ThumbsMckenzie
BACKER
2023
An amalgamation of various game genres that just doesn't land anything in a way that feels fun or interesting to play.
Part rhythm based game, part rpg turn based game, part beat em up as well I guess? On paper, it's an interesting combination of different elements. All of which feel very surface level without much development behind them.
If this game was short and sweet, that wouldn't be a big deal but this game took me well over 20 hours to beat so this type of surface level gameplay gets so old so fast.
On top of it, the game has a lot of bugs. When I originally downloaded the game I was unable to open up the first rhythm game which is vital to open up a door in order to proceed. I had to play a lot of this game streaming it via cloud, which when you are a rhythm based game, does not feel great with some delay. This eventually went away and I was able to play it downloaded but there were other issues as well unfortunately.
On top of it, the hit detection on this game is bad. I'd be right next to something on the main stage, trying to attack boxes that were in my way to clear them, but I would oftentimes be considered too far to destroy them, even though my perspective said otherwise. Same with climbing up stairs or avoiding things, it just muddles the experience as a whole.
The main stage traversing in general has a ton of frustration with it. You constantly have things trying to attack you, unfortunately a lot of these things are just random projectiles that you just can't get rid of. When you get hit with these things you will take damage, which isn't actually that bad, the biggest issue with it though is that any time you do get hit from one of these things, you fall down and stop moving for a brief period of time. So you are constantly having to battle with the controls, hoping you're not clipping something and stop moving, hoping you don't hit something so you stop moving, it just gets so tiresome taking a few steps, getting hit, stopping, taking a few more, getting hit, stopping, etc, etc. It just feels like padding to make the game take longer.
There's a lot of that feeling throughout this game too unfortunately. The game feels like it's on the cusp of wrapping up twice before it actually does. The story isn't all that engaging or interesting too so this extension of the game and the story isn't all that rewarding and just feels like a way to make the game longer. Hell, this game uses the "fight the bad guys you fought to get here before fighting the final boss" trope TWICE.
The general turn based battling is nothing to write home about. It's serviceable but if you are not a fan of turn based type games, this is not going to convince you otherwise.
The music is solid and the guitar riffs are neat. The biggest issue is once again, this game is too long so the riffs you play to do special attacks sound good at first but quickly wear out your welcome when you're doing them over and over and over and over.
The style and art are nice as well but none of the things this game possesses as pros are enough for me to say its worth trying in the end.
Part rhythm based game, part rpg turn based game, part beat em up as well I guess? On paper, it's an interesting combination of different elements. All of which feel very surface level without much development behind them.
If this game was short and sweet, that wouldn't be a big deal but this game took me well over 20 hours to beat so this type of surface level gameplay gets so old so fast.
On top of it, the game has a lot of bugs. When I originally downloaded the game I was unable to open up the first rhythm game which is vital to open up a door in order to proceed. I had to play a lot of this game streaming it via cloud, which when you are a rhythm based game, does not feel great with some delay. This eventually went away and I was able to play it downloaded but there were other issues as well unfortunately.
On top of it, the hit detection on this game is bad. I'd be right next to something on the main stage, trying to attack boxes that were in my way to clear them, but I would oftentimes be considered too far to destroy them, even though my perspective said otherwise. Same with climbing up stairs or avoiding things, it just muddles the experience as a whole.
The main stage traversing in general has a ton of frustration with it. You constantly have things trying to attack you, unfortunately a lot of these things are just random projectiles that you just can't get rid of. When you get hit with these things you will take damage, which isn't actually that bad, the biggest issue with it though is that any time you do get hit from one of these things, you fall down and stop moving for a brief period of time. So you are constantly having to battle with the controls, hoping you're not clipping something and stop moving, hoping you don't hit something so you stop moving, it just gets so tiresome taking a few steps, getting hit, stopping, taking a few more, getting hit, stopping, etc, etc. It just feels like padding to make the game take longer.
There's a lot of that feeling throughout this game too unfortunately. The game feels like it's on the cusp of wrapping up twice before it actually does. The story isn't all that engaging or interesting too so this extension of the game and the story isn't all that rewarding and just feels like a way to make the game longer. Hell, this game uses the "fight the bad guys you fought to get here before fighting the final boss" trope TWICE.
The general turn based battling is nothing to write home about. It's serviceable but if you are not a fan of turn based type games, this is not going to convince you otherwise.
The music is solid and the guitar riffs are neat. The biggest issue is once again, this game is too long so the riffs you play to do special attacks sound good at first but quickly wear out your welcome when you're doing them over and over and over and over.
The style and art are nice as well but none of the things this game possesses as pros are enough for me to say its worth trying in the end.
2023
Great look with some solid music. Unfortunately, the absolutely brutal gameplay is just not worth it.
2023
It's incredibly basic mechanically and a little too long, even with its already short run time but overall Planet of Lana does just enough to overcome some of those flaws.
The 2.5 puzzle platform inspirations are very obvious throughout Planet of Lana. Inside and Oddworld are definitely felt throughout, especially as the game's story progresses. It's not reinventing the wheel when it comes to what a 2.5 puzzle platformer can do but everything for the most part ranges from serviceable to really good. There is nothing inherently bad about Planet of Lana.
The biggest drawback to this game though is the incredibly basic puzzles and mechanics. I never really found myself struggling to get past the puzzles.
The overall look and sound of the game, for the most part, is fine. Nothing too mind blowing, though there are later parts of the game that do a good job of playing with the scope of your environment.
Some of the set pieces are pretty as well, the end game moments in particular are beautiful in the ramp up.
You won't be traveling alone though as you have an adorable sidekick to help you on your journey and assist you in moving forward.
Miu is very helpful in these levels and often time your friend's safety leads to some of the more interesting puzzles. Your death or the death of Miu will lead to resetting the stage and while there were times I cut it too close and died after Miu getting seen at the last second, it never really felt cheap or punishing. It oftentimes was because I just wasn't patient enough.
Overall, the game is pretty short and has some nice moments. It's charming and runs without any major issues. The controls are a little too tight but that's really it from an overall technical 'feel' standpoint. If you enjoy 2.5 puzzle platformers, this one is pretty good but just be prepared for a game feel you're fairly familiar with.
The 2.5 puzzle platform inspirations are very obvious throughout Planet of Lana. Inside and Oddworld are definitely felt throughout, especially as the game's story progresses. It's not reinventing the wheel when it comes to what a 2.5 puzzle platformer can do but everything for the most part ranges from serviceable to really good. There is nothing inherently bad about Planet of Lana.
The biggest drawback to this game though is the incredibly basic puzzles and mechanics. I never really found myself struggling to get past the puzzles.
The overall look and sound of the game, for the most part, is fine. Nothing too mind blowing, though there are later parts of the game that do a good job of playing with the scope of your environment.
Some of the set pieces are pretty as well, the end game moments in particular are beautiful in the ramp up.
You won't be traveling alone though as you have an adorable sidekick to help you on your journey and assist you in moving forward.
Miu is very helpful in these levels and often time your friend's safety leads to some of the more interesting puzzles. Your death or the death of Miu will lead to resetting the stage and while there were times I cut it too close and died after Miu getting seen at the last second, it never really felt cheap or punishing. It oftentimes was because I just wasn't patient enough.
Overall, the game is pretty short and has some nice moments. It's charming and runs without any major issues. The controls are a little too tight but that's really it from an overall technical 'feel' standpoint. If you enjoy 2.5 puzzle platformers, this one is pretty good but just be prepared for a game feel you're fairly familiar with.
2016
There is a lot of early Control ideas/vibes in this game. That, mixed with Remedy near its peak goofiness makes Quantum Break a pretty fun ride despite a nonsensical story (even by Remedy standards) and some generic gameplay mechanics. That final boss is absolutely brutal out of nowhere too.
2023
It's a charming game with good intentions. Leans closer to the cozy game side of things so there isn't a ton of actual gameplay mechanics in this and those that are do have a few annoyances and problems. But overall, it's a pretty decent little game.
2021
Some of the mechanics and combat haven't aged well but the vibes in this game are still immaculate.
The game has massive flaws, some pretty big bugs, even to this day, but Mafia II's last set piece and story ending do some heavy lifting at the finish line to make it a pretty enjoyable experience despite those flaws.
The camera is wonky at times, every vehicle feels bad to drive, the AI can be unpredictable, including the cars on the road, which can be frustrating at times. A lot of this though is just an age thing though, so some of these frustrations are a bit forgivable for me.
A lot of it is big dumb empty calories of gangster cliches and action-movie-levels of gameplay depth. But if you like those types of games and want one that's got a better than average story, Mafia II is an easy recommend.
The camera is wonky at times, every vehicle feels bad to drive, the AI can be unpredictable, including the cars on the road, which can be frustrating at times. A lot of this though is just an age thing though, so some of these frustrations are a bit forgivable for me.
A lot of it is big dumb empty calories of gangster cliches and action-movie-levels of gameplay depth. But if you like those types of games and want one that's got a better than average story, Mafia II is an easy recommend.