Nikonoim
1997
(Takes 12–16 hours, depending on if you do the extra content)
One of the best boomer shooters of the 90s. At the time of its release, Blood didn't bring anything new to the shooter genre, however it did everything that was expected of a shooter perfectly. While the graphics are definitely outdated by today's standard, it's hard to say that they are ugly. Overall, this is a must-play if you are into boomer shooters.
Story
There is a story, told through the jankiest cutscenes you will have the pleasure of watching, but don't expect anything other than the most linear narrative from an FPS released before Half-Life. What you wouldn't expect is the best protagonist of the boomer shooter genre. Duke Nukem might be good, but no one can beat Stephan Weyte as Caleb.
Gameplay
This is the part of the game that holds up even today. It has a large and varied weapon selection that doesn't make certain weapons obsolete the moment you pick up a better one. Also, it has alt fire, something that you rarely see in older games. The level design is also good, they are large and interesting areas based on actual locations that only sometimes get confusing to navigate. The part where the game is lacking is the enemies. Most of them are fine, but the hitscan cultists are really annoying, especially if you are on low health.
Graphics and artstyle
As I said before, the graphics are outdated, but not ugly. Expect 2D enemies and not much detail on just about anything.
Atmosphere
It's very atmospheric, if you haven't played anything from the 21st century. If I was to describe the atmosphere it would be—stumbling through dark corridors and unholy temples, fighting your way through cultists, speaking in unknown languages, and monsters, the only thing that keeps you going is revenge and a double-barreled shotgun.
Soundtrack
It's a MIDI soundtrack that fits the theme, but it does repeat quite a lot. Favourite part is "Infuscomus".
Final Thoughts
I wonder how many of the one-liners in Blood are original.
One of the best boomer shooters of the 90s. At the time of its release, Blood didn't bring anything new to the shooter genre, however it did everything that was expected of a shooter perfectly. While the graphics are definitely outdated by today's standard, it's hard to say that they are ugly. Overall, this is a must-play if you are into boomer shooters.
Story
There is a story, told through the jankiest cutscenes you will have the pleasure of watching, but don't expect anything other than the most linear narrative from an FPS released before Half-Life. What you wouldn't expect is the best protagonist of the boomer shooter genre. Duke Nukem might be good, but no one can beat Stephan Weyte as Caleb.
Gameplay
This is the part of the game that holds up even today. It has a large and varied weapon selection that doesn't make certain weapons obsolete the moment you pick up a better one. Also, it has alt fire, something that you rarely see in older games. The level design is also good, they are large and interesting areas based on actual locations that only sometimes get confusing to navigate. The part where the game is lacking is the enemies. Most of them are fine, but the hitscan cultists are really annoying, especially if you are on low health.
Graphics and artstyle
As I said before, the graphics are outdated, but not ugly. Expect 2D enemies and not much detail on just about anything.
Atmosphere
It's very atmospheric, if you haven't played anything from the 21st century. If I was to describe the atmosphere it would be—stumbling through dark corridors and unholy temples, fighting your way through cultists, speaking in unknown languages, and monsters, the only thing that keeps you going is revenge and a double-barreled shotgun.
Soundtrack
It's a MIDI soundtrack that fits the theme, but it does repeat quite a lot. Favourite part is "Infuscomus".
Final Thoughts
I wonder how many of the one-liners in Blood are original.
2005
(Around 8 hours to complete, excluding the DLCs)
This is Max Payne in first person combined with an Asian horror movie. Seems like a recipe for disaster, right? Surprisingly no, because this is the crown jewel of Monolith, so it's actually pulled off perfectly. F.E.A.R. manages to combine both really intense FPS combat and horror without using cheap jumpscares.
Story
You are part of a special forces group, specialized in dealing with the paranormal, that is tasked with taking out a terrorist organization almost entirely made from mind-controlled soldiers. There is also a grander story told about corruption, cover-ups and a secret experiment. Overall, it's not a bad story, but it's not what makes F.E.A.R. so good. (Also, you are mute)
Gameplay
There are two ways to play the game. The first one is basically a John Woo movie. Using the slow-motion mechanic and blasting your way through every combat encounter. Combined with the amazing visual effect, this makes for a very entertaining show. The second way is by unbinding the slow-motion button and increasing the difficulty. This turns the game into an intense tactical shooter where wits matter more than reaction time. This is possible because of the amazing AI the enemies possess. They will constantly be trying to surround you and outsmart you. My biggest problem with the game is the level design. After going through the one hundredth office, I start to feel like even a sewer would be a welcome change of scenery. The horror aspect of the game can be scary, but it really depends on you.
Graphics and artstyle
For a game from 2005 it holds up really well. The only thing that gives away its age is the models, and that is only if you look closely. It is a sci-fi game as well, and you can see that in the weapons, but it's also realistic. The terrorists use surplus vehicles, the enemies don't have a hundred lights on their body armor. This combined with the low light environments make for an incredibly atmospheric journey.
Soundtrack
It has a soundtrack that is both well-fitting and not at all generic. It strikes a balance of both haunting and intense. However, I wouldn't say it's anything groundbreaking.
Final Thoughts
If F.E.A.R. 2 and 3 went in a different direction, this could have been an amazing franchise.
This is Max Payne in first person combined with an Asian horror movie. Seems like a recipe for disaster, right? Surprisingly no, because this is the crown jewel of Monolith, so it's actually pulled off perfectly. F.E.A.R. manages to combine both really intense FPS combat and horror without using cheap jumpscares.
Story
You are part of a special forces group, specialized in dealing with the paranormal, that is tasked with taking out a terrorist organization almost entirely made from mind-controlled soldiers. There is also a grander story told about corruption, cover-ups and a secret experiment. Overall, it's not a bad story, but it's not what makes F.E.A.R. so good. (Also, you are mute)
Gameplay
There are two ways to play the game. The first one is basically a John Woo movie. Using the slow-motion mechanic and blasting your way through every combat encounter. Combined with the amazing visual effect, this makes for a very entertaining show. The second way is by unbinding the slow-motion button and increasing the difficulty. This turns the game into an intense tactical shooter where wits matter more than reaction time. This is possible because of the amazing AI the enemies possess. They will constantly be trying to surround you and outsmart you. My biggest problem with the game is the level design. After going through the one hundredth office, I start to feel like even a sewer would be a welcome change of scenery. The horror aspect of the game can be scary, but it really depends on you.
Graphics and artstyle
For a game from 2005 it holds up really well. The only thing that gives away its age is the models, and that is only if you look closely. It is a sci-fi game as well, and you can see that in the weapons, but it's also realistic. The terrorists use surplus vehicles, the enemies don't have a hundred lights on their body armor. This combined with the low light environments make for an incredibly atmospheric journey.
Soundtrack
It has a soundtrack that is both well-fitting and not at all generic. It strikes a balance of both haunting and intense. However, I wouldn't say it's anything groundbreaking.
Final Thoughts
If F.E.A.R. 2 and 3 went in a different direction, this could have been an amazing franchise.
(Takes around 6 - 8 hours to complete, depending on how good you are)
This is probably the best detective game out there. With an amazing artstyle, good story and an incredibly satisfying gameplay loop, it is a game you should definitely pick up.
Story
You are an insurance investigator tasked with finding out what happened to the crew of the ship Obra Dinn, with the help of a magic watch that shows the last moments of someone's life. Because of this, you play the role of an observer looking at all the trials and tribulations that the ship went through. They are told to you in a non-linear manner, oftentimes you will see the end of a chapter before the beginning. This might seem confusing, but due to this being a detective game, you will always be paying close attention to whatever is happening.
Gameplay
The gameplay consists mainly of figuring out the fates of the crew (what was their name, how did they die). This is done perfectly with almost no hand holding, allowing you to fail endlessly. It might seem like this would just end with frustration; however, the game gives you enough clues to figure out the fate of everyone. Also, the “Aha” feeling of finally figuring out the fate of someone, through a series of deduction and exemption, is unmatched by anything.
Graphics
Don't be put off by its black and white aesthetic, this is a very beautiful game. Paying homage to older video games while also looking like it was made in this decade is pulled off perfectly here. Never was I confused or missed something because it was in the shadows. Also, great sound effects and voice acting.
Soundtrack
Nice classical music that fits with the aesthetic of the rest of the game. Favourite part is "Soldiers of the sea".
Final Thoughts
Some of the most entertaining 8 hours of my life. Lucas Pope can make games like this one until the end of time, and I will be there to play every one of them.
This is probably the best detective game out there. With an amazing artstyle, good story and an incredibly satisfying gameplay loop, it is a game you should definitely pick up.
Story
You are an insurance investigator tasked with finding out what happened to the crew of the ship Obra Dinn, with the help of a magic watch that shows the last moments of someone's life. Because of this, you play the role of an observer looking at all the trials and tribulations that the ship went through. They are told to you in a non-linear manner, oftentimes you will see the end of a chapter before the beginning. This might seem confusing, but due to this being a detective game, you will always be paying close attention to whatever is happening.
Gameplay
The gameplay consists mainly of figuring out the fates of the crew (what was their name, how did they die). This is done perfectly with almost no hand holding, allowing you to fail endlessly. It might seem like this would just end with frustration; however, the game gives you enough clues to figure out the fate of everyone. Also, the “Aha” feeling of finally figuring out the fate of someone, through a series of deduction and exemption, is unmatched by anything.
Graphics
Don't be put off by its black and white aesthetic, this is a very beautiful game. Paying homage to older video games while also looking like it was made in this decade is pulled off perfectly here. Never was I confused or missed something because it was in the shadows. Also, great sound effects and voice acting.
Soundtrack
Nice classical music that fits with the aesthetic of the rest of the game. Favourite part is "Soldiers of the sea".
Final Thoughts
Some of the most entertaining 8 hours of my life. Lucas Pope can make games like this one until the end of time, and I will be there to play every one of them.
2020
(Takes somewhere between 8 – 11 hours, but it depends on how good you are)
This is probably the best movement shooter out there if all you care about is movement and shooting.
You are a robot going through hell. It has a story, and it has lore building up the world you are in. However, you shouldn't really play this game for the story.
The graphics are simplistic and not really worth mentioning. They do however provide you with the ability to easily tell the geometry of the level you are on.
The gameplay is where Ultrakill really shines, and it shines bright. Probably the best moment to moment action I've seen in an FPS. You have an arsenal of 5 weapons. This might not seem like a lot, but the number of interactions they have with each other, makes up for it. For instance, you can fire a grenade to make a small explosion, but if you switch to the explosive railgun and shoot it while it is still in the air, you can make a huge explosion that can clear entire rooms. Explaining every single combo can take hours, but the best part is that 90% are useful. Complimenting this is a very well-made movement system with jumping, slams, dashes, sliding and there are many combinations. Even with these amazing mechanics, it would be nothing if it doesn't have good level design. This is where the game comes in with its amazing pacing. Ultrakill never feels like it's dragging on. It's constantly introducing new weapons, enemies and ramping up the difficulty so that every level feels unique. Talking about unique, the bosses are unique in that they are the only good ones I've seen in FPS games. They are a constant adrenaline rush that tests every one of your skills.
The soundtrack is very energetic, fitting perfectly with the rest of the game. My favourite part is "Duel (Versus Reprise)".
I believe that this is probably the best “boomer” FPS out there.
(YOU CAN PUNCH YOUR BULLETS)
This is probably the best movement shooter out there if all you care about is movement and shooting.
You are a robot going through hell. It has a story, and it has lore building up the world you are in. However, you shouldn't really play this game for the story.
The graphics are simplistic and not really worth mentioning. They do however provide you with the ability to easily tell the geometry of the level you are on.
The gameplay is where Ultrakill really shines, and it shines bright. Probably the best moment to moment action I've seen in an FPS. You have an arsenal of 5 weapons. This might not seem like a lot, but the number of interactions they have with each other, makes up for it. For instance, you can fire a grenade to make a small explosion, but if you switch to the explosive railgun and shoot it while it is still in the air, you can make a huge explosion that can clear entire rooms. Explaining every single combo can take hours, but the best part is that 90% are useful. Complimenting this is a very well-made movement system with jumping, slams, dashes, sliding and there are many combinations. Even with these amazing mechanics, it would be nothing if it doesn't have good level design. This is where the game comes in with its amazing pacing. Ultrakill never feels like it's dragging on. It's constantly introducing new weapons, enemies and ramping up the difficulty so that every level feels unique. Talking about unique, the bosses are unique in that they are the only good ones I've seen in FPS games. They are a constant adrenaline rush that tests every one of your skills.
The soundtrack is very energetic, fitting perfectly with the rest of the game. My favourite part is "Duel (Versus Reprise)".
I believe that this is probably the best “boomer” FPS out there.
(YOU CAN PUNCH YOUR BULLETS)
(Takes around 3 - 4 hours to complete)
This is my favorite game of the ace combat franchise and one of my top 5. Although it isn't nearly as grand as AC 5 or as good-looking as 7 it certainly makes up for it with its story.
As with others in the series, it's unconventionally told through the perspective of a documentary, the focus of which is the ace pilot Cipher. Between the cutscenes, you play as Cipher. This allows for two things: first is receiving information your character shouldn't be able to obtain and having a deeper understanding of your enemies, since the only people who truly know Cipher are his wingman and the people who fought him. This is done through a series of interviews, showcasing how the war and their battle against Cipher has affected them. You have the ability to affect what they say about you with a morality system.
Since it is a PS 2 game, the graphics are by now outdated. However, the cutscenes have been spared due to them using live-action.
Good mission pacing and solid gameplay. There are fewer planes than the previous game, and you can't choose what your wingman flies, but for me these things didn't affect my enjoyment. Somewhere where the game does improve is the AI of your wingman. Finally, it feels like you're actually part of an elite squadron rather than having to win every battle yourself. Also, it isn't that difficult. I managed to beat it entirely with one of the starter planes on the “hard” difficulty.
The soundtrack is also excellent. The flamenco guitar (Spanish guitar) makes it very original and memorable. My favourite part is "Zero".
Overall, a great game and probably the best arcade flight sim out there.
This is my favorite game of the ace combat franchise and one of my top 5. Although it isn't nearly as grand as AC 5 or as good-looking as 7 it certainly makes up for it with its story.
As with others in the series, it's unconventionally told through the perspective of a documentary, the focus of which is the ace pilot Cipher. Between the cutscenes, you play as Cipher. This allows for two things: first is receiving information your character shouldn't be able to obtain and having a deeper understanding of your enemies, since the only people who truly know Cipher are his wingman and the people who fought him. This is done through a series of interviews, showcasing how the war and their battle against Cipher has affected them. You have the ability to affect what they say about you with a morality system.
Since it is a PS 2 game, the graphics are by now outdated. However, the cutscenes have been spared due to them using live-action.
Good mission pacing and solid gameplay. There are fewer planes than the previous game, and you can't choose what your wingman flies, but for me these things didn't affect my enjoyment. Somewhere where the game does improve is the AI of your wingman. Finally, it feels like you're actually part of an elite squadron rather than having to win every battle yourself. Also, it isn't that difficult. I managed to beat it entirely with one of the starter planes on the “hard” difficulty.
The soundtrack is also excellent. The flamenco guitar (Spanish guitar) makes it very original and memorable. My favourite part is "Zero".
Overall, a great game and probably the best arcade flight sim out there.