torbern

Naughty Dog and writer/director Neil Druckmann have created the best narrative experience in a video game to date. I could stay in this world, with these characters, for thirty more hours, as they try to find solace and meaning in a burnt-out shell of a world. The gameplay is perfect; linear, unavoidably, but with a huge variety of compelling playstyles. This time, puzzles are satisfying and quick to complete. Couldn’t say it about the first, but I’ll say it about this one: masterpiece.

90 _63%

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019) - Rated 20 Jul 2020

This game takes legitimate patience and practice to master—everyone should know that going in, or you're gonna have a bad time. Once you get good, it contains some of the most fluid and complex combat you'll ever experience in a video-game. Also, it continues From Software's track record of being the best world-builders in the business. (PS—could not beat the final boss. Too hard. Maybe one day I'll come back to it.)

90 _63%

The Last of Us (2013) - Rated 20 Jul 2020

One of the finest narrative video games ever made. The story is impeccable, save for one terrible line at a crucial moment ("well... I guess you can't escape your past"). The combat is super-satisfying. The "puzzle" sections, which are both terribly easy and slow to complete, are the only thing that keep this from full-on masterpiece status.

65 _6%

Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020) - Rated 23 Jun 2020

The ending is.... very bad. The story in general unravels into a confusing mess. However, nostalgia and outstanding production values carry it for the most part. The combat, as it was in FFXV, is incredibly satisfying.

80 _30%

Doom Eternal (2020) - Rated 03 Apr 2020

The gameplay isn't quite as as refined as in Doom (2016), and the story is far, far worse, but what they've added (a flamethrower that gives you armor, a grappling hook, ice bombs, unlimited chainsawing for ammo, etc.) keeps things interesting. The fucking axe demon is one of the poorest design choices I can remember in a game that's otherwise good.

80 _30%

Dishonored (2012) - Rated 11 Jun 2019

95 _83%

Persona 5 (2016) - Rated 11 Jun 2019

95 _83%

Super Mario Sunshine (2002) - Rated 11 Jun 2019

85 _44%

Bayonetta (2009) - Rated 11 Jun 2019

95 _83%

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997) - Rated 11 Jun 2019