lithiumproject
2024
Has a great look and FEEL (the animation in particular is sublime) but falls into too many tropes of a rogue lite and gameplay that isn't strong enough to carry the weight of those issues. Would have preferred it as a marble madness with guns.
2024
A puzzle game using the walking sim flow/ mechanics of walking around and picking up notes, though I found it far more appealing here as the notes serve the puzzles with a smattering of world building. A genuinely wonderful experience.
1999
God I tried but this thing is utterly punishing to play. Every single room you enter is like the game giving you another swift middle finger.
The rating being as high as it is is solely on the DK Rap and 'OOO BANANA' bit.
The rating being as high as it is is solely on the DK Rap and 'OOO BANANA' bit.
2024
Nah man this just fucks. Straight up.
1992
From the 1-6 Remaster
First time playing V and yes, the job system is very cool, but the world for which you have to play around with this system just isn't that interesting, applied to characters that don't carry any emotional weight to them.
Exdeath is a tremendous shitweasel of a villian though.
First time playing V and yes, the job system is very cool, but the world for which you have to play around with this system just isn't that interesting, applied to characters that don't carry any emotional weight to them.
Exdeath is a tremendous shitweasel of a villian though.
A remarkable feat for being developed over such a short period of time. Entirely retains the flavour and tone of Celeste while weaving in all those trappins of a Nintendo 64 game.
However, I will say Celeste doesn't fully translate with success from 2D to 3D in the same way a Mario does, as some of the platforming in conjunction with the camera becomes too much of a hassle. But also, the fucking thing was made in two weeks and is free.
However, I will say Celeste doesn't fully translate with success from 2D to 3D in the same way a Mario does, as some of the platforming in conjunction with the camera becomes too much of a hassle. But also, the fucking thing was made in two weeks and is free.
Decent enough Metroidvania but holy fucking christ some of these character designs would make dead or alive blush.
By no means perfect and certainly a bit long in the tooth, TLC is a fine-tuned Metroidvania that does lean a little heavy on design concepts from modern popular MVs, but manages to incorporate a compelling enough combat system that kept me engaged to the end.
Knowing the team behind Rayman Origins/Legends made this, I guess I feel a bit underwhelmed that the magic of those games (specifically the level design) shows up in places for TLC, but you do feel left wanting for more. The fast travel locations are a fucking pain for how big the map is (there is no reason travel couldn't have been assigned to the tree checkpoints).
But hey, it's a solid MV and ticks enough boxes to get a thumbs up.
Knowing the team behind Rayman Origins/Legends made this, I guess I feel a bit underwhelmed that the magic of those games (specifically the level design) shows up in places for TLC, but you do feel left wanting for more. The fast travel locations are a fucking pain for how big the map is (there is no reason travel couldn't have been assigned to the tree checkpoints).
But hey, it's a solid MV and ticks enough boxes to get a thumbs up.
A competent and well-crafted metroidvania. It doesn't bring anything new to the genre but I'll play one of these any day of the week without hesitation. Also doesn't outstay its welcome.
2024
If anything it made me truly appreciate how elite Neon White and Ghostrunner are and how they perfected the first-person parkour gameplay.
2023
It's quite incredible that Steamworld Dig 2 and Build are different genres yet manage to capture the same meditative core loop. You can sink 4-5 hours into Build without blinking an eye, and I think because it rights two wrongs of the Two Point series (the last city style builder game I played): you've got always something to do, and you're not punished harshly for mistakes made. The freedom and fleixibilty to move buildings around is greatly appreciated.
Beat the first map in about 10 hours and immediately dived into the next one with my understanding the key to success is communist style block development.
Beat the first map in about 10 hours and immediately dived into the next one with my understanding the key to success is communist style block development.
2023
How do you top the tight as fuck action of the original GR? Add a motorbike, of course.
Just like Neon White, if you avoid every single second people are talking in this game (though some of the Jack/Rahu sections were mildly compelling) you have one of the best games of the year.
Just like Neon White, if you avoid every single second people are talking in this game (though some of the Jack/Rahu sections were mildly compelling) you have one of the best games of the year.
2023
Some of the strongest and funniest writing in a game this year. There are fair points to be made about the skateboarding and combat feeling hollow, though I'd argue the battle mechanic isn't about the combat itself, but the emotional war and reconciliation that comes at the end.
An array of strong characters and writing means this one will stick with me for sometime.
An array of strong characters and writing means this one will stick with me for sometime.
2023
An absorbing, medatative experience hampered by the fact everything outside of the climbing mechanic just ain't all that interesting. With that said, I'd love to see Don't Nod have a second crack at this and nail the level design inbetween the moments of climbing.
2023
Feels like a wholly realised version of Gang Beasts with some very cute animal designs and highly enjoyable modes. Perfect addition to Game Pass.