GameGrin's Reviews
Time trials, speed potting and high score challenges all sit alongside the game's main career mode, and while they're all perfectly serviceable game types, it's Pure Pool's multiplayer that really stops the repetitive nature of the game from sticking its claws in.
Don't let its strange premise fool you, Hatoful Boyfriend delivers a masterful satire on the dating sim genre and a thoroughly enjoyable experience all the way through. Underneath its absurd setting, Hatoful boasts a well thought out world, enjoyable characters and clever writing that give the game its quirky feel. Plus, birds in maid outfits.
Every aspect of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor feels like it was designed to be the ultimate power trip. At the same time, thanks to nemesis, your actions have very direct and visible consequences on the world you inhabit. It's this combination that makes Shadow of Mordor not only an excellent game, but one which sets the standard for all open-world titles to come.
It took me a while to get into Alien: Isolation and, I can't imagine that everyone will enjoy it but, if you're a fan of either the Alien series or scaring yourself into next Tuesday, I'd suggest giving it a try. The story itself isn't particularly inspired, but it's more about the parts in between the story that work for Isolation.
The core elements of the game are all very good: story, visuals and gameplay are top notch, but they don't combine particularly well. The lofty ideas of player independence are held back by the need to tell a convincing story and the narrative can conversely be held back by the degree of player agency that does exist. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is an enjoyable short game by all accounts, the sum just isn't quite as good as the parts.
As gamers, we've certainly become a lot more demanding for original and varied content across the stretch of a game, and while repetition and score-beating held up well 30 years ago, it's not the case anymore. For series fans looking for a temporary time machine this'll do the trick, for most other gamers, it's a simple reminder of gaming's brilliant, but dated, past.
Destiny is a game that has some bad storytelling and some unbalanced multiplayer, but the core gameplay is one of the best in the genre and the design of the universe is one of the finest examples I've ever seen. The years Bungie have put into this game's development are clearly seen here. With plenty of content to continue to play past the end of the story, and more coming, it's a great game that deserves your time.
CounterSpy may have it flaws but what makes it stand out is the visual style and design. It is, however, short but with cross buy and cross save on PlayStation it might just be that Spy-filler your looking for.
While Capcom did give plenty of warning that this game would only run at 30 fps, the poorness of the port wil put many PC gamers off. If you can put up with that though the game is enjoyable and satisfying, with some very clever simplifications.
It's these sorts of missing gameplay pieces, often inexplicably so, that leave The Sims 4 feeling incomplete. While what does exist makes for a fun game, as a long-time fan of the series I found myself constantly looking for tools and items that don't exist. The Sims 4 feels barebones, and unusually so even for a base game. One can only hope Maxis and EA make up for it with the inevitable line of expansion and stuff packs.
Risen 3 never ventures into uncharted territory, but remains enjoyable thanks to a beautiful and varied world, solid questing and interesting level design.
Velocity 2X is an excellent digital title that delivers more than just a little substance for its modest price. While certain aspects could do with some slight refinements, i.e. some iffy controls and repetitive stages, the title as a whole is leagues better than most titles that claim to be as innovative as Velocity.
It’s an enjoyable game which doesn’t really have any flaws. And given it's in Early Access, it will probably gain missing features over the coming weeks.
Highly recommended for anyone who had a chance to play it when it came out 17 years ago. Even if you didn't think much of it back then, its still worth a look. For newcomers to the series should at least borrow it from a friend or look at playthroughs. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but overall this remaster has set a good example on how remakes should be done!
If you are a fan of the series or the enre you will find this title to be instantly intuitive to you and you will likely slip back into the old mind set. If you are new to the genre and are interested I would suggest you give it a go. If you are not interested in adventuring point and clicks This game has no real departure from the original formula so I do not think there will be anything to convert you.
Ultimately, Wayward Manor was a fun game with a great story and, most importantly, something I wouldn't have minded dropping $10 on Steam for. The game is short, but has some solid replay value and is good for a quick break. The game has Gaiman's signature storytelling style and the puzzles are open-ended enough for multiple run-throughs.
It's not a bad game by any means, just very niche and gets incredibly difficult very quickly. If you like to take your time and enjoy a bit of a storyline you should definitely look elsewhere.
Gods Will Be Watching isn't fun. It's draining, sometimes harrowing and nearly always frustrating. Yet it's worth it. It's the emotional catharsis that makes this game moreish, the cultural counterpoint to the mindless mayhem of GTA that makes it important.
If you enjoy hack 'n slash titles and are able to drown out dialogue with some loud upbeat music then Sacred 3 will fill your boots nicely - otherwise, you'll end up facepalming so hard you may inhale your open palm.
Whilst being nice and simple, it's effective. Much like Duck Game, Toto Temple Deluxe had me screaming and laughing for quite a while. Variety of maps and various modes make for endless hours of fun for you and your friends.