Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair | Oct 16, 2019 | 14:07hrs | rating: 4/5

I didn’t play this Banjo-Kazooie imitation duo’s first game (though I’m sure I’d like it), but this 2D platformer is right up my alley.

GAMEPLAY: It’s like a less weighty Tropical Freeze, and I actually prefer it over Retro Studios’ DK games. It might feel a tiny bit wonky at times, but it’s mostly a joy to play. The mix of platforming levels and overworld puzzles makes for great variation.
AUDIOVISUALLY: The music is very cozy and atmospheric, and the visuals are nice enough. I got immersed in a way I haven’t in a long time!
STORY/PRESENTATION: I really like the idea of a difficult final level that you can access at any time, and make it easier by finishing more and more of the rest of the game. Many characters are charming and funny, but the actual story is maybe too basic, and the ending is too abrupt.

I haven’t played anything “Rare” in ages (they were my favorite developer back in the N64 days), so it might be nostalgia talking, but this was a special experience to me. I loved it despite a few flaws.

Celeste DLC: Farewell | Sep 24, 2019 | 12:01hrs | rating: 4/5

I hate DLC (finish the game before you release it, and put new stuff in a sequel!!), but Celeste is an all-time favorite, so I’m pretending that this is a separate game.

GAMEPLAY: Tight as always, and the new additions (mostly just the Jellyfish and the wavedash) are fun. My problem is that it’s way more puzzle-based than the main game. Rather than simply putting your platforming skills to the test, there’s now a ton of trial and error to figure out what to do, where to throw the jellyfish, where to bounce, and it often has to be very specific. I didn’t like it as much.
AUDIOVISUALLY: It probably has more visual flare going on than the main game, but the constant purple gets tiresome after 10 hours. The music didn’t grab me, but at least isn’t annoying despite having the same loops go on for half an hour each.
STORY/PRESENTATION: You kind of forget why you’re doing all these challenges, but there is a story.

The difficulty level continues where the main game ended, and it’s tough to get into when it’s been a year. It’s still fun and satisfying, but more tedious and it felt way too endless without any chapter breaks. Still oh, so satisfying when it’s over 9:38hrs later. The destination is nicer than the journey!

And then I had to replay it to see how it held up. Still a few frustrating parts, but much more fun! Finished in 2:23hrs. This game is special.

Super Mario World | Sep 20, 2019 | 3:45hrs | rating: 5/5

Although Yoshi’s Island certainly beats it in some areas (enemy creativity, length, challenge), I’ve realized just now that this one still beats it handily when it comes to pure fun!

GAMEPLAY: Snappier than Mario Maker, and I have to say it feels super good. Mario’s got so many moves especially thanks to Yoshi and the cape. Only bad thing I have to say is that it’s often too tempting to just fly over entire levels. The game is too easy.
AUDIOVISUALLY: It’s really quite vanilla. Memorable and classic, but not impressive.
STORY/PRESENTATION: Story is the regular one, but the world building and map is unparalleled! Almost every level has one or two secret exits that take you to new levels and entire new worlds. I can’t think of a single other game in existence that rewards exploration like this one.
MULTIPLAYER: You can take turns to play, which is okay I guess, but I’ve never gotten into it. The NSMB series beats it in this department.

Maybe it’s nostalgia, but this is THE game for me. Perfect controls, tons of secrets and alternate paths, fun every time from the very first moment, and I don’t want to put away the controller until I’ve finished every level.

Yoshi’s Island | Sep 19, 2019 | 7:51hrs | rating: 4/5

I super loved this one back in the days, and although my first impression this time wasn’t great, it grew on me. Specifically the enemy design is amazing, as you never know what creature will show up next and what they will do. Even goombas have a surprising twist.

GAMEPLAY: Really tight and snappy, and there’s a good amount of challenge too. Bosses are wonderfully creative. The levels are mostly too maze-like for my tastes though, and I often feel like I just want to get done with them. Worst parts are the luck-based minigames that are just annoying.
AUDIOVISUALLY: The graphics don’t look “hand-drawn” the same way it used to, but there are still a lot of effects and detailed animation that are nice to look at. The music gets totally stuck in your brain.
STORY/PRESENTATION: I would have preferred a proper world map, but it’s a very coherent and unique presentation that still holds up.
MULTIPLAYER: You can play the minigames against a friend, but it’s not something that stays fun for more than a couple of minutes.

At first I just ran through the levels, thinking there’s no way I’ll collect all the red coins and flowers, but as I got deeper into the game, I got more and more invested in clearing the levels 100%. Had an itch to go back and unlock the extra levels in the end, but decided that seeing the end credits was enough this time.

Super Mario Maker 2 | Sep 18, 2019 | 150:00hrs | rating: 3/5

Mario Maker again, this time with slopes!

GAMEPLAY: It’s really great, and it’s addicting to work on your level and get everything just the way you like it.
AUDIOVISUALLY: Each style looks as it should, although I would have liked more game styles, and the possibility to mix them! Music is a bit limited, would have liked to choose from a long list.
STORY/PRESENTATION: There’s a “story mode” this time, but it’s quite boring and simple. I finished building the castle, but struggled to get through all the Nintendo-built levels.
MULTIPLAYER: The big disappointment of the year. Multiplayer was supposed to be the big new addition to the game, but it’s nearly worthless. Have to download the levels before playing local co-op, there’s no local VS at all, and there’s no online VS or co-op with friends. This honestly sucks!

Despite putting so many hours into it, I can’t help but being extremely disappointed. Like, how can an indie game like Duck Game have more in-depth multiplayer and a more detailed level editor than a Nintendo flagship game?!