Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet (PC)
A refreshing if brief Metroidvania, ITSP allows the player to pilot a UFO through a planet that may or not be alive a growing. The movement in this game is incredibly interesting, as the UFO can fly freely. This opens up the game to more interesting spacial puzzles than most Metroidvania games present, and the abilities likewise were novel and well-utilized. I was a bit disappointed by the game's length, as I was able to beat it in only two sittings. Either way, this is a must-play if you enjoy exploration platformers.
My GIPL Rating: A+
Specter of Torment (3DS)
As a complete package, there may be no better game released in the 2010s than Shovel Knight. The original was a bona-fide masterpiece. Plague of Shadows provided some extra bang for the buck, told a heartwarming story, and challenged the player to think of old levels in new ways. Specter of Torment, however, elevates Shovel Knight to a new level. The mechanics were intuitive to learn but tricky to master, but movement in a game has rarely felt so fun. Many levels were re-worked, offering some refreshing changes. I didn't care much for the remixed music, but this is probably only because I'm so infatuated with the original soundtrack. The story was excellent, and it's amazing how much depth has been added to the universe with this installment alone. You've probably played this already, but if not...what are you waiting for?
My GIPL Rating: S
Castlevania: Order of Ecclisea (DS)
My quest through the -vania contributors of the Metroidvania subgenre brings me to Order of Ecclisea. I always appreciate not playing as a Belmont, and Shanoa is a fun protagonist to use, both in terms of design and abilities. Fiddling with combinations of powers was a blast, and there was a ton of variety to the combat. That being said, this game was balls hard on the normal difficulty. Shanoa takes Fusion-esque damage from hits, which was a bit unforgiving at times. I'm all for a challenge, but I think this could probably be scaled back a bit for a standard difficulty. The smaller intro levels were a welcome addition before the giant castle was introduced and traversed. While the game didn't quite stand up to the Sorrow games, I still enjoyed it quite a bit.
My GIPL Rating: A-
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime (PC)
Mickey and I hang out every few months, and we try to play (and usually complete) a new co-op game during these get-togethers. I stumbled upon this game a while back, and I have to say it was one of the most fun co-ops I've ever played. Two characters platform through the undermanned ship to operate 4 upgradable turrets, pilot the ship itself, change the direction of the shield, and fire a powerful Yamato cannon. The players must navigate a series of open-ended levels to collect scattered pieces of love, man. This main mode was great, but a few alternate modes, including a shoot-em-up, were thrown in for variety. Again, this game was short, but it felt like every moment was maximally enjoyable. Next time you and a buddy need a trust exercise, go straight to this game.
My GIPL Rating: A+
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse (PC)
So I was pretty hard on this game's predecessor, Risky's Revenge, and I stand by my assessment of that critically-acclaimed game. I was pleased, however, by how much Pirate's Curse vastly improved over RR. The game keeps its wonderful pixel art, colorful and unique world, and bomb soundtrack. It adds a much-needed Metroid-style map, and key items throughout the game are found in mandatory locations, not randomly stashed away in unsuspecting caves like the previous game. These major improvements make the game much easier to play, and the challenge and length of the game are about perfect. If I had one thing bad to say about Pirate's Curse, it's that this game is a bit too thirsty for my taste. Doesn't really fit with the innocent and cartoony asthetic of the game, IMO.
My GIPL Rating: A-
Pokemon Gold (3DS Virtual Console)
Okay so I haven't finished this one yet, but I've beaten this game so many times I'm gonna list it anyway. I don't know why, but it seems like this game has aged significantly better than Red and Blue. Maybe it's the improved sprites, added mechanics, or full-color world, but I've felt compelled to keep playing this one, whereas I stopped playing Virtual Console Red after about 4 badges. Either way, this game has been a great half-hour-a-day adventure for me.
My GIPL Rating: E for Espeon, the best eeveelution
Metroid: Samus Returns (3DS)
I already spent quite a lot of time talking about this game, so let's just leave it there. Read below if you haven't yet. I would like to be clear about one thing: it felt so good to be playing a new official Metroid again. In spite of missing the thematic marks a bit and taking a chance with new controls that, personally, weren't as good as previous 2D games, this was still an incredibly fun and big Metroid experience. I hope tons of people buy and play it, and we can get more games like this in the near future.
My GIPL Rating: A
F-Zero GX (GC)
*dusts off shoulders* Yeah, I beat this one. It took a lot of patience and a few different sittings, but I eventually powered through the 9 infamous story missions of this racing masterpiece. This experience felt equivalent to finishing Super Meat Boy. It made me think: I'm not the most skilled gamer in the world, but games that require incredible resilience, games that require you to try and fail over and over again to build up perfect muscle memory...I'm pretty good at those games if I put my mind to it. Now that we have a new Metroid game, I'm gonna hop on the "give us a new F-Zero, Nintendo!" train. As a side note, Animal Crossing fans are now the biggest whiners about a new release, but I feel like they've had it pretty good with New Leaf and how much support that game has gotten in the memorable past. Quit whining you bums, it's been 14 years since the last F-Zero game, and those are way better than Animal Crossing (shots fired).
My GIPL Rating: gkdjgflagsdlfg
That's it for now. Unfortunately, no bad games for me to rip apart this time around. I'll try to play some bad ones next time. Hit me up on the Twitter! And hey, let's all remember to be nice to each other out there.
You put your hands in the air
And then stick out your rear end
And then you wiggle it real hard
And you hug your closest friend...
...Now slap a camel because this could be your only chance
This is the cool patrol dance!
-NSP
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