Last Word on Gaming
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So, would I recommend it? I think you have to be a real fan of the genre to want to stick with it all the way through (or really obsessed with Lovecraft). While the characters and setting are interesting, the middle sections of each case drag on a bit too long. And I would have liked it to be creepier for a horror game. Check it out if you’re a fan of visual novels and you want a new one to try out.
I worried as I progressed through Jars that the game would start to become repetitive but what Mousetrap Games have done is add enough variety to keep things fresh and keep you constantly thinking about your next strategy. The increasing difficulty level is pitched perfectly and this is a fabulous example of how to do a puzzle and tower defense game to the very highest standard. Cutscenes are well-timed to provide a breather from the 2D puzzle action although the lack of touchscreen capability is a shame as this could have made the game even better. Overall this is a game that deserves its place in any gamers library.
The only issue I have is with the difficulty of Gleylancer but what I have been reminded of is just what a crime it was that this game never got the exposure it deserved back in 1992 and what Ratalaika have done is perfectly bring back an absolute hidden gem to allow everyone to experience what is one of the best shmups that have ever been made and quite simply I say to you all – go and buy this game, go and enjoy this game and to Ratalaika I just say thank you for saving a piece of gaming history from being forgotten.
No Longer Home is a short game. To be honest, I expected it to be a bit longer given the price, and I felt a bit frustrated that I barely scratched the surface in terms of finding out who Ao and Bo actually are. My favorite part is right at the start. In the prologue, you get to see Ao and Bo having their first proper (drunken) conversation. It is exactly like watching yourself in your twenties – going from ‘I barely know you’ to ‘let’s have an incredibly deep philosophical conversation about the meaning of life’ in about thirty seconds. You get to see them click together, a fledgling friendship right at the start. And it’s really nice to watch. Do their conversations become a bit pretentious and self-centered? Well, yeah, sometimes. But then again, I think I remember being like that in my early twenties, too. Overall, it was a surprisingly emotionally complex game, but a lot shorter than I’d liked. Still, I’d recommend giving it a go if you’re after a new indie game for the Switch.
The Lightbringer isn’t a perfect game but for all of its faults, it is a game that plucked at my nostalgia with its platforming capabilities. Exploring each level is a challenging and fun experience that kept me engaged from start to finish. The increase in difficulty as the levels wore on kept me on my toes too and made sure that the gameplay never lapsed or become uninteresting. For any fan of the platforming genre, this is a game I can highly recommend picking up even if the combat is limited at times.
It is times like this that I love gaming so very much just for its simplicity, and developers such as Diplodocus really should be applauded for delivering a truly joyous, albeit brief experience to gamers. Imagine what they could do with a bigger budget!
I have my gripes with NBA 2K22 for sure, but for the most part, it delivers such an entertaining Basketball experience that it’s hard to dislike it. MyTEAM is a wonderful game mode full of life that could keep anyone playing for hours, and MyCareer is as addictive as always, and also cut back on some of the mode’s previous issues. Although I’m not ecstatic about defending and shooting, they’re things that can be worked around by a good player and won’t derail my enjoyment of the game anytime soon.
G-Darius HD is a great example of a retro arcade game and has plenty to keep players with it until the end. The modern tweaks and save states do wonders to keep casual players invested, while hardcore fans can ignore them. However, one suspects that casual players won’t be too interested in a game of this style anyway so there is that to consider. Overall, this is a highly addictive game.
Though it took a few years to release, it’s safe to say that Deltarune Chapter 2 is a success. While Chapter 1 was an enjoyable romp, featuring a story with various twists and turns, Chapter 2 is an improvement in virtually every way. It’s clear that Toby Fox put considerable love into this project, and the fact that it’s available to download at no cost makes it a no-brainer for curious gamers. If I were to levy any criticism toward Chapter 2, it’s that it’s over too soon, though this is a credit more so toward Fox’s work than anything else. Both Deltarune Chapters 1 and 2 are entirely free, with subsequent chapters able to be purchased once they’re released. If the quality seen in Chapter 2 carries over into subsequent entries, Deltarune will be an independent video game to remember.
Staxel is a game with potential and there’s a lot that I liked about it. Ultimately, it gets in its own way by trying to spread itself too thin and leaving too many elements of the game feeling tacked on. Having so many quests going at once with materials not being available ends up feeling more frustrating than anything and while graphically the game looks good and stands out from the field, this only gets you so far. Admittedly, the creative mode would alleviate some of my issues but that would essentially make this a sandbox game. Unfortunately, Staxel winds up as an ambitious project that couldn’t keep up with its own potential.
Whilst the combat can be samey it is also tightly constructed and is only a minor gripe in what is otherwise a highly polished game that looks great, sounds great, and is just a joy to play. Redgi is a hero and a legend that you won’t want to leave alone until he has his rightful place on his throne and his Father’s memory avenged. This is one rat that is most welcome in any gamers home.
Here we have a game that I can say should be played at least once by everyone who loves their games relaxing and that will bring a smile to your face with every twist and turn. The only downside is that anyone who hates music will struggle here but I suspect that may be a mere few. Annapurna Interactive has delivered a delightful game, a fabulous game, a psychedelic adventure that simply is an experience to behold and then some. Psychedelic supremacy has arrived. Now, where’s my Fender?!
Psychonauts 2 is not the most difficult game you will ever play but it is one of the most enjoyable and will keep you coming back for more whether that be to enjoy the comedy again or to get that 100% score of collectibles, pins, and badges that are on offer. I often talk to people about why gaming has sometimes managed to lose focus on what is important and that is the sheer fun of playing games: playability. How many games are there now that look amazing but play like utter tripe? Too many. What Psychonauts 2 does is bring stunning cartoon-style graphics that made me feel as if I was in a cartoon show, intuitive controls, and a narrative that will both bewilder and amaze in equal measure. I feel there is so much more of the game I have not yet explored and what really stands out for me is the games’ understanding of human frailties and character flaws. If Psychonauts 2 helps others to do the same then it has achieved something very special and for me personally, this is a game that will forever hold a special place in my gaming heart.
For those that haven’t been able to tell, the Quake remaster is an absolute must-play. It was a groundbreaking achievement in 1996, and though it has been a few decades since, the original Quake holds up from a gameplay standpoint. The remaster has retained everything that made this classic first-person shooter what it is, refining its rougher edges to make it a more polished experience in 2021. If you’re revisiting this game, as someone who played it in the past, know that it’s better than you remember it. For those that have yet to experience one of id Software’s most important FPS titles, the Quake remaster will quickly make its reputation apparent.
Thomas Happ clearly set out to make Axiom Verge 2 a familiar yet fresh sequel. While players of the original game will feel at home upon taking their first steps in the Antarctic, it quickly becomes evident that this is an entirely new adventure. Axiom Verge 2 builds upon what its predecessor established in various ways. The combat may not be overly challenging or deep. Nonetheless, this doesn’t take away from the overall experience that the player will gain. For Metroidvania enthusiasts, in particular, this is well worth your investment.
Despite the game’s shortcomings, it’s difficult to deny that The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is the best way to play what’s considered the origin point of the entire series. Going back to replay this adventure on Switch, I found myself enjoying it much more. While I completed the Wii version roughly a decade ago, I was never motivated to replay it in the same way that I have other titles including The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, A Link to the Past, and the first Breath of the Wild. Skyward Sword had multiple quirks that the remaster smooth out or eliminates completely. In fact, between this, the Link’s Awakening reimagining on the same platform, and the Wind Waker and Twilight Princess remakes that landed on Nintendo Wii U, it begs the question: what other Zelda titles could benefit from remasters? Rumors have been circulating about such titles as Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons being revisited, though, with any rumors in the gaming industry, these should be taken with a grain of salt. In regard to this Skyward Sword HD review, given the game’s improvements, shortcomings, and all, the game comes highly recommended.
With all of this said, is Game Builder Garage worthwhile? The answer to this question largely depends on the mindset one goes into the game with. Keep in mind that this isn’t a traditional video game. Rather, it’s an application for game development. This isn’t Super Mario Maker 2 where, despite the focus on level creation, a full-fledged game exists within it. Game Builder Garage is all about building levels and projects from the ground up. This isn’t to say that the game lacks value for those uninterested in game development. This is where the user-generated content mentioned earlier comes into play. Within days of Game Builder Garage‘s initial release, a number of promising projects hit the internet. Everything from a first-person shooter level inspired by Doom Eternal to a Super Mario Kart track to a recreation of Minecraft can be seen and downloaded right now. Furthermore, even without an online sharing option in the game, there are fan communities that ensure such creations are found and experienced. YouTube channels such as GameXplain have been actively showcasing many of the best Game Builder Garage creations, generating that much more awareness. If you’re willing to do some digging online, you can find an ever-growing treasure trove of concepts waiting to blossom.
If you own a PS5, buy this game. If you don’t have a PS5, you are missing out on a phenomenal game. If you don’t own a PS5, buy one just to play this game. There are countless little things I’ve not even mentioned here, including the non-existent loading times and the ability for landscapes to completely change within milliseconds. If I needed any more reason to be happier at the fact I managed to get a PS5, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart has done exactly that.
While the developers certainly deserve credit for their unique concept and magnificent atmosphere this game is a bit of a misfire, the gameplay is just lacking in too many areas and the creativity is put into little references rather than the actual gameplay itself. While this is certainly a game that people can, and have, enjoyed it was a very tedious experience for me and one that I can’t recommend unless you enjoy a more passive gaming experience.
It is not often that I feel lost for words when reviewing a game but Balan Wonderworld has almost left me speechless. There is so much wrong with this game that it is a wonder that it has passed any sort of quality control. The controls are stiffer than a board, the lack of any narrative is frustrating and the game is just so badly put together that I cannot think of any reason why I would recommend this to anyone at all. Overall Balan Wonderworld is possibly one of the most disappointing games I have played on Nintendo Switch. What were they thinking of when creating this game? Very little it would seem and far from being a world of wonder, this is a total nightmare.