Spiritfarer

There are a lot of games that intrigue me the moment I see them. Usually, they have something different about them from what is currently trending, and other times, they just have a very appealing style, and it draws me like a magnet. For me, both of these things happened when I first heard about Spiritfarer. I was not expecting the sudden release of the indie game, and I bought it immediately, (somewhat) setting aside Animal Crossing to delve into the world. Developed by Thunder Lotus, Spiritfarer explores a topic difficult for most to swallow—that of death.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Last time I checked, I was up to something like 1,140+ hours in this game. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is, to say the least, a game I have been looking forward to for a long time, and a series I really enjoy. One island wasn't enough for me, so I even bought a Switch Lite so I could create a second one. Just what is it about this game that is so appealing? Let's find out!

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Image via Nintendo

Why talk about this game as my first video game post? Well, partially because it was my first Switch game, but also because it is still relevant. This game has been broken by speedrunners, modded with crazy additions, and replayed by most of my friends. I feel that it would be a disservice to not begin with Breath of the Wild, the launch title for the console.

Game Review | Donkey Kong Country Returns

I have been on a video game kick this year. I've been buying games a bit extensively (I can admit this with all honesty). My favorite so far is Donkey Kong Country Returns for the Nintendo Wii. I finally bought this title a few weeks ago and I have been enjoying the game so far with B. Hit the jump for my full review.

Game Review | Disney's Epic Mickey

Video game creators are feeling very epic this holiday season. Disney's Epic Mickey is not "epic," in my own opinion, but it is very un-Mickey. This game shows the harsh side of being a forgotten cartoon. Oswald the Lucky Rabbit has been holding a grudge against Mickey Mouse for quite some time. Now that Mickey has been dragged into a world that he ironically ruined, he has to right some wrongs—or not. 

Epic Mickey allows gamers to decide whether they will be naughty or nice. You can paint and fix the places you visit, or you can choose to thin them out and destroy them. Not only does the environment get your special touch, the people do as well. You can gain their favor or you can piss them off entirely. Depending on the actions you choose, your play experience will change. 

Certain tasks will help you in the end while others might cause you more work (a LOT more work). If you choose to be mean, you can miss out on special extras. If you are always nice, you might not notice a hidden path or object. In the end, whether you allow your conscience to be your guide or not, Epic Mickey is a fun, slightly different game with an engaging plot.

Graphically, you get some nice 3D atmosphere as well as some 2D, simplified animated stories. You also get some platform action while you head between projectors (and the opportunity to be part of classic Disney cartoon shorts). There are plenty of things to catch the eye—was that a Mickey Mouse phone? Yes, it was, and you can dial it. The music can be somewhat eerie at times ("It's a Small World" for example), but it matches your particular situation. Expect a somewhat nerve-wracking change in music when enemies are present. 

So, if you decide to follow my somewhat erratic post, you're waiting to know whether I'd tell you to purchase this release. Well, as an avid fan of all things Disney, I recommend this game to all my fellow Disney fans. You might not be as impressed if you dislike the franchise. The play is not terribly difficult—you get unlimited lives, and the game saves automatically and often. However, for true gamers, there will be the collection aspect. I enjoy interacting with the other cartoon characters and running errands for them. This makes the gameplay richer and more entertaining. So, should you buy it? I say yes, but if you don't trust me, rent it and see for yourself.

Game Review | Kirby's Epic Yarn

I've played enough of the newly released Kirby's Epic Yarn to give a rather cohesive review. For those who are familiar with Kirby and all of his fluffy pinkness, this new video game will change your thoughts about him. Instead of his usual ability to suck up enemies (and spit them out or copy their abilities), you are a yarn version of Kirby. Gone are the days of sucking things up like only Kirby can. Instead, you can become various vehicles and you use your "lasso" of yarn to grab and destroy enemies or other obstacles. 

I'm torn about the graphics. Some of the backgrounds are very competitive, but the imagination put into each scene is definitely worth more than a small personal issue of mine. The way that sand is shown as unraveling yarn reveals how creative and thoughtful the developers were while they made this piece. After you beat each level, you gain a patch that when properly placed allows you to continue to the next level. 

Besides the usual levels, you can also bring the collected items you've found and add them to an apartment complex. If you bring all of the correct items to an apartment, a friend will move in and additional mini-games will open up to you. It's a good way to keep the gameplay fresh and give you something else to do if you are facing a difficult level. 

Another nice extra is your own place. You can decorate it with anything you find in the levels. Thanks to the beads scattered all over Patch Land, you can purchase more objects or wallpaper/flooring from the stores.

So, if you enjoy the standard platform game but want a bit of a twist, Kirby's Epic Yarn will definitely be worth your hard-earned money. It's great for kids because you can't really die. If you have a friend over, they can even join the fun and you can play the day away. 

Game Review | Sonic 4

After much waiting, I finally downloaded Sonic 4: Episode 1 from Nintendo's WiiWare on Monday. I had been looking forward to this moment for quite some time and I honestly was not unimpressed. The game has the same side-scrolling charm. The enemies look quite similar to their classic counterparts, but they have been updated with better rendering. Even the rings are looking shiny and new. For the full review, please hit the jump.

Game Review | Trauma Team

I've had some time to consult with my inner surgeon/first response/orthopedic surgeon/endoscopic surgeon/diagnostic consultant/forensic scientist thanks to Atlus' Trauma Team video game. You really get to be "hands-on" with the various fields you can explore. While the dialogue is awful and slow, the actual gameplay is fabulous. You have to stay calm and perform your particular task. This has so many different fields, so it will be a tad bit long. Hit the jump for details.

Image via screenshot of Trauma Team's Official Website

Game Review | Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story

I was on the bus with B. the other day and we decided to swap DS games. It was a welcome relief for me because I haven't really purchased a new one in a little while. I decided to try out Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story. I was slightly curious how gameplay would be. When you are dealing with the Mario franchise, you can expect innovation and finesse.

I fired up the game and a rather long introduction prepared me for a trip into Bowser's body. Controlling Mario and Luigi at the same time takes a bit of skill—especially when you are in Bowser's bodily fluids (yes, I know that sounds disgusting)—but it's not impossible. The fighting sequences follow the Paper Mario style. You have turn-based combat with the opportunity to dodge enemies (and sometimes inflict more damage).

Yet, it is not this that makes the game exciting. It is the control of Bowser. Mario's enemy of old is finally in your hands and boy does he pack a punch. You not only get to explore the world, you also are able to explore Bowser's body. During some situations, Bowser ends up needing the bros. help to gain strength and stamina. So, whether they like it or not, Mario and Luigi are helping Bowser get the bad guys. It's a fun idea and a very fun game. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for little kids because they won't really feel like reading the dialogue and they could get frustrated with some of the enemies. I say this is good for ages 10+. Also, this means that I think this game is worth the money, even though it's not brand spanking new.

Image via Nintendo

Game Review | Again

So, since I've been stingy with my money in anticipation of Epic Mickey (Wii only; release: Q3 2010) and Sonic 4: Episode 1 (Playstation Network; WiiWare; XBOX Live; iPhone/iPod Touch), games haven't necessarily accounted for much of my spending. However, I wanted to try the DS game Again after watching a video about it. The game seemed like a good diversion for my commute. How I wished I had looked at those videos again and chosen not to purchase this game.

Again, like so many detective style games, has no replay value. For some reason, I assumed that with a name like "again," that might not be the truth. Alas, it is and even if it weren't, I'm certain I'll never play it again. While it starts out fairly well, the game quickly takes a turn for the absolutely annoying. The basic gist is that you are a detective in the FBI and the lone survivor of the "Providence" murders. Nineteen years later, another series of murders occur that are almost identical to the originals. You and your partner reopen the past cases and join forces with the local police department to discover the truth of the recent and past murders. Hit the jump for the full breakdown.

Game Review | Wii Sports Resort

Because I have been trying to be frugal over the past few months, I haven't devoted much money to buying video games. However, I was finally able to purchase Wii Sports Resort. I thought I would give anyone on the fence about purchasing it a bit of a nudge in one direction. The idea of Wii Sports Resort is simple: get up and play.

If you have the Wii, you will already be familiar with the look and feel of Wii Sports Resort from Wii Sports. Combine that with bits and pieces of Mario & Sonic at the Olympic games and *voila* Wii Sports Resort. You are not able to play all levels of the games immediately as you must earn that right through game accomplishments. However, with so many choices of games to play, you will be busy for a while.

As an incentive to increase the playing time of the game, you are able to earn stamps for each game if you achieve specific criteria. This game is fun with a crowd or alone—good considering that most Wii games are one or the other. You can challenge yourself to become a pro at the mini-games or just relax and have fun. Either way, you will definitely enjoy Wii Sports Resort. Wait, am I pulling you to the "go-out-and-buy-this-immediately" side of the fence? Yes, I am. You'll have a great time playing and it will introduce you to the Wii Motion Plus accessory. The game comes with one and all additional pieces cost $20 each. You decide whether those are worth the money (I bought one extra to be even) or not.

Game Review | Wii Fit Plus

I was fortunate enough to receive Wii Fit Plus for Christmas. Now, after a few weeks of game play, I think I am ready to talk about it. I never played the original Wii Fit, but it seems that the biggest updates to it were in the addition of several new mini-games and more advanced strength and yoga exercises. However, I'm not here to review Wii Fit, I'm reviewing Wii Fit Plus. There are plenty of great things to say, so hit the jump.

Image via Destructoid

Game Review | New Super Mario Bros. Wii

You have to love Mario. Something about Italian plumbers and Toads just really gets my Wii nerves flowing. Therefore, I'm going to share my New Super Mario Bros. Wii experience with you. Hit the jump for the review.

Doesn't time fly?

So, I've been blogging for four weeks as of today. Hopefully, those who read the posts here at newfoundJoye enjoy the content. I know it's all kind of sporadic, but that's sometimes how my thoughts are. Please continue to stop by whenever you like. If you've got eyes, I can find something for you to look at. I've been coming out with eye candy for a while now. Also, you can look forward to more game reviews and recommendations as well as author spotlights and do-it-yourself projects. Film reviews will be forthcoming and possibly more design and fashion. So, here's to you, the readers of newfoundJoye.

Game review | Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box

I previously recommended Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box and I promised a review once I had a chance to play it. Instead of waiting for two more weeks until I completely finish it (and possibly add spoilers), I decided to review it now that I have played it for half a week. In case you don't know, the Professor Layton series consists of casual games depicting a mysterious plot that gamers unravel by solving brainteasers. While most of them are fairly intuitive, you will come across several that will really have you thinking.

So, my thoughts? Well, I'm pleased to say that the sequel to Professor Layton and the Curious Village is much better than I even imagined it would be. They really pulled out the stops on this one. Not only do you have regular brainteasers, but they have also littered the game with minigames. There are also several updates to the interface that make this a really great game. In the previous installment, you were only able to use your memo function on specific puzzles, but now you can open a memo section whenever you like. However, to fully enjoy and understand these games, I would suggest an audience of 13 or older because they are content heavy.

Enough with this. I know you just want the skinny. Would I buy it again? Y-E-S! And there you have it!