sumatran
I appreciated the snappy flow to the game. Everything moved so smoothly compared to previous entries. It finally advanced the core gameplay in a meaningful way and I'm more excited about the future of Poke'mon than I've ever been. But the novelty of the open world faded after reaching the third area. And Elden Ring all but closed the door on this title for me.
I anticipated coming back to finish it, but with Scarlet/Violet around the corner, I'll have to forfeit. It's a good Poke'mon game, but in the grand scheme of things, it still doesn't reach greatness.
I anticipated coming back to finish it, but with Scarlet/Violet around the corner, I'll have to forfeit. It's a good Poke'mon game, but in the grand scheme of things, it still doesn't reach greatness.
2020
This woulda killed on Newgrounds.
Sometimes I'm glad we are past the age of the mascot platformer. Tedious checkpoints and frustrating mini-games leave a sour impression.
2012
I started this way back in 2016. It's actually a competent little handheld shooter. The gameplay is pretty fast and fluid, with aim assist allowing you to headshot like crazy.
The only issue is there isn't much game here. It's an arcade shoot 'em up, with what amounts to a level select screen with various objectives. Most missions take 3 - 5 minutes. The enemies are generic terrorists and the levels are drab and unmemorable.
I get that Playstation Studios were trying to churn out Vita exclusives in the early days. But this was not a good riff on SOCOM.
The only issue is there isn't much game here. It's an arcade shoot 'em up, with what amounts to a level select screen with various objectives. Most missions take 3 - 5 minutes. The enemies are generic terrorists and the levels are drab and unmemorable.
I get that Playstation Studios were trying to churn out Vita exclusives in the early days. But this was not a good riff on SOCOM.
2020
An improvement over the original in almost every way. My personal preference is the pixel/retro graphics from the first outing. The sequel has a cartoon quality which isn't as appealing.
The game can drag, so I eventually turned on House Rules around the NG+2 mark. This made the grind far more bearable and really improved my enjoyment.
Oh, and Valkyrie is the best.
The game can drag, so I eventually turned on House Rules around the NG+2 mark. This made the grind far more bearable and really improved my enjoyment.
Oh, and Valkyrie is the best.
2021
A game akin to a stroll through the park - low stress and a breeze.
My interest dwindled as I shelved book after book, plate after plate, and every other knick knack that followed me throughout life. The premise was interesting, but even as a 90s kid, I just couldn't feel entirely connected to the experience. I think that's because it was so tailored to the character I was playing. I found that I'm not so interested in unpacking some random person's junk - I'd prefer to unpack my own crap.
My interest dwindled as I shelved book after book, plate after plate, and every other knick knack that followed me throughout life. The premise was interesting, but even as a 90s kid, I just couldn't feel entirely connected to the experience. I think that's because it was so tailored to the character I was playing. I found that I'm not so interested in unpacking some random person's junk - I'd prefer to unpack my own crap.
2022
An epic of godly proportions - God of War Ragnarök comes out swinging and never lets up.
While it's an iterative sequel, I was surprised by the world, the writing, the acting, and the combat. Everything feels just as good as 2018 - maybe even better. God of War (2018) was a difficult act to follow - unleashing one of video game's biggest glow-ups; this is not your psychotic, pimping Kratos from years past. He's tired. Hardened. Yet brutally violent when he needs to be. And he finally has an interesting story to tell.
Ragnarök really goes big; bigger than I ever imagined. Some of the set pieces are awe-inspiring. The one-take camera returns in all its cinematic glory, effortlessly melding gameplay and story. I don't think any game does it better.
Combat is fast and fluid; balanced difficulty provides the perfect challenge. Every weapon has its own rhythm that is rewarding to master. The world is filled with additional challenges for those who need it. As for that world, it's not too big - perhaps just right. My only wish is Kratos spent less time with an oar in his hands. Flashbacks to Skellige.
Santa Monica Studios are at the top of the game. I don't know if more God of War is next. But I'm ready for whatever it is.
While it's an iterative sequel, I was surprised by the world, the writing, the acting, and the combat. Everything feels just as good as 2018 - maybe even better. God of War (2018) was a difficult act to follow - unleashing one of video game's biggest glow-ups; this is not your psychotic, pimping Kratos from years past. He's tired. Hardened. Yet brutally violent when he needs to be. And he finally has an interesting story to tell.
Ragnarök really goes big; bigger than I ever imagined. Some of the set pieces are awe-inspiring. The one-take camera returns in all its cinematic glory, effortlessly melding gameplay and story. I don't think any game does it better.
Combat is fast and fluid; balanced difficulty provides the perfect challenge. Every weapon has its own rhythm that is rewarding to master. The world is filled with additional challenges for those who need it. As for that world, it's not too big - perhaps just right. My only wish is Kratos spent less time with an oar in his hands. Flashbacks to Skellige.
Santa Monica Studios are at the top of the game. I don't know if more God of War is next. But I'm ready for whatever it is.