Progress Report: First half of 2023
Hello! Sadly, my mission to document my gaming backlog as much as possible failed again. I don’t know the exact reason, why I always forget to update these things, considering that since the last update back in February I’ve completed 7 games! Although this is not a significant number, I’m mostly satisfied, since I wasn’t motivated to do anything until April…
Completed games in 2023 until now:
Paradise Lost is a visually stunning, but otherwise completely blank experience.
I heavily felt the influence of Firewatch on this title, which in itself wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing, however, some elements were without a doubt "stolen" from the aforementioned game with the hope of creating a simmilar story.
You can read my full review of the game here.
Even though I gave this game in the end a negative review, I think Syberia is a really great adventure title, given that this was maybe the second I've completed the genre I felt some elements really tedious (for instance: backtracking), but the core storyline is one of the most interesting one I've ever encountered. It is a shame to waste this much potential, however as I also noted in my full review, this could easily be since the game was split in half.
You can read my full review about the game here
I don't know why, but I've written a full-length review of this 30-minute game here, which turns out is my most popular review to this day. Interesting…
Can't say much about the game, pretty generic mascot horror title without much creativity. If you would like to read a rant on me being furious about a simple Unity game, go ahead!
Out of all the games I've played from the first season of The Dark Pictures Anthology, this is my favorite one: it might be because it resembles my favorite horror movie, The Descent!
It has the best characters and storyline in my eyes, it is a huge step up in every term from the last entry. Full-length review in progress.
Many have said before me, so I will not go into a lengthy review: this is one of the most exceptional games ever created, no matter from which perspective we look at it. The story is intriguing, the art and sound design is fantastic, and while it is "just" a walking simulator this title has more creative solutions than any other game I've ever played. This might be one of my favorite games I've ever played.
This was the first puzzle-platformer game I've ever completed, and I must say this might turn out to be one of my favorite genres!
As a long-time fan of Spongebob Squarepants, I've really enjoyed the game - for me, this was a huge nostalgia factor since this was originally released in 2003, around the time I actually started to watch this show :D! So most jokes and inside gags were completely known to me - I highly doubt kids at this age understood all the references.
Thank you for the reviews/write-ups! Did you not have anything to say about Lake, or did you forget the “More” button? Based on your achievements, it looks like you only played through one ending (Hometowner).
I have Paradise Lost in my backlog. I’ve played (and loved) Firewatch, so I’ll try to temper my expectations. Syberia is an old classic, and the “pace” of the game, obtuseness in parts of some of the puzzles, and lack of hints is typical for the time period. There are dozens if not hundreds of games like that. I have Edith Finch in my backlog and am itching to play it.
Thank you for your comment, Trent :-) !
You might remember that a few months ago, just when I beat Lake we had a little chat about it - since I already reviewed that title I didn’t include it here :D !
Please do yourself a favor, and play Edith Finch as soon as possible - I highly doubt that you don’t know anything about the game, since it got kind of a cult state, but don’t worry - even if your expectations are high, the game will deliver everything imaginable :D Plus since you loved Firewatch, I think you will love this one as well :-) !
Oh! I’ve discussed Lake with several people– I don’t recall specifically discussing it with you. I looked it up and I remember now– you had technical issues. :(
I don’t think I know anything about Edith Finch other than that it’s basically a walking sim and is well-regarded. Clearly, I should play it.
I haven’t played a Steam game in 2023, though, for myriad reasons. So I guess it will have to wait. :(