Recent reviews by Angry Owl

..and here I thought XCOM could get annoying with its RNG..

(game's fun, runs are brief, music's great - perfrect for short play sessions)

+

Ori1 X 1.5
Basically everything original Ori is good at this sequel inherits.
Most notable improvements went into the combat (multiple optional weapons, more enemy types, Hollow Knight-like charm system) and basic quest system (also extends the character cast).

Oh and stupendously good visual and sound design is still here.
As with the Blind Forest this one is a metroidvania on rails (if that makes any sense), tightly built and orchestrated first and foremost for a player to experiece the story, meaning that only few crossroads exist here.

Easy recommended for returning players and platformer fans!

Gorgeous-looking game with a stellar soundtrack to match plus simple yet solid gameplay.
Primarily focused on engaging (and ocassionally heart wrenching) story and, in between, keeping you entertained with occasionally challenging platforming (little to no focus on combat - though this has changed in the sequel).
Light on metroidvania attibutes (depending on your tastes could be con or pro; if you do crave proper metroidvania - get Hollow Knight).

good

---
In a single sentence: this game isn't flawless, yet it is superb "Ace Combat" kind of game while not being an "Ace Combat" itself.
It's got all the ingredients for it:
- tight and tough gameplay (checkpoint absence might upset some)
- great graphics (falling slightly behind AC7 in post processing department)
- wonderful music setting the right tone for each mission (dogfight furball and off-shore platforms op are my favorite)
- story gives off this vague and obscure (in a good way) kind of vibe. Yes, it's lacking in scale and world-building (no cut-scenes too). Dev's got a solid foundation, hopefully they expand upon in the future

And PW also one-ups it's inspiration in some aspects and details (e.g. multiple special weapons in single load out, voiced WSO, competent friendlies, boss introductions).
<< Easy recommendation for AC fans >>

fun and charming

awesome!

Fun and challenging puzzler!
UPD (Aug 2020): Hard Difficulty for infinite mode is exactly what it needed, thanks devs!

More of not-castlevania platformer!

Pretty much everything that you may enjoy (faithful graphics, challenge) and hate (knockback and pits) from the 1st game applies here as well.
The only changes that come to mind are:
- CotM2 seems more difficult than CotM1 (corgi does simplify platforming, yet still around half-point game gets significantly harder)
- more enemies with some returning ones
- checkpoints made more obvious
- more character building and story bits (in 8bit style so it's rather minimalistic)
- (purely subjective) the soundtrack in 1st game was slightly more memorable

All in all a fun and challenging game for folks to relive their childhood gaming experiences (and grievances..).

PS: oh, is it better than CotM1? I'd say yes, but only marginally, if you're on the fence about getting into it, pick the cheaper one.

Haven't played AC since PS1 era, not regretting getting this one.
It's fun, story-rich, nice-looking flight game (same as its early installments).