Holds up very well, and for everything in it that doesn't, there are easily accessible mods.
A serviceable game in every respect that skims the surface of mediocrity but rises above in ways that are often hard to describe. This is more or less an alternate dimension early 2000s Bioware game with better combat but worse storytelling; a bare bones but nevertheless substantial enough offering to draw you in. Expect solid combat with mostly gratifying progression and three combat styles to specialize in, companions and romances, fully voiced dialogue with some familiar cast members (which I think is pretty cool), quests, skill trees, attribute and talent points, zone exploring, basic crafting/upgrading, and gear progression. I personally think their UI is onto something as well. It's a bit clumsy, but the inventory screen has a unique and cool presentation that I'd like to see other games iterate on. Most of the assets have been ripped from an earlier game, which is disappointing because you'd expect they'd have designed more in the interim. The visuals are mostly dependent on a single kit and rub me the wrong way. I'm not sure how to describe why, but the cities still have cool things to see, even if most of them are out of reach. I think this game is solidly average. It's endearing enough to qualify as an uncut gem and presents enough substance (30-40 hours a play through) for fans of the genre to find things to like, even if their imagination will have some gaps to fill. Spiders studio has cultivated a reputation of always being rough around the edges and failing to learn from and anticipate what should be simple mistakes to correct. Despite this, most people who play Technomancer will end up rooting for them and looking forward to future titles, myself included. If you see this game on sale (should only be 7 bucks or so) it's a really easy buy, but it's definitely worth the twenty dollar asking price as well. I think games like these should be celebrated. They're part of a studios journey and they'd love to have you along for the ride.
Here's my first GoG review, and I never would have expected it to be for an adventure game. Primorida is a seamless amalgamation of superb parts, and though I usually find games of the genre a bit annoying to get through, I was drawn in and totally immersed in the game's story and world. The writing is well paced and fun, honoring it's readers with wit and substance. The art, I believe leaves nothing to be desired. If you're here on GoG, you probably enjoy and appreciate sprite work and painted backgrounds (and they are beautiful, I think), and while some of the puzzles may be a bit challenging, none of the mechanics feels truly out of place and bizarre, cultivating that precious sense of reward you get when you figure it out. The game features a commentary mode with interjections from the creators about design choices and bloopers over most of the stages. This mode can be easily turned on or off at your discretion. I also feel compelled to include that there is more to take away from this game than just the game itself. I very much appreciated the game's take on faith, self sufficiency, and the greater good. I found it to be mature and eerily reminiscent of our own trials and tribulations, despite taking place in a post apocalyptic world. What can I say? I always enjoy meatier fare. The game features multiple endings (and achievements to hint at their existence on your first play through). Nonetheless, the only downside to this game is that there isn't more of it.
