The "making of" is quite interesting and follows a similar template than the Atari 50 collection. However, even at half the price than the Atari collection, I feel a little bit shortchanged here. The documentary part is quite short (even if quite interesting) and there is basically just one game (either remade or at various stage of its development). A "Jordan Mechner collection" covering at least Karateka and Prince of Persia (both in terms of games available and documentary) for the same price would have been more appropriate. As it is, I recommend it for those interested in gaming history but only if it has a 50% (or more) discount.
Typical Mimimi game (that is meant in good way). Tight "commando-like" gameplay, wonderful visual style and atmosphere a lot of replayability through the various objectives (I enjoy going through almost all of them in Desperados 3, I expect the same here). Even if it should not affect your choice to buy the game or not, a reminder that it's a day-one AA release with full features implemented. Something to support on my opinion. Yo-ho, a pirate life for me...
Sport games are in low numbers on GOG (often due to licensing issues) so when a new one comes out, I'm always eager to try it. This game is on the arcadey-side (which in itself is not a bad thing - Sensible Soccer fan here) but: - The production value is very low (special mention for the menus). - AI is way too weak even at the biggest difficulty level so you'll play solo once to get the achievements (if you are into that) and get the basics then you'll probably never touch it again. - DLC are pure cash grabs that can be forgotten. Didn't try it yet in multiplayer but I must admit anything better than 25 years old arcade games (e.g.: Tecmo World Soccer) so it might wear out pretty quickly. TL;TR version: if you find it for cheap (5 € / $ max), you'll get 2 or 3 hours of fun.
While I still have a preference for the first one, Hard West 2 remains a fun and enjoyable game. The "story" is a little bit on the light side and there were some annoying issues in the initial release but most of these have been fixed through patch 1. Although there has been a slight delay, GOG version is now up-to-date and the game can now be recommended. Gameplay-wise, this is a turn-based strategy game in a fantasy western setting. Some nice additions (like the missions aboard running trains) are bringing some fresh ideas. On the other hand, some missions are a little bit weaker than others. Technically speaking, the game is running smoothly and the improved loading times coming with the patch are a welcome update. Globally, a 4-stars game definitely worth the asked price if you like the genre.
I played the demo for one hour and got the following impressions. Pros: - Nice setting and visual style. - Reasonably smooth gameplay (although a little bit "floaty"). Cons: - Verbose game mainly made of sarcastic exchanges between the two main characters (a little bit boring). - In most of the situations (so far), enemies and traps are gone after your death reducing the stake of dying (tried on medium, it may be different on hard). But my main gripe is the feeling to already have played this game before. For instance, I gave up when I had to climb a vine that ended being the tongue of an enemy plant. Identical to the one you face in Rayman Legends if I remember correctly. If you haven't played a platformer in a long time go for Rayman Origins first (too bad Legends is not available here). If you did and are still in need of some platforming, you can do a lot worse than this game but be prepared for some deja-vu feeling.
