2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange
2 Yrs✓#
Review 18 - November 11, 2024
Game Title: Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered
Rating: 100%
Started: November 8, 2024
Completed: November 10, 2024
I had an absolute blast with this game. I genuinely FELT like Spiderman! Traversing through New York, swinging from building to building, was just so much fun. The combat and overall gameplay is incredibly linear and runs so smoothly. It legit played out like a movie at times! The characters were all likeable and the villains were all well designed and offered fun battles. The story played out like a literal movie and had me invested. The only parts I wasn't very fond of were the MJ missions, but they didn't really get in the way of my enjoyment that much since they didn't last long and weren't super common. The voice acting was very well done and the conversations all felt natural. I had a really good time with this game and would definitely recommend!
Game Title: Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered
Rating: 100%
Started: November 8, 2024
Completed: November 10, 2024
I had an absolute blast with this game. I genuinely FELT like Spiderman! Traversing through New York, swinging from building to building, was just so much fun. The combat and overall gameplay is incredibly linear and runs so smoothly. It legit played out like a movie at times! The characters were all likeable and the villains were all well designed and offered fun battles. The story played out like a literal movie and had me invested. The only parts I wasn't very fond of were the MJ missions, but they didn't really get in the way of my enjoyment that much since they didn't last long and weren't super common. The voice acting was very well done and the conversations all felt natural. I had a really good time with this game and would definitely recommend!
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange2 Yrs✓#
Weekly Update 1 - November 11, 2024
I played a lot of Fortnite this week grinding out the battle pass. Ended up finishing the battle pass and just have to wait on some bonus rewards to come out. I ended up retiring Prey. I found the combat to be more infuriating than fun and the map just all felt the same and didn't have a whole lot of personality in my opinion. I can understand why some might enjoy it, but it just wasn't for me. I'm glad I gave it a fair shot though. On a more positive note, I finished Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered and posted a review just above. I'm gonna finish the DLC and then borrow the second one from my brother and start playing that tonight I think!
I hope you all had a great week! Please feel free to share what you've been playing this week. I always love to interact with other game nerds. :)
I played a lot of Fortnite this week grinding out the battle pass. Ended up finishing the battle pass and just have to wait on some bonus rewards to come out. I ended up retiring Prey. I found the combat to be more infuriating than fun and the map just all felt the same and didn't have a whole lot of personality in my opinion. I can understand why some might enjoy it, but it just wasn't for me. I'm glad I gave it a fair shot though. On a more positive note, I finished Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered and posted a review just above. I'm gonna finish the DLC and then borrow the second one from my brother and start playing that tonight I think!
I hope you all had a great week! Please feel free to share what you've been playing this week. I always love to interact with other game nerds. :)
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange2 Yrs✓#
Weekly Update 2 - November 18, 2024
I've been primarily playing Spider-Man 2 with a bit of fortnite here and there this week. It's looking like I'm going to beat it sometime this week. My TV decided to stop working Friday night but I got a new one on Saturday. I didn't realize before but damn the old TV wasn't doing my games justice! New one looks so much better. I bought Like Is Strange 2 since it was on sale for 6 bucks. That about sums up this week and you should see a review from me soon!
I've been primarily playing Spider-Man 2 with a bit of fortnite here and there this week. It's looking like I'm going to beat it sometime this week. My TV decided to stop working Friday night but I got a new one on Saturday. I didn't realize before but damn the old TV wasn't doing my games justice! New one looks so much better. I bought Like Is Strange 2 since it was on sale for 6 bucks. That about sums up this week and you should see a review from me soon!
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange2 Yrs✓#
Review 19 - November 20, 2024
Game Title: Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Rating: 90%
Started: November 11, 2024
Completed: November 19, 2024
A very good sequel. The combat remained extremely fluid while introducing new and fresh mechanics. Peter and Miles both have their strengths and are very different to play as, which is something I feel some games lack when you play as more than one character (Take Assassin's Creed Syndicate for example). I do feel like it took me a bit longer to get hooked on this game than the first, but once I was hooked, I was HOOKED! The characters remain loveable (especially Harry, great addition imo). The villains were amazing and the boss fights were so much fun. The game offers a nice challenge without making it frustrating, and it always felt rewarding every time you beat a boss. The story was great and all in all I hope to see a third installment!
EDIT: Changes from 100% to 90% because after sleeping on it I do have a few gripes with the story. It was still incredibly enjoyable, but I felt that Pete was being blamed for a lot of stuff we never even saw on screen so it just felt kinda weird to me? Overall the story was solid but I don't think many stakes were added and it started to feel a bit rushed towards the end.
Game Title: Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Rating: 90%
Started: November 11, 2024
Completed: November 19, 2024
A very good sequel. The combat remained extremely fluid while introducing new and fresh mechanics. Peter and Miles both have their strengths and are very different to play as, which is something I feel some games lack when you play as more than one character (Take Assassin's Creed Syndicate for example). I do feel like it took me a bit longer to get hooked on this game than the first, but once I was hooked, I was HOOKED! The characters remain loveable (especially Harry, great addition imo). The villains were amazing and the boss fights were so much fun. The game offers a nice challenge without making it frustrating, and it always felt rewarding every time you beat a boss. The story was great and all in all I hope to see a third installment!
EDIT: Changes from 100% to 90% because after sleeping on it I do have a few gripes with the story. It was still incredibly enjoyable, but I felt that Pete was being blamed for a lot of stuff we never even saw on screen so it just felt kinda weird to me? Overall the story was solid but I don't think many stakes were added and it started to feel a bit rushed towards the end.
1 Yr✓#
Exi
1 Yr✓#
I respect the will to play things other than Nintendo! I barely ever play anything that isn't Nintendo or Sonic, so I'm right there with you, lmao. But I did see my brother play Spider-Man on his PS4, and it looks incredible! Would you say it's incredible enough to pick up a PS5 for?
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange2 Yrs✓#
I totally understand that! It was kinda tough at first just because I wasn't used to it, especially since I grew up primarily on Nintendo. I'd definitely recommend getting a PS5 not just for Spider-Man but for many other great games. My favorite games of all time are The Last Of Us Part 1 and 2, and I wish I would have tried different stuff sooner. Thank you for your reply! I always enjoy chatting with people on here. :)
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange2 Yrs✓#
Review 20 - November 25, 2024
Game Title: Detroit Become Human
Rating: 100%
Started: November 22, 2024
Completed: November 24, 2024
Now, THIS is how you do a choices game. I want to start out by saying that I got a really shitty ending and I guess I just didn't make great choices. I actually like this, though. Your actions truly do have consequences and there are so many different outcomes this game can have. I definitely would like to replay this game at least one more time. I do have to say that Kara's story did fall flat for me, and I honestly just wasn't invested in her character. I enjoyed Markus' story though and I appreciate the option between being violent and pacifist. I chose the pacifist route and really stuck to it, which I'm wondering if that ultimately screwed me over because Markus ended up dying to Connor in my playthrough. Connor was definitely my favorite to play as. I decided not to make him a deviant (which I kind of regret, man I made some really shitty choices lol.) I couldn't get Hank to like Connor for the life of me either, but the two of them still made me laugh quite a few times. I unfortunately broke the damn odds and got Hank shooting himself.
Despite my inability to make any good choices throughout this game, I still really enjoyed it. The concept is amazing and I think it was executed almost perfectly. I would love to replay this game eventually and hopefully learn from my first playthrough.
Have you played this game? If so, how many times and how did your first playthrough go?
Game Title: Detroit Become Human
Rating: 100%
Started: November 22, 2024
Completed: November 24, 2024
Now, THIS is how you do a choices game. I want to start out by saying that I got a really shitty ending and I guess I just didn't make great choices. I actually like this, though. Your actions truly do have consequences and there are so many different outcomes this game can have. I definitely would like to replay this game at least one more time. I do have to say that Kara's story did fall flat for me, and I honestly just wasn't invested in her character. I enjoyed Markus' story though and I appreciate the option between being violent and pacifist. I chose the pacifist route and really stuck to it, which I'm wondering if that ultimately screwed me over because Markus ended up dying to Connor in my playthrough. Connor was definitely my favorite to play as. I decided not to make him a deviant (which I kind of regret, man I made some really shitty choices lol.) I couldn't get Hank to like Connor for the life of me either, but the two of them still made me laugh quite a few times. I unfortunately broke the damn odds and got Hank shooting himself.
Despite my inability to make any good choices throughout this game, I still really enjoyed it. The concept is amazing and I think it was executed almost perfectly. I would love to replay this game eventually and hopefully learn from my first playthrough.
Have you played this game? If so, how many times and how did your first playthrough go?
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange2 Yrs✓#
Weekly Update 3 - November 28, 2024
Little late on this one. Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate!
This week I tried out Hogwarts Legacy but didn't end up enjoying it after playing for a bit, so I retired it. I've really been enjoying the GTA V single player campaign, so I've been playing that. I'm leaving for a trip from December 2-13 so I'll be playing stuff on my Nintendo Switch instead. Not sure if I'm gonna beat GTA before then. Have a good one!
Little late on this one. Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate!
This week I tried out Hogwarts Legacy but didn't end up enjoying it after playing for a bit, so I retired it. I've really been enjoying the GTA V single player campaign, so I've been playing that. I'm leaving for a trip from December 2-13 so I'll be playing stuff on my Nintendo Switch instead. Not sure if I'm gonna beat GTA before then. Have a good one!
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange2 Yrs✓#
Review 21 - December 2, 2024
Game Title: Grand Theft Auto V
Rating: 80%
Started: November 25, 2024
Completed: December 1, 2024
This was a pretty enjoyable playthrough! I mainly focused on the main story, which didn't wow me or anything but it was still well done. The characters are all very well written and entertaining. This has got to be the funniest game I've ever played, which was a nice change in tone. While I don't necessarily hate the idea of letting players skip sections, I do wish this game had a bit more faith in you rather than giving you the option after three failures. The plane mechanics are pretty bad, and I honestly ended up skipping most missions that involved them. The shooting mechanic isn't great, but honestly I think it adds a certain charm to the game, and if given the option, I would not change it. Driving around is an absolute blast and I loved seeing how fast I could go before crashing. Overall, a very enjoyable experience and I definitely want to check out the online mode!
Game Title: Grand Theft Auto V
Rating: 80%
Started: November 25, 2024
Completed: December 1, 2024
This was a pretty enjoyable playthrough! I mainly focused on the main story, which didn't wow me or anything but it was still well done. The characters are all very well written and entertaining. This has got to be the funniest game I've ever played, which was a nice change in tone. While I don't necessarily hate the idea of letting players skip sections, I do wish this game had a bit more faith in you rather than giving you the option after three failures. The plane mechanics are pretty bad, and I honestly ended up skipping most missions that involved them. The shooting mechanic isn't great, but honestly I think it adds a certain charm to the game, and if given the option, I would not change it. Driving around is an absolute blast and I loved seeing how fast I could go before crashing. Overall, a very enjoyable experience and I definitely want to check out the online mode!
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange2 Yrs✓#
Review 22 - December 13, 2024
Game Title: Life Is Strange: Before The Storm
Rating: 70%
Started: December 2, 2024
Completed: December 4, 2024
This game offers great insight into the backstory of the first game. I enjoyed learning more about Rachel's character. I also really liked seeing more of Max and Chloe's "falling out" and seeing how much it affected Chloe. The voice acting was incredible as I expected. It was nice to see a bit more of Chloe's softer side and understand her character even more. Overall, it was really cool getting to delve deeper into the characters.
(I apologize for such a short review. I'm pretty tired from traveling but wanted to make sure to jot the review down before I forgot. I appreciate you!)
Editied to changte rating from 75% to 70%.
Game Title: Life Is Strange: Before The Storm
Rating: 70%
Started: December 2, 2024
Completed: December 4, 2024
This game offers great insight into the backstory of the first game. I enjoyed learning more about Rachel's character. I also really liked seeing more of Max and Chloe's "falling out" and seeing how much it affected Chloe. The voice acting was incredible as I expected. It was nice to see a bit more of Chloe's softer side and understand her character even more. Overall, it was really cool getting to delve deeper into the characters.
(I apologize for such a short review. I'm pretty tired from traveling but wanted to make sure to jot the review down before I forgot. I appreciate you!)
Editied to changte rating from 75% to 70%.
I'm happy you got to play and enjoy Detroit: Become Human. I also made a couple of decisions I regretted along the way but, I imagine due to the nature of the game itself and the array of choices it presents you, it's something almost everyone who plays it goes through lol.
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange2 Yrs✓#
Oh absolutely! I was super impressed by how many different choices you're given and how much they actually affect the course of the story, unlike some other choice-based games.
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange2 Yrs✓#
Weekly Update 4 - December 27, 2024
Haha, 4 weeks late on actually doing the weekly updates. It's been a busy month. Missed two weeks of school for a memorial across the country and got home during finals week where I not only had to prep for said finals, but catch up on lots of work. Needless to say I haven't gotten a chance to play a whole lot of video games, but now that I'm on winter break I've been catching up that lost time.
I've started playing Half-Life 2 with my stepdad and started Spider-Man Miles Morales a few days ago. To be honest, though, the week so far has consisted mainly of Roblox due to an update in a game I frequently play on there. The backlog has grown quite a bit the past two weeks or so, especially yesterday since I got three new video games for Christmas! I hope you all had a great Christmas and I wish you all a happy new year! I'm excited to keep enjoying my break and being lazy haha.
Haha, 4 weeks late on actually doing the weekly updates. It's been a busy month. Missed two weeks of school for a memorial across the country and got home during finals week where I not only had to prep for said finals, but catch up on lots of work. Needless to say I haven't gotten a chance to play a whole lot of video games, but now that I'm on winter break I've been catching up that lost time.
I've started playing Half-Life 2 with my stepdad and started Spider-Man Miles Morales a few days ago. To be honest, though, the week so far has consisted mainly of Roblox due to an update in a game I frequently play on there. The backlog has grown quite a bit the past two weeks or so, especially yesterday since I got three new video games for Christmas! I hope you all had a great Christmas and I wish you all a happy new year! I'm excited to keep enjoying my break and being lazy haha.
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange2 Yrs✓#
Review 23 - December 29, 2024
Game Title: Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Rating: 85%
Started: December 24, 2024
Completed: December 29, 2024
Another gem from Insomniac Games! Gameplay was incredibly smooth and enjoyable! The traversal was absolutely amazing as usual and really made you feel like Spider-Man! It was great to see into Miles' backstory and watch him come into his own. While this game was short, I don't think it was rushed, but also wouldn't hurt to add a couple more hours. The story was pretty solid, though not super special or new. Side content was pretty bland and I didn't really have interest in exploring it. Visuals were stunning and voice acting was top notch. I do have to say that sometimes I wish they didn't make Miles feel so powerful, as it already seems that he's caught up to Peter when he's only been Spider-Man for a few years. I think it would have been cool to incorporate his inexperience into some of the gameplay, rather than making you feel just as, if not more powerful than Peter in the first game. Overall, this game was super fun and a great game to play around the Christmas season.
Game Title: Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Rating: 85%
Started: December 24, 2024
Completed: December 29, 2024
Another gem from Insomniac Games! Gameplay was incredibly smooth and enjoyable! The traversal was absolutely amazing as usual and really made you feel like Spider-Man! It was great to see into Miles' backstory and watch him come into his own. While this game was short, I don't think it was rushed, but also wouldn't hurt to add a couple more hours. The story was pretty solid, though not super special or new. Side content was pretty bland and I didn't really have interest in exploring it. Visuals were stunning and voice acting was top notch. I do have to say that sometimes I wish they didn't make Miles feel so powerful, as it already seems that he's caught up to Peter when he's only been Spider-Man for a few years. I think it would have been cool to incorporate his inexperience into some of the gameplay, rather than making you feel just as, if not more powerful than Peter in the first game. Overall, this game was super fun and a great game to play around the Christmas season.
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange2 Yrs✓#
Review 24 - January 2, 2025
Game Title: Stray
Rating: 90%
Started: December 30, 2024
Completed: January 2, 2025
What a gem! Absolutely adorable and a really chill and fun experience. As someone who doesn't tend to be great at puzzles, the ones in this game were enjoyable and made me think, but not to the point of annoyance. The concept is really cool and I think a prequel going back to the origins of this game would be really cool. The characters are well-written and loveable, and both The Slums and Midtown have their own energy and vibe to them that makes them feel real and unique. The visuals are outstanding as well. The story is pretty solid, with a good concept and execution. This game is truly unique and just has this charm about it. I definitely recommend!
Game Title: Stray
Rating: 90%
Started: December 30, 2024
Completed: January 2, 2025
What a gem! Absolutely adorable and a really chill and fun experience. As someone who doesn't tend to be great at puzzles, the ones in this game were enjoyable and made me think, but not to the point of annoyance. The concept is really cool and I think a prequel going back to the origins of this game would be really cool. The characters are well-written and loveable, and both The Slums and Midtown have their own energy and vibe to them that makes them feel real and unique. The visuals are outstanding as well. The story is pretty solid, with a good concept and execution. This game is truly unique and just has this charm about it. I definitely recommend!
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange2 Yrs✓#
Review 25 - January 5, 2025
Game Title: Half-Life
Rating: 65%
Started: January 3, 2025
Completed: January 4, 2025
One of the older games I've played, but impressive for its time and still holds up pretty well. Considering I beat it in two days, there's definitely an addictive quality to this game. The battles are fun and the chapters are all pretty different. The story was intriguing and I felt very immerses throughout most of my time playing. One of my gripes, however, is how incredibly frustrating it was at times. I felt the need to constantly quick save and there were multiple times I was starting to wonder if I was softlocked. Knowing how much this game changed the gaming industry, I'm very glad that I played it, and I'm excited to see what Half-Life 2 has to offer.
Game Title: Half-Life
Rating: 65%
Started: January 3, 2025
Completed: January 4, 2025
One of the older games I've played, but impressive for its time and still holds up pretty well. Considering I beat it in two days, there's definitely an addictive quality to this game. The battles are fun and the chapters are all pretty different. The story was intriguing and I felt very immerses throughout most of my time playing. One of my gripes, however, is how incredibly frustrating it was at times. I felt the need to constantly quick save and there were multiple times I was starting to wonder if I was softlocked. Knowing how much this game changed the gaming industry, I'm very glad that I played it, and I'm excited to see what Half-Life 2 has to offer.
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange2 Yrs✓#
Review 26 - January 14, 2025
Game Title: Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration
Rating: 70%
Started: January 5, 2025
Completed: January 12, 2025
Rise of the Tomb Raider takes place a year after its predecessor, and it immediately takes us into Lara Croft's latest journey. We can see that she has become very interested in continuing her Father's work. Not only is this showcased through cutscenes, but also at the base camps where we'll occasionally hear her Father speaking, giving us a glimpse into Lara's mind and how much she wishes to make her Father proud.
Starting off with the gameplay, which isn't much different from the last game. Some more skills and weapons are added, which I do think offered some more variety. New mechanics were introduced as well, such as the climbing arrows. The combat is simple, but engaging and fun. The platforming was choppy at times and could definitely be improved. One of my favorite parts of this game is how action packed it was! As usual, Lara is always falling down and miraculously surviving and achieving the craziest clutches. I enjoyed the puzzles in this game more than the last. They weren't super difficult, but it always felt rewarding once I solved them. The gameplay as a whole is simple, yet remains enjoyable.
My biggest gripe with the game has to be the story. Starting with the characters, I don't believe this game does a good job with helping the player connect with any of them, including Lara. For example, it's obvious Lara has a close bond with Jonah, but the game doesn't put much effort into helping the player connect with him. I can't help but view Lara as a bland character personality-wise. Yes, she's definitely a badass, but she's also a pretty stereotypical "hero." and I just don't think her character has much depth. On the flip side, I did like Jacob's character. He has an interesting backstory and I became more engaged with the game upon meeting him. The story is about the same as the last, just with some higher stakes and action involved. The ending, while not dissatisfying, was pretty predictable.
The graphics and sound design are pretty solid considering the time this game was released. While the graphics are slightly outdated compared to what we now see a lot of, they are by no means bad. The general world design is pleasing to the eye and there are just a lot of pretty sections within this game. The sound design does a good job of setting the proper tone for whatever situation the player is in. A nice touch is the sound coming from the controller, which definitely allows for a more immersive experience.
To conclude, Rise of the Tomb Raider offers a fun experience that isn't too challenging. I will say that I certainly don't play these games for the story, but I will still hope the Shadow of the Tomb Raider improves in that aspect. The gameplay isn't super new or innovative, but it works and is very enjoyable after a long day. I'd recommend this game to anyone looking for something to wind down to.
I want to start writing longer and more thought out reviews, so please let me know what you thought of this game and my review!
Game Title: Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration
Rating: 70%
Started: January 5, 2025
Completed: January 12, 2025
Rise of the Tomb Raider takes place a year after its predecessor, and it immediately takes us into Lara Croft's latest journey. We can see that she has become very interested in continuing her Father's work. Not only is this showcased through cutscenes, but also at the base camps where we'll occasionally hear her Father speaking, giving us a glimpse into Lara's mind and how much she wishes to make her Father proud.
Starting off with the gameplay, which isn't much different from the last game. Some more skills and weapons are added, which I do think offered some more variety. New mechanics were introduced as well, such as the climbing arrows. The combat is simple, but engaging and fun. The platforming was choppy at times and could definitely be improved. One of my favorite parts of this game is how action packed it was! As usual, Lara is always falling down and miraculously surviving and achieving the craziest clutches. I enjoyed the puzzles in this game more than the last. They weren't super difficult, but it always felt rewarding once I solved them. The gameplay as a whole is simple, yet remains enjoyable.
My biggest gripe with the game has to be the story. Starting with the characters, I don't believe this game does a good job with helping the player connect with any of them, including Lara. For example, it's obvious Lara has a close bond with Jonah, but the game doesn't put much effort into helping the player connect with him. I can't help but view Lara as a bland character personality-wise. Yes, she's definitely a badass, but she's also a pretty stereotypical "hero." and I just don't think her character has much depth. On the flip side, I did like Jacob's character. He has an interesting backstory and I became more engaged with the game upon meeting him. The story is about the same as the last, just with some higher stakes and action involved. The ending, while not dissatisfying, was pretty predictable.
The graphics and sound design are pretty solid considering the time this game was released. While the graphics are slightly outdated compared to what we now see a lot of, they are by no means bad. The general world design is pleasing to the eye and there are just a lot of pretty sections within this game. The sound design does a good job of setting the proper tone for whatever situation the player is in. A nice touch is the sound coming from the controller, which definitely allows for a more immersive experience.
To conclude, Rise of the Tomb Raider offers a fun experience that isn't too challenging. I will say that I certainly don't play these games for the story, but I will still hope the Shadow of the Tomb Raider improves in that aspect. The gameplay isn't super new or innovative, but it works and is very enjoyable after a long day. I'd recommend this game to anyone looking for something to wind down to.
I want to start writing longer and more thought out reviews, so please let me know what you thought of this game and my review!
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange2 Yrs✓#
Weekly Update 5 - January 30, 2025
I've decided to finish the trilogy and have been playing Shadow of the Tomb Raider. I've been a bit slow at doing so because life and stuff, but I'm about halfway through now. I've added a few games to the DS and Wii collection within the past couple weeks. I also picked up RDR2 for five bucks on FB Marketplace. Overall, I've been taking it slow and playing in shorter sessions than usual. I'm enjoying the game quite a bit so far, and I am liking it more than Rise.
I've decided to finish the trilogy and have been playing Shadow of the Tomb Raider. I've been a bit slow at doing so because life and stuff, but I'm about halfway through now. I've added a few games to the DS and Wii collection within the past couple weeks. I also picked up RDR2 for five bucks on FB Marketplace. Overall, I've been taking it slow and playing in shorter sessions than usual. I'm enjoying the game quite a bit so far, and I am liking it more than Rise.
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange2 Yrs✓#
Review 27 - February 6, 2025
Game Title: Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Rating: 70%
Started: January 15, 2025
Completed: February 4, 2025
Shadow of the Tomb Raider is the third and final game in the 2013 reboot trilogy for Tomb Raider. It takes us on another exciting journey as Lara. She must fix her mistake of taking the dagger, which will set off multiple disasters, a few of which we see occur. As she sets out to make things right, she discovers the hidden city of Paititi, making new allies to help her along her quest.
The gameplay feels more linear and less choppy than the second. The platforming was much smoother and introduced new mechanics such as the grapple axe. The combat didn't change much, and honestly I have to say I think it was a step down from Rise of the Tomb Raider. There aren't nearly as many weapon options and I wasn't a fan of the new upgrade system. At the same time, I'd say this game focuses less on combat and more on the story and cinematics.
Speaking of the story, what a step up! I found myself much more invested in the characters and overall story. Lara's personality didn't seem as bland and I enjoyed watching her development from start to finish. Learning more about Trinity and the connection to Paititi added a new side to them and I was able to better understand, though still disagree with their actions. And, man, RIP Unuratu. She was a legend.
This game definitely has the best graphics and overall visuals out of the trilogy. The scenery was beautiful as usual. I don't know if I wasn't paying as much attention to the sound design this time around, but I didn't notice anything outstanding about it, but it wasn't bad. Just not memorable.
Overall, this was a really satisfying end to the trilogy. I did, at times, still have trouble getting hooked, but I had a good experience and I'm glad I was able to experience this trilogy.
Game Title: Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Rating: 70%
Started: January 15, 2025
Completed: February 4, 2025
Shadow of the Tomb Raider is the third and final game in the 2013 reboot trilogy for Tomb Raider. It takes us on another exciting journey as Lara. She must fix her mistake of taking the dagger, which will set off multiple disasters, a few of which we see occur. As she sets out to make things right, she discovers the hidden city of Paititi, making new allies to help her along her quest.
The gameplay feels more linear and less choppy than the second. The platforming was much smoother and introduced new mechanics such as the grapple axe. The combat didn't change much, and honestly I have to say I think it was a step down from Rise of the Tomb Raider. There aren't nearly as many weapon options and I wasn't a fan of the new upgrade system. At the same time, I'd say this game focuses less on combat and more on the story and cinematics.
Speaking of the story, what a step up! I found myself much more invested in the characters and overall story. Lara's personality didn't seem as bland and I enjoyed watching her development from start to finish. Learning more about Trinity and the connection to Paititi added a new side to them and I was able to better understand, though still disagree with their actions. And, man, RIP Unuratu. She was a legend.
This game definitely has the best graphics and overall visuals out of the trilogy. The scenery was beautiful as usual. I don't know if I wasn't paying as much attention to the sound design this time around, but I didn't notice anything outstanding about it, but it wasn't bad. Just not memorable.
Overall, this was a really satisfying end to the trilogy. I did, at times, still have trouble getting hooked, but I had a good experience and I'm glad I was able to experience this trilogy.
2 Yrs✓#
TheOrangestOrange2 Yrs✓#
Review 28 - February 18, 2025
Game Title: New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Rating: 65%
Started: February 5, 2025
Completed: February 18, 2025
New Super Mario Bros. Wii is the third installment in the New Super Mario Bros Series. It's a classic 2d Mario platformer released in 2009 for the Wii.
The level and world design is exceptional, offering a nice challenge. I did find myself getting particularly frustrated sometimes, but that made it all the more rewarding upon completion. The boss battles are definitely more creative than other 2d Mario games. My biggest gripe, however, is having to redo a pretty large portion of the level before returning to the boss battle whenever you die to the boss. The final boss battle is incredibly well designed, challenging, fun, and rewarding!
By today's standards of course the graphics are outdated, but they still hold up well and are on par for its time. The sound design and soundtrack are nothing crazy, just classic Mario sounds that everyone loves. Nostalgic, but sometimes a bit too repetitive.
I had a pretty good experience with this game and definitely enjoyed it enough to want to play other games in the sub-series.
Game Title: New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Rating: 65%
Started: February 5, 2025
Completed: February 18, 2025
New Super Mario Bros. Wii is the third installment in the New Super Mario Bros Series. It's a classic 2d Mario platformer released in 2009 for the Wii.
The level and world design is exceptional, offering a nice challenge. I did find myself getting particularly frustrated sometimes, but that made it all the more rewarding upon completion. The boss battles are definitely more creative than other 2d Mario games. My biggest gripe, however, is having to redo a pretty large portion of the level before returning to the boss battle whenever you die to the boss. The final boss battle is incredibly well designed, challenging, fun, and rewarding!
By today's standards of course the graphics are outdated, but they still hold up well and are on par for its time. The sound design and soundtrack are nothing crazy, just classic Mario sounds that everyone loves. Nostalgic, but sometimes a bit too repetitive.
I had a pretty good experience with this game and definitely enjoyed it enough to want to play other games in the sub-series.