Video Game Tuesday: Strider

This week on Video Game Tuesday I’m covering Strider a game that plays like a Metroidvania game and was recently released for the Playstation 4 and other consoles.

Plot Synopsis: The Strider organization sends their best assassin, Strider Hiryu, to kill the villain, Grandmaster Meio, in the metropolis of Kazakh City.

Plot: I’ll admit I haven’t gotten very far into the game, but from what I can see the plot is revelead as you play, and it’s not that serious a plot. Decent, but nothing spectacular like a Mass Effect game or even as good as Halo’s plot. Maybe if the plot was a bit more interesting I’d be playing it more often.

Gameplay: The gameplay is quite good, and it fills that need that’s been left since no really good Metroidvania games have come along that I’ve gotten, read paid my limited supply of money for, since Castlevania: Order of Ecclasia years ago. I just wish the plot were as good as the gameplay. That being said, this is definitely a very punishing game, and there are sequences where I’ve been frustrated at the lack of a more modern save system. I feel its a bit outdated to have to find a save station somewhere in the map.

Art: The artwork is beautiful, but nothing spectacular, granted this isn’t a Triple A game.

Music: The music is okay, but doesn’t add anything spectacular to the game.

Overall: If you were lucky enough to get this for free with Playstation Plus in July and haven’t played it yet, try it out.

For those who like: Metroidvania-style games, Action, Brutal difficulty.

Not for those who don’t like: Any of the above, or an outdated saves system.

Retro Game Friday: Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin

This week I’m covering Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin. It’s my favorite DS Castlevania game.

Plot Synopsis: The story occurs in Dracula’s castle and is set in 1944 Europe during World War II. In addition to the castle, the main characters explore various different paintings that have been constructed by Brauner, a villain. The paintings act as portals to new areas and feature a distinct look that is different from the main castle.

Plot: The plot is decent, not amazing though.

Gameplay: The gameplay is however really good, I enjoy the partner system immensely.

Music: The music is amazing, although not quite as good as Symphony of the Night.

Art: Since it’s based off Symphony of the Night it’s great, but expect model recycling except for some new characters and Death and Drac getting a new model.

Overall: If you like Metroidvania games play this one.

For those who like: Exploration, Action, Adventure, Castlevania, Metroid.

Not for those who don’t like: Any of the above.

Video Game Tuesday: Shadow Complex

This week I’m covering my favorite Xbox Live Arcade game of all time, it’s Shadow Complex!

Plot Synopsis: Jason Fleming (voiced by Nolan North) and his new girlfriend Claire (voiced by Eliza Jane Schneider) are backpacking in the Pacific Northwest when they come across some caverns. Claire opts to explore them, saying she used to go there as a child, but when she does not respond to Jason’s calls, he follows her.

Plot: The plot isn’t particularly great, but it’s not terrible either.

Gameplay: This is where the game shines, as the game is a homage to Metroidvania games and it’s absolutely amazing. If you’ve played any Metroid games you’ll feel right at home playing this game.

Music: It was alright, nothing spectacular from what I remember.

Art: The game looks amazing, considering it was made by a small team of developers.

Overall: If you like Metroidvania games play this.

For those who like: Adventure, Exploration, Action, Great gameplay.

Not for those who don’t like: Any of the above, but really can you hate any of that?

Retro Game Friday: Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow [Spoilers for Aria of Sorrow]

This week on Retro Game Friday we are going over the very first Castlevania game I ever played, Dawn of Sorrow.  I enjoyed it for the most part, but there were some parts I hated.