Critical opinions about the world of games.
The things that make Dead Cells great are numerous. The fast, fluid movement. The weighty, satisfying combat. The fact that its developer, Motion Twin, is a worker co-op where everyone has equal pay and say over the company. But above all, it's how excellent the game feels to play that brings it all together. "Game… Continue reading Dead Cells is great because it feels great
After finishing Overcooked 2 proper, I didn't think it could get any more ridiculous. In retrospect, I should have known better, as the Surf 'n' Turf DLC that came out last week effortlessly demonstrates Overcooked 2 still has plenty of ideas left in store. Surf 'n' Turf adds 12 new levels and three new chefs… Continue reading Overcooked 2 heads to the beach with its Surf ‘n’ Turf DLC
It started off easy enough: Just make pasta. Everything was going pretty well, if a bit disorganized. Food lay scattered across the tables and floor, ready for us to grab whenever we needed it so we wouldn't have to run back to the dispensaries. Plates with half-assembled meals lay waiting for the final piece so… Continue reading Overcooked 2 is stressful as heck and I love it
You wake up to a knock at your door. You get out of bed and open the door. A well-dressed robot stands on the other side — one of the staff members of the hotel. He informs you that you requested a wake up call at this time, and tells you that breakfast is ready… Continue reading Puzzles and mysteries await in The Spectrum Retreat
Team 17's had one of the more consistent lineups year after year. Their electric mix of games always provides some fun surprises (such as the excellent Yoku's Island Express last year), which makes it a worthwhile visit year after year. Here's what we played: Overcooked 2 I love a good local multiplayer game, and Overcooked… Continue reading E3 2018 – Team 17’s indie lineup continues to impress
Though the draw of E3 is obviously the show proper, every year it's the Media Indie Exchange (the MIX) that ends up being one of greatest highlights of the show. After a long day of running around the loud, busy show floor of the convention center, being able to relax and chat with developers directly… Continue reading E3 2018 – In the MIX
In a time where genres are constantly blending together, it's hard to feel excitement about them. But Yoku's Island Express, a pinball game mixed with a Metroid-style platformer from developer Villa Gorilla, is one of those rare exceptions. It's a delightfully charming and inventive game that seamlessly blends pinball and platforming mechanics together to fantastic… Continue reading Pinball and platforming make a fantastic pairing in Yoku’s Island Express
While E3 has always been a weird show, recent years have seen it evolve in some unexpected ways. Between companies leaving the show to hold their own events adjacent to E3 proper (EA), and the public being let into the show, this year and the last have been a strange time. Off-site demos were something… Continue reading E3 2018: Highlights from the Xbox showcase
I'm standing in a pond. The sky is a deep shade of purple, black trees with orange leaves sprouting up around me, framing the glowing monuments before me. Above, a whale gently soars through the air as long, fish-like creatures float by. The music, once pronounced and energetic, is now almost silent as if it… Continue reading Shape of the World provides a beautiful, serene escape from our worldly troubles
A Robot Named Fight is a self-described "Metroguelite" — a Metroid-inspired roguelike with some light elements of persistent progression. It's run-based, meaning the lay of the level changes every playthrough. On paper, that sounds like a solid idea. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite work. Mechanically, it's good. The game wears its Metroid inspiration on its sleeve,… Continue reading A Robot Named Fight feels at odds with itself
