Epic Free Game Reviews

In this episode, we discuss the 2015 game Jotun: Valhalla Edition, which Epic gave away from December 6 to December 12, 2019. We continue from last time with discussions of game/environmental design and aesthetics, after first discussion the philosophy behind achievements and Souls-like games. We also talk about what we are look for in walkthroughs for games and how bad Ray feels about Mimir, and how we don't feel bad for the most important character in Jotun - George Manders. 

In this episode, we discuss the 2013 game Rayman Legends, which Epic gave away from November 29 to December 6, 2019. This game prompted a lot of discussion about different game elements, from what makes a mascot iconic, to music and art direction, to pacing and accessibility. We also think about themes of dreams from a psychoanalytic perspective, proclaims that feminism sells!, and think about the pastiche elements of this game.

In this episode, we discuss the game Epic gave away from November 21 to November 29, 2019, the 2018 strategy game Bad North. We start with a conversation on why Vikings and the Middle Ages remain such fascinating subjects for popular culture, think about the function of a tutorial in a game, discuss item philosophies, active and passive abilities, and ask "What itch is this?" R/ bald also makes an appearance.

In this episode we discuss the game that Epic gave away from November 14 to 21, 2019, the action platformer from 2018 The Messenger. We ask the important questions, like What is the rhetorical situations of ninjas? and Is this the Victorian era Matrix? We also delve into ideas of nostalgia and games in terms of sound design and mechanics, the role of the hero's journey as a structuring concept, and how to tell good stories. 

In this episode, we discuss the game that Epic gave away from November 7 to 14, 2019, the 2015 Roguelike Nuclear Throne. This allows us to discuss our own favorite game genres, dodging in games, the follies of figuring out "how long to beat" a game is, eating shredded cheese and playing NBA Jam, what supermarket Walt Whitman would shop at, and so much more!

In this episode, we discuss the 2017 twin-stick shooter Ruiner, which Epic gave away from November 7 to November14, 2019. This allows conversations about the role of game adaptations to film and television, if games need a plot, the aesthetics of the future, and how indie games pay homage to the 80s and 90s. 

In this episode, we discuss horror sci fi game SOMA, which Epic gave away from October 31 to November 7, 2019. We discuss the role of space in popular culture, what works and doesn't work for a protagonist, the ethics of the game (and what makes moral choice meaningful), and the mechanics of opening toilets in games. Overall, we liked this game - it is well done, cares for the player, puzzles are not too opaque - but also feel there are...too many of these games. After Observer, Metro, Conarium, et al., these games are feeling same-y.

In this episode, we discuss the cute 2010 RPG Costume Quest,  which Epic gave away from October 31 to November 7, 2019. This allows us to talk about Halloween as a cultural phenomenon, including our own experiences with the holiday (and our anger that the game doesn't focus much on candy!). We also talk about the role of cultural signifiers like suburbia, twins, and yetis, how earnest and campy the game is, and the way that indie games get caught up in corporate politics.

In this episode, we discuss the 2018 puzzle game Q.U.B.E. 2, which Epic gave away for free from October 24 to October 31, 2019. This opens conversations about science fiction world-building, the role of science in our world, and how the cultural zeitgeist affects how we play games. Overall we felt pretty positively about this game, especially in how it didn't feel like it was trying to be heavy-handed, how its difficulty remained moderate and accessible, and how seamless the mechanics felt.

In this episode, we discuss the 2016 horror game Layers of Fear, which Epic gave away from October 24 to October 31, 2019. We focus on thinking about intertextuality in games (with the many Dorian Gray references in this game), the use of art and aesthetics in games, the effects of streaming culture on game development, and themes of gender and alcoholism, especially as they are rooted in Victorian morality. Our overall assessment is that we weren't super hyped on this game (because it felt shallow and repetitive), but that it is worth a play for a short artistic experience, especially if you like jump scares. Or feel sad for Lord Byron.