1. Hack 'n' Slash - First DF game I've finished. It was.... unique, which is what attracted me about it. But still a little bit disappointing overall. Even though the game gets much more harder in terms of the pseudo-programming aspects in the 2nd half, the problem with the game is that it gives you a crapload of code line detail, but the puzzle solutions are not to that level, so there's a disconnect between what you think you're supposed to do and what you actually need to do.
2. Primordia - Really enjoyed this AGS point and click, although some puzzles were a little obtuse, and it wasn't always clear you could move to certain parts of the screen and have it scroll more. It was definitely made with a lot of love and care.
3. Outlast Whistleblower - DLC prequel to the horror hit. Narrative and horror elements bits are interesting, and the locales are mostly different parts of the building from the main game, including more exterior sections. But on the whole, the game feels pretty much the same. I would have liked some new mechanic personally, but if more of the same sounds good, then this game has got it.
4. Darwinia - Interesting RTS. I didn't "get it" at first, but I gave it a shot. It's not like any other game I've played before, and you get the sense that the developer set up the scenarios because they thought they would be cool. And it is!
5. Hotline Miami 2 - Loved the first, loved the second. It is the same but different. It's different but the same. Not sure why people dislike it so much, except that they were expecting exactly the same. But where's the fun in that?
6. Hotline Miami - Interestingly enough, I went and replayed the original HM having not touched it in years. I guess it IS different. The stages, the weapon timing, the stealth level... Strangely it's kinda easier than the sequel, but kinda harder too. That being said, I think I enjoy HM2 more of the two. It's got more character overall.
7. Gabriel Knight - Sins of our Fathers - .First time playing it. Great story and setting, but some of the gameplay elements (cryptic puzzles, UI, pixel hunting) are a remnant of its time. The pixel art and animation, though, it outstanding, and really has a lot of detail. Overall, really enjoyed it.
8. Cinders - Relatively short visual novel with a lot of choices and endings. Which means it's a visual novel. I liked the "Western" take on it, which is a little twist of a well known tale where every character is flawed. It's also nice that the game gives you indicators to show how your current dialog is a result of previous choices made. I still haven't found a major track of the game, via my choices, so I'll keep playing!
9. Runaway 2 - The Dream of the Turtle - The animation and production values are clearly higher than the first game. I sort of get why this is the least liked of the series, but since it's a build up to the final installment, I have no qualms with it. I'd have to say that the very end of the game is annoying though.
10. Runaway 3 - Twist of Fate - Huh. I actually found this to be my least favorite entry. On the plus side, they made the UI better, where you could see what you can interact with. They also gave a hint system to give you some insight into your next step. But it kinda removed all the characters from the previous series, and did not exactly continue on the cliffhanger from Runaway 2. And the English VAs were all different. It just felt like an entirely different game where they tried to tie into the previous two very loosely. And the hint system is probably a must, because this has the most cryptic puzzles of all the games. At least it's over.
11.A Story About My Uncle - Interesting 3D platformer with grapple. In some ways, as cool as I thought it would be, but in others, it's also somewhat simplistic.
12. Legend of Grimrock - Loved it. Tons of objects/places to discover and even though I completed it, I missed quite a lot of secrets. I'd love to see what Grimrock II holds.
13. Before the Echo (Sequence) - Changed names recently due to a legal dispute, but it's DDR meets RPG meets juggling sorta? Throw in some Ronald Jenkees and you've got a game that's better than it has to be. Enjoyable, but then again, I like all of the above.
14. Gabriel Knight 2 - The Beast Within - Didn't know what it'd be like with a FMV transition, but I really quite enjoyed this one. The mixing of history with the fictitious story made for edutainment too.
15. Deadly Premonition Director's Cut - Janky as hell and crashes for no reason. Controls completely give out on the last boss fight for PC-only. The actual gameplay isn't really that fun either, with the same enemies throughout the game. But the story was genuinely enticing and gave me the creeps at times. Glad I played it.
As of 11/30/2015
Post edited December 01, 2015 by thuey
