Hello to anyone who's reading this!
To give just a little bit of context as to the reason why I'm creating this blog and what's to expect if you decide to follow it, I'd like to say that like many of you, I assume, I started playing video games when I was a kid, my first console being the GameCube and having fond memories of playing MK Double Dash, Super Mario Sunshine, and Shrek 2 (what I would give to play this one again...). Since then video games have always been a part of my twenty-three years of life, yet I rarely ever used to commit to beat most of the games I'd start—even the ones I loved—, which I've always found mildly disappointing and a factor in why I've played them in this sort of on-and-off fashion.
This year, however, I've felt like I've reconnected with that fondness for this medium that I used to have as a kid, and I guess my way of actually committing to this hobby this time is by creating this blog and making myself accountable, not necessarily to only beat the games I like and maybe even the ones I don't, but also to mindfully engage with them. I have many different interests, one of them being writing, so this is an excellent way to combine the two.
At the moment I don't have a clear idea as for the structure of this blog, but I guess I'll figure it out along the way. Also, I'd be happy to interact with any of you guys and anything you have to say!
To give just a little bit of context as to the reason why I'm creating this blog and what's to expect if you decide to follow it, I'd like to say that like many of you, I assume, I started playing video games when I was a kid, my first console being the GameCube and having fond memories of playing MK Double Dash, Super Mario Sunshine, and Shrek 2 (what I would give to play this one again...). Since then video games have always been a part of my twenty-three years of life, yet I rarely ever used to commit to beat most of the games I'd start—even the ones I loved—, which I've always found mildly disappointing and a factor in why I've played them in this sort of on-and-off fashion.
This year, however, I've felt like I've reconnected with that fondness for this medium that I used to have as a kid, and I guess my way of actually committing to this hobby this time is by creating this blog and making myself accountable, not necessarily to only beat the games I like and maybe even the ones I don't, but also to mindfully engage with them. I have many different interests, one of them being writing, so this is an excellent way to combine the two.
At the moment I don't have a clear idea as for the structure of this blog, but I guess I'll figure it out along the way. Also, I'd be happy to interact with any of you guys and anything you have to say!
Life Is Strange (2015) - Completed
Score: 8/10
Hours played: —
Platform played on: Xbox Series X
Date of completion: August
I have to admit I'm a bit of a sucker for decision-based games; and I'm also a bit of a sucker for stories that in some way or another pull at my heartstrings, so it's no wonder that a game like Life Is Strange clicked with me in the first place. But the combination of these two factors is not the only element that makes this, what I think is, a great, well-thought-out game. The time-travel device in the game and some of its components are quite creative, and used well and fittingly, like using photographs to go back in time; however, I would say that the fact that the player can go back in time and change some of the decisions they recently made doesn't null the fact that the decisions they make matter, because even making the decision of changing their previous decisions, or even not making one at all, also plays a part in the grand scheme of the story. And this is one of the reasons it makes it so engrossing. On top of this, Life Is Strange is a game with well-written characters and dialogue (maybe most of them unlikeable but believable, nonetheless) that reside in a rather beautiful littoral setting thanks to its art style. So I think it's a worthwhile game that deserves all the praise it's gotten.
Edit: Rating scale.
Score: 8/10
Hours played: —
Platform played on: Xbox Series X
Date of completion: August
I have to admit I'm a bit of a sucker for decision-based games; and I'm also a bit of a sucker for stories that in some way or another pull at my heartstrings, so it's no wonder that a game like Life Is Strange clicked with me in the first place. But the combination of these two factors is not the only element that makes this, what I think is, a great, well-thought-out game. The time-travel device in the game and some of its components are quite creative, and used well and fittingly, like using photographs to go back in time; however, I would say that the fact that the player can go back in time and change some of the decisions they recently made doesn't null the fact that the decisions they make matter, because even making the decision of changing their previous decisions, or even not making one at all, also plays a part in the grand scheme of the story. And this is one of the reasons it makes it so engrossing. On top of this, Life Is Strange is a game with well-written characters and dialogue (maybe most of them unlikeable but believable, nonetheless) that reside in a rather beautiful littoral setting thanks to its art style. So I think it's a worthwhile game that deserves all the praise it's gotten.
Edit: Rating scale.
The Last of Us Remastered (2014) - Completed
Score: 10/10
Hours played: 18 hrs. 53 min.
Platform played on: PS4
Date of completion: September 17th
I finally completed this game a few days ago and I still can't stop thinking about it every once in a while. I love everything it has to offer and almost everything it does. I like how grounded the game design is in relation to the story and the other aspects of the game. For example, the scavenger element is well done—it makes the gameplay feel exciting and rewarding while also sometimes either subtly or explicitly making it clear to the player of the situation they're in or about to get into by the amount of resources it presents you before or after a mission. This ties in with the general atmosphere of the game which gives off this ever-present paradoxical feeling of hopelessness and hopefulness within this well portrayed apocalyptic world, because in a world with little resources there's also little trust in people, which is why the relationship between Ellie and Joel is so beautiful and impactful. Along their journey, each of them grow hopeful together in a world where's there's virtually nothing to believe in anymore. This is why I think the ending perfectly encapsulates all that is thought, said, felt, and simply lived by these two characters all throughout the game. It's a masterpiece.
Edit: Rating scale.
Score: 10/10
Hours played: 18 hrs. 53 min.
Platform played on: PS4
Date of completion: September 17th
I finally completed this game a few days ago and I still can't stop thinking about it every once in a while. I love everything it has to offer and almost everything it does. I like how grounded the game design is in relation to the story and the other aspects of the game. For example, the scavenger element is well done—it makes the gameplay feel exciting and rewarding while also sometimes either subtly or explicitly making it clear to the player of the situation they're in or about to get into by the amount of resources it presents you before or after a mission. This ties in with the general atmosphere of the game which gives off this ever-present paradoxical feeling of hopelessness and hopefulness within this well portrayed apocalyptic world, because in a world with little resources there's also little trust in people, which is why the relationship between Ellie and Joel is so beautiful and impactful. Along their journey, each of them grow hopeful together in a world where's there's virtually nothing to believe in anymore. This is why I think the ending perfectly encapsulates all that is thought, said, felt, and simply lived by these two characters all throughout the game. It's a masterpiece.
Edit: Rating scale.
5 Yrs✓#
GCTuba
5 Yrs✓#
Uh oh, looks like you need to correct the picture link in your post. Welcome to blogging! I'm glad Life is Strange was your first game to write about. I loved the first game and have played through the whole series. Didn't like 2 as much but True Colors was pretty good. And The Last of Us is a very good game as well. I played the original release on PS3 a few years ago. Played through Part 2 last year and it was OK but not nearly as good as the original (just like Life is Strange I suppose).
Thank you! It means a lot that someone took the time to read what I had to say.
And yeah, I really like these two so that's why I'm a bit hesitant about playing their sequels, though lately I've felt inclined towards playing TLoU 2 because, contrary to much of what I've read online, a coworker of mine told me this one, in his opinion, is very good and much more emotional than the first. But we'll see. And as for the second entry of Life Is Strange, I've also read it's totally different from the original one, so maybe I'll give it a try sometime.
Oh, and there I fixed the image links. Thanks for letting me know.
And yeah, I really like these two so that's why I'm a bit hesitant about playing their sequels, though lately I've felt inclined towards playing TLoU 2 because, contrary to much of what I've read online, a coworker of mine told me this one, in his opinion, is very good and much more emotional than the first. But we'll see. And as for the second entry of Life Is Strange, I've also read it's totally different from the original one, so maybe I'll give it a try sometime.
Oh, and there I fixed the image links. Thanks for letting me know.
Detroit: Become Human (2018) - Completed
Score: 7/10
Hours played: 10 hrs. 47 min.
Platform played on: PS4
Date of completion: September 25th
Putting aside the way some of the moral and ethical thematics of the game are presented by David Cage, which I initially found compelling but then upon further scrutiny I think they resulted to be rather flawed, I want to commend this game for its deeply immersive nature. While playing this I would lose track of time, the same one way loses track when binge-watching a show. The heavy decision-making element of the gameplay of it gives a sense of autonomy that I couldn't help but find addictive. In that sense, the game is amazing. I can't entirely wrap my head around the amount of work that must've been put into all these multiple branching narratives to make each playthrough feel unique.
Now, as I briefly mentioned, I found some of the themes throughout the story to be somewhat flawed and/or plainly shallow, like the topic of slavery, for example. An argument that could be made against this is that not all androids can be seen as slaves if these androids haven't gained any consciousness. The comparisons seem fitting in the case of deviants since these have acquired the ability to feel, reason, and experience the world the way a human would, yet there's no reason to believe that those androids who haven't deviated from their programming can do the same, therefore the analogy falls short in this matter. But honestly, I'd be lying if I said I care much about the manner in which these subject matters are presented or even imposed on the player. The level of immersion this game allowed me to experience is one that I enjoyed a lot, and that's mostly what mattered to me.
Edit: Rating scale.
Score: 7/10
Hours played: 10 hrs. 47 min.
Platform played on: PS4
Date of completion: September 25th
Putting aside the way some of the moral and ethical thematics of the game are presented by David Cage, which I initially found compelling but then upon further scrutiny I think they resulted to be rather flawed, I want to commend this game for its deeply immersive nature. While playing this I would lose track of time, the same one way loses track when binge-watching a show. The heavy decision-making element of the gameplay of it gives a sense of autonomy that I couldn't help but find addictive. In that sense, the game is amazing. I can't entirely wrap my head around the amount of work that must've been put into all these multiple branching narratives to make each playthrough feel unique.
Now, as I briefly mentioned, I found some of the themes throughout the story to be somewhat flawed and/or plainly shallow, like the topic of slavery, for example. An argument that could be made against this is that not all androids can be seen as slaves if these androids haven't gained any consciousness. The comparisons seem fitting in the case of deviants since these have acquired the ability to feel, reason, and experience the world the way a human would, yet there's no reason to believe that those androids who haven't deviated from their programming can do the same, therefore the analogy falls short in this matter. But honestly, I'd be lying if I said I care much about the manner in which these subject matters are presented or even imposed on the player. The level of immersion this game allowed me to experience is one that I enjoyed a lot, and that's mostly what mattered to me.
Edit: Rating scale.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (2002) - Completed
Score: 7.5/10
Hours played: 24 hrs. 40 min.
Platform played on: Xbox Series X
Date of completion: November 5th
Okay, this is a pretty cool game. Splinter Cell is a franchise I'd been meaning to get into for quite a while so I'm happy to have finally had an experience with the first entry — a fun yet challenging one.
I'd like to comment first on the first thing that grabbed my attention: the use of lighting. The use of lighting as part of the game design in this is simply amazing considering the time in which it was developed. The interactive nature of lights and shadows makes the stealth aspect of the game so much fun. Shooting lightbulbs to be able to hide from enemies was so crucial in order to get past them many times for me, and admittedly it made me feel clever (even though there were easier ways to go about certain levels, for sure). Thankfully, the stealth meter is a device that played into the whole dynamic of lights, shadows, and detection in a consistent manner all throughout the game since I had to rely on it quite a bit to be able to marginally get out of tough situations.
Another thing I enjoyed about the game were the variety of gadgets it puts at your disposal during different missions. Though I didn't use a few of them, it was nice to know that if I ran out of ammo or if I was cornered in a spot I could use other different devices in order to sneak away. The diversity of options to approach a scenario is part of what made me push through certain missions after dying or failing multiple times in a row. Because man, this a fun game, but it's certainly tough. This game has definitely reminded me of how valuable of a trait patience is. It's a game that mostly requires a lot of trial and error to beat, as most notably seen to me in missions such as in the Chinese Embassy and the Presidential Palace.
Now, as someone with little experience with older games, I'm more inclined towards putting the blame on my inexperience and lack of skills as the reason for me taking so long to beat certain missions, but in part I can't help but think elements of the game development and game design played a role in these frustrations. Things like the detection system sometimes seemed to be inconsistent. At times I'd take cover in spots where I was supposed to be invisible and the AI would somehow still detect me when other times this wouldn't happen in similar situations, and in other times they could spot two inches of my knee from a mile away, something ridiculous. It also doesn't help that the controls are very janky, which ends up affecting not only the stealth component to get out of some of these inconvenient circumstances, but they also affect and make worse the shooting mechanics, which are already slow and flawed, in some of these forced combat sequences.
Despite these complaints, I have to say I had an overall really good experience with this game. I didn't mind spending hours upon hours in a single day trying to beat a single mission (not something I'm used to) because I was having fun being a badass spy.
P.S. I didn't play the two DLC missions in this play-through, I'll do so whenever I replay the game.
Edit: Rating scale.
Score: 7.5/10
Hours played: 24 hrs. 40 min.
Platform played on: Xbox Series X
Date of completion: November 5th
Okay, this is a pretty cool game. Splinter Cell is a franchise I'd been meaning to get into for quite a while so I'm happy to have finally had an experience with the first entry — a fun yet challenging one.
I'd like to comment first on the first thing that grabbed my attention: the use of lighting. The use of lighting as part of the game design in this is simply amazing considering the time in which it was developed. The interactive nature of lights and shadows makes the stealth aspect of the game so much fun. Shooting lightbulbs to be able to hide from enemies was so crucial in order to get past them many times for me, and admittedly it made me feel clever (even though there were easier ways to go about certain levels, for sure). Thankfully, the stealth meter is a device that played into the whole dynamic of lights, shadows, and detection in a consistent manner all throughout the game since I had to rely on it quite a bit to be able to marginally get out of tough situations.
Another thing I enjoyed about the game were the variety of gadgets it puts at your disposal during different missions. Though I didn't use a few of them, it was nice to know that if I ran out of ammo or if I was cornered in a spot I could use other different devices in order to sneak away. The diversity of options to approach a scenario is part of what made me push through certain missions after dying or failing multiple times in a row. Because man, this a fun game, but it's certainly tough. This game has definitely reminded me of how valuable of a trait patience is. It's a game that mostly requires a lot of trial and error to beat, as most notably seen to me in missions such as in the Chinese Embassy and the Presidential Palace.
Now, as someone with little experience with older games, I'm more inclined towards putting the blame on my inexperience and lack of skills as the reason for me taking so long to beat certain missions, but in part I can't help but think elements of the game development and game design played a role in these frustrations. Things like the detection system sometimes seemed to be inconsistent. At times I'd take cover in spots where I was supposed to be invisible and the AI would somehow still detect me when other times this wouldn't happen in similar situations, and in other times they could spot two inches of my knee from a mile away, something ridiculous. It also doesn't help that the controls are very janky, which ends up affecting not only the stealth component to get out of some of these inconvenient circumstances, but they also affect and make worse the shooting mechanics, which are already slow and flawed, in some of these forced combat sequences.
Despite these complaints, I have to say I had an overall really good experience with this game. I didn't mind spending hours upon hours in a single day trying to beat a single mission (not something I'm used to) because I was having fun being a badass spy.
P.S. I didn't play the two DLC missions in this play-through, I'll do so whenever I replay the game.
Edit: Rating scale.
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange
2 Yrs✓#
Yooo! I just beat Life Is Strange recently and I really enjoyed it! The Last Of Us Part 1 and 2 are my favorite games of all time and I'm so happy you enjoyed the first one. Do you plan on playing the second game one of these days?
3 Yrs✓#
f_n_c
3 Yrs✓#
It's always great to see someone playing the first Splinter Cell! Is a good game, but it definitely shows its age. If you want to get out from sticky situations by shooting, the first Splinter Cell is not something for you. I'm impressed that you managed to do something with shooting, since for me being spotted was equal to being dead. The game is definitely not easy, and finishing it is definitely a great accomplishment.
Yooo! Glad to read you enjoyed Life is Strange, it's a great game. Are you gonna play the other entries sometime?
As for The Last of Us Part 2, I'll probably get my hands on it within the next two months. Currently I'm only playing games I already own, but I've thought of making a few exceptions once in a while and TLoU Part 2 is one of them, for sure.
I agree! The game is a technical marvel for its time, I'm sure, but it definitely is showing its age now. I guess I wasn't clever enough to think of doing anything else besides shooting my way out of those situations in some cases because of the adrenaline. But whenever I replay the game I'll see if I can beat certain missions in a different way. For now, I'm just relieved that I somehow managed to beat it in the first place, haha.
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange2 Yrs✓#
Oh for sure! I have Before The Storm and I want to get the second one eventually. I'm with you on the playing games you already own, too, so I'm thinking I'll reward myself with it once I beat a few games I've already got waiting for me. And I'd definitely recommend TLOU2! My only advice is just go into with an open mind whenever you do get around to playing it! :)
5 Yrs✓#
GCTuba5 Yrs✓#
I've played all the Life is Strange games and they're great. The first one is still my favorite but True Colors did make my top 10 favorite games I played this year. I love the Splinter Cell games too but I don't think I've played the original in like 20 years. I wonder how well it plays today, especially compared to the remake that is supposedly still in development.
I'm eager to play the other Splinter Cell games. I just hope they at least hold up a bit better than the original one.
Batman: Return to Arkham - Arkham Asylum (2016) - Completed
Score: 9/10
Hours played: 11 hrs. 14 min.
Platform played on: Xbox Series X
Date of completion: December 26th
Before starting this game I was aware of how well-regarded not only this game was but the whole trilogy as a whole, and I don't love that. What I mean is, I don't love being aware of a game's reputation (or any piece of media, for that matter) because it inevitably makes me set a standard that I'm always afraid it won't meet. I also either I get nit-picky or frustrated if I don't love what I'm consuming because I think something must be wrong with my judgement or taste. But as it often happens, I start playing the game, I spend time with it, I start falling in love with it, and once it's over I realize it was true: this game is spectacular.
Batman: Return to Arkham - Arkham Asylum, above all, is very, very fun game. That's its main strength. It's fun to play as a strong and menacing Batman. The combat is weighty and satisfying, the stealth element makes you feel menacing, and the array of different gadgets at your disposal and the obstacles you have to overcome using them makes the gameplay feel rewarding. Tied to these aspects are the upgrades, which I would say have a real impact on how you interact with said obstacles presented to you along the way. Most of the missions and bosses are unique and memorable, especially Scarecrow and the beautifully trippy hallucination/nightmare sequences. The change to platform gameplay, though a bit jarring, felt rather fitting considering the state it puts Batman into. I found it spectacularly well-done. In part, it's so striking due to the beautiful art style of the game. Arkham Asylum looks dark, gritty, messy, and sinister in a way that makes you feel as though you're playing inside a comic-book. It's a great experience, and I can't wait to play the remaining two games.
Score: 9/10
Hours played: 11 hrs. 14 min.
Platform played on: Xbox Series X
Date of completion: December 26th
Before starting this game I was aware of how well-regarded not only this game was but the whole trilogy as a whole, and I don't love that. What I mean is, I don't love being aware of a game's reputation (or any piece of media, for that matter) because it inevitably makes me set a standard that I'm always afraid it won't meet. I also either I get nit-picky or frustrated if I don't love what I'm consuming because I think something must be wrong with my judgement or taste. But as it often happens, I start playing the game, I spend time with it, I start falling in love with it, and once it's over I realize it was true: this game is spectacular.
Batman: Return to Arkham - Arkham Asylum, above all, is very, very fun game. That's its main strength. It's fun to play as a strong and menacing Batman. The combat is weighty and satisfying, the stealth element makes you feel menacing, and the array of different gadgets at your disposal and the obstacles you have to overcome using them makes the gameplay feel rewarding. Tied to these aspects are the upgrades, which I would say have a real impact on how you interact with said obstacles presented to you along the way. Most of the missions and bosses are unique and memorable, especially Scarecrow and the beautifully trippy hallucination/nightmare sequences. The change to platform gameplay, though a bit jarring, felt rather fitting considering the state it puts Batman into. I found it spectacularly well-done. In part, it's so striking due to the beautiful art style of the game. Arkham Asylum looks dark, gritty, messy, and sinister in a way that makes you feel as though you're playing inside a comic-book. It's a great experience, and I can't wait to play the remaining two games.
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange2 Yrs✓#
I totally agree with you about the setting high standards! I haven't dived in to any of the Batman games but I hear lots of them are great! I'm glad you had a good experience with this one.