The main character of NITW, Mae, is incredibly rude, immature, and irresponsible. This game is Mae's story, rather than the player's, and that left a huge disconnect between what was happening in the game and how I wanted the events to unfold. There were dialogue options, dialogue sequences, and events that Mae carries out that paint her as a selfish idiot. Having a despicable main character isn't damning on its own, but what really grinds my gears is that many of the selfish things Mae does are either retroactively made out to be justified, or they are hardly acknowledged and she faces no consequences for them.

Beyond my gripes with Mae, the game is sometimes obnoxiously slow paced. The routine of walking left for a few minutes each in game day to start the next scripted event, the lack of a run button, dialogue that doesn't relate to any existing characters or plot threads that also isn't funny, insightful, or interesting, corridors with nothing to interact with and no interesting visuals. It felt like my time was being wasted many times throughout the game.

The pacing of the story is also very strange and I found it unsatisfying. The first half of the game is mostly exposition for Mae's life and hometown, which is fine, but then out of nowhere the genre of the game shifts from a slice of life walking sim into a mystery narrative based game. The thing that ruined the last quarter of the game for me was that it felt extremely disconnected from the rest of the game. The mystery has next to nothing to do with any of the existing characters and entirely derails the narrative focus away from Mae learning what she should do next with her life and how to improve herself as a person. This leads to a very confusing ending where Mae hasn't actually grown at all and leaves the entire story feeling pointless.

There were definitely some good moments in the game, but they are far outnumbered by the boring or frustrating moments.

A proper sequel to Super Mario Bros. 3 - inventive, fresh, and constantly surprising.

Nintendo has finally shed all traditions for Mario platformers and focused on making the games fun first and foremost which makes this one of the, if not THE best side-scrolling Mario adventure.

Even without the gimmick of Wonder seeds every level is inventive and unique, usually featuring at least one new enemy, which is insane for modern Mario. I always wanted to see what was waiting for me next. And while some enemies can be described as an "underwater koopa", presentation goes a long way to not make them feel like that.

Speaking of, presentation of this game is sublime. Even if you do venture through grasslands, beaches, deserts, and volcanoes, they always feel different. My favorite was the desert world which took a theme I usually find boring and applied some incredibly creative themes as well as jaw-droppingly stunning backgrounds.

If there is one thing that I wished this game had is more challenge. The game has tons of assist options: additional characters that take no damage, badges, and quite a few small "break time" levels which will surely help less experienced players get enough wonder seeds to open up new levels and progress. Despite that, it never really wanted to be as hard as it could be. I've cleared one of the very final post-game levels in three tries without help from any badges. Again, don't get me wrong, it was a spectacular level, but I wish game had just a few more levels in the vein of Mario World post-game or even extra levels of 3D World.

Hell, maybe I'm so Mario-poisoned I don't know what a hard Mario level is anymore, but considering the weird path to unlcoking Grandmaster Galaxy and sheer amount of extra content culminating in Champion Road of 3D World, I feel like Nintendo really could've thrown a bone to people who are experienced with sidescrollers.

Nonetheless, this game is a joy, pure and simple.

Garfield's Nightmare is a Nintendo DS game that has taken the gaming world by storm, captivating players of all ages with its unparalleled gameplay, stunning visuals, and immersive storyline. In this extensive review, we will explore why Garfield's Nightmare is objectively the best game ever made, leaving no room for argument.

1. Engaging Gameplay Mechanics:
Garfield's Nightmare boasts a unique blend of platforming, puzzle-solving, and action elements, offering an incredibly diverse and engaging gameplay experience. Players take control of the beloved Garfield character as he embarks on a thrilling adventure through dreamlike landscapes, overcoming obstacles, and battling foes. The game seamlessly combines exploration, combat, and problem-solving, ensuring that players are constantly stimulated and entertained.

2. Innovative Use of Dual Screens:
One of the standout features of Garfield's Nightmare is its brilliant utilization of the Nintendo DS's dual screens. The top screen provides an immersive gameplay view, while the touch-sensitive bottom screen serves as an interactive tool for solving puzzles and interacting with the game world. This innovative use of the DS's hardware elevates the gameplay to new heights and demonstrates the game's commitment to pushing boundaries.

3. Captivating Storyline:
Garfield's Nightmare presents a captivating storyline that effortlessly captures the essence of the iconic Garfield comics. The game takes players on a thrilling journey through Garfield's dreams, unveiling a narrative filled with mystery, humor, and heartwarming moments. Each level immerses players in a different dream scenario, ensuring a constant sense of excitement and curiosity as the story unfolds.

4. Impeccable Visuals and Art Direction:
Visually, Garfield's Nightmare is a masterpiece. The game's art direction combines vibrant colors, detailed character designs, and beautifully rendered environments, bringing the Garfield universe to life in stunning detail. The graphics on the Nintendo DS are utilized to their fullest potential, resulting in a visually impressive experience that remains unparalleled even by contemporary standards.

5. Stellar Sound Design:
Garfield's Nightmare also delivers an exceptional auditory experience. From the iconic voice acting to the lively background music, the game's sound design complements the gameplay and enhances the overall immersion. The whimsical and energetic tunes perfectly capture the essence of the Garfield franchise, making it a delight for both fans and newcomers alike.

6. Extensive Replayability:
The best games are those that offer replay value, and Garfield's Nightmare excels in this aspect. The game features multiple levels, secrets to uncover, and collectibles to find, encouraging players to revisit completed stages and explore every nook and cranny. Additionally, the game's charming and addictive gameplay ensures that players will want to return to it time and time again.

7. Universal Appeal:
Garfield's Nightmare transcends age boundaries, making it a game that can be enjoyed by players of all generations. Its timeless humor, relatable characters, and accessible gameplay mechanics make it a game that can bring families together and create lasting memories.


In conclusion, Garfield's Nightmare is objectively the best game ever made. Its engaging gameplay mechanics, innovative use of the DS's dual screens, captivating storyline, impeccable visuals, stellar sound design, extensive replayability, and universal appeal all contribute to its unparalleled excellence. This game has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry and has solidified its place as a true gem in the gaming world. Garfield's Nightmare is an absolute must-play for any gaming enthusiast, and its status as the best game ever made is irrefutable.