Recent reviews by thetangledweb

Well, if this isn’t the best 2 quid I’ve ever spent…

This was a nice surprise. Working with very little, this is more engaging than some of the more lavish-looking walking simulators I've played at pulling you into its world. There's a lot of imagination on display here, and some very memorable imagery. It's nicely scripted, the puzzles aren't frustrating, with a clearly limited set of resources it includes quite a variety of play styles (e.g. stealth section, platforming section), the scripting is well done, a positive message by the end. It's very simple, but intelligently constructed... by a SEVENTEEN year old! For a few quid I felt more than satisfied supporting a young creative developer with an artistic mind and a bright future.

This is the best of the games

Here’s a simple test to see if you’ll like Road Redemption...

Do you like games with 18 pages of stats and options before you get to even play? Do you like games with totally accurate physics, so true-to-life it takes 10 years to maybe think about beating the first few races? Are you a graphics w!!!!!!re who instantly derides any game with less than the latest cutting edge super specular ray reflections on each and every polygon of a character’s bike?

If yes, you will not like Road Redemption.

Do you like fun?

(Explanation: ‘Fun’ is a somewhat-archaic term, misunderstood by most game companies today. Developers used to dedicate many hours striving to make sure games were ‘fun’, in a time gone by)

If yes, you will like Road redemption.

This is insanely good at capturing the spirit of 90s brawlers, whilst adding loads more depth and modern elements. Thank heavens for developers like this, who have such strong affection for the classics that they do a better job than the companies who made the originals. Capcom could’ve made something new like this at any point in the last ten years but didn’t.

I love short games. I love this game.

Nothing more satisfying (when you don't have all the free time in the world) than a 3-hour experience, with a great gameplay concept, which leaves you feeling sated and like you've been on a crazy, fun voyage, without destroying your actual life in the process and causing seething resentment from your loved ones.

The story is meaningless, but the personality is abundant.

Thumbs down is too harsh, but then I wouldn't give it a thumbs up either... Looks great, clearly made with love, but the central mechanic is just annoying. What should be a cool optional ability is the only way to move. I found myself thinking "why can't she just f#$%^g WALK??" after 5 minutes, then gave it another half an hour or so, discovering it didn't have enough story interest or soul to push its way to the top of a very long list of quality Metroidvanias. I could see this movement method working on a touchscreen, and wonder if it was originally for ios then ported.

Don't expect a game. I found it mesmerising. Take from it what you want from the experience. I can't complain about receiving a captivating, imaginative vision worked on by a team of artists trying to do something new because it only lasts 30 minutes, it's half the price of a decent coffee.

I feel the hype is out of control on this one, so here's a balanced review...

Surely no-one could give Gris a thumbs down? It's stunning to look at, the love and artistry poured into it are evident in every frame. The soundtrack is beautiful. No-one should buy this expecting a 'gamer's game', I didn't and I don't resent buying it in any way but, beyond aesthetics, it pales next to similar artistic 2D experiences of the past few years.

Gris was... just fine. Sometimes fun, but it never soared. The platforming never felt exciting or new, despite being enjoyable at times, and narratively, I just didn't feel much under the surface. This isn't complex it's a simple bit of symbolism. "The journey of picking up the pieces of oneself" was the only overriding idea Gris seemed to offer from start to finish, and that's not spoiling a thing. Its narrative is too enigmatic to offer any genuine emotional resonance. Gris feels too austere. Sure it's wrapped up in a gorgeous shell, the platforming is diverting, there are nice set pieces, but nothing blew me away. It's an interesting journey, not a masterpiece. How long can pure style keep you captivated? The answer will be different for everyone.

Inside was similarly silent and enigmatic, but showed much more imagination, big fresh concepts, and its ending haunted my thoughts for weeks. Ori and the Blind Forest provided both a tear-jerking narrative and hardcore platforming. Journey, which Gris is most similar to, offered an immersion this one can't. The Missing, which I'm currently playing, is rough around the edges, but already delivers the emotional punch Gris promises but never delivers. Wandersong offered boundless ideas and creativity, along with a superbly-scripted, humorous story of hope. Personally, I'd play any of those before Gris.

How are Wandersong’s reviews only ‘very positive’?!! This is game of 2018, I believe one of the greatest of all time. It’s near-perfect.

A blissfully fun central mechanic which doesn’t get old. Incredible invention, storytelling, humour, a huge cast of distinct and loveable characters. A game you can’t fail, but with enough challenges to make it feel rewarding. Epic set pieces. Some of the best end credits I’ve ever sat through. Moments which will move you to tears, (always of joy).

Wandersong is just operating on a different level entirely to most games. One of pure joy, elation, delight and hope.

Wandersong is first-party-Nintendo levels of invention, charisma, polish and childlike wonder. If you can't enjoy Wandersong, you need a damn good singing to.