fantastic surprise

haven't fiished

in the top 5 for 2023

the more time passes from when I beat this game, the more I appreciate it. what an incredible first game for this studio! It captures the magic of paper mario in a way that I didn't even know I was looking for - I am admittedly not a big paper mario guy. Huge W for indies, can't wait for more from this studio

haven't played since my OG xbox worked - find PC port

Pretty good, but lacks the little bit of polish and flow that would propel it to great.

solid, both underrated and kinda janky at the same time

SCP meets the X-Files. Exploring this eldrich antedeluvian building is a joy, even if I get really lost really easily. Same thing as Prey actually – navigation would be a bit easier for me without the layered maps I can’t unlayer – just gimme a normal map man!!!! The combat looks BEAUTIFUL in motion, even if it is a bit simple overall. The best part about the game is the paranormal mysteries consuming the place, and I really like how varied they keep the plots elements. The DLC wasn’t the strongest addition to the game, but more time in that world was just enjoyable, and it slots into the overall games narrative very well. I think overall Control is an excellent game, and I’d recommend it to just about anyone

haven't finished

One of my all time favorites - mods give this game new life

Solid on its own, but a weak follow-up to one of the greatest indie games ever made.

I asked for this.

It’s simply one of the most detailed, immersive games I’ve ever had the pleasure of falling into in my entire time as a PC gamer. The environments are like being in the adult video section of a movie rental store when you’re 12. Every single thing on the walls is worth watching, touching, inspecting, fawning over. The world is colored in and filled out as you dig through the levels you’ve been let loose in, always with secrets surrounding you everywhere. Pick a pocket, get a note, find a neat little secret up on the buildings top floor (accessed via an unlocked window) – the game has you feeling like the badass magic assassin that it casts you as very quickly. You think the game has topped itself every new mission, and then it throws out not only some of the best immersive sim levels ever, but some of the most memorable, unique and enjoyable levels out of any game I’ve played. My only real complaint is that the final level, while not bad own it’s own, is vastly less impressive both conceptually and technically than any of the previous episodes. I don’t know if I was missing some key choices in the game early that would affect this (probably did, knowing my luck) but it was a bit bland at the end. It’s hands down a masterpiece, and while Prey may have been slightly stronger from a purely mechanical standpoint and as an open world game, Dishonored II takes the cake for just about everything else (but only just – Prey is incredible, too)