Hucklebro
2024
Absolutely a fantastic experience. The sound design and atmosphere are excellent, but the most suprising thing for me was the gameplay and narrative. The gameplay is seemingly composed of disparate elements on the surface. It's mostly non-violent walking simulator esque gameplay is juxtaposed by its mechanical language borrowed from action games, however the mere act of walking in death stranding is full of polish and ingenuity. There's concious thought to how you want to balance your cargo, and what you can add and subtract. The molded geometry assert attention and make sure you aren't playing half-aware. These elements all come together to create a game that's both relaxing and engaging, almost a form of zen meditation or flow-state in it of itself. I loved the gameplay of this game.
The narrative again, is also composed of seemingly disparate elements. Thematically it's about connection but Kojima's authorship is of course all over the place (For the record I don't like the notion that Kojima is an auteur. I don't like auteur theory in films and I especially don't like it in games, despite the fact that his games are all stylistically connected, more recognition of the other devs should be emphasized) Crazy twists and exposition dumps are spread throughout the story. It can get tiring at times trying to keep up with the lore of this game. It's surrealistic imagery at times I wish didn't warrant explanation, and the game is at it's best when it let's the player interpret these meanings and connections. In that same breath however, I don't think the game would not quite pack the pure emotional punch it had at points if it didn't have this exposition. The sci-fi world is fascinating here, and the focus on using it's mechanics to push it's emotional moment is refreshing for the genre. I'd almost liken the dialogue to lynch, where characters are more so encapsulations of emotions and collections of their pasr rather than giving them complete realistic reactions, and like Lynch I think it's earnest humanity it wears on it's sleeve is completely effective.
The narrative again, is also composed of seemingly disparate elements. Thematically it's about connection but Kojima's authorship is of course all over the place (For the record I don't like the notion that Kojima is an auteur. I don't like auteur theory in films and I especially don't like it in games, despite the fact that his games are all stylistically connected, more recognition of the other devs should be emphasized) Crazy twists and exposition dumps are spread throughout the story. It can get tiring at times trying to keep up with the lore of this game. It's surrealistic imagery at times I wish didn't warrant explanation, and the game is at it's best when it let's the player interpret these meanings and connections. In that same breath however, I don't think the game would not quite pack the pure emotional punch it had at points if it didn't have this exposition. The sci-fi world is fascinating here, and the focus on using it's mechanics to push it's emotional moment is refreshing for the genre. I'd almost liken the dialogue to lynch, where characters are more so encapsulations of emotions and collections of their pasr rather than giving them complete realistic reactions, and like Lynch I think it's earnest humanity it wears on it's sleeve is completely effective.
2022
2024
Thought people were hyping this one up a little too much but no this is the best tekken and one of the best fighting games ever made. The new mechanics actively reward aggression and while the game is daunting in it's complexity it also allows for unprecedented levels of player expression and variety
2023
1st half of the game is great but it starts to dip a bit in quality the moment you get to the barn until the end. In terms of atmosphere and level design though man was the Baker house something special. The tonal inconsistencies feel more jarring in this game more than any other Resi game, but thats because the first half is so grounded and genuinely creepy
2016
I'm going to be honest I don't think I ever understood the appeal of these farming life Sim games until recently. I have a part time job on top of taking 20 hours at university and have little time for games anymore but this game is so comfy and easy to jump in to I just really love it. I haven't progressed that much but even then every session I learn more about the villagers, explore the caves or just farm. Super relaxing
One of the most fluid 2d movement systems I've experienced in a game. It also has superb visuals and music. As far as metroidvanias go I never really felt the design of the map was as compelling as other games in terms of recontextualizing previously explored areas, but I started to treat it more as a series of levels connected with open areas, so it's pretty good in that regard
2023
2023
2001