Recent reviews by Lamninator

Jimmy and the Pulsating Mass, a game in the works for years. I have been tuned into it (off and on) from the very start. Years ago I promised to give the game a beta playthrough when it was finished. I must admit: I was very hesitant to deliver on that promise. Life was busy, things were crazy, plus, I really didn't feel like dragging my feet through an RPG. It took me several days to even download it, and another several days to actually open it.

Once I opened it, though...I was hooked. I could not put it down. I was a teenager again -- playing video games until 2 AM and pouring the majority of my spare time into it. My attention was so absorbed into this game that the worries of life actually became easier to deal with. They didn't matter anymore. What mattered was getting them out of the way so I could advance in Jimmy. I experienced the consuming euphoria that a great game brings to me, the same euphoric experience I feel when I find new amazing music. It made me remember why video games are the best form of art -- better than mere music since it contains music within -- it's something greater. My wife appropriately made fun of me for reverting into a manchild and I didn't care one bit. It was entirely worth it.

For starters, it DOES play like a classic turn-based RPG, but it's definitely up there for the "Most Engaging RPG" contest. Enemies are whimsical, humorous, sometimes creepy, sometimes cute, sometimes downright disgusting. There's plenty of variety between the very appropriate enemy gimmicks (Yes Man is my favorite) and choreography, and it captures the feeling of a new adventure to learn and explore very well with each area.

Each of your characters has a specific role they play with Jimmy being an ace that can fill whatever role is needed. Later on, towards the end of the game, you open access to accessories and weapons that modify your skills in various ways. I can't say it's the best or most complex skill system (example: The Last Remnant requires an entire wiki to understand anything that's going on) but its simplicity is very easily digestible and adds to the feel and polish of the game. It's enough -- enough to keep things engaging, experimental, and interesting while not overwhelming the player.

A big aspect of the game is Jimmy's imagination transformations. It's similar to FF series class changing except, thankfully, minus the plethora of useless classes and skills. Again, each transformation fills a particular role and the ability to mix and match their skills opens up many possibilities.

Additionally, outside of battle each of the transformations have a field skill. It ranges from shaking people or (I'm going to include several spoilers in this paragraph) mounds of trashed motorcycles, to oozing through grates and prison cell bars, to jumping over gaps, to slamming your bear-butt down on cracked ice to discover an optional secret area, and more. This adds a metroidvania aspect to the game. Everyone loves secrets, and Jimmy is full of them!

Some people may find it to be a bit challenging for a turn-based RPG. I personally enjoy getting beat down in games, and if an RPG doesn't game over me at least once I don't think it's worth playing. Jimmy game overed me several times, to my delight. Boss battles are difficult but not unfair...until end-game. Jimmy does offer its own ruby and emerald weapon, though not nearly as much grinding (thankfully) is necessary to win.

I'm going to be frank about video game plotlines: they suck. Typically no real philosophical thought or question is posited, and if it IS there it's either shallow, elementary, or something a little too psychedelically off the wall that makes me pity the writer's scattered state of mind. If I walk away from a movie and I'm still thinking about it and what it meant for weeks to come, I would consider that good writing. I don't want to spoil anything, but Jimmy made me think plenty. The timing is a little uncanny since I have a child on the way, but regardless the story is solid. We desperately need better stories in video games!

All in all, this is one of the best games I've played in the past several years. I was as pleasantly surprised with Jimmy as I was with Divinity: Original Sin. Easily worth $15. Easily worth double that. I think my only gripe is that I wish the game was a little longer. I suppose it's a good gripe to have.