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Misc. A Tiny Tale
As a child of the late 90s, I had a lot of fun action-platforming titles to play on the original PlayStation. A staple among them was the iconic Toy Story 2 where in which players would be Buzz Lightyear and traverse large locales that made you feel like a toy, playing around in the world in a much different way than we do. I think you can see where I’m going with this?
Misc. A Tiny Tale does exactly that and more, being an open love-letter to underappreciated games of years past, now being one of my favorites to pick up and play to feel like a little girl again. Though movement can feel a bit floaty at times, Misc. is definitely a can’t-miss title if you’re on the hunt for nostalgia but with modern sensibilities.
Turbo Kid
I think I found my new favorite game, y’all. Turbo Kid is such a weird title, and that explanation just doesn’t begin to do it justice. The concept of an 80s-style wasteland complete with Mad Max-inspired bandits, Toxic Avenger-esque mutants, and a soundtrack as cool as those vapor-wave cups we used to drink from, Turbo Kid is sick as hell.
When it comes to the offered gameplay, everything just feels so smooth. Whether it’s the combat against enemies, platforming, or even the spectacular traversal by bicycle, this title really knew what it was and delivered it in droves. I also really like how the game moves gameplay forward by giving the player the freedom of how to conquer the wasteland with what gadgets they find to upgrade their character.
I cannot speak more highly of this title. Gameplay is rewarding, the world is gorgeously grotesque, and Turbo Kid is badass. This is one of those cool titles that goes right up there with Hollow Knight and Dead Cells.
1,000 Deaths
Speaking of weird as hell, that’s the epitome of what 1,000 Deaths is. I’ve heard it be compared stylistically to a great many things, but honestly, it’s like a ‘90s television fever dream in the best way possible. For not being an outright horror title, this actually comes across as such. The game has an off-putting tone overall, even with its zany colors and world design.
It would seem that the developers were really leaning into the dream (or nightmare) feel of this artistic style, but I would say that sometimes, the game can look as if there’s been a bit too much vaseline gooped across the screen for my liking.
As for gameplay, 1,000 Deaths is a unique and honestly fun title. Though you’re platforming for the majority of the game in one way or another, the way it implements its various playable characters and the importance of player choice in its gameplay is admirable. It’s a really good title and one with heaps of creativity built into it. My sole complaint is that the gameplay is just a bit too far in floaty department than I would have liked.
OFF
If there’s one thing I can say about this round-up, it’s that these games have left my brain in a spin with the craziness that they’ve thrown at me. Even such a retro RPG-inspired title as OFF gives players a feeling of uneasiness as they make way into the afterlife. This title, even in its archaic art style, is just so otherworldly, in the best way.
Though gameplay is very basic when you boil it down, that isn’t a detractor in this title’s case. And thanks to the title’s unique way of handling environments, the gameplay is stretched into further directions than one could think of right off the bat. OFF is a really original and enjoyable exploration into its more spiritual themes, not only in its story, but in how it blends them into the gameplay on various levels.
