For a game that was clearly inspired by Star Fox, I was saddened to find that it was devoid of the charm that made those games so great.
Teratopia‘s biggest flaw is that it doesn’t know what kind of game it wanted to be. It has beyond basic controls, but it’s too hard for children to play. It looks like an adorable kid’s game and has lots of silly humor, but then there are random moments of adult level jokes and references. I’m honestly not sure who this game is meant for. Let’s just save us all some trouble and say it’s not enjoyable for anyone.
Iris.Fall might not break any new ground in terms of gameplay, but what it brings to the table it does well. There are some pacing issues due to severe difficulty spikes with a couple of its puzzles, but for the most part it delivers an enjoyable (albeit short) experience.
This had the potential to be their best game to date, but due to the direction they chose to take it at the very end, it all fell apart. It’s crazy to think just how much five minutes can kill the whole experience.
For the most part, Spiritfarer is a charming and upbeat game, but it covers the themes of death and loss with seriousness and respect. I was genuinely shocked by just how much I came to care about the spirits in my care. Learning about them and helping them move on gave the management sim side of the game have a lot more meaning.
Call of the Sea wasn’t quite what I expected, but that’s not a bad thing. It surprised me in a lot of ways. While the ending was easy to guess early on, the writing for the rest of the story was so strong that I still found it compelling.
It’s an ambitious game, but one that doesn’t overstay its welcome. Without a doubt, this is one path worth traveling.
Despite not having all of the same humor as the original, it still has the same storylines and puzzles as before. Returning fans to the game should have no problem jumping right into the action. Plus, people unfamiliar with the game will be delightfully entertained by its wackiness and hare-brained schemes (see what I did there?).
With the updated graphics, reworked gameplay mechanics, and new content, Observer: System Redux is a treat for those already familiar with it and newcomers alike. If you haven’t already checked it out, then now would be a good time to do so.
The song list might not be the most varied in terms of genres and styles to choose from, but you can subscribe to their Unlimited service to open much more options. I may have looked like a squid having a seizure while playing it, but I’ve never had more fun doing so.
Even though I guessed what was really going on, I still enjoyed every second of this game. Mostly due to the delightful banter between Sonny and Marty. The end leaves room for a sequel and I personally can’t wait to see what the Chicken Police are in store for on their next adventure.
The only thing I can say for certain is in an ironic twist, all this game really made me want to do is drink a bunch of hipster craft brews. I might have actually gone out and bought a bunch after playing this game. Ok, I absolutely did. Cheers!
Considering this is Nodding Heads Games first outing, I’m thoroughly impressed with the results. The combat is fun, the environments are gorgeous, and the mythos is a refreshing plunge into new territory.
All Oddworld: New ‘N’ Tasty! managed to do was frustrate me. However, it did make me appreciate the controls in Oddworld: Munch’s Oddysee more. Honestly, if you’re new to the franchise, it might even be better to just skip ahead to Oddworld: Stranger’s Wrath. At least those gameplay mechanics feel like something more from this era.
Horace is a game of great challenge, quirky humor, and heart-wrenching storytelling, all wrapped up in an adorable package. You simply cannot let this game pass you by. I’m certainly glad I didn’t.
While Agatha Christie: The ABC Murders has the right idea in terms of how to best present a murder mystery in video game form, it unfortunately misses the mark. Having to exit the game and come back after completing a few tasks really kills the immersion and flow. I also think not making use of the Switch’s touchscreen was a huge missed opportunity.
On one hand, it does have an interesting premise with some truly original ideas, but on the other, I found many of them to be a bit undercooked. The mysterious nature of the case was compelling and kept me intrigued along the way. However, it left many questions unanswered and ended with a weird and somewhat unsatisfying conclusion.
The bizarre combination of genres and gameplay elements was enough to pique my interest, but it delivered far more than I expected. Most of the puzzles are a lot of fun and highly diversified. The wonderfully interwoven storylines kept me captivated through to the end.
Projection: First Light is a game that not only surprised me with its concept, but with its solid execution. It has a simple, yet incredible idea that I’m shocked hasn’t been utilized before. At least to this degree. The art style is beautiful with a subtle grace that adds to the whimsy of its narrative.
I have to say that while I was expecting to enjoy Hades mainly on the merit that it’s a Supergiant Games title, I wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. Everything from the premise, the art style, sound design, and combat are masterfully done. I can’t put this game down and I’m not even a big fan of roguelikes.