The idea of a “Mid-Gen Refresh” for videogame consoles is still very much in its infancy, and with absolutely no idea what the next generation of hardware is going to look like (or when it will happen), I’m having difficulty labeling it a “trend” either. Microsoft does not seem to have much interest in a Series X…X(?) as a follow-up to the XBox One X, so Sony seem like the only ones crazy enough to consider such a thing as even necessary.
HIGH Shadows of the Damned is still one wild trip well worth experiencing.
LOW Realizing it’s not a remaster.
WTF The first noticeable slowdown on my PS5 Pro was from this thirteen-year old title.
This is a transcript excerpt covering the score awarded to Europa on the So Videogames podcast, Episode 411.
HIGH A great improvement over the previous (!) remaster.
LOW Has a somewhat overinflated reputation that may disappoint first time players.
WTF This game is twenty and I feel exceptionally old.
HIGH New story content and quality-of-life improvements.
LOW Still requires some grinding.
WTF Butt slap attack!
HIGH Deals well with important, interesting themes…
LOW …but I’ve played many games that hit the same themes.
WTF There’s a lot of WTF. I can’t narrow it down.
HIGH Modifying the arsenal for the player and enemies simultaneously was fascinating.
LOW Given how long the runs are, more randomization would have helped.
WTF Equipping an entire mansion with shotguns went exactly how I expected.
HIGH LOTS of beautifully drawn characters. Complex combat systems.
LOW Possibly too many characters! Managing an army can be overwhelming.
WTF Does that owl lady have boobs?!
HIGH Holy Hell do I love the potential of the Gold Master Series
LOW …Sure feels like we should have a Jeff Minter Story Part II.
WTF The Konix Multi-System.
HIGH It just gets better and better and better…
LOW …Which is good because it doesn’t start well.
WTF The quality of Ubisoft’s voicework makes me question why I quit acting.
We have got to come up with a better name for Metroidvanias than “Metroidvania”.