Trevor Gould's Reviews
Even with an inconveniently designed save system, Lunark is a game I'll look back fondly on for reaching the highest of highs. It's easily one of my favorite titles in recent years, one I'll undoubtedly revisit. A must-play for cinematic platformer fans, Lunark's full of surprises, bound to leave lasting positive impressions with players. If this is indie studio Canari Games' first release, I can't wait to see what they come up with next.
My gaming acumen recognizes Rakuen: Deluxe Edition as a high-quality release that checks most of the right boxes. At the same time, this is a title I simply never want to play again and am anxious to forget. Its heavy-handed final act is unpleasantly predictable, making a game that felt fresh feel paradoxically clichéd. People grieve differently, and many will meld with this finished product. But I'm left saying it's a good game that's not for me: too bitter without enough sweetness to offset it.
Papertris is solid for its budget price. While I would've liked more options (and a consistent challenge), it's a game built off classics. Local and online leaderboards help, too.
Colossal Cave was a classic text adventure, but whether this reimagined take is "the adventure you've longed for" might boil down to your tolerance for dated elements. So much has changed in the decades since the original title, and the developer and Roberta Williams were household names in the gaming community. Going through the passages of this non-linear adventure can still be a mysterious, secret-filled romp. But it's likely best tackled with a good dose of nostalgia.
The shadow of a prior collection from mere months earlier, plus the fact that this is pricier (while still feeling incomplete), is tough to ignore. Yet there are still plenty of good games here, so Wonder Boy Anniversary Collection is one to grab on sale.
Alphadia Neo is a steadily entertaining RPG for 15 hours, give or take your side quest consumption. Extra challenges and a handful of post-game extras are a bonus. With enjoyable battling and fun fishing, this one is better than the sum of its parts and comes recommended.
I see Papetura having a broad appeal to both fans of cinematic puzzle platformers and graphic adventures. It doesn't overstay its welcome, yet it feels fully realized. It grew on me, and I suspect I'm not alone. With attractive visuals, a captivating world, and more, this game is well worth your attention.
Super Kiwi 64 is pretty decent overall and won't hurt your wallet. That said, despite the many things working in its favor, it has a rough around the edges feel I didn't expect. A patch may determine if this a game you go back to every so often or if it's a one-and-done deal.
Paradise Marsh seems less concerned about being an "adventure" and more about delivering feelings. Some will no doubt appreciate its efforts. Others, like me, might feel it needs to work harder at providing what's advertised. I feel bad knocking a solo dev's first release, but I sincerely enjoyed little of my short time with this game, same as our contributor with whom I sought a second opinion. The visual and gameplay repetition combine with other shortcomings to make a forgettable title. Next time.
Whether you're looking for a nostalgic kick, curious to check out rare titles, or looking to bone up on games of a bygone era, Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration has you covered. Yes, some odd omissions, seemingly from something other than licensing, leave you wondering. And there are numerous redundant and "one time is enough" games. But the rare gems are worth finding, playing, and replaying.
Arkanoid Eternal Battle is an approachable game that delivers some timeless fun. But much like Bubble Bobble 4 Friends, it's another Taito arcade classic that's taken one step forward, two steps back. It brings less content to the table while asking for more money from the players. With online being something of a ghost town, I suggest waiting for a price reduction.
Beeny knows what it is, and the 99-cent price reflects that. While pretty good is probably the most it could hope for with its scant content, it is fun while it lasts. The enjoyable graphics and music certainly help, too.
While those more familiar with the series might have some gripes, Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival was an excellent introduction for me. No worries about being overly skilled at these types of games; you'll have a good time, especially if you have friends in the room for a party-type setting. But even more solo gamers will have the main story and many unlockables to keep them busy. Whether competing or cooperating, this could be a ton of fun for family gatherings.
Murder on the Marine Express has plenty of issues, an unlikeable lead being chief among them. But, for better or worse, it doesn't overstay its welcome due to its two-hour length. For the budget price, genre fans can wishlist it and hope for a more developed sequel.
Though not the flashiest, After Wave: Downfall is a pretty good release for fans of the shooter genre. While it has a dated look, the water theme and enemy diversity make it a somewhat unique game that I'd recommend for co-op players. While tackling it solo is less enjoyable, there's more than enough to keep you busy here, and you'll have to play for quite a while before you unlock everything.
It's not blowing it out of proportion to say that Pac-Man is one of the most significant characters in video game history. He's so widely known and loved; that alone may be enough for some to pick up his latest release. Others with a fondness for the fledgling days of 3D platformers will find PAC-MAN WORLD Re-PAC is a good release that grows on you, even with its dated aspects. The pros definitely outweigh the cons, and $29.99 is a fair launch price for a physical game.
Treehouse Riddle isn't bad for what it is, a niche puzzle game. If you're part of that niche, and the thought of busting out pen and paper to solve complex math problems appeals to you, by all means, this is a satisfactory implementation. But the lack of variety keeps me from giving this a broad recommendation as a good game since I didn't enjoy my time enough with it. The unique setting, solid story, and good music only go so far.
Much like Wind Peaks, Like No Other: The Legend Of The Twin Books is a family-friendly release that has left me wanting more. I like the game (and the studio that made it), but I seriously question the content for the price. So wishlist this title and hope a sequel adds more of the good stuff while adjusting some things that didn't quite land.
Overall, Gale of Windoria is one of the more average RPGs I've played. The story is uneven, the battle system options largely unnecessary, and the lack of post-game content makes it an outlier amongst its contemporaries. So while the breezy familiarity can hold some appeal for fans, if you're looking for stuff you haven't seen before, I'd look elsewhere.
I'd like to see a longer sequel go all-out with the soundtrack, but Growbot's fun characters and unique puzzles make it a good choice, albeit one for a future sale.