Game Review: Bastion

Bastion

[PC-Windows]Wiki

   A narrative driven action RPG, Bastion brings along with it pleasing aesthetics and characters you can easily connect with.  Dedication and effort of a handful of game developers created a game that can hold its own against AAA titles in terms of art, game mechanics, and engaging story.

Story - 9.0/10

   Most of the old "hero saves the world" story elements are present, but instead of saving the world, Kid is given the task of fixing it. That's not a bad thing entirely, since this old formula was presented quite skillfully. As you try to fix The Calamity, you aren't given specifics on the Kid's personality. The choices you make in-game reflect what kind of personality you want him to have. A protagonist along the lines of Gordon Freeman.

   The next aspect that made the game a make-or-break for some people. It was the narrator's voice that really helped carry the story along throughout Bastion. Major themes and aspects of the game were mostly revealed through his voice. Most people found it soothing and ideal for the setting, while some get irritated or see it as intrusive. Regardless of what people think of the delivery, Logan Cunningham did a very thorough job with the narrator's voice.

   Another thing worth mentioning is the pivotal scenes in the game. These were presented in a way that managed to get the player emotionally involved, with the help of some of the most amazing music I've ever heard in a video game.

Gameplay - 9.0/10

   This game plays out the fight mechanics in a way that can be both skill-based and enjoyable. Pulling off a cool weapon combo in Bastion is a very gratifying experience. It pays to have proper technique in this game since you can't really rely on tanking similar to most MMORPGs. Although if you're really a defensive type, you can opt to master using the Bullhead Shield (which would be pretty damn impressive) as it automatically counters attacks if timed correctly.

The Bullhead Shield

   I haven't managed to test out the full extent of how balanced the weapons were, but all of them were well capable of bringing down a small army of windbags when fully upgraded. Nothing more satisfying than carrying around something that would be classified as a mini nuke launcher IRL.

Graphics/Visuals - 9.5/10

   Wow. Just look at those character designs, detailed blocks, and mighty fine backdrops. The art style used was something that blended quite well with Bastion's theme. It wouldn't have been the same game had they used a more serious art style.

Audio - 10/10

   Where am I even gonna start with this one. It's just that the music was so damn good that it was basically the hand that dragged you into deeper immersion. It provided the game with heart-pounding and tear-jerking accompaniment that came along with a number of expertly created game scenarios. If Bastion were to be remembered in future gaming nostalgia threads, I'd bet one of the most popular comments would be how awesome the soundtrack was.

   I would personally recommend this game to anyone. Even the younger gamers can enjoy Bastion without having to care about significant consequences, since an easy mode is available right from the start.



Get the game on Steam, GamersGate, Green Man Gaming, Impulse, or OnLive
Get the soundtrack here.

Now Playing: Legend of Zelda - Ocarina of Time

LoZ: OoT Title screen with HD textures installed

By the time I'm done with Ganondorf, I'll be posting reviews for Bastion and Pokemon Soul Silver.
Will also do a post about the HD textures for this game.

Here's a quick review of OoT's famous Water Temple. "Link" LOL

Repurposed

It's been months since I created this here blog, and I've yet to review a long list of games. I'm not going to promise anything but I'll try to chip away at the backlog after I finish my current Torchlight run.

Also, I'll try to post reviews for Anime and Manga and see how well it will blend with the vidya reviews.

Here's a random gif:

Game Review: Psychonauts

Psychonauts

[PC-Windows]Wiki

   Psychonauts is a psychic adventure themed action platformer. The game itself deals with aspects regarding mental health and sanity. You play as Razputin, a mentally gifted boy who unofficially enrolls himself into a psychic summer camp without the approval of his father. Now you must race against time to improve his abilities before his father comes and takes you away.

Story: 8.5

   The whole plot isn't really that unique, but the game itself gives a lot more focus on character development. Every person you interact with holds a special role, but only a few of them can be considered core plot development elements. Story progression is also made entertaining by key scenarios that involve humor and sometimes the small plot twist.

Graphics - 9.5

   This game uses a pleasantly quirky art style for character and level designs. Both of these components blend well together to form a lovable game setting. Each stage carries with it a particular theme reflecting the mental state of the person whose mind you're diving into. Each is unique, using scenery portrays the target's personality, personal demons, secrets, and memories.

Gameplay - 9.0

   I'm more of an RPG fan, but good platformers like Psychonauts will always manage to frustrate challenge my dexterity. The stages were really solidly built (along with back story and theme, sometimes coupled with odd physics) but I encountered some problems with button responsiveness and the occasional lag. Though both may be attributed to my inadequate skill or non-optimal hardware, it can still get quite frustrating especially with timed jumps. "WTF? I pressed the damn space bar, I swear!"*

Audio - 9.0

   Though the BGM didn't really have any lasting impact on me, the voice acting was very well done. The dialogue was pretty convincing, and it also helped character development and atmosphere buildup for the game. What impressed me most was that the characters all had recorded reactions for items and abilities even when the chances that the specific interaction would take place were slim or non-existent.

Overall - 9.0

   What really makes this game great is how well the components are stitched together. Though it isn't carried by a mind-breaking, philosophically-driven plot, it stands out as a game that people will remember for the awesome presentation and platforming mechanics. Also, meat.

   At first, this game would seem ideal for younger audiences but I would advise against giving this to gamers who are younger than 10. Not because of the T rating (presence of blood and disturbing imagery), but because of  the required amount of skill and patience to get through the game.

   If you're someone who's looking for a way to exercise hand-eye coordination or someone who's pretty good at handling Megaman, Psychonauts will be a very entertaining title.

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*Note to self: Get that RAM upgrade and get a separate KB.

Game Review: Rune Factory 3

Rune Factory 3: A Fantasy Harvest Moon

[Nintendo DS] Wiki

   This game presents itself as a pleasant mix of the old harvest moon formula (farming/dating sim) along with action RPG elements. Although it can't be quite considered groundbreaking, Rune Factory 3 manages to keep an entertaining atmosphere as you play along the story line.

Story - 8.0

   The story isn't exactly something new, bringing along with it the usual amnesiac hero device. But character development and story progression blend relatively well together, depending on how much focus you give on certain events and day-to-day encounters.

Graphics - 8.5

   The visual style used for the game really suited the atmosphere that it wished to portray. On rare occasions items are blocked from view by trees and rocks, while some items can be mistaken as part of the environment. Admittedly, it was my fault when I accidentally chopped up my first dining table while thrashing about. The character designs along with in-game creatures were also well done.

Gameplay - 8.0

  Boss fights and enemy encounters didn't really stand out much, since the game chose to stick with old action mechanics. That's not really a bad thing, since the introduction of epic action sequences would have diverted attention from other aspects of the game. The only thing that really bothered me was how carried items were handled. I often make the mistake of feeding my farm animals with the very items they produce.

Audio - 9.0

   Game music really helped stitch things together, and the voice acting was quite good. BGM tracks did well in keeping the game from getting bland or boring.

Overall - 9.0

  Though Rune Factory 3 doesn't really present any new significant game concept or mechanic, it still delivers well in terms of entertainment. The game plays out in a way that really holds your attention. If you enjoy playing Harvest Moon games, Rune Factory 3 will be a worthy addition to your game library.

   Recommended for a younger audience or seniors who dont mind the seemingly odd premise of a cute action x farming game.

*EDIT: Replayed the game ang the overall score I gave previously didn't do the game any justice.

J.M. Tangonan Here. This is my second blog.

This is where I'll be posting video game reviews. I'll start posting reviews by the end of the month, since the first semester is coming to an end.