Recent reviews by Izzieizzie

Tamarin Review: A Cute Game Hindered by Frustrating Controls

Tamarin, a visually charming action-adventure game available on Steam, instantly grabbed my attention with its adorable protagonist and nostalgic vibes. With its colorful environments and playful character design, the game has all the makings of a lighthearted platformer that’s both fun and visually pleasing. However, while it excels in aesthetics, it struggles in one crucial area: the controls.

Cute Character and Beautiful Graphics

At first glance, Tamarin is irresistibly cute. You play as a small monkey navigating through vibrant landscapes, battling pesky insects, and exploring a world that’s brimming with colorful flora and fauna. The graphics are stunning, with lush forests, flowing rivers, and detailed enemies that look like they jumped straight out of a retro classic. The resemblance to Jet Force Gemini, especially with its focus on shooting ants, is hard to miss, making it a nostalgic trip for fans of older platformers.

Frustrating Controls and Movement

Unfortunately, the charm of Tamarin is marred by its clunky controls. Whether using a controller or the keyboard, moving the character and aiming the weapon feels stiff and unrefined. The camera often struggles to keep up with the action, making it hard to accurately aim at enemies or even navigate the terrain smoothly. As someone who loves platformers, the awkward controls were a major letdown, as they make even basic maneuvers feel like a chore rather than an enjoyable challenge.

The aiming mechanic, in particular, is disappointing. It’s hard to achieve precision, which can be frustrating during shootouts with ants or when trying to target specific objects. The lack of smoothness in aiming makes combat feel less fluid than it should be, diminishing the potential for fun, fast-paced action.

Nostalgia Meets Annoyance

While Tamarin clearly aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia, particularly for fans of Jet Force Gemini, it doesn’t quite manage to recreate the magic of that classic. The graphics and theme are spot-on, but the control issues make it hard to fully enjoy the game’s homage to the N64 era. It’s a game that has the heart of a classic but struggles to translate that charm into modern gameplay mechanics.

Beautiful, but Hard to Fully Enjoy

Despite the gorgeous visuals and appealing world design, the frustrating controls make it tough to fully immerse in the experience. The game’s levels and environments are inviting, and it’s easy to want to explore every corner of this cute and colorful world. However, when the basic act of moving the character becomes a point of frustration, it’s hard to stay engaged for long stretches.

Final Thoughts

Tamarin is a game that’s hard not to root for. It has an adorable protagonist, beautiful graphics, and a nostalgic concept that should make it a hit with fans of old-school platformers. However, the cumbersome controls and awkward aiming mechanics create a barrier to truly enjoying what the game has to offer. If you’re someone who can overlook clunky controls for the sake of nostalgia and a cute art style, you might still find enjoyment here. But for those who prioritize smooth gameplay and responsive controls, Tamarin may be more frustrating than fun.

House Party Review: A Wild Ride with Some Unexpected Challenges

House Party is a game that embraces chaos, hilarity, and a fair dose of awkwardness, offering a unique take on the simulation genre. At its core, it’s a free-roaming adventure about navigating a wild house party, with the ultimate goal of making connections, solving quirky puzzles, and possibly landing in some steamy situations. While it promises plenty of fun, it also delivers unexpected hurdles that can make the experience more frustrating than flirty.

Fun and Raunchy Premise

The game’s premise is simple: you’re at a party, and the possibilities are (almost) endless. You can chat up guests, complete bizarre quests, and attempt to get closer to certain characters. House Party excels at creating a playful environment with a variety of characters, each with their own personalities, preferences, and storylines. The interactions are often hilarious, filled with awkward humor and over-the-top scenarios that you’d expect from a wild night out.

Difficulties in Getting Intimate

While the game markets itself as an adult experience, it’s surprisingly tough to actually seal the deal with any of the partygoers. Building relationships feels more like a series of convoluted puzzles rather than organic interactions. You need to say the right things, perform specific tasks, and even collect items just to make progress with potential romantic interests. It’s not as straightforward as one might expect from a game that’s essentially about partying and hooking up, which can be both intriguing and frustrating at the same time.

The Threat of the Guy in the Wife Beater

One of the most intimidating parts of House Party is the character of Frank, the guy in the wife beater who’s on a mission to stop anyone from drinking. His presence adds an unexpected twist to the game, as he patrols the party, ready to confront you at the slightest hint of alcohol. If you drink, Frank is likely to come charging, and it’s not just a verbal reprimand—he can actually knock you out. His aggressive nature brings an odd mix of fear and caution to what is otherwise a lighthearted game. It makes you question the point of going sober at a virtual party, which feels like a bit of a buzzkill.

What’s the Point of Sober Gaming?

Let’s face it, most people come to House Party for the wild, anything-goes vibe, not to sip water and have a serious conversation. Trying to navigate this game without getting caught by Frank or without a drink in hand feels contradictory to the spirit of a real party. The game does offer some ways around his strict no-drinking policy, but it can make the gameplay feel unnecessarily restrictive when all you really want to do is have fun.

Final Thoughts

House Party has its moments of hilarity and unexpected entertainment. It’s a game that knows not to take itself too seriously, making it perfect for those who enjoy tongue-in-cheek humor and outrageous scenarios. But the obstacles to achieving your main goals—whether it’s getting close to a character or avoiding a beatdown from Frank—can make the experience feel like more work than play. It’s still worth a try if you’re looking for something different, but be prepared for a mix of laughs and unexpected challenges as you try to party your way to success (or just avoid Frank’s fists).

Sons of the Forest Review: A Lackluster Sequel That Struggles with Uniqueness

Sons of the Forest, the much-anticipated sequel to The Forest, had many survival game fans eager for a fresh and engaging experience. However, after diving into the game—both solo and with friends—I found that it falls short of delivering the innovation expected in a follow-up title.

Lacks Uniqueness and Freshness

At its core, Sons of the Forest feels more like a rehash of its predecessor rather than a true sequel. Much of the gameplay, mechanics, and even the visual style seem to be a direct copy-and-paste from The Forest. While some might appreciate the familiar elements, there is a noticeable lack of fresh ideas or bold design changes that could have made the game feel distinct. The environments, while somewhat improved in terms of graphics, often come across as repetitive, making exploration feel monotonous rather than exhilarating.

Gameplay and Mechanics

The survival mechanics, while solid, haven’t evolved much from the original game. Gathering resources, building structures, and combating enemies all play out in a similar fashion to the previous title, without any significant enhancements or novel features. The AI of the enemies, though slightly improved, still lacks the depth needed to keep players engaged for long stretches. Encounters with mutants and cannibals, which were once the heart-pounding moments of The Forest, start to feel predictable and less threatening over time.

Multiplayer Experience Falls Flat

One of the biggest disappointments was the multiplayer experience. Despite playing with friends, the game struggled to maintain our interest beyond a few hours. The co-op dynamics don’t offer anything particularly engaging or cooperative that sets it apart from the solo experience. Building bases together and fending off enemies feels almost identical to what we’ve done before in The Forest, making the overall experience feel stale. We often found ourselves struggling to stay engaged, with little motivation to keep exploring or progressing.

Story and Atmosphere

The storyline, while trying to build on the mysterious lore of the original game, falls flat. There are new elements and plot points introduced, but they don’t add much to the overall narrative, often feeling like an afterthought rather than a driving force. The game’s atmosphere, which was a major strength in The Forest, feels less eerie and immersive here. The horror elements lack the same punch, making it more of a mild suspense experience rather than the terrifying survival horror it aims to be.

Final Thoughts

Sons of the Forest had the potential to expand upon and innovate the survival genre, but it largely plays it safe, sticking too closely to the formula of the original game. While it’s not necessarily a bad game, it fails to bring anything new or exciting to the table. For players like me, who were hoping for a more distinctive experience, it can be a letdown, especially when even multiplayer gameplay fails to sustain interest. Ultimately, Sons of the Forest struggles with uniqueness, making it feel more like a repeat of The Forest rather than a fresh journey into the unknown.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Review: A Masterpiece of Immersion and World-Building

Baldur’s Gate 3, developed by Larian Studios, stands as a true triumph in the RPG genre, bringing to life the rich, complex world of Dungeons & Dragons like never before. Every element of the game is meticulously crafted to create an experience that is not only expansive but deeply immersive.

From the moment you start, you’re thrust into a world where your choices genuinely shape the narrative. The game’s branching storylines and intricate character interactions make you feel like an active participant rather than a passive observer. Every dialogue option, moral decision, and combat choice influences not just how NPCs respond but also the broader world around you. Whether you play as a noble hero or a morally gray adventurer, the consequences are tangible and often surprising, enhancing the feeling of being in a living, breathing world.

The character creation system is robust, with countless customization options that allow players to create unique personas. Each class, race, and background comes with its own set of abilities, proficiencies, and dialogue options, making every playthrough feel different. The game’s alignment with the D&D 5th Edition ruleset adds authenticity, giving roleplaying enthusiasts a genuine tabletop experience. Your character’s personality and background influence how they interact with other characters, adding depth to conversations and character arcs.

Visually, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a masterpiece. The environments are vibrant and detailed, with everything from dense forests to eerie, ancient ruins brought to life with stunning graphics and atmospheric lighting. The attention to detail is remarkable; even small elements like weather changes, flickering torchlight in dark dungeons, and the textures of characters’ clothing contribute to the immersive atmosphere. The cinematics, powered by motion capture, add another layer of realism, making characters’ expressions and movements feel incredibly lifelike.

The turn-based combat system is intricate, strategic, and rewarding. It captures the essence of tabletop combat, with each encounter feeling like a puzzle to be solved. You can approach combat situations in multiple ways, whether it’s through brute force, stealth, or clever use of spells and terrain. Exploration is equally rich, with secret areas, hidden quests, and interactive objects scattered throughout the world. The game encourages curiosity, rewarding players who take the time to explore and experiment.

The audio design is another standout feature, amplifying the game’s immersive quality. From the sounds of weapons clashing in battle to the soft rustling of leaves during exploration, everything sounds authentic. The orchestral score, filled with dramatic highs and emotional lows, perfectly complements the game’s epic scale and intimate moments, drawing players even deeper into the world.

Final Thoughts

Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t just a game; it’s an experience. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and world-building, setting a new standard for immersive RPGs. Whether you’re a D&D veteran or new to the genre, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a beautifully crafted adventure that is bound to captivate your imagination and leave a lasting impression.

Phasmophobia Review: A Haunting Return to Ghost Hunting

Phasmophobia captured my attention from the moment it launched, delivering a truly eerie ghost-hunting experience. The game’s core appeal lies in its unpredictable scares, immersive atmosphere, and reliance on teamwork, which made it a standout in the co-op horror genre. Having recently revisited it after a break, I found myself both excited and a bit overwhelmed by how much has changed.

Thrilling Early Gameplay and Creepy Atmosphere

When I first played Phasmophobia, it was a simple yet effective horror game. The creepy ambiance of dimly lit houses, random ghost whispers, and flickering lights created genuinely terrifying moments. The early tools—like EMF readers, spirit boxes, and salt—were straightforward, making the learning curve manageable. The ghost hunts felt raw and scary, providing the adrenaline rush that initially hooked me.

A Flurry of New Additions

Returning to Phasmophobia now feels like jumping into a different game. The developers have added a lot, including new ghost types, evidence items, maps, and mechanics like the Cursed Possessions and Custom Difficulty. While it’s clear that the devs have put effort into expanding the game’s depth, the sheer amount of changes can be disorienting for returning players like me. It takes a while to get a handle on the new equipment and understand how to deal with the more aggressive and unpredictable ghost behaviors. For someone who’s been away for a while, the complexity can feel a bit overwhelming at first.

Mixed Feelings on the Improvements

Despite the initial confusion, I’m glad to be diving back in to see the improvements. Some of the new tools, like the DOTS Projector and Thermometer Upgrades, add interesting layers of strategy to the gameplay. The increased variety in ghost types also enhances the challenge, making each investigation feel different and more nuanced. There’s a definite sense that the game has grown, with better visuals, refined sound design, and more refined mechanics.

However, I do feel that some of the charm from the early days is missing. The simplicity that made Phasmophobia so easy to pick up has been replaced with a more complex system of ghost behaviors, equipment, and interactions. While this is great for players seeking depth, it can be a bit of a hurdle for casual gamers or those returning after a break.

Optimistic About the Journey Ahead

Despite feeling a bit lost with all the changes, I’m excited to dive back into the game and relearn its intricacies. Exploring the new maps, figuring out the additional ghost types, and experiencing revamped hunts keeps things fresh. Whether the improvements are beneficial or not is something I’m still gauging, but I’m optimistic that Phasmophobia retains the potential to deliver the same eerie thrills and fun that made it popular in the first place.

Final Thoughts

Phasmophobia has certainly evolved since its early days. While the added content and changes make it a richer experience for veteran players, returning players may find the learning curve steeper than before. However, the essence of ghost hunting, the creepy atmosphere, and the fun of working with friends are still very much intact. If you’re looking to revisit a game that has grown in scope and challenge, Phasmophobia is worth diving into again—even if it takes a bit to get back into the groove. Whether it’s better or worse than before is up to each player’s taste, but one thing’s for sure: it still knows how to keep you on edge.

Dead by Daylight Review: A Thrilling Multiplayer Experience with Longevity

Dead by Daylight has been a staple in the multiplayer horror genre for years, and it’s easy to see why. The game’s concept—where one player takes on the role of a ruthless killer and four others play as survivors trying to escape—is both simple and effective. Having played it extensively, I can say that it offers a thrilling mix of suspense, strategy, and teamwork that makes it incredibly enjoyable, especially when playing with friends.

Intense Early Game and Scares

When I first started, Dead by Daylight was genuinely scary. Sneaking around as a survivor while trying to fix generators, only to hear the ominous heartbeat indicating a nearby killer, delivered plenty of jump scares and adrenaline rushes. The variety of killers, each with unique abilities and playstyles, kept me on my toes. Learning their strengths and weaknesses made for an engaging challenge, and for a while, every match was filled with genuine tension.

Growing Mastery and Killer Outplays

As I got more experienced, the fear factor diminished, but the gameplay remained engaging in a different way. The initial startles faded as I learned the maps, mastered looping techniques, and perfected the art of pallet dropping. There’s a particular satisfaction in juking a killer around a loop, stunning them with a well-timed pallet drop not once, but multiple times in a single chase. It’s a testament to the game’s design that it transitions so well from horror to strategic play over time, offering room to grow as a player.

Fun with Friends, Awkward with Strangers

Playing Dead by Daylight with friends is where the game truly shines. Coordinating strategies, yelling instructions over voice chat, and pulling off clutch saves make every match memorable. The cooperative nature of the game adds layers of fun, as working together becomes essential for survival. However, playing with random teammates can be hit or miss. Sometimes, there’s no communication or cooperation, which can turn a match from fun to frustrating. This inconsistency in the experience is one of the few drawbacks when not playing with a regular group.

Constant Updates and New Content

One of the reasons I kept coming back to Dead by Daylight is its constant updates and new content drops. Whether it’s a new killer, survivor, map, or event, the developers have done a commendable job of keeping the game fresh. The addition of licensed characters from popular horror franchises is a nice touch, adding a nostalgic thrill to the gameplay.

Final Thoughts

Dead by Daylight is a unique blend of horror and strategy that provides long-term enjoyment, especially when played with friends. While the initial scares may wear off over time, the strategic elements and unpredictable gameplay keep it fun and engaging. Dropping pallets on the killer, working together to fix generators, and surviving intense endgame scenarios offer endless entertainment. If you’re looking for a game that combines suspense, teamwork, and a fair amount of strategy, Dead by Daylight is definitely worth playing—just be sure to bring friends along for the best experience.

Brings back memories! Used to play this on my N64 and loved it. Definitely worth a grab if you're into oldies and classics.

sucks, it could be better but its sloppy.

This game sucks..