Chad Johnson's Reviews
Project Blue isn’t going to be remembered as your favorite or the best NES game ever released, but it is yet another solid throwback title, despite missing a few elements that would’ve elevated it to something that would be more of a must-play across the board opposed to a must play if you’re a fan of retro games.
El Paso, Elsewhere is a game that has a solid foundation that is plagued by so much bloat and glitches that I wouldn’t feel right recommending it in its current state. Unless you really want to experience the narrative and solid soundtrack, there isn’t much to see here after the first 20 or so levels, and it just gets worse from there.
I may be in the minority on this one, but Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition was a big miss for me. I couldn't get into the repetitive level design, fighting the same small pool of enemies, and dealing with one of the worst arsenals in first-person gaming. The only redeeming feature for me was the ability to play as a dog, which was something that was short-lived as the novelty wore off within a few levels.
How 2 Escape is a game that I would only recommend to those who have a love for escape rooms and share that affinity with someone in their life. It will test your IQ, your patience, and your relationship in ways you may never have experienced elsewhere. May the odds be in your favor.
Since a sledgehammer runs about $100 and destruction of property charges can vary depending on your location, Demolish & Build Classic is an affordable way to experience demolition work, but it’s much less entertaining than the real deal. This almost falls into the “so bad it’s good” territory, but the issues severely outweigh the positives. If you’re really looking for a demo sim, I would recommend the 2017 entry over this one, or you could just apply to work on a construction crew and get money in exchange for your time.
If you consider yourself a patient person with a love for horror, Lempo is a game that deserves your attention - just keep in mind that it will likely leave you wandering around for what feels like hours on end until something clicks within your brain. It features some of the best puzzles I have invested myself in from recent memory, and captures the feeling of being lost in the woods to a tee.
By the time the credits rolled, I was exhausted. Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle presents a passable throwback narrative with some key flourishes that showcase the love for the genre that the developers have, but sadly, most of this game misses the mark. It is an action title hiding behind the inkling of survival horror. There really isn’t much here in terms of horror – just some random jump scares here and there that are usually nothing more than a lightbulb exploding or a thud emitting from the room around the corner. Clocking in at just under eight hours (with at least a third of that time being cinematics), with unlimited ammo being the only alternate mode or bonus feature, there isn’t much to do once you’ve finished it.
The Bridge Curse: Road to Salvation is easily one of the better indie horror games of the past decade. It doesn’t overstay its welcome, has a decent narrative, and has some genuine horror bits if you’re willing to put in the work. I would even argue that Softstar Entertainment would’ve been a better choice to remake Silent Hill 2 after jumping into my first entry from them.
Everspace 2 isn’t perfection, but much like your favorite kid, it doesn’t need to be. At the end of the day, it’s an enjoyable experience that will give back what you put into it.
Deadliest Catch: The Game is easily one of the worst games I have played this year, or any year for that matter. There is literally no redeeming feature here - fans of the show will likely be outraged at how badly the license has been handled, and simulation fans will be let down by the downright broken state this game was released in.
At the end of the day, it looks and plays like a game from 1997. This is still a great game, and if this is the only way you can experience it in 2023, I would recommend it – but don’t expect the same level of care that was given to the likes of Doom 64, Quake, or Doom 3. Except for Quake 64. That one still kicks so much ass it almost makes up for the mild shortcomings in the other options.
I easily spent more time sitting in lobbies and loading screens than in the actual game. In one instance I cycled through lobby after lobby for more than an hour failing time and time again due to either a disconnect, not enough players, or when I was holding my ground in an attempt to try out the last of the characters I hadn’t got to in my other sessions. The success of the game will likely hinge on how the online community runs with it, and since there isn’t an offline component, there’s a good possibility this will be dead on arrival and will shred your money like a chainsaw to the gut.
One of the most enjoyable co-op experiences.
It scratched the itch I have for more Elden Ring without feeling overly difficult for the sake of being difficult.
Layers of Fear is easy to recommend to new players with an affinity for psychological experiences.
One of the most entertaining modern-retro games I have played in quite some time.
About as much fun as an anal probe without consent or anesthesia.
Easily the weakest game in the series.
The visuals have come a long way from the first entry while keeping the retro visuals intact, almost like going from an Oregon Trail vibe to something that could’ve realistically been released on the Super Nintendo
Saga of Sins manages to set itself aside from other Metroidvania-style games thanks to its unique aesthetic that goes all in with the religious themes and throwback gameplay. While it doesn’t get everything right, its sins are minor and could be easily overlooked if you choose to aid Cecil in his journey.