2020 might be a year that many people are eager to forget (and we’re only halfway through!) but is the world already getting nostalgic for 2003? Not only are gamers seeing a reimagined version of the venerable Tony Hawk series coming later this fall, but there’s also Skater XL and even rumblings of a new Skate title from EA.
HIGH The best presentation just gets better each year.
LOW Odd clipping during cutscenes takes users out of the moment.
WTF All that Hollywood talent is wasted in the too-short story mode.
HIGH “Face of the Franchise” is a nice entry point.
LOW How have the graphics gotten worse?
WTF This could have been an update for Madden NFL 19.
HIGH The sketch/parchment-like graphics are fantastic
LOW The premise is awesome… if only there was a plot to follow
WTF How does climate change result in mechanical sea beasts?
Welcome to This Is Not A Review. In these articles we discuss general impressions, ideas and thoughts on any given game, but as the title implies, it’s not a review. Instead, it’s an exercise in offering a quick recommendation (or dismissal) after spending enough time to grasp the ideas and gameplay of a thing without necessarily playing it from A to Z.
The subject of this installment: I, Hope, developed by Kenny Roy and published by Double Plus and Good Games.
HIGH Creative puzzles and striking visual design.
LOW Why does the framerate stutter in an empty room containing nothing but moving blocks?
WTF How come space scientists keep getting abandoned on planets full of puzzles?
I have to admit, I tense up a little whenever I see “Xbox One Game Preview” in the title of something I’m playing. It’s not that there aren’t some fantastic experience to be had (because there are!) but these words can also mean crippling bugs and glitches galore while exploring a fantasy landscape.
HIGH A well-balanced and well-implemented class system.
LOW Graphical glitches abound when the action gets fierce.
WTF Exactly why are we doing this again? Plotless games are so passe…
HIGH The gameplay is both speedier and more grounded in physics.
LOW The Journey has already jumped the shark.
WTF Floating corner kick reticles are evil and must be punished.
HIGH Franchise mode remains the primary reason to hit the ice
LOW Be a Pro is awkward, paling in comparison to career modes from other EA titles
WTF Did videogame hockey really peak in 1994?