GIPL (Game's I've Played Lately)

Here's a new thing I'm gonna do from now on. It will feature games I've played and micro-reviews. I'll probably do the same for books and movies/TV too at some point. But games today.

Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (3DS):

So this game took me a long time to acquire and an even longer time to get around to playing, but it was a great experience when I finally played it. The game sticks to the core Zelda formula but changes it enough to make the experience feel fresh. Adding in a seamless new mechanic that changes the way you think about the environment and puzzle-solving, not to mention the option to tackle the creative dungeons in almost any order, this is the most unique Zelda experience since Majora's Mask.
My GIPL Rating: A

Steamworld Dig (3DS):

One of the better indie games I've ever had the joy to play. Steamworld Dig is a 2D Terraria-esque mining/exploration game with a light dose of combat and action. The concept doesn't sound much fun (mine minerals, sell them, buy stuff so you can mine more minerals), but going back into the mines again and again to acquire more and more riches is both addicting and satisfying. 

My GIPL Rating: A+

Heroes of the Storm (PC):

Shortly after I vowed never to play League again, HOTS comes in and sweept me off of my feet. Compared to LOL, HOTS is more quickly-paced, has a heavier emphasis on teamwork, and is much simpler. All of these factors suit me (the filthy casual MOBA player) just fine. I'm just trying not to sink too much time into this one. Or money. So far I've done a decent job with these goals. 

My GIPL Rating: B

Fractured Soul (3DS):

Fractured soul is a Megaman-esque 2D action platfomer with a twist. The character is split between two similar, but not identical, dimensions, and can freely go back in forth between the two. The clever level design and additional water, heat, ice, and antigravity mechanics make this an interesting if not sterile-looking endeavor. The rough graphics and lame attempt at a story pull this game down a bit. Oh, and this game is balls-to-the-wall hard. Took me a long time to beat some of the levels, but I always appreciate a challenge. 

My GIPL Rating: B-

NightSky (3DS):

NightSky is an atmospheric puzzle-platformer that has the player navigate a dark, glass ball through a series of screens as seen above. The puzzles aren't particularly difficult (I haven't yet started the game in Alternate Mode, which promises to rectify this), but the gameplay itself isn't the main strength of this game. With gentle color gradients in the background complimented by the stark black of the foreground, the game is a true beauty. This is amplified by the excellent sound, including minimalist and sparse jazz/acoustic music and relaxing sounds of rain/waves/crickets perpetually gracing the player. Most of the sound effects match the tone established by the game, but a few are a bit to loud/cacophonous and can be jarring against the rest of the game's effects. I'm willing to look past this issue, which is game's only fault (besides being a bit too short), just because of how friggin' relaxing it is. I've played an entire level each night before bed for the last week or so, and it has been a great way to end my day.

My GIPL Rating: A-

Pokemon Omega Ruby (3DS):

It's all Ted's fault.

My GIPL Rating: F

That's all for now. I'll probably do some reading stuff at some point. I'm almost done with a Metroid Boss entry, but it's a long one and I still have some editing to do on it. Expect it soon though!