Moss: Book II Review
Moss: Book II is an immensely respectable continuation of the previous framework while not quite ascending the fantastic heights that are within reach.
August 1, 2022 | 11:00 EDT
About Lee Mehr
Contractor by trade and writer by hobby, my obnoxious criticisms have found a way to be featured across several gaming sites. Initially, that began by spreading various user reviews across enthusiast sites before making my first semi-official splash on N4G. Since then, I've been officially featured by name across VGChartz, Gaming Nexus, DarkStation, and TechRaptor.
With a N64 and a Nintendo Power subscription, I started gaming in the mid-90s and have had the privilege to play games across a plethora of platforms since then. Being so close to the advent of 3D gaming tends to color my genre preferences, but that doesn't keep me from revering older titans either. Aside from gaming, I also have a storied history with enthusiast games press as well, which has clearly had some effect on me today.
Although you'll typically see me writing reviews for indie games or anniversary retrospectives of tentpole titles, I'm also happy to explore other topics from time to time. My longer-term hopes include finding a way to make writing a full-time gig. For now, having the opportunity to share my thoughts is its own reward.
Reader warning: each click only helps to inflate my Texas-sized ego. Proceed with caution.
Articles by Lee Mehr
Total Articles: 35
Of Bird and Cage Review
It's not fun to denigrate indie titles with unique ambitions in mind. After all, brazen ideas have a tendency to stick with us much longer than most standard fare. Although some credit is due for freshmen developer Capricia Productions, Of Bird and Cage ranks among this year's worst games.
July 23, 2022 | 11:00 EDT
Kao The Kangaroo Review
A couple of console generations have passed since the last time Kao The Kangaroo hopped into the scene. While that fact may give some nostalgic vibes for fans of this less-popular platformer mascot, it'll likely wear off after extensive time with its by-the-numbers design. For such a spry, young marsupial, it's rather ironic just how quickly Kao's tired tricks lose their luster.
July 5, 2022 | 10:00 EDT
Silt Review
Spiral Circus' first title does enough to stand out from its immediate inspirations. Silt's art style stands out as one of 2022's best thus far and its possession gameplay concept is quite interesting, but it doesn't fully deliver on its promises. Whether considering its narrative or game design, it's wishing for something grander and more purposeful.
June 23, 2022 | 11:00 EDT
A Fond Farewell to the Sea Of Thieves Arena
After three years, Rare shut down the Sea of Thieves Arena mode. Let's look back at its accomplishments—and missteps—to see why.
June 6, 2022 | 12:00 EDT
Paratopic Review
Although its retro presentational qualities place it above standard horror fare, Paratopic's lacking design & narrative diminishes its grander mysteries.
May 31, 2022 | 10:30 EDT
Citizen Sleeper Review
Our Citizen Sleeper Review takes a look at Jump Over the Age's new RPG, and wonders if it has enough strengths to overcome occasional blemishes.
May 19, 2022 | 11:30 EDT
How Uppercut Games Designs Chill Experiences
Uppercut Games, known for Submerged and its recent sequel, Submerged: Hidden Depths, focuses on relaxing experiences -- but they're not always easy to make.
April 20, 2022 | 11:00 EDT
Babylon's Fall Review
Babylon's Fall represents the next AAA example of a live-service game that seems doomed to fail. An otherwise serviceable ARPG is twisted into a different beast entirely by poisonous MMO-focused design decisions. From story to gameplay to presentation, you can immediately tell Platinum Games is grappling with finding a solid identity.
April 19, 2022 | 10:00 EDT
35MM Review
To make an unsubtle comparison, 35MM is like a picture out of focus. Sergey Noskov tries to pack an ambitious amount of stuff within the frame, but forgets what elements might be ill-fitting. When specifically focused on its funereal atmosphere, it's an interesting break from the norm; when weighing its multiple gameplay pitfalls, those strengths begin to fade.
April 2, 2022 | 11:30 EDT
Martha Is Dead Review
In the end, Martha Is Dead conjures up an air of missed opportunity. The WWII backdrop is incredibly realized and the horror atmosphere initially hits the right notes, but as the template becomes more routine and the surprises less interesting it grows more aimless. The few quality ideas get subsumed by the growing tedium of exploring until the stale ending gives its solemn adieu.
March 25, 2022 | 11:30 EDT
Aztech Forgotten Gods Review
If there's one overarching takeaway with Lienzo's third effort is that it could've been more. Aside from the soundtrack and some nostalgia-driven creative decisions, I can see this tapestry being improved – marginally or otherwise – in every other respect. That doesn’t outright disregard its accomplishments, but it does dampen my enthusiasm to recommend it, aside from genre fans. Taken as a whole, Aztech Forgotten Gods manages to stay airborne but never truly soars.
March 10, 2022 | 11:00 EST
Life Is Strange Remastered Collection Review
Back when they were hitting fever pitch (early/mid 2010s), I was getting reeled into a number of episodic games. DONTNOD's Life is Strange was among them. So, when it was announced that co-developers Deck Nine and Black Tower Studios were helming a remaster duo pack of this beloved first season and prequel, Before the Storm, I had a keen interest in revisiting it. The pertinent concerns become two-fold: how these entries hold up and if enough TLC was given by current remaster standards.
March 3, 2022 | 01:05 EST
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Little Orpheus Review
Despite branching out to a traditional genre, the chief concern with The Chinese Room's latest is gameplay yet again. Instead of getting into an argument about "walking sims" or what a game truly is this time, Little Orpheus is a case of solid audio/visual chops and a fun Cold War-era yarn weighed down by the continuous tedium of an unadventurous platformer.
March 1, 2022 | 05:46 EST
Dear Esther Anniversary Retrospective: A Tarnished Landmark
On Valentine's Day a decade ago, Dear Esther went from a Source Engine mod to a full-fledged indie game, catalyzing the "walking sim" genre.
February 14, 2022 | 11:00 EST
Summertime Madness Review
Less interested in one mind-blowing new concept (a la Portal), DP Games' smaller nuances give way to what's still an engaging first-person puzzler. The noticeable drop in quality during the second half shows the clearest sign of their freshmen inexperience, but that doesn't disregard its otherwise commendable qualities.
January 31, 2022 | 11:00 EST
The Guardians of Peace Review
Whatever earnest intentions The Guardians of Peace has uniformly falls on deaf ears by being unabashed shovelware.
January 31, 2022 | 10:00 EST
The Gunk Review
Image & Form's first 3D title doesn't have any obscene messes to clean, but it never excels beyond a conventional distraction.
January 7, 2022 | 11:00 EST
Sony Reveals PlayStation VR2 and VR Horizon Title at CES
Sony has announced the PlayStation VR2, its next-generation VR headset, along with Horizon VR: Call of The Mountain
January 4, 2022 | 11:22 EST
NERF Legends Review
Keeping to its name, GameMill Entertainment mixes two distinct throwback from my childhood: NERF target shooting and licensed game rushed to market for holiday shopping. Aside from the kitschy sci-fi appeal from this brand, NERF Legends contains virtually nothing of merit.
December 27, 2021 | 11:00 EST
First Class Trouble Review
Jumping into the social-deduction genre with competitors like Among Us and Fortnite Imposters Mode, Invisible Walls does cultivate some new ground with First Class Trouble. What hurts it long-term either stems back to uncoordinated design or launch-day polish complaints.
November 22, 2021 | 01:00 EST
Energy Cycle Edge Review
In our Energy Cycle Edge review, we see if Sometimes You is able to evolve the game with this sequel or is it constrained by the same issues
November 8, 2021 | 11:00 EST
Energy Cycle Review
I ought to preface this by saying I'm glad Sometimes You has found this comfortable avenue to continue making games. That doesn't mean I'll find all of their games to be successes either. Sprucing up Energy Cycle for next-gen only reveals inherent flaws that even a modest price point (and free upgrade) can't disregard. When a minimalist puzzle game mismanages its two fundamental pillars to such an extent, it's simply not worth your time.
November 2, 2021 | 11:00 EDT
Uncharted 3 Anniversary Retrospective: Shackled By Its Precursor's Legacy
A decade after its release, how does Uncharted 3 fare today? Does its story still work? Was its precursor’s legacy a bedrock or quicksand for its own aspirations?
November 1, 2021 | 12:00 EDT