SLAPONTOAST'S TOP FIVE 2023
Dear god, I played even less than 2022!?
I really do apologize, but I guess it's a sign that I'm not as much of a gamer as I used to be? Something about how disposable these companies treat and design their multi-million dollar projects, how atrociously they've been archiving and distributing their older titles, how weirdly insular and corporate the indie space has gotten (both in terms of gameplay and aesthetic trends), how lazy I've become in terms of looking for and researching truly out-of-the-box experiences, it's just rubbing me the wrong way! That, and I desperately need to upgrade my desktop PC to an acceptable level. So much is happening in the emulation world that I simply can't run, it's a little embarrassing...
...But hey! There's still fun to be found, and of all the things I played, these ones below were the ones that really stood out. If you want to see everything I beat during the year, please click here! Otherwise, without further ado:
I really do apologize, but I guess it's a sign that I'm not as much of a gamer as I used to be? Something about how disposable these companies treat and design their multi-million dollar projects, how atrociously they've been archiving and distributing their older titles, how weirdly insular and corporate the indie space has gotten (both in terms of gameplay and aesthetic trends), how lazy I've become in terms of looking for and researching truly out-of-the-box experiences, it's just rubbing me the wrong way! That, and I desperately need to upgrade my desktop PC to an acceptable level. So much is happening in the emulation world that I simply can't run, it's a little embarrassing...
...But hey! There's still fun to be found, and of all the things I played, these ones below were the ones that really stood out. If you want to see everything I beat during the year, please click here! Otherwise, without further ado:
5 Games
Deliriously fun and wildly creative in all the right ways, in just about every way! I knew it'd be up my alley, but I genuinely wasn't expecting THIS level of polish and quality design work to go with it's Very Specifically Me aesthetic choices. SLAPCORE GAMING through and through!
I'd kill for a sequel (or a ripoff game) that fully embraces the Armored Core/Ace Combat 'cost of warfare' systems that're somewhat present here, but as it is? It's an absolute ripper of a mecha action game, standing tall amongst it's more well known SNES contemporaries. Probably THE game I recommend everyone reading this to check out!
Minorikawa is who I aspire to be going forward in 2024, both in terms of arrogant self confidence in my own abilities and genuine care for the others I love and respect... Oh, and the rest of the game's a joy to read through, too! I forget just how much I love these sound novels/Japanese adventure games, really gotta play more of em.
Came for the grappling hook, stayed for the absolutely sick as hell grapples, suplex and izuna drop! The cool robot design and the bangin' soundtrack certainly helped as well, making this a genuinely fun playthough the whole way through (a rarity for these sorts of action sidescrollers). Excited to see what Domesticated Ants does next!
Literally just an animated Where's Wally book with an acapella soundscape, but given the stress I was under at the time, it was exactly what the doctor ordered. Nothing more, nothing less!
2 Comments
@realmickey YOU GET IT
realmickey
3 months ago