archivistbluum
This is the best rendition to play if you want to experience the A Wonderful Life story in all of its glory and then some.This faithful rendition takes everything you love about the original and expands upon it with well needed Quality of Life changes and new content.
I have to say though- if you haven't played the original, it's tough to say whether or not you'll like this game. This is based on an old game- and because it's so faithful to the original- it plays like an old game too. Farming sim fans that have only played modern farming sims might see this game and its lack of complex mechanics and they might find it boring. This is a slow, small game. Focused on a small sleepy town with basic mechanics. You don't customize your farm like you would in Stardew Valley. You don't travel to faraway places. It's you, your spouse, your kid, and the old folks in town.
Where the game shines is definitely your child. Unlike most farming sims, your child grows up. Their interests change, their personality changes. And they might grow up and decide- instead of inheriting the farm- they might want to be a musician instead. Or an artist. Or even an athlete. You watch your child from toddler to young adult- becoming their own person. It's unlike any farming sim out there. Likewise- the people in town change too. Some come and go. They get older. You spend a lifetime with them. They may not be super complex- I honestly wish there were more dialogue and even more cutscenes to flesh them out more- but regardless- you can't deny that they are memorable, strange people.
If you loved the original, you'll adore this. And if you've never played the original- and you're willing to play a simple game on a simple farm- give this a try.
There's always the hybrid crops, at any rate. That can get preeetty crazy!
I have to say though- if you haven't played the original, it's tough to say whether or not you'll like this game. This is based on an old game- and because it's so faithful to the original- it plays like an old game too. Farming sim fans that have only played modern farming sims might see this game and its lack of complex mechanics and they might find it boring. This is a slow, small game. Focused on a small sleepy town with basic mechanics. You don't customize your farm like you would in Stardew Valley. You don't travel to faraway places. It's you, your spouse, your kid, and the old folks in town.
Where the game shines is definitely your child. Unlike most farming sims, your child grows up. Their interests change, their personality changes. And they might grow up and decide- instead of inheriting the farm- they might want to be a musician instead. Or an artist. Or even an athlete. You watch your child from toddler to young adult- becoming their own person. It's unlike any farming sim out there. Likewise- the people in town change too. Some come and go. They get older. You spend a lifetime with them. They may not be super complex- I honestly wish there were more dialogue and even more cutscenes to flesh them out more- but regardless- you can't deny that they are memorable, strange people.
If you loved the original, you'll adore this. And if you've never played the original- and you're willing to play a simple game on a simple farm- give this a try.
There's always the hybrid crops, at any rate. That can get preeetty crazy!
This review is written by someone whose only played through Dummy Dimitri's Dangerous Deathtrap and no i have no interest in edelgard and claude's routes not even if you paid me a million dollars this game is very long and i am very tired i will watch a youtube video instead
What did I not like about this game? ...It's too long.
What did I like about this game? Frankly, everything else! I'm not much of a strategy gamer (actually i quite dislike them) so there has to be some merit to it when it can even get a non gamer of the genre to go- do I like strategy games now?
The rewind ability is a godsend for someone as dumb as me- but, frankly, you could be the worst strategy gamer in the history of the world and still probably win because your house leader one shots everything into the year 2049.
The story is moving despite literally initially being a story about being a teacher to a bunch of middle schoolers. (I kid- but it feels that way sometimes im looking at you sylvain ) And- anyway- the point is- what you thought the story was about initially quickly takes a complete turn which I won't spoil because I think it's better to not know in advance.
The characters are great and it's nice to see your class just... getting along with each other. Separate from you. I wish more games did that.
For a person new to the franchise, this is probably the best game to start with. It leaves a great first impression and I can't recommend it enough.
What did I not like about this game? ...It's too long.
What did I like about this game? Frankly, everything else! I'm not much of a strategy gamer (actually i quite dislike them) so there has to be some merit to it when it can even get a non gamer of the genre to go- do I like strategy games now?
The rewind ability is a godsend for someone as dumb as me- but, frankly, you could be the worst strategy gamer in the history of the world and still probably win because your house leader one shots everything into the year 2049.
The story is moving despite literally initially being a story about being a teacher to a bunch of middle schoolers. (I kid- but it feels that way sometimes im looking at you sylvain ) And- anyway- the point is- what you thought the story was about initially quickly takes a complete turn which I won't spoil because I think it's better to not know in advance.
The characters are great and it's nice to see your class just... getting along with each other. Separate from you. I wish more games did that.
For a person new to the franchise, this is probably the best game to start with. It leaves a great first impression and I can't recommend it enough.
What do you call a sleeping bull? A bull-dozer! :)
coach, your days are numbered.
You know, sometimes I feel like a monster playing this game. And then other times I don't care how I treat my villagers because they are literally more boring than watching paint dry!
This game is a fun time, don't get me wrong. ...Even if I still can't properly terraform a goddamn river- But you have to admit that it's surprisingly lacking a lot of things that made old Animal Crossing games just a little bit better.
But how can I say that, you might ask? Just look at all the new features! Wow, terraforming! Wow, outside furniture! I don't need to stand in the blistering sun to get a tan- YOU CAN HAVE SHORT HAIR AS A GIRL NOW! The list goes on, and on. And all those new additions are great. I love them.
...but where is my girl blanca nintendo i just want to talk-
To get a bit more serious with the review- I suppose I should highlight- what I think- is Animal Crossing's biggest problem now.
Customization.
I love it, don't get me wrong. I like having my perfect little island, I like having my perfect little villagers. Yes, holidays, please give me more furniture to put in my gigantic mansion, I want to show off how RICH i am!!
...But is that all there is? Is that what's really important?
It's a good gameplay loop. But I want more. Or maybe- I just want something different.
I liked that in the old game the villagers were kind of mean! I like that they could just up and zip out of your life! I liked how weird everything was. I just kind of wish Animal Crossing went in that direction more. Now- everything is all about how polished your... everything is. Your prizes, if you will.
I know they'll never go back to the way the old games were. And- ultimately- I actually kind of think the customization is actually what's keeping the franchise alive.
This really is a good game.
But that doesn't mean it's not still missing something. I'm not saying you have to make villagers be mean or to leave to fix the problems. Obviously not.
...But the unexpected was kind of nice, wasn't it?
I thought so, at least.
...also if my shovel breaks one more goddamn time i swear im gonna-
coach, your days are numbered.
You know, sometimes I feel like a monster playing this game. And then other times I don't care how I treat my villagers because they are literally more boring than watching paint dry!
This game is a fun time, don't get me wrong. ...Even if I still can't properly terraform a goddamn river- But you have to admit that it's surprisingly lacking a lot of things that made old Animal Crossing games just a little bit better.
But how can I say that, you might ask? Just look at all the new features! Wow, terraforming! Wow, outside furniture! I don't need to stand in the blistering sun to get a tan- YOU CAN HAVE SHORT HAIR AS A GIRL NOW! The list goes on, and on. And all those new additions are great. I love them.
...but where is my girl blanca nintendo i just want to talk-
To get a bit more serious with the review- I suppose I should highlight- what I think- is Animal Crossing's biggest problem now.
Customization.
I love it, don't get me wrong. I like having my perfect little island, I like having my perfect little villagers. Yes, holidays, please give me more furniture to put in my gigantic mansion, I want to show off how RICH i am!!
...But is that all there is? Is that what's really important?
It's a good gameplay loop. But I want more. Or maybe- I just want something different.
I liked that in the old game the villagers were kind of mean! I like that they could just up and zip out of your life! I liked how weird everything was. I just kind of wish Animal Crossing went in that direction more. Now- everything is all about how polished your... everything is. Your prizes, if you will.
I know they'll never go back to the way the old games were. And- ultimately- I actually kind of think the customization is actually what's keeping the franchise alive.
This really is a good game.
But that doesn't mean it's not still missing something. I'm not saying you have to make villagers be mean or to leave to fix the problems. Obviously not.
...But the unexpected was kind of nice, wasn't it?
I thought so, at least.
...also if my shovel breaks one more goddamn time i swear im gonna-
It's Kirby!! What's not to love? He's just a l'il guy! You can't hate on a l'il guy!
I played this game with my girlfriend and, to be honest, I kind of felt like we cheated a bit at some points? Not only was the combat pretty easy- but some puzzles we couldn't figure out were easy to skip with the help of a second player. ...I guess if you want a hard mode- play by yourself...? But that isn't to say that this game is not painfully easy. Cause- it is. Obviously.
Uhh- except for the final boss in that one colosseum arena type thing. ...we still haven't beat him... :(
Alright, onto the rest of the review. Starting with the bad. The plot is generic. Obviously. And I kind of feel like it was too short? I don't know. I guess I just wanted more out of this game.
But- it definitely delivers on a fun time. Excellent controls and fun, snappy, entertaining gameplay. Some challenges that do sprinkle in a kind of tough time. And there's FISHING! And- the game looks absolutely amazing! And it's so adorable.
Personally, I'd play this game with a friend. There's just something about watching waddle dee get absolutely wrecked in the corner that makes me smile...
Have fun!
I played this game with my girlfriend and, to be honest, I kind of felt like we cheated a bit at some points? Not only was the combat pretty easy- but some puzzles we couldn't figure out were easy to skip with the help of a second player. ...I guess if you want a hard mode- play by yourself...? But that isn't to say that this game is not painfully easy. Cause- it is. Obviously.
Uhh- except for the final boss in that one colosseum arena type thing. ...we still haven't beat him... :(
Alright, onto the rest of the review. Starting with the bad. The plot is generic. Obviously. And I kind of feel like it was too short? I don't know. I guess I just wanted more out of this game.
But- it definitely delivers on a fun time. Excellent controls and fun, snappy, entertaining gameplay. Some challenges that do sprinkle in a kind of tough time. And there's FISHING! And- the game looks absolutely amazing! And it's so adorable.
Personally, I'd play this game with a friend. There's just something about watching waddle dee get absolutely wrecked in the corner that makes me smile...
Have fun!
2017
This game is a plague on my switch's photo album. I didn't realize how many pictures I ended up taking until I booted up Animal Crossing afterwards and realized I was out of space!
Which is a long winded way of saying... I absolutely adored this game.
But it's not perfect. The story is generic. The bosses are way too easy... and, well, I guess that's all my complaints! Honestly, none of that even matters. This game is an absolute delight to play. I was grinning ear from ear the entire damn time.
The mechanic of taking control of objects and creatures made running around this game an absolute HOOT! And the visuals were just so adorable. And so pretty. I love practically every environment you traveled to in this game. And I loved dressing up Mario in all his funny little clothes. Like- why don't more games have dress up and photography? Is it just me that wants that?
Anyway, give this game a whirl. It's such a fun time.
Which is a long winded way of saying... I absolutely adored this game.
But it's not perfect. The story is generic. The bosses are way too easy... and, well, I guess that's all my complaints! Honestly, none of that even matters. This game is an absolute delight to play. I was grinning ear from ear the entire damn time.
The mechanic of taking control of objects and creatures made running around this game an absolute HOOT! And the visuals were just so adorable. And so pretty. I love practically every environment you traveled to in this game. And I loved dressing up Mario in all his funny little clothes. Like- why don't more games have dress up and photography? Is it just me that wants that?
Anyway, give this game a whirl. It's such a fun time.
2006
This is a terrible game with a fantastic story.
Let me get through all the glaring flaws (and there are a lot of them) before I get to what I actually like about this game. Lets start with the biggest flaw of all- and why I would never recommend this game to anyone. The combat.
It's an absolute nightmare. Horrible controls. Horribly balanced. The animation is slow- not compelling to watch- and the hit boxes... Oh, the hit boxes. It's as if this game strives to torture me for fun. Even when I'm performing well it feels as if the deck is stacked against me. I can be hit by something so far away from me- and I'm practically dead on the spot. It's unfair- and I hate it.
The controls in general also are just plain atrocious. Please, for the love of God, just watch someone else play. You'll thank yourself a million times over.
This next beat is just a personal take of mine. But I can't stand Jennifer's voice. I'm sorry. But please stop moaning. It makes me very uncomfortable girl please i am begging why is japan like this-
Also. Amanda. (cw/ tw: amanda ;-;) yes she still haunts me to this day, yes i dont want to talk about it ;-;
Alright, lets get to what I actually like. And why I rated the game a 3/5 despite it mostly being undeserving of that rating. The story. The characters. the MUSIC- ...But mostly the story. Though it takes a while to get to the heart of the story- and the road there certainly feels a bit frustrating in the way the game paces and narrates it in vague, fairytale like terms initially- it really is a good story. If utterly bleak.
I loved every minute of the story. And I love all the characters. (Yes, even the ones that utterly hate me as much as I utterly hate them.) The climax of the story... is done so well. And it's so unexpected. It's burned in my brain, that's how memorable it is.
I wish this game was better than it was. I hope- if they ever decide to do a remake- they do this game justice. It desperately needs it.
To finish this review off- I'll give some well needed warnings. This game tackles subjects such as bullying, animal cruelty, sexual assault, and body horror as well as death. If you can stomach all of that, this is a game worth experiencing. ...Just probably on Youtube.
Let me get through all the glaring flaws (and there are a lot of them) before I get to what I actually like about this game. Lets start with the biggest flaw of all- and why I would never recommend this game to anyone. The combat.
It's an absolute nightmare. Horrible controls. Horribly balanced. The animation is slow- not compelling to watch- and the hit boxes... Oh, the hit boxes. It's as if this game strives to torture me for fun. Even when I'm performing well it feels as if the deck is stacked against me. I can be hit by something so far away from me- and I'm practically dead on the spot. It's unfair- and I hate it.
The controls in general also are just plain atrocious. Please, for the love of God, just watch someone else play. You'll thank yourself a million times over.
This next beat is just a personal take of mine. But I can't stand Jennifer's voice. I'm sorry. But please stop moaning. It makes me very uncomfortable girl please i am begging why is japan like this-
Also. Amanda. (cw/ tw: amanda ;-;) yes she still haunts me to this day, yes i dont want to talk about it ;-;
Alright, lets get to what I actually like. And why I rated the game a 3/5 despite it mostly being undeserving of that rating. The story. The characters. the MUSIC- ...But mostly the story. Though it takes a while to get to the heart of the story- and the road there certainly feels a bit frustrating in the way the game paces and narrates it in vague, fairytale like terms initially- it really is a good story. If utterly bleak.
I loved every minute of the story. And I love all the characters. (Yes, even the ones that utterly hate me as much as I utterly hate them.) The climax of the story... is done so well. And it's so unexpected. It's burned in my brain, that's how memorable it is.
I wish this game was better than it was. I hope- if they ever decide to do a remake- they do this game justice. It desperately needs it.
To finish this review off- I'll give some well needed warnings. This game tackles subjects such as bullying, animal cruelty, sexual assault, and body horror as well as death. If you can stomach all of that, this is a game worth experiencing. ...Just probably on Youtube.
2021
THE MIASMAAA
This game is fun. I love this game. Even if it's flawed. Even if I can't understand shit. It's a great time.
Lets start with the bad. It can be a bit repetitive. And the story derails probably midway through. I still don't understand what the hell is going on. I'm torn on the ending. I... like it? Don't like it? It's complicated.
Also- the characters aren't as deep as I'd like. (Most of them, anyway.) But man if they aren't funny and entertaining.
Anyway- onto the good! Gameplay is fun! Art is absolutely beautiful. Sam and John are such a cute duo. I adore them so much.
I understand this game isn't for everyone. Again- the story is rather confusing. And the characters can be rather silly. It's... long. A little too long. Yet- is it weird that I loved every second of it?
Perhaps its the characters. Even the comic relief ones feel like people you might come across in your day to day life. They do all these shenanigans- and then drop some real serious shit out of the blue that make you go- wow. thats some nuance there. I really respect you, random citizen.
I also love that- when the story needs to get serious- it gets serious. (Even if you don't entirely understand what is happening.)
It's a memorable experience, at the very least, regardless of how you view it.
This game is fun. I love this game. Even if it's flawed. Even if I can't understand shit. It's a great time.
Lets start with the bad. It can be a bit repetitive. And the story derails probably midway through. I still don't understand what the hell is going on. I'm torn on the ending. I... like it? Don't like it? It's complicated.
Also- the characters aren't as deep as I'd like. (Most of them, anyway.) But man if they aren't funny and entertaining.
Anyway- onto the good! Gameplay is fun! Art is absolutely beautiful. Sam and John are such a cute duo. I adore them so much.
I understand this game isn't for everyone. Again- the story is rather confusing. And the characters can be rather silly. It's... long. A little too long. Yet- is it weird that I loved every second of it?
Perhaps its the characters. Even the comic relief ones feel like people you might come across in your day to day life. They do all these shenanigans- and then drop some real serious shit out of the blue that make you go- wow. thats some nuance there. I really respect you, random citizen.
I also love that- when the story needs to get serious- it gets serious. (Even if you don't entirely understand what is happening.)
It's a memorable experience, at the very least, regardless of how you view it.
i named my protag "lil guy" cause he's just a l'il guy :3
Anyway- onto the review! This game. It kills me. I am dying. I am dead. I am Dead the Hedgehog.
What's not to love? The art is gorgeous, the dialogue is hilarious. The characterization is so, so endearing...
...The gameplay sucks- but we can ignore that and turn on the accessibility settings, okay. lets just move past it--
Oh, and the story is pretty good! Surprisingly??? Like- what? I thought this was an April Fool's game, what-
Anyway, give this a go! It's a quick, fun time.
Anyway- onto the review! This game. It kills me. I am dying. I am dead. I am Dead the Hedgehog.
What's not to love? The art is gorgeous, the dialogue is hilarious. The characterization is so, so endearing...
...The gameplay sucks- but we can ignore that and turn on the accessibility settings, okay. lets just move past it--
Oh, and the story is pretty good! Surprisingly??? Like- what? I thought this was an April Fool's game, what-
Anyway, give this a go! It's a quick, fun time.
2011
An amazing conclusion to an amazing series. Portal 2 takes everything from Portal 1 and expands on it in such a perfect way. The puzzles are more complex, the environments are more rich, the characterization, the story, even the humor, all better than the last. And the ending is just such a flawless conclusion. I wouldn't write or direct it any other way.
I love this game so much.
I love this game so much.
2007
It's Portal!! What's not to love? It has funny and witty dialogue and characters and its puzzles and gameplay can be summed up in one sentence: "think with portals!"
Glados is probably one of my favorite characters of all time. And the ending is an absolute great time. Both in story and, of course, gameplay!
I aspire to write comedy as good as this series does...
Glados is probably one of my favorite characters of all time. And the ending is an absolute great time. Both in story and, of course, gameplay!
I aspire to write comedy as good as this series does...
I'm going to be brutally honest. I only liked 1/3rd of the game. And that 1/3rd is Connor's storyline.
Allow me to explain by starting with the storyline I disliked the most. Kara's. This isn't to say I dislike Kara as a character. Quite the opposite, really. I absolutely adore her and the rest of the characters in her story. (Same with Marcus and his characters.) But that doesn't mean that Kara's story isn't the weakest when it comes to the overall narrative and plot. Which is funny since she was marketed as being more integral. I guess they only know how to write a woman in one way- and that way is to be degraded and to be a mom. Isn't there a revolution happening? It's not like they can't write a mother's story. Or they can't tackle the common struggles that women face. I like those stories, believe it or not! It just, personally, doesn't fit in this story. Sorry.
Now onto Marcus. Who, really, is the main character of the story. Or at the very least- the protagonist that drives the most important plot along. He's a great character- I just think his story kind of fell apart at the end. And I also think the themes in his story are a bit insensitive? You can't honestly equate robots to real life racism, can you? Oh, they did. Well, at least his team are interesting characters. Oh, they aren't? Well... damn. All in all, his story tries to tell a compelling story about real life racism, but it falls flat.
Now onto Connor. The only good story in the game. (I'm only half-joking.) But what do I like about Connor? His story has characters in it that are deep. Complex. And it has a great dynamic too. This is a story about character growth. That's the shine right there. When I'm following Marcus and Kara's stories- I'm not following a story about character growth past the initial "I should rebel" moment. They are pretty static characters. If there is growth and change in them- it's not enough. Or not done as well as it is with Connor. With Hank. Marcus is- to be honest- plot focused. Not character focused. I actually prefer character focused stories. Hence why I prefer Connor's. But what about Kara? Hers is character focused! ...Kind of. To be honest- Alice isn't a compelling character. Even if I like her as a character. She's not compelling enough.
There's probably more to say that I'm missing- but this review is long enough. Anyway, everyone has their opinions. And it's not like the other stories can't be enjoyable. I enjoyed them- even if I personally thought the writing was weak or not what I wanted.
I can neither recommend nor not recommend it. It's up to you to decide.
Allow me to explain by starting with the storyline I disliked the most. Kara's. This isn't to say I dislike Kara as a character. Quite the opposite, really. I absolutely adore her and the rest of the characters in her story. (Same with Marcus and his characters.) But that doesn't mean that Kara's story isn't the weakest when it comes to the overall narrative and plot. Which is funny since she was marketed as being more integral. I guess they only know how to write a woman in one way- and that way is to be degraded and to be a mom. Isn't there a revolution happening? It's not like they can't write a mother's story. Or they can't tackle the common struggles that women face. I like those stories, believe it or not! It just, personally, doesn't fit in this story. Sorry.
Now onto Marcus. Who, really, is the main character of the story. Or at the very least- the protagonist that drives the most important plot along. He's a great character- I just think his story kind of fell apart at the end. And I also think the themes in his story are a bit insensitive? You can't honestly equate robots to real life racism, can you? Oh, they did. Well, at least his team are interesting characters. Oh, they aren't? Well... damn. All in all, his story tries to tell a compelling story about real life racism, but it falls flat.
Now onto Connor. The only good story in the game. (I'm only half-joking.) But what do I like about Connor? His story has characters in it that are deep. Complex. And it has a great dynamic too. This is a story about character growth. That's the shine right there. When I'm following Marcus and Kara's stories- I'm not following a story about character growth past the initial "I should rebel" moment. They are pretty static characters. If there is growth and change in them- it's not enough. Or not done as well as it is with Connor. With Hank. Marcus is- to be honest- plot focused. Not character focused. I actually prefer character focused stories. Hence why I prefer Connor's. But what about Kara? Hers is character focused! ...Kind of. To be honest- Alice isn't a compelling character. Even if I like her as a character. She's not compelling enough.
There's probably more to say that I'm missing- but this review is long enough. Anyway, everyone has their opinions. And it's not like the other stories can't be enjoyable. I enjoyed them- even if I personally thought the writing was weak or not what I wanted.
I can neither recommend nor not recommend it. It's up to you to decide.
2015
This review contains spoilers
This review alludes to the endings and its effect they have on the overall story- which can be considered a spoiler even if I don't go in depth. And I won't go in depth, rest assured.
I wanted to like this game. In many ways, I do. And in many ways, I don't.
We'll start with what I didn't like. The look. It just looks bad, I'm sorry. The models are just bad. The animations are sooo bad. Moving on- how about the dialogue? Is it any better? ...It's as if it's written by out of touch adults that think this is youths sound like. It's cringey, it's a bit over the top, but, at the same time- I guess it's a little endearing? Not that I still wouldn't have written and directed it differently though.
Now, the story. It's... fine? Some parts are good, some parts are bad. The plot lost itself at times. And there's only two endings despite this being a game insistent that your choices matter. I don't like that whatever you choose completely rewrites the entirety of the story. What was even the point, then?
...I guess the point is the girls. Chloe and Max. Their story- and what becomes of it. It's not like I'm not invested in them. Of course I am. But there were other characters too. Characters that the game wanted you to be invested in just as much as the girls. It's confusing from a writing standpoint.
Anyway- what did I like? I liked the story (yes, even if I think it wasn't written well) and I like the characters (even if all but two don't matter). I like the sound design. I like the time travel gimmick. I really, really like Chloe and Max. Yes, even if Chloe can be considered "bad reputation" for her borderline neglectful behavior. Not all lesbians and lesbian relationships in media need to be perfect! Take notes.
All in all, I'm torn on whether or not to recommend it. It's good and bad. You'll just have to decide for yourself.
I wanted to like this game. In many ways, I do. And in many ways, I don't.
We'll start with what I didn't like. The look. It just looks bad, I'm sorry. The models are just bad. The animations are sooo bad. Moving on- how about the dialogue? Is it any better? ...It's as if it's written by out of touch adults that think this is youths sound like. It's cringey, it's a bit over the top, but, at the same time- I guess it's a little endearing? Not that I still wouldn't have written and directed it differently though.
Now, the story. It's... fine? Some parts are good, some parts are bad. The plot lost itself at times. And there's only two endings despite this being a game insistent that your choices matter. I don't like that whatever you choose completely rewrites the entirety of the story. What was even the point, then?
...I guess the point is the girls. Chloe and Max. Their story- and what becomes of it. It's not like I'm not invested in them. Of course I am. But there were other characters too. Characters that the game wanted you to be invested in just as much as the girls. It's confusing from a writing standpoint.
Anyway- what did I like? I liked the story (yes, even if I think it wasn't written well) and I like the characters (even if all but two don't matter). I like the sound design. I like the time travel gimmick. I really, really like Chloe and Max. Yes, even if Chloe can be considered "bad reputation" for her borderline neglectful behavior. Not all lesbians and lesbian relationships in media need to be perfect! Take notes.
All in all, I'm torn on whether or not to recommend it. It's good and bad. You'll just have to decide for yourself.
This game is as equally entertaining from a writing standpoint as it is frustrating. I realize I'm probably not the intended audience, and after a certain point you should just accept that "this is where it's going now, I guess!" That that doesn't make it any less baffling, though.
There's not much to say about the gameplay. It's great! Even if some mini games are a bit annoying. This review will mostly consist of biased opinions about the story.
It's a good story. Just a bit unbelievable, is all. As someone who likes grounded stories... well- obviously this isn't a grounded story, genius! And it's not like I'm not willing to go along with it. Perhaps the main offender is the tone of the game. There are many parts in the game that actually do feel grounded in reality. From the way the characters react to things- to even how the murder cases are (somewhat) laid out. And then... things kind of go off the rails a bit. It's entertaining and fun, even some of the more outlandish concepts. But I couldn't help but want more of it. I want it to take itself more seriously. And- it does. Most of the time. Ironically, it takes even the crazy seriously. Which I guess I can commend! It's just not what I personally want.
And- you mean to tell me the mastermind of this game is... them?
No, I won't spoil who it is. But that doesn't mean I like that decision. Even if I like the character.
Anyway, despite all my criticisms, this game is honestly great. Great story (even if it's very anime and "...huh??") and great characters. I love you, Monokuma! You complete absolute weirdo.
On the topic of him though- does Japan really need to act like that to its female characters? Common, guys, they're underage.
Anyway, give this a play. It's actually a really great time.
There's not much to say about the gameplay. It's great! Even if some mini games are a bit annoying. This review will mostly consist of biased opinions about the story.
It's a good story. Just a bit unbelievable, is all. As someone who likes grounded stories... well- obviously this isn't a grounded story, genius! And it's not like I'm not willing to go along with it. Perhaps the main offender is the tone of the game. There are many parts in the game that actually do feel grounded in reality. From the way the characters react to things- to even how the murder cases are (somewhat) laid out. And then... things kind of go off the rails a bit. It's entertaining and fun, even some of the more outlandish concepts. But I couldn't help but want more of it. I want it to take itself more seriously. And- it does. Most of the time. Ironically, it takes even the crazy seriously. Which I guess I can commend! It's just not what I personally want.
And- you mean to tell me the mastermind of this game is... them?
No, I won't spoil who it is. But that doesn't mean I like that decision. Even if I like the character.
Anyway, despite all my criticisms, this game is honestly great. Great story (even if it's very anime and "...huh??") and great characters. I love you, Monokuma! You complete absolute weirdo.
On the topic of him though- does Japan really need to act like that to its female characters? Common, guys, they're underage.
Anyway, give this a play. It's actually a really great time.
2022
This is probably the best Sonic game to come out as of late. Dare I say- the best Sonic game of all time? Or at least- it's way up there.
I love almost everything about this game. From the writing to the gameplay. Everything new they did- they did perfectly. I love the open zone format and I hope- like the boost- it stays for games to come.
Sonic controls well in the open zone. It's fun to explore- even if there's not much to see (which is my only complaint regarding the open zones.) As for more complaints though- while I like how he controls outside of Cyberspace- it's when he's in Cyberspace that things get frustrating. The controls are different- as they should be. But they're done poorly. Which is hard to understand why. In the Day stages for Sonic Unleashed, Sonic controlled perfectly. Surely you shouldn't fix what isn't broken? That's the biggest flaw to this game.
Before we move onto the story- might I add- all those mini games introduced? Perfect. I want Sonic to incorporate mini games again. Sue me!
Lets move onto the story. It had a great set up. But- to be honest- the ending was bad. I won't spoil it- but it definitely could've been done better- not only from how it was written- but what the ending boss ultimately was decided to be. It wasn't a fun gameplay experience either, let me tell you.
No matter how poor the ending was- the story was still fun from start to finish. The way the characters are written- it makes them feel like people. They have nuance. They react to things as a grounded, real person would. It's so refreshing to see. It really endears you to the characters all over again. I can only hope they keep this characterization onto the next game.
My final thoughts can be summed up into- ironically- the form of a question.
Where's the Chao Garden, Sega? This game would've been perfect for it!
Anyway, definitely play this. It's fantastic.
I love almost everything about this game. From the writing to the gameplay. Everything new they did- they did perfectly. I love the open zone format and I hope- like the boost- it stays for games to come.
Sonic controls well in the open zone. It's fun to explore- even if there's not much to see (which is my only complaint regarding the open zones.) As for more complaints though- while I like how he controls outside of Cyberspace- it's when he's in Cyberspace that things get frustrating. The controls are different- as they should be. But they're done poorly. Which is hard to understand why. In the Day stages for Sonic Unleashed, Sonic controlled perfectly. Surely you shouldn't fix what isn't broken? That's the biggest flaw to this game.
Before we move onto the story- might I add- all those mini games introduced? Perfect. I want Sonic to incorporate mini games again. Sue me!
Lets move onto the story. It had a great set up. But- to be honest- the ending was bad. I won't spoil it- but it definitely could've been done better- not only from how it was written- but what the ending boss ultimately was decided to be. It wasn't a fun gameplay experience either, let me tell you.
No matter how poor the ending was- the story was still fun from start to finish. The way the characters are written- it makes them feel like people. They have nuance. They react to things as a grounded, real person would. It's so refreshing to see. It really endears you to the characters all over again. I can only hope they keep this characterization onto the next game.
My final thoughts can be summed up into- ironically- the form of a question.
Where's the Chao Garden, Sega? This game would've been perfect for it!
Anyway, definitely play this. It's fantastic.
This game is what Pokemon should strive to mold itself into. But that doesn't mean it doesn't come without its faults. While I think this is probably the best Pokemon game to come out onto the switch at the time of writing this review- that doesn't mean this is a good game by any stretch of the means.
It still suffers from the things that all Pokemon games suffer from. Poor story (though the characters are better than they have been as of late), turn based combat that- while I think is done better in this rendition- is still a type of combat style that is outdated, in my biased opinion. And this game also suffers from a lack of things to do. Especially places to visit and see. Which used to be the point of Pokemon.
I think the gameplay loop of catching wild pokemon in this game is great. But it's not enough. I think the way they handled the boss battles in this game is great! But it's not enough. Everything new they did in this game was great. But it's still the same boring Pokemon we've been subjected to.
If Pokemon wants to survive- they need to make a big change. Not small changes. People want a Pokemon experience they've never experienced before.
This is in the right direction. It just needs some more innovation. Pokemon is an amazing IP with endless potential and possibilities! They can do better, I know it.
It still suffers from the things that all Pokemon games suffer from. Poor story (though the characters are better than they have been as of late), turn based combat that- while I think is done better in this rendition- is still a type of combat style that is outdated, in my biased opinion. And this game also suffers from a lack of things to do. Especially places to visit and see. Which used to be the point of Pokemon.
I think the gameplay loop of catching wild pokemon in this game is great. But it's not enough. I think the way they handled the boss battles in this game is great! But it's not enough. Everything new they did in this game was great. But it's still the same boring Pokemon we've been subjected to.
If Pokemon wants to survive- they need to make a big change. Not small changes. People want a Pokemon experience they've never experienced before.
This is in the right direction. It just needs some more innovation. Pokemon is an amazing IP with endless potential and possibilities! They can do better, I know it.