Quake should need no introduction as one of the most influential games of all time, and the very first FPS in actual 3d! However, if you didn't know it before ( which is impossible, but still) Quake features all the mechanics that made FPS the predominant genre through the 90' and to this very day, from single to multiplayer online games ( which even stimulated the creation of most of the words you keep hearing in using in online FPS). Speaking of the game itself, it's a mix mash of fantasy and futuristic design with modern gunplay that was initially supposed to be an action-RPG ( the idea used in the end for Daikatana) but didn't want to risk it, ID software had opted for a more familiar solution and the results were actually magical: Quake for all its limitation for the time it came out ( such as monster numbers), offered a unique experience and level design so fabulously crafted that earn it quickly the masterpiece status, even for its troubled production. the package GOG here offers comes with the two official expansion (which are pretty neat and offers some of the original formula expanded) and with a little problem if you did plan to play it without downloading other external software. Basically, if you don't play with software mode there is no sound, and software mode, although it is the closest to the original, basically sucks. Other than that, there is no absolute reason why you shouldn't buy it: a timeless and fun masterpiece, an absolute must-have for any retrò gamer's library!
Blake stone: aliens of gold really struck me down with its gameplay revisited from Wolfstein 3d and colorful graphics and designs. Useless to say its a classic that should be brought at least once in life for all Wolfenstein clone fans out there. Got a few problems though, like scarcity of weapon variety and some repetitiveness ( just like Wolfenstein 3d ) and some enemy types are not exactly fair (can be frustrating). It's not the classical run-of-the-mill shooter, actually requires some thought in order to get through the overabundance of enemies in the levels. So, worth it? yes, as a classic is a must-buy for any retrò fan but for newcomers to the genre? also yes but can de daunting.
GoNNer has a really nice presentation with its graphics and simple gameplay explained by simply paying the game. However, as all roguelike should fear, It cannot escape the clutches of repetition: the game is fun for a least two hours, then it becomes incredibly boring since there is no variation whatsoever between different stages ( the background and enemies of each segment are different but got similar attack patterns and there are very few types of them). So, to summarize: graphics and design fun but it gets killed by poor level design, few enemy types and the claustrophobic repetition ... but still can be enjoyed if you are a fan of these kinds of games.
Theme Hospital is one of those games you can enjoy even today, one of those games that manages to make you laugh and, at the same time, makes you think of to beat the ever-growing difficult levels. Both gameplay and design are something to behold for how they manage to be humorous and still pleasant to watch. On top of that, this game laid the foundation for a new genre of videogame s, practically a true milestone for the video game industry. Soooo, yes, a must-buy!
The infamous FPS-RPG Daikatana, even after the "unofficial" patch 1.3 (which simply makes the game playable), actually showed potential in some part of its gameplay and some really interesting idea in its design that helped me through the game, hoping that after a while the game would finally get good. And, for some part, it does. Problem is, even with some really interesting idea behind it, Daikatana remains one of the poorest game ever created, for its flaws are... everywhere: enemy design, map layout, story (more for the way it is told, overall the preset of the story could have been interesting), weapon ( good the idea to differentiate for the time periods, but found almost all of them no fun to play at all), corpses with a gigantic hitbox, the whole RPG system, etc.. On top of that, this is a review for Daikatana WITH an unofficial patch, not for the original game. So, is it that bad? well... actually there is some middle ground: some sections of the game are, as said before, interesting and, as all in john Romero's works, some ideas were truly good, revolutionary, in fact, but their execution was terrible. Unfortunately, I couldn't recommend it, even patched, unless you re a true fan of ion storm work and this kind of game... or just want to experience one of the most famous games of all time, both ironically and rightfully so.
I want to love this game, the third entry was one of my favorites and of this first entry I do love some part of it. Gex can truly be genius and charming with its design and many American references that are all a massive throwback to the 80'/90', some level design is great and some part really well thought. As a platformer, it offers a unique perspective by giving the player the chance to climb wall and ceiling and some power-ups. Problem is, the game fails to deliver in some capacity in the gameplay, with its camera and unfair enemy placement, and the game becomes repetitive after the 2-3 worlds ( btw, still full of beautiful and humorous design). So, in the end, do I recommend it? if you are a fan of 90' games, Gex represent all that you could love, (save some minor issue) if you are not... it is still enjoyable but don't expect to be one of the games of your life, unless you like binge-watching a lot!
This game got me hooked, can't deny that. So, Why the 3 stars? let me explained. Stranglehold holds little regard for hiding the fact that is a genuine clone of Max Payne but with some nice improvement that makes the game feels ''unique'' and lots of Fun. Of course, the game has still some flaws, like the enemy spawn system (which is my major complaint here), how the whole movement design was arranged and if it was not for the presence of John woo, the game would not have the same score. But! Overall, it offers an action-packed ( those words were meant for this game) gameplay which even to this day it manages to surprise you, even in its simplicity of So, worth buying? welp, yes! Tequila is the same hard-boiled cop in this game you know and love and not only his fans will enjoy the experience of shooting punks while sliding in a kitchen table!
After finishing Descent 1 I wanted to continue the experience with its successor, Descent 2, and what I got: new, completely boring and unfair enemy variety, extremely unfair enemy placement and, worst of all, the ship is even more uncontrollable than the previous game. The A.I. got reworked but since your control of the ship is actually worse ( like, how bad can you mess up that after the first one) than before and your weapon upgrades are not that much, there isn't any challenge involved, it's just repetition of a section until you get lucky and pass. I 'm extremely disappointed by this since the game actually has improved in its graphics and some new soundtrack but it got completely annihilated by its controls. Still, unless you are a fan, I really don't think this game can be really enjoyed today, even by retrò gamers that want to relive the glory of gaming.
Magic Carpet is definitely a game of its own, which means it is difficult to compare to anything I 've played. The whole idea of a fantasy flight simulator-strategy- RPG where you can play in a map for the competition of a resource, called mana, and have to fight monsters, other sorcerers and build your own castle and then defend it is without a doubt unique and incredibly enjoyable. However, the title is not without flaws, far from it. On one hand, starting the game is confusing at best and the whole flight part is a whole mess. On the other, you get to learn a wide variety o spells with very different functions and the whole setting (music and design) are enchanting! So, yes! definitely worth buying and playing! just for the feeling of One Thousand and One Nights that the game offers!
Hammerwatch puts me in awe of much you can tear down complex RPG mechanics and make them so simple as kill-loot-get stronger becomes the only thing that matters, which is not something bad but tear down anything remotely complex leaves not so much to actual gameplay or well... fun. I mean, the game is fun.. for one hour, then it becomes so repetitive that even playing with a friend doesn't do much to make the hours spent grinding feel worth it. Besides that, the pixel art is decent and the soundtrack is what surprised me the most, really good. So, if you are a fan of these kinds of games, it's worth checking out.
