Bottle
Rough around the edges and clearly a victim of the HD console transition - Tomb Raider: Underworld is an unfinished jumble of great ideas hampered by poor execution. All I can say is that despite playing the other Legend-era games many years ago, it took me just as long to get around to beating this one, and as the last Tomb Raider game to feel in line with the series roots - it's unfortunate it turned out this way.
1994
My life is in shambles.
1985
Honestly I think this games reputation for sadism has been exaggerated by the fact that most have only played the busted outsourced NES version (Thanks for nothing, Micronics). The arcade original, while still extremely difficult feels logically and fairly designed. Its not going to change your mind if you dont like this type of game, but atleast, if you're going to give it a go, make sure you play the right version.
1995
Honestly, it's a really fun concept that is crippled by the Game Gear's small screen. Would love to see a fan remake of this one ala Triple Trouble.
1995
People act like this game is an affront to God when the reality is that it is just a so-so puzzle game that only lasts around 30 minutes and may even give you a seizure if you ask nicely. So many worse games than this.
A Westernized take that tries its best, but comes nowhere close to the classics. The music can be pretty great at times but it's overall a pretty sleepy experience. Incredibly late '00s.
You could've played literally anything else but curiosity drove you here instead. Shame on you, and shame on me.
A step back compared to Operation C in most ways. This one feels way slower, less interesting, and just an overall lower-effort product than what came before. A curiosity no doubt, but it's a shame we got an outsourced Contra 3 demake rather than something that built upon what was already set.
1987
Played the Japanese version with rewind because I don't hate myself. I can see there is a method to the masochism, but there isn't enough here to warrant that sort of attention. Exemplifies all the worst parts of Castlevania. Avoid unless Castlevania-curious.
A step above 1942 in every conceivable way, though I think it's still too basic for most. It's problems are far less forgiving in 1987.
1984
If you were to define shmups by their era, there is definitely a point in time between Xevious and Gradius where these games haven't aged as gracefully as those that came before or after. 1942 is one of those titles. It's not simple enough to be an addictive score chaser, and also not complex enough to warrant completing the loop. It's a historical relic of a transitional period, the sort of game your Dad might like, but others will just look at with a sense of curiosity and nothing more. Not bad at all, it's just old.
1988
It's okay? Capcom were trying thier hand at something a little experimental here, but I don't think it really worked out to be as good as it was pitched. Far from bad, but definitely seems forgotten for a reason.
1985
Fun, but like most 80s Capcom arcade games it is extremely unforgiving. Funny how this game is, in a roundabout way, responsible for the Red Dead series.
1992
I am a Valis apologist. I respect what it was trying to do and understand why the series maintained the fandom that it has. However, this game kinda stinks. Sloppy controls, poor hit detection and bosses that feel designed to be cheesed rather than fought with any sort of strategy. Valis was never a top tier franchise by any means but this is weak, even for the standards of the brand. Yuuko is still cute tho.
1983
A much better Space Invaders derivative than N-Sub. It's just as mechanically simple but the pace is far more hectic and makes for a more compelling arcade experience. I especially like how the time of day changes as the rounds go on, a simple yet effective reminder of the story of the Yamato itself. One of the better early SG-1000 offerings.