MGS2 holds up well, especially for a game released back in 2001! Aside from messed up out-of-the-box controls and a few issues with resolution scaling/compatibility (which are easily sorted out after installing V's Unnoficial Fix), the game runs well on modern hardware/software. Was very delighted to see it on GOG, of all places, considering Konami's recent track record. The game itself is essentially a Windows 10 compatible version of the original port, so expect a few issues if you plan on playing this in 1080p 16:9 / 21:9 with a modern gamepad (DS4 and XB1 have no trigger response by default; V's Patch solves this problem with ease, though). Easily a favorite of mine from my childhood. Lots of heavy content to think about for a kid! Playing it again nearly a couple decades later, and I'm picking up on many things that I missed. Game's as good, if not better, than I remember.
I finished it in about an hour and a half, and I enjoyed every minute of the journey. From the music to the cute dialogue and characters, the whole game provides a relaxing, wholesome package. It's very kid-friendly and everything about it feels just right. I'm normally one of those "if I spend a dollar, I expect half an hour of entertainment" type of guys, but I've got no problem making an exception for this little game. I actually got it free on the Epic Store, and decided to buy it here to support the creator. If you just want a little chill time and appreciate soaking in the view, A Short Hike'll be a treat for ya.
While Ashen is usually touted as merely a "souls-clone," a term that leaves a bad taste in people's mouths, A44 takes great strides to separate itself from what came before through clear, refined design choices and a unique aesthetic. This is not a title to be passed on for fans of the action-RPG genre, especially now that it's available on any platform of your choosing, compared to its status on release. The world of Ashen is different enough to immerse you within it. Voice acting is done well for the various characters, and the open-world design allows for enough free-exploration whilst out on side missions that you'll discover new areas on your own as well as via the main story. What sets Ashen apart from Souls is it's ommision of both character attributes and specific weapon types, such as swords and bows. It instead opts for a stone-age fantasy vibe that ties in well with the other aspects of the game, and creates a bigger distinction between bladed and blunt weapons, putting greater emphasis on gear and skill over farming to level yourself up. In many ways, this also serves to hurt replayability if build variety is a concern for you, as at any moment, you can totally shift your style of play to change things up; you are not locked into any style other than the one you are comfortable with. Every weapon is end-game viable provided enough upgrades are spent, and every armor set has its benefits and trade-offs, so it really makes Ashen better suited to newcomers in the genre, rather than catering to the hardcore. Again, I can see this turning off many players, but for me, this served as a selling point rather than a detriment, and kept me interested to the end the game. My first playthrough was completed in slightly less than 18 hours. A hard-mode labeled "Children of Sissna," which limits HP and Stamina, will probably tempt me into another run-through, and with environments this well crafted, I will most definitely revisit Ashen for more runs to come.
Without overused mechanics, such as thirst/hunger bars found in similar titles sporting the same genre tag, Darkwood thrives by building a unique and interesting world that will terrify you. The story is told in a very non-handholdy manner, and as such it forces you out of your comfort zone by making you search thoroughly for limited resources in areas common sense dictates are extremely dangerous and risky. The combat is simple, yet satisfying enough thanks to well-crafted sprites and feedback. Sound design is where this title really shines: the audio, be it music or effects, really bring out those spine-chilling moments, especially when you've locked yourself inside a room at night and are left there trying to figure out which side of the hideout your enemies are wandering about in. Thanks to the limited field of view cone, the top-down perspective fits perfectly into making this a horror game without ever needing to rely on jump-scares. I can easily recommend this game to fans of Resident Evil 7, as despite the two looking quite different on the surface, they share a lot in common when it comes to things like ammo conservation, exploration, and storytelling that's not too intrusive. Overall Grade: 8/10
Bought the game on steam a while back, and I had so much fun with it! The game is so immersive with its graphics and storytelling, and while the gameplay takes a little getting used to, it is well worth it in the end. The Witcher 2 is a classic and an amazing game overall that everyone should play whenever they get the chance!
