ZTGD's Reviews
Flint: Treasure of Oblivion has an interesting concept by exploring Captain Flint from the Treasure Island novel. But the execution here makes it hard to recommend; ranging from minor issues and frame drops to confusing game elements and a lot of pointless wandering around the maps make this one feel like it should have just remained lost at sea.
Taito Milestones 3 has some of the best games in these collections to date, but I would really love it if they spent some time adding a sort of museum. I would love to learn more about these obscure arcade titles.
If you have nostalgia for the show, this is a no-brainer. Even for someone like me who is aware of the series, but didn’t exactly have fond memories of it, I get what they are putting down. Combat can be stiff at times, but the break ups between levels really carries the experience.
The very best things about Songs of Silence have nothing to do with its gameplay. This game has some of the best art direction that I have seen, with beautifully vibrant colored graphics and some stellar cutscenes; not to mention the excellent voice-acting and soundtrack. All of which just makes me sad that I didn’t like this more, If I was able to actually have more control over battles and their outcomes the inner RTS fan in me would love this game.
Victory Heat Rally transports me back to a time when whimsical games resonated deeply with me, reminding me of the joy and excitement that racing games can bring. It is a straightforward arcade racer that embraces its eccentricity and enjoyment, making it accessible to a wide range of players. Many developers strive to capture this genre, yet few truly comprehend what makes it enjoyable. It does not need to be laden with content or challenges; at times, I simply wish to disengage and accelerate, enjoying the thrill of the race without the pressure of complex mechanics. Victory Heat Rally accomplishes this on multiple levels, and for those who appreciate arcade racing games, I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of racing games that prioritize fun and creativity over excessive complexity.
Digital Eclipse continues to do the Lord’s work with these Gold Master collections. Being able to learn the stories behind them from the people that made them is the best form of preservation. I want them to do all the games, which is unfathomable, but I will be there for each entry into this series and every developer should be banging down their door to get one made for their game. Highly recommended.
A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead is a mixed bag, while I enjoyed Alex’s story the journey to get to its end really felt endless at times. As I said, because players are forced to move through this world at a snail’s pace and avoid making sounds at all costs it really slows down the gameplay and thus the experience. There were points where just getting down a hallway felt like an eternity; I think this is an experience that just works better as a movie or TV show. Fans of the film may find this game to be much better than I did since there is an investment already in the world, but as a newbie the game did make me want to watch the films; so, I guess that’s something.
The Thaumaturge is a dark game that deals with some of the darkest depths of human nature. There is uncomfortable language surrounding disabled and homosexual characters, depictions of mental illness and more but these are all time-appropriate; no matter how harsh it may seem to view through the lens of 2024. In the hands of the developers at Fool’s Theory these themes are treated in a way to not glorify the past but it helps to shed the light on the negative stigmas from the past and show how they even still exist in today’s world. While I will admit, I almost checked out early on The Thaumaturge due to its somewhat boring gameplay loop, I am glad I didn’t because the story that it told made up for the moments of boredom.
I loved this game when it was released back in the day, and I still love it today. I do wish it stuck to its initial concept throughout the entire experience, but what is here is still tense and well executed here. Pair that with the excellent updates that Nightdive is known for, and this is a game I can wholeheartedly recommend. I really appreciate the mantra of Nightdive as they continue to remaster classics from a different time, and not just the well-known ones. The Thing is an encapsulation of gaming during the PS2 era, and I am all here for it.
The fun, fast paced combat, complimented by the wonderful chemistry between the two leads and an intriguing story that culminates in a final boss that is my favorite of the entire franchise thus far, Ys X: Nordics is easily one of the best entries in the long running series and an easy recommendation to anyone that enjoys ARPGs.
The Legacy of Kain series deserves to come back, and this collection is a nice first step. These games are dated, but still excellent.
With its breathtaking art direction, engaging gameplay and moving narrative it is a game that will resonate with players on a personal level much like this years Tales of Kenzara: Zau.
Ravenswatch is a lot of fun to play, I unlocked all of the playable characters and played with each and had a good time with all of them. The randomly generated nature of each level is nice but the truth of the matter is this game is very short. And while I recommend that players play multiplayer, the game does offer the option to play single-player but it’s hard as balls. I am sure some of you who love these brutal difficulty games will enjoy, but for those of us who have yet to ascend that difficulty mountain, dis tew much. All that being said though, I like Ravenswatch quite a bit. While my time with it is short, it was still a pretty enjoyable experience.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a stellar addition to the franchise, with its multiplayer and zombies’ modes offering countless hours of entertainment. The game successfully combines smooth gameplay, strategic depth, and immersive storytelling, making it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike. Although the campaign has room for improvement when it comes to character development, it still provides a bombastic and thrilling narrative that complements the other modes. Overall, Black Ops 6 is a testament to the enduring appeal and continual innovation of the Call of Duty series.
Whether this is your first or fourth time going through this absolute classic, you’ll completely adore this version.
LEGO Horizon Adventures is a weird game. On one side it is well-designed, looks good, and the voice performances are outstanding. On the other hand, I am not sure it will have a wide appeal. Horizon is the most successful polarizing game I have ever seen. Everyone has played it and it feels like a majority do not care for it. Combine that with a LEGO game and you get an awkward experience that feels like the definition of “who is this for?” Still, it is a solid game that anyone who wants more of that world will certainly enjoy.
The second IREM collection may not be packed with well-known games, but it includes important games. These titles set the stage for more popular games and launched the careers of these developers. It is worth knowing that from the outset. That is how I would market this collection, it makes it worth owning alone. Being able to see the origins of classic arcade games is great. Toss in making previously unavailable in the West games and you have a can’t miss collection that any gamer that grew up in 90s arcades would be disappointed to miss out on.
Planet Coaster 2 is a bigger, badder version of the original. I spent countless hours building parks in that as well as their other titles such as Jurassic World. These types of games just resonate with me, at least the sandbox portions do. I highly recommend this game, but if you have the option, go with the PC version just for mouse and keyboard support. It really does enhance the experience. Either way, there are dozens of hours of fun to be had in the world of Planet Coaster 2.
Metaphor: ReFantazio is a fantastical adventure, brought to life in expert fashion by a team with all the experience and talent they needed to achieve a vision which truly feels like a culmination of the many lessons learned throughout their storied legacy.
Throne and Liberty is a visually stunning MMORPG that brings a lot to the table with its lush environments and old-school PvP gameplay. However, its overly complicated mechanics could prove to be a significant barrier for many players.