BACKLOG GAMES OF JULY 2024 PART 1

Shadow Warrior 3 - A High-Octane, Hilarious Ride

Shadow Warrior 3 continues the misadventures of Lo Wang, the wise-cracking, katana-wielding protagonist. This time, the stakes are higher as Lo Wang embarks on a quest to capture an ancient dragon he accidentally unleashed. The narrative is packed with tongue-in-cheek humor, pop culture references, and over-the-top action sequences, ensuring that the story, while not deeply complex, remains engaging and entertaining throughout.

Visually, the game is stunning and ran well on PC. The environments are vibrant and detailed, ranging from lush forests to industrial wastelands, all rendered with impressive fidelity. The character models and enemy designs are imaginative and grotesquely beautiful, fitting the game's eccentric tone perfectly. Special effects, particularly during combat, are flashy and exhilarating, adding to the adrenaline-pumping experience.

The gameplay mechanics are where Shadow Warrior 3 truly shines. The game is a first-person shooter with a strong emphasis on fast-paced, fluid combat. Players can seamlessly switch between an array of firearms and Lo Wang's signature katana, allowing for dynamic and visceral combat encounters. The addition of new traversal mechanics, such as wall-running and a grappling hook, adds a fresh layer of mobility, though they can sometimes lead to frustrating deaths due to the high-speed nature of the platforming sections.

Humor is a cornerstone of the Shadow Warrior series, and the third installment is no exception. Lo Wang's constant wisecracks and irreverent commentary keep the tone light-hearted, even amidst the chaos of battle. The humor is crude and often juvenile, but it fits the game's outrageous style and keeps players laughing from start to finish.

The soundtrack complements the high-energy gameplay perfectly, featuring a mix of heavy metal and electronic tracks that ramp up the intensity during combat. The voice acting, particularly for Lo Wang; despite the recasting of the original voice actor; bringing in Mike Woh who's performance is excellent, with the actors delivering their lines with impeccable comedic timing.

Positives:

• Humor: The game's irreverent humor and Lo Wang's quips are consistently entertaining.

• Gunplay: The combat is fast, fluid, and immensely satisfying, with a diverse arsenal of weapons.

• Cutscenes: The cutscenes are well-crafted, combining humor and action seamlessly.

• Graphics: Visually impressive, with vibrant environments and detailed character models.

Negatives:

• Traversal: The first-person traversal mechanics can be a bit frustrating, leading to numerous deaths.

• Repetition: While the combat is fun, it can become somewhat repetitive over time.

Shadow Warrior 3 delivers a thrilling, humorous, and visually stunning experience. It excels in providing fast-paced, enjoyable combat, complemented by a light-hearted narrative and impressive graphics. While the traversal mechanics can be a bit hit-or-miss, they add an extra layer of challenge and excitement to the game.

For those looking to complete the game fully, it offers a variety of achievements that add replay value. The game can be fully completed in around 10 hours, making it a relatively short but action-packed adventure. There was only one achievement I missed after 1 full playthrough, with chapter select making any missed achievements an easy mop up.

Shadow Warrior 3 is a must-play for fans of fast-paced first-person shooters and those who appreciate a good dose of humor in their games. It's an exhilarating ride that doesn't take itself too seriously, providing a refreshing break from more serious titles in the genre. Whether you're a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer, Shadow Warrior 3 is sure to provide plenty of laughs and adrenaline-pumping moments.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Back from the Sewers - A Classic Turtle Adventure

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Back from the Sewers, released for the Game Boy in 1991, follows our beloved heroes in a half shell as they battle to save April O'Neil from the clutches of Shredder and his minions. The story is straightforward, reflecting the simplicity of early 90s video game narratives, but it captures the spirit of the TMNT franchise with its classic good vs. evil theme and colorful characters.

The gameplay in Back from the Sewers is a mix of platforming and beat 'em up action. Players can choose from all four Turtles, each with their own unique weapon and slightly different attack range and speed. The controls are responsive, making it satisfying to execute combos and dodge enemy attacks. The game also includes side-scrolling platforming sections that add variety to the gameplay, though they can be challenging due to the limited visibility and precise timing required.

The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring catchy chiptune renditions of the iconic TMNT theme and other energetic tracks that keep the action moving. The sound effects are simple but effective, providing satisfying audio feedback for attacks and other in-game actions.

Positives:

• Character Selection: The ability to play as any of the four Turtles, each with distinct characteristics, adds replay value.

• Graphics: Impressive sprite work and animations for a Game Boy game.

• Soundtrack: Catchy and energetic music that enhances the gameplay experience.

• Variety: A good mix of beat 'em up action and platforming segments.

Negatives:

• Difficulty: The platforming sections can be frustratingly difficult due to limited visibility and precise jumps.

• Repetition: The beat 'em up gameplay, while fun, can become repetitive over time.

• Length: The game is relatively short, which may leave players wanting more.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Back from the Sewers is a solid and enjoyable game for fans of the franchise and retro gaming enthusiasts. It captures the essence of the TMNT series with its engaging combat, charming graphics, and memorable soundtrack. While it has its challenges and can be repetitive, it remains a nostalgic and fun experience that showcases what made the Turtles so popular in the first place.

If you're a fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or have a fondness for classic Game Boy titles, Back from the Sewers is worth checking out. Its combination of beat 'em up action, platforming challenges, and faithful representation of the TMNT universe makes it a standout title in the Turtles' video game legacy.

Project Zero (Fatal Frame) - A Hauntingly Memorable Journey into the Supernatural

Fatal Frame,(Released in Australia as Project Zero) originally released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2, introduces players to Miku Hinasaki, a young woman searching for her missing brother in the haunted Himuro Mansion. The narrative is deeply rooted in Japanese folklore and horror, weaving a chilling tale of spirits, rituals, and ancient curses. As Miku delves deeper into the mansion's mysteries, she uncovers a tragic story of love, sacrifice, and vengeance. The plot is atmospheric and engaging, keeping players on edge with its well-paced revelations and spine-chilling encounters.

For its time, Fatal Frame boasts impressive graphics that effectively convey a sense of dread and unease. The dimly lit corridors of Himuro Mansion, combined with detailed textures and eerie lighting effects, create an immersive horror experience. The ghost designs are particularly noteworthy, ranging from sorrowful apparitions to terrifying spirits, each with a unique backstory that adds depth to the haunting. While the visuals may seem dated by today’s standards, they still hold a nostalgic charm that contributes to the game's unsettling atmosphere.

Fatal Frame stands out for its unique gameplay mechanics centered around the Camera Obscura, an antique camera that allows Miku to capture and exorcise spirits. Players must frame and photograph ghosts, which requires precise timing and nerves of steel, especially during intense encounters. The camera upgrade system adds a layer of strategy, encouraging players to explore and collect resources. The controls are generally responsive, though the fixed camera angles and tank-like movement can sometimes feel clunky, particularly in tight spaces.

The sound design in Fatal Frame is exceptional, with a haunting soundtrack that perfectly complements the game's eerie atmosphere. Ambient noises, such as creaking floorboards and distant whispers, keep players on edge, while the minimalistic music heightens the tension during key moments. The voice acting is competent, and the sound effects of the Camera Obscura add a satisfying punch to ghost encounters.

Positives:

• Atmosphere: The game excels in creating a tense and immersive horror experience.

• Unique Mechanics: The Camera Obscura offers a fresh and engaging approach to combat and exploration.

• Story: A well-crafted narrative with deep ties to Japanese folklore and horror.

• Sound Design: Haunting and effective audio that enhances the overall atmosphere.

Negatives:

• Controls: Fixed camera angles and tank controls can be cumbersome and frustrating.

• Pacing: Some players may find the slow pacing and methodical exploration off-putting.

• Graphics: While atmospheric, the visuals may feel outdated to modern gamers.

Overall Reaction: Fatal Frame is a standout title in the survival horror genre, offering a unique and terrifying experience that lingers long after the game is over. Its atmospheric setting, innovative gameplay mechanics, and compelling narrative make it a must-play for horror enthusiasts. Despite some control issues and dated graphics, the game’s ability to evoke genuine fear and suspense remains impressive.

For fans of survival horror and those interested in Japanese folklore, Fatal Frame is a must-play classic that delivers a truly haunting experience. Its unique use of the Camera Obscura and its deeply atmospheric storytelling set it apart from other horror games. If you can overlook some dated mechanics, you’ll find a richly rewarding and terrifying journey through one of gaming’s most memorable haunted houses.