Mad4Maxwell
1985
This game has kinda became underrated. Started the best game series ever and is still to this day one of the best. Great levels, music, and art design. It can be a little janky but that's every NES game.
Score: 4.5/5
Letter Grade: A
Score: 4.5/5
Letter Grade: A
The only Mario game I've ever played that I consider actually bad is Lost Levels. People talk about NSMB2 like it stands along side it as the lowest of the low Mario games. After replaying it after like 11 years, this is one of the best games ever made of course. It's a Mario game, only Lost Levels is bad. 2.9 average Score? Seriously? This is just more Mario levels, and that is all I need in life.
I want to get it's biggest flaw out of the way, It is very derivative to a fault. Probably the most unoriginal Mario game ever made. This is why people rate this so low, and it's definitely not a good thing, but it does have its own fair share of new level mechanics as well, not to mention the main coin mechanic.
The Levels are what makes these games so great. Even if these games are so derivative, the Levels are designed so well and are made specifically for you to have fun. The star coins are well placed in the levels as well. Nintendo just does 2D Level design so well.
Music is what I found to be the most unoriginal. I swear the OST is just straight up from NSMB Wii. Note for Note, I swear it's the same. It still slaps but damn, can't you make it at least a little different?
World Maps were also derivative as hell. Just same old NSMB stuff. They still looked great, just felt like I had seen them before, just in a different font.
I love the art style of this game, and the NSMB games in general. Though I believe NSMB2 has the worst background art of all the other games, It all still looks great.
This game was so unbelievably easy. The coin mechanic allows you to easily get hundreds of lives, and with the tanuki suit, you'll rarely die as it is. The Mini Bosses and Main Bosses were also very easy. I wish it was harder, as that would be a way to separate it from the others, though I know Nintendo was marketing towards a younger and more casual audience with these games.
I wanna mention the Bosses again, the Mini castle bosses are very mediocre. Just so easy to beat, and it's literally the same thing every time, just slightly harder with each world. The Main Castles actually had some pretty cool mechanics involved in the Boss fights, and I've always really liked the Koopalings anyway. The Final Boss, Bowser, was pretty awesome, and my 2nd Favorite in the NSMB series, besides NSMB Wii. He was fairly easy, but very cinematic and a nice conclusion. I also really loved the Credits after beating Bowser, I thought they were pretty damn cool.
To touch on the Coin Mechanic one last time, it is pretty cool, but I feel they could have done it so much better. Maybe don't make it so 100 coins give you 1 life, make it like 300. Probably should've had Wario as the main villain, that would have been pretty awesome. Just felt like they could've done a lot more, though it was still a lot of fun.
Though It is so very derivative and unoriginal, often to a fault, this is a 2D Mario game, so It's just a great fun time. I've always loved these games, and I will continue to do so. If you want a fun platformer, or you like playing games in general, I recommend NSMB2.
Score: 4.1/5
Letter Grade: A-
I want to get it's biggest flaw out of the way, It is very derivative to a fault. Probably the most unoriginal Mario game ever made. This is why people rate this so low, and it's definitely not a good thing, but it does have its own fair share of new level mechanics as well, not to mention the main coin mechanic.
The Levels are what makes these games so great. Even if these games are so derivative, the Levels are designed so well and are made specifically for you to have fun. The star coins are well placed in the levels as well. Nintendo just does 2D Level design so well.
Music is what I found to be the most unoriginal. I swear the OST is just straight up from NSMB Wii. Note for Note, I swear it's the same. It still slaps but damn, can't you make it at least a little different?
World Maps were also derivative as hell. Just same old NSMB stuff. They still looked great, just felt like I had seen them before, just in a different font.
I love the art style of this game, and the NSMB games in general. Though I believe NSMB2 has the worst background art of all the other games, It all still looks great.
This game was so unbelievably easy. The coin mechanic allows you to easily get hundreds of lives, and with the tanuki suit, you'll rarely die as it is. The Mini Bosses and Main Bosses were also very easy. I wish it was harder, as that would be a way to separate it from the others, though I know Nintendo was marketing towards a younger and more casual audience with these games.
I wanna mention the Bosses again, the Mini castle bosses are very mediocre. Just so easy to beat, and it's literally the same thing every time, just slightly harder with each world. The Main Castles actually had some pretty cool mechanics involved in the Boss fights, and I've always really liked the Koopalings anyway. The Final Boss, Bowser, was pretty awesome, and my 2nd Favorite in the NSMB series, besides NSMB Wii. He was fairly easy, but very cinematic and a nice conclusion. I also really loved the Credits after beating Bowser, I thought they were pretty damn cool.
To touch on the Coin Mechanic one last time, it is pretty cool, but I feel they could have done it so much better. Maybe don't make it so 100 coins give you 1 life, make it like 300. Probably should've had Wario as the main villain, that would have been pretty awesome. Just felt like they could've done a lot more, though it was still a lot of fun.
Though It is so very derivative and unoriginal, often to a fault, this is a 2D Mario game, so It's just a great fun time. I've always loved these games, and I will continue to do so. If you want a fun platformer, or you like playing games in general, I recommend NSMB2.
Score: 4.1/5
Letter Grade: A-
TMNT: Shredder's Revenge is the love letter of all love letters. What they did here, what they did for the fanbase of TMNT is nothing short of just awesome. I've gotten much more into TMNT since last year, but I've always been a little bit of a fan since I was a kid.
To start off, the Level Design in side-scrolling always seems so simple, but I feel like it actually takes a bit more skill to pull off a truly great and fun one. That being said, Shredder's Revenge did the design of each level great. From the overall design of the pathways the player had to move through, to the set pieces and the enemy placements, I though they did a great job.
To add to the previous paragraph, the Levels also looked absolutely fantastic. The Art style and Pixel art is something that I just love looking at. I've always been a big fan of Pixel Art, and the amount of care, detail, and love that went into each pixel is so obvious in this. I can't say enough about how good it looks.
The Gameplay is a ton of fun. It's classic 2D Side-Scrolling fighting game fun, with a TMNT flair. Just so much fun to hit enemies, use your Special Attacks, finding Collectables. It's all just great fun, and I struggle to think of much wrong, besides the things all 2D Side-Scrolling fighting games struggle with, such as hit detection and perception depth, but it's not that bad.
To quickly mention the story, it's good. It'd entertaining with great moments and great characters. It's not much, since the game is far more focused on the Gameplay, but the narrative does it's job and it does it very well. Nothing groundbreaking, but that's not what I needed it to be.
Speaking of characters, Leo, Raph, Don, Mikey, April, and Splinter are all well done any fun to play. I usually just switched between the Turtles since I thought April was way to weak and Splinter was to slow. Mikey is by far the best one, I only found that out later in the game for some reason. His speed is just so great that the enemies can't even react. All and all, they're all a lot of fun to play. Besides them, Splinter and all the Bosses in the stories have great designs as well, and were all very expressive and cool.
To touch on the Bosses, they were pretty damn awesome. They're also pretty damn hard, but that kinda adds to the fun, considering this game isn't that BS difficulty, it's tough but it's fair like it should be. I though the bosses had great mechanics and had great design. Just great stuff.
I already mentioned it a little bit, but the enemies and their designs are just great. Though they could be very annoying, especially on "Gnarly" difficulty, but for the most part they were good and fun to punch. I do hate any robot enemies though, just harder to kill.
To finish off my gushing of the game, the OST is pretty much perfect. Every track is a banger and it all matches the games tone and aesthetic perfectly. Everyone with ears should listen to it.
I think they only thing that makes me give this a lower rating than the review would suggest is that it's pretty damn hard, and at times annoying. It never took me to long to get passed a level but it did hinder the score just a little bit. Besides me just sucking at games, this game is pretty much a perfect 2D Side-Scrolling Fighting game, and it's no doubt a perfect TMNT game. From the OST, to the Levels, the Art Style/Pixel Art, the Bosses/Enemies, the Characters, and the Gameplay, this is just a great time. If you like this Genre, TMNT, or games in general, I'd recommend you play Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge.
Score: 4.1/5
Letter Grade: A-
To start off, the Level Design in side-scrolling always seems so simple, but I feel like it actually takes a bit more skill to pull off a truly great and fun one. That being said, Shredder's Revenge did the design of each level great. From the overall design of the pathways the player had to move through, to the set pieces and the enemy placements, I though they did a great job.
To add to the previous paragraph, the Levels also looked absolutely fantastic. The Art style and Pixel art is something that I just love looking at. I've always been a big fan of Pixel Art, and the amount of care, detail, and love that went into each pixel is so obvious in this. I can't say enough about how good it looks.
The Gameplay is a ton of fun. It's classic 2D Side-Scrolling fighting game fun, with a TMNT flair. Just so much fun to hit enemies, use your Special Attacks, finding Collectables. It's all just great fun, and I struggle to think of much wrong, besides the things all 2D Side-Scrolling fighting games struggle with, such as hit detection and perception depth, but it's not that bad.
To quickly mention the story, it's good. It'd entertaining with great moments and great characters. It's not much, since the game is far more focused on the Gameplay, but the narrative does it's job and it does it very well. Nothing groundbreaking, but that's not what I needed it to be.
Speaking of characters, Leo, Raph, Don, Mikey, April, and Splinter are all well done any fun to play. I usually just switched between the Turtles since I thought April was way to weak and Splinter was to slow. Mikey is by far the best one, I only found that out later in the game for some reason. His speed is just so great that the enemies can't even react. All and all, they're all a lot of fun to play. Besides them, Splinter and all the Bosses in the stories have great designs as well, and were all very expressive and cool.
To touch on the Bosses, they were pretty damn awesome. They're also pretty damn hard, but that kinda adds to the fun, considering this game isn't that BS difficulty, it's tough but it's fair like it should be. I though the bosses had great mechanics and had great design. Just great stuff.
I already mentioned it a little bit, but the enemies and their designs are just great. Though they could be very annoying, especially on "Gnarly" difficulty, but for the most part they were good and fun to punch. I do hate any robot enemies though, just harder to kill.
To finish off my gushing of the game, the OST is pretty much perfect. Every track is a banger and it all matches the games tone and aesthetic perfectly. Everyone with ears should listen to it.
I think they only thing that makes me give this a lower rating than the review would suggest is that it's pretty damn hard, and at times annoying. It never took me to long to get passed a level but it did hinder the score just a little bit. Besides me just sucking at games, this game is pretty much a perfect 2D Side-Scrolling Fighting game, and it's no doubt a perfect TMNT game. From the OST, to the Levels, the Art Style/Pixel Art, the Bosses/Enemies, the Characters, and the Gameplay, this is just a great time. If you like this Genre, TMNT, or games in general, I'd recommend you play Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge.
Score: 4.1/5
Letter Grade: A-
2016
Beat this for the second time, and yeah, it's still absolutey amazing. Does so much in such little amount of time and has your full attention the whole time.
For starters, the gameplay is peak. Everyone already knows this so i'm just gonna move on.
BT and Jack Cooper are certainly up there with the best duos in gaming. They're up there with Mario and Luigi, Sonic and Tales, Link and Zelda, Banjo and Kazooie, Donkey Kong and Diddy, I honestly believe they really are THAT good of a duo.
The story at face value is nothing special. But then the game gets going, and you get out of the first level, and everying comes together. The levels really tell the whole story, and they are the thing you'll think the most about when the game ends. Though the highlight of the story is the relationship between BT and Jack. I already talked about them, but their relationship is the most vital part of the narrative.
The only gripe I have with the game, is that once you start to get good with the movement, the game ends. Another problem is that I felt that in combat they didn't utalise the movement mechaincs enough in the design of the areas where you fight the enemies, it made me feel at times like I was just playing a regular shooter, and not Titanfall 2.
Besides my pretty minor complaints, I love this damn game. It's a game I can see myself beating multiple times a year when I want something quick and awesome to play, I do wish it was a little longer at times, but then I also think about how that would result in me playing it less. Multiplayer is good to but I definitly prefer the main story which is what this review is about. If you like Video Games, play this game.
Score: 4.5/5
Letter Grade: A
For starters, the gameplay is peak. Everyone already knows this so i'm just gonna move on.
BT and Jack Cooper are certainly up there with the best duos in gaming. They're up there with Mario and Luigi, Sonic and Tales, Link and Zelda, Banjo and Kazooie, Donkey Kong and Diddy, I honestly believe they really are THAT good of a duo.
The story at face value is nothing special. But then the game gets going, and you get out of the first level, and everying comes together. The levels really tell the whole story, and they are the thing you'll think the most about when the game ends. Though the highlight of the story is the relationship between BT and Jack. I already talked about them, but their relationship is the most vital part of the narrative.
The only gripe I have with the game, is that once you start to get good with the movement, the game ends. Another problem is that I felt that in combat they didn't utalise the movement mechaincs enough in the design of the areas where you fight the enemies, it made me feel at times like I was just playing a regular shooter, and not Titanfall 2.
Besides my pretty minor complaints, I love this damn game. It's a game I can see myself beating multiple times a year when I want something quick and awesome to play, I do wish it was a little longer at times, but then I also think about how that would result in me playing it less. Multiplayer is good to but I definitly prefer the main story which is what this review is about. If you like Video Games, play this game.
Score: 4.5/5
Letter Grade: A
2019
Well, the title is pretty on the nose. This was indeed a short hike. I'm actually glad it was so short, it was just a nice and calm game to play in the middle of some bigger stuff.
A Short Hike has been a pretty obvious inspiration for many independent games I've seen in the last few years. I can't describe in what ways, but so many things seem so similar to this game.
In terms of the world you explore, though it is small, it's also big. It's easy to traverse but it also has a lot of stuff to do in it. Playing games, racing, helping the NPCs with quests, finding treasure, fishing, etc. The way you traverse is also just fantastic, gliding, climbing, running fast, it all feels really good, and gets even better with the Golden Feathers.
The Golden Feathers are the main collectable, and I thought the devs did a great job with how the player obtains them and fines them. Some you can buy, but a lot are spread out throughout the world for the player to find, giving the player even more of an incentive to explore. It makes the gameplay smoother and the game even more satisfying.
The music was very subtle. It was great, quite, and fit the atmosphere. I also liked how they sometimes just didn't have any music, and let the world speak on its own. Kinda reminds me of BOTW music. Great stuff.
The Art-Style is nostalgic and charming. It reminds me of the DS games I grew up with, and has a lot of colors that all mesh well. I do feel at times it may be a little too pixelated, but for the most part it was really nice.
The game is lacking a bit in narrative, but the story of the adventure you have is really charming. That's pretty much the whole game, just a big charm fest. Clair is a really good protagonist who you see grow as a person, and the characters she interacts with are also nice. But the main thing is the adventure, and I loved it.
Not many complaints, I do hope we get a longer sequel or something, or maybe it's best this is a one off thing, maybe that would make it more special somehow. I thought the camera was quirky at times, I wish there was a map, and I do wish the Dialogue and narrative were both more compelling, but seriously, I don't have many complaints.
I think that this is a game that anyone can play and everyone should try. It's not a big enough world so it's hard to get lost, it has great music, loveable characters, a charming art-style, the short length, and some smooth gameplay. If you want to play a great short game, or just a great game in general, I'd recommend "A Short Hike".
Score: 4.1/5
Letter Grade: A-
A Short Hike has been a pretty obvious inspiration for many independent games I've seen in the last few years. I can't describe in what ways, but so many things seem so similar to this game.
In terms of the world you explore, though it is small, it's also big. It's easy to traverse but it also has a lot of stuff to do in it. Playing games, racing, helping the NPCs with quests, finding treasure, fishing, etc. The way you traverse is also just fantastic, gliding, climbing, running fast, it all feels really good, and gets even better with the Golden Feathers.
The Golden Feathers are the main collectable, and I thought the devs did a great job with how the player obtains them and fines them. Some you can buy, but a lot are spread out throughout the world for the player to find, giving the player even more of an incentive to explore. It makes the gameplay smoother and the game even more satisfying.
The music was very subtle. It was great, quite, and fit the atmosphere. I also liked how they sometimes just didn't have any music, and let the world speak on its own. Kinda reminds me of BOTW music. Great stuff.
The Art-Style is nostalgic and charming. It reminds me of the DS games I grew up with, and has a lot of colors that all mesh well. I do feel at times it may be a little too pixelated, but for the most part it was really nice.
The game is lacking a bit in narrative, but the story of the adventure you have is really charming. That's pretty much the whole game, just a big charm fest. Clair is a really good protagonist who you see grow as a person, and the characters she interacts with are also nice. But the main thing is the adventure, and I loved it.
Not many complaints, I do hope we get a longer sequel or something, or maybe it's best this is a one off thing, maybe that would make it more special somehow. I thought the camera was quirky at times, I wish there was a map, and I do wish the Dialogue and narrative were both more compelling, but seriously, I don't have many complaints.
I think that this is a game that anyone can play and everyone should try. It's not a big enough world so it's hard to get lost, it has great music, loveable characters, a charming art-style, the short length, and some smooth gameplay. If you want to play a great short game, or just a great game in general, I'd recommend "A Short Hike".
Score: 4.1/5
Letter Grade: A-
2016
After Stardew came out, it seems like every independently made game has to either be a cozy farm sim, or it must have farming elements. Unfortunatly for those games, Stardew is an actual good game. One that takes inspiration from other great games and instead of copying them completely, builds off of those ideas and creates even better ones. Eric Barone is a Genius.
Score: 4.6/5
Letter Grade: A+
Score: 4.6/5
Letter Grade: A+
2007
A really fun and short game to blast through. Seriously, I had no idea how short this was, only like and hour and a half, and probably way faster on multiple playthroughs.
The Portal Mechanic is just such a good idea, and one of the best mechanics you'll see in any game. Valve utilizes this perfectly, and the puzzles actually make you think, and also make you feel smart when figuring them out. Puzzles weren't obtuse or extremely frustrating, just very well made and fun.
Doesn't start off with much of a story, but with the atmosphere in the levels, there always a sense of something being off, atmosphere is very oppressive, and just so well done with the tone they were going for.
Glados is a great villain, and has one of the catchiest songs in gaming history. The end credits and "Still Alive" actually raised the score a bit, especially when you listen to it, and realize she is talking to you, and gloating about how you didn't actually kill her, and you're the one who is dead. A bit unsettling, but that's what makes it so great.
Though a game with short length doesn't make it bad at all, I was wishing for a bit more content. Puzzles were fun, but had very similar mechanics all throughout, though I'm guessing they will keep innovating on the design of these puzzles in Portal 2.
Not much to dislike. Great game with great puzzles and a Great ending. Though I would like some more content, a little longer length, and some more Puzzle mechanics, everything else was really good. Such a good game to blast through in one sitting, and if you want a great Puzzle game, or want a great game in general, play this game.
Score: 4.0/5
Letter Grade: A-
The Portal Mechanic is just such a good idea, and one of the best mechanics you'll see in any game. Valve utilizes this perfectly, and the puzzles actually make you think, and also make you feel smart when figuring them out. Puzzles weren't obtuse or extremely frustrating, just very well made and fun.
Doesn't start off with much of a story, but with the atmosphere in the levels, there always a sense of something being off, atmosphere is very oppressive, and just so well done with the tone they were going for.
Glados is a great villain, and has one of the catchiest songs in gaming history. The end credits and "Still Alive" actually raised the score a bit, especially when you listen to it, and realize she is talking to you, and gloating about how you didn't actually kill her, and you're the one who is dead. A bit unsettling, but that's what makes it so great.
Though a game with short length doesn't make it bad at all, I was wishing for a bit more content. Puzzles were fun, but had very similar mechanics all throughout, though I'm guessing they will keep innovating on the design of these puzzles in Portal 2.
Not much to dislike. Great game with great puzzles and a Great ending. Though I would like some more content, a little longer length, and some more Puzzle mechanics, everything else was really good. Such a good game to blast through in one sitting, and if you want a great Puzzle game, or want a great game in general, play this game.
Score: 4.0/5
Letter Grade: A-
2010
This review contains spoilers
Gotta say, I loved this game. From the gunplay and brilliantly interwoven RPG elements, I really enjoyed the gameplay. However, at the moment this game begins you can tell that this won't be as good as the first Bioshock. That doesn't mean that this game is bad though, it's great. Sofia Lamb is definetly a downgrade from Andrew Ryan, but she is till very cunning and evil in her own right. Really like the characters in this game, Sinclair (RIP), Eleanor, Gil Alexander, Sofia Lamb, I really enjoyed them.
The Level Design is worse then the original, but again, only slightly. The Levels aren't as memerable (Excluding Gil Alexander's level and the final level) but they are very intelligently designed. The Bioshock games do something I love, and that's how they put something in every single nook and cranny, escpecially this one. So many times I found something hidden, and the game allways rewards you for looking around. It's especially cool when you find a seceret room.
The Story is again, a downgrade, but it's still great! The search for your daughter that Sofia is so determined to take away from you, fuells you along the way. The little sisters remind you of what you lost, and they keep you going.
The different enemies in this game are really cool as well. The weapons you use to dispose them with are even better in this game, and one of the things I believe Bioshock 2 does better than the original. By the end of the game, I was so damn strong nobody stood a chance. This is where looking through every nook and cranny comes into play, you can find a lot of Gene Tonics and Plasmids to help you.
I've heard people review this game and shit on it like crazy, more so than almost every game I've seen people review. I disagree with this VERY much. This is a fantastic game worth everyones time, and if you like playing games, you should give this a try.
Score: 4.6/5
Letter Grade: A+
The Level Design is worse then the original, but again, only slightly. The Levels aren't as memerable (Excluding Gil Alexander's level and the final level) but they are very intelligently designed. The Bioshock games do something I love, and that's how they put something in every single nook and cranny, escpecially this one. So many times I found something hidden, and the game allways rewards you for looking around. It's especially cool when you find a seceret room.
The Story is again, a downgrade, but it's still great! The search for your daughter that Sofia is so determined to take away from you, fuells you along the way. The little sisters remind you of what you lost, and they keep you going.
The different enemies in this game are really cool as well. The weapons you use to dispose them with are even better in this game, and one of the things I believe Bioshock 2 does better than the original. By the end of the game, I was so damn strong nobody stood a chance. This is where looking through every nook and cranny comes into play, you can find a lot of Gene Tonics and Plasmids to help you.
I've heard people review this game and shit on it like crazy, more so than almost every game I've seen people review. I disagree with this VERY much. This is a fantastic game worth everyones time, and if you like playing games, you should give this a try.
Score: 4.6/5
Letter Grade: A+
Finally beat this game after having it for like 10 or 11 years. This game is extremely important to me. I grew up with it and played it a ton as a kid. Brings back memories of my Grandma and being at her house playing this. I cherish those memories since my grandmother passed away, so beating this game means a lot to me.
Now to the actual review. I honestly don't really know quite what to make of this game. It doesn't take very long to beat, only like 4-5 hours. This isn't a bad thing at all, just thought I should note it.
The Gameplay is your average 3D platformer, so it's ok. Not great by any means, but ok. Jumps can be a little weird sometimes, the camera screws up a lot so you can't always see the exact spot your going to land. This isn't that bad tho, so I guess I'll give it a pass.
The Animation of the Cutscenes are really well done, and it impresses me that they got it to look like that on a Gamecube. The voice-acting was really well done as well, all characters sound great, especially Bugs and Daffy.
The best thing about the game is the Looney Tunes theme. Looney Tunes is probably the best cartoon franchise of all time, and one of my favorite fictional worlds. They do a great job with the Looney Tunes humor and tropes that makes the cartoon so great.
I really liked the levels and thought they were intelligently designed to be fun and have that good Looney Tune charm. The missions to get the monkeys are nothing special though, and neither are the collectables, but they're an alright distraction from the main game.
Now the worst part about the game. This honestly drops the games rating down pretty hard, and if it wasn't in the game, I might have given this game a 3.8/5. At the end of the game, you reach the door you need to enter to get to the final stretch of the game. Now mind you, this game makes you collect monkeys like they're Stars or Jiggies, but these monkeys are never actually needed to progress to the next level. But for some reason, when you get to that that door, you now all the sudden need 35 monkeys to open the door. There are a total of 45 monkeys in the game so it may not seem like that big of a hassle, but then you realize you have to go through every level and get the bonus monkeys, and the game doesn't just allow you to run through the level freely to do it, you have to do the missions all over again. The ending boss fight isn't even worth all this hassle, and I had to look up what the hell to do to beat that final boss.
Despite that massive hiccup, I still have a special place in my heart for this game, and genuinely had a good time with it. It's good Looney Tunes gaming, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to play a good 3D Platformer.
Score: 3.4/5
Letter Grade: B
Now to the actual review. I honestly don't really know quite what to make of this game. It doesn't take very long to beat, only like 4-5 hours. This isn't a bad thing at all, just thought I should note it.
The Gameplay is your average 3D platformer, so it's ok. Not great by any means, but ok. Jumps can be a little weird sometimes, the camera screws up a lot so you can't always see the exact spot your going to land. This isn't that bad tho, so I guess I'll give it a pass.
The Animation of the Cutscenes are really well done, and it impresses me that they got it to look like that on a Gamecube. The voice-acting was really well done as well, all characters sound great, especially Bugs and Daffy.
The best thing about the game is the Looney Tunes theme. Looney Tunes is probably the best cartoon franchise of all time, and one of my favorite fictional worlds. They do a great job with the Looney Tunes humor and tropes that makes the cartoon so great.
I really liked the levels and thought they were intelligently designed to be fun and have that good Looney Tune charm. The missions to get the monkeys are nothing special though, and neither are the collectables, but they're an alright distraction from the main game.
Now the worst part about the game. This honestly drops the games rating down pretty hard, and if it wasn't in the game, I might have given this game a 3.8/5. At the end of the game, you reach the door you need to enter to get to the final stretch of the game. Now mind you, this game makes you collect monkeys like they're Stars or Jiggies, but these monkeys are never actually needed to progress to the next level. But for some reason, when you get to that that door, you now all the sudden need 35 monkeys to open the door. There are a total of 45 monkeys in the game so it may not seem like that big of a hassle, but then you realize you have to go through every level and get the bonus monkeys, and the game doesn't just allow you to run through the level freely to do it, you have to do the missions all over again. The ending boss fight isn't even worth all this hassle, and I had to look up what the hell to do to beat that final boss.
Despite that massive hiccup, I still have a special place in my heart for this game, and genuinely had a good time with it. It's good Looney Tunes gaming, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to play a good 3D Platformer.
Score: 3.4/5
Letter Grade: B
2018
Should have just been a movie. Combat and puzzles don't have enough substance to them. Story is good, but there's nothing about being a videogame that benefits this story. Gameplay is just meh.
Score: 2.7/5
Letter Grade: C
Score: 2.7/5
Letter Grade: C
Finally off the backlog. I played this game as a kid and loved it. I don't remember beating it back then though. Now that I have beaten it, yeah, this is one of the best games ever made just like I thought.
For starters, like usual with Nintendo games, the level design is as good as it gets. The mechanics and overall art design of the levels is some of the best I've seen. Really loved how small the levels were. I liked it so much becasue that allows for many more levels to be made, and a lot more ideas to be realized. Though just like in the game that inspired it, Super Mario 3D World, the more levels, the less memorable they are. This really isn't that big of a deal considering how good the levels are, but the other Mario games, Galaxy 1 and 2, Sunshine, 64, and Odyssey, have less levels but they are more memorable. Luckily the levels in Captain Toad are designed extremley intelligently, so it makes up for it. I only disliked like 4 or 5 levels, so that should tell you how good the levels are.
The look of the game is just as impressive as the Gameplay and levels, as it is one of the best looking games on the Wii U, and in any game I've played in general. Very colorful and lots of detail.
Not much story with most Nintendo platformers, but the story it has is very heartwarming. Toad and Toadett being seperated over and over, but never giving up, and eventually reuniting, is a great love story that I really enjoyed.
Not much wrong with the game, the over utilization of the game pad is a bit annoying at times, and because Toad and Toadett are so weak, sometimes enemies can be a bit too aggravating. Those are pretty minor things though, pretty much a perfect Puzzle Platformer. Nintendo, make a sequal for crying out loud!
Score: 4.5/5
Letter Grade: A
For starters, like usual with Nintendo games, the level design is as good as it gets. The mechanics and overall art design of the levels is some of the best I've seen. Really loved how small the levels were. I liked it so much becasue that allows for many more levels to be made, and a lot more ideas to be realized. Though just like in the game that inspired it, Super Mario 3D World, the more levels, the less memorable they are. This really isn't that big of a deal considering how good the levels are, but the other Mario games, Galaxy 1 and 2, Sunshine, 64, and Odyssey, have less levels but they are more memorable. Luckily the levels in Captain Toad are designed extremley intelligently, so it makes up for it. I only disliked like 4 or 5 levels, so that should tell you how good the levels are.
The look of the game is just as impressive as the Gameplay and levels, as it is one of the best looking games on the Wii U, and in any game I've played in general. Very colorful and lots of detail.
Not much story with most Nintendo platformers, but the story it has is very heartwarming. Toad and Toadett being seperated over and over, but never giving up, and eventually reuniting, is a great love story that I really enjoyed.
Not much wrong with the game, the over utilization of the game pad is a bit annoying at times, and because Toad and Toadett are so weak, sometimes enemies can be a bit too aggravating. Those are pretty minor things though, pretty much a perfect Puzzle Platformer. Nintendo, make a sequal for crying out loud!
Score: 4.5/5
Letter Grade: A
1994
Want for the collection. Game is Peak.
Score: 4.6/5
Letter Grade: A+
Score: 4.6/5
Letter Grade: A+
2016
Want to have the physical copy for the collection. An absolutly incredible story. It may be a short story, but they do so much in the campaing that you are fully satisfied by the end. The multyplayer was also really great. Fluid movement and gunplay. BT and Jack are a great duo. A must play.
Score: 4.5/5
Letter Grade: A
Score: 4.5/5
Letter Grade: A
This review contains spoilers
I did not expect to like this game as much as I do. It really caught me off guard. Truly one of Gamings finest RPGs, and an Incredible Journey I won't forget. I have some minor complaints, but all and all I really loved this.
The title "Fable" couldn't be more on the nose. This game really does feel like you're in a Fable. The World they created here is so full of life and is really beautiful. Lots of awesome areas to explore, which I'm sure many I didn't even get to. The world traversal could have been a lot better, but I understand the hardware limitations for the OG Xbox, so I'll give the loading screens a pass, I've seen much worse from games released after this.
The Gameplay itself is a lot of fun. Combat was surprisingly nice and smooth, though Archery was fairly janky, but it was passable. Missions were more fun and more creative then I expected aswell. All around just some really good fun. The Demon Doors also add a bit more depth to the world, and the riddles or whatever you have to do to get them to open is usually pretty neat.
My biggest complaint with combat, though I thought it was really good, there are times where it falls a little short. Mainly, and this isn't all the time, mostly in near the end of the game, when an enemy hits you, you will get knocked down, and have to stumble back up. This is an animation, so it takes you a little to long, and once you get back up, there's a very good chance you'll get knocked down again, and again, and again, until you eventually break the cycle. This is not a regular occurrence, but when they throw like 4 or more (potentially at times like 20) enemies at you, it can be frustrating. I understand getting staggered, but knocked down? That might be a little to much.
Moving on, the Music was great. Really set the tone and atmosphere of every area. Nothing that I'd listen to in my free time, but that isn't what makes music good. It does what Music should always try to do in a video game, enhance the atmosphere the devs are pushing for.
Characters had really cool designs and stories. Jack of Blades, the Villain, has one I especially like. Your sister, Maze, The Guild Master, Whisper, etc. all great designs, and are voice acted well too.
Speaking of Jack of Blades, he is so damn evil. Spoilers, he burns down your village, kidnaps your Mom and Sister, as well as kills your dad and many of the Villagers. He cuts out your sisters eyes and leaves her blind for life. Imprisons you and your mother, inflicting a year of torture on you, and who knows how many years of it for your mother. Tries to rule the world and potentially end it. And the part that I'll remember forever, slits your mothers throat right in front of you to collect her blood. I didn't expect such an evil villain from a game with an art style like this, but I'm all here for it. He isn't just evil for the sake of it, he has legitimate ambitions and goals, and he really will destroy everything if you'd let him, all for himself. His Final Bossfight, or both of them, are both pretty cool. They could have been a little better, but not much to complain about.
The story was really good, though could have been a bit better paced. I though it was a bit to fast, but it was still very enjoyable. They did a decent job of making you give a damn about the world they want you to save, and the story had a lot of good memorable moments. Moments like the Village Burning, Growing up in the Guild, Fighting in the Arena (Which was amazing), finding your sister without her eyes after so many years, Jack of Blades Killing your Mom, and what I think is the most memorable, the game making you stay in jail for a straight year enduring horrific torture along the way. The prison thing really caught me off guard. I do wish they made it possible to escape on your first try, but It does make the whole thing more memorable. Story was entertaining, and was a fantastic adventure all they way.
The RPG elements is where this game really stands out. The peoples perception of you is dependent on what you do in the world. If you're Good, they will eventually cheer for you every time they see you. If you're evil, they will Boo you as you walk by. I'm not sure how much the game's story changes if you do the evil stuff, as I just wanted to play the hero, but I imagine it must be substantial. Besides how people see you, the upgrading of skills and powers is well done, and the upgrading of weapons is something I really liked as well. All around just great stuff.
Art style was something you had to keep playing to learn to love it. I wasn't a fan when I first saw the characters and the environments, but it really is beautiful in a way. It really pushes forward that Fable feel as well, and it feels Unique to this game.
All and all, a great game. Despite any minor complaints, it's a great Adventure RPG, that In my opinion, doesn't get brought up enough. Glad to get this off the backlog. This might be the most pleasantly surprised a game has ever made me. If you like RPGs, Adventures, and/or Videogames in general, I recommend you play this game.
Score: 4.3/5
Letter Grade: A
The title "Fable" couldn't be more on the nose. This game really does feel like you're in a Fable. The World they created here is so full of life and is really beautiful. Lots of awesome areas to explore, which I'm sure many I didn't even get to. The world traversal could have been a lot better, but I understand the hardware limitations for the OG Xbox, so I'll give the loading screens a pass, I've seen much worse from games released after this.
The Gameplay itself is a lot of fun. Combat was surprisingly nice and smooth, though Archery was fairly janky, but it was passable. Missions were more fun and more creative then I expected aswell. All around just some really good fun. The Demon Doors also add a bit more depth to the world, and the riddles or whatever you have to do to get them to open is usually pretty neat.
My biggest complaint with combat, though I thought it was really good, there are times where it falls a little short. Mainly, and this isn't all the time, mostly in near the end of the game, when an enemy hits you, you will get knocked down, and have to stumble back up. This is an animation, so it takes you a little to long, and once you get back up, there's a very good chance you'll get knocked down again, and again, and again, until you eventually break the cycle. This is not a regular occurrence, but when they throw like 4 or more (potentially at times like 20) enemies at you, it can be frustrating. I understand getting staggered, but knocked down? That might be a little to much.
Moving on, the Music was great. Really set the tone and atmosphere of every area. Nothing that I'd listen to in my free time, but that isn't what makes music good. It does what Music should always try to do in a video game, enhance the atmosphere the devs are pushing for.
Characters had really cool designs and stories. Jack of Blades, the Villain, has one I especially like. Your sister, Maze, The Guild Master, Whisper, etc. all great designs, and are voice acted well too.
Speaking of Jack of Blades, he is so damn evil. Spoilers, he burns down your village, kidnaps your Mom and Sister, as well as kills your dad and many of the Villagers. He cuts out your sisters eyes and leaves her blind for life. Imprisons you and your mother, inflicting a year of torture on you, and who knows how many years of it for your mother. Tries to rule the world and potentially end it. And the part that I'll remember forever, slits your mothers throat right in front of you to collect her blood. I didn't expect such an evil villain from a game with an art style like this, but I'm all here for it. He isn't just evil for the sake of it, he has legitimate ambitions and goals, and he really will destroy everything if you'd let him, all for himself. His Final Bossfight, or both of them, are both pretty cool. They could have been a little better, but not much to complain about.
The story was really good, though could have been a bit better paced. I though it was a bit to fast, but it was still very enjoyable. They did a decent job of making you give a damn about the world they want you to save, and the story had a lot of good memorable moments. Moments like the Village Burning, Growing up in the Guild, Fighting in the Arena (Which was amazing), finding your sister without her eyes after so many years, Jack of Blades Killing your Mom, and what I think is the most memorable, the game making you stay in jail for a straight year enduring horrific torture along the way. The prison thing really caught me off guard. I do wish they made it possible to escape on your first try, but It does make the whole thing more memorable. Story was entertaining, and was a fantastic adventure all they way.
The RPG elements is where this game really stands out. The peoples perception of you is dependent on what you do in the world. If you're Good, they will eventually cheer for you every time they see you. If you're evil, they will Boo you as you walk by. I'm not sure how much the game's story changes if you do the evil stuff, as I just wanted to play the hero, but I imagine it must be substantial. Besides how people see you, the upgrading of skills and powers is well done, and the upgrading of weapons is something I really liked as well. All around just great stuff.
Art style was something you had to keep playing to learn to love it. I wasn't a fan when I first saw the characters and the environments, but it really is beautiful in a way. It really pushes forward that Fable feel as well, and it feels Unique to this game.
All and all, a great game. Despite any minor complaints, it's a great Adventure RPG, that In my opinion, doesn't get brought up enough. Glad to get this off the backlog. This might be the most pleasantly surprised a game has ever made me. If you like RPGs, Adventures, and/or Videogames in general, I recommend you play this game.
Score: 4.3/5
Letter Grade: A
I was extemely disapointed with this game. Story was pretty bad, boss frights were downgraded as well. The gameplay was fun, but when they put the story so front and center like they did, it better be good, and in this case it wasn't. Also, 50 dollars for a game I could beat in 3-5 hours? They should have just let Insomniac take their time with this game, we could have gotten something much better. The game just feels rushed. It feels like they used the rough draft of the story and never changed it. Hoepfully Spiderman 2 will be much better than this, as it looks to be.
Score: 2.8/5
Letter Grade: C+
Score: 2.8/5
Letter Grade: C+