Sam Harkin
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Writing For
Checkpoint GamingLatest Reviews
Co-op games have grown a lot. Back in the day, the genre felt like it was somewhat swallowed up by other styles of game such as the shooter. Despite this, co-op developers never stopped making new titles for two from all corners. The work of Hazelight studios, among a crowd of other indie developers, has demonstrated how cooperative gameplay can work in any context.
If you had asked me weeks ago, I doubted that I’d be presenting a review for JETT: The Far Shore without seeing the end credits. Although unfortunately, mere days before the game was released, my save data corrupted during an update and I lost all progress. With that said though, I did see A LOT of this game. It was an experience considerably lengthier than I expected. But what I found most unbelievable is the feeling of relief when I decided I was not going to start from the beginning and ...
I don’t know if I’m just a bit of a hermit, but it’s rare that I actually sink my teeth into an exclusively multiplayer experience. Sure, some of it is just not wanting to deal with toxic people in chat. However, some of it comes down to the feeling that multiplayer tends to sacrifice the individual experience in favour of larger servers. Chivalry 2 shows that you can have both mechanical complexity and large servers, though it is not without some frustrations.
It’s odd talking about A Fold Apart given the circumstances. At present, we are a few weeks into COVID-19 shutdown. Friends and family are separated, and only through technology can we maintain any modicum of a relationship. A Fold Apart feels like quite the reflection of the world today. In it, a couple struggles to maintain their connection despite the vast distance. However, not unlike self-isolation, the game can feel confusing and uncomfortable.
Long ago, an archaeological excavation uncovered the Gates, portals to other worlds. The areas beyond the Gates, referred to as “Dungeons”, laid as habitats for both fearsome monsters and vast riches. Heroes came from far and wide to attain their fortune. With the influx of heroes came the demand for items, and from the community of item shops sprung forth the commercial town of Rynoka. Will always wanted to be a hero, but fate stood against him. His parents were not heroes, but merchants...