Reviews - #1 - Three Consequential 2022 Titles
A look at three incredible games from 2022 - Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Elden Ring, and God of War: Ragnarok
A quick note - This is my first “real” article and because of that I hope to grow and listen and get better as time goes on. But I can’t start without throwing myself out there. I’m sorry for taking so long after my first article, but I hope to make this a weekly thing from here on out. Thank you for reading this and I hope you keep coming back
Alright, before we start on reviewing three consequential games from 2022 - I want to make sure I explain my review process. For starters, anyone with a Backloggd account can find the 1UP Vault’s profile and see a straightforward rated review. Note that my entry of games to Backlggd will be after I put out a newsletter. My focus to look at aspect from story, to graphics, to overall value, fun factor
So let’s get started.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Release: March 25, 2022
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: HAL Laboratory
Original System: Nintendo Switch
“Hi!”
For the first time ever, the world’s most famous pink puffball and overeater goes fully 3D. For decades, Kirby games have played relatively the same in a 2D plane, even with the 3D era. From the moment I saw this game, I was impressed and excited to get my hands on it. While I haven’t played every game in the series, I had played plenty and have always been a fan of the character and franchise. So, would the hype live up? Or should Kirby had stayed in a 2D realm?
As expected, we get a pretty basic story here. Kirby is sucked into a mysterious world where beasts are taking Waddle Dees for unknown reasons. He teams up with Elfilin to try to save everyone and hopefully make his way back to Planet Popstar. From there you’ll free Waddle Dees and build up their town (which adds new things to do), and you’ll even bump into some favorites. I particularly found the final act of the game to really come together and give you a great surprise final boss and villain.
Like all of the previous games, don’t expect a high difficulty here. Kirby games were made from the start to be for beginners and that makes them very accessible to new gamers. Though, I will say in my personal case, I found the final world to have some rough moments that I barely got through. And I would also say, some bosses can prove tough if you take them too lightly.
For the long-time fans, there are plenty of exciting moments and fan service. The middle part of the game especially had me excited when a certain nemesis showed up. It stays true to the Kirby formula in power ups, but also adds a little more nuance by using them to get past certain areas. And you can upgrade said power ups and make them even stronger. There will be plenty of times you’ll think of Super Mario Odyssey.
The graphics are a joy despite the recent age of the Switch. I especially found it to look beautiful on my 4K TV, but it does go jag city in handheld mode. That aside, the art style fits the universe of Kirby and has a charm to it that will work best with younger gamers. Add to that an incredible score and soundtrack and you will find yourself just having a good vibe as you play through the levels. The main theme that plays as the game’s title screen comes on tells you the kind of vibe you’re going to experience.
In terms of cons, I will say if you go in expecting a Mario sized game… you won’t get it. The levels are super quick and once you played them, you’ve seen it all. It’s not like 3D Mario games which are filled with surprises and missions hiding everywhere. In a lot of ways, it feels like a game to get you ready for those Mario games rather than matching them. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t long term value here. The endgame is actually like its own story and its pretty difficult. And there’s the arena and potential Waddle Dees you haven’t saved to keep you coming back.
Overall, I thought Kirby and the Forgotten Land was just pure joy. I was smiling from ear to ear playing this. That’s the thing about Kirby, you know his games are easy and may not be revolutionary… but you can’t help but have that pure fun that video games at their core should really be about. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this game and is a perfect pick up for any Nintendo or Kirby fan!
FINAL SCORE - 4.5 / 5
Elden Ring
Release: February 25, 2022
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Developer: From Software
Original Systems: Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series Consoles
"The Fallen Leaves Tell A Story. Of How A Tarnished Became Elden Lord."
We all know the phenomenon that is the Souls games. I myself became of a fan of these titles after taking a chance and buying Bloodborne back in 2015, which is now one of my all time favorite games. Elden Ring is in many ways the culmination of those by the brilliant Hidetaka Miyazaki and the team at From Software. In a lot of ways, its also the most mainstream and approachable of the Soulsborne games too.
Like Darks Souls and Bloodborne, Elden Ring’s story has to be pieced together through lore and talking to people in the world. Or in my case… look at videos made by YouTubers like VaatiVidya. If you’re new to this, it might take you by surprise, but it fits with the discovery aspect of Elden Ring. It has that feeling that the original Zelda or Breath of the Wild had, putting you out in a world and you have to go out and discover it. It won’t be easy of course; we are talking From Software. The game is still difficult, and you could find yourself in areas you shouldn’t be in quick. But, if you stick with it, you’ll eventually get to the level and build you need to conquer and become Elden Lord.
Despite its typical From Software toughness… it is also the most approachable game from Miyazaki. Because of its free nature, you don’t have to be stuck in one place. Which means this opens up other ways to get better and level up. The inclusion of the spirit bell that can call help is also a game changer that can help just not newbies, but even veterans like me. I still would warn someone about the difficulty before recommending this, but it’s the first Souls game I won’t feel conflicted about recommending at the same time.
While not the greatest graphics you will ever see, the art style is superb for a world that is begging to be seen. As you open up and explore the Land Between, you will find new areas with different geographies and all kinds of monsters to tackle. The score is another level and adds to that epic feeling in the game. The main theme when booting the game up itself is worth listening to.
Elden’s Ring’s greatest asset is the fact that it does feel like you’re an explorer finding a new land. This was a game I got lost in, almost forgetting the main objectives to just get on my stead and find what new place and people I could. With every corner and new area being just as interesting as it is deadly. And you never know what is waiting for you. There are even a couple areas you can easily miss if you’re not careful, so make sure to explore every nook.
This is a very special game. Elden Ring is the definition of what an adventure game should be. It puts you in a world and lets you, the player, become its conqueror in not just battles, but also exploration. Every session is different and opens up the game and world that much more. Its like being put inside an epic novel of a knight or explorer and going on many adventures. Even though it’s got a tough difficulty that may dissuade some, it’s also From Software’s most accessible game and is the very culmination of everything they have been building up to. This game is a MUST PLAY and is among the greatest video games of all time. A perfect example of what the medium can be.
FINAL SCORE - 5 / 5
God of War: Ragnarök
Release: November 9, 2022
Publisher: PlayStation Studio
Developer: Sony Santa Monica Studio
Original Systems: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
“Death can have me… when it earns me.”
The long awaited sequel to the masterpiece that was 2018’s God of War is a worthy sequel and surprisingly a finish to Kratos’ journey to Midgard and his relationship with his son. I have always said God of War is my favorite PlayStation franchise. Something about the series just feels right for me. Maybe it’s because I took a Greek mythology class and that piqued my interest. Or maybe, it’s the story of Kratos, who is a fallen man using his rage to take down the gods that wronged him. But in 2018, the series took a whole new turn. It introduced a conflicted Kratos, who is a different and much calmer former god, and has to deal with unexpected events following the passing of his wife and his new duties as father to Atreus.
Now let me get this out of the way right now, I liked the 2018 God of War more than this one. But before you get too mad (I’m aware some people absolutely adore this game), I still really loved it. The main cons for me are that the game does at times feel like an extended DLC. I also personally preferred the set up of the first one with the Lake of Nine instead jumping thought portals, which made it feel somewhat linear. There is also a twist I won’t spoil for anyone that hasn’t played it, that introduced a gameplay aspect I didn’t hate, but just kept feeling it was mostly unnecessary outside of the story elements it brought. And lastly, I did find the narrative to be very fast-paced and it felt like (to me) the planned third game was being squeezed in without much thought.
But this still is very much the game I was hyped for. Combat still feels great and the exploration is still there, despite me feeling it was less open like the first. The characters are every bit as good as you expect, and they even introduce new interesting ones that add to story. I especially loved the dynamic with Thor, making him more than just a villain or boss, but adding a human side and story arc to him. Odin was a great villain with a sort of… car salesman type personality that worked just as good as the tyrannical corrupt version of Zeus in the original trilogy. And just a quick note that Heimdall was one AMAZING villain and it felt so good when I finally go to fight him. A perfect character to make you hate so you enjoy getting your hands on him. Plus, the allies even brought in new characters like Freya’s brother and a new and important friend for Atreus (who I really wished we got to know better).
Overall, I really loved God of War: Ragnarök, even though I still slightly prefer the 2018 predecessor. The boss battles (and even some lesser battles) feel epic and grand, just as the series has always done. The wrap up of the story of Kratos and Atreus’ father and son arc is done nicely, despite what I felt was at times a rushed narrative. This a great entry to the series and it was fun going on another journey with Kratos. I can only hope his next journey is just as amazing as these two in Norse mythology have been. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this game.
FINAL SCORE - 4.5 / 5
No XBC3?