions, such as the character routes, really help the game feel like the fully realised experience it was meant to be originally. I can't say I thought they were all bangers, but the depth they add, along with what they add to the gameplay experience overall, helps give a sense of thematic finality, if that makes sense. Chaos;Head is a great start to the Science Adventure series, but still sadly sits in the huge shadow of Steins;Gate. At least give this one a shot, even if you're just itching to skip to Steins;Gate.
And play the Committee of Zero patch, of course.
And play the Committee of Zero patch, of course.
Nice to go back and play the original. Definitely don't like it as much as Wii due to design decisions (locking things behind having certain power-ups), but other than that, it's a short and sweet time.
This review contains spoilers
I have complicated feelings about this game. As someone who has played from the Sky games up to now, I often heard people ridicule CS as a downgrade, or at the very least, not as good as what came before.
Now, while I certainly have some problems with the game, there are also things that I was pleasantly surprised by.
For one, I liked the new additions to combat. ARCUS, weapon types, and balance were all really cool to use and take advantage of. They changed the quartz system which I'm sure is controversial with a lot of older fans but as someone who never got too into it, it doesn't bother me that much.
What really grinds my gears about this game is the pacing and the structure. It's okay at first, but eventually the monotony and pacing of going to (blank) location followed by doing set amount of tasks starts getting really monotonous and repetitive. I understand why the game spends so much time with smaller scale stuff building up the characters and the world, but it didn't really grip me most of the time. I like the main cast, but most of them came off as pretty tropey and a lot of writing made me roll my eyes. It's Trails but with modern anime tropes instead of 2000s tropes. Yay.
By the end of the game, I was just waiting for it to fucking end. It doesn't help I extended my playtime by talking to every NPC at Thors and Trista every time the story moved forward so I had hours of just doing the rounds before I even got to do anything. I also marathoned the game by the end because I was under time crunch. All of those things are my fault though, so I can't really blame the game for that.
At the very least all the build up led to that EPIC ending. Trails loves doing that thing where shit gets real by the end and you're dying to see what happens next (most of the time). That final fight with the mechs though.... that credits song though..... THAT ENDING though.... singlehandedly bumped my rating up a bit.
There was a lot of times where I found CS1 boring, with glimmers of interest sprinkled in-between. Mix that with some tropey high school anime writing and I wasn't entirely always with the game. I'm glad that by the end it manages to pull off some massive twists and turns. I'm optimistic for CS2 when I get around to it.
Now, while I certainly have some problems with the game, there are also things that I was pleasantly surprised by.
For one, I liked the new additions to combat. ARCUS, weapon types, and balance were all really cool to use and take advantage of. They changed the quartz system which I'm sure is controversial with a lot of older fans but as someone who never got too into it, it doesn't bother me that much.
What really grinds my gears about this game is the pacing and the structure. It's okay at first, but eventually the monotony and pacing of going to (blank) location followed by doing set amount of tasks starts getting really monotonous and repetitive. I understand why the game spends so much time with smaller scale stuff building up the characters and the world, but it didn't really grip me most of the time. I like the main cast, but most of them came off as pretty tropey and a lot of writing made me roll my eyes. It's Trails but with modern anime tropes instead of 2000s tropes. Yay.
By the end of the game, I was just waiting for it to fucking end. It doesn't help I extended my playtime by talking to every NPC at Thors and Trista every time the story moved forward so I had hours of just doing the rounds before I even got to do anything. I also marathoned the game by the end because I was under time crunch. All of those things are my fault though, so I can't really blame the game for that.
At the very least all the build up led to that EPIC ending. Trails loves doing that thing where shit gets real by the end and you're dying to see what happens next (most of the time). That final fight with the mechs though.... that credits song though..... THAT ENDING though.... singlehandedly bumped my rating up a bit.
There was a lot of times where I found CS1 boring, with glimmers of interest sprinkled in-between. Mix that with some tropey high school anime writing and I wasn't entirely always with the game. I'm glad that by the end it manages to pull off some massive twists and turns. I'm optimistic for CS2 when I get around to it.
2018
Amazing game. One of the best platformers I've ever played, easily. I highly recommend this game. It will surprise you and do things you don't expect at all. It just kept getting better and better throughout my playtime. So yeah, play this game if you can.
1994
Fantastic, amazing game. One of the best on the Super Nintendo, and arguably, of all time. I personally don't think so, but this is still objectively a stellar game. The atmosphere is peak here. You always know where to go intuitively because the level design in this game is top-notch. There's never a dull moment and it never outstays its welcome. It also hasn't aged badly at all, although I still prefer how later Metroids control. If you have to play any 2D Metroid, this one is it. You won't be disappointed. I know I wasn't.
I still like Zero Mission more though. Kill me if you must, 90s kids.
I still like Zero Mission more though. Kill me if you must, 90s kids.
1996
If I hadn't been recommended this series by some friends, I'm not sure I would've stuck through this. What initially seems like a clunky PS1 with cheesy dialogue and FMVs turns into an engaging survival horror with an amazing atmosphere. The tank controls take a bit to get used to, as does the inventory management, but once you get into the swing of things, it's a good time with some genuine scares. The game scares you with both the environment itself, but also the intended limited amount of supplies you can scavenge around the mansion. You have to think on your feet about what the next best course of action is, or figure out how to proceed by looking around the environment. I'm pleasantly surprised by what initially came off as a classic, but dated PS1 game. Would recommend.
2022
It was better than I expected (I played after the patch), but it was still mostly just Pokémon. The new open world premise didn't feel like it reached its full potential, especially when the game claims you can go anywhere, but nothing in the game actually scales so it's just semi-linear if anything (unless you like exploits lol).
Story was alright. There's definitely a charm, and the character and Pokémon designs are great. I thought the characters were likeable enough, but I don't think they'll stick with me.
Music was pretty good, actually. Cool they got Toby Fox to compose again. There was some real stand-out tracks, too. Probably my favourite part of the game.
Pokémon gameplay still leaves much to be desired for me. It's so slow compared to other turn-based RPGs and the strategy in singleplayer boils down to hit super-effective move, become crystal, end. It works, I guess.
The open world itself didn't do much for me. It's mostly just grassy plains and generic weather biomes. The geometry reminded me of baby's first Unity structure. Just felt bland.
I'm not the biggest fan of Pokémon, so I definitely don't have any bias clouding my eyes like I would with other things. There was cool things in this game, and I appreciate them, but this series still feels so lackluster compared to the amount of money it earns. You'd think Game Freak could afford to oil their money-making machine but the end products always feel rushed or half-baked in some areas. It's not a bad game, but it didn't do much for me. Pokémon fans will play it no matter what. As long as I keep getting gifted these, I'll play them too.
Story was alright. There's definitely a charm, and the character and Pokémon designs are great. I thought the characters were likeable enough, but I don't think they'll stick with me.
Music was pretty good, actually. Cool they got Toby Fox to compose again. There was some real stand-out tracks, too. Probably my favourite part of the game.
Pokémon gameplay still leaves much to be desired for me. It's so slow compared to other turn-based RPGs and the strategy in singleplayer boils down to hit super-effective move, become crystal, end. It works, I guess.
The open world itself didn't do much for me. It's mostly just grassy plains and generic weather biomes. The geometry reminded me of baby's first Unity structure. Just felt bland.
I'm not the biggest fan of Pokémon, so I definitely don't have any bias clouding my eyes like I would with other things. There was cool things in this game, and I appreciate them, but this series still feels so lackluster compared to the amount of money it earns. You'd think Game Freak could afford to oil their money-making machine but the end products always feel rushed or half-baked in some areas. It's not a bad game, but it didn't do much for me. Pokémon fans will play it no matter what. As long as I keep getting gifted these, I'll play them too.
Good collection that contains a great, consistent series of games. I don't think a single game in here is awful, which is more than you could say for the X and Classic collections.
I binged all the 2D platformer Mega Man games and now that I'm at the end, I'm a bit sad. I've grown to really like this series. I think it's great, some frustrating elements aside. You should definitely play Mega Man.
I binged all the 2D platformer Mega Man games and now that I'm at the end, I'm a bit sad. I've grown to really like this series. I think it's great, some frustrating elements aside. You should definitely play Mega Man.
An incredibly mediocre game. Instead of innovating or trying to enhance the experience as a "faithful" remake, it sticks too close to the DS originals, and because of that, comes off as really bland.
The presentation is quite lacking, and like most of the older Pokémon games, the story isn't too interesting. I felt like I was going to fall asleep for most of the game because it wasn't very engaging (until the end). There's some hints of polish and charm in there, but it's in the little things like the trainer or gym leader animations.
The game is not challenging at all until the end, but that's not unusual for modern Pokémon. The champion can go fuck themselves.
There's also some good QoL additions, and the Grand Underground is cool. It also feels like in some ways they didn't even consider how these new features would mesh with the original game. For example, with the 360 movement, I often bumped into and got stuck on things because the game world wasn't designed with that movement in mind.
I think I'm starting to fall off Pokémon. I don't even buy them for myself anymore but I still feel like I'm forcing myself to play something I'm not really enjoying. It kinda sucks that BDSP are so lacking because HGSS and even ORAS felt like certified improvements over the originals, whereas you could play this or Platinum, to be honest. I think some of the QoL additions make this the one to play, but it's your choice. I wish TPC would give these devs more time to actually polish and refine to make a really great end product. AAA yearly releases are hell, because all it leads to is crunch and mediocrity.
The presentation is quite lacking, and like most of the older Pokémon games, the story isn't too interesting. I felt like I was going to fall asleep for most of the game because it wasn't very engaging (until the end). There's some hints of polish and charm in there, but it's in the little things like the trainer or gym leader animations.
The game is not challenging at all until the end, but that's not unusual for modern Pokémon. The champion can go fuck themselves.
There's also some good QoL additions, and the Grand Underground is cool. It also feels like in some ways they didn't even consider how these new features would mesh with the original game. For example, with the 360 movement, I often bumped into and got stuck on things because the game world wasn't designed with that movement in mind.
I think I'm starting to fall off Pokémon. I don't even buy them for myself anymore but I still feel like I'm forcing myself to play something I'm not really enjoying. It kinda sucks that BDSP are so lacking because HGSS and even ORAS felt like certified improvements over the originals, whereas you could play this or Platinum, to be honest. I think some of the QoL additions make this the one to play, but it's your choice. I wish TPC would give these devs more time to actually polish and refine to make a really great end product. AAA yearly releases are hell, because all it leads to is crunch and mediocrity.
This review contains spoilers
Just like the original, I have some mixed feelings about this game. While there are definitely notable improvements in the combat and SOME of the pacing, there are still frustrating and disappointing elements.
Coming off the ending of Cold Steel 1, I was expecting a really exciting story with high stakes taking place in the middle of the civil war. The idea of Rean being separated from his classmates and needing to travel across the continent to get them back while also contending with the war was really interesting to me. The actual story of CS2 is similar to this, but also not. You reunite with your classmates pretty quickly and then spend the rest of the time being this third force for good in the war, which you're not seeing most of. You're retreading the same areas you explored in the first game with like one or two new sections. I can see how originally this game and CS1 were going to be a single game in that respect. It really did feel like Cold Steel 1.5. I liked the new format at first, but it quickly got repetitive.
As I was playing this game, something finally occurred to me: following a guide to do and see EVERYTHING actually really makes the game repetitive. I think part of the reason the Sky games and Zero were so fun for me was knowing nothing and just going forward. I missed out on content, but it was my experience of letting myself be immersed, 100% or not. That's why I think being a completionist can make these games less fun for me.
Like I said before, the story disappointed me, but I didn't hate it. I just wish the execution could've been better. Still a decent time, just not my favourite. I will say they're setting up some cool stuff, and the side story with Lloyd and Rixia came completely by surprise and was awesome. I liked the cast and Class VII I guess. Definitely frustrated me but they're not bad characters. I still think the Crossbell and Sky games did it better. I liked Jusis and Gaius. Rean had nice development. Still plenty of groanworthy moments like the first game.
The gameplay was fine. The mech battles were cool. Overdrive and Burst are a thing. Spirit Unification is cool but busted. Quartz stuff is still simplified from the older games, but I don't mind the new system. Sometimes the game feels cheesy so I cheese it back.
I wish the epilogue was just scenes. The final dungeon, while not long, wasn't a welcome surprise for me. I was shocked it still wasn't over to be honest. Cold Steel 2 sure doesn't end.
I don't hate this game, but it isn't my favourite. There's still plenty of Trails in there, but sometimes there's anime game too. I've heard mixed things about CS3 and 4, but hopefully I can enjoy them. Trails still really means a lot to me.
The OST is fucking BASED though. Falcom's sound team are the GOATs. Easily my favourite part of the game. Sad to hear most of them left after this.
Coming off the ending of Cold Steel 1, I was expecting a really exciting story with high stakes taking place in the middle of the civil war. The idea of Rean being separated from his classmates and needing to travel across the continent to get them back while also contending with the war was really interesting to me. The actual story of CS2 is similar to this, but also not. You reunite with your classmates pretty quickly and then spend the rest of the time being this third force for good in the war, which you're not seeing most of. You're retreading the same areas you explored in the first game with like one or two new sections. I can see how originally this game and CS1 were going to be a single game in that respect. It really did feel like Cold Steel 1.5. I liked the new format at first, but it quickly got repetitive.
As I was playing this game, something finally occurred to me: following a guide to do and see EVERYTHING actually really makes the game repetitive. I think part of the reason the Sky games and Zero were so fun for me was knowing nothing and just going forward. I missed out on content, but it was my experience of letting myself be immersed, 100% or not. That's why I think being a completionist can make these games less fun for me.
Like I said before, the story disappointed me, but I didn't hate it. I just wish the execution could've been better. Still a decent time, just not my favourite. I will say they're setting up some cool stuff, and the side story with Lloyd and Rixia came completely by surprise and was awesome. I liked the cast and Class VII I guess. Definitely frustrated me but they're not bad characters. I still think the Crossbell and Sky games did it better. I liked Jusis and Gaius. Rean had nice development. Still plenty of groanworthy moments like the first game.
The gameplay was fine. The mech battles were cool. Overdrive and Burst are a thing. Spirit Unification is cool but busted. Quartz stuff is still simplified from the older games, but I don't mind the new system. Sometimes the game feels cheesy so I cheese it back.
I wish the epilogue was just scenes. The final dungeon, while not long, wasn't a welcome surprise for me. I was shocked it still wasn't over to be honest. Cold Steel 2 sure doesn't end.
I don't hate this game, but it isn't my favourite. There's still plenty of Trails in there, but sometimes there's anime game too. I've heard mixed things about CS3 and 4, but hopefully I can enjoy them. Trails still really means a lot to me.
The OST is fucking BASED though. Falcom's sound team are the GOATs. Easily my favourite part of the game. Sad to hear most of them left after this.
2003
BURN TO THE GROUND BURN BURN BURN BURN TO THE GROUND BURN BURN BURN TO THE GROUND AAAAAAAAHHH BURNBURNBURN BURN TO THE GROUND
2019
Decent beat-em-up that's rough in some areas but is an overall okay time.
2020
One Step from Eden is a great game. It combines quick gameplay with the grid-based system of Mega Man Battle Network while introducing some of its own unique mechanics and abilities. Runs will typically only take you about half an hour, so it never feels too bad when you die and have to start a new one. I think the roguelike system is fun, and having unlockables after your run depending on how well you did lessens the blow a lot, since the next time you try, you'll have more to work with. I look forward to playing more of this. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for some MMBN-style gameplay or just a good roguelike.