Recent reviews by JackWitherell

woag

This is not what I was expecting at all, I don't think anything here is what I was hoping for in a new Lumines game. I'm staggered by the removal of same color clear bonuses and the addition of new features like burst are not quite as welcome as I had hoped. I think I honestly prefer everything about the older Lumines games over this, and I'm going to continue recommending those games over this one.

this ♥♥♥♥ was beyond ♥♥♥♥♥♥ up. it ♥♥♥♥♥♥ me up.

oh...

One of the best indie games I've ever played flat out, and insanely worth the money.

This game is in my top 3.

Game is hard. Game is fun.

The only big nitpick I have is that the levels have a few skill curve jumps and it's obviously because the level order changed later on in development, but truly this is the best think backwards experience I've had because it's the only one that's made me do things that are inherently wrong and against logic yet makes full sense once performed. There's multiple ways to beat levels which is somewhat akin to the sokoban genre, but alternate solutions feel novel and unique.

A great collection of levels and mechanics, and it looks neat and runs smooth too!
I love killing the little guys and being malicious. I like making them dance too.

Edit: Ohhhhh that's a good update!!!

Original review:
At a cursory glance, I was surprised by this game. It's just flat out a good time. I haven't played enough yet to write a super good review, but I still wanted to add my first impressions.

Lucky shares the namesake with our old family dog, with the same head and body colors. If I was ever gonna play a game where that was the case, I'd want it to be funny and wholesome and kind and cute. Between the barking one shot audio bites and the snarky quips and unapologetic theming (love the kong toys being thrown around) this lands directly into the "fun is the goal" tier of indie games. The rhythmical puns in the written text and script bring it home.

There's so much hidden polish under the surface of this beat-em-up. While the combat isn't complex, it's accessible and quick to get into. The variety of enemies allows a balance to strike where the gameplay would otherwise be simple and repetitive. The levels are extensive in their scenery but short enough so you don't ask where the end is. The boss battles are weighty and tanky like a destiny/halo boss with a big health bar, they're just challenging enough so that you can see the funny game over graphic every now and then. My opinion, retro beat-em-ups aren't my thing but it feels so good to play one where you don't need to think or be good at the game to have fun. I can already hear people saying "it's like they're not trying to be perfect" I can already hear it from the people who worked on it. It's a slice of joy.

The game isn't 112% fully tested, I noticed a few bugs and specific nitpicks. Odd monitor aspect ratios such as 16:10 show the seams here and there, and I felt like the opening text scroll could use some music. (glitch on linux maybe?) The game asks you if you want to use a controller when you're already navigating the menu with a controller. But, the important part is, the game runs, and it runs absolutely 100% smooth with no hitching or issues on high refresh display. No options to delve into, doesn't need them. In other words, the game won't give you any trouble at all to just get in and play.

This game is like two slices of pizza on a paper plate. The sauce is generic but tries to feel rustic, the gooey cheese is self indulgent, and nobody likes to eat the indie crust. But when you're at the party and there's pizza, you know exactly what you wanna eat. If you're still hungry, there's always multiplayer. It's small, cheap and delicious, what more do you want from a genuine indie hour?

Taste ttasty

Netplay is double busted and can really use some patching. Sad, considering how good the game is.