danieladultman
1996
I can't believe it took me this long to play this. I've owned Killer Instinct on SNES since the mid-90s. Well, my brother did, but the copy has been in my possession for a while now.
I was really glad to see that they kept the banging theme song from the original, albeit a bit remixed.
I really enjoyed watching the opening cinematic and learning about the lore and the characters. Apparently in this game, Fulgore isn't the same as the previous one, he's an upgraded version since Jago killed him. Orchid killed Eyedol and it caused a time warp and all the characters went back in time 2000 years. How dope is that. (But where is my dude Cinder????)
Anyways the game is alright. The combat frankly isn't as good as the first. Movement is more stiff, combos are harder to string together and I was getting my ass kicked by the computer pretty frequently. I like the art of the levels and the characters. Overall I'm glad I checked this out and it served a good dose of nostalgia, but I definitely recommend playing the first one.
I was really glad to see that they kept the banging theme song from the original, albeit a bit remixed.
I really enjoyed watching the opening cinematic and learning about the lore and the characters. Apparently in this game, Fulgore isn't the same as the previous one, he's an upgraded version since Jago killed him. Orchid killed Eyedol and it caused a time warp and all the characters went back in time 2000 years. How dope is that. (But where is my dude Cinder????)
Anyways the game is alright. The combat frankly isn't as good as the first. Movement is more stiff, combos are harder to string together and I was getting my ass kicked by the computer pretty frequently. I like the art of the levels and the characters. Overall I'm glad I checked this out and it served a good dose of nostalgia, but I definitely recommend playing the first one.
2022
What a cute, fun little game this is. I've never played a Pikmin title, but if the gameplay is similar to this, then I gotta get to those games.
I just had a lot of fun, platforming around the cleverly-designed levels, and using the tinykin you find and free to unlock new areas. I know some have criticized the art but I personally didn't mind it. I loved the soap bar you could glide on, and then the rails you could unlock to traverse around more easily.
I think this game is a very appropriate length for what it is and doesn't outwear its welcome. Overall, I had a lot of fun!
I just had a lot of fun, platforming around the cleverly-designed levels, and using the tinykin you find and free to unlock new areas. I know some have criticized the art but I personally didn't mind it. I loved the soap bar you could glide on, and then the rails you could unlock to traverse around more easily.
I think this game is a very appropriate length for what it is and doesn't outwear its welcome. Overall, I had a lot of fun!
2023
I think we can all agree that Tango Gameworks are now in a higher echelon of game developers, easily up there with their brethren within Bethesda publishing, and Xbox Game Studios. I never really got into The Evil Within, but I really liked last year's Ghostwire: Tokyo. What a different game this is.
Hi-Fi Rush is commendable in many ways, but particularly in its polish, fluid gameplay, art design, world building and its rhythm. I mean, just look at the game! Look at the world. Watch everything move in rhythm with the music. It's cool as all hell. It's lighthearted, full of charm, and fun to play.
Regarding the combat, I found it satisfying but only to a degree. Although it makes total sense within the confines of the game, I did find that altering how I would normally play an action game like this to adhere to the game's rhythm a little fun, but it took some warming up to it, and I think I still would've preferred playing my own way. Still it's so cool that combat is synced up with the rhythm of the music. I actually had a lot of fun with the platforming elements of the game, and preferred that to the combat. I also really liked the mechanic of summoning your friends in battle.
I found the story and the characters charming, much like the rest of the game. I wouldn't say I was super invested, but I still liked it. I was really in this for the style and fluidity of it. It's a really impressive game, no doubt.
Hi-Fi Rush is commendable in many ways, but particularly in its polish, fluid gameplay, art design, world building and its rhythm. I mean, just look at the game! Look at the world. Watch everything move in rhythm with the music. It's cool as all hell. It's lighthearted, full of charm, and fun to play.
Regarding the combat, I found it satisfying but only to a degree. Although it makes total sense within the confines of the game, I did find that altering how I would normally play an action game like this to adhere to the game's rhythm a little fun, but it took some warming up to it, and I think I still would've preferred playing my own way. Still it's so cool that combat is synced up with the rhythm of the music. I actually had a lot of fun with the platforming elements of the game, and preferred that to the combat. I also really liked the mechanic of summoning your friends in battle.
I found the story and the characters charming, much like the rest of the game. I wouldn't say I was super invested, but I still liked it. I was really in this for the style and fluidity of it. It's a really impressive game, no doubt.
Played via Game Boy on Nintendo Switch (THANK YOU NINTENDO)
So it's no surprise to me whatsoever that this game is a fun time. It's classic Mario gameplay on the go that I'm sure I would've loved as a kid. What sticks out to me here is the level design and how much fun the developers had with it. There's a space level, a graveyard level with little Jason Voorhees-inspired enemies, and of course it introduces Wario. For that alone, it's an important game.
I think the primary reason why I didn't completely love this is the gameplay isn't as tight as a lot of other Mario games. Mario is floatier with his jumps and slower when he runs and I'm sure that has to do with the hardware limitations of the original GameBoy. As cool as this game is, it definitely is not the best way to experience pure Mario gameplay, in my opinion.
Still, it's totally worth playing and I had a good time with it. (It's also very easy)
So it's no surprise to me whatsoever that this game is a fun time. It's classic Mario gameplay on the go that I'm sure I would've loved as a kid. What sticks out to me here is the level design and how much fun the developers had with it. There's a space level, a graveyard level with little Jason Voorhees-inspired enemies, and of course it introduces Wario. For that alone, it's an important game.
I think the primary reason why I didn't completely love this is the gameplay isn't as tight as a lot of other Mario games. Mario is floatier with his jumps and slower when he runs and I'm sure that has to do with the hardware limitations of the original GameBoy. As cool as this game is, it definitely is not the best way to experience pure Mario gameplay, in my opinion.
Still, it's totally worth playing and I had a good time with it. (It's also very easy)
I played most of this last year and got distracted, but today I finally finished it.
Honestly, this game is excellent. Nearly every moment, boss and level is completely fun. Mechanically it's as simple as every other Kirby game is, but it feels the best to play in the entire series. I'd argue that this formula (which I'll call the Mario Odyssey formula) works even better here than it did in Super Mario Odyssey. 3D Mario games are great, don't get my wrong. But I love my 2D Mario. And I love this 3D Kirby.
The length is appropriate for what it is, and there's a good amount of extra content should you want to see it through 100%, gather all the collectibles and blueprints. I personally didn't do everything, rather I just beat the main story path while doing most of the optional side worlds.
Overall I loved this. Such a fun, easygoing time that I can see myself revisiting in the future.
Honestly, this game is excellent. Nearly every moment, boss and level is completely fun. Mechanically it's as simple as every other Kirby game is, but it feels the best to play in the entire series. I'd argue that this formula (which I'll call the Mario Odyssey formula) works even better here than it did in Super Mario Odyssey. 3D Mario games are great, don't get my wrong. But I love my 2D Mario. And I love this 3D Kirby.
The length is appropriate for what it is, and there's a good amount of extra content should you want to see it through 100%, gather all the collectibles and blueprints. I personally didn't do everything, rather I just beat the main story path while doing most of the optional side worlds.
Overall I loved this. Such a fun, easygoing time that I can see myself revisiting in the future.
Played via PS5 Backwards Compatibility.
A good game for sure! Has that fun, kinetic Housemarque gameplay that makes these games appealing to people who don't traditionally play these kinds of shooters. I definitely fall into that category. Normally I can only play these kinds of games for a short while before getting bored and seeking out something else pertaining to my gaming interests. Luckily, my time with this was short and sweet.
Platinum Trophy #125
Platinum Trophy #1 of 2023
A good game for sure! Has that fun, kinetic Housemarque gameplay that makes these games appealing to people who don't traditionally play these kinds of shooters. I definitely fall into that category. Normally I can only play these kinds of games for a short while before getting bored and seeking out something else pertaining to my gaming interests. Luckily, my time with this was short and sweet.
Platinum Trophy #125
Platinum Trophy #1 of 2023
1989
Completed via Mega Man Legacy Collection on PS4.
I was born in thew early 90s, and exposed to video games since before I could talk, thanks to having an older brother. We had an NES in the house, which I would play Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt on, but that was really the extent of it. The reason for that is we also had a Super Nintendo and a Sega Genesis, and to me those were much prettier, shinier toys.
I know how widely acclaimed the Mega Man NES titles are, but my first exposure to the franchise was Mega Man X on SNES, and that ends up being the measuring stick that I compare any and all Mega Man titles to. The graphics, gameplay, enemy and level design in that game are all top notch, if you ask me. Starting off with Mega Man X was a blessing and a curse, because going back to these older titles is a bit more difficult for me.
That's not to say I can't get into them. I think the ones I've played are fun! This one included. It's unfair to compare graphics to Mega Man X, but I think in just about every way Mega Man 2's mechanics and level design are improved in X. It means that I can play these and enjoy them but not as much. That's probably just a me problem. If I played these games before moving onto the SNES then perhaps I'd think differently.
Overall it's a good game. Very good, in fact, and at times ver challenging. Out of all the bosses I probably liked Quick Man the most. For no other reason than I think he's cool.
I was born in thew early 90s, and exposed to video games since before I could talk, thanks to having an older brother. We had an NES in the house, which I would play Super Mario Bros. and Duck Hunt on, but that was really the extent of it. The reason for that is we also had a Super Nintendo and a Sega Genesis, and to me those were much prettier, shinier toys.
I know how widely acclaimed the Mega Man NES titles are, but my first exposure to the franchise was Mega Man X on SNES, and that ends up being the measuring stick that I compare any and all Mega Man titles to. The graphics, gameplay, enemy and level design in that game are all top notch, if you ask me. Starting off with Mega Man X was a blessing and a curse, because going back to these older titles is a bit more difficult for me.
That's not to say I can't get into them. I think the ones I've played are fun! This one included. It's unfair to compare graphics to Mega Man X, but I think in just about every way Mega Man 2's mechanics and level design are improved in X. It means that I can play these and enjoy them but not as much. That's probably just a me problem. If I played these games before moving onto the SNES then perhaps I'd think differently.
Overall it's a good game. Very good, in fact, and at times ver challenging. Out of all the bosses I probably liked Quick Man the most. For no other reason than I think he's cool.
2008
Great game! I remember when the original Gears of War came out and the impact it made on my friends and I at the time. Here was a game that looked different and played a bit different than anything before and it felt like a true next gen experience, at the time.
Gears of War 2 does not do a hell of a lot in terms of iteration on its predecessor. Instead it refines the ever fun gameplay of the first, steps up a bit in the writing department and offers more creative and engaging environments.
At the end of the day, Gears is like a popcorn action movie and it delivers on carnage, violence and the like and I can’t imagine it ever not being fun.
Gears of War 2 does not do a hell of a lot in terms of iteration on its predecessor. Instead it refines the ever fun gameplay of the first, steps up a bit in the writing department and offers more creative and engaging environments.
At the end of the day, Gears is like a popcorn action movie and it delivers on carnage, violence and the like and I can’t imagine it ever not being fun.
It's a bit rough around the edges in the gameplay department but it does have a bit of a nostalgic charm to it. The roster is limited to fifteen wrestlers which is a disappointment, but understandable considering the time and the hardware.
There are a few different modes to try out, but the only one resembling anything of a story mode is called Championship mode, where you essentially work one match a month from Wrestlemania X7 to Wrestlemania X8, winning championships but not really having anything to show for them. Of course for this playthrough I picked Big Sexy Kevin Nash.
Gameplay is simple but that's a strength. You strike, grapple, irish whip, pin and that's pretty much it. Striking is a pain because it's not a quick motion, and its easy to fall behind .2 seconds versus the computer and it feels like once you're being attacked, it's a trap that can be difficult to get out of.
Presentation wise the came looks fine, but the best part is the chiptune wrestling themes. Some of these genuinely made me smile.
Overall not something I'd recommend, but maybe if I had this back in 2002 I would've enjoyed it enough.
There are a few different modes to try out, but the only one resembling anything of a story mode is called Championship mode, where you essentially work one match a month from Wrestlemania X7 to Wrestlemania X8, winning championships but not really having anything to show for them. Of course for this playthrough I picked Big Sexy Kevin Nash.
Gameplay is simple but that's a strength. You strike, grapple, irish whip, pin and that's pretty much it. Striking is a pain because it's not a quick motion, and its easy to fall behind .2 seconds versus the computer and it feels like once you're being attacked, it's a trap that can be difficult to get out of.
Presentation wise the came looks fine, but the best part is the chiptune wrestling themes. Some of these genuinely made me smile.
Overall not something I'd recommend, but maybe if I had this back in 2002 I would've enjoyed it enough.
Starting off my 2023 gaming journey in the weirdest way possible.
Street Fighter: The Movie: The Game does not need to be analyzed to understand why it's not a good game. Based off of a movie no one likes (except for 3-5 year old me) it lifts the digitization of actual actors from the movie (and no doubt inspired by Mortal Kombat) and manages to be fundamentally worse than just about everything that came before or after it. It's pretty baffling to me that Capcom put out a game in the mid-90s that feels so stiff and so unintuitive.
Since the game is based off of the movie, it's inherently campy and oddly charming, the only reason I gave this 1.5 stars instead of 1. I got a bit of a nostalgic kick seeing footage of the movie in the game, and if only the game was remotely fun, I could've seen myself playing through the "movie mode" just to see it through.
I'm glad this exists because every once in a while it makes me laugh, but in the future I'll just laugh at it from a distance instead of playing it.
Street Fighter: The Movie: The Game does not need to be analyzed to understand why it's not a good game. Based off of a movie no one likes (except for 3-5 year old me) it lifts the digitization of actual actors from the movie (and no doubt inspired by Mortal Kombat) and manages to be fundamentally worse than just about everything that came before or after it. It's pretty baffling to me that Capcom put out a game in the mid-90s that feels so stiff and so unintuitive.
Since the game is based off of the movie, it's inherently campy and oddly charming, the only reason I gave this 1.5 stars instead of 1. I got a bit of a nostalgic kick seeing footage of the movie in the game, and if only the game was remotely fun, I could've seen myself playing through the "movie mode" just to see it through.
I'm glad this exists because every once in a while it makes me laugh, but in the future I'll just laugh at it from a distance instead of playing it.
Yes, this was my first time playing A Link to the Past to completion in my entire life. Better late than never, am I right? Hey, we all have games we missed when we were younger, for one reason for another. No shame in catching up on those titles we've long moved past.
Anyways, it's not a shocker that this game is excellent. The classic Zelda formula is one of the greatest in the history in gaming (right up there with Metroidvania-Castlevania titles, turn-based 16-bit Final Fantasy and so on) and frankly it's one I don't think I'll ever grow tired of. When they remade Link's Awakening in 2019, I jumped at it and adored it. It plays in a very simple, masterful way. The art style is lovely, which is in line with countless other absolutely gorgeous SNES titles. Pixel art will never die.
I really liked a lot of the mechanics that spruced up the gameplay. I liked the puzzles, which is not something I can say about every game. Here they felt just the right amount of challenging and with little to no frustration. I loved that the map isn't small, isn't large but it just right. While a fast traveling system is introduced, it still isn't a major pain if you have to make the trek across the map.
In a way I'm glad I didn't complete this when I was a kid because if I did not have the strategy guide there's no way I would've figured some of this shit out. I can say that about most of my favorite games so it isn't a knock; just an observation.
All in all an amazing game.
Anyways, it's not a shocker that this game is excellent. The classic Zelda formula is one of the greatest in the history in gaming (right up there with Metroidvania-Castlevania titles, turn-based 16-bit Final Fantasy and so on) and frankly it's one I don't think I'll ever grow tired of. When they remade Link's Awakening in 2019, I jumped at it and adored it. It plays in a very simple, masterful way. The art style is lovely, which is in line with countless other absolutely gorgeous SNES titles. Pixel art will never die.
I really liked a lot of the mechanics that spruced up the gameplay. I liked the puzzles, which is not something I can say about every game. Here they felt just the right amount of challenging and with little to no frustration. I loved that the map isn't small, isn't large but it just right. While a fast traveling system is introduced, it still isn't a major pain if you have to make the trek across the map.
In a way I'm glad I didn't complete this when I was a kid because if I did not have the strategy guide there's no way I would've figured some of this shit out. I can say that about most of my favorite games so it isn't a knock; just an observation.
All in all an amazing game.
I was so excited when this was announced. I love everything about Final Fantasy VII, and I've never played Crisis Core. Thank you Square Enix for remaking/re-mastering this game!
No but really, what SE did with this port is really interesting. Certain parts of the game were remastered, certain parts of it were straight up remade. During some cutscenes you might be reminded that it's a PSP game, but during some gameplay segments this game looks and feels very modern and it's awesome. Apparently the voice acting was re-done as well.
I like the structure of the game and can't help but think it influenced Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. Though there is an overarching story, you play as a soldier (well, member of SOLDIER) and you can deploy to various missions at your leisure. While these can be fun, they can also be repetitive, either in enemy design, environmental design or both.
The overall story is really good. I loved being back in this world with these characters, and seeing locations that we haven't yet seen in the Remake series. Bring on Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth!
No but really, what SE did with this port is really interesting. Certain parts of the game were remastered, certain parts of it were straight up remade. During some cutscenes you might be reminded that it's a PSP game, but during some gameplay segments this game looks and feels very modern and it's awesome. Apparently the voice acting was re-done as well.
I like the structure of the game and can't help but think it influenced Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. Though there is an overarching story, you play as a soldier (well, member of SOLDIER) and you can deploy to various missions at your leisure. While these can be fun, they can also be repetitive, either in enemy design, environmental design or both.
The overall story is really good. I loved being back in this world with these characters, and seeing locations that we haven't yet seen in the Remake series. Bring on Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth!
2022
Finally beat the main story after taking my sweet time with it, and I have many thoughts. Above all else, God of War: Ragnarok is an excellent game, but not without its flaws.
In all things related to story and character, this game nails just about everything. I do think the overall narrative is maybe a little longer than it had to be, but that's a very minor complaint. I think the game starts out strong, slows down a bit, but then really picks up about halfway through and doesn't let go from there. The performances, the writing of these characters is pretty top notch within gaming. I love my Mimir, Brok & Sindri etc. but Kratos is the real star of the show here, having now felt like a fully developed character. Shoutout to Heimdall and the actor who portrayed him. Everything about this slimy, shithead character worked and I felt he singlehandedly brought the narrative up with him.
Gameplay wise it's really satisfying to play and never really lets up. Random enemy encounters are fun to go through but boss fights are where it really shines. They're spectacular.
Some of the gameplay mechanics that I didn't care for in God of War (2018) are here as well. I found some of the Uncharted-style puzzle solving to be annoying, interfering and really slowed down the gameplay unnecessarily. I think the fast travel system, while it makes sense is tethered to the previous game, is imperfect. I think the menus, while improved, are still a little cumbersome and overwhelming.
All that aside, God of War: Ragnarok absolutely nails so much of what it sets out to achieve. It's beautiful, with little to no technical flaws and really satisfying. Sony first-party titles are really special, something that gaming needs. Many of those games are must-play, and this is no exception.
In all things related to story and character, this game nails just about everything. I do think the overall narrative is maybe a little longer than it had to be, but that's a very minor complaint. I think the game starts out strong, slows down a bit, but then really picks up about halfway through and doesn't let go from there. The performances, the writing of these characters is pretty top notch within gaming. I love my Mimir, Brok & Sindri etc. but Kratos is the real star of the show here, having now felt like a fully developed character. Shoutout to Heimdall and the actor who portrayed him. Everything about this slimy, shithead character worked and I felt he singlehandedly brought the narrative up with him.
Gameplay wise it's really satisfying to play and never really lets up. Random enemy encounters are fun to go through but boss fights are where it really shines. They're spectacular.
Some of the gameplay mechanics that I didn't care for in God of War (2018) are here as well. I found some of the Uncharted-style puzzle solving to be annoying, interfering and really slowed down the gameplay unnecessarily. I think the fast travel system, while it makes sense is tethered to the previous game, is imperfect. I think the menus, while improved, are still a little cumbersome and overwhelming.
All that aside, God of War: Ragnarok absolutely nails so much of what it sets out to achieve. It's beautiful, with little to no technical flaws and really satisfying. Sony first-party titles are really special, something that gaming needs. Many of those games are must-play, and this is no exception.
2022
I'm not going to rate this simply because I did not put enough time into it to give it an honest rating. But I can say that unfortunately the Overdrive combat system is not clicking with me. I know it's an added strategic mechanic to the combat but I feel it's limiting how I want to play the game, and I'm just not feeling it.
I'm reminded of CrossCode, a game with high praise from players and critics. On paper, it should have been right up my alley. Beautiful pixel art, inspired by the JRPG classics I grew up with it. But I did not like the puzzles in it, at all, to the point where it dragged down my inspiration to see it through.
I like the art and environments of Chained Echoes. Story and characters seem okay so far, but I wouldn't say I'm attached to any of it. Time is precious and I'm going to move on to something else that I'd like to play (maybe I'll finish one of the 8 other games I'm currently playing).
I'm gonna shelve this indefinitely and maybe I'll revisit it someday...but it's unlikely.
I'm reminded of CrossCode, a game with high praise from players and critics. On paper, it should have been right up my alley. Beautiful pixel art, inspired by the JRPG classics I grew up with it. But I did not like the puzzles in it, at all, to the point where it dragged down my inspiration to see it through.
I like the art and environments of Chained Echoes. Story and characters seem okay so far, but I wouldn't say I'm attached to any of it. Time is precious and I'm going to move on to something else that I'd like to play (maybe I'll finish one of the 8 other games I'm currently playing).
I'm gonna shelve this indefinitely and maybe I'll revisit it someday...but it's unlikely.
This review contains spoilers
This review is marked for spoilers but it is only for a particular gameplay section later on in the game. There are no story spoilers ahead.
Man, for the first half of this game I was really in its corner. But the level of frustration I had, especially, from chapter six and onwards dragged this down a star and a half. Let's start with the good! It's immersive. Character models are really impressive. Loved the environments, loved the atmosphere.
Let's start with the middling. The melee is not awful but it definitely feels like you have to step down to get to the game's level to get comfortable with it. It's a choice many don't seem to agree with but whatever. I got used to it.
Now let's start with the downright frustrating. The checkpoint system in this is severely outdated. Turns out I missed the platinum trophy for this because if you get a collectible, die and restart from a checkpoint, you have to get the collectible again. Oops. Didn't know that. I just figured you know, like every other modern game that shit like that would save. Oh well. Normally I'd be able to go back and get the collectible but I can't since there's NO CHAPTER SELECT. What are we thinking not adding this?
The amount of health, ammo and credits you receive throughout the game is inconsistent across the board. There are times where it's very manageable, and times when you hit a fucking checkpoint at a really bad time when you have NO health, NO ammo and are being bombarded by enemies with NO time to reload!
Which brings me to another point...the reloading. I get slowing down the gameplay just enough to make the enemy encounters more tense but it is WAY too slow. This mechanic singlehandedly makes the gameplay feel dated. It's a design choice that deliberately goes against how games should feel to play in 2022. I can't tell you how many times I was stuck in a situation where I was being bombarded by enemies (and ALL of them have tentacles, if you've played it you know what I'm fucking talking about) and all I can do is dodge and melee because I don't have time to heal, I don't have time to reload, I don't even have time to switch weapons (which is frustrating as fuck itself) and you just have to try again and again and again until you get lucky. Because you know, there's a good chance an annoying ass checkpoint got you in that mess in the first place.
I'm gonna talk for a second about the end of chapter six specifically. You fight this two-headed monster after you fight about fifteen or so enemies in which you better be prepared or else you're fucked. I had plenty of Hand Cannon ammo the first time I around. I die, checkpoint is reloaded and I have none. I couldn't believe it.
I finally got done with that, having exhausted ALL of my ammo and I was very surprised at the lack of opportunities to get more after that. I was barely scraping by having to melee everyone (a feat that took much longer than it needed to because of the fucking tentacles!!) Only to have to face that ammo-sinking two-headed asshole monster AGAIN. Oh and he shows up like two more times, all of which are completely inconvenient and not fun at all.
This could've been so good. So, so good. I really liked it up until it frustrated me to no end. I'm done with it now, without the Platinum trophy because of the dumbs checkpoints, and at this point I'm glad it's over.
Man, for the first half of this game I was really in its corner. But the level of frustration I had, especially, from chapter six and onwards dragged this down a star and a half. Let's start with the good! It's immersive. Character models are really impressive. Loved the environments, loved the atmosphere.
Let's start with the middling. The melee is not awful but it definitely feels like you have to step down to get to the game's level to get comfortable with it. It's a choice many don't seem to agree with but whatever. I got used to it.
Now let's start with the downright frustrating. The checkpoint system in this is severely outdated. Turns out I missed the platinum trophy for this because if you get a collectible, die and restart from a checkpoint, you have to get the collectible again. Oops. Didn't know that. I just figured you know, like every other modern game that shit like that would save. Oh well. Normally I'd be able to go back and get the collectible but I can't since there's NO CHAPTER SELECT. What are we thinking not adding this?
The amount of health, ammo and credits you receive throughout the game is inconsistent across the board. There are times where it's very manageable, and times when you hit a fucking checkpoint at a really bad time when you have NO health, NO ammo and are being bombarded by enemies with NO time to reload!
Which brings me to another point...the reloading. I get slowing down the gameplay just enough to make the enemy encounters more tense but it is WAY too slow. This mechanic singlehandedly makes the gameplay feel dated. It's a design choice that deliberately goes against how games should feel to play in 2022. I can't tell you how many times I was stuck in a situation where I was being bombarded by enemies (and ALL of them have tentacles, if you've played it you know what I'm fucking talking about) and all I can do is dodge and melee because I don't have time to heal, I don't have time to reload, I don't even have time to switch weapons (which is frustrating as fuck itself) and you just have to try again and again and again until you get lucky. Because you know, there's a good chance an annoying ass checkpoint got you in that mess in the first place.
I'm gonna talk for a second about the end of chapter six specifically. You fight this two-headed monster after you fight about fifteen or so enemies in which you better be prepared or else you're fucked. I had plenty of Hand Cannon ammo the first time I around. I die, checkpoint is reloaded and I have none. I couldn't believe it.
I finally got done with that, having exhausted ALL of my ammo and I was very surprised at the lack of opportunities to get more after that. I was barely scraping by having to melee everyone (a feat that took much longer than it needed to because of the fucking tentacles!!) Only to have to face that ammo-sinking two-headed asshole monster AGAIN. Oh and he shows up like two more times, all of which are completely inconvenient and not fun at all.
This could've been so good. So, so good. I really liked it up until it frustrated me to no end. I'm done with it now, without the Platinum trophy because of the dumbs checkpoints, and at this point I'm glad it's over.