LSav00
A solid way to play the game, though it has the usual trappings of not feeling like explaining anything - this was one of the first 'proper' RPGs I played as well as my first Final Fantasy, and the obtuse nature of it meant I quickly grew fed up with running into walls.
In hindsight, it was the folly of youth that stopped me from making any progress, but now the Switch version is out, I don't see much of a reason to return to this one.
In hindsight, it was the folly of youth that stopped me from making any progress, but now the Switch version is out, I don't see much of a reason to return to this one.
2019
Visuals? Fine. Music? Fantastic. Gameplay?... It tried. The odd lack of tracks (later grand prixs simply re-use tracks from previous cups), the disappointingly safe and flaccid character roster as well as the fact it had to contend with being released AFTER Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing Transformed means that it only feels like a step backward.
Oh, and the online multiplayer on the Switch version is embarrassingly bad. So many bizarre glitches, it'll make you laugh until you cry.
Oh, and the online multiplayer on the Switch version is embarrassingly bad. So many bizarre glitches, it'll make you laugh until you cry.
Playing this for the first time in my 20s, it's easy to see why many adore this game after playing it as kids - it's vibrant, it's got plenty to do, and hits many right notes for it to be a mainstay.
The cracks do show, however, as not every story route is made equal, and some of the level layouts are... Questionable (Red Mountain, anyone?), but more than worth a shot if you're curious about Sonic's past forays into 3D.
The cracks do show, however, as not every story route is made equal, and some of the level layouts are... Questionable (Red Mountain, anyone?), but more than worth a shot if you're curious about Sonic's past forays into 3D.
A fantastic roster of characters that dips into the storied legacies of both IP holders, and is an absolute blast to play with friends.
2011
Takes the high-speed gameplay of Unleashed (the good bits) and slathers it with a caringly nostalgic paintjob. Plenty of side content and doesn't overstay its welcome - now THIS is how an anniversary game should be done.
2017
Hoisted Mazza back to his 3D sandbox roots, and did it with style. The overbearing amount of Moons may be a sticking point to some, but it demonstrated the Switch's appeal perfectly - you could pop it into the dock and spend hours digging up secrets, or give the game a quick whirl on a bus ride and still feel like you've made forward progress.
Am I biased, given this is my favourite game of all time? Oh, absolutely.
Did a 13 year old me have his life changed by playing this game at the right time? ABSOLUTELY.
The characters, the music, the presentation, the story, everything about this game coalesces into an experience like few others. Up there as one of the best, there's a reason this game is beloved by so many, even to this day, over ten years on.
Did a 13 year old me have his life changed by playing this game at the right time? ABSOLUTELY.
The characters, the music, the presentation, the story, everything about this game coalesces into an experience like few others. Up there as one of the best, there's a reason this game is beloved by so many, even to this day, over ten years on.
Hundreds of hours of gameplay, incredible production values for a 3DS game, an incredible soundtrack, and caters to both solo AND multiplayer-oriented players. One of the best games on the 3DS, and it's not even close.
A fun 'what-if?' take on a great game, with a healthily-sized roster of characters and plenty of story and side missions to sink your teeth into. Just like Mario Party Superstars, however, this is one of the rare few Nintendo games (especially odd given it's a Koei Tecmo production) that SHOULD have had DLC.
Seriously? No option to kit out the characters in their Three Houses outfits? Feels like a missed opportunity and a half.
Seriously? No option to kit out the characters in their Three Houses outfits? Feels like a missed opportunity and a half.
Takes the fantastic presentation of Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, cranks it up three whole notches, brings back fan-favourite monsters and has oodles of quests to complete. Was a multiplayer favourite back in the day.
Much-anticipated, but unfortunately not able to fully deliver. Yet another victim of the 'pointless innovation' trap - the crafting system was overly obtuse and there JUST to increase the amount of grinding necessary to get anything done, and the lack of content at launch left you wanting more. A marked step down from its predecessor.
This game feels like a pleasant summer night stroll through a park. Relaxing, stuffed to the gills with content, a gloriously cosy, welcoming atmosphere that'll leave you reminiscing fondly on managing your village for years to come.
2012
Yet another shining jewel in the 3DS' library, THIS is how you bring back a dormant IP in style. Will it give you hand cramps? Oh, god, yes. Is the charming writing and fast-paced gameplay worth the hand cramps? Oh, GOD yes.
The perfect marriage of old-school charm, and actual playability, that makes it stand above the rest on the Game Boy (Color)'s impressive swathe of games. Ambitious, addictive, chock-full of content, and with a simple-yet-effective art style, don't let the occasional dated elements fool you - this game is a titan amongst handheld RPGs.
2014
Divisive to some, derided by many, but as someone who was a big fan of Pokémon Ruby growing up, and as one of the rare breeds who played Emerald AFTER Omega Ruby, this game remake many right notes for me. Felt like a proper revamp of what made the original so great while keeping the spirit intact.