by
Evan Norris
published 7 hours ago / 422 Views
Over the years, I've been lucky enough to cover the work of many different developers and publishers from around the world. In some cases, after playing several titles in a row from a specific game maker, I gained a deeper appreciation of the studio's portfolio and a better understanding of its design philosophy and trajectory. I've also noticed if a company is spinning its wheels or firing on all cylinders. In the case of publisher Spike Chunsoft, in the year 2024, the latter is largely the case. Over the past 12 months, I've been lucky enough to review four of their games, two of which I consider GOTY contenders and the other two I consider tantalizingly close to greatness.
In fact, as a publisher, Spike Chunsoft has had an exceptional year, one of the best in its history, I would say. It all started early, in February, with the launch of Shiren the Wandering: The Mysterious Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island. Without taking into account a couple of ports, the shiren The series had been dormant for over a decade heading into 2024. However, despite the long gap between new entries, the series shows no signs of rust. In fact, thanks to Snake IslandIt's as strong as ever. The roguelike RPG, which pulls no punches and punishes the unprepared, is one of the best entries in the long-running franchise, thanks to an obscene amount of content, extraordinary replay value, and superb gameplay. fascinating and demanding tactic.
One of the most engaging and rewarding parts of the game is the feeling of an ever-expanding world, both in terms of location and narrative. As you explore the island, whether you ultimately succeed or fail to reach your goal, you'll unlock new areas, meet new NPCs, trigger unforeseen subplots and side quests, and generally discover activities hidden beneath the surface. Even when you fail, which happens in most cases, a new path or opportunity will open up.
Spike Chunsoft followed Snake Islandone of the best role-playing games of 2024, with Natsu-Mon: 20th century summer boyone of the most impactful games I have ever played in my entire life, despite the performance issues. A spiritual successor to boku no natsuyasumi series, Natsu Mon It follows a young man named Satoru during his summer vacation in the Japanese countryside. In terms of genre, the game falls into the life simulation camp, with a good dose of action-adventure and even some business simulation towards the end. But that description doesn't do the game justice. It is about much more than just its mechanical parts; Its true beauty comes from the emergent situations that tie everything together.
There is a beautiful sense of potential and spontaneity in Natsu Monas if every summer day were a blank page waiting to be written. You can go fishing, catch bugs, explore a deserted castle, or make friends with the quirky townspeople. Or you can sit on the porch and watch the world go by, the sky darken and the fireflies (and fireworks) take to the sky. And the next day, you can do something completely different and unlock a special moment you never saw coming.
While Natsu Mon could be the most memorable, Spike Chunsoft's next game, bakerIt is the best overall. In fact, I'd say it may be right up there with the best of 2024, including extraordinary titles like Balatro, Tekken 8, Unicorn Overlordand even Astrobot. It simply gives you everything you want in an action platformer and, in some cases, much more. His fighting gameplay is fast, fluid, and surprisingly nuanced, thanks to a variety of special moves and transformations. And its platforming challenges are inventive, challenging and endlessly surprising. You'll cross conveyor belts, swim through water jets, ride a roller coaster, escape giant snowballs, and dodge out-of-control rickshaws.
Additionally, you'll take part in some special scenarios, including auto-scrolling isometric levels (think Super Mario 3D World) and racing and gunning stages. You will also participate in several giant giant robot fights, in the style of Goemonto which baker He has a big debt. The game has a wonderful way of constantly surprising and delighting you.
So does the final title of this list, Master Detective Files: Rain Code Plusalthough in the most macabre way possible. Designed by Kazutaka Kodaka of danganronpa fame, is a crime-solving adventure with a high body count and even higher production values. While the game is never as interactive, difficult, or liberating as you'd like, it's impossible to fault its storytelling, art direction, character design, atmosphere, music, voice acting, or sense of style. It is simply a work of art.
It's also, hands down, the best way to experience the game. Not only the Further The version includes five additional substories previously released as DLC, but also features several technical improvements, including 4K support, improved shading and textures, and reduced loading times.
Thanks to two great games, and two almost great ones, publisher Spike Chunsoft has had a breakout year. Over the past 12 months, it has delivered an intensely challenging and deeply replayable roguelike RPG in Shiren the Wandering: The Mysterious Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island; a deeply moving and liberating life simulator in Natsu-Mon: 20th century summer boy; a tremendously imaginative and exciting action platform game in baker; and a menacing murder mystery with style to spare Master Detective Files: Rain Code Plus. I'm sure the company will continue to produce worthwhile games in 2025 and beyond, but 2024 will be a difficult year to follow.