Yub
2001
Quite possibly the best atmosphere of any video game I’ve ever played. From the uncanny voice acting to the static filter over the entire game, the constant descent this game sends you down is something special. This game showed me that the genre doesn’t need to stop at just great gameplay and a strong atmosphere, as it can also have memorable music and incredible storytelling that meld together perfectly.
1999
Amazed at the stuff this game is able to display on the PS1. The presentation is one of my favorites on the console and the actual survival horror gameplay is surprisingly great as well. Having no map with very identical looking hallways brought down the endgame though.
2017
A better game overall than Replicant. Combat is better, pacing is better, side-quests are less tedious, and the story is more insane. And yet, Replicant's characters and music stick with me more than Automata's. I prefer Replicant but play both though, they're each incredible.
If this game had a less tedious structure and the combat was a little more refined, this would be in my top 10.
2011
The original had a much more heavy setting, but Dead Space 2 improves on so much. The game's atmosphere is still strong, but in a more psychological way. The plot is more fleshed out and even makes up for lacking parts of the first game's story by making Isaac a character. Improvements to the game's speed and controls make for a decidedly action-focused, but more fun game overall.
2008
Was much more RE4 inspired than I was expecting, although that isn't a bad thing. While a little lacking in map design, it's made up for with great combat and the Ishimura's atmosphere.
2007
As someone who's never played Portal until now, I'm actually shocked how seamlessly the central mechanic works.
1998
The empty, snow-covered New York is a really well-realized setting. It alongside the soundtrack makes for a great, eerie atmosphere. The plot is insane and the characters are pretty cool. Combat is definitely unique but it gets pretty repetitive in the late game. Would’ve been a lot better if they cut most of the museum level.
2003
Incredibly underwhelming tbh.
The gameplay isn't unbearably frustrating like some other games, but it's just so boring and repetitive. I was able to get through the game but I think I'd just reached the point where I never wanna play it again. The story and characters really aren't anything special either. There's striking imagery and the game is certainly dark, but none of the characters really get any significant development. Inuart is probably the most interesting character, but his arc is still straightforward and predictable. The most disappointing aspect of the game is Caim. I can see where they were going with Caim’s depiction, but I think making him mute was a big mistake. Because of it, every other character just keeps telling you how terrible of a person Caim is while he just makes the same uncaring expression. I feel that this game would’ve been incredibly impactful if I played it during its initial release. By today’s standards however, it comes across as loud and edgy for the sake of just upsetting the player. As someone who likes getting the perspective of a series, I’m not mad I played it, but I also wouldn’t really recommend it. Having played NieR Automata prior, I know how great Taro can be as a director. Unfortunately, his first outing didn't really work for me.
The gameplay isn't unbearably frustrating like some other games, but it's just so boring and repetitive. I was able to get through the game but I think I'd just reached the point where I never wanna play it again. The story and characters really aren't anything special either. There's striking imagery and the game is certainly dark, but none of the characters really get any significant development. Inuart is probably the most interesting character, but his arc is still straightforward and predictable. The most disappointing aspect of the game is Caim. I can see where they were going with Caim’s depiction, but I think making him mute was a big mistake. Because of it, every other character just keeps telling you how terrible of a person Caim is while he just makes the same uncaring expression. I feel that this game would’ve been incredibly impactful if I played it during its initial release. By today’s standards however, it comes across as loud and edgy for the sake of just upsetting the player. As someone who likes getting the perspective of a series, I’m not mad I played it, but I also wouldn’t really recommend it. Having played NieR Automata prior, I know how great Taro can be as a director. Unfortunately, his first outing didn't really work for me.
While you were getting a degree, I studied the keyboard.