Going Through My Steam Library: Part 4
Part 3, Part 2, and Part 1 are here.
Animal Well
A very unusual metroidvania. Unlike the earlier game I talked about, Blasphemous 2, this one is (on its face) a non-violent one. (Except it's kind of not, because you can lead several animals to their own deaths?) It IS about as non-violent as you can probably get in the metroidvania format. I recall getting frustrated with the platforming. Going into tentative until I can replay it.
Riven
This is the remade version. I do enjoy the Myst series, even if it is very uneven. Remaking Riven was a good call on Cyan's part, and it's been long enough that replaying it might be worth my time. Keep!
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
A cozy open-world game that I played for 90 minutes back in July 2024. I recall why I didn't like it now. Open-world games feel like gigantic to-do lists, and they're often helpfully provided for you. I've got one of those already on my desk; I don't need to have my entertainment to add even more items.
I also recall somewhat clunky controls and UI. I will purge this one, but I give credit to it for its non-violence.
I also have its sequel, but it's in my never-played list. Those will get highlighted in a future post.
Final Fantasy II
Yes, the NES one, not the SNES version of IV that got imported over here. A divisive game that I have much less nostalgia for. I've never beaten it, but it's not nearly the same level of time investment as the earlier FFX/X-2 that I got rid of.
Yes, violent, but much less stylized. I will put it into the tentative collection to try again and see how I feel. Hopefully, Steam has retained the save file.
No Case Should Remain Unsolved
The first of the detective games in my list. This is a genre that I really like. I know I finished it, but I've completely forgotten the plot now, so it's time to replay it. Keep.
Murders on the Yangtze River
An excellent game, especially if you are a student of history or like the late Qing dynasty. I remember more of the plot to this one, but it may be worth a replay. Keep.
Instruction
A silly short game (especially when using a guide) about messing about with a machine you shouldn't. Finished it in 45 minutes. Don't see a reason to replay it. Purge.
Timberman
An even sillier reflex game where you chop down trees and avoid branches. Very loud music. A true time-wasting game that, strangely, I have a soft spot for. Sometimes you just want something dumb simple. Keep.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Despite the violence inherent in the system, I almost feel an obligation to finish this game just because of its place in gaming history. I recall leaving the game just before entering Wall Market. I played the original version and know what happens next. I believe I stopped because I didn't want to have to explain to my wife just what the hell was happening on the screen during that sequence.
Looking through the patch notes, I see that Square Enix put in a "streamlined progression" system, which would let me play it purely for the story. That pushes the game back toward the tentative category, especially if I can get my save back.
Undertale
If you've been reading these, you may have noticed I have a theme of preferring non-violent games these days. Besides my Buddhist practice, this game is why. It is a masterful deconstruction of (J)RPG mechanics. I'll say no more for future gamers.
I've only seen a video of the best ending, though, and I think I do want to pick it up again to work for it. Keep.