Kevin Hunt's Reviews
Prey has problems, but it’s still a titan of atmospheric storytelling. Despite its failings as a horror game, and despite its immense amount of technical issues (which will hopefully be patched away), it is still an engaging experience that should keep you hooked throughout. The variety in playstyle, the satisfying and unique powers and weapons, the masterfully crafted atmosphere and level design elevate Prey but it never quite reaches escape velocity, and remains pleasantly in orbit.
I don't understand theHunter: Call of the Wild. That isn't some philosophical remark, I don't understand how to play the game. I don't understand how to hunt effectively. I don't understand how to stalk an animal properly. I don't understand why animals want to mate even after having just been shot. I don't understand why the game is so buggy. I don't understand how it could have been released in the state it is in. theHunter: Call of the Wild is a bad hunting game, and it doesn't have anything else going for it.
There is not much to say; and in no way is that a mark against The Witness. On all accounts The Witness exceeds as a puzzle game; in a visually satisfying and perfectly challenging way it presents puzzles for the player to solve. I want to rant and rave about all the puzzles I solved, I want to convene with others and pick their brains over the challenging ones, I want to describe in vast detail the great variety of challenges The Witness presents. But all of this would do a disservice to The Witness; a truly marvelous game which, to the curious problem solver, simply must be played. I wish there were more to add but there is no story, there is no soundtrack, there is no combat, there is no antagonist, there are no upgrades, there is nothing except line puzzles. And in that regard The Witness is a perfect game.
For a frenetic, satisfying, and incredibly exhilarating experience no game even comes close to what Respawn have created. Most games begin as your pilot exits a dropship, sometimes with a drunk named Barker encouraging you with promises of drinks and celebration. I’ll let him have the last word: “Prepare for titanfall… I love saying that!”
Grow Home is an endearing title. Throwing BUD around like a robotic rag-doll is a satisfying and heartwarming affair. For the price and duration it can’t be beat, a completely self-contained game that sets the expectations low and manages to deliver an amazing experience. It’s a cheap, silly, and quick experience that will leave your hands sweaty and MOM very proud of you.
If Abzu existed alone, it’d be in its own class. However it has a titan of non-verbal storytelling to contend with. And while in many ways it is excellent, it just can’t quite live up to what came before. However even falling short of perfection leads to greatness, and Abzu is in so many ways great. A game that is absolutely worth every penny, a unique experience, and a truly breathtaking title. If you were curious about this oddly named experience, dive down into its depths and you should find a real treasure.