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.
I've been playing games for the past 30 years and adventure games always have been one of my favourites genres. I have a true fondness for the likes of Monkey Island, Indiana Jones or Leisure Suit Larry. I also try to regularly play games with my kids and the Little Acre is really a wonderful introduction to the adventure games genre. Visually, the game is looking great. In terms of puzzle, they are on the easy side and a seasoned player will have no issue getting through it in less than two hours. But the characters, the story and the charm will make these two hours a pleasure. If I had to compare this game to a book. I would compare it to one of the short novels from Pratchett that he wrote for a younger audience. It's something everyone can enjoy but it's designed in a way that the younger ones (let's say around 7-8 years old) can enjoy it by themselves. For the youngest ones, it remains enjoyable but it'll require the support of an adult.
I just finished a full play-through of all the Tex Murphy games and Tesla Effect really deserves its place in this great franchise. If you liked the previous Tex Murphy games, you can buy this one without hesitation. The puzzles are a little bit easier than the ones in the previous games but it did not really bother me since it allowed to focus on the characters and the story. On the technical side, I want to point out the fact that I did not had to face any bug which is a nice plus these days. So, good P.I. never dies and, hopefully, will come back in another episode (fingers crossed).
Good Old Fun... This game (and its successor) is the true child of the first Prince Of Persia game (the one from Jordan Mechner) with its bunch of hidden areas and its high difficulty level. ... From Good Old Games!
The Broken Sword serie has always been one of my favourite. I still remember today my first steps in the first episode and its fantastic animated sequences. When I first saw the screenshots for this third episode, I must admit I was quite worry since, at the time (and still today) I didn't find adventure games in full 3D much enjoyable. This third episode has some of the issues which I regularly faces in recent adventure games : simplified puzzles, less detailled graphics compared to 2D adventure games, useless platform passages. Worst of all, the control schemes using the keyboard instead of the mouse and requesting to move near an object to be able to use it is a knightmare. Such great games as Grim Fandango or the third Gabriel Knight have suffered from this. But... By sticking to what made the 2 first episodes such great games (great scenario and atmosphere, characters you get attached to, detailled historical background), it was a real pleasure to go through this adventure. I started with a 3 star rating but if I must admit that I never felt frustrated while playing the game (except for the controls in some specific locations) and, like all great adventure games, I finished it several times just for the pleasure of sharing some addtional time with George and Nico. Anyway, if you like the previous episodes, go for this one without an inch of hesitation (especially at this price) and let me recommend you other games (and let's hope GOG will be able to get its hands on these sooner or later) : The Gabriel Knight serie The first episode is the one with the best reputation but you should really try the second episode which has clearly been underrated at the time of its release. As a whole, this serie has the same qualities that we can find in the Broken Sword games : lovely characters, great puzzles and rich background. The Discworld serie Three games which made me discover one of the best auhtor in the storytelling world. If you know the books and havn't played the games yet, find these asap. If you know the games and havn't read the books, go to the nearest bookstore asap. If you know both, you already know how lucky you are. I could also talk about the Lucasarts games (those nights spent on Monkey Island or Day Of The Tentacle) and other Sierra series, Syberia (I & II) or The Longest Journey but these you probably already know about.
