TheGreenViper8
2017
Amazing little game. I love an experimental title, and this one delivers in that department and provides a cuteness overload. Wish Sony still made quirky exclusives like this, a little bored of award bait AAAs now.
2006
I've always had a bit of a softspot for this game, even if others don't view it in the same positive light. Actually finishing it for the first time then... I still think it's pretty neat. Not my favourite Mega Man experience to date, but a charming one with hiccups (voice acting and cutscenes destroying pacing, missing creature comforts from Mega Man games post 1 etc).
Still, ask me to play this or the OG and I'll happily take Powered Up anyday.
Still, ask me to play this or the OG and I'll happily take Powered Up anyday.
I just love Brawl as a whole, but (as this review is meant to somewhat be about it) Subspace is fantastic and glad to have replayed it again. It deserves a proper follow up all these years later because World of Light was so mid.
As a whole though, Brawl's a game I have a ton of love for. Even though the fighting mechanics themselves aren't as good as past and future titles, it stands on its own as a unique experience and the single player content is second to none.
As a whole though, Brawl's a game I have a ton of love for. Even though the fighting mechanics themselves aren't as good as past and future titles, it stands on its own as a unique experience and the single player content is second to none.
2022
Freedom Planet is always a series I've felt a lot of peer pressure to find enjoyment in and while I had my moments with the first game, the 2nd game has just really lead me to the conclusion that the series isn't for me honestly. Gameplay-wise, it mashes together a lot of games I love, but in doing so it combines them into one bland, meaningless mess which just gives me no satisfaction to play. The time I spent with 2 was mostly trying to dash over as much of the level design as I could, and when I sat down and thought about that, it was pretty clear it was because subconsciously I just wasn't enjoying the experience.
Can't say I'm much of a fan of the narrative of this one either (still finding the dialogue just about as obnoxious as the OG) and with how tied it is to progression in comparison to the first game, I can't skip or ignore, I'd need to force myself to sit through hours of obnoxious cutscenes to screw about trying to skip over the level design in a game I'm getting no enjoyment out of at all.
The presentation is seriously top notch and the music kicks so much ass, I can say that much, but the rest of the package just isn't for me, as much as I've tried to swallow my pride and just get on with it. I know this game will absolutely be the majority's jam, but I'm happy to go against the current with my opinion on this one. Have fun.
Can't say I'm much of a fan of the narrative of this one either (still finding the dialogue just about as obnoxious as the OG) and with how tied it is to progression in comparison to the first game, I can't skip or ignore, I'd need to force myself to sit through hours of obnoxious cutscenes to screw about trying to skip over the level design in a game I'm getting no enjoyment out of at all.
The presentation is seriously top notch and the music kicks so much ass, I can say that much, but the rest of the package just isn't for me, as much as I've tried to swallow my pride and just get on with it. I know this game will absolutely be the majority's jam, but I'm happy to go against the current with my opinion on this one. Have fun.
A short, quaint experience, but not one free of issues. I loved the concept and the comfy vibes, but found myself taking issues with the often times confusing console controls as well as the weird mix of satisfying, confusing and repetitve puzzles with the satisfying ones all but vanishing by the end of the game, instead just providing longwinded and tedious building.
I'd overall recommend this game (especially if you can pick it up for literally £2 like I did) but be warned of its short runtime and lack of replay value. The experience as it is can be summed up as "a mostly solid brainteaser featuring beautiful LEGO setpieces". Personally, for as good as it is, this makes me really excited as to what the future of LEGO games holds.
I'd overall recommend this game (especially if you can pick it up for literally £2 like I did) but be warned of its short runtime and lack of replay value. The experience as it is can be summed up as "a mostly solid brainteaser featuring beautiful LEGO setpieces". Personally, for as good as it is, this makes me really excited as to what the future of LEGO games holds.
2022
This review contains spoilers
Having felt such explosive love for the first two games immediately upon picking them up, I was immediately very concerned for Bayonetta 3 when it just... really wasn't clicking for the first couple chapters. Between the downright confusing (even by this series' standards) narrative you're thrown headfirst into without a moment to pause, and the new mechanics which at first seem like they're gonna flip the entire combat system on its head, it was a bitter pill to swallow as someone who just wanted more of the same as two. But coming back to it on a night's sleep, as the gameplay started to click and the story started to reveal and explain itself, I really got back into Bayo 3 just like I hoped I would.
It's a phenomenal game and one I had a blast with once it got going. Gameplay wise keeps what works and tries to add some new ingredients to the mix, some like demon summons make me go "okay, this is decent" but others like Viola were sick. A character of power in this series who can't see 20 seconds ahead and is shown to have human flaws? He'll yeah. Mix in the actually surprisingly good swordplay, the comedic timing and her pop punk OST? I'm so down with this. The vast variety of locations are gorgeous and pretty to explore too, but yes very taxing on the aging Switch hardware. Still, don't let that take away from the spectacle of some of these worlds.
It's been said many times, many ways already, but yeah... the ending. There's parts of it I can somewhat excuse. Bayo ending up with Luka? I can absolutely see why it's upset people, and definitely not the most fitting romance they could've went with, but sure, whatever. Viola is Bayonetta's daughter? I can take that, fine. Bayo dying? Hmmmmmm, seems like a rather sad whimper to end it on for a series that always like to go out with an over-the-top flashy ending, but whatever, I'll just have to stomach it.
The bit that was just... no for me is Viola inheriting the Bayonetta name. As I've established, I think Viola is a sick character and one I'd absolutely love to see spinoffs or future entries centred around, but... as Bayonetta? Undoing the legacy of the original badass Cereza? All these points stacking up were losing me, but that one just strikes so deep to my core. Not like I'll "never play another game in the series again!" because I simply will, but it feels like a bit of a besmirchment to a character so many people love so deeply.
All that aside... the 95% of Bayonetta 3 is just fantastic and a game that any fan of the series or action game player shouldn't miss. It hits all the right notes and oozes style in the process. Just wish the legacy of one of my favourite gaming characters went out with a bang rather than a fizzle.
It's a phenomenal game and one I had a blast with once it got going. Gameplay wise keeps what works and tries to add some new ingredients to the mix, some like demon summons make me go "okay, this is decent" but others like Viola were sick. A character of power in this series who can't see 20 seconds ahead and is shown to have human flaws? He'll yeah. Mix in the actually surprisingly good swordplay, the comedic timing and her pop punk OST? I'm so down with this. The vast variety of locations are gorgeous and pretty to explore too, but yes very taxing on the aging Switch hardware. Still, don't let that take away from the spectacle of some of these worlds.
It's been said many times, many ways already, but yeah... the ending. There's parts of it I can somewhat excuse. Bayo ending up with Luka? I can absolutely see why it's upset people, and definitely not the most fitting romance they could've went with, but sure, whatever. Viola is Bayonetta's daughter? I can take that, fine. Bayo dying? Hmmmmmm, seems like a rather sad whimper to end it on for a series that always like to go out with an over-the-top flashy ending, but whatever, I'll just have to stomach it.
The bit that was just... no for me is Viola inheriting the Bayonetta name. As I've established, I think Viola is a sick character and one I'd absolutely love to see spinoffs or future entries centred around, but... as Bayonetta? Undoing the legacy of the original badass Cereza? All these points stacking up were losing me, but that one just strikes so deep to my core. Not like I'll "never play another game in the series again!" because I simply will, but it feels like a bit of a besmirchment to a character so many people love so deeply.
All that aside... the 95% of Bayonetta 3 is just fantastic and a game that any fan of the series or action game player shouldn't miss. It hits all the right notes and oozes style in the process. Just wish the legacy of one of my favourite gaming characters went out with a bang rather than a fizzle.
2001
Still always tries to claw its way to being my favourite "classic" Sonic game, even if I recognise it has some flaws which stop it from being perfect. A great example of how to call back to old level themes and tropes without directly copying and instead iterating. Something that Dimps forgot later on it seems...
This review contains spoilers
A bittersweet ending to the Kiryu saga. Since most players will play this after Kiwami 2, it's worth mentioning that the combat is even more rough here than it was there due to this being the first game to switch to the Dragon Engine. Heat moves are completely overpowered, spam them and you won't be break a sweat.
The story might not be to everyone's tastes, but once it gets going I found myself really engaged. But for most players, the opening hook will be enticing, then the game won't do anything with it for the next 10 or so hours unless you really find yourself engaged in the goings-on of a sleepy town with little in the way of crime activity. Some good laughs and feels are to be had, but it's a definite shift in tone and plot from the previous couple of Yakuza titles.
The third act and the ending are worth all it takes to get to them though, if you didn't feel a knife being repeatedly twisted over and over again in your chest, you'd be lying. A little anticlimatic if you know what happens in Yakuza 7 though, but with no knowledge of that or no context behind the events of Y7, it's a completely killer ending.
The story might not be to everyone's tastes, but once it gets going I found myself really engaged. But for most players, the opening hook will be enticing, then the game won't do anything with it for the next 10 or so hours unless you really find yourself engaged in the goings-on of a sleepy town with little in the way of crime activity. Some good laughs and feels are to be had, but it's a definite shift in tone and plot from the previous couple of Yakuza titles.
The third act and the ending are worth all it takes to get to them though, if you didn't feel a knife being repeatedly twisted over and over again in your chest, you'd be lying. A little anticlimatic if you know what happens in Yakuza 7 though, but with no knowledge of that or no context behind the events of Y7, it's a completely killer ending.
A really great 2D Sonic platformer! If you're a fan of the Mega Drive titles and cool demakes in general, I cannot recommend this enough.
2001
Banger
Really enjoyed my time with this game. Sure, as a newer Pokémon fan I really missed a lot of quality of life changes from future games but I can't deny how much fun I had playing through this one. I was completely glued to my DS until I saw the journey through, hopefully I'll manage to say the same for the postgame too...
2009
I'm aware of how pedantic it is to mark a clock application as an actual game and to hold it to such standards, but it can be played and completed so ehhhh?
A fantastic digital clock if you find yourself trapped in 2009, otherwise if you choose to pick up the DS and play it, it's just a loop of autorunning Super Mario Bros. until you can make 1500 coins, at which point the game ends in all of about 15 minutes. Really not much substance here, but then again why the hell am I even reviewing this as an actual game.
A fantastic digital clock if you find yourself trapped in 2009, otherwise if you choose to pick up the DS and play it, it's just a loop of autorunning Super Mario Bros. until you can make 1500 coins, at which point the game ends in all of about 15 minutes. Really not much substance here, but then again why the hell am I even reviewing this as an actual game.
1994
After having played it for the first time on the Astro City Mini V for a brief play session, I felt compelled to pick up the series on Steam. After having beaten the first game, I'm really glad that I did.
An extremely fun shmup that's graphically gorgeous for the time, has a great OST and showcases great design all around while being infinitely replayable. Difficulty options in the PC port go a long way for me as a shmup noob, but thanks to them I intend to enjoy all the series has to offer.
An extremely fun shmup that's graphically gorgeous for the time, has a great OST and showcases great design all around while being infinitely replayable. Difficulty options in the PC port go a long way for me as a shmup noob, but thanks to them I intend to enjoy all the series has to offer.
[Klonoa 1]
devastated wahoo noises
A fantastic and charming platformer with plenty of fresh ideas to bring to the genre. A pretty good remake all round too. Only issue was some occasional wonkyness with the 2.5D perspective, but otherwise an incredible game that platforming fans owe it to themselves to experience, even if they'll be an emotional wreck of a human being afterwards.
devastated wahoo noises
A fantastic and charming platformer with plenty of fresh ideas to bring to the genre. A pretty good remake all round too. Only issue was some occasional wonkyness with the 2.5D perspective, but otherwise an incredible game that platforming fans owe it to themselves to experience, even if they'll be an emotional wreck of a human being afterwards.
While not perfect, Episode 2 brings a lot of interesting ideas to the Classic Sonic formula that I really wish had been revised or revisited in the years since. Better has come and gone, but I've still got a softspot for this one thanks to the creativity on display, even despite its flaws.