Z02X
1988
I hope this is okay but this is my rating for acts 1 & 2, since those are the only ones for this version.
1992
Act 1 Review:
Act 1 is a standout experience, receiving top marks across several aspects. The balance of puzzles is just right, offering a challenge without being overly difficult. The pacing, both in gameplay and story, is well-executed, keeping the player engaged. While the shooting controls may feel strange at first, they eventually become enjoyable.
The art is particularly impressive, considering the limitations of the hardware. Technologically, Snatcher pushes the limits of its type of game, highlighting innovation that sets it apart. Despite some minor tedium with backtracking, the overall experience is very enjoyable.
The music and sound design are top-notch, with clear and non-intrusive sound that complements the game well. Clarity in gameplay is mostly good, though the "look" vs. "investigate" system can be a bit confusing at times.
Act 1's innovation extends beyond just gaming, making it a unique experience. While there are some repeated actions, they do not detract significantly from the overall experience. The game has a special quality evident from the start, keeping players engaged throughout, making it a very satisfying experience. Fairness in gameplay is also notable, with the game feeling reasonable in its challenges. Overall, Act 1 stands out as exceptional.
Act 2 Review:
While still highly enjoyable, some weaknesses become more apparent in Act 2. The balance of puzzles fluctuates, ranging from extremely simple to overly repetitive, making progression occasionally frustrating. The story pacing, however, is perfect for a second act, building up more like a real story rather than an intro.
By now, the shooting controls feel intuitive, and the flashlight room is a standout, feeling particularly immersive. However, when my wife played and asked for help with a shooting section, it took me a bit to get used to the controls again, highlighting how tricky they can be after a break. It felt unbalanced that I was only able to get past that point with a perfect score because of how easy it was to get overwhelmed when only one hit you.
Some parts get very tedious due to repeating steps, especially because of the persistent "look" vs. "investigate" issue. This can waste time, though the turbo cycle scene manages to be an exception. The art remains impressive, though not perfect, thus rated slightly lower than in Act 1. Technologically, Snatcher continues to push boundaries for its genre. The fun factor is still high, and the music remains excellent. The sound design continues to be solid.
The game's innovation continues to shine, with unique elements like the flashlight scene showcasing its potential. However, repetitiveness becomes more pronounced, limiting the game's appeal to some players. My wife and I both noticed this, feeling it stemmed more from a lack of knowledge in game design rather than technological limitations. The flashlight scene, in particular, highlights the game's potential, and more focus on mechanics like that would have been beneficial.
The good puzzles in Act 2 are definitely more satisfying than in Act 1. A significant character death near the end effectively hooks the player, increasing the desire to continue. This chapter feels more linear, limiting exploration and replayability somewhat. At this point, the fun post-Cold War fan fiction becomes quite exciting. Overall, Act 2 of Snatcher remains engaging, though with more pronounced flaws than Act 1.
Act 3 Review:
Act 3 has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. My subjective impressions of the game remain positive. The balance in this act is not great, with limited gameplay that is more difficult than it should be. The pacing, however, is fine, considering the act's short length.
What really breaks down is the balance. Once I realized I should spam shoot, it was fine, but the game in the earlier acts encouraged me to aim well, which felt misleading.
The art for the villain is excellent. However, the flashback shots with a red filter looked off to me, even though I know it was the intent. The end of the adventure was quite enjoyable. The music is good, particularly the credit song, though some main dialogue parts without music could have had the mood enhanced by it. The sound design remains solid.
Clarity in this act is good, with little gameplay but never confusing. The act primarily exists to wrap up the main plot, showing less innovation. It does set up for more in the series even though it ends here. Despite its limitations, Act 3 doesn't fail to keep what makes Snatcher special.
Final Thoughts:
Each act provides a unique experience, with strengths and weaknesses that contribute to the overall enjoyment of the game. Act 1 stands out as exceptional, Act 2 remains engaging despite some flaws, and Act 3 wraps up the story effectively while highlighting some gameplay issues. Overall, Snatcher is a special game that keeps players engaged and satisfied throughout its narrative.
Act 1 is a standout experience, receiving top marks across several aspects. The balance of puzzles is just right, offering a challenge without being overly difficult. The pacing, both in gameplay and story, is well-executed, keeping the player engaged. While the shooting controls may feel strange at first, they eventually become enjoyable.
The art is particularly impressive, considering the limitations of the hardware. Technologically, Snatcher pushes the limits of its type of game, highlighting innovation that sets it apart. Despite some minor tedium with backtracking, the overall experience is very enjoyable.
The music and sound design are top-notch, with clear and non-intrusive sound that complements the game well. Clarity in gameplay is mostly good, though the "look" vs. "investigate" system can be a bit confusing at times.
Act 1's innovation extends beyond just gaming, making it a unique experience. While there are some repeated actions, they do not detract significantly from the overall experience. The game has a special quality evident from the start, keeping players engaged throughout, making it a very satisfying experience. Fairness in gameplay is also notable, with the game feeling reasonable in its challenges. Overall, Act 1 stands out as exceptional.
Act 2 Review:
While still highly enjoyable, some weaknesses become more apparent in Act 2. The balance of puzzles fluctuates, ranging from extremely simple to overly repetitive, making progression occasionally frustrating. The story pacing, however, is perfect for a second act, building up more like a real story rather than an intro.
By now, the shooting controls feel intuitive, and the flashlight room is a standout, feeling particularly immersive. However, when my wife played and asked for help with a shooting section, it took me a bit to get used to the controls again, highlighting how tricky they can be after a break. It felt unbalanced that I was only able to get past that point with a perfect score because of how easy it was to get overwhelmed when only one hit you.
Some parts get very tedious due to repeating steps, especially because of the persistent "look" vs. "investigate" issue. This can waste time, though the turbo cycle scene manages to be an exception. The art remains impressive, though not perfect, thus rated slightly lower than in Act 1. Technologically, Snatcher continues to push boundaries for its genre. The fun factor is still high, and the music remains excellent. The sound design continues to be solid.
The game's innovation continues to shine, with unique elements like the flashlight scene showcasing its potential. However, repetitiveness becomes more pronounced, limiting the game's appeal to some players. My wife and I both noticed this, feeling it stemmed more from a lack of knowledge in game design rather than technological limitations. The flashlight scene, in particular, highlights the game's potential, and more focus on mechanics like that would have been beneficial.
The good puzzles in Act 2 are definitely more satisfying than in Act 1. A significant character death near the end effectively hooks the player, increasing the desire to continue. This chapter feels more linear, limiting exploration and replayability somewhat. At this point, the fun post-Cold War fan fiction becomes quite exciting. Overall, Act 2 of Snatcher remains engaging, though with more pronounced flaws than Act 1.
Act 3 Review:
Act 3 has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. My subjective impressions of the game remain positive. The balance in this act is not great, with limited gameplay that is more difficult than it should be. The pacing, however, is fine, considering the act's short length.
What really breaks down is the balance. Once I realized I should spam shoot, it was fine, but the game in the earlier acts encouraged me to aim well, which felt misleading.
The art for the villain is excellent. However, the flashback shots with a red filter looked off to me, even though I know it was the intent. The end of the adventure was quite enjoyable. The music is good, particularly the credit song, though some main dialogue parts without music could have had the mood enhanced by it. The sound design remains solid.
Clarity in this act is good, with little gameplay but never confusing. The act primarily exists to wrap up the main plot, showing less innovation. It does set up for more in the series even though it ends here. Despite its limitations, Act 3 doesn't fail to keep what makes Snatcher special.
Final Thoughts:
Each act provides a unique experience, with strengths and weaknesses that contribute to the overall enjoyment of the game. Act 1 stands out as exceptional, Act 2 remains engaging despite some flaws, and Act 3 wraps up the story effectively while highlighting some gameplay issues. Overall, Snatcher is a special game that keeps players engaged and satisfied throughout its narrative.
2007
I decided one day on spring break to play games for 24h straight, midnight to midnight. I started with Crysis, I had no idea the game took place over a day beforehand. The helicopter section, that I actually enjoyed kept crashing on my dell vostro hand me down, so it took me 24h to finish. Was a special experience.
1992
Wish I was writing reviews when I played this. It's all over the place in terms of experience.
1981
I just couldn't with the controls.
2019
I don't remember mutch but I am writing this review mainly to state I enjoyed this mutch more than the 2nd one.
2008
Played this a few years ago. But the basic thing that makes this game special is how every aspect builds around the theams. From the art, the mechanics to the graphics, the long winding suffering that is a Heart of Darkness story.
2004
Apparently I need to play this again to write a review this game is not less than 3 stars.
Castlevania: Bloodlines is a decent game, playable and enjoyable, but it doesn't quite stand out. The balance feels standard, and the difficulty progresses steadily without becoming too extreme. The controls are okay, but the whip and staff jump mechanics feel underutilized compared to previous games in the series. The first half of the first levels can be a bit boring and repetitive. The art is mostly fine, but the second stage's first half feels bland compared to the rest of the game.
Technologically, the game suffers on the Sega Genesis, showcasing the hardware's limitations compared to other platforms. It doesn't bring much new to the table, lacking innovations seen in previous titles. Despite these drawbacks, the game is still somewhat fun to play, with music being a standout feature. However, the game feels like a step back for the series, lacking certain features and improvements. The boss reuse adds some repetitiveness, but it's not overly frustrating. Overall, Castlevania: Bloodlines may not be the best in the series, but it leaves players feeling somewhat satisfied, with some desire for more. replayability is decent, especially with the other character. While it has its moments, it lacks a special factor that would make it truly memorable.
Technologically, the game suffers on the Sega Genesis, showcasing the hardware's limitations compared to other platforms. It doesn't bring much new to the table, lacking innovations seen in previous titles. Despite these drawbacks, the game is still somewhat fun to play, with music being a standout feature. However, the game feels like a step back for the series, lacking certain features and improvements. The boss reuse adds some repetitiveness, but it's not overly frustrating. Overall, Castlevania: Bloodlines may not be the best in the series, but it leaves players feeling somewhat satisfied, with some desire for more. replayability is decent, especially with the other character. While it has its moments, it lacks a special factor that would make it truly memorable.
Truly a great game. Fun, smooth innovative and has that special sausce that makes a great game. It never feels to tedious and I found myself replaying levels to 100% without any sense of time wasted. Music is great but not the best the series has to offer. The remixes are better than Super Castlevania IV. I got a little confused first when I didn't realize that in the main menu you could go back to levels to try different paths and I was woried of a repeat of Castlevania 3 and having to replay the whole game to get the full experience.
What I really liked:
The multiple endings and cut scenes were really nice.
What I wish was different:
A way to go to change levels and characters mid game without a system restart.
What I didn't like:
I didn't like the movement controls going backwards. No whip tricks, crawling.
I felt the backflip was cool but Maria proved they could have had a cool movement set for both characters.
Next review I am going to try a new format.
What I really liked:
The multiple endings and cut scenes were really nice.
What I wish was different:
A way to go to change levels and characters mid game without a system restart.
What I didn't like:
I didn't like the movement controls going backwards. No whip tricks, crawling.
I felt the backflip was cool but Maria proved they could have had a cool movement set for both characters.
Next review I am going to try a new format.
1991
Castlevania Perfected. If your familiar with the original Castlevania this game is a treat. It starts out quiet for you to collect your bearings, you realize how slick the whip is now and the improvements to stairs. The game feels like sutch an improvement without making it to easy.
What I felt could have been better. The sound track, while nice and I did like it didn't hit as hard as past games. Felt like a more chill version of the tracks vs the exciting adventure we got used to. Also stage A and B had sutch a jump in difficulty, I went from killing bosses in 2 seconds to to actually having to figure them out. The bosses were never unreasonably dificut except maby the stages themselves but they were very unforgiving and I felt the difficulty could have been ramped more insted of this spike.
What I felt could have been better. The sound track, while nice and I did like it didn't hit as hard as past games. Felt like a more chill version of the tracks vs the exciting adventure we got used to. Also stage A and B had sutch a jump in difficulty, I went from killing bosses in 2 seconds to to actually having to figure them out. The bosses were never unreasonably dificut except maby the stages themselves but they were very unforgiving and I felt the difficulty could have been ramped more insted of this spike.
Pretty enjoyable game. Gameplay wise is pretty mutch Castlevania. The 3 other characters you play is pretty cool and ads a lot to the game. I didn't find Alucard satisfying though. Turning into a bat was cool but I found the added height and fire ball attack not very useful. Having to play it at least 3 times doesn't really add to the experience and forces the game to be repetitive if you want to experience all of it.
Short game but beautiful execution. The first in this series was not good, bad controls, boring repetitive levels... But this game was extremely responsive. The boss fights were amazing, something I was not expecting on the game boy! Music was good. The story wasn't fleshed out very much in game but the concept works with everything. Never got to easy or to fusterating. Was quite suprize with this concidering how bad the first one was.
1990
It's a realy cute game. I found it fun magical and whimsical. The game had great controls that made it quite enjoyable. It's filled with many different weapons but under utilizes the need to switch them making it feel uninovative. The last level is a bit obnoxious and ruins the pacing. Probably the worst thing about the game is the sound effects in the final boss. The boss isn't to difficult but the sound makes the experience unbearable. As fun and cute as the game is it's not great objectively.
I have a personal doc with some notes that I am working on refining my game reviews this is the first on this system. I pro will start versioning them and adding that to them.
I have a personal doc with some notes that I am working on refining my game reviews this is the first on this system. I pro will start versioning them and adding that to them.
The game would be fun but it has a few big issues. It clear wants you to fail everything that has the slightest difficulty to it so you can restart and make the game not take 20 minutes like it could. That becomes so much more worse because the game runs super slow the second 3 moving things are on the screen and every movement feels sluggish and off while most jumps are barely posible. Also some encounters require frame perfect precision to not get hit. Also not to forget the one section where it seems like if you take a wrong turn it's game over...