I love Shovel Knight, but I'm really not into rougelikes as much as I used to be. That being said, Shovel Knight Dig feels like something in the middle between good and terrible.

It definitely has that Shovel Knight charm, but the gameplay loop is dull, especially when you can spend hours not progressing, barely having enough money for a new set of armor or an upgrade. And there's nothing more frustrating than losing a key from a hit that gives you a lot more knockback than you're expecting, enough to throw you deeper down the pit. Or that "You're taking too long" Drill that Drill Knight deploys when the game decides you've had enough time exploring a specific area for secrets and gems. That can fuck right off.

And one more disjointed thought, why wasn't this a co-op game? In Shovel of Hope you get a hint of the chemistry that Shovel Knight and Shield Knight have as a duo. And while you see that in the dialogue here, i feel like a co-op roguelike, or even a co-op mode could've fully explored the chemistry they have in combat together, but no. Every time she shows up she just suggests that they split up and she's off again. Shield Knight may as well not have shown up until the ending.

And as someone who really enjoyed Shovel Knight's trip through 6 games and countless cameos, and hearing that Yacht Club Games is gonna be retiring Shovel Knight; as far as a last hurrah is concerned: this feels more like a whimper than a cheer.

While there are better Sonic collections out there, this I would say is right under Sonic Mega Collection. The Anniversary mode is top notch, since it's the 5 games back to back mixed with gorgeous cutscenes by Tyson Hesse. Big ups to Sega for using the Whitehead versions of these games, without a doubt the peak version of all of these titles.

The big negative is that they don't have the Michael Jackson tracks for Sonic 3. Which really sucks, but I get it. But what does help make up for it is putting Sonic Mania Adventures in the game, so they're still around if anything happens. A nice little thing. Another nice little thing is the elimination of the lives system, making it a lot easier to collect all the Chaos Emeralds/Time Stones/Super Emeralds.

If you're not for retro collecting, this is the best way to play these wonderful games. Going in succession is honestly a trip and I would definitely recommend it.

Scott Pilgrim is a really solid beat 'em up with beautiful sprite graphics and stylish combat, and a decent enough leveling system that you can cheese through to make fights be more cathartic. But you can't deny that while it definitely revived the genre of beat 'em ups, there's been a lot better that have come out since then. But regardless, it is still fun.

Also, buyer beware when you're dealing with Limited Run Games. My copy of this game was stuck in limbo for 21 months because of sheer incompetence. Sometimes it's just better to get digitally.

This was my introduction to the Fatal Frame series. And while the framework (no pun intended) and the core gameplay mechanic works well, I can definitely say I didn't have the greatest time with it. There's a lot of little things that bothered me. Like the ghost hands that grab you when reaching for an item. Startling the first time, annoying the rest; which can somewhat describe the game in a nutshell.

Ultimately what I can say is that this game left me iffy if I even want to play another Fatal Frame in the future. It's a neat idea, and I really do enjoy the photography mechanic, it just feels like everything else surrounding it is less than ideal.

This is a:
- Fighting Game collection full of really fun to play obscure titles that have gone by the wayside
- Fighting Game collection with rollback netcode
- Fighting Game collection with a comprehensive archive of all sorts of material, from design documents, to concept art, to even print ads
- Fighting Game collection with a chill hip-hop soundtrack, full of non stop bangers

I could not recommend this enough to fighting game fans, practically a must have. And please Capcom, bring back Darkstalkers! Don't keep Ruby Heart and Amingo locked on MvC2!

And while I'm making demands, please Capcom: Make a Capcom 3D Fighting Collection. Rival Schools, Power Stone, Star Gladiator! Even throw in a Street Fighter EX game if you want, alongside Cannon Spike! All these games with online rollback would make my entire existence. I really hope that this type of collection doesn't end here.

Return of the Obra Dinn is an incredible game. This feels like a game that only Lucas Pope could make. Honestly a one of a kind puzzle game that not only feels real, but it brings across the brutality of the sea very well.

Every scene brings you a little closer to the solution, plus letting the player know they got 3 correct really helps you feel like you're on the right track. The dialogue feels natural and still managed to give important clues without it feeling hamfisted.

As many people have said here, my prime complaint is that some hints are rather cryptic. But what helped is looking at nationality, job title, and appearance. It definitely helps to have prior knowledge of pirate jobs.

Regardless, Return of the Obra Dinn is absolutely a must play for another incredible indie game.