NilkadNaquada
2016
There's clearly some degree of effort put into this, the assets are appealing and the idea of mixing different elements to get different types of magical projectiles is fun in theory, but the game doesn't seem finished.
Exactly what it says on the tin. Ignore partygoers, acquire pupper. Decently fun for as long as it lasts, but very repetitive and fairly shallow. It lives up to its promise but doesn't exceed it.
A mechanical step up from its predecessor, but the campaign is a bit noticeably unfinished in places and the writing is a lot less interesting than it was in the first two games (or Deadlocked)
2018
An absolutely exceptional platformer on every level. Gorgeous pixel art, a stellar soundtrack, and a highly empathetic and impactful story about the struggle to grow and improve oneself in the face of mental illness which is expertly woven into the gameplay. I cannot recommend this game enough.
1985
Obviously groundbreaking at the time, and still fairly enjoyable, though it's pretty janky and some of the design decisions are questionable. Not a bad little game, but doesn't benefit from comparison to more recent entries in the genre and its own franchise.
A massive leap above the first game in terms of gameplay and cutscene direction, and just a damn good time all around. The snowbeasts can go fuck themselves though.
2020
A somewhat amusing concept but the gameplay just isn't all that good unfortunately. Open it once and have a giggle, then never return.
2009
Decent fun with a friend, but not nearly as interesting or tightly-designed as its predecessor. Not recommended without a co-op partner.
2006
There are some interesting ideas here, the skeleton of a good game even, but unfortunately it's VERY unfinished and the level design simply doesn't fit the mechanics at all. I'd recommend checking it out because it's short and pretty interesting, but don't expect to have a fantastic time with it.
2019
Dripping with style and sporting a shockingly gripping and complex narrative, Katana ZERO is an absolute treat from beginning to end. The one stumble is how much of a gauntlet some of the later levels become, to the point where it threatens to become a slog, but overall it's a wonderfully engaging game and its dialogue system is one of the best I've ever interacted with. I look forward to more from the developers.
1994
One of the greats of the Japanese Role Playing Game genre, Final Fantasy VI lives up to its pedigree with a wide-reaching, multi-faceted narrative centered around an ensemble cast and enough charm and personality to sail a ship. The combat is solid and has some pretty interesting gimmicks here and there, although it, much like the game's structures, starts to go a bit squiffy toward the end, as characters become less differentiated due to the ability to use Magicite to teach any spell to any character, somewhat unbalancing the game and incentivizing a heavier grind during a segment with much weaker and more slapdash pacing and pathing. All that said, it sticks the landing with a hopeful and inspiring ending, and it cannot be overstated how much this game set the bar for what could be done in an RPG story at the time, not to mention the excellent use of the Super NES's hardware. Highly recommended overall, but maybe break out a walkthrough once you reach the World of Ruin.
2018
Assault Spy is an excellent collection of combat mechanics and character designs contained within an otherwise mediocre package. Fortunately it knows enough not to outstay its welcome, unlike some of the other games I could describe in such a way, and honestly it really is an ABSURDLY good set of mechanics, so I'm inclined to be kind to it.
2010
Some really, absolutely top notch writing and quest design in places, and the setting is dynamite, but unfortunately those nuggets of fun are embedded in what is kind of a big janky mess of a game to actually engage with moment to moment. The ratio of time spent engaging with the great writing to time spent walking from place to place and engaging with janky, not particularly fun combat in which Cass is always getting her damn fool self killed is just entirely out of whack and it made me feel like I had to do chores in order to get to the part of the game I actually like.
2016
If you like cute anime girls and MSX-style Metroidvania games with a lot of kinda weird mechanics, give it a look. The story is extremely tedious and I do not know what's going on with the progression structure, but it's a decent time and you'll probably like it a lot if you're into what it's going for.
2017
I boot the game up and it's like "walk around without the ability to do anything but jump until an NPC tells you that you need to give him money to open a door and lets you do a spin attack to break the chests containing the money"
No.
No.