4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D21999
4 Yrs♥✓#
Game #187: Power Rangers Dino Thunder
Platform: Gamecube
Main + Extras: 3h 09m 43s
Rating: 6/10
Date Completed: March 28, 2022
Game Synopsis: Save all the Zords and stop Mesogog's army.
Blog: I have no knowledge of Power Rangers, but I had this Power Rangers Dino Thunder game growing up as my only introduction to it.
This game is pretty fun even without the knowledge for Power Rangers. It lets you run around in a small playground-like area as dinosaurs. I like to smash the cars even though I'm told not to by the leader.
Missions are kind of fun but they do tend to repeat a few times. Although I tend to like the missions where they have you rescue a Zord by collecting items. I just like to collect things I guess.
The final boss is not very good. Because of the area he fights you in being surrounded by lava and small pathways, I found myself dying a LOT. Even though I managed to not die in most of the other missions. That area just wasn't a good spot. It's even worse when trying to turn is a hassle.
The game also rewards you these "Power Games" when getting optional collectables. I tried two of the missions in the Power Games for the new Zords they give you there and was instantly bored. The main game you had someone talk to you and giving some energy to the missions. You don't get that with the Power Games but you do get dialogue on the screen. Obviously not the same excitement though.
TL;DR: Power Rangers Dino Thunder can be a good game but the missions repeat, the final boss is obnoxious, and the optional Power Games are a snooze fest.
Platform: Gamecube
Main + Extras: 3h 09m 43s
Rating: 6/10
Date Completed: March 28, 2022
Game Synopsis: Save all the Zords and stop Mesogog's army.
Blog: I have no knowledge of Power Rangers, but I had this Power Rangers Dino Thunder game growing up as my only introduction to it.
This game is pretty fun even without the knowledge for Power Rangers. It lets you run around in a small playground-like area as dinosaurs. I like to smash the cars even though I'm told not to by the leader.
Missions are kind of fun but they do tend to repeat a few times. Although I tend to like the missions where they have you rescue a Zord by collecting items. I just like to collect things I guess.
The final boss is not very good. Because of the area he fights you in being surrounded by lava and small pathways, I found myself dying a LOT. Even though I managed to not die in most of the other missions. That area just wasn't a good spot. It's even worse when trying to turn is a hassle.
The game also rewards you these "Power Games" when getting optional collectables. I tried two of the missions in the Power Games for the new Zords they give you there and was instantly bored. The main game you had someone talk to you and giving some energy to the missions. You don't get that with the Power Games but you do get dialogue on the screen. Obviously not the same excitement though.
TL;DR: Power Rangers Dino Thunder can be a good game but the missions repeat, the final boss is obnoxious, and the optional Power Games are a snooze fest.
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Game #188: Twenty
Platform: Mobile
Main Story: 1h 03m 25s
Rating: 8/10
Date Completed: March 23, 2022
Game Synopsis: Combine numbers and get to 20.
Blog: This game is if 2064 and Tetris had a baby.
The game works by combining two blocks with the same number, which will then increase incrementally. So if I combine two blocks with 1 in them, I will then get a block with a 2.
If you're not fast enough at combining blocks, they will start rising to the top of the screen and add more blocks of various numbers that you've gotten. If they get to the top it's game over Eventually some blocks will even be attached to each other and you will have to combine those numbers to free them. So it will get even harder to deal with.
This game was stressful to play but very fun. It's simple and addicting.
There are a few bummers though. Like how dark mode can only be accessed if you paid for it. That's like charging me to pause the game.
TL;DR: Twenty is a fun puzzle game reminiscent of Tetris and 2064. I wish options weren't hidden behind a paywall though.
________________
Game #189: Make War
Platform: Switch
Main Story: 3h 41m 13s
Rating: 4/10
Date Completed: March 27, 2022
Game Synopsis: You're aliens trying to manipulate war on Earth to fit certain objectives.
Blog: Make War had some good potential but the execution was not good.
The object of the game is to meet certain criteria while being able to control what happens on the battlefield. Perhaps an objective wants the blue team to win over the red team, you're able to influence the tides with your own third army to change that. Maybe it's something as simple as needing to kill ten opponents with your own snipers. Whatever the game tells you to do is what you should do.
That all might sound pretty good, but my issue with the game is that it's often random what actually ends up happening. With a setup it's random if I'm actually successful or not. At one moment it'll fail, doing it again and again, eventually it will randomly work. I'm not sure why that is. Aside from putting down troops and traps, there's no real way to control what happens. I wish I could tell my own troops on where to go instead of just crossing my fingers. It feels unfair and unfun otherwise.
Also, this game just feels like a straight up mobile game. It feels cheap and not worth playing on Switch.
TL;DR: Make War is a good idea but needs a better execution as it relies too much on RNG and it feels like a bad mobile port on Switch.
________________
Game #190: .projekt
Platform: Mobile
Main + Extras: 4h 07m 44s
100% Completion: 5h 55m 34s
Rating: 9/10
Date Completed: March 29, 2022
Game Synopsis: Use blocks to match two different silhouettes.
Blog: .projekt is a puzzle game so simple in design and so wonderfully complex in execution.
.projekt is a game about perspectives and silhouettes. It's hard for me to explain, but imagine sticking your hand out and you have two lights shining on it, one from in front and the other from the side. The shadows from each light would both be different. .projekt is basically that concept but in game form. Make sure not to fill any empty spaces.
This game goes even deeper in concept. The game will give you credit for using the minimum and maximum amount of blocks possible. There's even a mode that's literally Picross but with shadows! It's awesome!
One drawback I have is that I wish I could manipulate the camera a bit. It can be a bit of a hassle trying to get blocks in places when other blocks are in the way.
Even with that gripe though, .projekt is a 9/10 for me.
TL;DR: .projekt is a great puzzle game that fans of Picross would love. I wish the camera were better though.
Platform: Mobile
Main Story: 1h 03m 25s
Rating: 8/10
Date Completed: March 23, 2022
Game Synopsis: Combine numbers and get to 20.
Blog: This game is if 2064 and Tetris had a baby.
The game works by combining two blocks with the same number, which will then increase incrementally. So if I combine two blocks with 1 in them, I will then get a block with a 2.
If you're not fast enough at combining blocks, they will start rising to the top of the screen and add more blocks of various numbers that you've gotten. If they get to the top it's game over Eventually some blocks will even be attached to each other and you will have to combine those numbers to free them. So it will get even harder to deal with.
This game was stressful to play but very fun. It's simple and addicting.
There are a few bummers though. Like how dark mode can only be accessed if you paid for it. That's like charging me to pause the game.
TL;DR: Twenty is a fun puzzle game reminiscent of Tetris and 2064. I wish options weren't hidden behind a paywall though.
________________
Game #189: Make War
Platform: Switch
Main Story: 3h 41m 13s
Rating: 4/10
Date Completed: March 27, 2022
Game Synopsis: You're aliens trying to manipulate war on Earth to fit certain objectives.
Blog: Make War had some good potential but the execution was not good.
The object of the game is to meet certain criteria while being able to control what happens on the battlefield. Perhaps an objective wants the blue team to win over the red team, you're able to influence the tides with your own third army to change that. Maybe it's something as simple as needing to kill ten opponents with your own snipers. Whatever the game tells you to do is what you should do.
That all might sound pretty good, but my issue with the game is that it's often random what actually ends up happening. With a setup it's random if I'm actually successful or not. At one moment it'll fail, doing it again and again, eventually it will randomly work. I'm not sure why that is. Aside from putting down troops and traps, there's no real way to control what happens. I wish I could tell my own troops on where to go instead of just crossing my fingers. It feels unfair and unfun otherwise.
Also, this game just feels like a straight up mobile game. It feels cheap and not worth playing on Switch.
TL;DR: Make War is a good idea but needs a better execution as it relies too much on RNG and it feels like a bad mobile port on Switch.
________________
Game #190: .projekt
Platform: Mobile
Main + Extras: 4h 07m 44s
100% Completion: 5h 55m 34s
Rating: 9/10
Date Completed: March 29, 2022
Game Synopsis: Use blocks to match two different silhouettes.
Blog: .projekt is a puzzle game so simple in design and so wonderfully complex in execution.
.projekt is a game about perspectives and silhouettes. It's hard for me to explain, but imagine sticking your hand out and you have two lights shining on it, one from in front and the other from the side. The shadows from each light would both be different. .projekt is basically that concept but in game form. Make sure not to fill any empty spaces.
This game goes even deeper in concept. The game will give you credit for using the minimum and maximum amount of blocks possible. There's even a mode that's literally Picross but with shadows! It's awesome!
One drawback I have is that I wish I could manipulate the camera a bit. It can be a bit of a hassle trying to get blocks in places when other blocks are in the way.
Even with that gripe though, .projekt is a 9/10 for me.
TL;DR: .projekt is a great puzzle game that fans of Picross would love. I wish the camera were better though.
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Game #191: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
Platform: Wii
100% Completion: 2h 36m 26s
Rating: 6/10
Date Completed: March 29, 2022
Game Synopsis: Play as Larry Daly and use the power of the tablet of Ahkmenrah to stop Kahmunrah.
Blog: I liked Night at the Museum as a kid. I also enjoyed the second one. So how do I feel about a video game of the second movie?
It's actually not too bad! It doesn't do anything spectacular but I'd say it's mostly doable as a action platformer movie tie-in.
Now, I do have quite a few problems. The game is insanely short. I 100% completed the game in 2 and a half hours. That's insanely quick!
The camera is also very very bad. The only way I can really manipulate the camera is by going into the game's first person mode by using the flashlight. However the game isn't very playable solely using that mode and it's only a temporary fix.
And then the handholding is obnoxious. The main character will not shut up! Despite them giving you a button to hear the characters tell you where to go, you don't need to press it at all. As every 15 seconds someone will go "Hey don't forget about this thing". I didn't forget, I'm just doing the other optional content in the game! Stop bothering me!
TL;DR: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian isn't terrible but the short length, terrible camera, and obnoxious handholding will turn some people away.
Platform: Wii
100% Completion: 2h 36m 26s
Rating: 6/10
Date Completed: March 29, 2022
Game Synopsis: Play as Larry Daly and use the power of the tablet of Ahkmenrah to stop Kahmunrah.
Blog: I liked Night at the Museum as a kid. I also enjoyed the second one. So how do I feel about a video game of the second movie?
It's actually not too bad! It doesn't do anything spectacular but I'd say it's mostly doable as a action platformer movie tie-in.
Now, I do have quite a few problems. The game is insanely short. I 100% completed the game in 2 and a half hours. That's insanely quick!
The camera is also very very bad. The only way I can really manipulate the camera is by going into the game's first person mode by using the flashlight. However the game isn't very playable solely using that mode and it's only a temporary fix.
And then the handholding is obnoxious. The main character will not shut up! Despite them giving you a button to hear the characters tell you where to go, you don't need to press it at all. As every 15 seconds someone will go "Hey don't forget about this thing". I didn't forget, I'm just doing the other optional content in the game! Stop bothering me!
TL;DR: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian isn't terrible but the short length, terrible camera, and obnoxious handholding will turn some people away.
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Game #192: Lego Batman: The Videogame
Platform: DS
Main + Extras: 11h 20m 05s
100% Completion: 18h 15m 34s
Rating: 6/10
Date Completed: March 29, 2022
Game Synopsis: Take on the villains of Gotham and ensure the city's safety once again.
Blog: "Didn't you already talk about this game?" Kinda. I talked about the Wii version, and while there are some similarities, the games are still pretty different.
The story is exactly the same but with a few differences. Riddler is still trying to rob the bank, Penguin is still trying to bomb the city, and Joker is still trying to gas it. The difference in the DS version is that cutscenes are instead comic strips. Which I enjoy this change! Is it better than the cutscenes? No not really, but I think it's a great alternative.
There's also one less mission in every act. This actually causes some characters to be cut from the story such as ManBat and Killer Moth, although you can still unlock them.
The combat is a bit more basic than the console versions. On Wii you were able to grab and throw enemies, but not on DS. That's no problem for me though,
My issues for the game stem moreso stem from how the game performs. There's quite a lot of bugs and glitches. Particularly when it comes to the computer player, as they often randomly stop way far back in the level. I feel like a babysitter with how often I need to go back for them as the CPUs can't keep pace.
TL;DR: Lego Batman: The Videogame is a fun game but keep in mind it's pretty buggy and the CPU is like having to watch over a child.
-----------------------
Game #193: Lego Batman 2: DC Superheroes
Platform: DS
Main + Extras: 4h 34m 47s
100% Completion: 9h 54m 22s
Rating: 4/10
Date Completed: March 31, 2022
Game Synopsis: Play as Batman and Robin, stop the Joker... and Lex Luthor??
Blog: I expected this to be better than the first game. Oh how wrong I was...
Lego Batman 2: DC Superheroes is a bit of a mess.
The cutscenes are terrible. It's like they took the cutscenes from the console versions and tried shoving them into the DS game. For some reason they're extremely dark and blurry. I can barely tell what's going on and the audio isn't any better.
DC Superheroes is quite a stretch of a subtitle. I'd rather change it to "Lego Batman 2: DC Superheroes in the Last Two Levels" because, aside from Superman, the other Justice League members don't show up until the final two levels. It isn't even explained how they got there, if they were called or anything. It's as if they were always there from the start.
Are the story levels at least long? Nope! The story is extremely short! The only reason I took 4 hours to complete the story is because I took the time to free play a few levels with the multiplier red bricks. I probably could have finished in 2 hours had I focused on that.
Then the bugs... Oh man. The first Lego Batman on DS was buggy... the sequel was much worse. I crashed multiple times, often in the same areas! How does this happen, guys? Good lord.
I can give credit that they updated the combat, and the voice overs weren't too bad. I wouldn't want to play this version again.
TL;DR: Lego Batman 2: DC Superheroes is a buggy, short, and story-wise a mess. Don't play the DS version!
Platform: DS
Main + Extras: 11h 20m 05s
100% Completion: 18h 15m 34s
Rating: 6/10
Date Completed: March 29, 2022
Game Synopsis: Take on the villains of Gotham and ensure the city's safety once again.
Blog: "Didn't you already talk about this game?" Kinda. I talked about the Wii version, and while there are some similarities, the games are still pretty different.
The story is exactly the same but with a few differences. Riddler is still trying to rob the bank, Penguin is still trying to bomb the city, and Joker is still trying to gas it. The difference in the DS version is that cutscenes are instead comic strips. Which I enjoy this change! Is it better than the cutscenes? No not really, but I think it's a great alternative.
There's also one less mission in every act. This actually causes some characters to be cut from the story such as ManBat and Killer Moth, although you can still unlock them.
The combat is a bit more basic than the console versions. On Wii you were able to grab and throw enemies, but not on DS. That's no problem for me though,
My issues for the game stem moreso stem from how the game performs. There's quite a lot of bugs and glitches. Particularly when it comes to the computer player, as they often randomly stop way far back in the level. I feel like a babysitter with how often I need to go back for them as the CPUs can't keep pace.
TL;DR: Lego Batman: The Videogame is a fun game but keep in mind it's pretty buggy and the CPU is like having to watch over a child.
-----------------------
Game #193: Lego Batman 2: DC Superheroes
Platform: DS
Main + Extras: 4h 34m 47s
100% Completion: 9h 54m 22s
Rating: 4/10
Date Completed: March 31, 2022
Game Synopsis: Play as Batman and Robin, stop the Joker... and Lex Luthor??
Blog: I expected this to be better than the first game. Oh how wrong I was...
Lego Batman 2: DC Superheroes is a bit of a mess.
The cutscenes are terrible. It's like they took the cutscenes from the console versions and tried shoving them into the DS game. For some reason they're extremely dark and blurry. I can barely tell what's going on and the audio isn't any better.
DC Superheroes is quite a stretch of a subtitle. I'd rather change it to "Lego Batman 2: DC Superheroes in the Last Two Levels" because, aside from Superman, the other Justice League members don't show up until the final two levels. It isn't even explained how they got there, if they were called or anything. It's as if they were always there from the start.
Are the story levels at least long? Nope! The story is extremely short! The only reason I took 4 hours to complete the story is because I took the time to free play a few levels with the multiplier red bricks. I probably could have finished in 2 hours had I focused on that.
Then the bugs... Oh man. The first Lego Batman on DS was buggy... the sequel was much worse. I crashed multiple times, often in the same areas! How does this happen, guys? Good lord.
I can give credit that they updated the combat, and the voice overs weren't too bad. I wouldn't want to play this version again.
TL;DR: Lego Batman 2: DC Superheroes is a buggy, short, and story-wise a mess. Don't play the DS version!
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Game #194: Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
Platform: 3DS
100% Completion: 271h 35m 11s
Rating: 1/10
Date Completed: April 2, 2022
Game Synopsis: Smash Bros. but on the 3DS.
Blog: This is going to be an unusual review.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS was a great game when I played it back in highschool. Is it the best? No. It was a great game at the time and it's probably still good now.
However, I unfortunately have to give the game a 1/10. My cartridge, the same one I had used in highschool no longer works.
To give some context: I had not done anything wrong to it. And actually it does somewhat work. My issue would be that when playing the game I would guarantee to be stuck on a loading screen infinitely until I completely turned off my 3DS. No other way out of it. It wouldn't always happen right away, but it would be guaranteed to happen. This makes things like finishing a Classic mode impossible.
I looked into it, and tried everything I could to get it fixed. Unfortunately this is an outcome of the cartridge itself being corrupted and broken. This is not an uncommon issue which sucks. It hasn't even been 10 years since the game came out and it's already deteriorating!
So since I can no longer play the game as it was intended, I'm going to be giving the game a 1/10. If I could play the game though, I would probably have actually given it an 8.
Maybe I'll get a digital version through... other means and try again.
TL;DR: A great game when it works. Unfortunately my cartridge is broken.
Platform: 3DS
100% Completion: 271h 35m 11s
Rating: 1/10
Date Completed: April 2, 2022
Game Synopsis: Smash Bros. but on the 3DS.
Blog: This is going to be an unusual review.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS was a great game when I played it back in highschool. Is it the best? No. It was a great game at the time and it's probably still good now.
However, I unfortunately have to give the game a 1/10. My cartridge, the same one I had used in highschool no longer works.
To give some context: I had not done anything wrong to it. And actually it does somewhat work. My issue would be that when playing the game I would guarantee to be stuck on a loading screen infinitely until I completely turned off my 3DS. No other way out of it. It wouldn't always happen right away, but it would be guaranteed to happen. This makes things like finishing a Classic mode impossible.
I looked into it, and tried everything I could to get it fixed. Unfortunately this is an outcome of the cartridge itself being corrupted and broken. This is not an uncommon issue which sucks. It hasn't even been 10 years since the game came out and it's already deteriorating!
So since I can no longer play the game as it was intended, I'm going to be giving the game a 1/10. If I could play the game though, I would probably have actually given it an 8.
Maybe I'll get a digital version through... other means and try again.
TL;DR: A great game when it works. Unfortunately my cartridge is broken.
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Game #195: Sticky Terms
Platform: Mobile
100% Completion: 4h 32m 55s
Rating: 8/10
Date Completed: April 1, 2022
Game Synopsis: Form phrases and words with the groups of letters given.
Blog: I've talked about a lot of Phillip Stollenmeyer games, and Sticky Terms is probably my favorite one of his that I've played.
The way it works is that there's groups of letters that have been mixed together and you must put them all together and make a word or phrase out of them. What's cool about this is that you're not just forming letters that are already pre-created. You need to flip, and even create the letters from the lines that are given. There were many times where I thought I had a V but in actuality I had to flip it and add a line because it was actually an A.
What's extra neat about this is that the words and phrases are of different languages. So you won't necessarily be put at any sort of disadvantage if you don't speak one language, because a lot of them are used.
One thing of note is there are ads but they're only used to unlock more levels. So it's nothing too in the way.
Sticky Terms is great and I'd recommend it.
TL;DR: Sticky Terms is a great puzzle game where you create words and phrases of all kinds of languages. It's really fun and unique.
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Game #196: 1010!
Platform: Mobile
Main Story: 31m 19s
Rating: 5/10
Date Completed: April 3, 2022
Game Synopsis: A game about putting blocks into spaces.
Blog: Oooh 1010! Is a very shallow game.
The game is a puzzle game where you fill spaces in the square. You'll get blocks of various shapes and sizes, which you're only given 3 at a time. If there's a full straight line horizontally or vertically that line will be cleared just like in Tetris.
So what else does this game have? Umm... you can buy backgrounds? Yeah there's really not much else here. The gameplay is an interesting idea but it doesn't do much with it. This game is really just nothing.
TL;DR: 1010! Is an interesting idea but the game itself is shallow and doesn't give itself enough for more than 2 playthroughs.
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Game #197: Baikoh
Platform: Mobile
Main Story: 1h 44m 06s
Rating: 4/10
Date Completed: April 4, 2022
Game Synopsis: A game that's a block game AND a word game.
Blog: Baikoh has great ideas but absolutely awful execution.
The idea of combining Tetris and Scrabble is great. That's essentially what this game is. Also every time you level up a new obstacle to the game is added. A block that freezes blocks, a block that attracts other blocks, big blocks, etc. That's all great!
The problem is that this game goes from 0 to 100 real fast with difficulty and it's pretty unfair. The game doesn't ease the player into the mechanics and things fall way too fast for a new player to comprehend.
My thinking for why it's so hard is that the game is being predatory in trying to get players to spend money and watch constant ads. Everytime you lose you gain a bit of money, this money can be used to buy upgrades for the upcoming word block thing. But you have to buy them every. Single. Time. The money you obtain every game is barely enough for more than one. Every time you lose you're given the option to watch an ad to quickly retry. You're given an option for more in-game currency by watching ads. Making the game easier by watching ads. This is all gross.
This is terrible! A game with potential that was absolutely ruined by greed.
TL;DR: Baikoh had a good idea combining the concept of Tetris and Scrabble. However it's entirely ruined by greedy decisions by the publishers.
Platform: Mobile
100% Completion: 4h 32m 55s
Rating: 8/10
Date Completed: April 1, 2022
Game Synopsis: Form phrases and words with the groups of letters given.
Blog: I've talked about a lot of Phillip Stollenmeyer games, and Sticky Terms is probably my favorite one of his that I've played.
The way it works is that there's groups of letters that have been mixed together and you must put them all together and make a word or phrase out of them. What's cool about this is that you're not just forming letters that are already pre-created. You need to flip, and even create the letters from the lines that are given. There were many times where I thought I had a V but in actuality I had to flip it and add a line because it was actually an A.
What's extra neat about this is that the words and phrases are of different languages. So you won't necessarily be put at any sort of disadvantage if you don't speak one language, because a lot of them are used.
One thing of note is there are ads but they're only used to unlock more levels. So it's nothing too in the way.
Sticky Terms is great and I'd recommend it.
TL;DR: Sticky Terms is a great puzzle game where you create words and phrases of all kinds of languages. It's really fun and unique.
--------------------
Game #196: 1010!
Platform: Mobile
Main Story: 31m 19s
Rating: 5/10
Date Completed: April 3, 2022
Game Synopsis: A game about putting blocks into spaces.
Blog: Oooh 1010! Is a very shallow game.
The game is a puzzle game where you fill spaces in the square. You'll get blocks of various shapes and sizes, which you're only given 3 at a time. If there's a full straight line horizontally or vertically that line will be cleared just like in Tetris.
So what else does this game have? Umm... you can buy backgrounds? Yeah there's really not much else here. The gameplay is an interesting idea but it doesn't do much with it. This game is really just nothing.
TL;DR: 1010! Is an interesting idea but the game itself is shallow and doesn't give itself enough for more than 2 playthroughs.
--------------------
Game #197: Baikoh
Platform: Mobile
Main Story: 1h 44m 06s
Rating: 4/10
Date Completed: April 4, 2022
Game Synopsis: A game that's a block game AND a word game.
Blog: Baikoh has great ideas but absolutely awful execution.
The idea of combining Tetris and Scrabble is great. That's essentially what this game is. Also every time you level up a new obstacle to the game is added. A block that freezes blocks, a block that attracts other blocks, big blocks, etc. That's all great!
The problem is that this game goes from 0 to 100 real fast with difficulty and it's pretty unfair. The game doesn't ease the player into the mechanics and things fall way too fast for a new player to comprehend.
My thinking for why it's so hard is that the game is being predatory in trying to get players to spend money and watch constant ads. Everytime you lose you gain a bit of money, this money can be used to buy upgrades for the upcoming word block thing. But you have to buy them every. Single. Time. The money you obtain every game is barely enough for more than one. Every time you lose you're given the option to watch an ad to quickly retry. You're given an option for more in-game currency by watching ads. Making the game easier by watching ads. This is all gross.
This is terrible! A game with potential that was absolutely ruined by greed.
TL;DR: Baikoh had a good idea combining the concept of Tetris and Scrabble. However it's entirely ruined by greedy decisions by the publishers.
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Game #198: Pokemon Picross
Platform: 3DS
Main Story: 66h 00m 23s
Main + Extras: 84h 16m 19s
Rating: 7/10
Date Completed: April 9, 2022
Game Synopsis: Picross 'em all!
Blog: Picross is fun. If you don't know what Picross is, imagine a game cross between Minesweeper and Sudoku. There are numbers above columns and next to rows indicating how many safe spots there are in their respective row/column. Following these safe spots can be used to make images.
So imagine that but with Pokemon.
The difference in gameplay here is quite unique. You're able to use Pokemon as items. Perhaps you want to reveal a row or 2, perhaps you want the game to pick random spots to see if they're safe or not. You're able to use these Pokemon to play Picross differently from how you normally would play a Picross game.
That's cool, but what I'm not a fan of is the gem system. They're essentially microtransactions, and if they were an optional thing I wouldn't be complaining so much. Unfortunately you need to use gems to progress through worlds, get mega evolutions, upgrade your energy bar (yep an energy system too), etc.
Of course the gems themselves wouldn't be too bad if you can get a reasonable number of gems... but if that were the case I wouldn't be complaining. The way to get gems are to complete one-time objectives in levels, complete achievements, or do daily missions which you can get 5 to 8 per day depending on how good you are. Really the only consistent income is from the daily challenges, but even 8 gems per day doesn't help with all of the worlds that require 60 to over 150 to unlock. That's complete crap.
I was stubborn. I completed the game and the main world (don't care enough about the alternate world) all for free, and as you can see it took me over 60 hours. Most of that on daily challenges of course.
I just wish this game wasn't so exploitative for a 3DS game.
TL;DR: Pokemon Picross is a fun Picross but it's extremely exploitative with its microtransactions system.
Platform: 3DS
Main Story: 66h 00m 23s
Main + Extras: 84h 16m 19s
Rating: 7/10
Date Completed: April 9, 2022
Game Synopsis: Picross 'em all!
Blog: Picross is fun. If you don't know what Picross is, imagine a game cross between Minesweeper and Sudoku. There are numbers above columns and next to rows indicating how many safe spots there are in their respective row/column. Following these safe spots can be used to make images.
So imagine that but with Pokemon.
The difference in gameplay here is quite unique. You're able to use Pokemon as items. Perhaps you want to reveal a row or 2, perhaps you want the game to pick random spots to see if they're safe or not. You're able to use these Pokemon to play Picross differently from how you normally would play a Picross game.
That's cool, but what I'm not a fan of is the gem system. They're essentially microtransactions, and if they were an optional thing I wouldn't be complaining so much. Unfortunately you need to use gems to progress through worlds, get mega evolutions, upgrade your energy bar (yep an energy system too), etc.
Of course the gems themselves wouldn't be too bad if you can get a reasonable number of gems... but if that were the case I wouldn't be complaining. The way to get gems are to complete one-time objectives in levels, complete achievements, or do daily missions which you can get 5 to 8 per day depending on how good you are. Really the only consistent income is from the daily challenges, but even 8 gems per day doesn't help with all of the worlds that require 60 to over 150 to unlock. That's complete crap.
I was stubborn. I completed the game and the main world (don't care enough about the alternate world) all for free, and as you can see it took me over 60 hours. Most of that on daily challenges of course.
I just wish this game wasn't so exploitative for a 3DS game.
TL;DR: Pokemon Picross is a fun Picross but it's extremely exploitative with its microtransactions system.
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Game #199: Super Mario 3D World
Platform: Wii U
Main + Extras: 27h 19m 13s
Rating: 10/10
Date Completed: April 18, 2022
Game Synopsis: Bowser has captured fairies for his latest scheme. Turn into cats and stop him!
Blog: Super Mario 3D World was so much fun when I played it on my Wii U back in my early teens. It's still fun today!
The levels are fun and creative. There wasn't a power up I really disliked. The new cat suit was great, the double cherry was chaotic but fun. You can play characters other than Mario such as Luigi, Peach, and Toad. There's even a secret fifth character you can unlock post-game who I thought was fun.
Really my only complaint is that if you want to 100% the game you have to play through every level as every character but that's an optional thing that shouldn't be in your way unless you're a completionist.
Mario 3D World is fun. I recommend it and I haven't even tried the Switch version yet.
TL;DR: Super Mario 3D World is a great Mario game that combines 2D and 3D elements. I highly recommend it!
Platform: Wii U
Main + Extras: 27h 19m 13s
Rating: 10/10
Date Completed: April 18, 2022
Game Synopsis: Bowser has captured fairies for his latest scheme. Turn into cats and stop him!
Blog: Super Mario 3D World was so much fun when I played it on my Wii U back in my early teens. It's still fun today!
The levels are fun and creative. There wasn't a power up I really disliked. The new cat suit was great, the double cherry was chaotic but fun. You can play characters other than Mario such as Luigi, Peach, and Toad. There's even a secret fifth character you can unlock post-game who I thought was fun.
Really my only complaint is that if you want to 100% the game you have to play through every level as every character but that's an optional thing that shouldn't be in your way unless you're a completionist.
Mario 3D World is fun. I recommend it and I haven't even tried the Switch version yet.
TL;DR: Super Mario 3D World is a great Mario game that combines 2D and 3D elements. I highly recommend it!
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Game #200: Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2
Platform: Gamecube
Main Story: 9h 07m 17s
Rating: 6/10
Date Completed: April 23, 2022
Game Synopsis: Do bike tricks and earn points to unlock more stages and bikes.
Blog: Fitting that my 200th review is a game that ends in 2.
Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 is basically the Tony Hawk game I grew up with even though it wasn't Tony Hawk. I was really bad at it though. So with my 22 year old mind, I can definitely do better than when I was 4 or 5.
I can say that the game is pretty fun. I can see why people like these type of skateboarding/bike trick games because there's a lot of stuff to do and fool around with.
However the game is absolutely not perfect. The game is glitchy. There have been times where I got stuck in a random grind spot. There have been times where I've even glitched through the floor with no effort on my part.
The challenges can also be really hard in this game. That's fine and all, but the glitches make some of these an absolute grind. What's even worse is that the game has a timer. I don't know why there's a timer, you're not forced to do all the tricks in the 3 minutes. The only time I can see the relevance of the timer is for challenges that require you to get an amount of points. I still don't think it should be needed though. It doesn't do anything but make it annoying every time I have to start a challenge over.
None of the complaints matter though. Because in this game you can play as a man in a Slim Jim costume. 10/10 game.
TL;DR: Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 is a fun trick game so long as you can ignore all the glitches and the unnecessary time limit put on challenges.
Platform: Gamecube
Main Story: 9h 07m 17s
Rating: 6/10
Date Completed: April 23, 2022
Game Synopsis: Do bike tricks and earn points to unlock more stages and bikes.
Blog: Fitting that my 200th review is a game that ends in 2.
Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 is basically the Tony Hawk game I grew up with even though it wasn't Tony Hawk. I was really bad at it though. So with my 22 year old mind, I can definitely do better than when I was 4 or 5.
I can say that the game is pretty fun. I can see why people like these type of skateboarding/bike trick games because there's a lot of stuff to do and fool around with.
However the game is absolutely not perfect. The game is glitchy. There have been times where I got stuck in a random grind spot. There have been times where I've even glitched through the floor with no effort on my part.
The challenges can also be really hard in this game. That's fine and all, but the glitches make some of these an absolute grind. What's even worse is that the game has a timer. I don't know why there's a timer, you're not forced to do all the tricks in the 3 minutes. The only time I can see the relevance of the timer is for challenges that require you to get an amount of points. I still don't think it should be needed though. It doesn't do anything but make it annoying every time I have to start a challenge over.
None of the complaints matter though. Because in this game you can play as a man in a Slim Jim costume. 10/10 game.
TL;DR: Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 is a fun trick game so long as you can ignore all the glitches and the unnecessary time limit put on challenges.
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Game #201: Sorcery!
Platform: Mobile
Main Story: 1h 27m 22s
Rating: 6/10
Date Completed: April 8, 2022
Game Synopsis: Go on an adventure through a fantasy land, D&D style.
Blog: This is the closest I have gotten to ever playing D&D.
Sorcery! is a game all about choices and story. You're an adventurer going on a journey to protect your land.
The choices you make can progress you on your way, reward you with items or healing, harm you, and even potentially kill you in certain scenarios. Even in death you don't have to start all over to make a different choice, you can rewind back to a previous choice and change your decision. So that's quite intriguing.
Combat works somewhat to rock, paper, scissors in my opinion. In combat in order to do damage you must choose between defending and attacking, if you defend you only lose one HP no matter the hit. When attacking, you must choose how hard you want to hit. This can do more damage but you can also lose a lot of stamina, causing you to have to defend afterwards. The enemy can also attack and defend, but if their attack number is higher than yours, then you will lose as much health as they're attack is taking while you deal no damage. It also works the other way around so it's not unfair. It's a system that works.
Now the story would have been great. However a huge drawback with the game is that this is essentially the first part out of four games in a story. So you are pretty much left at the start of the next part. Not only that but I felt like the game was kind of short. So I didn't really get to spend that much time with it as I wanted to. A shame for this game.
TL;DR: Sorcery! Has a potentially good story with lots of choices and acceptable combat, but since the game is part of a four part series, the story doesn't really hit the ground running as a normal game probably would be. It's also pretty short.
-----------------
Game #202: Verticow
Platform: Mobile
Main Story: 15m 12s
Rating: 4/10
Date Completed: April 10, 2022
Game Synopsis: Flip stuff. That's it!
Blog: My least favorite Phillip Stollenmeyer game unfortunately.
Usually his games have a unique trait or funny take. Verticow just seems to be a weaker version of his Bacon game in play style but with an lolrandom aspect to the whole thing.
The point of the game is that you flip items at a point and then release them to see how far they'll go. Think of it as similar objectives to QWOP.
It's just very one note to me, with the only real thing to do in the game is get the different unlockable items to flip.
On top of all that, there's so many ads within the game. Like one ad every 3 or 4 flips. It's insane!
TL;DR: Verticow is an incredibly one note game and my least favorite Stollenmeyer game.
-----------------
Game #203: Hexpuzzle
Platform: Mobile
Main Story: 22m 03s
Rating: 6/10
Date Completed: April 10, 2022
Game Synopsis: A game with objectives like Tetris but you can place the blocks anywhere.
Blog: Hexpuzzle is a neat game.
The game has a bunch of open space, and you're suppose to use the three blocks it gives you at the start to connect one side of the open space to the other. If you connect a straight line from one side to the other, that line clears like in Tetris. If you use all three of the blocks, the game will get you three more. This all continues until you run out of space to be able to place the blocks given.
That's really all there is to the game. Quite simple but kind of unique.
What isn't very unique is the UI. It all gives a feeling of the Minesweeper UI. Simple but not exactly nice to look at.
The game is neat but after playing a round of each difficulty, I didn't really care for it to play more.
TL;DR: Hexpuzzle is a neat concept of block puzzle games. However it doesn't have much else to it and I'm not particularly a fan of the Minesweeper-like UI.
Platform: Mobile
Main Story: 1h 27m 22s
Rating: 6/10
Date Completed: April 8, 2022
Game Synopsis: Go on an adventure through a fantasy land, D&D style.
Blog: This is the closest I have gotten to ever playing D&D.
Sorcery! is a game all about choices and story. You're an adventurer going on a journey to protect your land.
The choices you make can progress you on your way, reward you with items or healing, harm you, and even potentially kill you in certain scenarios. Even in death you don't have to start all over to make a different choice, you can rewind back to a previous choice and change your decision. So that's quite intriguing.
Combat works somewhat to rock, paper, scissors in my opinion. In combat in order to do damage you must choose between defending and attacking, if you defend you only lose one HP no matter the hit. When attacking, you must choose how hard you want to hit. This can do more damage but you can also lose a lot of stamina, causing you to have to defend afterwards. The enemy can also attack and defend, but if their attack number is higher than yours, then you will lose as much health as they're attack is taking while you deal no damage. It also works the other way around so it's not unfair. It's a system that works.
Now the story would have been great. However a huge drawback with the game is that this is essentially the first part out of four games in a story. So you are pretty much left at the start of the next part. Not only that but I felt like the game was kind of short. So I didn't really get to spend that much time with it as I wanted to. A shame for this game.
TL;DR: Sorcery! Has a potentially good story with lots of choices and acceptable combat, but since the game is part of a four part series, the story doesn't really hit the ground running as a normal game probably would be. It's also pretty short.
-----------------
Game #202: Verticow
Platform: Mobile
Main Story: 15m 12s
Rating: 4/10
Date Completed: April 10, 2022
Game Synopsis: Flip stuff. That's it!
Blog: My least favorite Phillip Stollenmeyer game unfortunately.
Usually his games have a unique trait or funny take. Verticow just seems to be a weaker version of his Bacon game in play style but with an lolrandom aspect to the whole thing.
The point of the game is that you flip items at a point and then release them to see how far they'll go. Think of it as similar objectives to QWOP.
It's just very one note to me, with the only real thing to do in the game is get the different unlockable items to flip.
On top of all that, there's so many ads within the game. Like one ad every 3 or 4 flips. It's insane!
TL;DR: Verticow is an incredibly one note game and my least favorite Stollenmeyer game.
-----------------
Game #203: Hexpuzzle
Platform: Mobile
Main Story: 22m 03s
Rating: 6/10
Date Completed: April 10, 2022
Game Synopsis: A game with objectives like Tetris but you can place the blocks anywhere.
Blog: Hexpuzzle is a neat game.
The game has a bunch of open space, and you're suppose to use the three blocks it gives you at the start to connect one side of the open space to the other. If you connect a straight line from one side to the other, that line clears like in Tetris. If you use all three of the blocks, the game will get you three more. This all continues until you run out of space to be able to place the blocks given.
That's really all there is to the game. Quite simple but kind of unique.
What isn't very unique is the UI. It all gives a feeling of the Minesweeper UI. Simple but not exactly nice to look at.
The game is neat but after playing a round of each difficulty, I didn't really care for it to play more.
TL;DR: Hexpuzzle is a neat concept of block puzzle games. However it doesn't have much else to it and I'm not particularly a fan of the Minesweeper-like UI.
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Game #204: Pirates vs Ninjas Dodgeball
Platform: Wii
Main Story: 30m 26s
Main + Extras: 1h 29m 47s
Rating: 3/10
Date Completed: April 24, 2022
Game Synopsis: Play dodgeball as pirates, ninjas, zombies, monsters, aliens, robots, and even Mushroom Men!
Blog: Have you ever laughed at something but that thing wasn't funny on purpose? That's what this game is.
I could tell Pirates vs Ninjas Dodgeball was not going to be a very "professional" game by Comic Sans font being used. This font is everywhere! Good lord, please use a different font!
They also named a ninja Pachinko! Pachinko!!! That's quite a bold name for a warrior that is known to be from Asia.
Let me get down to the actual game though. The mechanics are nothing special, swing the Wii remote to throw a ball in your hand, catch the ball at the right time with B, and if you swing the remote with no ball you can do a melee attack.
Playing against computers in the campaign story mode was mixed in terms of difficulty. It was either incredibly easy, or you're given an incredibly unfair disadvantage. For example, sometimes you'll be given a rule where you're not allowed to catch the balls, or use melee attacks. Never mind that the ball will hone in on you like a heat-seeking missile, but the CPU opponents never follow these rules while the game physically disables me from doing these things. So I often get a ball randomly thrown at me that I can't do anything about, or I get stunned by a melee attack and also can't do anything. That sucks!
This game isn't very good. Why would anyone willingly play this?... Aside from me...
TL;DR Pirates vs Ninjas Dodgeball needs a lot of rework. Get better font, make the game itself interesting, and the difficulty needs tweaking.
Platform: Wii
Main Story: 30m 26s
Main + Extras: 1h 29m 47s
Rating: 3/10
Date Completed: April 24, 2022
Game Synopsis: Play dodgeball as pirates, ninjas, zombies, monsters, aliens, robots, and even Mushroom Men!
Blog: Have you ever laughed at something but that thing wasn't funny on purpose? That's what this game is.
I could tell Pirates vs Ninjas Dodgeball was not going to be a very "professional" game by Comic Sans font being used. This font is everywhere! Good lord, please use a different font!
They also named a ninja Pachinko! Pachinko!!! That's quite a bold name for a warrior that is known to be from Asia.
Let me get down to the actual game though. The mechanics are nothing special, swing the Wii remote to throw a ball in your hand, catch the ball at the right time with B, and if you swing the remote with no ball you can do a melee attack.
Playing against computers in the campaign story mode was mixed in terms of difficulty. It was either incredibly easy, or you're given an incredibly unfair disadvantage. For example, sometimes you'll be given a rule where you're not allowed to catch the balls, or use melee attacks. Never mind that the ball will hone in on you like a heat-seeking missile, but the CPU opponents never follow these rules while the game physically disables me from doing these things. So I often get a ball randomly thrown at me that I can't do anything about, or I get stunned by a melee attack and also can't do anything. That sucks!
This game isn't very good. Why would anyone willingly play this?... Aside from me...
TL;DR Pirates vs Ninjas Dodgeball needs a lot of rework. Get better font, make the game itself interesting, and the difficulty needs tweaking.
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Game #205: Pokemon Y
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Main + Extras: 20h 13m 03s
Rating: 6/10
Date Completed: May 4, 2022
Game Synopsis: It's the first 3D Pokemon game! It's also French!
Blog: Back in highschool I remember playing Pokemon Y alongside my friends. By the end of the game, we all had the same opinion that while the game had definitely taken a step up in the visual aspect with it being in 3D, we didn't think the content in it was really that good and that the region needed to be fleshed out.
Playing Pokemon Y since the first time since then I feel like my opinion of it has changed more positively. Although it still has some things here and there that I didn't really care for.
Here's the thing: the gameplay is great. While I would have wished for more stuff to do post-game and that there was more variety in the Pokemon being added, it's still the same Pokemon formula. It does add in a new Mega evolution system too. Although aside from the awesome new designs for older Pokemon, I didn't feel like mega evolutions were that significant especially since you only fight like 4 or 5 people with megas in the story.
Gameplay is good. So how about story? Ehhhh it's ok at best. It's just rather boring. Team Flare is just another Pokemon team trying to change the world. The companions/rivals this time around, while there being four this time, they don't really have any depth to them aside from maybe Shauna and I might be giving her too much credit. The story kind of felt like I was dragging my feet for something I was forced to be invested in.
So I definitely enjoyed myself with Pokemon Y more this time around. I do think it's still not as good as most other mainline Pokemon games but it's at least a bit better than Pokemon Pearl so that's something.
TL;DR Pokemon Y work fine as Pokemon games but the story and reoccurring characters get in the way of the enjoyment.
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Main + Extras: 20h 13m 03s
Rating: 6/10
Date Completed: May 4, 2022
Game Synopsis: It's the first 3D Pokemon game! It's also French!
Blog: Back in highschool I remember playing Pokemon Y alongside my friends. By the end of the game, we all had the same opinion that while the game had definitely taken a step up in the visual aspect with it being in 3D, we didn't think the content in it was really that good and that the region needed to be fleshed out.
Playing Pokemon Y since the first time since then I feel like my opinion of it has changed more positively. Although it still has some things here and there that I didn't really care for.
Here's the thing: the gameplay is great. While I would have wished for more stuff to do post-game and that there was more variety in the Pokemon being added, it's still the same Pokemon formula. It does add in a new Mega evolution system too. Although aside from the awesome new designs for older Pokemon, I didn't feel like mega evolutions were that significant especially since you only fight like 4 or 5 people with megas in the story.
Gameplay is good. So how about story? Ehhhh it's ok at best. It's just rather boring. Team Flare is just another Pokemon team trying to change the world. The companions/rivals this time around, while there being four this time, they don't really have any depth to them aside from maybe Shauna and I might be giving her too much credit. The story kind of felt like I was dragging my feet for something I was forced to be invested in.
So I definitely enjoyed myself with Pokemon Y more this time around. I do think it's still not as good as most other mainline Pokemon games but it's at least a bit better than Pokemon Pearl so that's something.
TL;DR Pokemon Y work fine as Pokemon games but the story and reoccurring characters get in the way of the enjoyment.
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Game #206: Professor Layton and the Curious Village
Platform: Nintendo DS
Main + Extras: 10h 35m 14s
Rating: 8/10
Date Completed: May 10, 2022
--------------------------
Game #207: Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box
Platform: Nintendo DS
Main + Extras: 11h 01m 28s
Rating: 8/10
Date Completed: May 31, 2022
Game Synopsis: Games about the puzzling adventures of a professor and his apprentice.
Blog: I have similar things to say for both games. So I will be merging them into one for this review.
I've never played a Layton game until now. Now I've played two (and currently playing the crossover as I speak). Now I have.
I was not expecting these games to have so many tricky and challenging puzzles. I figured "Oh this is a game with puzzles made for kids. People probably only really like these games for the story." But these puzzles really forced me to use my brain. They're very well done in that regard.
I also liked the exploration aspect, as well. Going around, trying to find secret puzzles and hidden hint coins to use on difficult puzzles.
For Curious Village I do wish that the puzzles matched the theme or the story that was going on, rather than them just being there. I also wish the hints could be more descriptive at times, as it often felt like the hints would just say the instructions again.
Diabolical Box I felt had fixed the puzzle issue and even had a better variety.
I liked the story for the most part. I think Curious Village had a fun and interesting story. Diabolical Box was great until right around the very end. I just didn't care for what happened.
TL;DR Professor Layton and the Curious Village as well as it's sequel Diabolical Box are both fantastic games that require thought. Although Curious Village could use better hints and thematic puzzles while the story for Diabolical Box didn't finish very strong.
Platform: Nintendo DS
Main + Extras: 10h 35m 14s
Rating: 8/10
Date Completed: May 10, 2022
--------------------------
Game #207: Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box
Platform: Nintendo DS
Main + Extras: 11h 01m 28s
Rating: 8/10
Date Completed: May 31, 2022
Game Synopsis: Games about the puzzling adventures of a professor and his apprentice.
Blog: I have similar things to say for both games. So I will be merging them into one for this review.
I've never played a Layton game until now. Now I've played two (and currently playing the crossover as I speak). Now I have.
I was not expecting these games to have so many tricky and challenging puzzles. I figured "Oh this is a game with puzzles made for kids. People probably only really like these games for the story." But these puzzles really forced me to use my brain. They're very well done in that regard.
I also liked the exploration aspect, as well. Going around, trying to find secret puzzles and hidden hint coins to use on difficult puzzles.
For Curious Village I do wish that the puzzles matched the theme or the story that was going on, rather than them just being there. I also wish the hints could be more descriptive at times, as it often felt like the hints would just say the instructions again.
Diabolical Box I felt had fixed the puzzle issue and even had a better variety.
I liked the story for the most part. I think Curious Village had a fun and interesting story. Diabolical Box was great until right around the very end. I just didn't care for what happened.
TL;DR Professor Layton and the Curious Village as well as it's sequel Diabolical Box are both fantastic games that require thought. Although Curious Village could use better hints and thematic puzzles while the story for Diabolical Box didn't finish very strong.
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Game #208: Wordle (2021)
Platform: Browser
Single Player: 16h 14m 34s
Rating: 7 /10
Date Completed: May 15, 2022
Game Synopsis: Guess 5 letter words 6 times to win! A new game everyday
Blog: Wordle is a new game with a very basic concept.
The objective of Wordle is to guess a 5 letter word in 6 tries. The game will also help in pointing out which letters you got right and even their placements.
And that's really all there is to Wordle. You play one game every day which I suppose can be a little disappointing to those who want to keep on playing but that's the way it is.
TL;DR Wordle is a fun game similar to those you'd find in a newspaper. It's pretty basic.
_________________________
Game #209: Squirdle
Platform: Browser
Single Player: 10h 32m 14s
Rating: 7 /10
Date Completed: July 15, 2022
Game Synopsis: Guess the Pokemon.
Blog: Squirdle is a very similar game to Wordle. This time it's with Pokemon.
You need to guess what Pokemon the game has in mind. The game will give you Gen number, two types, height, and weight. Depending on the Pokemon you choose the game will let you know if a type is wrong/right as well as if the gen number, height, or weight is either correct or it will let you know if they're higher or lower than the Pokemon you guessed.
It's really fun and as someone who's seasoned in a good amount of the Pokemon games it's right up my alley.
Unlike Wordle, you also have an option to keep playing instead of having to wait a day.
TL;DR Squirdle is a game that's all about guessing the Pokemon. It's fun for those who are into Pokemon.
Platform: Browser
Single Player: 16h 14m 34s
Rating: 7 /10
Date Completed: May 15, 2022
Game Synopsis: Guess 5 letter words 6 times to win! A new game everyday
Blog: Wordle is a new game with a very basic concept.
The objective of Wordle is to guess a 5 letter word in 6 tries. The game will also help in pointing out which letters you got right and even their placements.
And that's really all there is to Wordle. You play one game every day which I suppose can be a little disappointing to those who want to keep on playing but that's the way it is.
TL;DR Wordle is a fun game similar to those you'd find in a newspaper. It's pretty basic.
_________________________
Game #209: Squirdle
Platform: Browser
Single Player: 10h 32m 14s
Rating: 7 /10
Date Completed: July 15, 2022
Game Synopsis: Guess the Pokemon.
Blog: Squirdle is a very similar game to Wordle. This time it's with Pokemon.
You need to guess what Pokemon the game has in mind. The game will give you Gen number, two types, height, and weight. Depending on the Pokemon you choose the game will let you know if a type is wrong/right as well as if the gen number, height, or weight is either correct or it will let you know if they're higher or lower than the Pokemon you guessed.
It's really fun and as someone who's seasoned in a good amount of the Pokemon games it's right up my alley.
Unlike Wordle, you also have an option to keep playing instead of having to wait a day.
TL;DR Squirdle is a game that's all about guessing the Pokemon. It's fun for those who are into Pokemon.
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Game #210: Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Platform: Switch
Main + Extras: 119h 06m 52s
Rating: 9 /10
Date Completed: May 16, 2022
Game Synopsis: A quest about a boy and his waifu.
Blog: I'm probably rating this game much higher than I should be, but it's my personal opinion anyway so whatever.
There's a lot about this game that I love. The story is great and full of energy. The combat is very customizable and varied with all the blade options and team setups that you're able to do. There are also numerous side quests to do that will keep you busy.
One of my main gripes with the game is the beginning. It's slow, it restricts you from benefiting from certain gameplay elements, and the tutorials are open.
It's only the beginning though, so it must not be very long to get to the good parts. Ah, but this is an RPG, the beginning of these games can be considerably long. I'd say the game doesn't really get going until the end of Chapter 4. Which I would say is a good 10 to 20 hours in the game depending on how much time you take. That's a lot of time! I've heard from many people who gave up in the beginning because it just wasn't interesting and I don't blame them. It's not great for newcomers.
Voice acting is another problem. I think for the most part the voice actors are great, but there are times sprinkled throughout where it's just bad. According to the Pyra voice actress the voice actors didn't have much to go off of for direction, and the voice directors would even use their first takes. Yikes if that's true. Very disappointing that they wouldn't take the time and care for this game that relies on story.
So other than those, I actually really love the game. It was a good almost 120 hours of enjoyment for me. I understand others do not like it, but I do. So suck it.
TL;DR Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is not a game for everyone, and even I have issues with the beginning and also the voice acting. But I like the game overall.
Platform: Switch
Main + Extras: 119h 06m 52s
Rating: 9 /10
Date Completed: May 16, 2022
Game Synopsis: A quest about a boy and his waifu.
Blog: I'm probably rating this game much higher than I should be, but it's my personal opinion anyway so whatever.
There's a lot about this game that I love. The story is great and full of energy. The combat is very customizable and varied with all the blade options and team setups that you're able to do. There are also numerous side quests to do that will keep you busy.
One of my main gripes with the game is the beginning. It's slow, it restricts you from benefiting from certain gameplay elements, and the tutorials are open.
It's only the beginning though, so it must not be very long to get to the good parts. Ah, but this is an RPG, the beginning of these games can be considerably long. I'd say the game doesn't really get going until the end of Chapter 4. Which I would say is a good 10 to 20 hours in the game depending on how much time you take. That's a lot of time! I've heard from many people who gave up in the beginning because it just wasn't interesting and I don't blame them. It's not great for newcomers.
Voice acting is another problem. I think for the most part the voice actors are great, but there are times sprinkled throughout where it's just bad. According to the Pyra voice actress the voice actors didn't have much to go off of for direction, and the voice directors would even use their first takes. Yikes if that's true. Very disappointing that they wouldn't take the time and care for this game that relies on story.
So other than those, I actually really love the game. It was a good almost 120 hours of enjoyment for me. I understand others do not like it, but I do. So suck it.
TL;DR Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is not a game for everyone, and even I have issues with the beginning and also the voice acting. But I like the game overall.
10 Yrs♥✓#
Wow, I think I gave it a 2/5. That game did not do a lot of stuff that I liked. It also had Rex and his dumb pants in it, which was a multi-point deduction right off the bat. And maybe it's because I'm dumb, but I spent a lot of time lost due to the lack of a decent map. I think they fixed some of my gripes, at least. I know back when played it, a lot of the guards you fought would shout "REMEMBER ME" every single time you hit them, and I believe that got fixed. I doubt they removed Rex from the game, though.
The music was lovely, though. I also liked it when Drommarch wore a cap to bed. I guess I'll go suck it now! 💖
Also, I really think that your many readers would be interested to know your thoughts on zucchini. Just saying. Is it good? Is it an abomination? Inquiring minds want to know!
The music was lovely, though. I also liked it when Drommarch wore a cap to bed. I guess I'll go suck it now! 💖
Also, I really think that your many readers would be interested to know your thoughts on zucchini. Just saying. Is it good? Is it an abomination? Inquiring minds want to know!
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Zucchini is a food and it is very suckable due to its shape.
10 Yrs♥✓#
I'm not sure this is the information that your readers wanted.🙄
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Well then the readers can suck a gross, delicious zucchini.
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Game #211: Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
Platform: Switch
Main + Extras: 79h 09m 27s
Rating: 10/10
Date Completed: June 7, 2022
Game Synopsis: A world of war between the Homs of Bionis and the Mechon of Mechonis.
Blog: Woooooo! This game was a blast.
Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition has got to be in my top 10 games of all time. Maybe even top 5.
The world is big and vibrant. There's so many places to go and explore, all of it looks beautiful or works really well with the aesthetic.
The gameplay is great. The combat is fun, although Xenoblade Chronicles 2 still has it beat on that end. I still had a lot of fun with it.
The story is probably one of the best parts of the game. So many twists and turns, and the voice acting was awesome and really fit with what was going on.
The music kicks ass and months later I still listen to stuff like Mechanical Rhythm or Unfinished Battle. The music is JUST SO GOOD!
The game is a must play for any RPG enjoyer. Maybe you won't come away with the same 10/10 opinion as me but you won't regret playing it.
TL;DR Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition is a great game. Highly recommend if you like RPGs.
Platform: Switch
Main + Extras: 79h 09m 27s
Rating: 10/10
Date Completed: June 7, 2022
Game Synopsis: A world of war between the Homs of Bionis and the Mechon of Mechonis.
Blog: Woooooo! This game was a blast.
Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition has got to be in my top 10 games of all time. Maybe even top 5.
The world is big and vibrant. There's so many places to go and explore, all of it looks beautiful or works really well with the aesthetic.
The gameplay is great. The combat is fun, although Xenoblade Chronicles 2 still has it beat on that end. I still had a lot of fun with it.
The story is probably one of the best parts of the game. So many twists and turns, and the voice acting was awesome and really fit with what was going on.
The music kicks ass and months later I still listen to stuff like Mechanical Rhythm or Unfinished Battle. The music is JUST SO GOOD!
The game is a must play for any RPG enjoyer. Maybe you won't come away with the same 10/10 opinion as me but you won't regret playing it.
TL;DR Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition is a great game. Highly recommend if you like RPGs.
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
DLC/Expansion #23: Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected
Game: Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
Platform: Switch
Main + Extras: 8h 29m 56s
Rating: 7/10
Date Completed: June 9, 2022
Synopsis: Events following the main game.
Blog: I'm going to try to keep this as spoiler free as possible.
Future Connected is not a bad DLC. Compared to the main game though, it's just sort of alright.
I do like how the game is more focus on Melia and her whole ordeal as it did feel like in the main game she never really got any sort of resolve and was probably the one character in the main protagonists that ended up losing the most and not gaining really anything. So I'm glad she got some attention.
The cutscenes do seem a bit better, that makes sense considering these are entirely new as opposed to the main game which still followed the original Wii release.
Everything else about the game was just sort of alright. Combat is fine, although you lose one of Shulk's key abilities that he had in the main game.
I don't really care for the new party members, I actually found them rather annoying. The heart-to-hearts also didn't really do anything for me, I thought they were quite boring and very long.
Future Connected is good, but more could have been done.
TL;DR: Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected is not a bad epilogue to the main game, but the main game overshadows it by a lot.
Game: Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
Platform: Switch
Main + Extras: 8h 29m 56s
Rating: 7/10
Date Completed: June 9, 2022
Synopsis: Events following the main game.
Blog: I'm going to try to keep this as spoiler free as possible.
Future Connected is not a bad DLC. Compared to the main game though, it's just sort of alright.
I do like how the game is more focus on Melia and her whole ordeal as it did feel like in the main game she never really got any sort of resolve and was probably the one character in the main protagonists that ended up losing the most and not gaining really anything. So I'm glad she got some attention.
The cutscenes do seem a bit better, that makes sense considering these are entirely new as opposed to the main game which still followed the original Wii release.
Everything else about the game was just sort of alright. Combat is fine, although you lose one of Shulk's key abilities that he had in the main game.
I don't really care for the new party members, I actually found them rather annoying. The heart-to-hearts also didn't really do anything for me, I thought they were quite boring and very long.
Future Connected is good, but more could have been done.
TL;DR: Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected is not a bad epilogue to the main game, but the main game overshadows it by a lot.
10 Yrs♥✓#
You're going to talk about Future Connected and NOT mention the battle music? I mean, hot damn, that shit slaps. One of the best battle themes of all time*.
ALSO: Satorl Marsh at Night in the base game.
*SOURCE: AlphaOmega247 is a highly respected** expert in the field.
** SOURCE: That green tag beside his user name.
ALSO: Satorl Marsh at Night in the base game.
*SOURCE: AlphaOmega247 is a highly respected** expert in the field.
** SOURCE: That green tag beside his user name.
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Oh yeah the battle music was great you're right. Tbh most of the music was stuff from the main game so I didn't really acknowledge it too much.
And yes Satorl Marsh at night is easily one of the prettiest looking environments in the entire series. I need more glowing plants in my life.
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Game #212: Superliminal
Platform: Switch
Main + Extras: 2h 29m 21s
Rating: 8/10
Date Completed: June 10, 2022
Game Synopsis: Go through a dream world and mess with your perspective.
Blog: Superliminal is a trippy time.
The game is all about your perspective. You do something like grabbing a giant chess piece from far away, but due to your perspective you've actually just made it smaller.
The game is centered around puzzles like these, and these puzzles make me feel smart as I figure out solutions and find secrets.
The story is also pretty quirky and fun, as you explore the dream world that you're in. It's nothing deep or thought-provoking, it's just fun.
The game is pretty short. It took me about 2 and a half hours, and I was taking my sweet time too. Very unfortunate for me, I wanted to spend more time in it.
I have also run into some glitches. One time I crashed. Another time I somehow fell out of the world but I could still walk around. I actually thought that was a purposeful part of the game because it happened so naturally but I realized I couldn't progress at all. So that's not great.
Superliminal is quick fun, I recommend checking it out if it's on sale.
TL;DR Superliminal is a good and trippy time. It's unfortunately very short though.
Platform: Switch
Main + Extras: 2h 29m 21s
Rating: 8/10
Date Completed: June 10, 2022
Game Synopsis: Go through a dream world and mess with your perspective.
Blog: Superliminal is a trippy time.
The game is all about your perspective. You do something like grabbing a giant chess piece from far away, but due to your perspective you've actually just made it smaller.
The game is centered around puzzles like these, and these puzzles make me feel smart as I figure out solutions and find secrets.
The story is also pretty quirky and fun, as you explore the dream world that you're in. It's nothing deep or thought-provoking, it's just fun.
The game is pretty short. It took me about 2 and a half hours, and I was taking my sweet time too. Very unfortunate for me, I wanted to spend more time in it.
I have also run into some glitches. One time I crashed. Another time I somehow fell out of the world but I could still walk around. I actually thought that was a purposeful part of the game because it happened so naturally but I realized I couldn't progress at all. So that's not great.
Superliminal is quick fun, I recommend checking it out if it's on sale.
TL;DR Superliminal is a good and trippy time. It's unfortunately very short though.
4 Yrs♥✓#
R2D219994 Yrs♥✓#
Game #213: Golden Force
Platform: Switch
Main + Extras: 3h 46m 23s
Rating: 3/10
Date Completed: June 11, 2022
Game Synopsis: Fight enemies and progress through levels on an island.
Blog: Golden Force is like a below average vanilla ice cream. It's not the worst game I've played, but if someone saw it as their least favorite platformer I'd understand.
It's just not good for the most part and it's extremely forgettable. The platforming is boring.
It has some of the worst bosses I've fought against, either being complete pushovers or extremely unfair. They also have so much health so it's a chore to kill them. Also the hit boxes on your character are out of whack.
Don't bother wasting your time on Golden Force. It isn't anything spectacular
TL;DR Golden Force is just a boring platforming game that's been done to death a thousand times. And it has terrible bosses to boot as well.
___________________
Game #214: Strike Force Kitty
Platform: Switch
Main Story: 4h 12m 09s
Rating: 3/10
Date Completed: June 12, 2022
Game Synopsis: Take back the cat kingdom from the foxes.
Blog: This is a flash game. No, seriously. This exact game was literally a flash game I played back in the day for free. No differences whatsoever.
The game just isn't interesting. The gameplay is virtually nonexistent. Your team of 4 cats move on their own while you have to decide to jump for them. Sometimes they'll also get into fights where the only thing you can do is press buttons to use special moves, of which you only have a limited number of each one.
There is no traditional leveling system. Instead you have to gather fish from the levels and use it to increase the individual stats of the cats. This system sounds like it'd be fine but the problem is that the levels you have to go on force you to have to grind to the earlier ones because you're always hitting a wall.
The only thing this game has going for it are cheeky references and that can only get you so far.
TL;DR Strike Force Kitty is just a straight flash game ported to consoles with terrible gameplay
__________________
Game #215: Pool Pro Gold
Platform: Switch
Main Story: 1h 05m 09s
Rating: 1/10
Date Completed: June 13, 2022
Game Synopsis: Play a bad version of pool.
Blog: The bare minimum for a game is not necessarily if it's fun. The bare minimum should be if it works. If your game doesn't function, then what the hell was the point in making it.
Pool Pro Gold doesn't work. It has multiple tournaments where each one probably has at least 5 challengers for you to beat. Although I don't know if each tournament has 5 challengers, unfortunately even after beating all the challengers in the first tournament I wasn't able to go to the other ones. No indication of why, nothing in the shop that would unlock them for me. I was just stuck with only the first tournament.
Even if this game wasn't incomplete, I probably wouldn't have changed my rating too drastically. The game's aesthetic feels as if it came out of a mobile game. I wouldn't be surprised if it honestly did. The two biggest giveaways aside from the UI: you can unlock cues through in-game currency, and every 4 hours you spin a wheel for rewards. Tell me that's not a mobile game.
Then there's of course the gameplay. Trying to aim precisely is incredibly wonky as the reticle jumps around instead of being a smooth turn. What's more is that there's an incredibly short timer that goes as you try to aim. If you're unlucky enough to have the timer run out; not only does your turn get skipped but your opponent gets to move the ball wherever they want. That's just straight up cheating!
Another thing this game penalizes you for is hitting your opponent's balls. And no, I don't refer to knocking their balls in the holes. I mean just hitting it, even if it's to hit your ball with it. Like, huh? Is that a rule? I don't remember that being a rule in any pool game I've played. This game is literally just making stuff up.
Don't come anywhere near this game. It's garbage.
TL;DR Pool Pro Gold is anything but gold. It is in fact garbage due to it being a literal broken mess. I wouldn't touch this game with a 10 foot cue stick.
Platform: Switch
Main + Extras: 3h 46m 23s
Rating: 3/10
Date Completed: June 11, 2022
Game Synopsis: Fight enemies and progress through levels on an island.
Blog: Golden Force is like a below average vanilla ice cream. It's not the worst game I've played, but if someone saw it as their least favorite platformer I'd understand.
It's just not good for the most part and it's extremely forgettable. The platforming is boring.
It has some of the worst bosses I've fought against, either being complete pushovers or extremely unfair. They also have so much health so it's a chore to kill them. Also the hit boxes on your character are out of whack.
Don't bother wasting your time on Golden Force. It isn't anything spectacular
TL;DR Golden Force is just a boring platforming game that's been done to death a thousand times. And it has terrible bosses to boot as well.
___________________
Game #214: Strike Force Kitty
Platform: Switch
Main Story: 4h 12m 09s
Rating: 3/10
Date Completed: June 12, 2022
Game Synopsis: Take back the cat kingdom from the foxes.
Blog: This is a flash game. No, seriously. This exact game was literally a flash game I played back in the day for free. No differences whatsoever.
The game just isn't interesting. The gameplay is virtually nonexistent. Your team of 4 cats move on their own while you have to decide to jump for them. Sometimes they'll also get into fights where the only thing you can do is press buttons to use special moves, of which you only have a limited number of each one.
There is no traditional leveling system. Instead you have to gather fish from the levels and use it to increase the individual stats of the cats. This system sounds like it'd be fine but the problem is that the levels you have to go on force you to have to grind to the earlier ones because you're always hitting a wall.
The only thing this game has going for it are cheeky references and that can only get you so far.
TL;DR Strike Force Kitty is just a straight flash game ported to consoles with terrible gameplay
__________________
Game #215: Pool Pro Gold
Platform: Switch
Main Story: 1h 05m 09s
Rating: 1/10
Date Completed: June 13, 2022
Game Synopsis: Play a bad version of pool.
Blog: The bare minimum for a game is not necessarily if it's fun. The bare minimum should be if it works. If your game doesn't function, then what the hell was the point in making it.
Pool Pro Gold doesn't work. It has multiple tournaments where each one probably has at least 5 challengers for you to beat. Although I don't know if each tournament has 5 challengers, unfortunately even after beating all the challengers in the first tournament I wasn't able to go to the other ones. No indication of why, nothing in the shop that would unlock them for me. I was just stuck with only the first tournament.
Even if this game wasn't incomplete, I probably wouldn't have changed my rating too drastically. The game's aesthetic feels as if it came out of a mobile game. I wouldn't be surprised if it honestly did. The two biggest giveaways aside from the UI: you can unlock cues through in-game currency, and every 4 hours you spin a wheel for rewards. Tell me that's not a mobile game.
Then there's of course the gameplay. Trying to aim precisely is incredibly wonky as the reticle jumps around instead of being a smooth turn. What's more is that there's an incredibly short timer that goes as you try to aim. If you're unlucky enough to have the timer run out; not only does your turn get skipped but your opponent gets to move the ball wherever they want. That's just straight up cheating!
Another thing this game penalizes you for is hitting your opponent's balls. And no, I don't refer to knocking their balls in the holes. I mean just hitting it, even if it's to hit your ball with it. Like, huh? Is that a rule? I don't remember that being a rule in any pool game I've played. This game is literally just making stuff up.
Don't come anywhere near this game. It's garbage.
TL;DR Pool Pro Gold is anything but gold. It is in fact garbage due to it being a literal broken mess. I wouldn't touch this game with a 10 foot cue stick.