Returning to Psychonauts, I was glad to find this game still excels not just as a story but as a collectathon as well. Raz's range of psychic abilities are fun to battle and traverse with, this feels like if a LucasArts adventure became a platformer. Being able to explore the minds of the people you meet to enter all sorts of crazy stages is such a great premise. All the collectibles tie in to the backstories of each mind's owner and there are great characterizations done with the little details. For anyone looking to try this for the first time, I highly recommend getting both the Widescreen Mod/fix and a 4k/HD texture pack to clean up the UI. With just those two small easy enhancements you'll be in for a great time!
I came away so impressed with what Double Fine achieved here not just as a follow up to a classic but as something that truly lives up to the potential of the Psychonauts concept. All the classic characters are here but this game spends more time pushing the boundaries rather than making call-backs, with genuinely heartfelt and introspective moments. As a platformer too this is incredibly fluid and fun to bounce around in and they continued to implement new ideas that tie into the world so well.
Costume Quest is a simple RPG Adventure that can be finished in a few sittings but it's great for getting into the Halloween spirit. I like the concept of going on an adventure as a kid on Halloween night with your costumes turning you into larger than life heroes in battle. The battles are simpler than I'd like with no challenge or strategy, something to change it up would've been appreciated. The tasks don't change much in each new area but for a ~5-7hr adventure this was a charming time.
Dark Forces isn't much more than a Star Wars take on Doom but this is still one of the best of its era. The levels are quite large with multiple objectives, vertical platforms to scale, and cool Star Wars iconography spread throughout. The missions take Kyle Katarn throughout all the major environments you'd hope for and I love seeing classic weapons and enemies in sprite form. The interstitial cut-scenes with full screen pixel art telling the story elevate the game above other Doom clones
When I decided to make this my first Ultima, I was expecting to come across a clunky hard to play experience but that was not the case at all. Sure this isn't as smooth as the litany of games that were inspired by Underworld but navigating and interacting in this 3d dungeon is quite simple. Ultima Underworld is a game of methodical exploration where taking notes on your map is necessary to survive the depths. I got sucked into this immersive dungeon simulator and found a lot to love beyond the lesson in video game history playing such an influential game was.
I enjoyed my first time with the sequel much more than when I went back to the first Knights of the Old Republic, everything here is a well thought out improvement on the original's faults. The role-playing aspect has been greatly expanded with new skills and stats that tie well into both combat and dialogue. The way they implemented party members and their unique traits was really great and enhanced the already good characterization. As a Star Wars tale this goes to new and interesting places that challenge its core identity
I came away very impressed with Pillars of Eternity and it is a superb revival of that old CRPG top down style. I think the game's greatest accomplishment is in how it borrows the best of games like Baldur's Gate, Planescape, and Icewind Dale while still being its own worthwhile endeavor. Obsidian created an interesting world in this game that I was dying to learn more about and I read everything I got my hands on. The combat is dynamic, methodical, and challenging with loads of great dungeons to traverse.
It’s hard to pick a favorite when it comes to Lucasarts adventures but if I had to choose, it would be Hit the Road. I’ve been a lifelong fan of the comic and cartoon that Sam & Max come from and it would be hard to ever get a better adaptation than this for a game. The voice actors really bring these ridiculous characters to life and the humor is dark and witty. Dropping the verb interface for a simple icon based system makes it easy to enjoy everything the game has to offer.
An iterative upgrade on the original that refines the few issues that game had making for a much bigger, if goofier, RPG. The time limit is gone and the map is much larger with almost no restrictions keeping you from exploring in any way you want. Some locations can feel more disjointed but every town is filled with great sub plots and side quests that can be done numerous ways. This game is such a joy to replay and try out new character builds, they really do reward all play styles.
