Veractivon
"All...things...MUST SLEEP" - Antasma, The Year of Luigi.
If dreams are as action packed as this, then fall asleep I shall! AlphaDream strikes again with their 3DS entry. The 4th tale sees a nice jump in the visual presentation that allows for a more vivid style. And carrying over from the 3rd comes the 3D and 2D locales to explore. The battle system is as fun as ever with the Dream world offering a unique twist painted mean green. Antasma is another fantastic Mario RPG villain worthy of standing along the others. I loved the added spectacle of the Giant Battles as well. And with Yoko Shimomura masterminding the musical elements again, you can expect a whole collection's worth of dreamy melodies. And I appreciate the way Luigi himself was handled, with his Luigination powers at work to support his brother through the journey, that right there is true sibling love. While some tutorials can really drag in some areas, Mario & Luigi: Dream Team absolutely shows its worth as another fantastic Mario RPG experience I can always fantasize about in my sleep.
If dreams are as action packed as this, then fall asleep I shall! AlphaDream strikes again with their 3DS entry. The 4th tale sees a nice jump in the visual presentation that allows for a more vivid style. And carrying over from the 3rd comes the 3D and 2D locales to explore. The battle system is as fun as ever with the Dream world offering a unique twist painted mean green. Antasma is another fantastic Mario RPG villain worthy of standing along the others. I loved the added spectacle of the Giant Battles as well. And with Yoko Shimomura masterminding the musical elements again, you can expect a whole collection's worth of dreamy melodies. And I appreciate the way Luigi himself was handled, with his Luigination powers at work to support his brother through the journey, that right there is true sibling love. While some tutorials can really drag in some areas, Mario & Luigi: Dream Team absolutely shows its worth as another fantastic Mario RPG experience I can always fantasize about in my sleep.
"A young man with Belmont blood. He uses the Vampire Killer, a magical whip passed down in the Morris family, and is active as a vampire hunter." - Description of John Morris, one of the playable characters in this game.
Otherwise known as "Castlevania: The New Generarion" for those in the EU, the never ending quest against the Vampire Lord and his endless supply of minions makes their debut on the Sega Genesis. I first played this arcade-like on the Anniversary Collection and it is my second favorite game in that bundle besides Super Castlevania IV. The soundtrack is amongst the series greats and the colorful atmosphere stands proud with its SNES brethren in my opinion. I also like seeing more playable characters a la John Morris, with traditional whip action and a welcome newcomer in Eric Lecarde, with his equally badass spear. This game follows closely in the original's pick-up-and-play style of 6 fun stages to traverse through. Short and sweet this game may be, it is another solid entry in the Vampire Killer saga!
Otherwise known as "Castlevania: The New Generarion" for those in the EU, the never ending quest against the Vampire Lord and his endless supply of minions makes their debut on the Sega Genesis. I first played this arcade-like on the Anniversary Collection and it is my second favorite game in that bundle besides Super Castlevania IV. The soundtrack is amongst the series greats and the colorful atmosphere stands proud with its SNES brethren in my opinion. I also like seeing more playable characters a la John Morris, with traditional whip action and a welcome newcomer in Eric Lecarde, with his equally badass spear. This game follows closely in the original's pick-up-and-play style of 6 fun stages to traverse through. Short and sweet this game may be, it is another solid entry in the Vampire Killer saga!
"I am he." - Link.
Hot damn man. Nintendo's breakout title entering the Switch era kicks things into high gear. Breath of the Wild is so vast and varied, its so easy to get lost in the environment as you explore the lands of Hyrule in your quest to put Ganon down again. There's a lot to do in this game, its easy to get distracted from the main quest. Sure I could be taking on a Divine Beast right now, but that forest in the distance has to be hiding a Korok somewhere. While the lack of actual dungeons is my only hangup, the ability to make your own approach to the finale is a greatly appreciated touch, hell you can just go straight to Ganon if you just don't wanna even. I can see why this game earned the GOTY in 2017 and it helped revitalize my love for the Zelda series!
Hot damn man. Nintendo's breakout title entering the Switch era kicks things into high gear. Breath of the Wild is so vast and varied, its so easy to get lost in the environment as you explore the lands of Hyrule in your quest to put Ganon down again. There's a lot to do in this game, its easy to get distracted from the main quest. Sure I could be taking on a Divine Beast right now, but that forest in the distance has to be hiding a Korok somewhere. While the lack of actual dungeons is my only hangup, the ability to make your own approach to the finale is a greatly appreciated touch, hell you can just go straight to Ganon if you just don't wanna even. I can see why this game earned the GOTY in 2017 and it helped revitalize my love for the Zelda series!
"I NEED A MONSTAH TO CLOBBAH THAT DERE KIRBEH!" - King Dedede, from the lyrics of the intro to Kirby Right Back at Ya!
The first half of the pink puffball's GBA journey comes in the form of a remake of his second tale. Applying a fresh coat of paint does wonders for this game by adding some minute details that brings alot of charm for the series. The Copy Abilities have never looked so stylish before, and the addition of some new minigames are a neat bonus. Gameplay-wise, it is similar to it's NES counterpart, but a lot more smoother. Being able to play as Meta Knight for the first time in the series was a treat too. While it's not my favorite Kirby game, it is a nice go-to for some simple suck-n-puffs. The idea to introduce less experienced players through this game while tying into the anime's release was really cool to see here. Another example of a remake handled well!
The first half of the pink puffball's GBA journey comes in the form of a remake of his second tale. Applying a fresh coat of paint does wonders for this game by adding some minute details that brings alot of charm for the series. The Copy Abilities have never looked so stylish before, and the addition of some new minigames are a neat bonus. Gameplay-wise, it is similar to it's NES counterpart, but a lot more smoother. Being able to play as Meta Knight for the first time in the series was a treat too. While it's not my favorite Kirby game, it is a nice go-to for some simple suck-n-puffs. The idea to introduce less experienced players through this game while tying into the anime's release was really cool to see here. Another example of a remake handled well!
2019
"I'm Joker the Joke." - The P5 protagonist upon meeting Student called Yoshizawa.
I can see why many people were advocating for this game's greatness. And as someone who has actually played the damn game (and even somehow 100% all the Steam achievements on my first run), I had the time of my life playing through Persona 5. The jump in the presentation quality alone is its own kind of art, right down to the freaking sexy menu UI. I really appreciated seeing all the characters awaken to their Persona's instead of letting the protagonist steal the thunder. And the extra content that Royal brings to the table was really interesting to speak, I'm surprised it wasn't used as the basis for the next Persona. While it is a somewhat easy RPG, don't let that change your heart on Persona 5 Royal, as it allowed the series to further stand amongst other RPG titans! The soundtrack alone (like with many Persona games, its basically a given at this point.) is just spoiling us too.
I can see why many people were advocating for this game's greatness. And as someone who has actually played the damn game (and even somehow 100% all the Steam achievements on my first run), I had the time of my life playing through Persona 5. The jump in the presentation quality alone is its own kind of art, right down to the freaking sexy menu UI. I really appreciated seeing all the characters awaken to their Persona's instead of letting the protagonist steal the thunder. And the extra content that Royal brings to the table was really interesting to speak, I'm surprised it wasn't used as the basis for the next Persona. While it is a somewhat easy RPG, don't let that change your heart on Persona 5 Royal, as it allowed the series to further stand amongst other RPG titans! The soundtrack alone (like with many Persona games, its basically a given at this point.) is just spoiling us too.
1997
"WHAT AM I FIGHTING FOOOOOORRRR!!!" - Zero, S-Class Maverick Hunter.
Now this is the good stuff here! X4 is where the series really nailed that formula that's been cooking since the og's release back in the SNES era. The jump in quality is astounding with some good gameplay and the best roster of Mavericks to fight against! And giving Zero his own campaign, fully integrating him as a playable character after the tease from X3 allows for a shakeup in the usual Mega Man formula trading ranged Buster shots for Z-Saber combat. It was handled so well, cheesy voice acting aside. The first third of the playstation trilogy is premium Blue Bomber treat. X4 will always hold its place in my heart for the title of favorite Mega Man X game, with the original, the sequel, and eight being very close up there!
Now this is the good stuff here! X4 is where the series really nailed that formula that's been cooking since the og's release back in the SNES era. The jump in quality is astounding with some good gameplay and the best roster of Mavericks to fight against! And giving Zero his own campaign, fully integrating him as a playable character after the tease from X3 allows for a shakeup in the usual Mega Man formula trading ranged Buster shots for Z-Saber combat. It was handled so well, cheesy voice acting aside. The first third of the playstation trilogy is premium Blue Bomber treat. X4 will always hold its place in my heart for the title of favorite Mega Man X game, with the original, the sequel, and eight being very close up there!
"GET PSYCHED!!!"
The title is appropriately named y'know. Return to Castle Wolfenstein offers a right amount of everything I can use out of an FPS game: An intriguing premise that still holds up well when compared to later releases, some solid tight gameplay, a very well founded atmosphere that realizes the vision that Wolfenstein 3D started, and some fun secrets that are waiting to be found. Killing Nazi's has never felt so good before. And the community support around this game is great too for those looking for some modded mayhem here n' there!
The title is appropriately named y'know. Return to Castle Wolfenstein offers a right amount of everything I can use out of an FPS game: An intriguing premise that still holds up well when compared to later releases, some solid tight gameplay, a very well founded atmosphere that realizes the vision that Wolfenstein 3D started, and some fun secrets that are waiting to be found. Killing Nazi's has never felt so good before. And the community support around this game is great too for those looking for some modded mayhem here n' there!
2012
"JET SET RADIIIIIIOOOOOO~!" - DJ Professor K.
This game is art, in many, many ways. That style and spirit is just so groovy man. The character designs and actions do a lot to express themselves in this special experience. And the music. By god the music. Hideki Naganuma, the Funky Uncle, takes chunks of various music genres and mish-mashes them together into a soundscape that amplifies the experience like no other. While its followups may have smoothed out the grindy controls, this cult classic paved the start of the funk-filled grafitti joyride!
This game is art, in many, many ways. That style and spirit is just so groovy man. The character designs and actions do a lot to express themselves in this special experience. And the music. By god the music. Hideki Naganuma, the Funky Uncle, takes chunks of various music genres and mish-mashes them together into a soundscape that amplifies the experience like no other. While its followups may have smoothed out the grindy controls, this cult classic paved the start of the funk-filled grafitti joyride!
"Put some pep in that step Freeman, you're late enough as it is." - Random Security Guard #19982020
Oh. My. God. Crowbar Collective's anwser to the what-if question of how the original Half-Life would look with a source update is an absolute love letter to the original game! It is a finely crafted modern take on the classic that put Valve on the map all those years ago. This remaster is an absolute testament to the skill and passion that the team used to make it. I do absolutely recommend that you grab and play the og Half-Life if you really want to appreciate the changes made, trust me, both the og and this are absolutely worth every dollar! Get that crowbar ready fellas, it is time to return to Black Mesa!
Oh. My. God. Crowbar Collective's anwser to the what-if question of how the original Half-Life would look with a source update is an absolute love letter to the original game! It is a finely crafted modern take on the classic that put Valve on the map all those years ago. This remaster is an absolute testament to the skill and passion that the team used to make it. I do absolutely recommend that you grab and play the og Half-Life if you really want to appreciate the changes made, trust me, both the og and this are absolutely worth every dollar! Get that crowbar ready fellas, it is time to return to Black Mesa!
"GET A LOAD OF THIS! GET A LOAD OF THIS! GET A LOAD OF THIS!" - Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik, 1998.
Rough transition into 3D my ass. For the blue blur's first step into the Dreamcast era, it was done spectacularly well. And while it isn't perfect nor has it aged well in some aspects, it damn well had some fucking heart! There is so much lore expansion from the genesis games that it is incredible! The adventure formula as some call it has a lot of potential to be explored further if they choose to do so. And the game has a lot of banger tracks to listen to. While it is far from the magnum opus that most people claim it as, nor is it some rushed mess, but it absolutely moved the series forward in so many ways. I still sometimes tear up from the ending of Gamma's storyline.
Rough transition into 3D my ass. For the blue blur's first step into the Dreamcast era, it was done spectacularly well. And while it isn't perfect nor has it aged well in some aspects, it damn well had some fucking heart! There is so much lore expansion from the genesis games that it is incredible! The adventure formula as some call it has a lot of potential to be explored further if they choose to do so. And the game has a lot of banger tracks to listen to. While it is far from the magnum opus that most people claim it as, nor is it some rushed mess, but it absolutely moved the series forward in so many ways. I still sometimes tear up from the ending of Gamma's storyline.
2016
"NO GODS OR KINGS. ONLY MAN."
Somewhere, beneath the sea, there lies an Atlantic apocalypse just waiting to be explored. This game embodies a sense of "relaxed badassery" as I like to dub it. The customization that the plasmids offer you allows for so many ways to for you to adjust your journey into Rapture. It also has a sense of importance regarding the ability for one to make your own choice. The story is fantastic too, with some clever political tie-ins too. I like the commentary that the superpowers can provide and the aesthetics never get old just looking at them. It is another treasured FPS experience to behold, even several replays later.
Somewhere, beneath the sea, there lies an Atlantic apocalypse just waiting to be explored. This game embodies a sense of "relaxed badassery" as I like to dub it. The customization that the plasmids offer you allows for so many ways to for you to adjust your journey into Rapture. It also has a sense of importance regarding the ability for one to make your own choice. The story is fantastic too, with some clever political tie-ins too. I like the commentary that the superpowers can provide and the aesthetics never get old just looking at them. It is another treasured FPS experience to behold, even several replays later.
"The MEAT ON THE BONE!" - Hajimemes Hinata, Ultimate ???, 2012.
One ticket for a trip to Jabberwock Island please! Following up the Killing School Life, DR2 offers more fun, more mystery, more characters to love/hate, and an equally cool storyline. I digged the tropical locations as much as did Hope's Peak, and the characters alone are worth a good playthrough. It's kinda hard to follow the "No Attachment" rule the community throws around so much when there's bound to be someone to connect with. The twists you'll get through this are fantastic through and through, it is tied with V3 (and other games) amongst my favorite visual novels of all time!
One ticket for a trip to Jabberwock Island please! Following up the Killing School Life, DR2 offers more fun, more mystery, more characters to love/hate, and an equally cool storyline. I digged the tropical locations as much as did Hope's Peak, and the characters alone are worth a good playthrough. It's kinda hard to follow the "No Attachment" rule the community throws around so much when there's bound to be someone to connect with. The twists you'll get through this are fantastic through and through, it is tied with V3 (and other games) amongst my favorite visual novels of all time!
"My source is that I made it the fuck up." - Senator Armstrong, probably.
For my entry point into the Metal Gear series as a whole, I wasn't expecting a totally over the top game with the feeling of a Saturday morning cartoon. In all seriousness though, this game is fucking fantastic. The gameplay is great, combine that with a fun story and a kickass soundtrack and it is no wonder this game is still talked about years later. That fight with Senator Armstrong, to include the buildup, is a gaming moment of all time for me. Now let's dance!
For my entry point into the Metal Gear series as a whole, I wasn't expecting a totally over the top game with the feeling of a Saturday morning cartoon. In all seriousness though, this game is fucking fantastic. The gameplay is great, combine that with a fun story and a kickass soundtrack and it is no wonder this game is still talked about years later. That fight with Senator Armstrong, to include the buildup, is a gaming moment of all time for me. Now let's dance!
"So the first night isn't usually that bad in any of the games." - Famous last words.
Entry number four in the Fazbear saga goes out to the fellas back home (yes I am aware of the lore guys). The sound design alone works absolute numbers for the game keeping you on your toes while keeping yourself alive from the Nightmare Animatronics. And it is here where we see the infamous bite...of 83 that is. This is very solid entry in the series for what it is and it would be a go-to game for the halloween season.
Entry number four in the Fazbear saga goes out to the fellas back home (yes I am aware of the lore guys). The sound design alone works absolute numbers for the game keeping you on your toes while keeping yourself alive from the Nightmare Animatronics. And it is here where we see the infamous bite...of 83 that is. This is very solid entry in the series for what it is and it would be a go-to game for the halloween season.
Cue the Piano
The return to Sinnoh manages to marvelously smooth out the edges that Diamond and Pearl had while expanding the content of the region. I've really come to appreciate all things that the 4th generation has come to offer. A more solid pokemon roster, enhanced characters, and the Distortion World. I've come to love the difficulty curve this game has and all the sufficient lore this offers. Then again, for me, Pokemon has always had pretty good worldbuilding. All hail the almighty lord Arceus and the devil Giratina himself!
The return to Sinnoh manages to marvelously smooth out the edges that Diamond and Pearl had while expanding the content of the region. I've really come to appreciate all things that the 4th generation has come to offer. A more solid pokemon roster, enhanced characters, and the Distortion World. I've come to love the difficulty curve this game has and all the sufficient lore this offers. Then again, for me, Pokemon has always had pretty good worldbuilding. All hail the almighty lord Arceus and the devil Giratina himself!