ZonnerTheZoner
2024
FOR DEMOCRACY!!!!!!!!!
Finally a new South Park game! Im a huge fan of the show and love the previous two games so lets see what this one has to offer.
The Good
- The dialogue is funny as always.
- The 4 player co-op was surprisingly really stable when I played online.
- The story of the game heavily ties into the ongoing plotline in the show. You don't really see ongoing games that tie into the show as much as South Park games do. It adds to the charm tremendously. There were many times during the plot where I'd be all like "HEY I REMEMBER WHEN THAT HAPPENED IN THAT EPISODE. NOW I GET TO BE A PART OF THE STORY?". Cool stuff.
The Meh
- Generic gameplay
- Repetitive Rougelike combat system
- Other than Cartman, the bosses were kinda mediocre.
- I'm not really fond of the 3d art style. Like I don't think it's bad but compared to what came before, it's not the best.
The Bad
- The game does a bad job at explaining how the online matchmaking works.
- If you join a game, you have no control over where you get dropped into the chapter, inevitably leading to you getting confused about where the plot is going.
- A lot of what the game tries to do gets old after subsequent playthroughs which is not good for a roguelike game.
Conclusion
Okay so obviously this game is not as good as the previous two but for what it's worth, it's a pretty fun time. Of course, the game has its problems and comparison to the 2d games are inevitable due to how much charm those games had but I feel like a lot of people are overreacting a bit. You pay $30 for a short and fun romp through a snowy south park with witty dialogue and decent combat. I personally had a good time with it and am glad we're still getting new South Park games. Now if you excuse me, I got other games to get back to so screw you guys I'm going home.
The Good
- The dialogue is funny as always.
- The 4 player co-op was surprisingly really stable when I played online.
- The story of the game heavily ties into the ongoing plotline in the show. You don't really see ongoing games that tie into the show as much as South Park games do. It adds to the charm tremendously. There were many times during the plot where I'd be all like "HEY I REMEMBER WHEN THAT HAPPENED IN THAT EPISODE. NOW I GET TO BE A PART OF THE STORY?". Cool stuff.
The Meh
- Generic gameplay
- Repetitive Rougelike combat system
- Other than Cartman, the bosses were kinda mediocre.
- I'm not really fond of the 3d art style. Like I don't think it's bad but compared to what came before, it's not the best.
The Bad
- The game does a bad job at explaining how the online matchmaking works.
- If you join a game, you have no control over where you get dropped into the chapter, inevitably leading to you getting confused about where the plot is going.
- A lot of what the game tries to do gets old after subsequent playthroughs which is not good for a roguelike game.
Conclusion
Okay so obviously this game is not as good as the previous two but for what it's worth, it's a pretty fun time. Of course, the game has its problems and comparison to the 2d games are inevitable due to how much charm those games had but I feel like a lot of people are overreacting a bit. You pay $30 for a short and fun romp through a snowy south park with witty dialogue and decent combat. I personally had a good time with it and am glad we're still getting new South Park games. Now if you excuse me, I got other games to get back to so screw you guys I'm going home.
Wow just…..WOW! If I had a nickel for every time a 10/10 silly indie game was released around the beginning of the year and just so happened to use Microsoft paint in its art direction, id have two nickles. Which isnt alot but its weird it happened twice right? Well I definitely aint complaining! Here we go!
The Good
- Great level design
- Vibrant visuals
- Excellent Music
- Humorous Dialogue
- Levels weren't too long, so backtracking was never a chore
- Lively characters that took over every cutscene they were in.
- Vibrant cutscenes that gave me flashbacks to when I would mindlessly watch YTPs all day long.
- A great love letter to the Phillips CDI. More than just the obvious inspiration from the Zelda CDI games.
The Meh
- The backtracking can be frustrating at times if you dont know where youre going.
- If youre not in on the joke, a lot of what this game throws at you will feel hallow.
- Bosses wernet the best, but if youre aware of how the Zelda CDI games handled, bosses you get why that is.
The Bad
- N/A
Conclusion
If you would have told me that an indie game that served as a spiritual sucessor to the Zelda CDI games would be one of the best video games ive ever played anytime before February 14, 2024, I would have told you to get your head examined. The amount of charm and dedication to the past really elevates the experience in a way I've never seen before. Taking something that has been considered a laughing stock for the past 30+ years and turning it into a fun, silly, and refreshing experience that I wont forget anytime soon.
The Good
- Great level design
- Vibrant visuals
- Excellent Music
- Humorous Dialogue
- Levels weren't too long, so backtracking was never a chore
- Lively characters that took over every cutscene they were in.
- Vibrant cutscenes that gave me flashbacks to when I would mindlessly watch YTPs all day long.
- A great love letter to the Phillips CDI. More than just the obvious inspiration from the Zelda CDI games.
The Meh
- The backtracking can be frustrating at times if you dont know where youre going.
- If youre not in on the joke, a lot of what this game throws at you will feel hallow.
- Bosses wernet the best, but if youre aware of how the Zelda CDI games handled, bosses you get why that is.
The Bad
- N/A
Conclusion
If you would have told me that an indie game that served as a spiritual sucessor to the Zelda CDI games would be one of the best video games ive ever played anytime before February 14, 2024, I would have told you to get your head examined. The amount of charm and dedication to the past really elevates the experience in a way I've never seen before. Taking something that has been considered a laughing stock for the past 30+ years and turning it into a fun, silly, and refreshing experience that I wont forget anytime soon.
Welp, here we are. I've already done individual reviews for each game but in summary. Trilogy good!
NOW THIS IS MORE LIKE IT! Much better than the last game.
The Good
- Great Level Design
- Fun Platforming
- Great Music
-Vibrant Visuals
-Great Quality of life improvements
- Fun Bosses (Best ones in the entire trilogy)
- They actually made the Flying challenges fun! Mostly due to suggesting optimal routes for each speedway.
- New characters to play that kept the game fresh and fun all the way through.
- Spyro keeps his moveset from the last game!
The Meh
- The backtracking got annoying at times but it wasn't nearly as bad as it was in the first game.
The Bad
- Long Loading Times (Might just be because I played on Switch)
- Choppy Frame rate at times (Might just be because I played on Switch)
- That one mission with the twin dragons was so AWFUL.
Conclusion
I was extremely critical of Spyro 2. This is mostly because of being constantly told that it's the best one in the series only to be disappointed by its awful backtracking, hit-or-miss minigames (mostly miss), and frustrating skill point objectives. This game feels like the sequel that Ripto’s Rage was supposed to be and improved on nearly everything that the previous two games did wrong. It's kinda ironic because I was told that this was the worst one of the trilogy. I'm looking forward to whatever Toys for Bob cooks up for Spyro next. And hopefully, it won't take 10+ years to see our boy torching sheep like he does best.
The Good
- Great Level Design
- Fun Platforming
- Great Music
-Vibrant Visuals
-Great Quality of life improvements
- Fun Bosses (Best ones in the entire trilogy)
- They actually made the Flying challenges fun! Mostly due to suggesting optimal routes for each speedway.
- New characters to play that kept the game fresh and fun all the way through.
- Spyro keeps his moveset from the last game!
The Meh
- The backtracking got annoying at times but it wasn't nearly as bad as it was in the first game.
The Bad
- Long Loading Times (Might just be because I played on Switch)
- Choppy Frame rate at times (Might just be because I played on Switch)
- That one mission with the twin dragons was so AWFUL.
Conclusion
I was extremely critical of Spyro 2. This is mostly because of being constantly told that it's the best one in the series only to be disappointed by its awful backtracking, hit-or-miss minigames (mostly miss), and frustrating skill point objectives. This game feels like the sequel that Ripto’s Rage was supposed to be and improved on nearly everything that the previous two games did wrong. It's kinda ironic because I was told that this was the worst one of the trilogy. I'm looking forward to whatever Toys for Bob cooks up for Spyro next. And hopefully, it won't take 10+ years to see our boy torching sheep like he does best.
First time beating Spyro 2. Here we go!
The Good
- Great Level Design
- Fun Platforming
- Great Music
-Vibrant Visuals
-Great Quality of life improvements
- Fun Bosses (Better than the ones in the first game)
The Meh
- The minigames were hit or miss. Mostly miss.
The Bad
- Long Loading Times (Might just be because I played on Switch)
- Choppy Frame rate at times (Might just be because I played on Switch)
- Not as fun to 100% as the first one due to skill point challenges with the flying missions.
- Unlike the first game, this one isn't as replay-friendly, with you having to recomplete objectives every time you exit a level. Its made easier with the unlimited superflame, but still a hassle nonetheless.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, I didn't really enjoy this one as much as I did the first one. Really a shame too because I was told by many that this was the best of the trilogy but I just don't see it. The only thing this game does better is the bosses but as for everything else, the first game does it better. The game just tries to do too much to improve on the first game, and it ironically results in it being inferior. The game is still pretty solid for what it is though. I guess it just goes to show, sometimes less is more. Let's hope Spyro 3 is better.
The Good
- Great Level Design
- Fun Platforming
- Great Music
-Vibrant Visuals
-Great Quality of life improvements
- Fun Bosses (Better than the ones in the first game)
The Meh
- The minigames were hit or miss. Mostly miss.
The Bad
- Long Loading Times (Might just be because I played on Switch)
- Choppy Frame rate at times (Might just be because I played on Switch)
- Not as fun to 100% as the first one due to skill point challenges with the flying missions.
- Unlike the first game, this one isn't as replay-friendly, with you having to recomplete objectives every time you exit a level. Its made easier with the unlimited superflame, but still a hassle nonetheless.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, I didn't really enjoy this one as much as I did the first one. Really a shame too because I was told by many that this was the best of the trilogy but I just don't see it. The only thing this game does better is the bosses but as for everything else, the first game does it better. The game just tries to do too much to improve on the first game, and it ironically results in it being inferior. The game is still pretty solid for what it is though. I guess it just goes to show, sometimes less is more. Let's hope Spyro 3 is better.
2018
Finally got around to beating this. Never got around to beating the original when I played it way back when so now's a better time than any!
The Good
- Great Level Design
- Fun Platforming
- Great Music
-Vibrant Visuals
-Great Quality of life improvements
- Really fun to 100%
The Meh
- Going back made me realize how mediocre the design was in some aspects. Treetops and Haunted Towers were the worst ones in this regard, with the amount of guesswork you have to do to find some of the hidden treasures to be astronomically high.
- Flying Segments got kind of old after a while.
The Bad
- Long Loading Times (Might just be because I played on Switch)
- Choppy Frame rate at times (Might just be because I played on Switch)
Conclusion
I really enjoyed this remake. It captures what made the original game good while also adding a few improvements and enhancements that make it the best it can be. I haven't played the original in a while but from what I've experienced, this is the definitive way to play Spyro The Dragon. Just classic platforming fun. Can't wait to see what the sequel does.
The Good
- Great Level Design
- Fun Platforming
- Great Music
-Vibrant Visuals
-Great Quality of life improvements
- Really fun to 100%
The Meh
- Going back made me realize how mediocre the design was in some aspects. Treetops and Haunted Towers were the worst ones in this regard, with the amount of guesswork you have to do to find some of the hidden treasures to be astronomically high.
- Flying Segments got kind of old after a while.
The Bad
- Long Loading Times (Might just be because I played on Switch)
- Choppy Frame rate at times (Might just be because I played on Switch)
Conclusion
I really enjoyed this remake. It captures what made the original game good while also adding a few improvements and enhancements that make it the best it can be. I haven't played the original in a while but from what I've experienced, this is the definitive way to play Spyro The Dragon. Just classic platforming fun. Can't wait to see what the sequel does.
I'm kinda cheating by making this the second game I'm playing in my ratchet and clank marathon but here we go!
The Good
- The combat is as fun as its always been with many weapons to choose from.
- Stunning Visuals
- Amusing Character Dynamics
- Fun Planets to explore. Each with their own gimmicks
- Enjoyable Story that holds your attention from beginning to end
- Great Music
- Pretty Fun postgame
The Meh
- There's this one piece of armor that you literally can't keep if you get it and then die before getting to another checkpoint. AND THEY NEVER PATCHED IT. Like c'mon Insomniac, it's been 3 years since the game came out.
-Lackluster minigames
The Bad
- Limited Enemy Variety
- Not that many bosses to fight throughout the game.
Conclusion
You know that feeling when you do something you feel like you're not supposed to, but you don't care because it just feels so good? That's how I felt when I finished this game and I don't regret it one bit. This game is great! I'm glad I cheated! So in conclusion, cheating is always the right way to go. Now on to Going Commando.
The Good
- The combat is as fun as its always been with many weapons to choose from.
- Stunning Visuals
- Amusing Character Dynamics
- Fun Planets to explore. Each with their own gimmicks
- Enjoyable Story that holds your attention from beginning to end
- Great Music
- Pretty Fun postgame
The Meh
- There's this one piece of armor that you literally can't keep if you get it and then die before getting to another checkpoint. AND THEY NEVER PATCHED IT. Like c'mon Insomniac, it's been 3 years since the game came out.
-Lackluster minigames
The Bad
- Limited Enemy Variety
- Not that many bosses to fight throughout the game.
Conclusion
You know that feeling when you do something you feel like you're not supposed to, but you don't care because it just feels so good? That's how I felt when I finished this game and I don't regret it one bit. This game is great! I'm glad I cheated! So in conclusion, cheating is always the right way to go. Now on to Going Commando.
2012
I just beat ghost trick and it reminded me of this GOATED game. That is all
The Good
- Amazing Story
- Really good Mystery that keeps you guessing
- Vibrant and Interesting Characters
- Great Music
- REALLY Fun Puzzles
- Fluid animations that were really fun to look at
The Meh
- The game does not give you the option to speed up the puzzle segments which really pads out the playtime and got annoying after a while.
- There were times when I would complete certain objectives and it would not count towards the challenge completion page.
The Bad
- That prison escape segment in chapter nine was HORRIBLE.
Conclusion
I hate that I didn't play this when it came out years ago because I would have ate this up. I don't enjoy it as much as I do the ace attorney games but im still glad I played this all things considered. Shu Takumi is back at it again with a great mystery! It also left me wanting a Pomeranian of my own. Missile truly is the bestest of boys.
- Amazing Story
- Really good Mystery that keeps you guessing
- Vibrant and Interesting Characters
- Great Music
- REALLY Fun Puzzles
- Fluid animations that were really fun to look at
The Meh
- The game does not give you the option to speed up the puzzle segments which really pads out the playtime and got annoying after a while.
- There were times when I would complete certain objectives and it would not count towards the challenge completion page.
The Bad
- That prison escape segment in chapter nine was HORRIBLE.
Conclusion
I hate that I didn't play this when it came out years ago because I would have ate this up. I don't enjoy it as much as I do the ace attorney games but im still glad I played this all things considered. Shu Takumi is back at it again with a great mystery! It also left me wanting a Pomeranian of my own. Missile truly is the bestest of boys.
2021
The Good
- Classic SMT Combat that keeps you on your toes
- Amazing Music
- Rewarding Fusion System
- Interesting open-world-esque format
- Creative Demon designs and lore
The Meh
- The way the game handled side quests could have been done better, with some not even telling you where to go or how to go about them.
The Bad
- Lackluster story
- Boring Characters with confusing motivations
- Overworld felt empty at times
- Poor Performance Issues
Conclusion
Personally, I really enjoyed this one. Unfortunately, I can't say that it's one of Atlus's best due to the dull story, characters, and performance, but I still believe that it's one of the best JRPGs the Switch has to offer. Let's just hope that it doesn't take 8 years for the next one to come out.
- Classic SMT Combat that keeps you on your toes
- Amazing Music
- Rewarding Fusion System
- Interesting open-world-esque format
- Creative Demon designs and lore
The Meh
- The way the game handled side quests could have been done better, with some not even telling you where to go or how to go about them.
The Bad
- Lackluster story
- Boring Characters with confusing motivations
- Overworld felt empty at times
- Poor Performance Issues
Conclusion
Personally, I really enjoyed this one. Unfortunately, I can't say that it's one of Atlus's best due to the dull story, characters, and performance, but I still believe that it's one of the best JRPGs the Switch has to offer. Let's just hope that it doesn't take 8 years for the next one to come out.
The Good
- Engaging Party System
- Classic DQ Story
- Probably the best villain in the entire series thus far
- Great Postgame Content
- Great Music
The Meh
- N/A
The Bad
- Torneko's Chapter was not that good
- Every chapter before 5 felt like they went on for a bit too long.
- The postgame is a bit too grindy.
- The lack of party chat made the game feel unfinished and made it hard to connect to the party like the other DQ games.
Conclusion
Not my favorite DQ game, but it is up there. I cant wait to see what 5 has to offer.
- Engaging Party System
- Classic DQ Story
- Probably the best villain in the entire series thus far
- Great Postgame Content
- Great Music
The Meh
- N/A
The Bad
- Torneko's Chapter was not that good
- Every chapter before 5 felt like they went on for a bit too long.
- The postgame is a bit too grindy.
- The lack of party chat made the game feel unfinished and made it hard to connect to the party like the other DQ games.
Conclusion
Not my favorite DQ game, but it is up there. I cant wait to see what 5 has to offer.
2002
The Good
- Great Platforming
- Fun Weapons to use
- Fun Saturday Morning Cartoon-esque Story
- 2 Fun main leads
- Humorous Writing
- Really Enjoyed Ratchet's character arc
The Meh
- Bosses could have been better. The final boss was the only one that I felt was "good".
The Bad
- The economy could have been better.
- Unforgiving Checkpoints
- Multiple playthroughs to get more bolts as a means of affording everything the game had to offer, felt like an arbitrary method that Insomniac added to the game to pad out the playtime.
Conclusion
One of the best platformers on the PS2. It had its hiccups but was an enjoyable experience overall. I haven't played the other two games in the trilogy yet so my opinion may change after I play those but I loved what I played and can't wait to play the rest.
- Great Platforming
- Fun Weapons to use
- Fun Saturday Morning Cartoon-esque Story
- 2 Fun main leads
- Humorous Writing
- Really Enjoyed Ratchet's character arc
The Meh
- Bosses could have been better. The final boss was the only one that I felt was "good".
The Bad
- The economy could have been better.
- Unforgiving Checkpoints
- Multiple playthroughs to get more bolts as a means of affording everything the game had to offer, felt like an arbitrary method that Insomniac added to the game to pad out the playtime.
Conclusion
One of the best platformers on the PS2. It had its hiccups but was an enjoyable experience overall. I haven't played the other two games in the trilogy yet so my opinion may change after I play those but I loved what I played and can't wait to play the rest.