Recent reviews by Axelrod

Picture if a whole puzzle game was designed around the Double Cherry from Super Mario 3D World, which is one of my favorite Mario power-ups. I haven't beaten the game yet, but there are some very clever and satisfying puzzles to solve here. The options are not overwhelming like some other puzzle games, so it's fun to work through. I recommend this so far for anyone who likes puzzles that make creative use of space.

One of the greatest and most influential games of all time, with one of the most unnecessary remakes of all time.

At best the additions are novel. Most of the songs in the "remastered" soundtrack are fine, but not better than the original. There are added difficulty modes that just change the amount of health you have, and while the easy mode is good for inexperienced players the game's difficulty curve was already very well crafted in the first place. Hard mode just forces you to not pick up any health upgrades, something simple to do if you wanted to impose it on yourself in the original. The other extra game modes are not substantial.

At worst the "additions" actually detract from the experience. One of the 3 optional soundtrack options is an abomination. The extra fidelity on the sprites is often a step backward: you can see a more of some characters' facial features but their expressions never change so it looks soulless. Their official translation often feels like it was trying too hard not to be the original fan translation, adding some cheap jokes and removing classic lines.

The only circumstance where I would reccomend you get this version of the game is if you want to support the developer who spent 5 years making the original and released it for free. Even then, I don't know how much money actually goes to him and not the company who took a free game and made a bunch of unwanted changes just so they could charge people for it.

If you do end up playing this version of the game first, play it with the included options for original soundtrack and art. You can try the updated visuals and music on your inevitable repeat playthrough, because you will love this game.

It's sad when the best way to play a premium version of the game is to emulate the free version as closely as possible.

Anyone who can appreciate 2D platforming games should play this; it nails every single aspect of its design.
- Every gameplay mechanic is taught actively and without exposition, in a subtle but smart way. You don't have to read anything, you'll learn everything you need to know just by playing. Every single room in the game is engaging without being cheap.
- The soundtrack manages to be BOTH atmospheric and memorable, with songs that both fit the theme of the level and feature catchy melodies - every single one. No game has done this so consistently before in my experience.
- Every boss and NPC has a unique design. The color palette is bright and vibrant but not sore on the eyes. Each villager feels like a real person. The bosses are fun to fight against; they overwhelm you at first but you pick up on their patterns and beat them in a satisfying way.
- It uses the Souls series death system: you lose money if you die unless you can make it back to the spot where you died on your next try. In my opinion more games should implement this as it's a great balance between punishing failure and rewarding consistency.
- It doesn't overstay its welcome. It's a short and satisfying game you can complete in a weekend.
If you read my entire post then do yourself a favor and buy this game.