While the core fighting mechanics are slow and tripping is baffling, the new characters and robust single player options are very impressive. Subspace emissary is a great experience, despite its more tedious moments.
2017
Simply too much time is spent in slow travel. Its mysteries rely on finding an item and using it on a "puzzle" that's found later. It doesn't actually utilize much problem solving. Backtracking between cabins that all look the same becomes tiring, as does photographing wolf steps. Best aspect of the game is the in depth backstory on each of the village members and various diaries/logs. But if you're not as interested in reading lore like me, then you won't be as interested in Kona (like me).
Surprisingly robust multiplayer with cool character abilities and weaponry. Online play was great and it even supported single cartridge download play. Story mode is small and extremely repetitive.
PS. This game is actually credited as the first Nintendo game to feature online voice chat. It used the DS microphone and likely sounded horrible, but footage of this is very difficult to find.
PS. This game is actually credited as the first Nintendo game to feature online voice chat. It used the DS microphone and likely sounded horrible, but footage of this is very difficult to find.
Its predecessor left a masterpiece of a foundation and Tears of the Kingdom pays great respect by not deteriorating it. Every addition this game adds is a positive one and it keeps the momentum and excitement as if no time has passed since BOTW. The biggest structural difference is that TOTK is more of a "destination and the vehicle to get there" game instead of the previous "journey over destination" approach. It's a necessary shift when reusing a world we've already journeyed through. The "legend" takes a bigger focus, as enough has been established narratively to dig deeper and raise the stakes. The main challenge this game faces is differentiating it's self from the original, especially as time goes on. But there's certainly enough differentiating to warrant playing both.
2021
A platformer FPS that will keep you engaged 100% of the time you're playing. It's like the inverted version of Super Hot with some Mirror's Edge mixed in and all the concepts work very well together. I love how powerful you can feel without skimping on difficulty and you're rewarded for better execution. While the gameplay isn't repetitive, some of the utilities become so, such as weaponry and types of movement. The levels also some times feel clostrophobic and limit your want to utilize parkour, but the "Red Faction style" terrain explosion gives more traversing enjoyment. It's great fun and I highly recommend trying it.
A lot of imaginative areas to visit and interesting ways to interact with the tracks. They removed the reoccurring dungeon (kind of?) from Phantom Hourglass but they also removed the free range overworld. The train controls were still neat and I liked some of the utilization of microphone, but when it was annoying it was annoying.
2001
This game is the best Dr. Mario because it houses 4 person multiplayer with fun double mechanics that make for an intense competitive game. N64 controller also has an underrated super sized D-Pad which makes the controls far more precise than any other Dr. Mario. Has light campaign and unlockables, but the multiplayer is where you'll spend most of your time.
2017
An incredibly fascinating game that's worth playing just to see the care put into the animal ecosystem. No other game will put you in the eyes of the "bottom of the food chain" animal and make you cower from every moving thing. It reminds me of the Metroid Dread horror sections but fully fledged and the thrill is very enduring. That only hurdle for me is the game is not great at showing you where to go or what to do. Even movement options are waiting to be discovered in non intuitive ways. The guide character is often unclear or spazzes around creating confusion on progression. Still a great play with always lively art style/animation.
2017
The peak of 3d platforming mechanics and potential for more outstanding games in the genre. While several worlds feel less inspired/disconnected, exploring and platforming has never felt this gratifying.
Definitely a stunning visual upgrade from the original and the graphics are as good as you could hope for from the Switch. It would have been nice to have some quality of life changes from the original, but other than more control options it carries the same frustrations. There are also some small baffling changes like removing dynamic light from beams, longer to charge shots, doors looking less dynamic, and the thermal visor straight up looking bad. I also feel the controls aren't as fluid as the Wii versions. But these are ultimately nitpicks that won't impact first time players and the stunning views are worth experiencing by veterans.
2021
It's free halo! Just needs more map/mode variations.
1993
The most playable NES game today that's suited for all levels of players.
2011
Tough to credit all MC fun as just MC since a ton of it came from the community. Different modes and servers are mostly just a response from the creative minds that made them, but having a platform that facilitates that is worthy of appreciation nonetheless. But even the base survival game is worthy of my number 2, as the initial mystery of discovering the game is an experience powerful enough to trump most others. No other game has inspired me to create more than this one.
2002
One of the most ambitious and well executed transitions of a 2d genre to a 3d game. The world and music will have you lost for hours out of pure childhood wonder (and the needless reliance on backtracking to progress the game).
2017
Phenomenal animation that's aided by difficulty, as it forces full appreciation. After the novelty of animation where's off, then you can always play simple mode and still have a blast. However, maneuvering feels purposely limited to strengthen difficulty instead of building off of great control. This leads to many deaths that feel unwarranted. However, this game is great at not wasting your time and getting you back into the fight right after death. The non-boss levels are tiring and items feel tacked on. Overall really good!