August update
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- more complex than previous games
- no point of no-return, so all endings can be seen in one playthrough
Cons:
- ending is too "complicated", and adding ME3-color type elements feels unnecessary
- feels like series starts to be more of "walking simulator" than puzzle it used to be
- game is unplayable at low (10) FPS. While we can walk around, it's not possible to have any precise object manipulation with the mouse
Conclusion:
Story: We're teleported onto some island and need to solve puzzles localized there to survive. It is continuation of the story from previous game, but there is more background thanks to the letters we find inside the rooms. Still game has open ending, so don't expect to get any clear explanation what's happening around.
Gameplay: Similar to The Room Two. But here we can move freely between rooms with the puzzles, while TR2 consisted from rooms with puzzle, and portal leading into the next puzzle. So it has more open design. Which is a like nice evolution, but I felt there was a bit too much back / forward walking which only wasted time.
We still open boxes, redirect light to solve puzzles, look for keys in hidden compartments. There is a bit of an extra environmental element though, like puzzle with sun clock and planet models.
Graphic, music, bugs: Graphic is fine, but game feels too resource-heavy for what it offers. Music feels a bit re-used from previous games. And apart from game being unplayable at low frame rate I did not encourage any bugs.
- simple platformer without gore
Cons:
- camera sometimes get stuck at weird angle
- enemies are bit repetitive, and some attacks are hard to dodge
- hub area is really small, but can still be confusing...
Conclusion:
Story: Hunter is kidnapping animals. And we're sent on the quest to free them, defeat him and his subordinates. Muahaha!. So nothing overly complicated, but it is also game for kids. So it fits.
Gameplay: Kao can jump, attack with gloves and jump-slam. Some sections require use of gliding, others are timed. So it's quite similar to Croc: Legend of the Gobbos. I think studio did copy this game a bit :D We don't need to collect keys or coins to end level though, it's enough to reach the exit. Levels are simple and of ok-quality. Could be more complicated for my liking, but it's kid's game. So I will not complain here.
Graphic, music, bugs: It's PS2 era game, so graphic and 3D objects are really simple. Psychonauts was released the same year as this game, and graphic there is more complex. Music is really basic, and voice acting is average.
- well designed levels
- interesting gameplay
Cons:
- problems with starting and closing the game(does not start on 1st try / stays in the task manager after it's closed)
- control problems with mouse and keyboard
Conclusion:
Story: We join a summer camp which trains cadets for Psychonauts. Soldiers that are able to enter mind of someone else to "fix" their mental problems, steal secrets etc. After first night someone stole brains of other students, and we start quest to bring them back. And to save our girlfriend! Script is well written, even when it does not have any plottwists or surprises.
Gameplay: Platformer that is preferably played with the gamepad, as K+M controls are wonky (I remember having a lot of problems while playing non-Steam version on K+M years ago).
During gameplay we unlock abilities which allow us to progress the plot. Levitation, pyromancy, shooting, confusion grenades etc. This is not metroidvania though, so there are no additional areas on levels, that can be unlocked with new abilities.
We collect figments and PSI cards, which upgrade our psychonaut rank. Every xth rank upgrades certain ability - longer lasting invisibility, ricochet psybeam etc. It does not feel like something really important, as abilities do not give visible advantage. So collection part of the game is really optional.
Game hub is small, but still has fast travel points. Levels are closed, there is not much in the terms of free roam. Dialogs with other characters are quite basic.
Graphic, music, bugs: This is PS 2 game... so graphic is simple. But thanks to that game worked at stable 45 FPS, so yay!. Music is bit repetitive, but voice acting is good. I did not experience any in-game bugs, only problems with game opening / closing.
- really nice destruction model
- ability to both destroy and rebuild objects
- good shooting mechanic (just turn off auto aim >_>)
Cons:
- enemies are bit of a bullet sponges
Conclusion:
Story: DLC focus on events that happened before main game campaign. So destruction of terraformer on Mars. It is short (like 2h), but does not feel rushed.
Gameplay: Just like in the main game. We have a few weapons to chose from to shot + hammer to break stuff. Destruction model (in this 2011 game!!) is light years ahead from anything new you can buy right now. You can break every single wall, fence, floor, vehicle you can find. And it stays destroyed unless you rebuild it. Game is corridor shooter, so there is not much of an exploration. But it also means we don't need to go long way to gather resources, and exp is given for killing enemies. I beat main game exactly 6 year ago, and most of the fun came from destroying stuff :D
Graphic, music, bugs: Graphic is ok for that old game. Voice over is fine, and I did not experience any noticeable bugs.
Also I bought this DLC year ago. So beating it was postponed for way too long.Side note:
Psychonauts worked at comfy 30 FPS. Rest of the games from this batched worked in 10 - 15 FPS range… when you get used to playing in FHD at 60 FPS you forget how slow games can run on weak PC configurations :hehe:
I tried to play Little Nightmares but it is unplayable with it’s low FPS. A Hat in Time works better, as I have 15 - 19 FPS most of the time (all graphic options turned off xD). Only occasionally, with more particle effects on the screen, I get drops to 5 - 8 FPS.