I replayed Defender's Quest 1 recently, mostly because this second game took a while to release on GOG. I instabought this one because the first game is still quite fun. After playing a similar game called Arknights, I guess I was expecting quite a lot from this game because it had the first game to bounce off of But after playing for a short while, the "draw" of this game is much less clear. And looking at Steam reviews, this sentiment isn't exactly rare. I understand the developer lost a child and went through a whole lot of pain to make this game, but in the end this might have worked better as some special DLC/expansion for the first game, releasing it as a brand new title, well, you're going to face scrutiny. If you don't match people's expectations, they're going to be disappointed. I'm not refunding this, I think it's still ok for what it is. But newcomers should just buy the first game. I don't like writing this review, it's painful to see a series you liked go a bit downhill. Celestian Tales comes to mind with a similar troubled indie team and a sequel that doesn't match the first standout game, but for every defeat we get games like Stardew Valley, Balatro, FTL, and hopefully the planned sequels of several of those games don't turn out like this one. So yeah, play the first game if you read this whole thing. This second game is so underwhelming by comparison
Stardew, especially after the updates over the years, has something for everyone. Even on release, the concept of being a Harvest Moon game with LGB (no trans representation, sorry) options and combat within multiple dungeons was already pretty mindblowing One guy developed this, and when he felt it was time to move on he had others continue updating the game. Now there's a lot more content, especially revolving around the "postgame" of clearing the first mine dungeon and reaching year 3. That usually means making millions, getting married, having kids in a sizable house, but players can take all the time they need Most of the villagers gradually develop as people with their heart events, especially the likes of Haley and Shane. If, like me, you played closer to release you might encounter lots of new things even if you start with a brand new file. This was a work of love and it shows, I can't recommend it enough
But I love this one somehow At first I thought it was just because of the Star Wars label, but then I bought Fire Warrior here on GOG recently. I'm glad I did, because it helped me realize why I love this game in particular despite loving both the Star Wars and 40k franchise lore Classic Battlefront feels so alive, at least for me. The chaos of battle where this particularly incompetent soldier has to fire desparately at enemies is thrilling. The Single Player is lively enough that I don't need to worry about the shame of constant defeat. Yeah, sure, fights might get needlessly drawn out if the AI is sorta incompetent, or maybe if I were more skilled the game might feel less "alive" and exciting, but from what I can tell this game does well with its mechanics, its class variety (even if both factions function similarly/identically in that way), and how each map feels distinct. Maybe you're way more skilled at FPS games, and your experience might be different, but for me this game is really fun despite my lack of skill at this type of game. The grahics might be a bit dated by now, and I've seen AI allies and enemies alike doing domb things like getting killed quickly, but hey doesn't war get pretty chaotic?
Star Control 2 is still one of the greatest games ever made. I personally love Star Control 1 as well despite its more simple strategic premise. Both games ooze a sense of style and flair that is kind of lacking in this game, but that doesn't mean Origins lacks its own perks. For one thing, Star Control Origins certainly *looks* more alive than Star Control 2. The graphics are better, but more importantly the planets feel just that much more alive when you're wandering on them in a lander in 3D. Combat feels a tad more smooth but it's possible that's just because there are powerups to go after during the battle and the starting ships you can get seem pretty effective and intuitive. But when it comes to tactical combat, that might be what gave Star Control 1 and 2 more charm. In the original series the ships you could start with (in 2) and the total fleet in 1 have more clear pros and cons. The Earthling Cruiser is a great ship, but if it was trapped in a gravity well or had a faster opponent that could keep pelting in during a pursuit, the Cruiser would be in trouble. In Origins it feels like there are fewer stakes so far after a few hours in. Fwiffo was broken in Star Control 2, yes, but there was still the possibility of getting overrun quickly in early game if you made a mistake or two. There's a reason why several fans have had a backlash against this game that goes beyond the lawsuit. And it is because this game loses a lot of the original series' charm in its dialogue. Fewer dialogue choices overall and a script that seems outdated already truly hurts this player's experience. And yet, does that mean this game is Bad? No I wouldn't say so. Star Control 2 is still one of the greatest games ever made, following in the wake of Star Control 1 which brought simplified 4X style gameplay before Masters of Orion 1 (and, for more contemporary audiences, long before Stellaris was a thing.) Origins tries to match them, and falls short- but it tried!
Star Control 2 does indeed have a freeware version, the Ur Quan Masters. There are even fan mods and remakes like the UQM HD version, which even have amazing features like allowing the lander to take only as much as it can hold, instead of destroying a mineral deposit upon acquiring it. So with all that said, Star Control 1 is still worth $6, even though now they're generous enough to only ask for $4. The thing with Star Control 1 is that it's a strategy game focusing on the bigger picture, as opposed to the more combat and story focus of Star Control 2. Star Control 2's story is one of the best, but Star Control 1 lets the player feel like an admiral having to direct ships to not only engage in combat, but also play logistical roles as they build up mines and colonies. Colonies actually bring a significantly different dimension to the combat, unlike Star Control 2 where one can only replenish crew by going to a specific area. In Star Control 1, each colony can allow your wounded ships to recover once the colony is underway. And this involves any ship in your side's fleet. Even Mycon Podships and Mmrnmhrm Transformers can replenish crew this way, though Podships have the luxury of regenerating crew of course. A lot of people prefer the melee mode of the Star Control series and if you are similarly inclined, then sure Star Control 2 is better in that way with more ships and various tweaks to the original Alliance and Hierarchy's fleets. But if you want a game that forces you to consider building an economy and which ships to prepare to counter an enemy fleet, if you want scenarios that make you explore the galaxy snatching any income generating mines and colony worlds you can find, Star Control 1 is your game. This is a bare bones version of a 4X game, but imagine if it was remade!
I never played much of Castlevania. The only games I played of this genre were things like Mega Man and, more recently, La Mulana. I generally enjoyed those experiences, but (and I guess this is because La Mulana murdered me so often I lost morale) I never really felt that sense of adventure and wonder. I'm also someone who hates grinding so having to backtrack across the map and farm certain foes for materials frustrates me to no end. But Bloodstained? Sure, such things (the backtracking, resource farming) exist, as in most games, but what helps this game stand out is its ability to keep the player entertained with a wide variety of abilities, and the various hidden rooms that more often than not feature treasure that makes it worthwhile to find them. 100% completing the map is not as arduous a task as it sounds because of this: most nooks and crannies are worth your while. This game has flaws, sure. This review is based on the starting difficulty so hard mode might be better at this, but the bosses save for the very first one felt much easier when you have a lot of abilities at your disposal. The story is generally mundane, save for a very well done twist in endgame. Won't spoil it for you. I do like how a certain character seemed totally irrelevant, but she certainly isn't. Again, nice twists. I can only wholeheartedly recommend this game. It was a great experience from start to finish.
