Dawici
It's always impressive how Nintendo figures out what one of their IPs has been terribly missing for years before the players do. It's even more impressive that in heading for those new directions and despite the risks they create new benchmarks for any genre.
Big Shoutout to online companion bez who was running by my side through the finale stage without whom I wouldn't have beaten it on the first try.
Big Shoutout to online companion bez who was running by my side through the finale stage without whom I wouldn't have beaten it on the first try.
What the hell guys? This game is a masterpiece. A giant leap from its predecessor, introducing almost all skills and items (in 1991!?!?) that the franchise has ever seen and utilizing them in ways that all sequels have not even come close. (The vertical gameplay with space jump and spider ball is just brillant)
They should have called this game „Metroid: Annihilation“. The main plot is as badass as anything I have ever played. Miss Aran travels to the home planet of the Metroids with only one goal: To eridicate every last one of them before the Space pirates can get them. The main objective to actually hunt down all metroids is extremely motivating and delivers great exploration opportunities and encounters with many suprising secrets and clever traps.
Since you have to scan every corner of SR388 to eliminate every last one of the evil brains or whatever the metroids actually are (their various and challenging evolutionary states are both fascinating and horrifying) , I automatically found every uprade which was very rewarding. The map and general presentation is beautiful and feels very authentic and mysterious.
The late game or let’s say Samus' final rampage completely changes the pace of the adventure and really lets you show off all the weapons and skills you have gained on your journey.
The plot twist at the end made me tear up and I will boldly claim that Moon Studios have been paying a huge homage to this narrative in "Ori and the Blind Forest".
It's the perfect Gameboy game. Anybody who does not believe me, please turn on your switch, print out the map and let the great space genocide begin!
They should have called this game „Metroid: Annihilation“. The main plot is as badass as anything I have ever played. Miss Aran travels to the home planet of the Metroids with only one goal: To eridicate every last one of them before the Space pirates can get them. The main objective to actually hunt down all metroids is extremely motivating and delivers great exploration opportunities and encounters with many suprising secrets and clever traps.
Since you have to scan every corner of SR388 to eliminate every last one of the evil brains or whatever the metroids actually are (their various and challenging evolutionary states are both fascinating and horrifying) , I automatically found every uprade which was very rewarding. The map and general presentation is beautiful and feels very authentic and mysterious.
The late game or let’s say Samus' final rampage completely changes the pace of the adventure and really lets you show off all the weapons and skills you have gained on your journey.
The plot twist at the end made me tear up and I will boldly claim that Moon Studios have been paying a huge homage to this narrative in "Ori and the Blind Forest".
It's the perfect Gameboy game. Anybody who does not believe me, please turn on your switch, print out the map and let the great space genocide begin!
The fact that this game which represents a jump‘n run genre in itself never got a real sequel makes this spectacular looking and feature filled origin story of the Mario Bros. even more unique.
1990
Nintendo realized the endless possibilities they established, but never went bonkers with during the first NES outings. They combined it with a convoluted, suprising overworld and brought it home with unanimously inventive boss fights - Hitting it on an final note that is by far the most spectacular and menacing encounter with the koopa king to date.
1997
6 features GoldenEye still gets right like almost no shooter and movie adaption today:
- Instead of scripted cut scenes you are in charge when it for example comes to meeting the bad guys and making the right choices like putting away your weapon and yield when there is no way out. And when you make the wrong choice like accidentally kill a key person without waiting if they are integral to your progress, you have to start over. Simply amazing.
- The many additional side missions when you go for 007 agent mode are not only diverse and fun but also make total sense within the plot. Destroying security cameras, taking photos of sensible proof, etc.
- It is a game based on a movie and instead of rushing the development to get it released when the film comes out, Rare had another 2 years to make it perfect and it just released before the next bond film. Everyone believed the unexperienced team was just screwing up and not getting anything done, but then it was a total success. Great move from MGM!
- Compared to many shooters where the enemies are often just beeing dump and running around irrationaly, the A.I. here is just spot on. They always charge on you and try anything to get you killed. I also like that in many sections they just keep spawning, which could be seen as a cheap trick, but it just makes the whole experience so much more exciting.
- Natalya, unlike Ashley from RE4 or Elisabeth from Bioshock has one feature that makes her stand out: She is not safe from your weapons. You constantly have to be careful not to accidentally kill her especially in the many situations where she's kept hostage. Every civilian and supporting character in this game can be killed except for Boris ("You can not shoot me, I am invincible!!!"), which is a great joke in itself.
- Anytime you make a wrong decision and screw the mission up, the game does not simply stop. It punishes you with alternate and sometimes hillarious dialogue and you are left with a mission that can not be accomplished until you abort it yourself.
- Instead of scripted cut scenes you are in charge when it for example comes to meeting the bad guys and making the right choices like putting away your weapon and yield when there is no way out. And when you make the wrong choice like accidentally kill a key person without waiting if they are integral to your progress, you have to start over. Simply amazing.
- The many additional side missions when you go for 007 agent mode are not only diverse and fun but also make total sense within the plot. Destroying security cameras, taking photos of sensible proof, etc.
- It is a game based on a movie and instead of rushing the development to get it released when the film comes out, Rare had another 2 years to make it perfect and it just released before the next bond film. Everyone believed the unexperienced team was just screwing up and not getting anything done, but then it was a total success. Great move from MGM!
- Compared to many shooters where the enemies are often just beeing dump and running around irrationaly, the A.I. here is just spot on. They always charge on you and try anything to get you killed. I also like that in many sections they just keep spawning, which could be seen as a cheap trick, but it just makes the whole experience so much more exciting.
- Natalya, unlike Ashley from RE4 or Elisabeth from Bioshock has one feature that makes her stand out: She is not safe from your weapons. You constantly have to be careful not to accidentally kill her especially in the many situations where she's kept hostage. Every civilian and supporting character in this game can be killed except for Boris ("You can not shoot me, I am invincible!!!"), which is a great joke in itself.
- Anytime you make a wrong decision and screw the mission up, the game does not simply stop. It punishes you with alternate and sometimes hillarious dialogue and you are left with a mission that can not be accomplished until you abort it yourself.
1993
It’s easily the best NES game. I can not comprehend how such a beautiful and depthful piece of software could run on the same console that featured a 8-bit plumber jumping over barrels for three levels as a full price game.
It has simply everything a side scroller can offer: Great controls; fantastic presentation and score; diverse enemies; amazing mid-level bosses; the genius copy function of enemies’ powers; unique puzzles; non linear levels with many secrets to unlock which even expand to the overworld; exciting scripted moments;
and last but not least an epic encounter against Metaknight that made my jaw drop.
It has simply everything a side scroller can offer: Great controls; fantastic presentation and score; diverse enemies; amazing mid-level bosses; the genius copy function of enemies’ powers; unique puzzles; non linear levels with many secrets to unlock which even expand to the overworld; exciting scripted moments;
and last but not least an epic encounter against Metaknight that made my jaw drop.
1985
I'm really confused that everybody calls the controls clunky. I think the difficulty of the slippery ascension is the point of the game. Compared to every other NES game the physics and the responsive enemy behaviour are amazing. I was hooked to my Switch until I climbed all 32 mountains. The necessary perfect timing for some moves really reminded me of today's hard core jump'n run games like Celeste. It would be very interesting to see Nintendo coming back with this I.P.
2022
It is the best produced game I have ever played and masters every single evaluable aspect the electronic arts of video games can offer in 2022.
- But hold my mead!
It's still not my favorite game and I'm not sure why. I guess there isn't really too much groundbreaking stuff happening, because it builds / improves heavily on all the new features from the first part.
Simply put: For me "God of War: Ragnarök" is for games what "The Social Network" is for movies. It's not my favorite film, it really wasn't a big milestone in the art's history. But when I start to check all the boxes from acting, writing, music, directing to cinematography, editing, sound design and visual effects, I always come to the conclusion that every single property of this movie is a 10/10. And this is rare. It's a perfectly crafted work of art and so is Kratos' and Atreus' latest, heartfelt adventure.
And like every character of this epic tale, I'm dying to know what comes next ;-)
- But hold my mead!
It's still not my favorite game and I'm not sure why. I guess there isn't really too much groundbreaking stuff happening, because it builds / improves heavily on all the new features from the first part.
Simply put: For me "God of War: Ragnarök" is for games what "The Social Network" is for movies. It's not my favorite film, it really wasn't a big milestone in the art's history. But when I start to check all the boxes from acting, writing, music, directing to cinematography, editing, sound design and visual effects, I always come to the conclusion that every single property of this movie is a 10/10. And this is rare. It's a perfectly crafted work of art and so is Kratos' and Atreus' latest, heartfelt adventure.
And like every character of this epic tale, I'm dying to know what comes next ;-)
2013
One day I will force my daughter to name her imaginary friend Aiden. Even though David Cage went inexcusable bonkers with the campiness at times I have to admit that I balled my eyes out at the end. Touché Mr. Cage …
2017
The perfect balance of puzzle like world design ( as in the Metroid Games ) while still incorporating mysterious lore and atmospheric sceneries ( as in the Ori Games ) are proof for an ideal setting of a challenging but highly motivating metroidvania experience.
I got to admit that I've never been as addicted in finding new ways and skills as in the dark soils of the insect infested Hallownest. Speaking of parasites, the presentation and behaviour of every single enemy is unique, creepy and often surprising.
Throwing you into the game without any reliable maps and targets, topped by the souls-like gameplay make this a new benchmark of all future games of the subgenre.
And even though the game doesn't deliver an exceptional enganging story and lacks a lot of action adventure elements like the marvellous "Will of the Wisps", it focuses just enough on the main mv-core elements to get you exhausted and hooked in an intoxicating rush from start to finish.
I got to admit that I've never been as addicted in finding new ways and skills as in the dark soils of the insect infested Hallownest. Speaking of parasites, the presentation and behaviour of every single enemy is unique, creepy and often surprising.
Throwing you into the game without any reliable maps and targets, topped by the souls-like gameplay make this a new benchmark of all future games of the subgenre.
And even though the game doesn't deliver an exceptional enganging story and lacks a lot of action adventure elements like the marvellous "Will of the Wisps", it focuses just enough on the main mv-core elements to get you exhausted and hooked in an intoxicating rush from start to finish.
If I had not played South Park: TFBH a few weeks ago I would have written that I haven't laughed this much during a video game for years.
The story and writing is excellent. I would even go so far and say that the characters are more well rounded and funnier than in the MCU movies. They especially nailed Peter Quill. Instead of a goofy and try-hard-funny guy, that we all know and love from the Marvel movies, we meet here a real farmer's boy who happens to be a a big music nerd. His southern confidence and naivitey in the way he leads this group make him unintentionally funny without destroying the tragic character he is. It is remarkable how this game dives into the back story of every guardian. In those subplots the player learns about their struggles and their eventual resolutions. This makes for many teareyed moments followed by instant roaring laughter because those guys can't help but make tasteful jokes the whole time.
I really wanted to write this review to stress how great this journey was from a narrative standpoint. It suceeds with everything that Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart missed when it comes to deliver an genuine adventorous and humorous sci-fi story. But what the R&C games lack in story telling they make up with neat game design choices and unfortunately I have to say, I missed a lot of those in GotG.
Still a must play in my opinion. You could easily convert this adventure into a 10 episode mini series on D+ and it would be the best MCU series to date.
The story and writing is excellent. I would even go so far and say that the characters are more well rounded and funnier than in the MCU movies. They especially nailed Peter Quill. Instead of a goofy and try-hard-funny guy, that we all know and love from the Marvel movies, we meet here a real farmer's boy who happens to be a a big music nerd. His southern confidence and naivitey in the way he leads this group make him unintentionally funny without destroying the tragic character he is. It is remarkable how this game dives into the back story of every guardian. In those subplots the player learns about their struggles and their eventual resolutions. This makes for many teareyed moments followed by instant roaring laughter because those guys can't help but make tasteful jokes the whole time.
I really wanted to write this review to stress how great this journey was from a narrative standpoint. It suceeds with everything that Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart missed when it comes to deliver an genuine adventorous and humorous sci-fi story. But what the R&C games lack in story telling they make up with neat game design choices and unfortunately I have to say, I missed a lot of those in GotG.
Still a must play in my opinion. You could easily convert this adventure into a 10 episode mini series on D+ and it would be the best MCU series to date.
Hilarious writing, immersive battle mechanics, enchanting presentation, diverse world design. All important aspects for a great role play adventure are turned to 11 in one of the very best NGC gems.
Don’t get fooled by the cute and simple looking gameplay, the fights deliver exceptional tactical depth with mechanics and possibilities that get never explained by the game, but are just for the player to be revelated (for example that the fog that makes the attacks of all fighters go into the blue can be blown away by Madame Flurrie with a perfect timing that the enemies take all the disadvantages that come with this event.)
The exceptional turn-based gameplay is perfectly met by the level’s riddles, reaction required events and metroidvania-like exploring elements. The world and their characters are as much alive as they are made out of paper, which is a triumph in itself.
The timeless art style does not age and the catchy score supports the magical and often mysterious atmosphere which is just the icing of the top of a great main story and the diverse and exciting sub-plots of all regions that you will visit on your journey through this delicious adventure.
10 out of 10: In my opinion the best JRPG and turn-based game of all time!
Don’t get fooled by the cute and simple looking gameplay, the fights deliver exceptional tactical depth with mechanics and possibilities that get never explained by the game, but are just for the player to be revelated (for example that the fog that makes the attacks of all fighters go into the blue can be blown away by Madame Flurrie with a perfect timing that the enemies take all the disadvantages that come with this event.)
The exceptional turn-based gameplay is perfectly met by the level’s riddles, reaction required events and metroidvania-like exploring elements. The world and their characters are as much alive as they are made out of paper, which is a triumph in itself.
The timeless art style does not age and the catchy score supports the magical and often mysterious atmosphere which is just the icing of the top of a great main story and the diverse and exciting sub-plots of all regions that you will visit on your journey through this delicious adventure.
10 out of 10: In my opinion the best JRPG and turn-based game of all time!