Video Game Experience : Personal and Unbiased

Completed : Shank (co-op mode) The first single screen Co-op game I had played in a long time. Made me remember how fun they are although doesn't do complete justice to the genre. Traditional beat em up side scroller with fluid modern combat and sharp comic style presentation. It not only fails to escape the problems of most beat em ups where the combat is bound to be repetitive after some time, but it also adds to these problems with lack of any progression and a few control issues of its own. Wish the whole main game was made for Co-op only instead of a short separate one. Individual special power ups and different abilities could have made coordination more appealing which was limited to only dividing the direction of attack and double team moves when needed. What made the grind worth it were well designed tough boss fights at the end of each mass-slaughtering level which required creativity, patience and finally lots of teamwork. Overall, Shank

Completed : ICO ICO had been in my backlog from a long time. Being exhausted by some of the modern cinematic games,felt the perfect time to indulge into this cult classic. Was worried if this seventeen year old game's dated controls,camera and mechanics would hurt my experience. I would be lying if it didn't, but I was willing to get over them to absorb every compelling moment the game had to offer. These moments along with satisfying puzzles,subtle music and a mystical atmosphere combine in great harmony to give out a strong emotional experience. Also, the unusual save system adds a relaxing element to counter the tense environment. The team has a unique approach to Storytelling. Very few video games are able to tell their story through gameplay relying on repeated forced cutscenes and dialogues. And this kind is so much more affecting. Being trapped in an isolated castle with no one but a mysterious girl, with whom you have to not only escape but als