2009
Brick breaking with a vacuum/air blower twist. It was alright. Had a cool soundtrack too (although it was very loud... I nearly shat myself every time I browsed to it in the PS3 game menu!).
A classic beat 'em up. Gorgeous graphics, excellent chiptunes, and up to 4 player local co-op support. Lots of fun to play, even from someone who didn't enjoy the movie at all.
2015
I have mixed feelings on this game. It has an interesting premise, but it falls flat in so many areas. The voice acting and dialogue can be embarrassingly bad, the characters pretty stupid, and some of the scenes can be downright cringey (and I hate using that word as I feel it is overused today, but it applies so well here). The ending wasn't particularly well done, and there were more than a few plot threads left hanging.
However, after all of those negatives, I still couldn't say I hated my time with it overall. I found it enjoyable enough to complete, and was still interested to see what was going to happen next after each episode's conclusion.
It might have been the presentation of its themes... or maybe it was the excellent soundtrack, which was by far its best attribute. There are some amazing tunes in this game that are even great to listen to outside of the game itself...they all fit the chill, contemplative, and nostalgic vibe of growing up really well. Just a few of my favorites listed below:
Mt. Washington
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS_03_JO260
To All of You
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnG6icGIm0o
Crosses
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKV6POjDSII
In My Mind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd2wP1Ik0_Y
Obstacles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGuHtbcCDEA
However, after all of those negatives, I still couldn't say I hated my time with it overall. I found it enjoyable enough to complete, and was still interested to see what was going to happen next after each episode's conclusion.
It might have been the presentation of its themes... or maybe it was the excellent soundtrack, which was by far its best attribute. There are some amazing tunes in this game that are even great to listen to outside of the game itself...they all fit the chill, contemplative, and nostalgic vibe of growing up really well. Just a few of my favorites listed below:
Mt. Washington
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS_03_JO260
To All of You
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnG6icGIm0o
Crosses
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKV6POjDSII
In My Mind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd2wP1Ik0_Y
Obstacles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGuHtbcCDEA
Fun game, with quite the challenging learning curve. After beating the 1st game on the PC/Steam, it took me some time to get used to the controller instead of mouse and keyboard.
I enjoyed the 1st game more, especially when considering the story, music & gameplay/control was better in the original... but this one still contains that twitch shooting fun you're looking for.
I enjoyed the 1st game more, especially when considering the story, music & gameplay/control was better in the original... but this one still contains that twitch shooting fun you're looking for.
2012
Definitely an experience... and a much better offering than their previous title: flower.
It had some great music and it was pretty cool to share the "journey" with a random stranger at the end. It can be completed in 1 sitting, as it is only a 1-2 hour long game.
It had some great music and it was pretty cool to share the "journey" with a random stranger at the end. It can be completed in 1 sitting, as it is only a 1-2 hour long game.
2009
I don't get the love... I bought into the hype and immediately regretted my purchase.
There just isn't a whole lot to it... and I've always hated motion controls. Barely even a game.
There just isn't a whole lot to it... and I've always hated motion controls. Barely even a game.
Street Fighter IV might be my favorite Street Fighter game I've played... but that isn't saying too much, as I don't have much experience with the franchise, nor many hours in this game. Was enjoyable for a non-fighting game fan.
2010
I tried on 2 separate occasions to sit down and play through this game... but in both cases, I got bored and ended up putting it down.
Saying that though, one thing I can't take away from this game is that I was interested in the game's world, characters, and storyline from the very beginning... Oh, and I can't forget about the music... it was hauntingly beautiful and ethereal. I just felt the gameplay was not there for me.
After playing through Nier Automata (which I also had severe problems with) and seeing how great the last 1/3 of that game was, and its story/payoff, I want to get back to this... but instead of playing the original PS3 version, I think I'll play the ridiculously named remastered version: NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139.
Saying that though, one thing I can't take away from this game is that I was interested in the game's world, characters, and storyline from the very beginning... Oh, and I can't forget about the music... it was hauntingly beautiful and ethereal. I just felt the gameplay was not there for me.
After playing through Nier Automata (which I also had severe problems with) and seeing how great the last 1/3 of that game was, and its story/payoff, I want to get back to this... but instead of playing the original PS3 version, I think I'll play the ridiculously named remastered version: NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139.
The HD Remaster of FFX contains the international version with the option to play with the more flexible Sphere Grid. It also contains the superbosses that didn't come in the original PS2 NA release: the Dark Aeons & Penance. For that alone, it was worth picking up.
It did introduce some lag in the menus though, which is frustrating... I also hated what they did to the character models in the graphical uplift. The character's faces look absolutely terrible... the PS2 version crazily enough still has the best models when compared to both the PS3 and PS4 remasters, which is sad.
The remixed music is nice, but the PS4 version is nicer, being that it gives you the option to switch between the original OST or the remixed/remastered version.
I can't speak to FFX-2... I intentionally left that unplayed after my dreadful experience with it on the PS2. I hate that game.
It did introduce some lag in the menus though, which is frustrating... I also hated what they did to the character models in the graphical uplift. The character's faces look absolutely terrible... the PS2 version crazily enough still has the best models when compared to both the PS3 and PS4 remasters, which is sad.
The remixed music is nice, but the PS4 version is nicer, being that it gives you the option to switch between the original OST or the remixed/remastered version.
I can't speak to FFX-2... I intentionally left that unplayed after my dreadful experience with it on the PS2. I hate that game.
I played Red Dead Redemption on my Xbox 360, and never got around to the Game of the Year Edition I picked up for the PS3. I will have my full review and thoughts on this game in my Xbox 360 entry.
I will most likely pick up a future port/remaster when I want to play this through again. I do want to try out the Undead Nightmare zombie mode.
I will most likely pick up a future port/remaster when I want to play this through again. I do want to try out the Undead Nightmare zombie mode.
Play the GameCube version instead.
I remember getting to the world map and seeing the frames dropping and how laggy it was and being disappointed that one of my favorite JRPGs of all time, wasn't treated with the respect it was owed.
Never got around to the Dawn of the New World, but I heard bad things about it, so I am not incentivized to pick this back up.
I remember getting to the world map and seeing the frames dropping and how laggy it was and being disappointed that one of my favorite JRPGs of all time, wasn't treated with the respect it was owed.
Never got around to the Dawn of the New World, but I heard bad things about it, so I am not incentivized to pick this back up.
2013
It does what it claims to do... teaches you to play guitar by trying to gamify it.
2012
"I'll miss you."
One of the most engrossing games I've ever played. Such an unforgettable, emotional experience that I can still vividly recall moments from, even though it has been over a decade since its final episode released. This game made me fall in love with the premise of The Walking Dead... and out of the graphic novel and TV show, I feel this game surpassed them both.
Episode 3 is probably the best of the bunch, but Episodes 2, 4, and 5 are quite impactful as well.
This was my personal 2012 Game of the Year! I loved playing along with its episodic release schedule, on pins and needles, eagerly awaiting what came next. This brought adventure games back from the dead (pun intended), and added complexity in its choices: presenting you with the question - what would you do if you were placed into such a horrific situation?
Highly recommended for those who love a good story and want to play a game that challenges their moral compass...
Alive Inside - from the OST
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ePFxuu9lik
One of the most engrossing games I've ever played. Such an unforgettable, emotional experience that I can still vividly recall moments from, even though it has been over a decade since its final episode released. This game made me fall in love with the premise of The Walking Dead... and out of the graphic novel and TV show, I feel this game surpassed them both.
Episode 3 is probably the best of the bunch, but Episodes 2, 4, and 5 are quite impactful as well.
This was my personal 2012 Game of the Year! I loved playing along with its episodic release schedule, on pins and needles, eagerly awaiting what came next. This brought adventure games back from the dead (pun intended), and added complexity in its choices: presenting you with the question - what would you do if you were placed into such a horrific situation?
Highly recommended for those who love a good story and want to play a game that challenges their moral compass...
Alive Inside - from the OST
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ePFxuu9lik
2008
A toned down, T-rated, anime infused, "elseworld" version of World War II. You may think that doesn't sound super enticing at surface level, but I would advise giving this game a shot, nonetheless.
I was sold on giving it a try based on the beautiful cel-shaded, anime visuals and intriguing battle system... and I was really glad I did.
I loved how unique this game was - I still have never played a tactical, strategy RPG like it since. A mixture of real-time and turn-based tactical gameplay, with a variety of different units, and environmental factors make this a very fun and engaging game to play.
The music really fits the military, warlike setting well too. I loved the main theme and the hard fight songs.
Main Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MP9rJdxmuQU
Hard Fight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4K5IqDSihE
I was sold on giving it a try based on the beautiful cel-shaded, anime visuals and intriguing battle system... and I was really glad I did.
I loved how unique this game was - I still have never played a tactical, strategy RPG like it since. A mixture of real-time and turn-based tactical gameplay, with a variety of different units, and environmental factors make this a very fun and engaging game to play.
The music really fits the military, warlike setting well too. I loved the main theme and the hard fight songs.
Main Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MP9rJdxmuQU
Hard Fight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4K5IqDSihE
It's hard for me to place what I didn't exactly jive with in the 3rd Uncharted game, but this wasn't an overly pleasant nor fun gaming experience.
Maybe it felt more over-the-top, or "been there, done that" as topping Uncharted 2 was a nigh impossible task. Perhaps it was the game's pacing feeling all over the place... Or the ending portion pissing me off, and the difficulty spikes and large swath of annoying enemies.
I just don't know... and having played it on release, and then never touching it again, it is hard for me to exactly remember what soured me on the game so much. I know that old IGN 10/10 review I read prior to release was a lie though... maybe that set the bar and expectations too high.
However, I will say, I really loved the opening part with young Nathan Drake and Sully. That short prologue section was 10/10 excellent... but outside of that and the plane portion, this was a relatively forgettable Uncharted experience.
Maybe it felt more over-the-top, or "been there, done that" as topping Uncharted 2 was a nigh impossible task. Perhaps it was the game's pacing feeling all over the place... Or the ending portion pissing me off, and the difficulty spikes and large swath of annoying enemies.
I just don't know... and having played it on release, and then never touching it again, it is hard for me to exactly remember what soured me on the game so much. I know that old IGN 10/10 review I read prior to release was a lie though... maybe that set the bar and expectations too high.
However, I will say, I really loved the opening part with young Nathan Drake and Sully. That short prologue section was 10/10 excellent... but outside of that and the plane portion, this was a relatively forgettable Uncharted experience.