A Way Out Review

Genre: Co-op Narrative Adventure

Players: 2

Playtime: 6 hours (Includes beating the game in local co-op play)

(NOTE: Content in this game is not recommended for all ages due to mature themes and strong language; Parental discretion is advised.)

Cooperative games are a rare breed to be found in this age of multiplayer shooters and battle royales.  So it's a refreshing treat to see developers of Hazelight Studios not only attempt such with A Way Out, but to push the ideas of this niche genre in new, creative ways.  Do these new ideas manage to create a stimulating experience and deliver a breakout hit?  Or does it fall flat and bust?  Turn on the spotlights as we search through the pros and cons of this joint journey.

An Invitation for Trouble

<Previous <( '-' )> Next>

Throwback Thursday - Mario Kart (series)

Welcome to another Throwback Thursday, our weekly look into my Top 100 games and general nostalgia.  Drifting across the checkered line this week: The games of banana peels and slick wheels that is the Mario Kart series.

It all began with the debut of Super Mario Kart on the SNES, released in the US on September 1st, 1992.  The inspiration for this game came from the desire to make a 2-player racing game following-up Nintendo's recent single-player racer, F-Zero.  Using the Mode 7 graphics technology still, Super Mario Kart was able to display an impressive appearance of 3D visuals for its time.  While the series has grown considerably more complex and visually impressive, each entry in the series deserves noteworthy mention for introducing unique and clever mechanics to this ever growing series (boasting sales well over 100 million copies worldwide now).  Super Mario Kart of course laid the groundwork for what would be a staple in the series: The Grand Prix and Battle Mode.  It also had quite a few unique items, such as the feather which would allow players to leap over obstacles and chasms for shortcuts, which hasn't seen return until the most recent Mario Kart 8 (in Battle Mode only).

Tabletop Tuesday - Scattergories

Welcome to another edition of Tabletop Tuesday - Your weekly exploration into games of dice, cards, luck and more of the Tabletop world.

This week's game...finding unique fits for alphabetical lists that is Scattergories.

Players: 2-6
Time: 15-20 minutes
Genre: Casual Family Game

Lens of Sleuth

<Previous <( '-' )> Next>

Throwback Thursday - Bit.Trip (series)

Welcome to another Throwback Thursday, our weekly look into my Top 100 games and general nostalgia.  Hitting the blips and beeps this week: The exploration of gaming genres combined with musical sonatas that is the Bit.Trip series.

The series began with the debut of Bit.Trip Beat, releasing in the US on March 16th, 2009 for the Nintendo Wii.  The game can be simply described as "Pong with music", but the complexity and joy to be found from this simple concept is far greater than you'd ever anticipate.  Players take control of Commander Video in the form of a Pong paddle, deflecting pixelated beats as they bounce from right to left in increasing complexity and creative patterns.  In fact, for the Wii version, players would actually twist the Wii remote to control the paddle, emulating the controls just like the original Pong.  The combination of groovy undertones and the act of deflecting these beats creates the unique sensation that you yourself are creating this incredibly catchy and satisfying soundtrack.  Gameplay and music become synonymous components in ways rarely felt in other music games.  Be forewarned though, this game is tough as nails and not for the feint of heart.  This first entry lacked any sort of checkpoint system, and though it is only three levels, each level is roughly 15 minutes long to power through.  With a variety of unique power-ups that required quick reactions and incredible precision, this was a game that could be particularly punishing, but also very satisfying to replay and go for high scores (while enjoying those sweet melodies).

Tabletop Tuesday - Catan: Cities & Knights

Welcome to another edition of Tabletop Tuesday - Your weekly exploration into games of dice, cards, luck and more of the Tabletop world.

This week's game...another expansion to the cult classic Eurogame of sheep and wheat, Catan: Cities & Knights.

(Note: The Settlers of Catan is required to play this expansion.  Click here to learn more about the base game.  Also, click here to learn about previously discussed expansion, Seafarers.)

Players: 3-4
Time: 90-180 minutes
Genre: Strategy

A Commanding Surprise

<Previous <( '-' )> Next>

Throwback Thursday - Valiant Hearts: The Great War

Welcome to another Throwback Thursday, our weekly look into my Top 100 games and general nostalgia.  Answering the call this week: The game of heartfelt letters and the turmoils of battle that is Valiant Hearts: The Great War.

Released on June 24th, 2014, Valiant Hearts is a beautiful puzzle adventure developed by Ubisoft.  Utilizing their esteemed new 2.5D game engine UbiArt Framework, the game displays stunning 2D graphics to depict a stylish and moving story of freely inspired events unfolding on the Western front of World War I, between 1914 and 1918.  The plot follows the story of four characters whose roles weave in and out of each other's narratives.  A German boy, Karl, who is forcibly drafted into the German army.  His step-dad and Frenchman, Emile, who is also drafted into the French army.  An America soldier, Freddie, who volunteered to join the British army.  And a Belgian veterinary, Anna, who also serves as a battlefield nurse.  The journey that unfolds an inspiring and captivating adventure to behold.

Tabletop Tuesday - SET

Welcome to another edition of Tabletop Tuesday - Your weekly exploration into games of dice, cards, luck and more of the Tabletop world.

This week's game...the game of patterns to fathom that is SET.

Players: 2+
Time: 15-30 minutes
Genre: Casual Family Game

See? Bass!

<Previous <( '-' )> Next>

Throwback Thursday - Toki Tori

Welcome to another Throwback Thursday, our weekly look into my Top 100 games and general nostalgia.  Waddling into our hearts this week:  The game of challenging heights and bazookas of ice that is Toki Tori.

Released originally for the GameBoy Color on September 12th, 2001, Toki Tori was a unique puzzle-platformer developed by Dutch game company, Two Tribes, and published by Capcom (which explains the such catchy tunes).  The game revolves a little chicken, Toki Tori, who travels across many various worlds in search of his brothers and sisters trapped in eggs.  Similar to that of games like Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Toki Tori is limited in mobility, unable to move while falling or ascend large ledges, which makes the character only all the more endearing.  However, Toki Tori is given a larger arsenal of tools to use during this adventure to aid in his traversal, such as the ability to build bridges or teleport across short distances.  The catch to these abilities is that each level only supplies a limited number of certain abilities, requiring players to think carefully where to use them in order to acquire all the eggs and complete the level.  It's incredibly satisfying to analyze the layout of each level, plot your route, and watch the puzzle unravel as you put your plan to action, or else realize you're one item short and go back to the drawing board trying to figure out how you could of conserved your powers.

Tabletop Tuesday - Monikers

Welcome to another edition of Tabletop Tuesday - Your weekly exploration into games of dice, cards, luck and more of the Tabletop world.  While this blog is rated "E" for everyone's safe and enjoyable viewing, I should note that this week's game is intended for mature audiences / after-work scenarios.

This week's game...the game of inappropriate names to awkwardly explain that is Monikers.

Players: 4+
Time: 45-60 minutes
Genre: Party Game

Ditto

<Previous <( '-' )> Next>