Games I Like That Everybody Else Dislikes

Re-evaluating my previous 3-star rating for this after finally coming back for the plat - I'm sorry but it just holds up way too damn well to brook any further doubt. I think the Kickstarter controversy (justifiably) clouded the fact that on its own this is honestly far from a bad game, let alone one of the worst ones ever conceived. Yes its weapons seem unbalanced, yes there's the slightest bit of jank in how it controls, and yes obviously this wasn't even close to what was promised - but it balances innovation and reliable convention in a way that makes it feel refreshing and effortlessly replayable. I firmly believe that the Xel absorption system introduced here is one of the most satisfying, wholly original mechanics of its genre. There is certainly an optimal route to go about these stages, but that doesn't make it a cakewalk, far from it - even at its relative 'easiest' it remains a tight, demanding, fun-as-hell, colorful 2.5D shooter with sick boss designs and lore that has enough intrigue to remain enjoyable but really needed some more time to cook. Even the classically cringe voice acting has its own charm imo. Though yeah, it can't help but feel out-of-touch in a way not unlike a Balan Wonderworld - I understand where the hate is coming from (especially if you helped fund this thing) but if it came out in 2000-2005 it'd be considered a classic. Really wish we could come back to this universe - if you like super dorky robot shit (complimentary) this is a must.

Unpopular but I find this to be a top-to-bottom improvement over Ape Escape - albeit one that retains as many flaws as it fixes. It looks better, it plays better, and the voice acting doesn't sound like a vintage porno anymore (even a winging-it Richard Horvitz immediately ups the charm factor of any given product imo)! One major downside - and granted, this is a biggie - is losing out on a crucial gadget slot due to the PSP's lack of sufficient buttons, leading to a heap of bothersome menu-ing to constantly switch out whatever item you might need on a moment's notice. The jump still sucks badly, too. Deserves a hefty amount of credit for rebuilding the literal first DualShock analog game ever made onto a system with ONE awful stick and still making it better. The absolute madlads. Remains a fantastic, idiosyncratic collectathon in desperate need of a series revival.