Once again a relic that's been in my backlog has made it's way forward after years in the dark, presenting something rather unique compared to my usual fair of game to try. But the intrigue of what was in here kept my attention when the dice called it forward. And I can't say it was a bad call. This is what for me would be a very comfy game, and I'm glad I got a few hours with it. If you are like me and enjoy a little bit of technical tinkering, you might just think so too...
Once again as I show off a new game each week for Extra-Life, we come across another freebie meant to be completed in a single session just sitting around on Steam and waiting to be played. This time, however, it was a title that had waited a lot longer in my backlog. In fact it's possible this one waited a few years. And even then, I can only hope based on what I played we get to see more come of it. There wasn't a lot here, but what was here was some really good atmospheric work and signs of a lot of talent I would hate to see go to waste.
As another week comes to an end, it was time to show off another game you might see played during the big Extra Life marathon. And once again the game selected was a smaller one I was able to finish up in one sitting. This time, we are much more homebound, however, as we wander the apartment while home alone. The doorbell may not be working, but that's ok. You are welcome anytime. Come on in.
It's been at least 6 years since I saw this game in a trailer for the first time, promising a world that would fit into the Aliens franchise without missing a beat and promising to do so ominously and uncaringly as anyone who loves that series for the horror side could hope for. This early trailer showed a nice looking world where you would spend more time figuring out what was going on then killing the threats (not that they weren't already there), and I was hooked. But then as the kickstarter ended, the game went quiet.
Fast forward to the last year or so and we all got to see Microsoft pushing this game for their Xbox GamePass, and what has happened to the game since. Graphically this became a real stunner, enough so I actually decided that this was the game I would build a new PC for. After all, an art-piece should be absolutely maxed out. And so I did, picking the game up shortly after release as the first game that machine would play. Now as I finish, I'm not sure I needed to do that (it didn't press the new system half as hard as I thought it would), but the game simply did not disappoint.
And we finally come back to another game I got free from the Epic game store. In this case, I didn't walk in with the highest hopes for the title: I knew it was supposed to be a horror game and that reviewers liked it a lot, but I don't hold a lot of faith in what reviewers say these days. But still intrigued, I installed... and I'm glad I did. While much more gloomy then scary, this was absolutely an experience to have.
When I started this game, I honestly had little idea what to expect. I've enjoyed everything I've played from this developer in the past. But on the other hand, the movies have a terrible reputation as a bad set of films. So when Epic Games was giving it away for free, I picked it up because "why not"? In the same spirit when the dice picked this, I was far from against it. Now as I finish it up, I walk away pleasantly suprised. Come on in and see why.
I remember when this game came out, and the art immediately drawing me in. But it would be yet another game that would make it's way to the backlog with intrigue, but this was a game the dice literally refused to ever let it show... until I was picking games for this year's Extra Life marathon. I wound up only breaking for lunch before I finished this game, and overall... I was pretty impressed with what I played.
I can't say I have a history with this little game. Rather it was something I picked up cheap during a Steam summer sale because "why not?" These kind of purchases can be a bit of a gamble as I have found. Some turn out awesome, while others leave me wondering what the hell I was thinking. In this case, though, I think we have something more in the middle of the road. I may have liked it, but there really wasn't a lot there to like... or dislike for that matter.
I have looked forward to playing this game for a while. Back when PlayDead burst on the scene with Limbo as an Xbox 360 exclusive, I will admit I was a little jealous. And when the game hit PC after their exclusivity deal with Microsoft expired, I couldn’t wait to play it myself. Suffice it to say, I loved it. I thought it’s only real major issue was that it was too short and I wanted more when it was over. So when I found out this studio was releasing a new game, I was excited. But, by the time the game came out, I had reached the point where my backlog is actually big enough that unless I need the game in physical form on my shelf, I just don’t need to get the game at launch anymore… ever.
But that does not mean those games leave my radar, and this game joined my library earlier this year, and when I finished up with the absolutely terrible Serious Sam 2, I needed something that promised to be amazing to wash that taste away… yeah, I chose VERY well.
This is one of those times when an idea proved too good to leave behind. I remember seeing this game for the first time when it was a greenlight title, and the idea of playing, not the hero in the armor, but an AI running the armor itself was unique and too interesting to not support it. So when the game dropped, I was eager to see what it was going to reveal. Admittedly, I waited for it to be on sale since my backlog was big enough as it was and the game was already selling as part one of a trilogy. I was tired of every game under the sun assuming it was getting a sequel like that. Still, I picked it up in a sale, and when it came up in my selections for the next game to take on during the #100daysofgaming for Extra Life, I jumped at it. After finishing the game, well… let’s talk about that.
It’s October, and here at the Red Sector we like to celebrate with style. That means a sick amount of candy and booze. Games are good too! Being that time of year I thought I’d dive into some games that showcase this holiday’s essence and boy does this one have it in spades!
This has been a weird couple of months for me game-wise. Never have I been excited at so many games coming out at once. We are now in May and I’ve already played through four games I was thrilled to see released and wanted the first day! And even as we speak two more just hit the market! I’m usually lucky if three such games hit in a single year. But at the same time, I had space between titles this time, so I found myself looking at my ever-growing backlog. So while I waited for the next one, I decided to pick up this little gem and play it through. After all, I enjoyed the hell out of the original, so why wouldn’t I like this title?
Long story short, I loved it. Come on in and lets talk.
