Nikonoim
2016
(I assume you already know what No Mans’s Sky is about)
No Man's Sky had one of the most disastrous launches in gaming history. It failed to achieve almost everything it promised. The developers did one thing right – they made the game they promised, and after 7 years at the time of this review, it has a lot of content that I will mostly gloss over in this review. However, this does not make the game automatically better – indeed, its massive number of things to do is its biggest downside. I would recommend it if you want a simple space exploration game where you can do most things without needing to go in depth learning about it.
Story
The main goal and what the story revolves around is getting to the centre of the universe. Honestly, I have barely any memory of what the story was about. Its main problem I believe was that there is no incentive to actually do it. You have a hundred other activities to do, most of which feel more rewarding than advancing the main quest line, and the fact that I can’t remember a single character tells you enough about the quality of the writing.
Mechanics and gameplay
I won’t be able to go into detail about everything there is to do in No Man’s Sky, so I will briefly go over them. You can explore a vast universe filled with planets, each of which has different fauna, creatures, landscape and weather. Don’t expect any realism from this game. If you find a planet you like, you can set up a base there. From there you can start producing various materials to us for crafting or selling. With the money you get you can buy new spaceships, tools, upgrades and more. You can also buy a fleet that you can send to expeditions or as a movable base. Bases can be used to recruit various NPCs that barely do anything. Also, you can dogfight, set up a town, explore abandoned outposts. Don’t get me started on the multiplayer. The non-cohesive list I described above paint a picture of limitless entertainment, or if you are more experienced, a very shallow game. Take for instance mining for resources to sell. If you simply spend a few hours you can get to the most exotic planets, and after setting up a few extractors there you’ve pretty much trivialized money. Every 12 hours, you can log on and get an absorbent amount of currency. Even thought I spend more than 30 hour in-game, I felt like I only did meaningless tasks to pass the time. However, if you just want to unwind after a day at work, then No Man’s Sky is a good choice. You can rotate between the above-described activities and have a new adventure waiting every day.
Graphics and artstyle
Graphics are alright. Due to the constantly shifting landscape, it can’t really build a specific colour palette, but it uses mostly bright colours. This helps with give an alien feel to the aliens. Since randomness determines the design of mostly everything, the game flips between ugly and beautiful.
Atmosphere
Due to the shallow nature of the activities, you never get invested enough for No Mans Sky to build an effective atmosphere.
Soundtrack and sound effects
Sound effects are alright. Nothing made an impression on me. The same goes for the soundtrack, although it is 6 hour long.
Final Thoughts
7 trillion planets that look the same.
No Man's Sky had one of the most disastrous launches in gaming history. It failed to achieve almost everything it promised. The developers did one thing right – they made the game they promised, and after 7 years at the time of this review, it has a lot of content that I will mostly gloss over in this review. However, this does not make the game automatically better – indeed, its massive number of things to do is its biggest downside. I would recommend it if you want a simple space exploration game where you can do most things without needing to go in depth learning about it.
Story
The main goal and what the story revolves around is getting to the centre of the universe. Honestly, I have barely any memory of what the story was about. Its main problem I believe was that there is no incentive to actually do it. You have a hundred other activities to do, most of which feel more rewarding than advancing the main quest line, and the fact that I can’t remember a single character tells you enough about the quality of the writing.
Mechanics and gameplay
I won’t be able to go into detail about everything there is to do in No Man’s Sky, so I will briefly go over them. You can explore a vast universe filled with planets, each of which has different fauna, creatures, landscape and weather. Don’t expect any realism from this game. If you find a planet you like, you can set up a base there. From there you can start producing various materials to us for crafting or selling. With the money you get you can buy new spaceships, tools, upgrades and more. You can also buy a fleet that you can send to expeditions or as a movable base. Bases can be used to recruit various NPCs that barely do anything. Also, you can dogfight, set up a town, explore abandoned outposts. Don’t get me started on the multiplayer. The non-cohesive list I described above paint a picture of limitless entertainment, or if you are more experienced, a very shallow game. Take for instance mining for resources to sell. If you simply spend a few hours you can get to the most exotic planets, and after setting up a few extractors there you’ve pretty much trivialized money. Every 12 hours, you can log on and get an absorbent amount of currency. Even thought I spend more than 30 hour in-game, I felt like I only did meaningless tasks to pass the time. However, if you just want to unwind after a day at work, then No Man’s Sky is a good choice. You can rotate between the above-described activities and have a new adventure waiting every day.
Graphics and artstyle
Graphics are alright. Due to the constantly shifting landscape, it can’t really build a specific colour palette, but it uses mostly bright colours. This helps with give an alien feel to the aliens. Since randomness determines the design of mostly everything, the game flips between ugly and beautiful.
Atmosphere
Due to the shallow nature of the activities, you never get invested enough for No Mans Sky to build an effective atmosphere.
Soundtrack and sound effects
Sound effects are alright. Nothing made an impression on me. The same goes for the soundtrack, although it is 6 hour long.
Final Thoughts
7 trillion planets that look the same.
2000
(I played this on Metal slug Anthology on a PS2 emulator)
Metal slug 3 is the fourth instalment in the Metal slug series, although it doesn’t differ much from the rest. Originally an arcade game that was later ported to a variety of platforms. It’s a 2D shooter/platformer, the most remarkable part of which is its artstyle. If you want to play one Metal slug, I would recommend this one, as it has the most spectacle and makes elaborate use of its fantastical elements.
Story
There is an overarching storyline in this series, but since it not in the game, I won't mention it. Only at the last level (which is like half of the game) is there a narrative and a reason for your actions other than “it’s a game”. I would say that ending left me satisfied, at least more so than the other Metal slug games.
Gameplay and mechanics
The controls are fairly simple since it is an arcade game. Movements are left or right, and you can jump or crouch. I don’t know if it’s just the emulator, but there seems to be a bit of delay. There is no free aim, as such you can only shoot in the 2 axes. Your starter pistol never runs out of ammo, but it doesn’t do much damage, especially when compared to the special weapons, that can dispatch even tougher foes with ease. Grenades are another part of your arsenal with limited usage and plenty of damage, but they do reset when you respawn. The most powerful tool you have at your disposal are the various vehicles you will come across. Survival is a key part of their effectiveness, as they can take multiple hits without dying, unlike the player character who dies to anything in one hit. After you die three time, you are given two choices – respawn at the place you died or restart the WHOLE GAME. Obviously, this was done to suck as much money as possible, back at the arcade. Nowadays, it sucks the fun out of the game. You will end up endlessly respawning and never actually get better. Compared to the previous instalment, it's mechanically the same, the only new things are more vehicles and special weapons.
Graphics and artstyle
Metal slug has always had amazing art, this is no exception. Everything is incredibly over the top and over detailed, however it always manages to convey whatever it desires without it being confusing. The fantasy or sci-fi (I am not sure) is in full force, with everything from ancient desert temples to alien spaceships.
Soundtrack and sound effects
Even with the technology of the time, the sound effects are pretty good. The constant sound of gunfire, enemies dying and something exploding never gets annoying. You have probably heard the sound for when you pick up a special weapon, even if you’ve never played a Metal slug game. The same goes for the soundtrack. It fits quite well into the game, even if it has a few parts that are similar to the ost’s of the previous instalments. The favourite part is “The midnight wandering”.
Final Thoughts
SEE YOU IN HELL!!!
Metal slug 3 is the fourth instalment in the Metal slug series, although it doesn’t differ much from the rest. Originally an arcade game that was later ported to a variety of platforms. It’s a 2D shooter/platformer, the most remarkable part of which is its artstyle. If you want to play one Metal slug, I would recommend this one, as it has the most spectacle and makes elaborate use of its fantastical elements.
Story
There is an overarching storyline in this series, but since it not in the game, I won't mention it. Only at the last level (which is like half of the game) is there a narrative and a reason for your actions other than “it’s a game”. I would say that ending left me satisfied, at least more so than the other Metal slug games.
Gameplay and mechanics
The controls are fairly simple since it is an arcade game. Movements are left or right, and you can jump or crouch. I don’t know if it’s just the emulator, but there seems to be a bit of delay. There is no free aim, as such you can only shoot in the 2 axes. Your starter pistol never runs out of ammo, but it doesn’t do much damage, especially when compared to the special weapons, that can dispatch even tougher foes with ease. Grenades are another part of your arsenal with limited usage and plenty of damage, but they do reset when you respawn. The most powerful tool you have at your disposal are the various vehicles you will come across. Survival is a key part of their effectiveness, as they can take multiple hits without dying, unlike the player character who dies to anything in one hit. After you die three time, you are given two choices – respawn at the place you died or restart the WHOLE GAME. Obviously, this was done to suck as much money as possible, back at the arcade. Nowadays, it sucks the fun out of the game. You will end up endlessly respawning and never actually get better. Compared to the previous instalment, it's mechanically the same, the only new things are more vehicles and special weapons.
Graphics and artstyle
Metal slug has always had amazing art, this is no exception. Everything is incredibly over the top and over detailed, however it always manages to convey whatever it desires without it being confusing. The fantasy or sci-fi (I am not sure) is in full force, with everything from ancient desert temples to alien spaceships.
Soundtrack and sound effects
Even with the technology of the time, the sound effects are pretty good. The constant sound of gunfire, enemies dying and something exploding never gets annoying. You have probably heard the sound for when you pick up a special weapon, even if you’ve never played a Metal slug game. The same goes for the soundtrack. It fits quite well into the game, even if it has a few parts that are similar to the ost’s of the previous instalments. The favourite part is “The midnight wandering”.
Final Thoughts
SEE YOU IN HELL!!!
2021
HROT is another boomer shooter in the recent wave of games in this genre. It’s set in Czechoslovakia during the 80s, and that can be seen all throughout the game. All the signs are in Czech, the level design takes a lot of inspiration from soviet architecture and the colour palette is entirely brown. The setting is very well contextualized, but the player character goals and his enemies are left blank. You go through a level, killing some foes, and then go to the next one without any idea where you are going or who you are fighting. Overall if you have played and enjoyed the likes of DUSK and quake and don’t mind the issue, I presented than you will probably enjoy this one.
𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲
HROT left me confused. It's rare for a game to give so little reason for your actions (in this case, to beat the levels). What kept me going was mostly curiosity. The game constantly throws at your bizarre enemies, although they always fit the aesthetic. It has a charm and personality but no singular vision.
𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲
HROT has pretty simple boomer shooter gameplay without any new fancy additions. You are faster than most enemies you will face and have an arsenal of 11 weapons. They are fun to use, but aren’t anything new. There isn’t even an alt fire. Enemy variety is pretty good. You never get stuck fighting the same enemies. I can say the same about the level design. Even the sewers were interesting. Although that could be because they are the same colour. There is also a lot of interactivity in the levels. For instance, you can flush a toilet or ring a doorbell of a flat and hear a dog bark on the other side. It adds to the charm of the game. There is even a section where you ride a bike. It should be noted that the levels are based on real locations.
𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞
As can be expected from a boomer shooter, it's low-poly and retro. It also has a specific colour palate that is consistent through the whole game. Everything is washed out and brown. Given the 80s socialist country aesthetic, I think this is to be expected.
𝐀𝐭𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞
The feeling I got from playing HROT was of confusion and slight paranoia. No idea where you are going or who you are fighting and whether you should be fighting. Of course, you should. After all, you have to protect the state, but on that note, why are you fighting alone.
𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤
A dark ambiance ost that fits well enough with the rest of the game.
𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
Ｎｏｔ ｓｕｉｔａｂｌｅ ｆｏｒ ｙｏｕｔｈ ｕｎｄｅｒ ｔｈｅ ａｇｅ ｏｆ ３０ ｂｙ ｄｅｃｉｓｉｏｎ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｃｏｍｍｉｔｔｅｅ．
𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲
HROT left me confused. It's rare for a game to give so little reason for your actions (in this case, to beat the levels). What kept me going was mostly curiosity. The game constantly throws at your bizarre enemies, although they always fit the aesthetic. It has a charm and personality but no singular vision.
𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲
HROT has pretty simple boomer shooter gameplay without any new fancy additions. You are faster than most enemies you will face and have an arsenal of 11 weapons. They are fun to use, but aren’t anything new. There isn’t even an alt fire. Enemy variety is pretty good. You never get stuck fighting the same enemies. I can say the same about the level design. Even the sewers were interesting. Although that could be because they are the same colour. There is also a lot of interactivity in the levels. For instance, you can flush a toilet or ring a doorbell of a flat and hear a dog bark on the other side. It adds to the charm of the game. There is even a section where you ride a bike. It should be noted that the levels are based on real locations.
𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞
As can be expected from a boomer shooter, it's low-poly and retro. It also has a specific colour palate that is consistent through the whole game. Everything is washed out and brown. Given the 80s socialist country aesthetic, I think this is to be expected.
𝐀𝐭𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞
The feeling I got from playing HROT was of confusion and slight paranoia. No idea where you are going or who you are fighting and whether you should be fighting. Of course, you should. After all, you have to protect the state, but on that note, why are you fighting alone.
𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤
A dark ambiance ost that fits well enough with the rest of the game.
𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
Ｎｏｔ ｓｕｉｔａｂｌｅ ｆｏｒ ｙｏｕｔｈ ｕｎｄｅｒ ｔｈｅ ａｇｅ ｏｆ ３０ ｂｙ ｄｅｃｉｓｉｏｎ ｏｆ ｔｈｅ ｃｏｍｍｉｔｔｅｅ．
1999
(I played this on Metal slug Anthology on a PS2 emulator)
Metal slug X is Metal slug 2 with a few minor differences and the occasional stuttering lag spikes fixed. Because of that, I will mostly copy my review of Metal slug 2. It was originally an arcade game that was later ported to the PS 1. The game is a 2D platformer shooter with a very beautiful artstyle. Overall, I would recommend playing this over Metal slug 2 or if you just want more of the same.
Story
Not much of a narrative, although the IGDB description does give of the appearance of a wider story.
Gameplay
Fairly simple controls as this is an arcade game. You can move left or right and crouch or jump. Shooting is only on the 2 axis. There are also grenades you can throw and more powerful weapons with limited ammo you can find. You will need them as this is not an easy game. Arcade games try to suck as much money from the players as possible, and the main method they use is to increase the difficulty. Another part kept in the port is the lives' system. After you die 3 times, which happens whenever you get hit, you can choose to either respawn and trivialize the Metal slug X by brute forcing it or restart the WHOLE GAME. It could really use some checkpoints. But I bet these were real money makes back in the day.
Graphics and artstyle
It keeps the phenomenal artstyle of the previous entries. Everything from the enemy soldiers to the background has so much character and style.
Soundtrack
Pretty fun soundtrack, quite fitting to the tone of the game as well. Favourite part is “Kiss in the dark”.
Final Thoughts
GHA HA HA HA GHA HA HA HA
Metal slug X is Metal slug 2 with a few minor differences and the occasional stuttering lag spikes fixed. Because of that, I will mostly copy my review of Metal slug 2. It was originally an arcade game that was later ported to the PS 1. The game is a 2D platformer shooter with a very beautiful artstyle. Overall, I would recommend playing this over Metal slug 2 or if you just want more of the same.
Story
Not much of a narrative, although the IGDB description does give of the appearance of a wider story.
Gameplay
Fairly simple controls as this is an arcade game. You can move left or right and crouch or jump. Shooting is only on the 2 axis. There are also grenades you can throw and more powerful weapons with limited ammo you can find. You will need them as this is not an easy game. Arcade games try to suck as much money from the players as possible, and the main method they use is to increase the difficulty. Another part kept in the port is the lives' system. After you die 3 times, which happens whenever you get hit, you can choose to either respawn and trivialize the Metal slug X by brute forcing it or restart the WHOLE GAME. It could really use some checkpoints. But I bet these were real money makes back in the day.
Graphics and artstyle
It keeps the phenomenal artstyle of the previous entries. Everything from the enemy soldiers to the background has so much character and style.
Soundtrack
Pretty fun soundtrack, quite fitting to the tone of the game as well. Favourite part is “Kiss in the dark”.
Final Thoughts
GHA HA HA HA GHA HA HA HA
2019
AMID EVIL is another classic FPS made by New Blood, this time it takes a more fantastical approach. It forgoes guns and bullets, instead adopting staffs and magic, reminiscent of the older Heretic and Hexen. However, its most striking feature is its visuals. The Unreal Engine, on which the game is built, allows for some amazing lighting. You have probably seen that it has RTX support. It should be noted that due to AMID EVIL taking a lot of inspiration from FPS games from the 90s, it lacks story wise. Overall, if you liked DUSK or like these kinds of games, then you will enjoy your time.
Story
You are a champion who has been tasked with taking back the world from the hands of evil. As I said, it very much lacks in any kind of story. There is however lore that you can read while in the main menu. Also, there are texts scattered throughout the levels, but I couldn’t discern whether they had any kind of meaning.
Gameplay
Fairly standard classic FPS gameplay. You run around levels at relatively high speed while battling though hordes of monsters with an arsenal comprised of a myriad of weapons. There are 7 chapters, each with its own theme and unique enemies, which helps the game not feel repetitive. They all end in a boss, that provides a nice challenge, but they aren’t particularly memorable. To beat all of these foes, you are provided 7 magical weapons. They all have different uses, so it is best to learn when to use each one. For instance, the sword fires a piercing projectile, so it best use against tightly packed groups of enemies. Whenever a foe dies, you can collect it soul. Collect enough and you can unleash a devastating attack. While all the mechanics describe above are well-made, none of them do anything new or push the boundaries in any way. I can’t say that I was bored at any point while playing AMID EVIL, I can see someone who is not a big fan of the genre experiencing such an emotion.
Graphics and artstyle
As I said before – incredible graphics. They are still chunky and low poly as you would see in other games, but the lighting makes them stand out among the rest. The colour choices helps a lot – there is never a monotone part in AMID EVIL. It's always switching colour pallets and using different levels of light to make every area more interesting.
Atmosphere
From ancient ruins to sacred temples, from mystical palaces floating in vast nothingness to abstract environments twisted by evil, the atmosphere changes quite a lot. This wouldn’t be much of a problem, but the game being split into distinctive chapters hampers the immersion compared to a continuous journey.
Soundtrack
Another banger by Andrew Hulshult. He never misses, and AMID EVIL’s ost is no exception. Favourite part is “Aetheres”.
Final Thoughts
You are a CHAMPION OF EVIL, Harry!
Story
You are a champion who has been tasked with taking back the world from the hands of evil. As I said, it very much lacks in any kind of story. There is however lore that you can read while in the main menu. Also, there are texts scattered throughout the levels, but I couldn’t discern whether they had any kind of meaning.
Gameplay
Fairly standard classic FPS gameplay. You run around levels at relatively high speed while battling though hordes of monsters with an arsenal comprised of a myriad of weapons. There are 7 chapters, each with its own theme and unique enemies, which helps the game not feel repetitive. They all end in a boss, that provides a nice challenge, but they aren’t particularly memorable. To beat all of these foes, you are provided 7 magical weapons. They all have different uses, so it is best to learn when to use each one. For instance, the sword fires a piercing projectile, so it best use against tightly packed groups of enemies. Whenever a foe dies, you can collect it soul. Collect enough and you can unleash a devastating attack. While all the mechanics describe above are well-made, none of them do anything new or push the boundaries in any way. I can’t say that I was bored at any point while playing AMID EVIL, I can see someone who is not a big fan of the genre experiencing such an emotion.
Graphics and artstyle
As I said before – incredible graphics. They are still chunky and low poly as you would see in other games, but the lighting makes them stand out among the rest. The colour choices helps a lot – there is never a monotone part in AMID EVIL. It's always switching colour pallets and using different levels of light to make every area more interesting.
Atmosphere
From ancient ruins to sacred temples, from mystical palaces floating in vast nothingness to abstract environments twisted by evil, the atmosphere changes quite a lot. This wouldn’t be much of a problem, but the game being split into distinctive chapters hampers the immersion compared to a continuous journey.
Soundtrack
Another banger by Andrew Hulshult. He never misses, and AMID EVIL’s ost is no exception. Favourite part is “Aetheres”.
Final Thoughts
You are a CHAMPION OF EVIL, Harry!
2018
(I didn’t finish this game)
Project Warlock is a classic FPS similar to Wolfenstein 3D. This means that there is no need to look up or down as everything will be on one axis. All verticality is purely visual. Although it has some amazing pixel art and satisfying weapons, the lack of differentiation between level design and its length holds it back. I would recommend it if you simply want to mindlessly shoot at monsters.
Story
You have to kill multiple evils so that you can fight and kill the great evil. This is not a game to play for the story.
Gameplay
Just like in older games like Wolfenstein 3D, only the x-axis matters. It allows you to look up and down but it serves no practical function. This also extends to the level design – you are never above or below enemies, and you never move up or down. Another similarity between Project Warlock and its predecessors is its overreliance on key hunts, which in this game is almost every level. All of this leads to the levels blending in together and becoming forgettable. The weapons are at least an upgrade. There is wide variety of them and each one can upgraded to one of two better versions. Don’t expect much interaction between them and also the only reason you have for using weaker guns is if run out of ammo. There is also magic that you can use to deal extra damage and level up system in which you can invest points to increase your stats. Enemies have plenty of variety in them but again no y-axis. Bosses are mostly just bullet sponges.
Graphics and artstyle
Project Warlock has amazing pixel art. Everything from the walls to the guns and foes is beautifully illustrated. There is also great particle effect and lighting.
Atmosphere
Whatever atmosphere that it tries to build is crushed by its simplicity.
Soundtrack
This game has a 5 HOUR soundtrack. It’s alright.
Final Thoughts
Could be better.
Project Warlock is a classic FPS similar to Wolfenstein 3D. This means that there is no need to look up or down as everything will be on one axis. All verticality is purely visual. Although it has some amazing pixel art and satisfying weapons, the lack of differentiation between level design and its length holds it back. I would recommend it if you simply want to mindlessly shoot at monsters.
Story
You have to kill multiple evils so that you can fight and kill the great evil. This is not a game to play for the story.
Gameplay
Just like in older games like Wolfenstein 3D, only the x-axis matters. It allows you to look up and down but it serves no practical function. This also extends to the level design – you are never above or below enemies, and you never move up or down. Another similarity between Project Warlock and its predecessors is its overreliance on key hunts, which in this game is almost every level. All of this leads to the levels blending in together and becoming forgettable. The weapons are at least an upgrade. There is wide variety of them and each one can upgraded to one of two better versions. Don’t expect much interaction between them and also the only reason you have for using weaker guns is if run out of ammo. There is also magic that you can use to deal extra damage and level up system in which you can invest points to increase your stats. Enemies have plenty of variety in them but again no y-axis. Bosses are mostly just bullet sponges.
Graphics and artstyle
Project Warlock has amazing pixel art. Everything from the walls to the guns and foes is beautifully illustrated. There is also great particle effect and lighting.
Atmosphere
Whatever atmosphere that it tries to build is crushed by its simplicity.
Soundtrack
This game has a 5 HOUR soundtrack. It’s alright.
Final Thoughts
Could be better.
1998
(I played this on Metal slug Anthology on a PS 2 emulator)
Metal slug 2 is the second instalment in the Metal slug franchise. At first It was an arcade game and later it was ported to the PS 2. The game is a 2D platformer shooter with very beautiful art. Compared to the previous game it offers minor improvements in mechanics and introduces fantastical elements that would be explored further in later instalments. Overall, I would recommend it if you want more Metal slug. A fair warning - there is heavy stutter whenever there are a lot of enemies and I have seen this happen to other people.
Story
There isn’t much of a story at least in the game. The different levels have no connection, although at the end there is something that can be called narrative.
Gameplay
Gameplay mechanics are fairly simple. Mobility wise you can go left or right and jump or crouch. Shooting is only left, right, up, or down except for when you are in a vehicle. There are also special weapons with limited usage. Enemies have plenty of variety and their attacks are well telegraphed. However, the problems from the last game persist in this one. This is not an easy game – I died many times, sometimes from the same enemies. This won't actually be that bad if not for the second issue - there are no checkpoints. Every time you die more than 3 times, you get given the choice of restarting the whole game or respawning right back where you died. This just led to me brute forcing the entire game without actually trying to improve. Compared to the last game there are new vehicles, SP weapons, and you can now pick characters.
Graphics and artstyle
The artstyle of this game is phenomenal. Some of the best 2D sprite work I have ever seen in a game. Everything from the enemy soldiers to the background has so much character and style. Now with the more fantastical elements the gets to shine even more.
Soundtrack
Soundtrack is pretty good and quite memorable. It is what you would expect from an OST for 90’s arcade game. My favorite is “Back to the China”.
Final Thoughts
COME ON BOY!!!!
Metal slug 2 is the second instalment in the Metal slug franchise. At first It was an arcade game and later it was ported to the PS 2. The game is a 2D platformer shooter with very beautiful art. Compared to the previous game it offers minor improvements in mechanics and introduces fantastical elements that would be explored further in later instalments. Overall, I would recommend it if you want more Metal slug. A fair warning - there is heavy stutter whenever there are a lot of enemies and I have seen this happen to other people.
Story
There isn’t much of a story at least in the game. The different levels have no connection, although at the end there is something that can be called narrative.
Gameplay
Gameplay mechanics are fairly simple. Mobility wise you can go left or right and jump or crouch. Shooting is only left, right, up, or down except for when you are in a vehicle. There are also special weapons with limited usage. Enemies have plenty of variety and their attacks are well telegraphed. However, the problems from the last game persist in this one. This is not an easy game – I died many times, sometimes from the same enemies. This won't actually be that bad if not for the second issue - there are no checkpoints. Every time you die more than 3 times, you get given the choice of restarting the whole game or respawning right back where you died. This just led to me brute forcing the entire game without actually trying to improve. Compared to the last game there are new vehicles, SP weapons, and you can now pick characters.
Graphics and artstyle
The artstyle of this game is phenomenal. Some of the best 2D sprite work I have ever seen in a game. Everything from the enemy soldiers to the background has so much character and style. Now with the more fantastical elements the gets to shine even more.
Soundtrack
Soundtrack is pretty good and quite memorable. It is what you would expect from an OST for 90’s arcade game. My favorite is “Back to the China”.
Final Thoughts
COME ON BOY!!!!
2D roguelike shooter. After that, you might instinctively stop reading. I however would advise you to give this game a chance. It manages to do enough to set itself apart from “Enter the Gungeon” and others of this genre. Prepare yourself for a steep learning curve, as SYNTHETIK has many mechanics. They might seem intimidating at first, but they are what make SYNTHETIK fun and replayable. Add to that a great artstyle, satisfying gun play and a good soundtrack, and you have one of my favorite roguelikes.
Story
There is almost no story. In the beginning, you are told that you have to stop the robot uprising from launching Armageddon and that's about it.
Gameplay
When you first launch the game, you will be told to select a class, of which there are 8, after that you can choose a loadout. This includes starting weapon, items, and perks. After that, you will be ready to start a run. Typically, they consist of 4 stages and the final boss. Every stage consists of multiple floors. They are randomly generated and have a variety of enemies, objects, traps, and more rarely shops and treasure. Your goal is to get from the teleporter where you started to the exit. Unfortunately, for no one, are going to have to kill a lot of robots to get there. The tools for this job consist of many guns like the regular pistols and assault rifles to saw blade launchers and ion blasters. While these are powerful, they are also very rare. Don't worry, you can make do with just the common weapons, as everyone has a variant and four slots for modifications. These can completely change the gun. Some of my favorite include: fully automatic kar 98 and divine nailgun. After shooting and killing an enemy, you try to reload and notice that you lost the remaining rounds and have none in your gun. This is because you first eject your magazine to insert a new one. What this boils down to is a QTE every time you reload so that you skip a few fractions of seconds of you reload. Another oddity is heat that builds up and damages you if you fire for too long. There are also items divided into active and passive. You can only carry a limited amount of them, so you will have to discard weaker ones as you go along. You can also acquire buff to your stats or perks. They are rarely game changing, but multiple of them can make a difference. Once in a while you will encounter a boss, they can range from a Fighter jet to an armored transporter. One of the major differences from other 2D shooter is that you can't dodge most projectiles. The general strategy is to shoot a few rounds at an enemy, go behind cover, then either do it again, relocate or use an item. Overall, SYNTHETIK is a very replayable and has some of the best 2D action I've seen.
Graphics and artstyle
SYNTHETIK doesn't try to look realistic, but it might appear like it at first glacé. It manages to nail an artstyle perfect for its aesthetic. Other than that, the sound effects are some of the best I've heard. A headshot has never sounded more impactful.
Soundtrack
Hope you like synth wave, as that's the only thing this game has. Cyberpunk combat 2 is my favorite, also coincidently whenever it kicks in is also the time I rush into a group of enemies with no hope of survival.
Final Thoughts
Hey, hey people
Story
There is almost no story. In the beginning, you are told that you have to stop the robot uprising from launching Armageddon and that's about it.
Gameplay
When you first launch the game, you will be told to select a class, of which there are 8, after that you can choose a loadout. This includes starting weapon, items, and perks. After that, you will be ready to start a run. Typically, they consist of 4 stages and the final boss. Every stage consists of multiple floors. They are randomly generated and have a variety of enemies, objects, traps, and more rarely shops and treasure. Your goal is to get from the teleporter where you started to the exit. Unfortunately, for no one, are going to have to kill a lot of robots to get there. The tools for this job consist of many guns like the regular pistols and assault rifles to saw blade launchers and ion blasters. While these are powerful, they are also very rare. Don't worry, you can make do with just the common weapons, as everyone has a variant and four slots for modifications. These can completely change the gun. Some of my favorite include: fully automatic kar 98 and divine nailgun. After shooting and killing an enemy, you try to reload and notice that you lost the remaining rounds and have none in your gun. This is because you first eject your magazine to insert a new one. What this boils down to is a QTE every time you reload so that you skip a few fractions of seconds of you reload. Another oddity is heat that builds up and damages you if you fire for too long. There are also items divided into active and passive. You can only carry a limited amount of them, so you will have to discard weaker ones as you go along. You can also acquire buff to your stats or perks. They are rarely game changing, but multiple of them can make a difference. Once in a while you will encounter a boss, they can range from a Fighter jet to an armored transporter. One of the major differences from other 2D shooter is that you can't dodge most projectiles. The general strategy is to shoot a few rounds at an enemy, go behind cover, then either do it again, relocate or use an item. Overall, SYNTHETIK is a very replayable and has some of the best 2D action I've seen.
Graphics and artstyle
SYNTHETIK doesn't try to look realistic, but it might appear like it at first glacé. It manages to nail an artstyle perfect for its aesthetic. Other than that, the sound effects are some of the best I've heard. A headshot has never sounded more impactful.
Soundtrack
Hope you like synth wave, as that's the only thing this game has. Cyberpunk combat 2 is my favorite, also coincidently whenever it kicks in is also the time I rush into a group of enemies with no hope of survival.
Final Thoughts
Hey, hey people
Ace combat is one of those rare franchises that manages to deliver good to amazing games even more than 2 decades after its beginning. Ace combat 7 is no exception. It is a flight sim that presents flight in a very unrealistic manner. You are able to do impossible stunts, carry hundreds of missiles and other physics defying stuff. If you are a diehard player of realistic flight sims like DSC then I don't recommend AC 7, but if your knowledge of fighter jets is “they are cool” then I highly recommend you give it a try.
Story
Unlike a lot of other modern flight sims, this one has an actual story, and a fairly engaging one at that. The shortest way I can describe it is Metal Gear Solid, but worse. The storyline is set in a war between two countries in an alternate universe. It isn't your regular cookie cutter war story. By this I mean that it has some weird elements and a deeper moral message if you're willing to look for it, but it can also be very campy at times and that weirdness can go both ways. The worst part is the way they handle the characters. Some get replaced too quickly, while others seem useless.
Gameplay
It is an arcade flight sim, whereas I said before you can do impossible maneuvers and can carry dozens of missiles. This applies to all the planes in the game, of which there is a wide variety. They range from popular ones (F-22, F-15, SU 27) experimental (YF-23, SU 47, FB-22) to completely fictional (ADFX-01, X-02, Darkstar). You acquire them with points you earn during the missions. Grinding will be required if you want all the planes. In addition to aircraft, you can also get special weapons, like missiles with very long range, extra guns and more. Gameplay pacing is fantastic, as the mission you are playing is rarely similar to the previous. Bosses are okay, although they are rare. Returning players will notice one big addition to the mobility - PSM (post stall maneuver). They turn the previously improbable mobility to downright silly. Overall, I would describe the gameplay as fun. There is also multiplayer, but I couldn't be bothered with it.
Graphics and artstyle
Since you won't be looking at the ground at a very close range, it can get away with lower quality textures while still maintaining AAA levels of graphics. Other than that, everything else – plane models, weather, cutscenes make the game look very beautiful.
Atmosphere
It did make me feel like an unstoppable ace pilot at times.
Soundtrack
Probably the best in the franchise thus far. The Latin adds a level of mysticism that is just right for AC 7. Favorite part is “Archange”.
Final Thoughts
Dog.jpg
Story
Unlike a lot of other modern flight sims, this one has an actual story, and a fairly engaging one at that. The shortest way I can describe it is Metal Gear Solid, but worse. The storyline is set in a war between two countries in an alternate universe. It isn't your regular cookie cutter war story. By this I mean that it has some weird elements and a deeper moral message if you're willing to look for it, but it can also be very campy at times and that weirdness can go both ways. The worst part is the way they handle the characters. Some get replaced too quickly, while others seem useless.
Gameplay
It is an arcade flight sim, whereas I said before you can do impossible maneuvers and can carry dozens of missiles. This applies to all the planes in the game, of which there is a wide variety. They range from popular ones (F-22, F-15, SU 27) experimental (YF-23, SU 47, FB-22) to completely fictional (ADFX-01, X-02, Darkstar). You acquire them with points you earn during the missions. Grinding will be required if you want all the planes. In addition to aircraft, you can also get special weapons, like missiles with very long range, extra guns and more. Gameplay pacing is fantastic, as the mission you are playing is rarely similar to the previous. Bosses are okay, although they are rare. Returning players will notice one big addition to the mobility - PSM (post stall maneuver). They turn the previously improbable mobility to downright silly. Overall, I would describe the gameplay as fun. There is also multiplayer, but I couldn't be bothered with it.
Graphics and artstyle
Since you won't be looking at the ground at a very close range, it can get away with lower quality textures while still maintaining AAA levels of graphics. Other than that, everything else – plane models, weather, cutscenes make the game look very beautiful.
Atmosphere
It did make me feel like an unstoppable ace pilot at times.
Soundtrack
Probably the best in the franchise thus far. The Latin adds a level of mysticism that is just right for AC 7. Favorite part is “Archange”.
Final Thoughts
Dog.jpg
1996
(I played this on Metal slug anthology with a PS 2 emulator)
Metal slug is a 2D platformer shooter arcade game from the 90s. The main standout part of Metal slug is its amazing art. Is it worth playing? The answer to that question depends on whether you can handle the unfair difficulty of arcade games and how much nostalgia you have for the game.
Story
Contrary to what the IGDB summary might make you think - there is no story told throughout the game.
Gameplay
The core gameplay mechanics are good. Mobility wise you can go left or right and jump or crouch while shooting left right up or down or throwing a grenade. There are also special weapons with limited usage. Enemies have plenty of variety and their attacks are well telegraphed. However, there are two main problems. First is the difficulty - While the first few levels are ok, later ones had me respawning multiple times every encounter. This won't actually be that bad if not for the second issue - since it is an arcade game, there are no checkpoints. Every time you die more than 3 times, you get given the choice of restarting the whole game or respawning right back where you died. At first glance this might seem fine, but due to the hard difficulty you end up just brute forcing the entire game without any satisfaction that you've improved.
Graphics and artstyle
For me, this is the main selling point of the metal slug franchise as a whole. The artstyle of this game is phenomenal. Some of the best 2D sprite work I have ever seen in a game. Everything from the enemy soldiers to the background has so much character and style.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack is pretty good as well. Favorite part is “stage 6”.
Final Thoughts
YOU'RE MINCE MEAT!!!!
Metal slug is a 2D platformer shooter arcade game from the 90s. The main standout part of Metal slug is its amazing art. Is it worth playing? The answer to that question depends on whether you can handle the unfair difficulty of arcade games and how much nostalgia you have for the game.
Story
Contrary to what the IGDB summary might make you think - there is no story told throughout the game.
Gameplay
The core gameplay mechanics are good. Mobility wise you can go left or right and jump or crouch while shooting left right up or down or throwing a grenade. There are also special weapons with limited usage. Enemies have plenty of variety and their attacks are well telegraphed. However, there are two main problems. First is the difficulty - While the first few levels are ok, later ones had me respawning multiple times every encounter. This won't actually be that bad if not for the second issue - since it is an arcade game, there are no checkpoints. Every time you die more than 3 times, you get given the choice of restarting the whole game or respawning right back where you died. At first glance this might seem fine, but due to the hard difficulty you end up just brute forcing the entire game without any satisfaction that you've improved.
Graphics and artstyle
For me, this is the main selling point of the metal slug franchise as a whole. The artstyle of this game is phenomenal. Some of the best 2D sprite work I have ever seen in a game. Everything from the enemy soldiers to the background has so much character and style.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack is pretty good as well. Favorite part is “stage 6”.
Final Thoughts
YOU'RE MINCE MEAT!!!!
2020
Project wingman is a homage to the ace combat series and a damn good one at that. It has everything you would expect of an ace combat game - arcade flight controls, weird storyline and giant planes. Personally, I think it's on an equal level compared to AC 7. Even if that's not true for you, you still have to agree that it's an arcade flight sim at a time when we don't have enough. Also, it has full VR support.
Story
The story is about a fictional civil war set in an alternate universe. You play as a mercenary pilot that doesn't talk, hired by one of the warring parties. It's entirely told through mission briefing and radio chatter, as there are no cutscenes. While this is an interesting method that could work, here it is not executed properly. The main problem is that the only thing you have to connect to any of the characters is their voice. This leads to you not being able to pay attention to who is talking while you are in the middle of a fight. It can be fixed with something as simple as a character portrait. Overall, the story is nothing special, but at least the antagonist is funny.
Gameplay
You should know what to expect from these types of games - more missiles in your plane than in an entire squadron and breaking the laws of physics at every turn. If that doesn't sound fun then don't play this game. Project wingman has some innovations on the formula - the ability to carry a variety of weapons at once, airships being more common and mouse control for PC. However, I have some criticism. These are - the mission variety is not that great and the final boss sucks. He could have been a great ending to the game, but they just had to give him a hidden health bar after you “defeat him”. This leads to you fighting him for like ⅓ more, while he is still at full power. It almost made me lower this game to a 7. The other bosses are fine.
Graphics and artstyle
Hope you like orange, there is plenty of it here. For an indie game this is very good looking. Sometimes it even looks like a AAA game, just don't look at the ground too hard.
Atmosphere
The feeling of being an unstoppable ace pilot is there, but it has been done better in other titles.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack is excellent, as expected. Sounds somewhat like an ace combat OST, but it has its own flavor. “Kings” is my favorite part.
Final Thoughts
Play only with two-seater aircraft.
Story
The story is about a fictional civil war set in an alternate universe. You play as a mercenary pilot that doesn't talk, hired by one of the warring parties. It's entirely told through mission briefing and radio chatter, as there are no cutscenes. While this is an interesting method that could work, here it is not executed properly. The main problem is that the only thing you have to connect to any of the characters is their voice. This leads to you not being able to pay attention to who is talking while you are in the middle of a fight. It can be fixed with something as simple as a character portrait. Overall, the story is nothing special, but at least the antagonist is funny.
Gameplay
You should know what to expect from these types of games - more missiles in your plane than in an entire squadron and breaking the laws of physics at every turn. If that doesn't sound fun then don't play this game. Project wingman has some innovations on the formula - the ability to carry a variety of weapons at once, airships being more common and mouse control for PC. However, I have some criticism. These are - the mission variety is not that great and the final boss sucks. He could have been a great ending to the game, but they just had to give him a hidden health bar after you “defeat him”. This leads to you fighting him for like ⅓ more, while he is still at full power. It almost made me lower this game to a 7. The other bosses are fine.
Graphics and artstyle
Hope you like orange, there is plenty of it here. For an indie game this is very good looking. Sometimes it even looks like a AAA game, just don't look at the ground too hard.
Atmosphere
The feeling of being an unstoppable ace pilot is there, but it has been done better in other titles.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack is excellent, as expected. Sounds somewhat like an ace combat OST, but it has its own flavor. “Kings” is my favorite part.
Final Thoughts
Play only with two-seater aircraft.
2018
DUSK can be best described as a modern boomer shooter. At its core it's similar to shooters of the 90’s, but it isn't limited by the technologies of that time. Overall, it's a very well-made game with an amazing atmosphere, great soundtrack, satisfying combat and only a few minor flaws. You could also call it a horror game, since although you are pretty much a killing machine, DUSK can still scare you.
Story
You are DUSK dude fighting off KKK look-alike cultists. DUSK keeps the almost no story tradition of 90’s shooters.
Gameplay
It's an FPS, but unlike other games of the genre you have adequate mobility and can hold an entire arsenal of weapons. That's pretty much what a boomer shooter is. While DUSK doesn't add anything new to the formula but it does everything that is expected perfectly. Satisfying weapons, fun and unique enemies, good level design, there is only one minor critique I can make. That is that it has only one unique weapon and look-alikes of the others can be found in many other games.
Graphics and artstyle
While the graphics are low-poly and something more akin to the 90’s it's by no means ugly. DUSK uses lighting and color to make the scenery and levels look surprisingly good.
Atmosphere
Best way I can describe it is a leisurely and very bloody stroll down to insanity that makes sure to take in all of the scenery along the way.
Soundtrack
Give it up for Andrew Hulshult. That guy consistently makes really metal ost and this one's for me among his best. Reflections of Violence is my favorite part of the ost.
Final Thoughts
Quaff beer
Devour cooked viscera
Spin sickles
Story
You are DUSK dude fighting off KKK look-alike cultists. DUSK keeps the almost no story tradition of 90’s shooters.
Gameplay
It's an FPS, but unlike other games of the genre you have adequate mobility and can hold an entire arsenal of weapons. That's pretty much what a boomer shooter is. While DUSK doesn't add anything new to the formula but it does everything that is expected perfectly. Satisfying weapons, fun and unique enemies, good level design, there is only one minor critique I can make. That is that it has only one unique weapon and look-alikes of the others can be found in many other games.
Graphics and artstyle
While the graphics are low-poly and something more akin to the 90’s it's by no means ugly. DUSK uses lighting and color to make the scenery and levels look surprisingly good.
Atmosphere
Best way I can describe it is a leisurely and very bloody stroll down to insanity that makes sure to take in all of the scenery along the way.
Soundtrack
Give it up for Andrew Hulshult. That guy consistently makes really metal ost and this one's for me among his best. Reflections of Violence is my favorite part of the ost.
Final Thoughts
Quaff beer
Devour cooked viscera
Spin sickles
5D Chess with Multiverse Time Travel does exactly what it set out to do. Making chess even more confusing. Overall, it is a fun experience, especially with friends.
Story
None.
Gameplay
Just like regular chess, expect the pieces can time travel. I can't go very deep into the mechanics since I suck at regular chess, let alone 5D chess. It has multiplayer, which is especially fun since you are both trying to outsmart each other in something both of you have no idea how to play.
Graphics and artstyle
There is nothing that needs to be said.
Atmosphere
Lower your expectations.
Soundtrack
Soundtracks alright. Nothing special.
Final Thoughts
Psychological Horror
Story
None.
Gameplay
Just like regular chess, expect the pieces can time travel. I can't go very deep into the mechanics since I suck at regular chess, let alone 5D chess. It has multiplayer, which is especially fun since you are both trying to outsmart each other in something both of you have no idea how to play.
Graphics and artstyle
There is nothing that needs to be said.
Atmosphere
Lower your expectations.
Soundtrack
Soundtracks alright. Nothing special.
Final Thoughts
Psychological Horror
(Takes around 3 hours to complete)
AC 4 has the least amount of content and the shortest completion time out of all main titles of the franchise, except for the first two, but it makes up for it with one of the best stories I've seen in a video game.
Story
Don't play this game if you expect a typical Call of Duty-esque storyline. It is split into two parts – the gameplay and the cutscenes. During the gameplay, you play as Mobius 1 – an elite pilot for the ISAF, which is currently at war with Erusea. You take part in dangerous operations and by the end of the game you are called by most a hero. The cutscenes are a narration of a man's childhood during the war, told through beautiful hand drawn panels. His family had been killed by a crashing plane, shot down by an enemy pilot. After Erusian forces occupy his town, he meets that enemy pilot – Yellow 13. Between them, a very interesting dynamic develops – Yellow killed his family and is part of the enemy, but there is no one else who he can rely on. Eventually, this leads to Yellow turning into a sort of surrogate father for the kid. During the cutscenes, Mobius 1 serves the role of an antagonist, as there is no one else who can match Yellow in skill.
Gameplay
It has the standard for the series of arcade flight mechanics. Unfortunately, there is a low number of aircraft, and you can't change the SP weapons like in the later games. It has great mission pacing with one of the best final levels in the franchise. One criticism I can bring up is the lack of checkpoints. This becomes especially apparent in some 20+ minute long missions.
Graphics and artstyle
The cutscenes are all hand drawn and as such they have aged very well. The same can't be said for the gameplay part. Just don't look at the ground too hard and you will be fine.
Atmosphere
The cutscenes are melancholic and nostalgic, while the gameplay makes you feel like a hero who can get the job done, not matter the odds.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack is good and fits pretty well. “Megalith Agnus Dei” stands out as the best for me.
Final Thoughts
“Stand back I am about to Mob” - Mobius 1
AC 4 has the least amount of content and the shortest completion time out of all main titles of the franchise, except for the first two, but it makes up for it with one of the best stories I've seen in a video game.
Story
Don't play this game if you expect a typical Call of Duty-esque storyline. It is split into two parts – the gameplay and the cutscenes. During the gameplay, you play as Mobius 1 – an elite pilot for the ISAF, which is currently at war with Erusea. You take part in dangerous operations and by the end of the game you are called by most a hero. The cutscenes are a narration of a man's childhood during the war, told through beautiful hand drawn panels. His family had been killed by a crashing plane, shot down by an enemy pilot. After Erusian forces occupy his town, he meets that enemy pilot – Yellow 13. Between them, a very interesting dynamic develops – Yellow killed his family and is part of the enemy, but there is no one else who he can rely on. Eventually, this leads to Yellow turning into a sort of surrogate father for the kid. During the cutscenes, Mobius 1 serves the role of an antagonist, as there is no one else who can match Yellow in skill.
Gameplay
It has the standard for the series of arcade flight mechanics. Unfortunately, there is a low number of aircraft, and you can't change the SP weapons like in the later games. It has great mission pacing with one of the best final levels in the franchise. One criticism I can bring up is the lack of checkpoints. This becomes especially apparent in some 20+ minute long missions.
Graphics and artstyle
The cutscenes are all hand drawn and as such they have aged very well. The same can't be said for the gameplay part. Just don't look at the ground too hard and you will be fine.
Atmosphere
The cutscenes are melancholic and nostalgic, while the gameplay makes you feel like a hero who can get the job done, not matter the odds.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack is good and fits pretty well. “Megalith Agnus Dei” stands out as the best for me.
Final Thoughts
“Stand back I am about to Mob” - Mobius 1
1996
This is the first fully 3D FPS game and one of the three giants from the golden age of id Software. So, does it hold up 30 years later? Well, no, not really. These days there are numerous better games to play that tell a grander story, have a more intricately designed gameplay and look better. However, there is something about quake, perhaps it's primitive nature or the low poly look, that still makes it entertaining to play. Like a trek through a bygone era. If you ever want to experience what was once the peak of PC gaming and a turning point for the FPS genre, play Quake.
Story
There isn't much of a story in Quake, in fact the only part that can be called a “story” is the few lines of text at the end of each chapter. That is to be expected of that era. Fitting an engaging story into an already graphically complex game would have been too much for computers of that time.
Gameplay
The gameplay holds up enough to still be engaging. Weapons are all the usual ones you will find in these kinds of games. I do have criticism for the guns – some of them become immediately redundant when you pick up their “super” variant. The enemies are a much better part, with plenty of variety in design and the ways they attack the player. Unfortunately facing off against hordes of monsters was simply too taxing for the time so for the most part you will be facing off against a maximum of 7 enemies at once. Also, just so we're clear, I hate the spawn. They are the worst, most annoying enemy in the game. Even the few times you meet them are too many. Level design is okay, though.
Graphics and artstyle
Simple low-poly graphics are what this game is all about.
Atmosphere
Oppressive.
Dreadful.
No matter where you go everything is unnatural, misshaped, dreamlike or rather – nightmare-like. And whatever you are going to see there is perhaps best left unseen.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack is dark ambiance by Nine-Inch Nails, and it fits perfectly with Quake.
Final Thoughts
It is surprising how such an old game, that is technically not even horror, manages to capture the essence of Lovecraft better than most modern titles.
Story
There isn't much of a story in Quake, in fact the only part that can be called a “story” is the few lines of text at the end of each chapter. That is to be expected of that era. Fitting an engaging story into an already graphically complex game would have been too much for computers of that time.
Gameplay
The gameplay holds up enough to still be engaging. Weapons are all the usual ones you will find in these kinds of games. I do have criticism for the guns – some of them become immediately redundant when you pick up their “super” variant. The enemies are a much better part, with plenty of variety in design and the ways they attack the player. Unfortunately facing off against hordes of monsters was simply too taxing for the time so for the most part you will be facing off against a maximum of 7 enemies at once. Also, just so we're clear, I hate the spawn. They are the worst, most annoying enemy in the game. Even the few times you meet them are too many. Level design is okay, though.
Graphics and artstyle
Simple low-poly graphics are what this game is all about.
Atmosphere
Oppressive.
Dreadful.
No matter where you go everything is unnatural, misshaped, dreamlike or rather – nightmare-like. And whatever you are going to see there is perhaps best left unseen.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack is dark ambiance by Nine-Inch Nails, and it fits perfectly with Quake.
Final Thoughts
It is surprising how such an old game, that is technically not even horror, manages to capture the essence of Lovecraft better than most modern titles.