This is a hard one to review, having only played it for the first time in 2023. One has to be able to go back to 2008 to have a true appreciation of this game, I think, because when compared to modern FPS campaigns, this hugely falls flat.
But was that true in '08? Likely not. A (mainly) multiplayer franchise breaking out with an actually narrative focused story was a big step for the studio, and so many of the shooters in that time period either picked big-budget story campaigns or extensive multiplayer options. BF: Bad Company attempted to do both, and succeeded marginally I feel.
The story is, though comical and likely a play on a film or literature about a similar tale, enjoyable: because of the characters. It has some truly humorous moments made the better for the squad and their interactions with one another.
The gameplay leaves room for improvement, to say the least. Hard mode was likely a poor choice on my part, but I don't think that toning down the difficulty would have increased the overall enjoyment. I was glad for a respawn system vs checkpoints, but still found it a monotonous task to whittle down the enemy slowly to be able to advance through certain portions. Combined with 20 year old console FPS controls, this made for a bit of frustrating moments, to say the least.
Still, I'd say give this a try if you have not experienced it before. Clocking in at just shy of 10 hrs it's a good weekend getaway back to 2008.
But was that true in '08? Likely not. A (mainly) multiplayer franchise breaking out with an actually narrative focused story was a big step for the studio, and so many of the shooters in that time period either picked big-budget story campaigns or extensive multiplayer options. BF: Bad Company attempted to do both, and succeeded marginally I feel.
The story is, though comical and likely a play on a film or literature about a similar tale, enjoyable: because of the characters. It has some truly humorous moments made the better for the squad and their interactions with one another.
The gameplay leaves room for improvement, to say the least. Hard mode was likely a poor choice on my part, but I don't think that toning down the difficulty would have increased the overall enjoyment. I was glad for a respawn system vs checkpoints, but still found it a monotonous task to whittle down the enemy slowly to be able to advance through certain portions. Combined with 20 year old console FPS controls, this made for a bit of frustrating moments, to say the least.
Still, I'd say give this a try if you have not experienced it before. Clocking in at just shy of 10 hrs it's a good weekend getaway back to 2008.
2008
Even after playing the remake a week before, this original holds up, despite showing its age. It created just as tense of moments as I recalled when I played this on release. I swear the necromorphs weren't that fast years ago...
One of the biggest upgrades we've seen in generations of gaming is actual accessibility options on consoles. Things like sensitivity, field-of-vision slider and button remapping weren't a thing just two generations ago, and it does really hurt this genre of game. The frustrating controls add to the tension, just maybe not in an overall positive way.
One of the biggest upgrades we've seen in generations of gaming is actual accessibility options on consoles. Things like sensitivity, field-of-vision slider and button remapping weren't a thing just two generations ago, and it does really hurt this genre of game. The frustrating controls add to the tension, just maybe not in an overall positive way.
2023
This right here? This is how you do a remake. The team stayed true the original while providing some twists and change ups, pulling in from the deeper lore of the animated film as well as sequels. Even though it did not deviate that much, it still felt like a whole new experience and can easily recommend this to fans of the genre.
Praise be to Altman!
Praise be to Altman!
2022
I wanted to like this game more than I did, I really truly did.
While impressive for a small scale team, ultimately some frustrating aspects of the gameplay really weighed down the experience. The amount of times I took damage from being unable to properly interact with a door or an item.... way too many to count. And what worked in the 90s doesn't always translate well decades later. Understanding this is a call back to that generation of gaming but that doesn't exclude you from improving on that genre. The 6 item limit felt even more cumbersome in this title than it did in the original games of the survival horror genre.
Still, I recommend it for a playthrough if you can get pass those annoyances. The art direction is nothing short of fantastic and really shines, just maybe not enough to outshine the issues.
While impressive for a small scale team, ultimately some frustrating aspects of the gameplay really weighed down the experience. The amount of times I took damage from being unable to properly interact with a door or an item.... way too many to count. And what worked in the 90s doesn't always translate well decades later. Understanding this is a call back to that generation of gaming but that doesn't exclude you from improving on that genre. The 6 item limit felt even more cumbersome in this title than it did in the original games of the survival horror genre.
Still, I recommend it for a playthrough if you can get pass those annoyances. The art direction is nothing short of fantastic and really shines, just maybe not enough to outshine the issues.
2022
meh
1999
My childhood nostalgia for this game did not quite live up to the actual experience a couple decades later. Some jank mechanics and a subpar story weigh down this sequel.
I give them credit for changing things up though. Innovation is crucial in gaming.
I give them credit for changing things up though. Innovation is crucial in gaming.
1996
It's not often that I feel a non-RPG "retro" game holds up decades later, but I actually think this one does. I remember the same moments as a kid playing this as I did just now and was glad to play thru this classic again. Arcade car combat at its finest, and still provides high tense moments, especially on some of the more challenging levels.
2021
Short but haunting story. It has some dragging moments and perhaps Team Bloober did not go far enough with the mechanics of the dual world, but I still enjoyed my time in this game.
Akira Yamaoka's work on this soundtrack is up to their usual par, and the ending credit song is one I think I'll be listening to on my commute.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjrl1XpUxY0
Akira Yamaoka's work on this soundtrack is up to their usual par, and the ending credit song is one I think I'll be listening to on my commute.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjrl1XpUxY0
1998
Reminds me of those Michael Bay type movies that, if you suspend your belief for a bit, are a really fun ride. The gameplay only shows its age in terms of how slow the character move, otherwise it's a pretty flawless system. Emulation and turbos really help here.
Classic!
2000
No Super Mario RPG, but still fun in its own way. Not sure if I have the drive to try TTYD...
2022
Started really strong but some end game junk lowered my opinion of this one. Plus the music is just too bland for the game.
2022
Good game, but I'm horrible at rhythm.
Good sequel, but the original resonated more with me.
2023
Top notches for this indie JRPG callback title. It reminded me of why the JRPG genre has stuck with me for nearly three decades as this game showcases all of what we've come to expect in a game like it.
If you are a fan of the genre or just enjoy heartfelt characters embarking on a journey together this is a title you must play.
I will say that there is a bit of a slow/lull in the game after the start until you pick up a full party, but it really gets going at that point. Often was wishing combat had more skills and less combos, but it achieves a great balance in the latter portion.
If you are a fan of the genre or just enjoy heartfelt characters embarking on a journey together this is a title you must play.
I will say that there is a bit of a slow/lull in the game after the start until you pick up a full party, but it really gets going at that point. Often was wishing combat had more skills and less combos, but it achieves a great balance in the latter portion.