2022
While not perfect, there are moments where it feels pretty damn close. Such impressive polish for a triple A game, and seemingly endless opportunities to explore the nine realms with interesting lore and explosive combat. Everything I wanted this sequel to be and then some.
I truly truly wish this game was better. I hate the storytelling style of dark souls and so this doesn’t work for me at all. I found it bland for the time I played and felt no incentive to keep going. Not enough exciting abilities were given fast enough, the checkpoints are poorly placed, and I got lost too frequently. Great music though.
Miraculously able to overtake my previous favorite game ever made (Ori and the blind forest) with its advancements in combat, traversal, and scope. I can’t say enough positive things about Ori and especially this game. I was hit so hard by the story and enthralled by each and every moment. Felt compelled to 100% clear.
I couldn’t believe this was uncharted from how much better it was. Neil Druckmann’s vision of the series was exactly what it needed. Better acting, better story, better environments, better EVERYTHING. What a thrill ride. I love this game.
This game is an achievement that the rest of the industry will need at least an entire generation to catch up to. The boldness in its storytelling combined with the pinnacle of acting in a video game is something to behold. This is probably my favorite game to talk about because of its complexities. Not to mention my favorite ending to a game. If I had to pick one, this is the game that changed how I think about interactive media.
2018
I’ve played and replayed this game more times than any other, and I think this is the game every person should experience whether they play video games or not. One of the most beautiful games to look at; every still frame could be in an art museum. It tells a gripping and emotional story without a single word of dialogue that every person can connect to, and the game gently leads you along so you can feel the love put into every step of the journey. It’s a perfect game that isn’t talked about enough. Beautifully scored, designed, and directed.
2007
The greatest game of all time. Why? It’s a 3D Mario game with a STORY. And a good one at that. Rosalina is the most compelling character in the franchise and I loved the storybook chapters. Every level and song is paired together perfectly with some of the greatest leitmotifs in the history of gaming. The wealth of unique ideas from level to level is simply astounding.
2017
They finally perfected the movement and camera control for Mario. This game handles like a dream, and it’s infectiously fun to play. Every kingdom is cool in its own way, and the collect-a-thon style is perfect for this worldwide trek. I wouldn’t say it’s endless in nature however, because there’s a significant portion of moons (hint art, for example) that are not fun. Not quite a perfect game, but as close as Mario has ever been.
I have a lot of feelings about this game. It’s got so much going for it, such as the direction and sense of wonderment. I loved the openness and subtlety of the atmosphere. But I don’t like the combat (weapon durability is cringe), and I don’t like how the Memories thing is a requirement for the true ending. I don’t understand how anyone would realistically come across AND RECOGNIZE all twelve locations without the internet. The story and music were great, with several lovable characters. And I loved the direction they went in with Zelda, since what makes her interesting to me is the profound humanity of feeling as if you’re about to crumble under the weight of expectations and responsibilities. This game has a lot of good and a lot of meh, but it’s still very fun as a relaxing game to pick up and play on the couch now and then.
2015
Undertale is one of my favorite first halves of a game. Great characters paired with clever dialogue, a subversive story, and countless fantastic songs. However as soon as Dr. Alphys shows up you realize how bad the gameplay of undertale is. Getting phone call after incessant phone call makes you realize that the gameplay is exclusively just walking, and they don’t even want you to do that anymore. I also don’t like random encounters. The biggest thing I find corny is the whole idea of “ooh! You’re in a video game! We the characters know about it! Ooh!” And also the fact that you have to play the game multiple times in order to “have actually finished it” because it’s not like the Stanley parable (which can be completed in ten minutes) because undertale is five hours long. This game is an extremely mixed bag.
2022
Had such a wonderful time with this game. I got to experience it moment to moment with my best friend over the phone and it was so much fun. Such a simple premise delivered upon super well. Great atmosphere and attention to detail throughout. This game is delightful.
2011
Easily top three games of all time. This is a rare game that’s a blast from start to finish in both single player and multiplayer. Fantastic voice acting paired with a hilarious script make for constant laughs, and the level design brilliantly prods your imagination to think your way through any scenario it throws at you. Overall a thrilling puzzle platformer that I can’t recommend enough.
2018
Phenomenal. A deeply moving narrative with weighty, satisfying combat and a fascinating world to explore. Certainly things to improve upon but easily one of the few true must-plays.
2018
A beautifully told story with inspired level design, one of gaming’s instant classic scores, and thoughtfully realized mechanics. I think the Farewell chapter is an enormous misstep because I completed every B-side just to be given even more punishing demands for high-precision movement and no margin for error. I thought I’d be rewarded with the end of the story. That being said, I love the way that difficulty is part of the story and it makes me align with Madeline as the player in the determination to make it up the mountain. A fantastic game that I easily recommend.
2019
This is the first jrpg I’ve enjoyed enough to complete. Top five soundtracks ever written, and gorgeous art direction. For me the highlight is the characters, I love the way they interact with each other. I even enjoyed the combat, and I don’t typically like turn based combat. It does have its issues with inconsistency in the quality of the story and a little bit of anime over the top ridiculousness. Overall, a really solid game.