Recent reviews by Ripley

TL;DR: "Alpha Protocol" combines RPG and espionage but suffers from technical issues and underdeveloped stealth mechanics. Despite flaws, its narrative choices significantly impact the story and characters. The game's potential is hindered by gameplay problems, yet its immersive storytelling makes it worth playing despite shortcomings.

🕗 Total time played (approx.): 73h
🏆 Completion: Played through the game twice and made different decisions each time.

REVIEW:

"Alpha Protocol" is a game that offers a fascinating blend of RPG elements and espionage themes. Unfortunately, this promising combination is overshadowed by a range of technical difficulties and underdeveloped gameplay aspects.

The PC controls, especially using a mouse and keyboard, pose one of the biggest challenges. Instead of being seamless and responsive, they often feel cumbersome and frustrating. This can significantly diminish immersion and enjoyment, as players find themselves struggling with controls rather than focusing on the actual gaming experience.

The stealth mechanics, which should be a core part of the game, also disappoint. Rather than encouraging players to act subtly and tactically, they almost push towards choosing the direct approach. The mechanics are underdeveloped and unreliable, making stealth more of an unpleasant option than a thoughtful tactic. Frustrated by these flaws, many players - just like myself - quickly switch to a more aggressive playstyle.

Despite these technical issues and gameplay deficiencies, "Alpha Protocol" holds immeasurable value in its narrative aspect. The decisions you make have tangible consequences that significantly shape the course of the story and relationships with characters. There's genuine diversity in options and pathways, making the game appealing for multiple playthroughs. The way your interactions and decisions shape the world is remarkable and sets "Alpha Protocol" apart from many other games. The espionage theme is presented in a captivating manner, and the various storylines offer a level of versatility that enhances replayability.

Overall, "Alpha Protocol" remains a game that continually captivates me despite its technical problems and underdeveloped gameplay elements. It's unfortunate that these flaws hinder the game's appreciation because at its core, it offers a rich and engaging gaming experience, which could be further enhanced by a more thorough and improved implementation of its gameplay mechanics.

⭐ Rating: 3/5

TL;DR: "Lovely Planet" is a banger. The game's colorful, whimsical visual style and its deceptively simple yet challenging gameplay is superb. While "Lovely Planet" may not appeal to everyone due to its demanding gameplay and weird artstyle, it offers a refreshing and quirky take on the FPS genre, providing a satisfying challenge and a delightful experience for those who appreciate its unique qualities.

🕗 Total time played (approx.): 38h
🏆 Completion: 100%

REVIEW:

"Lovely Planet" is a unique and charming FPS that defies genre conventions. While it may appear deceptively simple at first glance, the game offers a delightful and visually captivating experience that challenges both reflexes and strategic thinking. At its core, "Lovely Planet" is a game of precision and timing, set against a whimsical, colorful backdrop. The game's visual style is a striking departure from the gritty, realistic environments typical of FPS games. Instead, players find themselves in a vibrant and surreal world filled with floating platforms, smiling vegetables, and anthropomorphic foes. The juxtaposition of a cheerful, almost childlike art style with the frantic pace of the game is part of its unique charm.

The Game- & Gunplay revolves around eliminating targets on each level while avoiding obstacles and enemy attacks. Unlike traditional FPS games, "Lovely Planet" does not involve moving in a three-dimensional space; instead, players navigate a flat, two-dimensional plane. This simplicity is deceptive, as the game's true challenge lies in maintaining speed and precision, as any mistake can be fatal. The game rewards players who can navigate its levels swiftly, memorize enemy patterns, and prioritize targets efficiently. The game's initial levels introduce players to the basic mechanics, but as the game progresses, the difficulty ramps up considerably. Quick reflexes and trial-and-error are essential for success, and players will find themselves replaying levels frequently. This trial-and-error aspect is not a weakness but rather a testament to the game's design philosophy, emphasizing player improvement through repeated play.

The absence of a traditional narrative in "Lovely Planet" places a strong emphasis on gameplay itself. It's a game that challenges players to overcome obstacles through skill and perseverance rather than relying on narrative motivation. The satisfaction derived from mastering a level, with each run feeling like a rhythmic dance of precision and fluidity, is what keeps players coming back for more.

While "Lovely Planet" offers a uniquely enjoyable experience, it's not for everyone. Its fast-paced, demanding gameplay may be frustrating for some players, and the absence of a traditional story might leave others wanting more depth. However, for those seeking a fresh take on the FPS genre, a quirky and visually captivating experience, and a satisfying challenge, "Lovely Planet" is a game that is sure to delight.

⭐ Rating: 4/5

TL;DR: "Hitman: Absolution™" is a compelling addition to the "Hitman" series, offering a balanced mix of storytelling, stealth gameplay, and cinematic presentation. It successfully breathes new life into the franchise by providing a more personal narrative while retaining the core elements of creative assassination that fans love. Unfortunately the last game in the series ("Hitman: Blood Money") was as close to perfect as you can get. Compared to that, "Hitman: Absolution™" falls short in some aspects.

🕗 Total time played (approx.): 51h
🏆 Completion: 100%

REVIEW:

"Hitman: Absolution™", released in 2012 by IO Interactive, is the fifth installment in the popular "Hitman" series and an iconic entry in the stealth action genre. The game masterfully combines a compelling narrative with intricate gameplay, offering players an immersive experience in the clandestine world of contract killing.

The narrative of "Hitman: Absolution™" is a departure from previous titles in the series, with a more focused and character-driven storyline. Players assume the role of Agent 47, the genetically engineered contract assassin, who finds himself in a morally complex situation as he must protect a girl named Victoria from a powerful and corrupt organization. This shift to a more personal story adds depth to the character of Agent 47, shedding light on his motivations and inner conflicts. The storytelling in the game is cinematic and engaging, making players genuinely care about the characters and the unfolding plot. The writing of these characters, however, isn't without its flaws.

One of the game's standout features is its level design, though. Each mission presents a complex, open-ended sandbox filled with opportunities for creative assassinations. The game encourages players to be methodical and strategic, rewarding those who take their time to study the environment and the behavior of NPCs. The disguises system allows players to blend in, infiltrate secure areas, and get close to their targets. The freedom to approach objectives in multiple ways, whether through silent assassinations or chaotic firefights, is where the game's replayability shines.

The visuals and audio in "Hitman: Absolution™" are also noteworthy. The game boasts detailed environments, creating a sense of immersion. The soundtrack enhances the atmosphere, providing tension, excitement, and a noir-like ambiance. The sound design is very well done, as it plays a crucial role in alerting players to danger and creating an atmosphere of tension.

However, "Hitman: Absolution™" is not without its criticisms. Some fans of the series expressed concerns about the more linear level design in certain missions, which limited the freedom experienced in previous titles, which is true. Additionally, the checkpoint system can be super frustrating. All in all, I think this is a good game, but not just not a perfect "Hitman" game. It is a solid change of pace from the average third person action game with stealth elements, featuring well designed levels and solid yet exaggerated caricatured characters, that's just not everyones cup of tea.

⭐ Rating: 3/5

EDIT: typo

This game was to replace salt as an ingredient in all the world's dishes.