Recent reviews by HyperOps

As a huge fan of Life is Strange, this game unfortunately did not hit its mark. Tape 1: Bloom has a HUGE pacing problem. If you're a fan of doing slice of life stuff and nothing else, then this might be for you. The game meanders and loves to bait you. There are several moments that will build up and have you thinking, "finally, something's happening!" only for nothing to happen.

Another issue is that the game constantly cuts between past and present at random and weird times. The cut back to the present feels unnecessary and jarring because it will literally just be Autumn reacting and saying one line before it cuts right back to the past. You would think that cutting between the past and present would be a clever way to advance the story, but nothing of the sort happens. It feels like a cheap gimmick that adds nothing to the game; nothing is ever revealed or added in the present scenes.

In terms of gameplay, the gameplay is nonexistent. It consists of walking around as Swann and "filming" random things for about 4-5 seconds each. Then you can watch the footage that is automatically compiled into tapes, accompanied by a voiceover of Swann...not very engaging or interesting. A true walking simulator without a good story to make up for the absence of more interactive gameplay.

I say unless you love 7-8 hours of slow burn set up with no payoff, then maybe hold off on checking this game out until Tape 2: Rage releases. Tape 1 is ultimately an aesthetically pleasing yet shallow and unsatisfying game. I spent 8 hours with these girls and yet, I don't feel attached to them at all, or even like I really got to know them. I can only hope Tape 2 is so amazing that it makes up for the 8 hours of prologue that is Tape 1.

On the more positive note, the game is gorgeous and DONTNOD once again slaps with the soundtrack and the music.

If you love cozy games and grinding, then oh boy is this the game for you. Seriously, it's grinding galore.

What I really love about this game though, is that there is an actual main story, quests, and a plotline that you follow and complete. It makes progression feel natural and it always gives you something to work towards instead of you having to make arbitrary goals for yourself.

The only thing is that I thought it was a pretty slow start. Once you get the hang of all the mechanics though the game becomes sooo addicting.

I also initially was super turned off by the art style, but once I actually started playing the game the art style grew on me and I thought it was super cute.

A really great interactive novel. The writing is compelling and the action scenes were plentiful and amazing. The setting and the lore are intriguing and interesting.

It's not perfect; the game is linear and the player character seems to already some of their own personality rather than being a blank slate you get to craft.

Nonetheless I couldn't put this down. I read through it nonstop and finished it in 1-2 days. I immediately want to play it again.

The best Fallout game and a perfect introduction to the wasteland

I've played a lot of Telltale games (Walking Dead onward), and I can say with confidence that this is up there with the top. It's one of the best, if not the best, Telltale game I've played. If you're hesitant about buying this, do yourself a favor and just do it.

Before the Storm is a worthy followup to LIS season 1! I was pleasantly surprised to see that for the most part, the dialogue was definitely less cringry and way more realistic to what an actual 16 year old girl would say. There's still some cringy dialogue but not as much. The relationship between characters and what they say feel way more organic imo. PLUS -- the game is funny! There are some genuinely funny moments and writing. Kudos!

Coming from someone who couldn't stand Chloe in the original game, I definitely am more sympathetic and understanding towards her in this one! Probably because she's less annoying tbh. I'm honestly living vicariously through Chloe right now!

This game is very human. And that's a huge compliment. Cannot wait to see episode 3 (hopefully not) break my heart!

I wasn't expecting it but there was a lot of dialogue, so be prepared for a lot of reading! That being said, I think this game is underrated. The synopsis is extremely intriguing, I mean, being a nuanced villain? How cool is that? I couldn't stop playing once I started and I felt like there were so many paths that I wanted to play another playthrough before I even finished my first one!

I've only played through the Disfavored side so far, being 100% loyal but I felt like there were a bunch of instances later in the game, probably starting from halfway through, where I wasn't given a lot of choices? I would be in a situation where I would imagine that I would have a lot of choices to choose from but then I would get locked in on one specific choice? Like, there were no other options?

That was pretty disappointing, but the game seems to offer so many different paths that I guess they can't give too much freedom.

Anyways, I can't wait to play another playthrough.

This game is haunting.

It's extremely short (1-2 hours to complete max) and I don't think it's worth $3.49 on its own. I'd get it if you're a huge saints row fan who wants more content or if you buy the full package deal. That said, it's pretty funny and it got some laughs out of me and I really did enjoy it.

Not as good as Saints Row 2 but still worth playing. This game is funnier than the second one but the writing/story isn't as good. The story missions kind of fall flat (but there are some insanely awesome ones that stand out) and you're forced to do the side activities at least once if you want to progress through the game. The beginning starts off REALLY good but then it starts to drag. The gangs definitely suck this game compared to the awesome ones from the second game. The voice acting is still top notch (especially female voice 1, which I think is Laura Bailey). I laud and stress the hilarious dialogue (I definitely laughed out loud more than a couple times) but the story/missions/side activities/gangs just seem like a downgrade from SR2.

P.S. The giant purple di*do is f*cking awesome.