braktheman
2015
Damn virgins is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to adventure games.
The absurd story with over the top goofy cutscenes at times was amusing but at other times overly juvenile. The group of virgin students all act as different comic relief stereotypes. Some of them felt like they nailed what they were going for and others felt borderline offensive in what they portrayed. Some of this may be chalked up to cultural differences or be caused partially by the English translation, as this game is completely in Spanish, so it is hard for me to say.
The early puzzles felt pretty straightforward and logical, but as the game reaches its final act things become a bit of a mess. The early map of this game was structured and easy to navigate, but the late game locale is centered around a labyrinthian cave system that is miserable to navigate. This makes it easy to miss paths and key items. I ended up searching some of the solutions towards the end of the game only to find some of the key puzzles to be overly obtuse.
Speaking of which, this game has two endings - both of which I experienced. Neither gave me a story conclusion that felt satisfying and when I found out what caused me to even get on the bad ending path to begin with, it was illogical and frustrating.
The first half of the game I found myself fairly entertained, but by the end I could not wait for it to be over. This isn't a long experience with my playthrough clocking in at around four and a half hours - including playing the final path out two different ways.
Regretfully, I do not think I would recommend this to anyone but the most diehard of FMV/Adventure game fans. I really wanted to like it more than I did.
The absurd story with over the top goofy cutscenes at times was amusing but at other times overly juvenile. The group of virgin students all act as different comic relief stereotypes. Some of them felt like they nailed what they were going for and others felt borderline offensive in what they portrayed. Some of this may be chalked up to cultural differences or be caused partially by the English translation, as this game is completely in Spanish, so it is hard for me to say.
The early puzzles felt pretty straightforward and logical, but as the game reaches its final act things become a bit of a mess. The early map of this game was structured and easy to navigate, but the late game locale is centered around a labyrinthian cave system that is miserable to navigate. This makes it easy to miss paths and key items. I ended up searching some of the solutions towards the end of the game only to find some of the key puzzles to be overly obtuse.
Speaking of which, this game has two endings - both of which I experienced. Neither gave me a story conclusion that felt satisfying and when I found out what caused me to even get on the bad ending path to begin with, it was illogical and frustrating.
The first half of the game I found myself fairly entertained, but by the end I could not wait for it to be over. This isn't a long experience with my playthrough clocking in at around four and a half hours - including playing the final path out two different ways.
Regretfully, I do not think I would recommend this to anyone but the most diehard of FMV/Adventure game fans. I really wanted to like it more than I did.
1995
This review contains spoilers
I've always had a fascination with FMV games, yet somehow never got around to playing this one and figured I should finally right that wrong.
I had really only known about some of the more gruesome scenes of this game. It definitely has a lot of controversial content - I do feel like most of these scenes do at least progress the story showcasing both the brutality and advancing character development. It is still worth noting that this game does have graphic displays of domestic abuse and assault that will not be for everyone. A lot of this content is about on par with what you'd find in an R rated horror film - which makes sense considering the obvious Stephen King inspirations.
Graphically the combination of 3D generated backdrops and full motion video creates an uncanny valley effect that is actually very fascinating. Even down to the UI this game feels directly out of an era and I think this works to it's benefit. It somehow manages to cover both the 1990s and the late 1800s but adds an unsettling twist to it.
From a gameplay standpoint, it both makes and breaks the experience of this game. The puzzles are on average very simplistic for Sierra standards. This game also has a fantastic hint system built in where you can just click the skull icon and the game will tell you what to head to next. Super helpful after you've wandered the whole map and failed to find some small item you missed.
While this system makes the game feel more accessible to a larger audience, it all falls apart in the games final act which can be a huge headache and frustration. It turns the game from a casual exploration game into a fast-paced reactionary one - one that can be trigged easily without all the necessary items. My understanding is if you are missing some of the key items, you can still go back and find them all while being pursued - but it feels like an odd game design decision compared to the rest of the game. I quickly became frustrated in this final act and pulled out a guide to walk me through it. I would also recommend this to anyone else wanting to just get through the game.
The layout of the mansion can also be a bit cumbersome with camera angles that sometimes flip directions based on ways you enter the room. Once you start involving secret passages, it can be easy to miss entire sections simply because you didn't notice the difference between a down arrow and one pointing down-right.
As for the acting, it's all over the place. Luckily the actress portraying the game's protagonist does a fine job - great considering you will be seeing a lot of here. I wasn't a big fan of the comic relief vagrant characters, Harriet and Cyrus, a mother and son, that live on the property. They undermine a lot of the game's theme. Many of the cutscenes play out at a snail's pace, but luckily the game also contains a skip button to help you fly through repeat animations. Just be careful not to accidentally skip a useful scene since you won't be able to watch it again without loading a previous save.
There's no denying what a huge game this was to video game history. From a historical aspect alone, I think this is one that hardcore video game aficionados should at least give a try at some point.
I had really only known about some of the more gruesome scenes of this game. It definitely has a lot of controversial content - I do feel like most of these scenes do at least progress the story showcasing both the brutality and advancing character development. It is still worth noting that this game does have graphic displays of domestic abuse and assault that will not be for everyone. A lot of this content is about on par with what you'd find in an R rated horror film - which makes sense considering the obvious Stephen King inspirations.
Graphically the combination of 3D generated backdrops and full motion video creates an uncanny valley effect that is actually very fascinating. Even down to the UI this game feels directly out of an era and I think this works to it's benefit. It somehow manages to cover both the 1990s and the late 1800s but adds an unsettling twist to it.
From a gameplay standpoint, it both makes and breaks the experience of this game. The puzzles are on average very simplistic for Sierra standards. This game also has a fantastic hint system built in where you can just click the skull icon and the game will tell you what to head to next. Super helpful after you've wandered the whole map and failed to find some small item you missed.
While this system makes the game feel more accessible to a larger audience, it all falls apart in the games final act which can be a huge headache and frustration. It turns the game from a casual exploration game into a fast-paced reactionary one - one that can be trigged easily without all the necessary items. My understanding is if you are missing some of the key items, you can still go back and find them all while being pursued - but it feels like an odd game design decision compared to the rest of the game. I quickly became frustrated in this final act and pulled out a guide to walk me through it. I would also recommend this to anyone else wanting to just get through the game.
The layout of the mansion can also be a bit cumbersome with camera angles that sometimes flip directions based on ways you enter the room. Once you start involving secret passages, it can be easy to miss entire sections simply because you didn't notice the difference between a down arrow and one pointing down-right.
As for the acting, it's all over the place. Luckily the actress portraying the game's protagonist does a fine job - great considering you will be seeing a lot of here. I wasn't a big fan of the comic relief vagrant characters, Harriet and Cyrus, a mother and son, that live on the property. They undermine a lot of the game's theme. Many of the cutscenes play out at a snail's pace, but luckily the game also contains a skip button to help you fly through repeat animations. Just be careful not to accidentally skip a useful scene since you won't be able to watch it again without loading a previous save.
There's no denying what a huge game this was to video game history. From a historical aspect alone, I think this is one that hardcore video game aficionados should at least give a try at some point.
2024
Nightmare Kart is an interesting ride through a legally distinct story mode reminiscent of Bloodborne. Full of a familiar cast of characters that look like they might have been purchased off Wish (non-derogatory) you race, fight and drive through the competition.
A lot more variety than I expected including some cool unlockables and surprisingly deep (at times) boss fights. While I would have loved more of them, I think the game ended up being a good length.
Backed by a nice soundtrack and some lovingly created Playstation-era set pieces (the clock is excellent), Nightmare Kart is worth the time to check out.
Unfortunately, it is also marred by some awful physics and just terrible AI. The computers frequently will and do get stuck and much like other kart racers, once you get enough of a lead you will stay there for the entire race. On the flipside, if you end up with some bad luck and get bumped to the back of the pack catching up becomes difficult if one player gets a large lead. Some vehicles felt much harder to win with than others. It just didn't feel balanced to me.
Only expect the story mode to take you 90-120 minutes, but it is worth seeing. Would recommend if the concept seems interesting.
A lot more variety than I expected including some cool unlockables and surprisingly deep (at times) boss fights. While I would have loved more of them, I think the game ended up being a good length.
Backed by a nice soundtrack and some lovingly created Playstation-era set pieces (the clock is excellent), Nightmare Kart is worth the time to check out.
Unfortunately, it is also marred by some awful physics and just terrible AI. The computers frequently will and do get stuck and much like other kart racers, once you get enough of a lead you will stay there for the entire race. On the flipside, if you end up with some bad luck and get bumped to the back of the pack catching up becomes difficult if one player gets a large lead. Some vehicles felt much harder to win with than others. It just didn't feel balanced to me.
Only expect the story mode to take you 90-120 minutes, but it is worth seeing. Would recommend if the concept seems interesting.
2022
Mostly satisfying yet at times a bit too picky. I had to visit the wiki a few times to get through this game and its counterpart DLC. Some stages have very creative solutions and others you will be fighting with the mechanics and wondering if you have the correct answer or some item is just not placed to the particular point where the game wants it.
Heads up for anyone else shooting for all achievements on console - you may have a tricky time doing it with a controller vs a keyboard and mouse. This game also requires you to play for 100 days (25 of those need to be consecutive) so it is a very demanding 100%.
Heads up for anyone else shooting for all achievements on console - you may have a tricky time doing it with a controller vs a keyboard and mouse. This game also requires you to play for 100 days (25 of those need to be consecutive) so it is a very demanding 100%.
2023
Crafty puzzles, an ending that feels built up to, beautiful graphics. Really enjoyed my time with the game and the way it plays with language.
Only complaint was the stealth mechanics felt at times frustrating and unnecessary.
Still would recommend.
Only complaint was the stealth mechanics felt at times frustrating and unnecessary.
Still would recommend.
An open world experience that at times is fun, but more often than not shrouded by frustrating platforming and game breaking bugs.
For a game that titles itself as being a big city, it feels surprisingly small. The only thing that saves the scale is the verticality, but unfortunately that verticality is not much fun to explore.
The writing at time is charming but at other times is too bogged down with cultural references and meme humor.
In the end, I still ended up finishing the story so something drove me through. I just wish I could have gotten all the achievements before a few of them became impossible due to glitches.
For a game that titles itself as being a big city, it feels surprisingly small. The only thing that saves the scale is the verticality, but unfortunately that verticality is not much fun to explore.
The writing at time is charming but at other times is too bogged down with cultural references and meme humor.
In the end, I still ended up finishing the story so something drove me through. I just wish I could have gotten all the achievements before a few of them became impossible due to glitches.
When you play this game, you really see the Holy Wow pipeline that gets you to Trombone Champ. Not a perfect game by any means (I mean it was made in a month after all), but a big step towards future success.
2024
It's hard to keep doing inventive things with a genre as saturated as metroidvanias, but this game constantly surprises with mechanics not seen in many games. Excellent levels of puzzle design. Fantastic audio design too.
One of those games that when you aren't playing it, you're thinking about it.
Likely to be one of the best releases of 2024. It's not perfect, but it comes damn close. Recommended.
One of those games that when you aren't playing it, you're thinking about it.
Likely to be one of the best releases of 2024. It's not perfect, but it comes damn close. Recommended.
2024
There are two angles for me to go about in trying to sum up my time with Harold Halibut.
On one side, this is a walking simulator at its core with glacial pacing and frequent bugs. It’s a chore to play and not always an enjoyable experience. At any moment you can go from sitting through overly long conversations to literally just holding a direction as you slowly crawl through a vent for five minutes.
On the other side, this game has a beautiful world, a fantastic narrative, and wears its heart on its sleeve at all times. You can tell the love and passion put behind this game.
Unlike many of the other reviews I’ve read on this site, I found the story to absolutely resonate with me and every time I felt bored out of my mind wandering the same halls listening to the same over the loudspeaker dialogue as I entered a tube system for the hundredth time, some beautifully shot cutscene would pull me back in. It brilliantly uses lighting, camera angles, and music to create some uniquely directed scenes. Not every scene hits, but the ones that do make up for any rough ones. It’s unfortunate that this game really shines in its final act that most players will not make it far enough to see.
If you can get past its many shortcomings, I think this game is totally worth playing through to its conclusion for what is likely to be one of the most unique games of 2024.
On one side, this is a walking simulator at its core with glacial pacing and frequent bugs. It’s a chore to play and not always an enjoyable experience. At any moment you can go from sitting through overly long conversations to literally just holding a direction as you slowly crawl through a vent for five minutes.
On the other side, this game has a beautiful world, a fantastic narrative, and wears its heart on its sleeve at all times. You can tell the love and passion put behind this game.
Unlike many of the other reviews I’ve read on this site, I found the story to absolutely resonate with me and every time I felt bored out of my mind wandering the same halls listening to the same over the loudspeaker dialogue as I entered a tube system for the hundredth time, some beautifully shot cutscene would pull me back in. It brilliantly uses lighting, camera angles, and music to create some uniquely directed scenes. Not every scene hits, but the ones that do make up for any rough ones. It’s unfortunate that this game really shines in its final act that most players will not make it far enough to see.
If you can get past its many shortcomings, I think this game is totally worth playing through to its conclusion for what is likely to be one of the most unique games of 2024.
2024
Played this on a whim on game pass and ended up getting hooked. Really clever puzzle design. Not overly difficult but glad to see more puzzle adventure style games picking up the Obra Dinn style mechanic of filling in clues and telling you if they fit together to help keep things going.
Definitely recommend checking this out if you're a logic puzzle type folk. Can't go wrong.
Definitely recommend checking this out if you're a logic puzzle type folk. Can't go wrong.
2020
Goofy lil game with difficult to grasp timing and overly long songs.
1994
This game would greatly benefit from being able to look down.
Also Gex will not stop talking.
Still the best game of the trilogy.
Also Gex will not stop talking.
Still the best game of the trilogy.
Me, a grown adult, played through this entire game, made for children, for my daily game pass achievements because I’m addicted to Microsoft Rewards points.
This one is a fairly average collect-a-thon. The pacing is a bit frustrating, but what do you expect when I am not the target audience.
You could play worse.
Seems like it would be a good introduction on how to use a controller to children.
This one is a fairly average collect-a-thon. The pacing is a bit frustrating, but what do you expect when I am not the target audience.
You could play worse.
Seems like it would be a good introduction on how to use a controller to children.
1997
This Wheel of Fortune game is so bare bones.
1997
Played through with an English translation patch. Goofy story and using the sun to unleash attacks is a bit fun, but sometimes you just get combo’d to unrecoverable hell.