Max Manco
@max-manco.bsky.social
Senior Game Designer on Magic: the Gathering Arena and Cedar Waxwing enthusiast. #wotcstaff
I'm on a cool island. There's lots of mountains.
March 15, 2025 at 3:26 AM
I'm on a cool island. There's lots of mountains.
3-0 at the prerelease with a great (car)pool! I think I cast every card in my deck at least once, which never happens...
February 8, 2025 at 10:42 PM
3-0 at the prerelease with a great (car)pool! I think I cast every card in my deck at least once, which never happens...
Tactical Breach Wizards
Surprisingly, the story is the standout here. It pulls you in with a silly premise and funny quips but manages some neat worldbuilding & twists.
Gameplay itself is a solid tactics package with cool character kits. I like the approach of using lots of optional challenges.
Surprisingly, the story is the standout here. It pulls you in with a silly premise and funny quips but manages some neat worldbuilding & twists.
Gameplay itself is a solid tactics package with cool character kits. I like the approach of using lots of optional challenges.
December 30, 2024 at 5:29 PM
Tactical Breach Wizards
Surprisingly, the story is the standout here. It pulls you in with a silly premise and funny quips but manages some neat worldbuilding & twists.
Gameplay itself is a solid tactics package with cool character kits. I like the approach of using lots of optional challenges.
Surprisingly, the story is the standout here. It pulls you in with a silly premise and funny quips but manages some neat worldbuilding & twists.
Gameplay itself is a solid tactics package with cool character kits. I like the approach of using lots of optional challenges.
Rivals of Aether II
I'm pretty picky about my Smash-likes but Aether Studios pulls out another win!
Fun kits as usual, and I like the implementation of grabs and special pummel.
I've got a few minor qualms but at the end of the day the game's lot of fun and I've already sunk many hours into it.
I'm pretty picky about my Smash-likes but Aether Studios pulls out another win!
Fun kits as usual, and I like the implementation of grabs and special pummel.
I've got a few minor qualms but at the end of the day the game's lot of fun and I've already sunk many hours into it.
December 9, 2024 at 3:55 AM
Rivals of Aether II
I'm pretty picky about my Smash-likes but Aether Studios pulls out another win!
Fun kits as usual, and I like the implementation of grabs and special pummel.
I've got a few minor qualms but at the end of the day the game's lot of fun and I've already sunk many hours into it.
I'm pretty picky about my Smash-likes but Aether Studios pulls out another win!
Fun kits as usual, and I like the implementation of grabs and special pummel.
I've got a few minor qualms but at the end of the day the game's lot of fun and I've already sunk many hours into it.
Nine Sols
Metroidvania fans are eating good this year!
While a bit linear and secret-light, this game has a cool 'Taopunk' aesthetic and some of the best combat all year. It's all about parrying and entering a follow state, not unlike Sekiro.
Also, I will say I quite enjoyed the plot by the end.
Metroidvania fans are eating good this year!
While a bit linear and secret-light, this game has a cool 'Taopunk' aesthetic and some of the best combat all year. It's all about parrying and entering a follow state, not unlike Sekiro.
Also, I will say I quite enjoyed the plot by the end.
December 6, 2024 at 4:03 AM
Nine Sols
Metroidvania fans are eating good this year!
While a bit linear and secret-light, this game has a cool 'Taopunk' aesthetic and some of the best combat all year. It's all about parrying and entering a follow state, not unlike Sekiro.
Also, I will say I quite enjoyed the plot by the end.
Metroidvania fans are eating good this year!
While a bit linear and secret-light, this game has a cool 'Taopunk' aesthetic and some of the best combat all year. It's all about parrying and entering a follow state, not unlike Sekiro.
Also, I will say I quite enjoyed the plot by the end.
Black Myth: Wukong
Pretty conflicted on this one.
Great enemy variety, but few encounters require actually engaging with the game's systems.
Good skill tree, but uninspired gear system.
Bland story, but incredible animated cutscenes.
Stopped playing but I would like to finish it if I can.
Pretty conflicted on this one.
Great enemy variety, but few encounters require actually engaging with the game's systems.
Good skill tree, but uninspired gear system.
Bland story, but incredible animated cutscenes.
Stopped playing but I would like to finish it if I can.
November 26, 2024 at 12:00 AM
Black Myth: Wukong
Pretty conflicted on this one.
Great enemy variety, but few encounters require actually engaging with the game's systems.
Good skill tree, but uninspired gear system.
Bland story, but incredible animated cutscenes.
Stopped playing but I would like to finish it if I can.
Pretty conflicted on this one.
Great enemy variety, but few encounters require actually engaging with the game's systems.
Good skill tree, but uninspired gear system.
Bland story, but incredible animated cutscenes.
Stopped playing but I would like to finish it if I can.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
I started many a JRPG this year, but this is the only one I saw to the end. I liked it!
Similar to Persona, but I enjoyed the setting, combat, and customization over P3. It was nice to leave the Highschool setting for classic fantasy. Simple but solid cast, plot & villain.
I started many a JRPG this year, but this is the only one I saw to the end. I liked it!
Similar to Persona, but I enjoyed the setting, combat, and customization over P3. It was nice to leave the Highschool setting for classic fantasy. Simple but solid cast, plot & villain.
November 20, 2024 at 3:50 AM
Metaphor: ReFantazio
I started many a JRPG this year, but this is the only one I saw to the end. I liked it!
Similar to Persona, but I enjoyed the setting, combat, and customization over P3. It was nice to leave the Highschool setting for classic fantasy. Simple but solid cast, plot & villain.
I started many a JRPG this year, but this is the only one I saw to the end. I liked it!
Similar to Persona, but I enjoyed the setting, combat, and customization over P3. It was nice to leave the Highschool setting for classic fantasy. Simple but solid cast, plot & villain.
ER: Shadows of the Erdtree
Guess I'll add my 2 cents since it got the GOTY nom.
An excellent follow-up to an already great base game. Lots of excellent secrets and thrilling fights. Cool lore, too.
That being said, I'm ready for something new from FS. Also, imho DLC shouldn't be GOTY eligible.
Guess I'll add my 2 cents since it got the GOTY nom.
An excellent follow-up to an already great base game. Lots of excellent secrets and thrilling fights. Cool lore, too.
That being said, I'm ready for something new from FS. Also, imho DLC shouldn't be GOTY eligible.
November 18, 2024 at 5:30 PM
ER: Shadows of the Erdtree
Guess I'll add my 2 cents since it got the GOTY nom.
An excellent follow-up to an already great base game. Lots of excellent secrets and thrilling fights. Cool lore, too.
That being said, I'm ready for something new from FS. Also, imho DLC shouldn't be GOTY eligible.
Guess I'll add my 2 cents since it got the GOTY nom.
An excellent follow-up to an already great base game. Lots of excellent secrets and thrilling fights. Cool lore, too.
That being said, I'm ready for something new from FS. Also, imho DLC shouldn't be GOTY eligible.
Home Safety Hotline
The concept of being a hotline operator and diagnosing callers' supernatural problems is a novel one, and the clues were often crafty.
Unfortunately I don't think it was quite my jam. The bestiary was full of repetitive entries and I didn't jive with the tone. Short, at least.
The concept of being a hotline operator and diagnosing callers' supernatural problems is a novel one, and the clues were often crafty.
Unfortunately I don't think it was quite my jam. The bestiary was full of repetitive entries and I didn't jive with the tone. Short, at least.
November 9, 2024 at 1:38 AM
Home Safety Hotline
The concept of being a hotline operator and diagnosing callers' supernatural problems is a novel one, and the clues were often crafty.
Unfortunately I don't think it was quite my jam. The bestiary was full of repetitive entries and I didn't jive with the tone. Short, at least.
The concept of being a hotline operator and diagnosing callers' supernatural problems is a novel one, and the clues were often crafty.
Unfortunately I don't think it was quite my jam. The bestiary was full of repetitive entries and I didn't jive with the tone. Short, at least.
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
Forgot about this one from earlier in the year!
Didn't end up finishing it but I did enjoy what I played. I would love to see it though but I'm sure I'd be lost if I booted it again.
Cool vibe and good to great puzzles. Lack of a back button was awkward, though.
Forgot about this one from earlier in the year!
Didn't end up finishing it but I did enjoy what I played. I would love to see it though but I'm sure I'd be lost if I booted it again.
Cool vibe and good to great puzzles. Lack of a back button was awkward, though.
October 22, 2024 at 11:43 AM
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes
Forgot about this one from earlier in the year!
Didn't end up finishing it but I did enjoy what I played. I would love to see it though but I'm sure I'd be lost if I booted it again.
Cool vibe and good to great puzzles. Lack of a back button was awkward, though.
Forgot about this one from earlier in the year!
Didn't end up finishing it but I did enjoy what I played. I would love to see it though but I'm sure I'd be lost if I booted it again.
Cool vibe and good to great puzzles. Lack of a back button was awkward, though.
Persona 3: Reload
I was told this had a more compelling story than 5 but the premise didn't grip me.
I still enjoy Persona's combo of snappy fights and time management but this felt like a downgrade. The game's single dungeon gets old fast and I quickly maxed my stats and ran out of activities.
I was told this had a more compelling story than 5 but the premise didn't grip me.
I still enjoy Persona's combo of snappy fights and time management but this felt like a downgrade. The game's single dungeon gets old fast and I quickly maxed my stats and ran out of activities.
October 10, 2024 at 5:34 PM
Persona 3: Reload
I was told this had a more compelling story than 5 but the premise didn't grip me.
I still enjoy Persona's combo of snappy fights and time management but this felt like a downgrade. The game's single dungeon gets old fast and I quickly maxed my stats and ran out of activities.
I was told this had a more compelling story than 5 but the premise didn't grip me.
I still enjoy Persona's combo of snappy fights and time management but this felt like a downgrade. The game's single dungeon gets old fast and I quickly maxed my stats and ran out of activities.
Astro Bot
The best 3D platformer I've played since Mario Odyssey. Adorable, fun, and focused.
Unironically a great use of the power of the PS5. Spawning 5000 physics objects and losing no detail when shrinking down to 1/100th size is a level of polish unattainable on something like the Switch.
The best 3D platformer I've played since Mario Odyssey. Adorable, fun, and focused.
Unironically a great use of the power of the PS5. Spawning 5000 physics objects and losing no detail when shrinking down to 1/100th size is a level of polish unattainable on something like the Switch.
September 15, 2024 at 3:19 PM
Astro Bot
The best 3D platformer I've played since Mario Odyssey. Adorable, fun, and focused.
Unironically a great use of the power of the PS5. Spawning 5000 physics objects and losing no detail when shrinking down to 1/100th size is a level of polish unattainable on something like the Switch.
The best 3D platformer I've played since Mario Odyssey. Adorable, fun, and focused.
Unironically a great use of the power of the PS5. Spawning 5000 physics objects and losing no detail when shrinking down to 1/100th size is a level of polish unattainable on something like the Switch.
Pizza Tower
Wario Land 4 meets Sonic in this frantic and deeply funny platformer.
Fun though to play though on its own, with fun gimmicks in every level, but the true magic is unlocked as you chase higher ranks, zipping though levels at Mach 3.
Also, "Peppino Spaghetti" is a very very good name.
Wario Land 4 meets Sonic in this frantic and deeply funny platformer.
Fun though to play though on its own, with fun gimmicks in every level, but the true magic is unlocked as you chase higher ranks, zipping though levels at Mach 3.
Also, "Peppino Spaghetti" is a very very good name.
September 9, 2024 at 4:17 AM
Pizza Tower
Wario Land 4 meets Sonic in this frantic and deeply funny platformer.
Fun though to play though on its own, with fun gimmicks in every level, but the true magic is unlocked as you chase higher ranks, zipping though levels at Mach 3.
Also, "Peppino Spaghetti" is a very very good name.
Wario Land 4 meets Sonic in this frantic and deeply funny platformer.
Fun though to play though on its own, with fun gimmicks in every level, but the true magic is unlocked as you chase higher ranks, zipping though levels at Mach 3.
Also, "Peppino Spaghetti" is a very very good name.
Thank Goodness You're Here!
You can't get much more mechanically simple than TGYH, but the game is mostly just a vehicle to tell a bunch of jokes.
And hey, it definitely succeeds on that front! It's got a good mix of setup & payoff, cutaway gags, and regional humor. Hilarious, short & sweet.
You can't get much more mechanically simple than TGYH, but the game is mostly just a vehicle to tell a bunch of jokes.
And hey, it definitely succeeds on that front! It's got a good mix of setup & payoff, cutaway gags, and regional humor. Hilarious, short & sweet.
September 5, 2024 at 3:47 PM
Thank Goodness You're Here!
You can't get much more mechanically simple than TGYH, but the game is mostly just a vehicle to tell a bunch of jokes.
And hey, it definitely succeeds on that front! It's got a good mix of setup & payoff, cutaway gags, and regional humor. Hilarious, short & sweet.
You can't get much more mechanically simple than TGYH, but the game is mostly just a vehicle to tell a bunch of jokes.
And hey, it definitely succeeds on that front! It's got a good mix of setup & payoff, cutaway gags, and regional humor. Hilarious, short & sweet.
Emio: The Smiling Man
Didn't play the other ones but the confidence in marketing intrigued me.
Having a good chunk of the plot revealed in a 20-min post-credit OVA is certainly a choice, though I won't pretend it wasn't engaging.
Reasonable polish, but simplistic mystery mechanics. Ultimately OK.
Didn't play the other ones but the confidence in marketing intrigued me.
Having a good chunk of the plot revealed in a 20-min post-credit OVA is certainly a choice, though I won't pretend it wasn't engaging.
Reasonable polish, but simplistic mystery mechanics. Ultimately OK.
September 3, 2024 at 12:59 AM
Emio: The Smiling Man
Didn't play the other ones but the confidence in marketing intrigued me.
Having a good chunk of the plot revealed in a 20-min post-credit OVA is certainly a choice, though I won't pretend it wasn't engaging.
Reasonable polish, but simplistic mystery mechanics. Ultimately OK.
Didn't play the other ones but the confidence in marketing intrigued me.
Having a good chunk of the plot revealed in a 20-min post-credit OVA is certainly a choice, though I won't pretend it wasn't engaging.
Reasonable polish, but simplistic mystery mechanics. Ultimately OK.
Unicorn Overlord
Forgot to post this one as I never finished it.
Some interesting systems here but I found that battles took too long. Lots of fiddling around in menus for uncertain gains.
Story was mostly uninteresting. Beautiful visuals, though (egregiously horny sprites of women excepted).
Forgot to post this one as I never finished it.
Some interesting systems here but I found that battles took too long. Lots of fiddling around in menus for uncertain gains.
Story was mostly uninteresting. Beautiful visuals, though (egregiously horny sprites of women excepted).
August 30, 2024 at 9:58 PM
Unicorn Overlord
Forgot to post this one as I never finished it.
Some interesting systems here but I found that battles took too long. Lots of fiddling around in menus for uncertain gains.
Story was mostly uninteresting. Beautiful visuals, though (egregiously horny sprites of women excepted).
Forgot to post this one as I never finished it.
Some interesting systems here but I found that battles took too long. Lots of fiddling around in menus for uncertain gains.
Story was mostly uninteresting. Beautiful visuals, though (egregiously horny sprites of women excepted).
Chants of Sennaar
Novel gameplay involving translating languages coupled with some great art direction make this one a winner.
I quite enjoyed the game loop and the progression of various puzzles puzzles. The story, while simple, works well within the confines of the game's own language systems.
Novel gameplay involving translating languages coupled with some great art direction make this one a winner.
I quite enjoyed the game loop and the progression of various puzzles puzzles. The story, while simple, works well within the confines of the game's own language systems.
August 6, 2024 at 12:32 AM
Chants of Sennaar
Novel gameplay involving translating languages coupled with some great art direction make this one a winner.
I quite enjoyed the game loop and the progression of various puzzles puzzles. The story, while simple, works well within the confines of the game's own language systems.
Novel gameplay involving translating languages coupled with some great art direction make this one a winner.
I quite enjoyed the game loop and the progression of various puzzles puzzles. The story, while simple, works well within the confines of the game's own language systems.
Fading Afternoon
Great vibe but ultimately not my style of game - a bit too open-ended for my liking. Combat has some crunchiness to it but isn't deep enough to carry the rest of the experience.
Dedicated buttons for slicking your hair back / throwing your jacket over your shoulder is rad though
Great vibe but ultimately not my style of game - a bit too open-ended for my liking. Combat has some crunchiness to it but isn't deep enough to carry the rest of the experience.
Dedicated buttons for slicking your hair back / throwing your jacket over your shoulder is rad though
June 30, 2024 at 5:42 PM
Fading Afternoon
Great vibe but ultimately not my style of game - a bit too open-ended for my liking. Combat has some crunchiness to it but isn't deep enough to carry the rest of the experience.
Dedicated buttons for slicking your hair back / throwing your jacket over your shoulder is rad though
Great vibe but ultimately not my style of game - a bit too open-ended for my liking. Combat has some crunchiness to it but isn't deep enough to carry the rest of the experience.
Dedicated buttons for slicking your hair back / throwing your jacket over your shoulder is rad though
1000xResist
A game that would crumble under the weight of its own ambition were the writing anything less than stellar. It juggles many themes when most games struggle with one.
Thankfully, it succeeds. An inventive setting, grounded characters, and less narrative hand-holding make this a treat.
A game that would crumble under the weight of its own ambition were the writing anything less than stellar. It juggles many themes when most games struggle with one.
Thankfully, it succeeds. An inventive setting, grounded characters, and less narrative hand-holding make this a treat.
May 24, 2024 at 1:33 PM
1000xResist
A game that would crumble under the weight of its own ambition were the writing anything less than stellar. It juggles many themes when most games struggle with one.
Thankfully, it succeeds. An inventive setting, grounded characters, and less narrative hand-holding make this a treat.
A game that would crumble under the weight of its own ambition were the writing anything less than stellar. It juggles many themes when most games struggle with one.
Thankfully, it succeeds. An inventive setting, grounded characters, and less narrative hand-holding make this a treat.
Animal Well
Another great Metroidvania that snuck up on me!
An atmosphere that's equal parts cozy and creepy help this title stand out. Coupled with some inventive powerups and no combat, it really has a vibe all its own.
I hit credits but am still hunting for secrets, of which there are many...
Another great Metroidvania that snuck up on me!
An atmosphere that's equal parts cozy and creepy help this title stand out. Coupled with some inventive powerups and no combat, it really has a vibe all its own.
I hit credits but am still hunting for secrets, of which there are many...
May 13, 2024 at 4:58 PM
Animal Well
Another great Metroidvania that snuck up on me!
An atmosphere that's equal parts cozy and creepy help this title stand out. Coupled with some inventive powerups and no combat, it really has a vibe all its own.
I hit credits but am still hunting for secrets, of which there are many...
Another great Metroidvania that snuck up on me!
An atmosphere that's equal parts cozy and creepy help this title stand out. Coupled with some inventive powerups and no combat, it really has a vibe all its own.
I hit credits but am still hunting for secrets, of which there are many...
A Highland Song
Wonderful atmosphere and narration, and in a vacuum has some very cool ideas.
Ultimately, though, a number of conflicting systems creates an experience that I'm not sure is actually all that fun. Multiple playthroughs are incentivized but I have zero desire to go back.
Wonderful atmosphere and narration, and in a vacuum has some very cool ideas.
Ultimately, though, a number of conflicting systems creates an experience that I'm not sure is actually all that fun. Multiple playthroughs are incentivized but I have zero desire to go back.
April 24, 2024 at 7:06 PM
A Highland Song
Wonderful atmosphere and narration, and in a vacuum has some very cool ideas.
Ultimately, though, a number of conflicting systems creates an experience that I'm not sure is actually all that fun. Multiple playthroughs are incentivized but I have zero desire to go back.
Wonderful atmosphere and narration, and in a vacuum has some very cool ideas.
Ultimately, though, a number of conflicting systems creates an experience that I'm not sure is actually all that fun. Multiple playthroughs are incentivized but I have zero desire to go back.
Hi-Fi Rush
What a blast!
Action-packed, stylish, and funny, it's a short but sweet game with a good level of challenge. You can feel yourself get better level by level.
Also a great case for using licenced music. When a boss starts and you hear NIN or Beethoven you know the fight is gonna slap.
What a blast!
Action-packed, stylish, and funny, it's a short but sweet game with a good level of challenge. You can feel yourself get better level by level.
Also a great case for using licenced music. When a boss starts and you hear NIN or Beethoven you know the fight is gonna slap.
March 25, 2024 at 12:43 PM
Hi-Fi Rush
What a blast!
Action-packed, stylish, and funny, it's a short but sweet game with a good level of challenge. You can feel yourself get better level by level.
Also a great case for using licenced music. When a boss starts and you hear NIN or Beethoven you know the fight is gonna slap.
What a blast!
Action-packed, stylish, and funny, it's a short but sweet game with a good level of challenge. You can feel yourself get better level by level.
Also a great case for using licenced music. When a boss starts and you hear NIN or Beethoven you know the fight is gonna slap.
Penny's Big Breakaway
Unfortunately this one didn't really click for me.
The scoring system is kind of hard to grok, so I never knew if I should prioritize speed, combos, or secrets. Coupled with some annoying controls, it never felt like I was playing the game right.
OST slaps though!
Unfortunately this one didn't really click for me.
The scoring system is kind of hard to grok, so I never knew if I should prioritize speed, combos, or secrets. Coupled with some annoying controls, it never felt like I was playing the game right.
OST slaps though!
March 24, 2024 at 12:51 PM
Penny's Big Breakaway
Unfortunately this one didn't really click for me.
The scoring system is kind of hard to grok, so I never knew if I should prioritize speed, combos, or secrets. Coupled with some annoying controls, it never felt like I was playing the game right.
OST slaps though!
Unfortunately this one didn't really click for me.
The scoring system is kind of hard to grok, so I never knew if I should prioritize speed, combos, or secrets. Coupled with some annoying controls, it never felt like I was playing the game right.
OST slaps though!
Balatro
It's great! Streamlined and addictive, it's more of a distilled roguelike than an actual poker game.
Lots of viable paths to victory, and stack the deck is fun and rewarding. Foil/Holo/etc cards are a neat gimmick
Also, for a game that is almost purely mechanical, I quite dig the vibe.
It's great! Streamlined and addictive, it's more of a distilled roguelike than an actual poker game.
Lots of viable paths to victory, and stack the deck is fun and rewarding. Foil/Holo/etc cards are a neat gimmick
Also, for a game that is almost purely mechanical, I quite dig the vibe.
March 14, 2024 at 1:07 PM
Balatro
It's great! Streamlined and addictive, it's more of a distilled roguelike than an actual poker game.
Lots of viable paths to victory, and stack the deck is fun and rewarding. Foil/Holo/etc cards are a neat gimmick
Also, for a game that is almost purely mechanical, I quite dig the vibe.
It's great! Streamlined and addictive, it's more of a distilled roguelike than an actual poker game.
Lots of viable paths to victory, and stack the deck is fun and rewarding. Foil/Holo/etc cards are a neat gimmick
Also, for a game that is almost purely mechanical, I quite dig the vibe.
Like A Dragon 8
Gameplay systems much improved from 7, though the story isn't as focused. Still, it was great to hang out with these characters again.
Hilarious as expected, with ample quality side content.
The Honolulu setting was a real treat since I vacationed there last year. A+ job there.
Gameplay systems much improved from 7, though the story isn't as focused. Still, it was great to hang out with these characters again.
Hilarious as expected, with ample quality side content.
The Honolulu setting was a real treat since I vacationed there last year. A+ job there.
March 9, 2024 at 2:49 PM
Like A Dragon 8
Gameplay systems much improved from 7, though the story isn't as focused. Still, it was great to hang out with these characters again.
Hilarious as expected, with ample quality side content.
The Honolulu setting was a real treat since I vacationed there last year. A+ job there.
Gameplay systems much improved from 7, though the story isn't as focused. Still, it was great to hang out with these characters again.
Hilarious as expected, with ample quality side content.
The Honolulu setting was a real treat since I vacationed there last year. A+ job there.