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For Games Ranked 7–4
7.
Tim-Tim 2: The Almighty Gnome
by
Spoonweaver
Release Type:
Original Release
Fuzzy Description:
In a world where two dimensions are looked onward, not downward, a powerful gnome must rescue his woman from the clutches of…er, a hand. Yeah… But he’s not going after her alone, oh no. Armed with a pet frog and a bunch of magical reading scrolls, our hero will run, jump, and blast his way into the enemy’s stronghold to win back his lady, assuming he can find his way there.
Average Score:
Total Voters:
Highest Rating:
10
Lowest Rating:
5
Achievements
Achievement
Hopping To It
-The action starts in the middle of the short tutorial, but the adventure doesn’t actually begin until Tim-Tim’s pet frog climbs under his hat.
Achievement
Aw, I Wanna Be an RPG!
-Spoonweaver wanted to enter Tim-Tim 2: The Almighty Gnome into this year’s contest, even though it’s not an RPG. I agreed because it’s a quality game with a lengthy playtime, and I’m tired of trying to please everyone. At this point, the OHR has extended beyond RPGs, so the heart is adaptable, and I’m okay with that.
Achievement
Master of the Second Dimension
–Tim-Tim 2: The Almighty Gnome is an OHR side-scroller with the smoothest controls of its type. Given its source engine, it probably has no right being this smooth. Yet, here we are.
Achievement
Adaptable Heart
-As I said in “Aw, I Wanna Be an RPG!” the OHR has adapted to include all types of games, so its heart has, too. It’s the nature of change.
Achievement
Like a Bowser
-The first boss, Steve, is basically a giant Bowser without spikes on his back.
Achievement
MetroooidVaaaNIA!
-Although Tim-Tim 2: The Almighty Gnome doesn’t carry every hallmark of a standard Metroidvania, it certainly comes closer than any OHR game in recent times.
Achievement
Wrong Scroll, Dummy
–Tim-Tim 2: The Almighty Gnome has smooth controls, but it’s still easy to mess up scroll selection and throw the wrong element at the wrong item.
Achievement
Hopping To It
-The action starts in the middle of the short tutorial, but the adventure doesn’t actually begin until Tim-Tim’s pet frog climbs under his hat.
Achievement
Master of the Second Dimension
–Tim-Tim 2: The Almighty Gnome is an OHR side-scroller with the smoothest controls of its type. Given its source engine, it probably has no right being this smooth. Yet, here we are.
Achievement
MetroooidVaaaNIA!
-Although Tim-Tim 2: The Almighty Gnome doesn’t carry every hallmark of a standard Metroidvania, it certainly comes closer than any OHR game in recent times.
Achievement
Aw, I Wanna Be an RPG!
-Spoonweaver wanted to enter Tim-Tim 2: The Almighty Gnome into this year’s contest, even though it’s not an RPG. I agreed because it’s a quality game with a lengthy playtime, and I’m tired of trying to please everyone. At this point, the OHR has extended beyond RPGs, so the heart is adaptable, and I’m okay with that.
Achievement
Adaptable Heart
-As I said in “Aw, I Wanna Be an RPG!” the OHR has adapted to include all types of games, so its heart has, too. It’s the nature of change.
Achievement
Wrong Scroll, Dummy
–Tim-Tim 2: The Almighty Gnome has smooth controls, but it’s still easy to mess up scroll selection and throw the wrong element at the wrong item.
Achievement
Like a Bowser
-The first boss, Steve, is basically a giant Bowser without spikes on his back.
Audience Consensus:
Comes with some of the smoothest movement controls for a side-scroller on the OHR. Floating under a ceiling makes for a satisfying feeling. Gameplay may take some getting used to, of course, but it works well once the rules are understood. Each map provides multiple paths for advancing, even when the hero’s powers run out. That said, opening areas are too similar to each other to hint at progression. And throwing rocks isn’t powerful enough to cause any real damage against enemies. Maps could also benefit from having distinctive backgrounds look less same-y. But it’s fine. Pretty standard platformer overall. Ultimately well-designed and well-executed for an OHR side-scroller.
6.
Forget-Me-Not
by
Prifurin
Release Type:
Original Release
Fuzzy Description:
A young girl returns to a gothic castle where the plants have become sentient and taken over the place. Can she solve their riddles and make it to her safe place?
Or will they convince her to wither away alongside of them?
Average Score:
Total Voters:
Highest Rating:
9
Lowest Rating:
5
Achievements
Achievement
Plants Gone Wild
-In Forget-Me-Not, the plants have taken over the mansion.
Achievement
The Tim Burton Award
-Like “Prettiest Sadness,” but specifically targeted to a particular quirky aesthetic, the Tim Burton Award belongs to any game that best resembles a Tim Burton movie. So far, Forget-Me-Not is the only winner.
Achievement
Planty Bysshe Shelley
-Percy Bysshe Shelley was a well-known romantic poet from the early nineteenth century, most famous for writing the poem “Ozymandias” and marrying Frankenstein author Mary Shelley. Forget-Me-Not is a romantic, poetic, and gothic kind of game, short enough to play in a single sitting while powerful enough to toy with the emotions (like a poem).
Achievement
Pianos, Plants, and Puzzles
–Forget-Me-Not is a short game involving hidden switches and correct conversational responses, each designed to keep the music playing and the plants from murdering our protagonist.
Achievement
Short Shift
-Another 9 to 5 hi-lo voter reference, mixed with the fact that the game takes 30 minutes to finish.
Achievement
Prettiest Sadness
–Forget-Me-Not is a good-looking game with a dark and melancholy vibe. Bale (2018) was the previous game to win this award.
Achievement
Facelift of the OHR
-I almost didn’t admit Forget-Me-Not into this year’s contest because I’d thought for sure it had been built on a different engine. The design looks just like an RPG Maker game. But the executable proves it’s OHR. Impressive!
Achievement
Plants Gone Wild
-In Forget-Me-Not, the plants have taken over the mansion.
Achievement
Planty Bysshe Shelley
-Percy Bysshe Shelley was a well-known romantic poet from the early nineteenth century, most famous for writing the poem “Ozymandias” and marrying Frankenstein author Mary Shelley. Forget-Me-Not is a romantic, poetic, and gothic kind of game, short enough to play in a single sitting while powerful enough to toy with the emotions (like a poem).
Achievement
Prettiest Sadness
–Forget-Me-Not is a good-looking game with a dark and melancholy vibe. Bale (2018) was the previous game to win this award.
Achievement
The Tim Burton Award
-Like “Prettiest Sadness,” but specifically targeted to a particular quirky aesthetic, the Tim Burton Award belongs to any game that best resembles a Tim Burton movie. So far, Forget-Me-Not is the only winner.
Achievement
Pianos, Plants, and Puzzles
–Forget-Me-Not is a short game involving hidden switches and correct conversational responses, each designed to keep the music playing and the plants from murdering our protagonist.
Achievement
Facelift of the OHR
-I almost didn’t admit Forget-Me-Not into this year’s contest because I’d thought for sure it had been built on a different engine. The design looks just like an RPG Maker game. But the executable proves it’s OHR. Impressive!
Achievement
Short Shift
-Another 9 to 5 hi-lo voter reference, mixed with the fact that the game takes 30 minutes to finish.
Audience Consensus:
Weird but intriguing. Looks almost like it’s made on another engine, with its two-tone fonts and vivid text portraits. Stylish graphics draws in interest, but the confusing map design raises too many questions about the puzzles. Are those vines important or are they just there for decoration? Mystery surrounding the game is ultimately just a list of unexplained things that have no eventual meaning. And it’s very short. But its style is undeniably powerful.
5.
Walthros Renewal
by
The Wobbler
Release Type:
Remake Release
Fuzzy Description:
There’s a universe where Bob Surlaw saves the world. There’s another universe where Bob Surlaw lives millennia after his lookalike saves the world. These stories of old are legendary, but are these Surlaws the same? And has the event that imperiled the world millennia ago about to happen again?
And just how tasty is the food in this brave new world?
Average Score:
Total Voters:
Highest Rating:
10
Lowest Rating:
5
Achievements
Achievement
Back in Bloat
-Most of the cast of the original Walthros returns in this epic adventure. And, well, they’re bigger than before thanks to larger walkabout graphics support.
Achievement
Red Hot Chili Pepper
-Among its many fun subplots, Walthros Renewal features an in-game reality show about a sentient pepper named Mr. Pepper who goes on trial for murdering his farmer. But did he do it? Find more videos to unlock the answers! (And maybe wait for the finished game, as the demo doesn’t actually go past the first episode.)
Achievement
The Real Adventure
-Since the final release of Walthros in 2002, the community has seen a wealth of short in-universe games as follow-ups and one unfinished sequel. Walthros Renewal marks the first major return to the series since Surlaw Armageddon attempted to continue it, and the first on track to completion since the original game.
Achievement
Deluxe Edition
-Everything about Walthros Renewal is richer than its original predecessor. Bigger, more colorful graphics. Deeper and sometimes more obnoxious sound design (with obnoxious being part of the fun). And even the side quests have more meaning and player motivation. It’s just bigger and better. It’s deluxe!
Achievement
The Sound and Some Furry
-Arguably one of only two games in this season’s Heart of the OHR that has memorable sound effects (Tough Girl Gina being the other). The difference here is that, unlike Tough Girl Gina, Walthros Renewal has a nonhuman, non-robot cast.
Achievement
Burpin’ Bobble
–Walthros Renewal comes with access to arcade games, including Burpin’ Bros., a faithful recreation of the classic Bubble Bobble, but featuring Walthrosian characters.
Achievement
Eccentric Cast Award
–Walthros has many well-known characteristics about it, but chief is its large cast of eccentric characters, from the star hoverfish, Bob Surlaw, to the seal with wings, to the grumpy walrus, to the magical rabbit, to the brave dinosaur superhero trio, and on it goes. Walthros Renewal brings much of this cast back as any careful series would do, but modernizes it for a new generation.
Achievement
Bathrooms of Mystery
-It wouldn’t be a game by The Wobbler if it didn’t have inaccessible bathrooms with a rich backstory on every map.
Achievement
Super Title Cards
–Walthros Renewal sets a high bar for quality of life when it uses title graphics to signify entrance into a new area.
Achievement
Back in Bloat
-Most of the cast of the original Walthros returns in this epic adventure. And, well, they’re bigger than before thanks to larger walkabout graphics support.
Achievement
Deluxe Edition
-Everything about Walthros Renewal is richer than its original predecessor. Bigger, more colorful graphics. Deeper and sometimes more obnoxious sound design (with obnoxious being part of the fun). And even the side quests have more meaning and player motivation. It’s just bigger and better. It’s deluxe!
Achievement
Eccentric Cast Award
–Walthros has many well-known characteristics about it, but chief is its large cast of eccentric characters, from the star hoverfish, Bob Surlaw, to the seal with wings, to the grumpy walrus, to the magical rabbit, to the brave dinosaur superhero trio, and on it goes. Walthros Renewal brings much of this cast back as any careful series would do, but modernizes it for a new generation.
Achievement
Red Hot Chili Pepper
-Among its many fun subplots, Walthros Renewal features an in-game reality show about a sentient pepper named Mr. Pepper who goes on trial for murdering his farmer. But did he do it? Find more videos to unlock the answers! (And maybe wait for the finished game, as the demo doesn’t actually go past the first episode.)
Achievement
The Sound and Some Furry
-Arguably one of only two games in this season’s Heart of the OHR that has memorable sound effects (Tough Girl Gina being the other). The difference here is that, unlike Tough Girl Gina, Walthros Renewal has a nonhuman, non-robot cast.
Achievement
Bathrooms of Mystery
-It wouldn’t be a game by The Wobbler if it didn’t have inaccessible bathrooms with a rich backstory on every map.
Achievement
The Real Adventure
-Since the final release of Walthros in 2002, the community has seen a wealth of short in-universe games as follow-ups and one unfinished sequel. Walthros Renewal marks the first major return to the series since Surlaw Armageddon attempted to continue it, and the first on track to completion since the original game.
Achievement
Burpin’ Bobble
–Walthros Renewal comes with access to arcade games, including Burpin’ Bros., a faithful recreation of the classic Bubble Bobble, but featuring Walthrosian characters.
Achievement
Super Title Cards
–Walthros Renewal sets a high bar for quality of life when it uses title graphics to signify entrance into a new area.
Audience Consensus:
Fun game with the usual Walthros-inspired charm, weirdness, and funkiness the series is so well-known for. Exploration serves as a major part of the game, adding depth to an already impressive adventure story. Large walkabouts make for a more lived-in experience, even if they also expose how empty maps feel when only one NPC can be seen. Of course, using large walkabouts also calls into question how interesting the main character is compared to everyone else if everyone else has more detail in their character graphics. But the cons are minimal. Overall, it’s a rich game with top-notch world-building, fun side quests, and nuanced character development. It understands its lore well. It also enhances the experience with flavor text. Using screen titles to announce each area is a nice touch. Also has an interesting way to interact with team members (phone). Includes mini-games to deliver variation in gameplay. In fact, the only true negatives are that battles lack any real power, and the music doesn’t always fit the moment. But those things are forgivable because Burpin’ Bros! Overall, a worthy entry into the Walthros universe.
4.
Katja’s Abyss: Tactics
by
Kylekrack
Release Type:
Original Release
Fuzzy Description:
Minesweeper is for cheapskates. The real challenge lies in unit purchasing, tactical movement, upgrades, rocks, EXPLOSIONS, gems, drills, and a foreman named Katja who has no trouble throwing you into subterranean danger, as long as you’re willing to receive a score for your success, assuming you survive.
Average Score:
(actually tied for 3rd)
Total Voters:
Highest Rating:
10
Lowest Rating:
4
Achievements
Achievement
Good Buddy
–Katja’s Abyss: Tactics scores a hi-lo value of 10–4, which sounds much like the words a trucker or drill operator may tell his fellow drivers before signing off with “Good Buddy.”
Achievement
Your Move, Creep!
–Robocop callback! Katja’s Abyss: Tactics features robotic mining equipment creeping around a subterranean cavern while using a turn-based active points system to move, act, and respond.
Achievement
What’s the Points?
-Completing a map in Katja’s Abyss: Tactics rewards the player with a score value and mission effectiveness grade.
Achievement
Katja’s Amiss
-Until the last stretch of votes came in, it was almost certain Katja’s Abyss: Tactics would take the lead and win the whole thing. In fact, it was so likely to win that most of the community was genuinely shocked to learn that it had not only lost, but that it essentially came in fourth (tied for third with Vikings of Midgard, with Vikings inching ahead for its narrower voter spread, even though Katja Abyss: Tactics has more 10s). Because I could see all the votes coming in, and because I could see how close the vote was getting, I warned the community not to assume the winner until all positions were announced. The final position of Katja’s Abyss: Tactics proves that it’s not over until it’s over.
Achievement
Happy HUD
–Katja’s Abyss: Tactics has a pleasant and intuitive user-interface, complete with clear objectives and available action points system onscreen via its intelligent heads-up display. Easy to read and understand while also informing the player of his progress.
Achievement
Blow Up Device
-Even though units are replaceable and upgradeable, things still go boom in Katja’s Abyss: Tactics if you mine the wrong thing.
Achievement
Super Nintendo Callback
–Katja’s Abyss: Tactics has the authentic look and feel of a 1994-era Super Nintendo tactical game.
Achievement
A Miner Setback
-Because Katja’s Abyss: Tactics is essentially Minesweeper for people who like games, part of its gameplay is to drill a wall and discover the explosive inside just as it damages or destroys the mining unit that drilled it.
Achievement
Audience Favorite
-Everyone was convinced that Katja’s Abyss: Tactics would not only win the contest but do so in a landslide. Even RedMaverickZero, this year’s actual winner, was surprised to learn that Katja had not only failed to win, but hadn’t even Kylekracked the Top 3. This surprise was justified because, up until the last round of votes, it was not only in the lead, but holding it steadily. But as it goes, the shift of a contest lead comes down to nuance, and the nuance in this case tipped out of Katja’s favor in the last gasp of votes. Note: This award is also known as “Fan Favorite.”
Achievement
Good Buddy
–Katja’s Abyss: Tactics scores a hi-lo value of 10–4, which sounds much like the words a trucker or drill operator may tell his fellow drivers before signing off with “Good Buddy.”
Achievement
Katja’s Amiss
-Until the last stretch of votes came in, it was almost certain Katja’s Abyss: Tactics would take the lead and win the whole thing. In fact, it was so likely to win that most of the community was genuinely shocked to learn that it had not only lost, but that it essentially came in fourth (tied for third with Vikings of Midgard, with Vikings inching ahead for its narrower voter spread, even though Katja Abyss: Tactics has more 10s). Because I could see all the votes coming in, and because I could see how close the vote was getting, I warned the community not to assume the winner until all positions were announced. The final position of Katja’s Abyss: Tactics proves that it’s not over until it’s over.
Achievement
Super Nintendo Callback
–Katja’s Abyss: Tactics has the authentic look and feel of a 1994-era Super Nintendo tactical game.
Achievement
Your Move, Creep!
–Robocop callback! Katja’s Abyss: Tactics features robotic mining equipment creeping around a subterranean cavern while using a turn-based active points system to move, act, and respond.
Achievement
Happy HUD
–Katja’s Abyss: Tactics has a pleasant and intuitive user-interface, complete with clear objectives and available action points system onscreen via its intelligent heads-up display. Easy to read and understand while also informing the player of his progress.
Achievement
A Miner Setback
-Because Katja’s Abyss: Tactics is essentially Minesweeper for people who like games, part of its gameplay is to drill a wall and discover the explosive inside just as it damages or destroys the mining unit that drilled it.
Achievement
What’s the Points?
-Completing a map in Katja’s Abyss: Tactics rewards the player with a score value and mission effectiveness grade.
Achievement
Blow Up Device
-Even though units are replaceable and upgradeable, things still go boom in Katja’s Abyss: Tactics if you mine the wrong thing.
Achievement
Audience Favorite
-Everyone was convinced that Katja’s Abyss: Tactics would not only win the contest but do so in a landslide. Even RedMaverickZero, this year’s actual winner, was surprised to learn that Katja had not only failed to win, but hadn’t even Kylekracked the Top 3. This surprise was justified because, up until the last round of votes, it was not only in the lead, but holding it steadily. But as it goes, the shift of a contest lead comes down to nuance, and the nuance in this case tipped out of Katja’s favor in the last gasp of votes. Note: This award is also known as “Fan Favorite.”
Audience Consensus:
What’s not to love about this game? Has a strong concept. Obsessively polished. Well-designed and well-executed. A bit on the easy side if you know what you’re doing. Graphics could be improved, of course. Slow, methodical, and takes a little getting used to, especially when trying to figure out what the buttons do. Gets tedious after a while when mines become more frequent. Losing a unit also doesn’t carry the stakes that it should, especially when every tile is a mine. But these amount to nitpicks when comparing them to the greater context of the game. In general, the game is well-constructed and thought-out. Looks like a good fit for the SNES. Should actually be OHR Game of the Year given its polish and design. Not an RPG, but that’s okay at this point. Smart take on Minesweeper.
