Update Three Hundred and Forty-Three: 4 November 2019
Forgotton Anne
8.9 hours playtime, 33 of 33 achievements
7.5/10
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
An incredibly unique puzzle-platformer, Forgotton Anne is, above all, drop. Dead. Gorgeous. By far the strongest part of this game is its insanely beautiful 2D animation and incredible background design. Every frame looks like its right out of an animated movie, and the style is strong and consistent throughout. The lighting in particular ties everything together, and the color palette of the game as a whole is just - it’s a feast for the eyes, to be sure.
Unfortunately, with the bar that high, not everything can seem to match it.
You play as Anne, the Enforcer of the Realm, one of only two humans who exist there. The Realm is populated by forgotlings—items that humans have lost and then, subsequently, forgotten. These forgotlings are given jobs all working together towards Master Bonku’s one goal—finishing the Ether Bridge, something that will supposedly bring them back home. Rebel forgotlings, however, are doing everything they can to stop this plan…
The overarching story beats are well done and decently paced, and this is on the longer end of indie platformer games like this - much longer than I was expecting! It never meanders, though certain platforming sections are kind of aggravating. Luckily they never last for long, and it was never something that putting the game down to try again a little later couldn’t fix. The controls are the most mediocre thing about this game, unfortunately, though it’s only glaringly apparent in those aforementioned aggravating platformer spots. In general, the game mostly tasks you with exploring and climbing up/down stairs (which is an achievement just on its own).
The story isn’t the most groundbreaking thing I’ve ever experienced, and it’s a little loose here and there, but it works and works well. It’s nice to just ENJOY a game, and I enjoyed this one.
Next up: It’s about god damned time:
See you soon!
Dragonfall was definitely a step up from Returns (which I thought was great when it released as well). But, the sub genre of tactical, hex or square grid, turn based CRPG is probably my favorite genre in gaming, so my perspective might be skewed lol.
We’re direct opposites - it’s my LEAST favorite genre that I will still actually play. The high-up vantage point makes it so hard for me to really get immersed in the world, and the method of movement is really aggravating. It’s like I’m sitting in a helicopter making my little bitch move via walke-talkie.
I played a little and I like it, it’s just… like, I gotta MAKE myself. I’m hoping the story is enough to eventually capture me and push me through.
Eagerly awaiting your take on Dragonfall, chummer. :D
Forgotton Anne
I could’ve sworn that was included in Humble Monthly and I owned it, but I guess not. Looks great.
The controls are the most mediocre thing about this game, unfortunately, though it’s only glaringly apparent in those aforementioned aggravating platformer spots. In general, the game mostly tasks you with exploring and climbing up/down stairs (which is an achievement just on its own).
Always a deadly combination, sadly.
why is it about god damns time for shadowrun
Because it’s one of the oldest unplayed games* in my library and I’m finally making myself play it. I enjoyed Returns but CRPGs are my weakness. I really have to force myself to play them.
*that I actually want to play
Oh if you think Returns was good then you will love Dragonfall - Best one of the Shadowrun franchise!
Also, Dragonfall is widely praised as the best Shadowrun game for its cyberpunk story & solid mechanics.