Jill of the Jungle : one of the weirdest experience I found in this site. As a platform from the 90', it shares all the funkiness typical of that area with some unique twist of its own. So much so that I wanted to give the game a full 4 stars, but the technical issues can be rather vexing in both platforming and combat. But this is unfair : although game at the time did have more precise controls, Jill of the Jungle was programmed by few people not even expert at making video games. On top of that, it's free! So, to sum it up, download it and enjoy : as Jill goes through its crazy adventure filled with humour and some really fun puzzle you'll find solid ideas with some less solid execution, but not for this less fun.
Dark sun : shattered lands and Dark sun 2 : wrath of the ravager are kind of games that I have never ever played before : a turn-based isometric rpg with beautiful pixel graphics set in a post-magical-apocalyptic world where slavery, betrayals at every corner, mystical and mysterious creatures and prophecies meet ( basically Dune but with magic). Its gameplay is D&D at its finest, with some modification due to the different setting ( Dark Sun instead of the over-used Forgotten realms, at least in videogames). Moreover, both games have an intricate and intriguing story (no spoilers) full of interesting sub-quests and plot twist unlike many rpg games that I have seen, that really keep you on your toes and teach you to trust on one. Its soundtrack is decent ( some track memorable but they are played in a loop, which can be quite distressing) and and its graphics are quite enchanting , with the possible exception of the second entry, which is an actually a step down (much like Eye of the beholder 3, for example). Aaaand its the second entry ( wrath of the ravager) is the true reason why actually I'll not give this game a 5 star : on top of the worse graphics ( and also a looot of moments where the framerate would go down without no apparent reason), the game is so filled with bugs that I wasn't able to complete it ( fact is, after a while I simply grew tire to watch solutions). However, that does not mean you shouldn't play the game, on the contrary : plot, gameplay and those fascinating pixel used in a isometric point of view are really top-notch and the games can offer unique and memorable experience both for the average player and the veteran ( although I'll suggest to the veterans to raise the level of difficulty ). So, create your party with care : the sand of Athas are truly an unforgiving adventure where the fools fall and heroes rises.
Earthworm Jim 3D is truly a franchise killer : despite there were other platform games that found transitioning from 2D to 3D, very few of them did it so... badly, and it is a real shame. Actually, the game has real solid idea (it still came from earthworm Jim saga, originality is the main cake), even without mentioning the original pre production plans for this sequel so badly design, but the developers put them in practice in the worst way possible. And let's not mention technical problems as well : revolting camera angles, horrific character movement and some part of the levels ( particularly the second boss fight ) are simply bad design. Unfortunately, this is one of those times were I'm forced to say, even if it pains me to see such videogame series go to waste : no, don't buy it. It is simply not worth it.
SW dark forces 2 and its expansion are one of those game that I find myself playing again after years : a simple but compelling story of the SW expanded universe with plenty of action both with guns and lightsaber. Yes, that's right! you'll use both the old weapons from DF 1 and this time you'll be a Jedi ( actually, you can even choose if being one at all) with lightsaber and force powers included (both dark and light side). Amazingly, this mix works surprisingly well and never force you to play a role you don't want to, with both force powers and guns being completely fun to use ( but not perfect : some force powers are dubious and two weapons have a strange hitbox). On top of that, level design is really surprising good yet intricate sometime , but always enjoyable and to the point. Plus, the cinematics are filmed with real actors that manage to keep you immersed in the story, although some parts are a little overacted ( Jerec is one of my favorite villains of all time ). It goes without question that this game must be played : even to this day, it has aged awesomely and can be enjoy by both Fans of SW franchise and gamers alike.
Brigador is one of those game I find difficult to rate : a engaging cyberpunk twin stick shooter that makes strategy is core feature while keeping most of its gameplay simple. On top of that, its setting and music ( directly from synth and darkwave) are astonishing and perfectly well mixed with the overall feeling of the game. So, why 3 stars? For starters, the game becomes repetitive towards the end ( although many can find this features as not so detrimental ), with few new features and the same kinds of enemies (which are not, however, so few to begin with) and the overall presentation of the game (menù and story mostly) is confusing and take items to getting used to ( which is a damn shame, since the setting is really cool). Basically, its main feature, which is simple gameplay and mixed with complex strategies, becomes its greater weakness. However, that does not mean the game isn't worth buying : on the contrary, it's clearly an act of love and dedication to an idea, and it shows. So, Brigadors! It's time to make grease your party wagon : it's time to blow some mechs up!
Cook serve delicious is one of those game I find myself difficult to rate : in its genre ( which I can assume is the cooking / typing kind? although typing would imply full words and not just letters a) is one of the best, without a doubt. But if it is not, repetitions of tasks may be daunting after a while ( although the game does provide you with ample modes to try to expand the gameplay) and the pace of the game is too slow and it requires time to upgrade anything. In the end, Its a good cooking game with some pleasant presentation attached to it : both sound and visual art are alright and serving customers by typing words is, well, fun.
Desert child! oh , how much I would want to give you more than three star! As an indie, this game is quite unique : a racing game strip to bone of gameplay, with every single race that looks and feels exactly the same, yet it manages to be entertaining... but not for a long ''run'' ( pun intended). Thankfully, and strangely enough, Desert child is relatively short, which is perfect for the aforementioned kind of gameplay. On tip of that, the game has side missions that changed a little of the formula and add spice ( and pizza, if you played it you know what I mean) to the game. However, this little gem ( man , it could have been an absolute masterpiece with a little more work) isn't truly about gameplay, it has something else that elevates it above its peers ( which, thinking about it, it has none) : THE VIBE. Which, again, it could be summarized ( and summer here is important) as : synth-pop aesthetic ,completely full of 90' style, all mixed up with a strong lo fi direction. Even seeing the protagonist walk through the city is an absolute joy filled with caring, style and precise attention to bring that ''VIBE'' in this game. So, worth buying? difficult to say at full price. Discounted ? YES. if you are a fan of this kind of design and style.. Welp prepare to race your way to the stars.
Star wars : dark forces should not need any introduction : as one of the best FPS of its time and one of the very best FPS Lucasarts ever produced, its fame is unmatched even to this day. However, for those who really don't know, Dark forces could be dismissed simply as a simple doom clone by some, but in reality have some unique features that set it apart from the competitors in its time. Its gameplay, as said before, is mostly design as a doom-like ( or boomer shooter). However its outstanding level design, puzzles and its enemies, both well design and in good variety, give the game a unique feeling of immersion and fun that really stand true to the test of time. Speaking instead of story, art design and soundtrack, they reconstruct the star wars universe in a excellent way, and help the player immersion greatly. On top of that, Dark forces doesn't truly have downsides (if we don't consider how gog delivers it, mostly unchanged and you'll have to mess a little bit with Dos Box in order to have a more suitable experience, but technically this way those who couldn't play the in its time, now they can enjoy it the game the way it was meant to be played). Finally, it goes without saying that this game should be in any library : a throwback masterpiece that any fans of both Doom like and star wars (or anyone, really) can enjoy and love especially today and not to be forgotten... oh! and may the force be with you!
Metro: last light, as all the installments of the metro saga, is simply a spectacular and immersive FPS set in a post apocalyptic Russia already perfectly depicted by its its predecessor ( inspired to the homonym book). Overall, the game doesn't go to far from the first entry, just expand both gameplay and story ( which were already damn good). So, it will come without surprises that the game is absolutely worth of buying and playing : getting lost in the russian underground railroads as never been so good ( and scary!).
Seriously, it's an excellent space shooter fun and with enough variegated features ( rare for its genre) that it is fully enjoyable for today standards (although I'll admit, that near the end of the 5th episode it start to become a little stale). Its gameplay can be adjust to be slow or extremely fast, there are fully customization option for the ship ( from shields to weapons) and a full load of secrets. On top of that, soundtrack was composed by non other than Alexander Brandon. If that wasn't enough, story is quite hilarious and its design is somewhat inspired (although not remotely unique). Plus, it's free. no, seriously. Like, wow. Download it now, you really won't regret it.
