heavenly_persona
2022
2018
In my experience no game feels as good to play as Celeste, period. Pure kinetic jubilation every step of the way, where a simple yet satisfying set of mechanics lead to a hidden depth of movement that is beautiful to both watch and perform. The levels themselves are a testament to just how far a single idea can be used to it's maximum potential. Each new element introduced within a level remains relevant and uniquely implemented throughout the entire game, including the wealth of side content. Celeste is also quite a difficult game the first time around, and its overall message ties into this difficulty so well.
The metaphor here is almost comically overt (both with the mountain and Part of Me), but it's very upfront with it's themes of depression and anxiety in a really refreshing and honest way that works to its advantage. Madeline has set this challenge out for herself, not because she wants to, but because she has to. And no matter how difficult or impossible it may seem (and no matter how may times you die!), just breathe, you can do this.
In conclusion, trans rights!
The metaphor here is almost comically overt (both with the mountain and Part of Me), but it's very upfront with it's themes of depression and anxiety in a really refreshing and honest way that works to its advantage. Madeline has set this challenge out for herself, not because she wants to, but because she has to. And no matter how difficult or impossible it may seem (and no matter how may times you die!), just breathe, you can do this.
In conclusion, trans rights!
2019
1986
1987
No no no no no, there's only so much i can take. Text boxes that move at a snail's pace, constant missing, status condition HELL, its charm can only carry it so far. The best part of this game was reading the 20 year old GameFAQs guides to see what all the equipment and spells did (thank you Vegita aka Eric Johnson and D_Simpson aka Dan Simpson for your hard work you did an amazing job).
1989
2015
Very surreal actually playing this game, I've been a fan of it pretty much since it came out from watching playthroughs on youtube and after playing it myself after all this time, my thoughts pretty much haven't changed. Now I do think some of the humor has worn off on me, but most of it still holds up and the music of course is absolutely fantastic. Super creative take on turn-based combat, love how each boss has a unique and surprising mechanic. The characters are wonderful shout out to lesbians and the story-
ok what the fuck am I, a user of the internet, doing reviewing Undertale in the year of our lord 2023 I feel like such a buffoon anyway yes love this game, pretty special to me
ok what the fuck am I, a user of the internet, doing reviewing Undertale in the year of our lord 2023 I feel like such a buffoon anyway yes love this game, pretty special to me
1994
2003
2019
Without it's art Blasphemous doesn't really stand out at all. It has many clear influences from other games in and adjacent to the metroidvania genre but mechanically doesn't seem to have any sort of identity of its own. The combat feel fine I guess but the parry is too easy to use for how strong it is and even with all the abilities you can find it always feels like there's something missing. Unfortunately the level design also does not complement the combat well either making it extremely easy or sloppy and frustrating. The platforming is also just not that interesting and having instant death in a game like this is a baffling decision to say the least.
Despite all that I still think I might have been willing to finish it if it wasn't for a few other problems that are more serious in my opinion. First of all, It's weirdly linear for a game that is clearly trying to be exploratory and interconnected. Second of all, it does the annoying fantasy writing thing where all the dialogue is just exposition about a bunch of made up words and characters without any context for the player (but that the player character is supposed to understand). As a result the npcs feel totally lifeless as they have no other purpose or personality outside of this. The sum of these two problems ruins the atmosphere and leads to a world that feels devoid of purpose. I would say I'd like to see where it takes its primary theme of Catholic guilt but that just wasn't enough to sustain me. It is totally possible that the game improves later on but it simply failed to establish any sort of intrigue - mechanically, narratively, or otherwise.
Despite all that I still think I might have been willing to finish it if it wasn't for a few other problems that are more serious in my opinion. First of all, It's weirdly linear for a game that is clearly trying to be exploratory and interconnected. Second of all, it does the annoying fantasy writing thing where all the dialogue is just exposition about a bunch of made up words and characters without any context for the player (but that the player character is supposed to understand). As a result the npcs feel totally lifeless as they have no other purpose or personality outside of this. The sum of these two problems ruins the atmosphere and leads to a world that feels devoid of purpose. I would say I'd like to see where it takes its primary theme of Catholic guilt but that just wasn't enough to sustain me. It is totally possible that the game improves later on but it simply failed to establish any sort of intrigue - mechanically, narratively, or otherwise.
2022
2018
2010
Very few games manage to capture the sense of scale, the sense of awe at the world around you as the first Xenoblade Chronicles. It just feels good to exist in this world with its gorgeous environments and roaming monsters, especially with that absolutely iconic ost in the background. The combat and character building systems are just deep enough to feel rewarding but don't go completely fucking overboard like 2 and 3. A fun, although trope filled, cast of characters and voice acting that I am fully sold on make this such an incredible adventure. Honestly not sure what the fuck was happening towards the end, the story gets kinda stupid but it doesn’t tarnish the overall experience that badly.