Two or three guys and a composer? Jaw dropping. It's perhaps old news, now, but for anyone who hasn't played it and is thinking "Hmm, that looks interesting." There is a story that is well told. The music is nothing short of world class. My younger son wanted me to mention the charms, and my elder son (who is still struggling with The Radiance) wanted to praise the system of upgrades. My daughter (who is older than them and busy with school) wanted me to mention the grubs. For me, the golden combo of beauty, (re)play-ability, and story make this one of the most satisfying gaming experiences I've had (and I've been at it since Space Invaders). Looking forward to Silksong!!!
My kids (seven and nine year old boys) are pushing for a five star review, and while the art takes me back to the cartoons of my youth (Popeye, Looney Tunes), the difficulty makes it hard for me to give the full five. If there were a way to give another half star, I would - for it is what it purports to be, the music is great, the story is novel, the action is unique, the bosses are insidious bastards.
Having been a gamer since the medium's inception, I'm always looking out for things that push what can be done or do those things that have already been done in such style that you cannot help but drop your jaw. Don't Starve is simply one of the most creatively put together and fun gaming experiences I've had, ever. The 2.5D graphics are beautiful, funny, clever. The engine is very clean. The gameplay is balanced, and once you hit the right part of the slope on the learning curve, it's a blast. Just take a glance at the wiki that has been built up for a taste of what's going on. The word "addictive" doesn't do it justice. It does come up for sale from time to time, along with the ROG DLC. Wait for that and snap them up and start picking flowers and chopping down trees - and stay sane...!
