Recent reviews by postaled

Gameplay-wise, it's a run-of-the-mill, albeit quite polished and well-made, third-person platforming, hack & slash, adventure game. Think Kena: Bridge of Spirits, if you're familiar with it, minus the souls-like stuff.

What makes this game unique, standout, and awesome though, is the sadly underutilised, gorgeous Southern Gothic horror setting, and drenched in style (Hazel's main outfit is the coolest s**t). Then there's the perfectly executed stop-motion, clay puppet-style animation and models.

However, to me, the biggest standout of the game is its soundtrack and sound design. I want to say it's the best I've ever experienced. The way it all fits together: the soft, haunting, powerful vocal sounds Hazel's abilities create; the double-jump, dash, float, and spells, all matching and blending in with the game's OST vocals, while contrasting the crude, unpleasant sounds enemies make and the darker musical tones that kick in when they're around.

So, while the gameplay itself is very familiar territory, everything else is what makes this game a must-play, IMHO.

Me: "Let me check this out real quick, doubt I'll play it today, but lemme just see what it's all about."

12 non-stop hours later... Final credits roll.

Me: 'That was awesome... But where did my day go? Time for another playthrough!'

Yeah, it's THAT awesome.

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Oh, and just to add: Cr1tikal did a great job. Perfect casting! :D <3

One of the most original, creative, and ambitious story-driven journey's I've ever experienced. Mind bending at times, and it kept my hooked hour after hour starving to know what happens next or to get to the bottom of the mysteries - which are delivered using a masterclass of storytelling techniques and stellar voice acting.

Realistically, however, calling this a "game" is a bit of stretch... Think of it as an interactive anime, more than anything, there's little to no gameplay what-so-over here. You might move a character around and pick a few dialogue options, but realistically, most of it is a linear story. Which mind you, is still 100% worth experiencing!

A minor issue I have is the length. It could have afforded to be a couple of chapters shorter, I'm sure.

PS. and give it time. The first chapter you'll probably be like: What the F--- is this?
Second chapter you'll be like: Seriously... WHAT THE F--- IS THIS?
But stick with it a while, it will be worth it.

And lastly, small tip: try going into it blind. Don't read any synopsis or watch video reviews. The more clueless you are, the better the experience, IMHO.

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Death Wish is finally on Steam and it comes with a full free copy of Blood! Nice!

FFS... what have you done? Fix this.

And no, new comers, this isn't "review bombing" - one update undid all of the good will these remasters brought.

If something such as a simple remaster was broken by adding a simple challenge mode and low quality outfits (without the involvement of Saber, to be clear), I wonder what's in store for the next two games to be released then?

IMHO, worth purchasing for Last Revelation alone.

Value-for-money wise, it might feel like a downgrade compared to 1-2-3 remastered. And that's fair.
Many love chronicles, I do too, I think it's great fun. But objectively speaking, one can understand why it was the flop it was and why the majority don't look at it fondly.

THAT being said... ironically, Chronicles seems to be the one to benefit the most from this remaster upgrade. Some uninspired, bland, and downright bad looking areas have now been revisited and transformed, elevating the material (for TR5 that is) IMHO. Regardless of the mixed opinions on the changes these remasters have implemented that mess with the original design of the games (changing lighting that hides stuff, adding vegetation that messes with level design, etc - not a problem for veterans, but new players might get frustrated at times - still, despite all that, chronicles really benefits from the upgrade.)

Last Revelations too looks great, sure, however, even without the remaster, it's the one that has always looked and still looks the best for the most part (not you, Cairo levels, f--k off.)

Angel of darkness sees some improvements, including some new (or more like recovered) content, yes, but it's still an abysmal, depressing mess - don't get any hopes up. And may the gods have mercy on you should you want to 100% it (ie. achievements that is).

So yeah, recommended overall for TR4 and also to revisit and help look kinder towards TR5.
If you're new to the series, and just want to tick the tomb raider games off your gaming bucket list, I think getting and playing 1-2-3 only is enough, though.

More of the same of what we've seen in Rise. Barely any innovation whatsoever. It feels like an extra long DLC, almost. Does have some downgrades. Some linear, long walking sections that ruin the momentum, at times. Outfit and arsenal restrictions (which might make sense for story purposes, but still yeah).

Still, I think this boasts the best, most solid storytelling. And some Lara Croft aura farming and character moments/depth that makes it worth playing.

If you didn't enjoy Rise, don't bother with this one. If you did, don't expect anything ground breaking.

Recommended, but it still lives in its predecessor's SHADOW.
See what I did there? SHADOW. Get it? Genius right?

As with previous titles, this is no 'survival game' - It's an action game through and through.

It RISES above its predecessor on almost every level. But story, they're both 'meh' - even if it pretty much hits the same beats.

See what I did there? RISES. Get it? Rise - RISES. I'm a poet.

Oh, BTW, this is a positive review. Great game overall.

As with the first one, this is no 'survival game' - It's an action game through and through.

Cutscenes be like: "I'm scared". "I'm vulnerable." "Help me!" (cries) "I can do this!" "I can't do this! (cries)"

Gameplay be like: (DOOM MUSIC KICKS IN) "SHE'S KILLING US ALL!" "AAAAAAAAAAAHHHH, I'M ON FIRE!" "SHE'S JUST A GIRL!" "AAAAH, SHE HAS MY TESTICLES!!!"

Ignore the 'this is before Lara was a badass' narrative. She might have this face :'( all the time, sure, but don't be fooled; she rivals Kratos when it comes to kill count and mass murder.

'A survivor was born' MY ASS. This is an hardcore action game with puzzle and exploration elements. It LOOKS like a horror game, but doesn't PLAY like one.

Oh, BTW, this is a positive review. Recommended. But I recommend Rise more. IMHO, you can skip this and just play Rise. Hot take? Maybe?