Recent reviews by neoncat

Streamlined mechanics, satisfying abilities, and complex emergent strategies! Definitely one of the greatest games of 2018!

Beneath the artsy veneer is a well-designed and complex emergent platformer. The mechanics are straightforward and quickly discovered, with minimal (though satisfying) variation as the game progresses. And yet, the endgame demands a mastery of these mechanics which combines split-second precision with frantic fore-planning.

Thematic elements draw a lot of ire, and perhaps rightly so in the early game, where they may obscure the depth of the core platforming mechanics. As the game progresses, these elements grow into a pleasant ambience which complements rather than obscures.

The ending is one of the most fantastic I've ever encountered, where mechanics and thematic elements come together unexpectedly to produce a truly unique experience, a disruption of the sense of attachment and satisfaction accumulated over the course of "mastering" the game.

(At slight risk of spoilers, the reward of Starseed Pilgrim is the journey of learning how it works. If you prefer a cutscene and a pat on the back after pillaging a game for achievements, you'll hate it. Go play something with a progress bar.)

The demo was better and entirely unlike the actual game, which is strictly linear.

You walk down a hallway until you die. And then you do it again. And again. And again, for as long as you can stand repeating the opening narration. Sadly, the jokes are few and far between, and too often mistake self-reference for wit. There's just no point to playing (which - spoilers - is the point).

Go watch it on youtube (2x speed) if you're curious.

A mashup of collectible card games with D&D, plus a healthy dose of humorous nostalgia. It's got an adorable art style, constantly shifting tactical combat, and a wonderful community.

It's also Free-to-Play, but not in a bad way. You could play through almost the entire game without spending anything, but you can pay for a set of *even more* adventures (~20 more on top of the 50-odd free ones), get a slight boost in the number of items that drop, or go for excellent cosmetic upgrades.

It's the bestest!!