RIVE

RIVE peaked my interest due to the unusual message by the developer upon its release. Where a game's release is often cause for celebration, it was a bit heartbreaking that the developer said this is as good as it'll ever get and it's time to call it quits on game development. It's a real shame because RIVE is one of the most enjoyable, refreshing twin-stick shooters I've played.

It's a bizarre mix of Geometry Wars, platformers, and shmups in a charmingly irrelevant story set in a continuous line of levels that flow like a Metroidvania without the exploration. What is most striking about the game is its masterful level design that introduces new challenges and gimmicks almost every screen. Near the end, the game's challenge can be exhausting but it never ceases to be fun.

The worst thing I can say about it is that the main character is really lame, but even that eventually grew on me as I came to suspect that's the intention. The ending was really sweet which I didn't expect. Maybe the developer expected fans to cry out "No, come back we love you!" but it seems like everyone slept on this gem. Maybe it's destined to be one of those cult classics that people look back on wishing they supported on release.