With a lot of games out there in the wild, I often don't get the chance to play these games until years after the release.
Games listed here aren't limited to games that came out this year, but essentially games that I have played this year, that has made an impression on me to mention, let it be good or bad.
For a person that's not a big fan of rogue-likes and souls type, this game blended enough mix of interesting narrative around a game structure with very tight game design that gives you one of the tightest and satisfying moment to moment gameplay.
Someone said it pretty nicely where the game mixes in great blend of Metroid Prime, Castlevania, Rogue-like and Souls-like mechanics.
Suffice to say I didn't have high expectation for this game as there were few visual elements that didn't click with me, however despite that, it's given me quite a bit of addiction to try better my luck risking and learning more.
Having only played the III earlier in this year - and getting pretty hooked on it, I was surprised to find quite a linkage to the third game here which made it even more immersive for me - perhaps this is the reason why they decided to release the remaster before the release of V.
While technical performance isn't great on the Switch, game possesses great mechanisms of demon collecting, fusion, elemental affiliation battle design that gives much more depth and hardcore aspects JRPG fans can sink their teeth into.
Overall narrative is an interesting one which in my younger years would not have enjoyed, however find it quite intriguing on what it's trying to present - ultimately making you to make choices on what the game's conclusion will be.
There's a lot of content here, being one of the longer RPGs where my first playthrough was 60+ hours - and considering I've stuck with it till the end is a testament that this game will stay in special space in my memory.
Game felt very tightly designed with little to no filler, as by in large game discretely guides you constantly to making progress unless you go out your way to explore and experiment.
For a game that is currently pitted to conclude the 2D Metroid saga, games story presentation and pay off does indeed leave a bit to desire for.
What the game does accel at is the sheer finesse and polish in a tried and true genre it helped to define. Here's hoping this game helps to garner more interest in the franchise as a whole to Nintendo to possibly consider either remaking or remastering previous titles in more coherent collection.
+ Bowser's Fury
Slight change to the main 3D World game makes the game far more fun and challenging at the same time. More easier way to enjoy multiplayer is a definite plus.
Bowser's Fury component while shows familiar trope to Mario Odyssey it still has a unique take of its own which I hope Nintendo decides to explore more with the future iterations.
HD Version
Having to play it and finish it once when it first came out on Wii (leaving an impression enough for it to stay as top Zelda game I've played), I was surprised how much of the game I have actually forgotten.
This actually worked out for the better for me as other than the introduction parts and couple of key moments of the game, rest of the game came as a fresh surprise as if I was playing it again for the first time.
Considering this was the Zelda game I've played since putting in a lot of hours in Breath of the Wild, Skyward Sword's focussed narrative structure that almost feels like playing Metroid somewhat - that majority is critiquing it as linear structure and repetitive use of levels - was certainly what I missed most while playing Breath of the Wild.
It is clear my preference is to games that gets you to experience a crafted narrative rather than create one yourself within an open world.
Nintendo time and time again shows game design and presentation that outlasts test of time - and Skyward Sword is no different. The HD visuals let's players better appreciate a deliberate dreamy and water-colour presentation aesthetics combined with orchestral soundtrack that manages to craft cinematic moments without the heavy usage of cinematics and voice acting.
This time around I have decided to dedicate the play using button and tick controls.. and while the controls work, as well as making some elements much easier, I feel the additional immersion is lost playing it in this way.
While it is good to have this alternative scheme, if you able to, playing it with motion controls is the way to go - considering it does work a lot better with Switch.
Zelda is a remarkable franchise that I tend to deliberately only play once to finish. Having to revisit this in HD matched up to my nostalgia as well as a great retrospective on why I still regard this as one of the best Zelda games I'll remember having experienced - although it seems to be a minority opinion.
Had the game for a while, but for some reason only have decided to touch it recently while moving from few series of lengthy games.
And oh boy what a good decision that was.
This game is full of charm, drawing just enough inspiration from recognisable games while infusing it with it's own character and charm to create its own thing.
Story starts simple, and it's really up to the player to discover and go through the journey looking for meaning in themselves.
Minimal yet signature visuals and audio wraps together what is one of the most memory experience you get a rush for in a seating or two, and likely chances are, you won't complain that the game is too short, nor too long because the end experience it provides gives you a satisfying book-end to the journey you've been together.
While the core game mechanics haven’t changed much, refinement and maturity over many years and iterations over the series gives very well rounded & paced game that uses the new gen tech to give you a great blend of cinematic visuals and story that takes hold of you from start to finish.
When you take away the visual flare, you might be disappointed slightly, but as a whole package, this gives you one of the most beautifully crafted comfort food of 3D action platform adventures.
This outing while feeling a bit more scaled back in terms of story scope and complexity, it comes off more personal and character driven, making it the most engaging entry in the LiS series.
Main character Alex and other cast of cast of characters certainly leave you with a relatable story beats getting you pretty engaged from the start.
Relatively easy, calm and relaxing setting of Haven Springs certainly eases you into the game.
One key detractor from story point of view has to be rather quick turn in character emotions and behavior from episodes to episodes.... to an extent it can make the twist and turns relatively cheap and unearned.... however this may be the core downfall of having to play the game start to finish in two seating - this is both good and bad, as the game was so engaging making me want to play it quickly, but the overall story structure almost expected you not to binge through he whole season in short succession.
PS5 Inc Intermission
While the PS5 re-issue gives you the feeling "this is the game it should've been" with exception of enhancements made possible thanks to the hardware, the package still gives you the chills and thrills "expanding" the meta that is Final Fantasy VII universe.
Intermission DLC to an extent feels rather inconsequential depending on your investment in the game and your entry point - e.g. you played original VII, or you only started from VII Remake - but it does give you a rather interesting combat mechanics enabled by a new character.
It's hard to believe this is 1. an indie dev game, and 2. it's their first title as a studio. Game's overall polish, level design and presentation felt really good and while not outstanding in any metric, as a whole package it gives you a pretty good paced adventure much like what Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart did. Game holds little to no fluff, telling a story from start to finish with enough loose ends leaving you intrigued or hoping for a sequel / prequel to build out the universe.
With PSVR pretty much packed away, I finally indulged in getting a Quest 2. together with it, I looked around for the most recommended title and suffice to say I found it very intriguing that a table tennis game was on most people's top of the list.
Took the plunge and oh boy what a good plunge that was.
It's simple and pretty literal being it allows you to play tabletennis as you would in real life. Polished physics, simple and straight to the point design takes all the fluff away to get to doing what you want to do fast - - - play a game of table tennis.
This is definitely one of the top games I'd recommend to anyone who purchased a VR headset.
+ Octo Expansion
Multiplayer suite of the game have evolved pretty nicely from the first especially with the inclusion of the Salmon Run. Main single player campaign left a lot to desire for, until a paid Octo expansion hit the game while after release.
Expansion focusses more on the single player experience by creating unique and varied challenges that puts different weapon and players skills to test.
Here's hoping they'll explore these type of things further for Splatoon 3.
Game forgoes wonky floaty physics from the original Little Big Planet giving it much better focus in game design and builds a better universe around it.
Game clearly draws a lot of inspiration from Super Mario 3D World, and perhaps is a better example of someone who's applying right elements of that game design to their world.
Game may get overlooked by people's assumed perception of game style from LBP era, but this is a pretty strong 3D platformer that excels even more in multiplayer.
Great atmosphere and sense of isolation within the land of deep mysterious past gives you sense of adventure. However perhaps the indie scope leaves a lot to desire for the game of this scope.
There were a lot of opportunities I was hoping to be filled, but wasn't - ultimately making the game feel a lot more hollow than it was.
Playing this game after seeing rather polarising opinion (especially towards the end of the game) certainly helped to keep my expectations in check.
While I don't consider the end of the game all that disappointing, I do agree that the way it played out would only really be impactful to those who played, read and listened through all the deep hints and lore game had throughout the game - in a way, the game expects you to explore and investigate the universe they have created very thoroughly to really enjoy the payoff.
In my mind, the game would've benefited from having more straight forward bookend summary or story cinematic on chapters / ending to give more tangible reward and "closure" to the journey they invested in.
From gameplay perspective, while the gunplay, variety of weapons were fun, very simple NPCs including the visionaries and Julianna kept engagement get lower pretty quick - enough for me to think the game design wanted you to engage more on the story.... which it doesn't play out in more rewarding cinematic way..... again creating this turn off in the last 5% of the game.
At first, like what most people have called out, I was slightly underwhelmed by rather slim content the game launched with. However I've rather quickly started to appreciate ways Camelot have changed what seemed a perfect three press golf controls into something that's even simpler, speedy yet not dumbing it down too much to deter too much of the hardcore away.
As a result the game of golf have become so much faster creating a much more tighter pace making the game less boring in the process. This seems to be the trend Camelot and Nintendo seems to be chasing as this was present in Mario Kart 8, Mario Tennis Aces and now Mario Golf.
As of this writing, Nintendo have released additional DLC which seems intentional to give the game longer life span - making this a pick up and play game I can continue to enjoy anytime.
Despite the childish visual presentation, the actual theme of story is quite mature. Game ultimately seems much more appropriate for adults.
Game certainly has a style it goes for and banks all-in at it. For that commitment and its complementary production values makes it an experience that's worth taking.
While the overall length of the game could leave a lot to desire for, for what the game is, I personally feel it would end up feeling like an unnecessary filler instead.
It's tad disappointing that while there's an awesome game here - which builds on nicely from Watch Dogs 1 and still excellent Watch Dogs 2 - leap in setting (not a big fan of cyber punkish London and very uneven presentation of characters and its associated voice acting ultimately detracts from what is a fun game to mess around with.
Great blend of old-school coin eater design mixed with eye popping visual design mixed with appropriate music.
Not so much a game, but more an interactive novel. Very down to earth coming of age story for the characters where I was instantly engaged and invested. Whole presentation package comes together nicely where not one aspect detracts from you whizzing through short, simple but a very calm story where it hit me more in early 2021.
HD Remaster
I've never really played a SMT game before despite owning few related entries. Closest I've gotten to play was a little bit of Persona 3 and Tokyo Mirage Sessions FE.
At first I wasn't the biggest fan of the art style, however after giving it a go for an hour or two, the style married with the theme and narrative it's shooting for quickly gave a great complementary aesthetics drawing me more into the game more I played it.
Story, setting and characters can seem overly dark and depressing given subject matter, but within it I found the depth of demon fuses and combat strategy engaging enough to say near 70 hour journey felt swift but very enjoyable.
Also playing a JRPG that branches based on player decision was rather refreshing (especially considering when this game first came out).
There are some technical downfalls which is tad disappointing to see the game haven't addressed, however that in itself fuses a bit more nostalgia for a game that came out so many years ago.
Finishing this game certainly heightened my anticipation for SMT V, not to mention looking possibly playing SMT IV on 3DS before V comes out.
I feel the game has a lot of things working against what it a very competent open world adventure RPG. Overall story could've been a bit more meaningful if they have dialled down the fourth wall breaking dialogues and jokes that misses more than it hits. I found the animation style didn't necessarily match the art style the game conveyed.
Even with all these flaws however, overall game mechanics and the world was intriguing enough to give me immersion to complete the game and go for platinum too.
While I'm not expecting this game to get a sequel, but if it does, I hope they are able to find a better balance where each parts are adding to the game rather than detract from it.
Gears works really well in the tactics format than I initially thought. Being a fan of the franchise, I found the game very entertaining yet different enough to the main series to keep me interested to play more.
While simplistic and rather un-remarkable, developer's attempt to add more to the lore is something I do appreciate.
Game however loses its charm mainly due to too much repetitive filler missions and not enough story driven missions. When I was feeling the game was reaching about a half way point from story perspective.. it ended up being the last mission...
If this is first of many to come, I do welcome it. Pretty good considering it's the first outing.
Having enjoyed Zero 3 so much and the story build up it leaves you with, I had to jump into 3 straight away.
This game builds even further from 2, managing to give more connected world that is bigger and varied with secrets to explore.
Story builds to climax and to those who followed it from the first game will certainly have pay-off making the complete journey worthwhile.
If there's a minus, it's that the game does little to give you that immersion if you haven't played the first 2 games - however this is a minor nitpick in the grand scheme of things, as all three should be played in whole as they play more like an episodic games with setup, climax and conclusion.
Here's hoping Inticreates gets chance to build on this further either with a proper sequel (also moving away form NES style to perhaps.. SNES? or even beyond that?).
With the success of the first game, the sequel builds on almost all aspects of what made first great with more content, expanded narrative and characters while staying very faithful to the presentation of the source material.
While the smaller worlds you get to planet hop may initially be disappointing, it does give the game a great excuse to give you more varied setting to traverse through.
Switch release
While I consider New Super Mario Bros Wii to be the best out of the New Super Mario Bros game series, this game also gives you enough quality platforming challenge and gameplay.
By in large, what you see is what you may be very familiar with if you've bene playing games for a while - however the charm is really the ways in which "anyone" can just jump in and mess around to have interactive fun with those playing next to you.
While I can see how that type of fun may not be the fun more hardcore people will be out to have, this game has the simplicity that brings anyone together to have a go.
For the hardcore, inclusion of Luigi version is a great call.
Game's main charm comes from relatable characters and great dialogues that immerses you into the world, its situation and overall story it wants to tell.
Even for a game that doesn't really have much "gameplay" - as most of what you do is move around down, talking to people - it's a testament to its quality to be able to engage players mostly by the story it's telling.
Biggest disappointment perhaps was how the story was being wrapped up towards the very end... I wasn't a fan, however overall the cast of characters and their journey and backstory ultimately makes it a worthwhile and memorable journey.
Some really hard hitting moments - which will differ from person to person - have definitely left an impression on me.
What starts off feeling like a very simple games for kids goes on further to build on a rather charming story that gives even adults be engaged and entertained.
Jumping into this playing in order of 3 -> Zero -> Kiwami -> Kiwami 2, I feel there are quite a lot of familiar tropes that makes the game feel a bit less special compared to what made Zero especially special.
Overall story at times feels a bit too soap opera-ish, but it does give you a payoff as you play through the game.
While the real-time brawler combat made the game feel special in the midst of all the turnbased RPGs, lack of any evolution on the combat itself does quickly wear the mechanic out a lot quicker than any other series to date.
Initially I didn't think I'd give this game a try simply because I didn't like the art direction of the game. It somewhat looked confused between trying to look far too serious but look cute at the same time. Underneath this though had very tightly designed 2D platforming levels that knew what it wanted to achieve, achieved it, and then respected gamer's time.
While some might find the game tad bit on the short side, additional challenges of collectibles, time trial and no damage bonus runs gave enough depth for those who wanted more.
Outside of Nintendo 2D platformers, this is one of the most solid 2D platformers I had a pleasure to play this year. Here's hoping if there's a sequel, they can polish it further.
While more streamlined and speedier combat is a big plus, what they have decided to add in terms of story and character context is lacking.
It felt very similar to the epilogue added to the XC Definitive Edition which only added very little new meaningful context it to the overall story and lore.
However the charm of the focussed cast of characters and while very mundane tasks, the story that fuels the side quests further expands the investment you would have had from XC2.
While it's touted as a prequel to XC2, I would not recommend this game to be played before XC2, as a lot of emotional payoff and character nostalgia will not have the same impact.
While I did play the this game when it originally came out on Wii, I decided to replay it on the Switch in preparation for part 3.
While there are quite a few aspects that doesn't stand the test of time, overall game direction comes off as very thoughtful and multi-layered take on what it intends to tell and comment on - which in ways is more relevant to how things are in 2021.
Overarching premise, characters and overall narrative was compelling enough to get through what is a rather repetitive design.
From game design perspective it does little to advance the franchise forward, however overall story, cast and acting saves the package overall.
I believe this is the first ever Shin Megami Tensei game I've played, and I feel bad that I haven't played more of the game.
While the overall setting and narrative focus wasn't that much interesting - while different to other JRPGs - I was very engaged in simpler nature of the battle and grind that kept me coming back for more.
While overall story was far too cheesy and kids anime for my own liking (maybe I would've dug it more if I played it when it first came out?) there were some cuteness to the overall character interactions that ultimately made it entertaining to finish.
Game was pretty aggressively OK. With the imbalance of what to update Vs. what to maintain faithful, game doesn't quite land the landing outside of the story itself.
Overall mafia story was intriguing enough to continue playing in a rather straight forward open world design. Wasn't a big fan of the voice acting which worked against the mood of the game it tries to great more often than not.
*Remastered Edition*
*Remastered*
Latest Shantae game is speedy and much coherently constructed to give you a better connected work to explore and secrets to uncover. Visually, I personally loved they have decided to keep the background and level blocks to also use drawn objects rather than using 3D objects in the previous game.
While better than the previous iteration (which was more structured into levels) this was probably one of the easiest Shantae game I have played and have the least memorable music in the series yet.
Shantae 3 still comes out being the best in series so far.. here's hoping their next outing can get closer or exceed what they were able to do on 3.
Didn't realise it was a remake of the first and second game. Given the source material, it was pretty clear what the remake was gunning for, and I feel it's reached what it set out to achieve - although it may not quite meet the standards of group outside of the existing fan base.
Character presentation hits gold, but all other parts will leave a lot to be desired for. Level designs are very simple - which is faithful to the budget nature of the original games - but the combat mechanic is rather satisfying with depth you can dig into that fuses timing and button combiation.
Character and their respective weapon variety also gives more depth and desire to grind to slide and dice pretty brain dead enemies.
There's a great potential here. If they do intend to carry forward on assets they have redesigned, I think all they need is better connected and expanded level design and story to give it a bit more character and universe depth.
Rather simpler RPG that doesn't try to over burden you with mechanics, grind nor overly complicated story. To some this might come as a turn off, but for me, while in mix of playing other meaty RPGs, this was a good pedestrian game to enjoy.
Given rather lower budget of the game, they pulled off something charming from visual design perspective.
This game took me a while to finish.. not because it's necessarily hard, but more I didn't really enjoy the tone the game is going for.
While the overall gameplay spin it gives on a side scrolling shooting genre including overall presentation and music worth a try... the story and characters it's wrapped around will make it rather cringy for some.
This game's biggest disappointment and ultimate downfall is unnecessary repetition of level design and level itself.
Game for the first couple of times you go through a "cycle" delivers such a great throwback to the late 90s PS1 games - specifically Metal Gear Solid - which it pays such great tribute to. However after 30 minutes, you literally see all there is to the game. Story isn't anything worthy to sit through hours of repetitive design.
It is such a disappointment as the game had so much potential going for it, but ultimately the choices the developer have made have made it that much worse because there would've been such a simpler choices made that would've made it much better than what it is.
