5 Yrs✓#
GreenStarfish
5 Yrs✓#
Enjoyed the GotM game much more than I originally thought I would, especially for such a short game. Next I'll try to continue slogging my way through OoT 3D.
February 4th - Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion - 3h 45m - (100%) 7/10 - Got the true ending and every achievement.
Here's my review:
Pros:
At first, Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion seems like a simple comedic action-adventure game, but by the end, you realize there's more to it than just that. You find field logs and diary entries throughout the game that are seemingly completely unrelated to what is happening in the game. But then you find out about the humans living in the bunker, which is when it all clicks into place. They were driven into hiding by a nuclear war, after which plants mutated to become sentient. The nuclear war is foreshadowed well with all the nuclear waste strewn around the game. This interesting plot twist isn't even the main plot twist of the game, however, which belongs to your father being the co-leader of a mafia.
Mayor Onion being the final boss is quite predictable, but what I wasn't expecting was a secret, true final boss. The way you unlock it is by ripping up all the government documents. This provides for great story gameplay integration since you're inclined to destroy as many documents anyway for completion's sake, but you only learn about the true final boss after beating the game once.
Most games would falter on the next step, forcing the player to tediously search every nook and cranny for the few collectables they missed. Which would result in the player giving up and using a guide in frustration. However, Turnip Boy manages to solve this issue wonderfully by having an in-game system that gives the player hints for the collectables they've missed. This gives clueless players a direction to go in that doesn't feel like cheating and will still make them feel accomplished when they find the collectable. Many more games should adopt systems like this since it means the player can stay within the game the entire time and have a more enjoyable experience.
Returning to the true final boss of the game, God Onion. It plays into the JRPG trope of having to defeat god at the end of the game, especially since the boss theme has what I assume are Japanese lyrics. It doesn't even make any sense that Mayor Onion would turn into a god by blowing up a nuclear bomb, but it perfectly fits the game's comedic style in its stupidity.
Turnip Boy also has an unexpected endless rogue-lite side mode, which is surprisingly enjoyable. The game's combat is more complex than you would expect, especially with the trinkets the mode has to offer. It is a pretty small-scale mode, there aren't that many trinkets or potential playstyles you can create, but it's a nice little distraction after you've finished the main game.
Neutral:
Most of the music is pretty standard and unremarkable, especially in the earlier sections of the game. Maybe this was done intentionally to draw you into a sense of security because then the game hits you with the aforementioned secret boss battle theme as well as the credits theme, which are both bangers.
The one boss I didn't enjoy that much was Liz, since she was annoyingly difficult until I managed to figure out the trick the boss battle relies on. The earlier bosses are also a bit on the easier side, but this is compensated by the later bosses and the rogue-lite mode.
February 4th - Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion - 3h 45m - (100%) 7/10 - Got the true ending and every achievement.
Here's my review:
Pros:
At first, Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion seems like a simple comedic action-adventure game, but by the end, you realize there's more to it than just that. You find field logs and diary entries throughout the game that are seemingly completely unrelated to what is happening in the game. But then you find out about the humans living in the bunker, which is when it all clicks into place. They were driven into hiding by a nuclear war, after which plants mutated to become sentient. The nuclear war is foreshadowed well with all the nuclear waste strewn around the game. This interesting plot twist isn't even the main plot twist of the game, however, which belongs to your father being the co-leader of a mafia.
Mayor Onion being the final boss is quite predictable, but what I wasn't expecting was a secret, true final boss. The way you unlock it is by ripping up all the government documents. This provides for great story gameplay integration since you're inclined to destroy as many documents anyway for completion's sake, but you only learn about the true final boss after beating the game once.
Most games would falter on the next step, forcing the player to tediously search every nook and cranny for the few collectables they missed. Which would result in the player giving up and using a guide in frustration. However, Turnip Boy manages to solve this issue wonderfully by having an in-game system that gives the player hints for the collectables they've missed. This gives clueless players a direction to go in that doesn't feel like cheating and will still make them feel accomplished when they find the collectable. Many more games should adopt systems like this since it means the player can stay within the game the entire time and have a more enjoyable experience.
Returning to the true final boss of the game, God Onion. It plays into the JRPG trope of having to defeat god at the end of the game, especially since the boss theme has what I assume are Japanese lyrics. It doesn't even make any sense that Mayor Onion would turn into a god by blowing up a nuclear bomb, but it perfectly fits the game's comedic style in its stupidity.
Turnip Boy also has an unexpected endless rogue-lite side mode, which is surprisingly enjoyable. The game's combat is more complex than you would expect, especially with the trinkets the mode has to offer. It is a pretty small-scale mode, there aren't that many trinkets or potential playstyles you can create, but it's a nice little distraction after you've finished the main game.
Neutral:
Most of the music is pretty standard and unremarkable, especially in the earlier sections of the game. Maybe this was done intentionally to draw you into a sense of security because then the game hits you with the aforementioned secret boss battle theme as well as the credits theme, which are both bangers.
The one boss I didn't enjoy that much was Liz, since she was annoyingly difficult until I managed to figure out the trick the boss battle relies on. The earlier bosses are also a bit on the easier side, but this is compensated by the later bosses and the rogue-lite mode.
Had so much fun playing this one for the GOTM. I don't know if i'm getting old or the humour was perfect for 30's people lol.
11 Yrs♥✓#
knalb
11 Yrs♥✓#
Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion
Completion February 2nd, 2025
Main+Extras 2h 21m 57s
Notes All documents.
Review
+Colourful world
+Some good humour
+Well built Zelda like
-Nothing substantial stands out in gameplay
-Very short game
Review:
Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is a simple little Zelda like game with some great humour and a colourful environment but it does not offer much substantial in terms of gameplay and is rather short game.
6/10
Completion February 2nd, 2025
Main+Extras 2h 21m 57s
Notes All documents.
Review
+Colourful world
+Some good humour
+Well built Zelda like
-Nothing substantial stands out in gameplay
-Very short game
Review:
Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion is a simple little Zelda like game with some great humour and a colourful environment but it does not offer much substantial in terms of gameplay and is rather short game.
6/10
1 Yr✓
guibucher
1 Yr✓
Final Fantasy XIII
Main+: 38h 41m
Rating: 8/10
Sometimes we need to revisit history, overcome preconceived notions, and challenge all the arguments laid on the table. FF13 has always been a victim of this—of what self-proclaimed influencers have always ranted about this game. Yes, it is a very linear game. But that shouldn’t mean it’s bad, nor should it make the game a disaster just because of that. The story of Lightning, Sazh, Vanille, Snow, Hope, and Fang is well-told, well-structured, and has enjoyable development. It even satisfactorily explains the past and present, as well as the contextual setting where everything unfolds.
There is sometimes a flaw that might push players away: the introduction of a ton of concepts and definitions that aren’t immediately explained, which can lead to some players dropping the game. However, those who are patient are rewarded. Another interesting point is how the game, through its marketing and image, tries to sell Lightning as the main protagonist. But the story’s progression doesn’t fully align with this: all six characters (and sometimes even seven, as Serah has her moments of prominence) have their own moments in the spotlight and well-developed individual stories.
The difficulty spike in Chapter XI is quite disproportionate, which takes a point off my evaluation. Even so, there’s a solid justification for it, one that aligns with the story and context the game provides at that moment. Most importantly, it gives players a reason to explore the side content that opens up in this chapter—perhaps the only point where the game truly feels like an Open World, and certainly the only moment where players have the freedom to go wherever they want, even if that means going nowhere at all.
The Crystarium and Paradigm systems might feel a bit confusing at first, but the way the game introduces new features gradually helps the learning process feel organic. FF13 isn’t perfect—far from it. Sometimes, it’s even tiring. But it’s far from the disaster that some claim it to be. It’s worth sticking with it.
Main+: 38h 41m
Rating: 8/10
Sometimes we need to revisit history, overcome preconceived notions, and challenge all the arguments laid on the table. FF13 has always been a victim of this—of what self-proclaimed influencers have always ranted about this game. Yes, it is a very linear game. But that shouldn’t mean it’s bad, nor should it make the game a disaster just because of that. The story of Lightning, Sazh, Vanille, Snow, Hope, and Fang is well-told, well-structured, and has enjoyable development. It even satisfactorily explains the past and present, as well as the contextual setting where everything unfolds.
There is sometimes a flaw that might push players away: the introduction of a ton of concepts and definitions that aren’t immediately explained, which can lead to some players dropping the game. However, those who are patient are rewarded. Another interesting point is how the game, through its marketing and image, tries to sell Lightning as the main protagonist. But the story’s progression doesn’t fully align with this: all six characters (and sometimes even seven, as Serah has her moments of prominence) have their own moments in the spotlight and well-developed individual stories.
The difficulty spike in Chapter XI is quite disproportionate, which takes a point off my evaluation. Even so, there’s a solid justification for it, one that aligns with the story and context the game provides at that moment. Most importantly, it gives players a reason to explore the side content that opens up in this chapter—perhaps the only point where the game truly feels like an Open World, and certainly the only moment where players have the freedom to go wherever they want, even if that means going nowhere at all.
The Crystarium and Paradigm systems might feel a bit confusing at first, but the way the game introduces new features gradually helps the learning process feel organic. FF13 isn’t perfect—far from it. Sometimes, it’s even tiring. But it’s far from the disaster that some claim it to be. It’s worth sticking with it.
4 Yrs♥✓#
I just won my first game of CIV VII and I'm a little torn on whether I like it or not. The UI is horrible and absolutely should not have been released in the state it's in. I did enjoy the gameplay for the most part, but not more than I enjoy Civ Vi. The settlement cap is a big part of it, not having the freedom to build a colossal empire really sucks. Still, I'll probably dump 100s of hours into it.
Also I can now always say that I was the first person to submit a time for this game on the site.
Also I can now always say that I was the first person to submit a time for this game on the site.
7 Yrs♥$✓#
Alt_Ending
7 Yrs♥$✓#
Splinter Cell: Conviction
A solid cover shooter. You can stealth much of it. Guards will move towards you and you can usually circle around them and silently take out one or two at the back. This is satisfying. Or you can massacre everyone from on high, behind walls, confuse them with remote mines and so on. Ultimately there are moments when it places you in a pitched battle in order to progress, so you won't be able to stealth your way through all of it. It's a bit short, but what it does, it does well. Graphics are excellent and there are suitable checkpoints to stop you having to redo too much of levels.
It was enjoyable, but much more console like than the original two Splinter Cells and the story does a decent job of concealing a twist, but it isn't one you'll care too much about.
All in all a solid game that you'll enjoy if only for a brief time.
A solid cover shooter. You can stealth much of it. Guards will move towards you and you can usually circle around them and silently take out one or two at the back. This is satisfying. Or you can massacre everyone from on high, behind walls, confuse them with remote mines and so on. Ultimately there are moments when it places you in a pitched battle in order to progress, so you won't be able to stealth your way through all of it. It's a bit short, but what it does, it does well. Graphics are excellent and there are suitable checkpoints to stop you having to redo too much of levels.
It was enjoyable, but much more console like than the original two Splinter Cells and the story does a decent job of concealing a twist, but it isn't one you'll care too much about.
All in all a solid game that you'll enjoy if only for a brief time.
6 Yrs♥$✓#
Conversely I think it's a disaster from having played it on release.
The best part of the game is the one where it isn't a tunnel, but it doesn't last longel. FFX managed to make a fairly linear game feel much less like one so the template was there. The combat is alright but it can't save the game. The characters are (mostly) annoying and the story (or at least the communication of the story) isn't good enough. They made two sequels which are probably better, but it's hard to get excited about their existence.
I do not like VIII, but it says something when I would rather replay that and give it a second chance than I would XIII or to try its sequels. Not that I plan to do either.
So no, I don't think influencers should dictate whether a game is good or not, but I do think the reputation the game has, and has always had since it released is not undeserved. And the intended spin off became XV, which I couldn't even stomach the demo of.
Anyway, maybe I'm the one who is wrong. I'm glad you could enjoy it. I can't.
12 Yrs♥$✓#
Hand of Fate 2 - Completed. Not a bad game but pushing to 100% it has been quite the marathon. It's not a bad game but I was honestly done with it about 60 odd hours ago but those last few achievements and dealing with endless mode really dragged it out. I personally think the first game was better, just by virtue of being more contained, less is more, pure condensed experience. This game is mostly the same, and if you enjoyed the first you'll likely enjoy this too but it just has a habit of either outstaying its welcome or trying too hard with being gimmicky at times. Don't wanna rail on it too hard, part of it was a me problem and burning out a bit on it in the process. So glad it's over now though lol.
5 Yrs✓#
GCTuba
5 Yrs✓#
I loved both Hand of Fate games. I absolutely didn't go for 100% though. It's a shame the studio was shut down.
12 Yrs♥$✓#
I didn't even realise they had shut down :( that makes me sad. Does make me appreciate Hand of Fate 2 that little bit more knowing that 3 won't be happening D:
6 Yrs✓#
Robee2k
6 Yrs✓#
Completion #278 - Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (replay)
Platform : Ps5
Total time : 63h, 18m (main +)
Days Taken: 39
Notes: 100% the first 3 zones, played a lot of minigames, almost half of the collectables for the hotel, 41/61 achievements
My rating : 10/10
This is my 2nd playthrough of ff7 rebirth, I played it in september last year for the first time after playing remake and both of them have become some of my favorite games of all time and this year. The combat is awesome, the voice acting incredible, probably the best cast of characters in any game, i love the minigames and the story is just so good, it made me tear up a few times and I can't wait for the third game to finish the trilogy.
Platform : Ps5
Total time : 63h, 18m (main +)
Days Taken: 39
Notes: 100% the first 3 zones, played a lot of minigames, almost half of the collectables for the hotel, 41/61 achievements
My rating : 10/10
This is my 2nd playthrough of ff7 rebirth, I played it in september last year for the first time after playing remake and both of them have become some of my favorite games of all time and this year. The combat is awesome, the voice acting incredible, probably the best cast of characters in any game, i love the minigames and the story is just so good, it made me tear up a few times and I can't wait for the third game to finish the trilogy.
7 Yrs♥$✓#
ThomasE
7 Yrs♥$✓#
So yesterday I finished Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader on PC in 130h48m.
This was definitely a long ride. I had started my playthrough in December 2023 and with ~131h it's the second longest playthrough of my life.
I'm so happy I found my save file again. I had stopped playing after chapter 3 which was quite a bit tedious and just when I was ready to return it seemed like the game (and therefore the save) was gone and I thought I had actually deleted a ~80h save. Luckily, just a few days later I realized that my external hard disk had simply gotten reassigned a new letter.
I loved my time with Rogue Trader. I think it's the best CRPG I've ever played and finished. I mean Pillars of Eternity is also fantastic (and I put ~160h into POE1 and 2 combined) and I loved Fallout 1+2 (but finished them 20 years ago as a teenager and with cheats, that doesn't count to me) but Rogue Trader is even better. Actually I just realize that I haven't really finished all that many CRPGs. But I have a shitton in my backlog. Maybe I'll play KOTOR 2 of Fallout New Vegas soonish. I also want to replay Fallout 2 and properly try Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. But I am going to need a loooong break, at least months, before getting into another >100h game.
Best about the game:
- the atmosphere, the lore, the Warhammer 40k stuff. Owlcat Games did their research. It's such a believable W40k universe. One aspect of this that I've mentioned before: Usually I can't even bring myself to play evil characters in CRPGs or at least choose some mean or evil action. But in W40k it is very much reasonable to kill a few innocent sick civilians if that lowers the risk of hundreds or thousands of your crew to get infected by the same virus. Also, I've killed off 2 characters that would have joined my party. Simply because the dogmatic-style character I played would hate xenos. I loved that about RT.
- the main story and the companion quests are really good.
- the Void Shadows DLC. This is even on another level. Extremely tense story.
Neutral:
- the colony management is boring at best and it's tedious to have to return to your colonies every so often.
- the starship fights are also a weaker aspect of the game. I was never looking forward to them.
Worst:
- chapter 3: tedious idea/twist, takes away all the player's freedom to do things in the order they want.
- This is obviously subjective, but the combat is waaaay too complicated for me. I had posted about this before. Just take a look at these images here:
https://howlongtobeat.com/forum/thread/1455/20#post110618
https://howlongtobeat.com/forum/thread/1455/20#post111380
And keep in mind you have to make sense of all that for (at least) 6 characters and plan ahead for all of their next few levels.
If you can actually make proper use of all your skills/talents/whatever in Rogue Trader, you should use your analytical brain to crack some CIA level encryption. Kidding aside, I'm way too stupid to actually employ all these statistics. "Luckily", the game gets easy af after maybe ~50-70h or so f you do everything there is. I never had to wonder anymore if I would lose or win a fight. Might sound boring to some but I played the game for the story (as I've heard many other gamers do). If you're going to play for the combat mechanics, I'm sure the combat will remain a challenge if you adjust the difficulty level (I played on default).
This was definitely a long ride. I had started my playthrough in December 2023 and with ~131h it's the second longest playthrough of my life.
I'm so happy I found my save file again. I had stopped playing after chapter 3 which was quite a bit tedious and just when I was ready to return it seemed like the game (and therefore the save) was gone and I thought I had actually deleted a ~80h save. Luckily, just a few days later I realized that my external hard disk had simply gotten reassigned a new letter.
I loved my time with Rogue Trader. I think it's the best CRPG I've ever played and finished. I mean Pillars of Eternity is also fantastic (and I put ~160h into POE1 and 2 combined) and I loved Fallout 1+2 (but finished them 20 years ago as a teenager and with cheats, that doesn't count to me) but Rogue Trader is even better. Actually I just realize that I haven't really finished all that many CRPGs. But I have a shitton in my backlog. Maybe I'll play KOTOR 2 of Fallout New Vegas soonish. I also want to replay Fallout 2 and properly try Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. But I am going to need a loooong break, at least months, before getting into another >100h game.
Best about the game:
- the atmosphere, the lore, the Warhammer 40k stuff. Owlcat Games did their research. It's such a believable W40k universe. One aspect of this that I've mentioned before: Usually I can't even bring myself to play evil characters in CRPGs or at least choose some mean or evil action. But in W40k it is very much reasonable to kill a few innocent sick civilians if that lowers the risk of hundreds or thousands of your crew to get infected by the same virus. Also, I've killed off 2 characters that would have joined my party. Simply because the dogmatic-style character I played would hate xenos. I loved that about RT.
- the main story and the companion quests are really good.
- the Void Shadows DLC. This is even on another level. Extremely tense story.
Neutral:
- the colony management is boring at best and it's tedious to have to return to your colonies every so often.
- the starship fights are also a weaker aspect of the game. I was never looking forward to them.
Worst:
- chapter 3: tedious idea/twist, takes away all the player's freedom to do things in the order they want.
- This is obviously subjective, but the combat is waaaay too complicated for me. I had posted about this before. Just take a look at these images here:
https://howlongtobeat.com/forum/thread/1455/20#post110618
https://howlongtobeat.com/forum/thread/1455/20#post111380
And keep in mind you have to make sense of all that for (at least) 6 characters and plan ahead for all of their next few levels.
If you can actually make proper use of all your skills/talents/whatever in Rogue Trader, you should use your analytical brain to crack some CIA level encryption. Kidding aside, I'm way too stupid to actually employ all these statistics. "Luckily", the game gets easy af after maybe ~50-70h or so f you do everything there is. I never had to wonder anymore if I would lose or win a fight. Might sound boring to some but I played the game for the story (as I've heard many other gamers do). If you're going to play for the combat mechanics, I'm sure the combat will remain a challenge if you adjust the difficulty level (I played on default).