2014.20: The Amazing Spider-Man

Time took to complete: 13hrs

Alright this wasn't the 'best game ever made' far as mechanics or variety goes. But you know what, it was still fun as heck being Spidey.

I've finished the game story, did all the side quests, got all Spidey upgrades and even after all that, I went into the stats menu to see if there is anything else I've wanted to do. There wasn't. But the fact I went in there to check and just wanted to be Spidey longer showed it was a very good game in that sense.

The script is light hearted as you'd expect and story is a 'race against time to save humanity (or at least NY City)' kind of deal but it's presented well enough just to keep your interest and links missions well. Key characters were surprisingly well brought forward and fun to be around which adds that bit of an extra layer too. All good stuff.

What wasn't so good was the city is just so dull....I mean the lighting engine is actually pretty damn impressive and swinging through NY during a sunset can look great but that's just the world looking good. City, far as heart and connectivity, nothing. Dull thing there just for you to swing around. Probably the biggest disappointment for me. Now do bear in mind, some things they added like if you walk on the ground people will gather around you, take pics etc, but it just never feels alive as there isn't enough of that stuff and some of that stuff is very cheaply done like the gathering around you and taking a pic is a very stiff animation, phone pops up out of nowhere they take a pic and walk away. And some random "go Spidey!" chants coming from seeming nowhere.

Outside that though, the game does a good job bringing a lot of things together and as I said, it was very fun being Spidey;

7/10.

2014.19: Super Mario 3D World

This game is simply amazing. I am always amazed at how Nintendo seems to come up with so many ideas for platforming. The game just does not let up. It never settles on one gimmick or one idea or one environment. Constantly changing, constantly surprising. A true showcase of Nintendo creativity.

The issue with the game comes from lack of its drive. Or, rather my drive to play it. As much as I enjoy the magic of the game, once that wears off, there is no story to get back to. No characters to attach yourself to. It's just an amazingly crafted game but times like this that makes me realise that really isn't enough anymore to push the game into 9,10 standards but as it is, it's still a game that was created with great care, love and great game design knowledge,

8/10.

2014.18: 1954 Alcatraz

 Time took to complete: 7.5hours
Times walkthrough used: 4

This started as a very promising adventure. Setting? Great. The mechanic of having one character in jail and the other outside helping him out? Great. The rest?.....Bad and or mediocre.

From puzzles to writing to the pace of the game, none of it really had any good execution. The characters are never fully explored, none of them are convincing and you just go through the game 'just to get to the next bit' which is never a good sign.

So yeah I can't really say much else, just wasn't done well at all I'm afraid and despite a promising start, at the end left me with a huge 'meh' feeling,

4/10.

2014.17: BioShock Infinite: Burial At Sea

 Both Episodes completed in 9hours on HARD

Back to the universe that let out its secrets at the end of Infinite. How are we supposed to be engaged again knowing what we know? It was an interesting challenge to tackle and this DLC does a fantastic job. Needless to say, I won't go into any detail but rest assured this is a cool part of the BioShock story that is well worth checking out.

The gameplay packs some surprises too, especially in the form of Episode 2 that has a nice spin to the gameplay that gives the battles a complete different sense of pace and excitement.

And the world, is as fascinating as ever. I was once again checking every crook and cranny for any details I could dig out and it once again does not disappoint. Simply a joy to discover.

So once again, the formula is hit right on the head and while of course it lacks the grandness the main adventures were, these DLCs are still an excellent part of the BioShock experience;

9/10.

2014.16: Rayman Legends

Completed in around ~15hours getting as many extras as possible (first world 100%ed, rest close[ish])

Well what to say, fantastic little platformer game. As charming and joyful as the first outing. Although there was nothing drawing me into the experience day after day (like story or other reasons), when I was in the mood or just wanted to have pure fun, this game gave me what I needed perfectly.

There is also something that is pretty awesome and wish there was more of; music levels. End of each world you play a level that matches an epic song through the actions of what is happening around the level and your jumps/hits etc. It feels super fun and satisfying. It's like guitar hero, but 2D platformer style.

Please make more of those Ubi.

Overall, this was a great enjoyable game that I still open now and then to get more of the extras;

8/10.

2014.15: Infamous: Second Son

Time took to complete: 100% ~14hours as True Hero

The game looks stunning for an early launch game and follow the previous Infamous games formula pretty tight. The gameplay and getting around the city is as fun as ever and it is a great (8/10) experience

However that's part of the issue. There isn't a lot of reinvention here and the city, along with enemy variety lack serious character and variety compared to the other entries in the series. 

If Sucker Punch sticks with the IP, I hope they take it more comic book style and do more fantasy stuff as there wasn't enough character in this one really.

But, it's still the same solid enjoyable Infamous experience and that's definitely a Very Good thing;

7/10.