Spongebob Squarepants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Re-hydrated ~ Thoughts

New Spongebob Squarepants Game for PS4

Thoughts and Detailed Review

WARNING!! Spoilers Are Beyond This Point!!

1.) Gameplay

     I didn't know what to expect when I read the description for this game. Though, I was shocked to find that the Gameplay is very fluid and moves like water (pun intended). The controls are very simple in a quick-to-learn kind of way. So far, no glitches in the gameplay. I love the switch between characters and different ways you can complete each level. Very good strategic platformer. 

2.) Story

     The story matches with what any Spongebob episode would be. Except it's like a playable movie (if that makes sense). I don't want to spoil the main storyline for anyone. But if you haven't seen the first 10 minutes of the game, it's the usual Plankton trying to steal the secret formula. He creates this army of robots to do his work for him and the plan totally backfires. It's up to Spongebob, Patrick, Sandy, and Squidward to make things right. And Spongebob feels guilty for those of Bikini Bottom because he thinks he is responsible for releasing these robots. 

3.) Voice Acting

     I have never done a review on voice acting before. But for nostalgia-sake, I believe it needed to be discussed. If you grew up watching Spongebob as a child, playing this game might shock you. Both Mr. Krabs and Mermaid Man do not share the same voice-over cast as they do in the show. And I am going to try and explain why that is. Mermaid Man's iconic voice actor Ernest Borgnine passed away in 2012. So in the game, it would make sense that his voice wasn't used. Clancy Brown, however, is a mystery to me. This game was "Re-hydrated" this year in June 2020. Why did they have to replace him? 

     Overall:

     This game was definitely worth $29.99! I love the game. I just don't like some of the voices that were replaced. But I wouldn't give it a terrible score. 3/5 or 7/10 for me. 

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End - Thoughts

Uncharted 4 Review

A Naughty Dog Game

1.) Story

     The story follows years after Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception. Nathan Drake is now married to the reporter Elena and both gave a vow to never treasure hunt again. An unusual promise for Nathan Drake to make after three games. Although the couple looks happy, in the beginning, Nathan seems to daydream about his pirating days. 

     At the beginning of the game, 15 years before Nathan set out to find Avery's treasure. We see him in prison with two other friends. But one of those friends is his brother, Samuel Drake. Due to unfortunate events, Sam is presumed dead. Until he pays Nathan a visit at his current job working for Jameson. Without telling Elena the truth, Nathan sets out with his brother and Sully to find Henry Avery's missing fortune. 

Thoughts: 

     I think the storytelling in the Uncharted series has always been golden. There is nothing I enjoy more than solving puzzles and looking at riddles set by famous historical figures who aren't alive anymore. A plus in this game though, seeing Elena and Nathan's cute cutscenes. The sweet epilogue at the end of the game gives me signals there might be another. It is awesome and heart-warming to know Cassie is named after Nathan's mother, Cassandra Morgan. 

2.) Gameplay

     The gameplay was alright. The endless Shoreline enemies were probably too much for me to handle. At least from what I am used to. Sometimes, the timed sequences were stressful. But there were better mechanics in the end. 

     The map design and setting graphics were outstanding. For my first playthrough, it was a little messy trying to find my way around. It did not stop me from reaching the end of the game though. And I am glad I did, it was great. 

Final Fantasy XV - Thoughts

Final Fantasy XV Review

Spoiler Warning!

1.) Story: 

     Niflheim and Lucis have been at war with each other for centuries. They also wanted to concur Tenebrae, but Oracle's power and persuasion stopped them from doing so. Due to the ancient crystal's power, Insomnia remained unconquered. But with the crystal's power, comes a health burden as it slowly drains the life from the current King of Lucis. In this case, it would be our protagonist's father, Regis. 

     A peace treaty was arranged between the warring territories. Prince Noctis of Lucis and the oracle Lady Lunafreya of Tenebrae agreed upon an aggraded marriage. Sadly, however, Niflheim invades Insomnia and the king is killed. Both Noctis and Lunafreya are presumed dead. The imperial army now hunting down the lost crowned prince and his fiancee. 

Review: 

     Obviously, there is more to this story. With Noctis's royal guards and events from the past. It's a lot to take in. In the game, many players would agree that there are plot holes that need to be filled. But further looking into the movie, anime adaptation, and novel. Questions have slowly been answered. During events in which Noctis is blacked out and the crowned guards find themselves in trouble, you can play these events in the DLC (downloadable content) episodes. 

     I believe the story still has plot holes and unanswered questions. But for me, I like to keep an open mind. There are shows, films, and novels that always leave people wondering. There is no question that is not unimportant. Not every question can be answered, however. 

2.) Gameplay:

     Many studios had a hand in creating gameplay that would be a "fun and enjoyable" experience. Everything was put into good hands. Clothing and character design took years to create on using many drawing boards. With simple controls similar to previous Square Enix games, I believe it allows more people to play the game. Many developers are taking care of their fans. Some are even adding settings to the main menus which allow players with disabilities to enjoy the franchise. It is a good idea to widen the scope and have a larger audience. This game does just that. But it also adds more challenging quests. 

3.) Overall: 

     I have heard the opinions of players who both love and dislike Final Fantasy XV. Some even say it does not compare to previous series with music, gameplay, and design. But in my honest opinion, I would rate this game 3.5/5 stars (silver medal). Games with plot holes do not sit right with me. Graphics, music, and story development aside. I do not like being kept in the dark with the number of hours put into this series. And there is still more to go. Unless you are a speedrunner, there will be a lot of grinding. One development I do enjoy is the DLC. Instead of spending years creating multiple games for one story, everything can be added through downloadable content. 

Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition - Finished Thoughts

Thoughts on Horizon Zero Dawn for PS4

Warning: SPOILERS

     To start off, here are some facts about Horizon. It was published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, produced by Lambert Wolterbeek Muller, and directed by Mathijs de Jonge. Released in February 2017 on Sony's PlayStation 4 and Microsoft PC. Horizon Zero Dawn is a single-player third-person ARPG (action role-playing game). 

     It is a game where the player (you) has to craft a mountain pile of resources for support throughout the game. If you have seen the cover of this game or looked at some wallpapers, you will see that in this game, you fight machines. They range in size from small to massive. Each one has its own weakness and mannerisms. Their designs resemble animals we know today like giraffes, goats, and hawks.

     The story follows the journey of a little girl named Aloy. Who is considered an outcast the moment she was born. Having no parents, she is given to another outcast by three higher matriarchs (consider them chiefs of the tribe). As Aloy grows into the wilds, she is always shunned by other tribe's people including children. This angers her and she demands to know who her mother was and why she was cast out. Rost (her caretaker), informs Aloy that there is a ritual called the "Proving" and if she won, her answers would be in the palm of her hand. Determined to know about the past, Aloy trains for years from the age of six to nineteen. 

     Once the Proving comes and Aloy is of age, she joins. While everyone mocks her status, she ignores the blunt comments and objectifying glares. During each test of the Proving, Aloy shows off her trophy to the tribe at its place at the feet of a higher-up Nora (name of the tribe). Not too long after the woman announces her bravehood, there is an ambush. Everyone is killed except for Aloy because Rost swooped in and saved her from the Shadow Carja named Heris. He is killed in a blaze (explosive material) blast which sends Aloy over a cliff. 

     When Aloy wakes up she finds herself in the All-Mother Mountain. She is told she was found there when she was born. Frustrated over Rost's death and curious about who her mother really is, Aloy has been anointed a seeker. She is allowed to roam through the lands and explore on her own to find answers. 

     So now getting to my thoughts about the game...

     Gameplay: The gameplay wasn't as bad as I thought it would be at first. I thought there would be buggy glitches and like Breath of the Wild, I would fall to my death (ALOT). That isn't how it turned out and I am pretty happy. Shooting is easy and the upgrades make it so much easier to use the bow. There is a large variety of arrows that can do frost, fire, shock, piercing, or even corruption damage. You can take down machines in many ways with a trip caster, sling, bow, or even rope them down and finish them off with a critical. Sneaking is pretty easy there isn't too much to say about that. 

     Story: I feel like the story is unfinished. If you haven't played the game yet, there's an ending credit scene that leaves you on a cliff hanger. But Aloy's journey and upbringing were heartfelt and a little tear-jerking. Her empathy through each person she meets is really inspiring. How much you can learn about how we could end up many years in the future is fascinating. 

     Q: Would I play it again?

     A: I wouldn't say that I would, no. The trophies are easy to obtain and the story is good. But I get Death Stranding vibes from this title. There are some machines I hate but that doesn't make me hate the game altogether. I would give it a 7/10 scale or 3.5/5 star rating. For some reason, I wanted to only play about an hour or two of this game. It took me 40 hours to complete all of the main quests. 

     Lemme know what you think?

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