~ Game Over ~
Nirvana Pilot Yume (PC) – Part visual novel, part high-speed space racing. Except the “racing” was actually just straight-line obstacle courses where the camera was too close to the ground to see half the obstacles (holes and very short barriers) until it was too late. It became more of a frustrating memorization challenge than a test of reflexes and/or skill. Soundtrack was bumpin’ though.
Shantae and the Seven Sirens (Switch) – After the last couple of Shantae games deviating from the formula a bit, it’s nice to see the series go back to a more standard Metroidvania setup. I really liked that the transformations are all button presses now, instead of powers you have to turn on and off with dances. Music was a step down because it wasn’t done by virt. I’d like to play it at least once more in NG+ mode, but… I don’t think there’s time.
Resident Evil: Code Veronica X (GC) – Fun fact: This was one of the few RE titles I’d never played before. I appreciate Capcom’s decision to move to fully 3D environments to make it more dynamic. I hadn’t missed the unskippable door/stairs transitions. This RE is probably the most savage, constantly respawning enemies that just absorb bullets. I won’t lie, I played on emulator and cheated the heck out of it.
Final Fantasy X Remastered (PS4) – Picked this up from last summer to finish it off, which basically meant completing the sphere grids for everyone and then defeating the unbelievably tough superbosses. I’m used to FF superbosses being hard, obviously, but this is a game where a petrified character can be shattered and permanently removed from the fight, and all the superbosses spam petrify and instant death attacks. It’s rough.
A Hat in Time (Switch) – A wonderful indie game that feels very much like a spiritual sequel to Super Mario Sunshine. It’s cute, charming, creative, and really stands out among of 3D platformers. Absolutely worth playing. I kind of wish I hadn’t slept on it for so long. The camera control (or lack thereof, sometimes) can be downright awful, though.
Phantaruk (Switch) – Sci-fi horror adventure. Kind of like Alien: Isolation, where you’re playing hide-and-seek with an immortal monster while finding items and flipping switches to progress. Not the most inspired, but it’s short and just challenging enough to be satisfying.
Shantae: 1/2-Genie Hero (WiiU) – Playing the new Shantae, I felt a little bad that I had never played the “Friends to the End” DLC mode in this one. As it turns out… it was a little bland. Bolo’s grappling hook is super fun to play with, but Rottytops and Sky’s abilities just kind of slow down the whole game. Though I do like the level-based approach where you can just hop to any stage you want to clean up missed collectibles.
Nuclear Throne (PC) – I didn’t actually finish it, but my one session is probably the most I’ll ever play of it. Cool game, but there’s just no room in my life for roguelikes right now.
~ Progress Notes ~
Xenoblade Chronicles DE (Switch) – Sword Valley
Pokémon Shield: The Isle of Armor (Switch) – Done one of three trials.
Piczle Colors (Switch) – Completed Red, Orange
Micro Mages (PC) – 3rd tower on hard mode
Pixel Puzzle Collection (iOS) – 176.7%