Category Archives: Video Game Review
Games I’ve Played Recently Part #3
Hey guys! It’s been a minute since I’ve done an update to Games I’ve Played Recently, so let’s talk about a few games I’ve played recently.
Archvale- For those of you who don’t know, I am a big achievement junkie. Archvale helped reinvigorate that. As I got all 40 achievements and claimed that juicy 1000 Gamerscore, surprisingly only the 2nd game I’ve got 1000 G for (Borderlands 1 being the first). Anyway, back to the game. This is a top down, tile based action RPG. It plays enough like Zelda that Zelda fans will feel familiar with the gameplay. There’s dungeons with epic boss fights, heart containers to find, and similar combat. However, I would call it Zelda adjacent. Much like Forager or even maybe Stardew Valley are. Progression isn’t based on finding a new item, but more so improving your Armor, your damage output and your dodging skills. So the game will feel different enough, that if you are a Zelda fan looking for something a little different, this could be what you are looking for. There’s also a badge system very akin to Paper Mario that will help each playthrough feel unique. The story wasnt much to write home about, the gameplay was solid enough. I give it an 8 out of 10. *This game is included in Gamepass as of the writing of the blog, April 2nd, 2022*
Pupperazzi- That is not a typo. This is a game where you go around a handful of stages and take pictures of dogs. It is as awesome as it sounds. You can dress the dogs up in playful outfits, play with the pups using a variety of toys, and capture the dogs in just all around wacky poses and scenarios (such as dogs riding bikes, dogs being life guards, and dogs having picnics to name a few). The game gives you plenty of missions that require you to catch a dog doing something specific (like getting a close up of Tony Bark doing his signature trick on his skateboard). This game is not polished by any means, however I truly adore this game. I’m willingly to over look the flaws because they do not ruin the game by any means. So to me, this is a hidden gem. I give it a 9.5 out of 10. Not an April Fools, I just really enjoy how chaotic the dogs are! *This game is included in Gamepass as of the writing of the blog, April 2nd, 2022*
Donut County- Donut County is another wacky, charming game. Admittedly, I have a sweet spot for games like this. The writing helps the characters be more memorable. Which is impressive considering you play a hole. This game plays very similar to Katamari. You start off as a small hole. The more you consume, the bigger you grow. The camera does a good job of highlighting your size. In the early phases of a level, the camera is zoomed in and really boxes you in. As you grow, the camera panes out. This is used twofold. Obviously, the more it swings out, the easier it is to traverse the levels. But it also makes all the larger objects have a shrinking effect, as the hole now dwarves even the biggest rocks and tallest buildings. I’m currently, fighting the final boss, but this game is very enjoyable. It will only take a few hours to beat and 100%. Good for an afternoon. *This game is included in Gamepass as of the writing of the blog, April 2nd, 2022*
So, that’s all I have prepared for today. We have a baby shower to attend, so I can’t go over everything. I’ll try to write about Halo, Madden 22, and Kirby in a future post. Anyway, thanks for reading and have a great day!
I wrote this April 2nd but due to being busy with the baby, I didn’t notice it never published.
Sora is the Final Smash Brothers Character
Earlier this week Sora was revealed to be the final Smash Character. There was a lot riding on this as we have been informed this is the last Super Smash Brothers DLC character. There was great wonder if it would be a Nintendo first party character or if they would go internet breaking third party. I figured it would be either the protagonist from Shin Megami Tensei V or Master Chief. So personally, I was a little disappointed to see it be Sora.
Obviously, Kingdom Hearts and Sora have a beloved, devout and dedicated fan base. I do think Sora was worthy of the final spot even if he wasn’t my first choice.
So that’s it. Are you happy Sora got the spot? Who would you have over Sora? And what do you think of Kingdom Hearts coming to Smash Bros.
Unlock Zeraora in Pokemon Unite! Early Access Bonus! Dont Wait!(Nintendo Switch)
Hey everybody. Pokemon Unite released Free to Play for Nintendo Switch owners last week! We discussed our early thoughts in a previous blog post. Be sure to check that out here.
Now it is important to make sure everyone knows Zeraora, one of currently 20 playable characters, is free for a limited time as an early adopter bonus. If you love Pokemon, MOBAs, or are just looking for something different to play, there is no reason to miss out on this electric heavy hitter.
Zeraora’s Pokemon Unite stats mimic his in game stats. He is a powerful mix sweeper with nice speed. However he is fragile. This why pairing him with a support Pokemon or the eject button battle item can go a long way in providing longevity to the electric glass cannon.
I’ve used Zeaora early on with a sub optimal build , but he is still nonetheless very fun to play with.
Let me know if you’ve taken advantage of this deal and scored the Sun and Moon legendary for free! Thanks for reading and have a great day!
I Finally Decided to Play Final Fantasy 7 (Original) on Game Pass! My early thoughts.
I won’t lie. Growing up an N64 fan, it felt like it was a debate, a war even. Which was better? Ocarina of Time vs Final Fantasy 7. I knew where my loyalty lied. I still think being indoctrinated into Zelda instead of Final Fantasy is a big reason why I am more into action adventure games over RPGs.
In my adult life, the FF7 remake was hyped up to no end. As a PS3 owner I thought maybe we would get a version of the remake, but it just snuck onto the PS4’s library. While I plan to get around to the remake, now that I own a PS4 as well, I decided to start with the original on the Xbox Gamepass. Here are some of my thoughts.
For the record, spoilers will be minor. I have put almost 7 hours into the game and finally made it to the world map on my way to the town of Kalm.
For starters, the graphics do not look horrible for a PS1 game. Admittedly, I am not a techno wizard. Maybe this is due to the fact I am playing it on the Xbox One on my nice TV. Either way, graphics are not a turn off here.
Combat is still not great, but I have yet to find a turn based battle system I enjoy outside of Pokemon. The timing system is less than great and having to maneuver those arrows has led to many accidental wrong attacks and spells. Such as using a phoenix down on a living player, curing the wrong member, or not being able to target a back row character.
So, far that is really my only complaint. The game is well written and different from most RPGS and Final Fantasy games I have seen. It is over the top weird, vulgar and very funny. I would be surprised if they did not have to clean up and adjust a lot of the humor for the hyper sensitive modern day crowd. I like how anybody can learn any spell. This almost reduced roles and classes found in former entries, but makes it where you can build each character to be anything you want. I like to put my head in the mindset of the late 90’s when I play. As a result, the cutscenes blow me away. They are so visually striking. They remind me of Resident Evil 2 cutscenes from when I was younger and of course there is nostalgia tied to that.
The game has opened up now with the world map. I wouldn’t say the game has been strictly linear like FF13, but it has been close. Still, I have liked the balance of a very focused approach to story telling while also being able to explore towns and talk to NPCs. I don’t think it is perfect, but it still feels good.
So far Sephiroth has really only shown up by name, but his reputation is starting to proceed him. Having never played Final Fantasy 7 prior to this week, I would say just from what I know about him, he stands up there with video games’ greatest evil forces and I am excited to see more of him.
Which brings me to the story. The story is compelling without giving too much away. If Sephiroth is an ancient and he is still alive, I wonder how many more ancients are still alive as well? I cannot wait to explore more of the world, the lore and the characters.
So far, I give the game an 8 out of 10. I plan to keep playing further and we will totally revisit as I go.
Top 5 Most Anticipated Xbox Series X Games!
Hey, guys. A few days ago Xbox did their presentation for the new upcoming Xbox Series X. This showcase was meant to rival what Sony was doing with their Playstation 5. At the end of the day, Xbox did show off a great number of games to get excited for. Here’s 5 that really grabbed my attention.
(I do not own any pictures used in this blog. All rights to their original owner.)
Watch Microsoft’s full conference here: FULL Xbox Games Showcase – July 2020
#5 EverWild: Admittedly, I haven’t played too many games by the studio Rare. I loved Golden Eye and DK 64 back on the N64. However, since being acquired by Microsoft, I’ve missed most of their Xbox exclusive games. Still, I can recognize the powerhouse that once was Rare even if they are a far cry from their former glory. With all that said, I am excited to see the next chapter of their game making story unfold. This game has the potential to be 1 or 2 on this list by the time it is actually released. The reason it is here at number 5 is the same reason that is holding back so many of these games. There was no gameplay footage. Now, this is something you’ve probably heard if you have watched any of these Xbox Conference reviews, either in written or spoken format. It is not a deal breaker. Trust me, I am excited to see what Rare does with a open world sandbox game. The simple fact is some of the games on this list are just further along and it is easier to get excited for those games.
#4 Grounded: I really thought this game was going to secure the #1 spot a month ago. I had heard some big name franchises tossed around and even some announce trailers for one game. But without a doubt, Grounded was one of the furthest along games in the Xbox’s catalog. Heck, I think Obsidian has been teasing a demo this month. Grounded is developed by the studio Obsidian. An up-and-coming juggernaut in the field. They got their big break working with Bethesda to make Fallout: New Vegas, an absolute gem. Then they secured their reputation with last year’s smash hit, Outer Worlds. They are currently working on their next big blockbuster in Avowed, but they are giving us a hold over in the form of Grounded. A game that looks like Honey I Shrunk the Kids set in a Fallout universe. The player will take control of 1 of 4 kids and try to survive the dangers of the backyard while also discovering plenty of secrets along the way. This game looks like it will be a great addition to Obsidian’s arsenal of titles.
#3 Fable: I may be lying to myself here. in fact, this game has played musical chairs with the top 3 spots. Honestly, if I did this list tomorrow there’s a chance this game could be number 1. Fable was the first Xbox franchise I fell in love with. I played Fable 1 as a kid and then grew up with Fable 2 and 3. It is arguably my favorite Xbox exclusive franchise. It was completely omitted from the Xbox One’s library. Needless to say, I have been craving more Fable in my life. As of right now, I think Fable is the closest thing Microsoft has to a console seller. Why is it number 3? Simple. Numbers 2 and 3 have gameplay footage.
#2 Balan WonderWorld: Looks simply amazing. When the first two years of the Xbox Series X’s life is over, I think Balan has a legitimate shot at being the best game on the console. Created by the same man who created the Nights franchise, you can rest assured that this game will have plenty of charm and character. It’s at number 2 over juggernauts like Rare and Obsidian because it actually had plenty of gameplay and a release date. I got a vibe of what this game wants to do and be. I can visualize myself owning this game and playing it and getting lost in it’s worlds. Something I can only say about a few games shown off earlier this week.
Honorable Mentions-
Halo Infinite- I like Halo but I am not a Halo nut. No one is praising this game even though Microsoft seems to think it will be it’s big hit. It just falls flat compared to Sony’s Spiderman, Horizon Zero Dawn, and even this gen’s The Last Of Us 2.
Tell Me Why- This game actually looks pretty solid. I would definitely check this game out if it came out on Gamepass.
Avowed- A 10 second snip pretty much tells you this game is quite a ways away. Still, should be amazing when it finally comes out.
#1 Psychonauts: I think the clear head and shoulders front runner. As of right now, Halo is pretty much a joke to the internet even if it manages to come out strong. Fable and Avowed are a good bit away from release date. Even Everwild is still probably a ways away too. Leaving the question, what do Xbox players get excited about? I think Psychonauts is that answer. It had plenty of game play footage leading me to believe it is probably one of the closer games to launch. Psychonauts 1 is a cult classic and the sequel will look to expand upon its already established reputation. Today’s age has shriveled up the 3D Platformer well, especially if you aren’t on the Switch. If you like the genre, Psychonauts looks to be a must own. It is the game I am most excited for as of today.
So that’s my thoughts. On the surface, Xbox’s showcase seems quite weak if Halo isn’t up to par. It is important to remember that Xbox has already revealed other games such as Cyberpunk 2077, Scarlett Nexus, Yakuza, and Assassin Creed’s Valhalla.
Let me know what games you guys are excited for?
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
Want to see my thoughts on the PS5’s showcase? Read here: Reacting to the PS5 Announcement Stream!
Video Game Review: A Hat in Time
A little less than a year ago, Gears for Breakfast released this little gem for the world to enjoy. And enjoy it I have. If you’ve never heard or seen A Hat in Time before, it is a 3-D action platformer made in the same vain as other classics such as Super Mario 64 and Banjo Kazooie. The game is full of colorful level, giant worlds to explore, an overabundance of collectibles and some of the most engaging characters I have seen in a platformer.
My style of review is like having a casual conversation, so lets discuss what the game does right and wrong.
The Right
Exploration– This is one of the most important factors to me when determining the fun factor of a game. The game features 4 massive worlds plus a fifth level that is linear instead of a sandbox. Yes most games feature 10+ worlds, but the worlds you’ll find in A Hat in Time are vibrant, unique, and full of charm. Mafia Town is still a world I’ll load up and run around in to this day. The freedom of movement only aids this category as well. Featuring double jumps, aerial dashes, and wall climbing, the open worlds are super fun to traverse. It never gets old dashing around the levels.
Characters- I don’t always expect much from the supporting cast from platformers, however almost every character in this game is memorable and just adds to the personality that is A Hat is Time. The Snatcher is probably my favorite character, but the conductor and DJ Grooves rivalry, the alien-fearing Mafia, and the interesting antihero Mustache Girl, form a rainbow of charm that help carry the game.
Collectibles- Collectibles. You either love them or hate them. I think Gears for Breakfast absolutely nailed the collectibles that are hidden throughout the game. The collectibles are the Time Pieces (think stars from Super Mario), Pons (think coins from Super Mario) and Rift Tokens (I don’t really have a comparison, but its a second currency). Not collectibles per se, but there are several hats she can equip to give her powers. For example, she has a sprint cap that lets her move faster while say, the brewers cap gives her the ability to launch projectiles. There’s also dyes that change her costume color and style. I find this to be the perfect blend. There’s enough collectibles to help cover the level and motivate you to explore without making it feel like a chore. This really goes a long way in a game styled like this.
The Wrong
It is short… for now. 5 worlds and a nice hub world means the game is of fair length. However, as a gamer, you never want a game to end. However, the next wave of DLC/update says it roll out 2 new worlds. Of course I am looking forward to this. This small blemish may soon be erased.
Untapped Potential– When I was reading about the game, I remember reading about using the Time pieces to turn back time and such. It comes up from time to time, but it seems like its mostly in the background. This seems to be a story element and not a gameplay mechanic. I could be misremembering something, but it will feels like there were some time alerting mechanics they could have expanded upon.
Really, these are my only real complaints. The game is just a perfect blend of elements I love in video games. Anything else I say from here would just be reiterating earlier thoughts. If you played early platformers from the N64/Gamecube, PS1/PS2 era, you owe it to yourself to get this game. A Hat in Time is available on the steam store for just $29.99 and the PS4 and Xbox One for $29.99 as well. I’m not going to assign a score but just know this game is close to perfect. I keep fluctuating somewhere between 9 out of 10 to 10 out of 10. Yeah, it really is a great game.
Be on the look out for my youtube review on channel in the near future.
Thank you
Da_Hubbz 