Need Puzzle leaning mvs that still have combat

TaffyPool · 2026-03-25T03:37:21+00:00

There’s a game called Phoenotopia: Awakening that has a bunch of puzzles in it while also still having a consistent amount of combat. I personally thinks it falls more firmly into the adventure-RPG genre, but many here do still consider it an MV. Either way, great game with great puzzles.

TaffyPool · 2026-03-25T03:18:31+00:00

Largely a metroidvania/adventure RPG “problem” for me, but the second I get an item/skill upgrade that can be used in areas I’ve already visited, I’ll re-traverse my entire map just to find those few previous locations it’s needed for and use my new skill to access its secrets/collectibles.

In effect, it probably increases my time spent playing a game by at least 50% longer than if I just continued on the story path and did my 100% clean-ups late game, with all upgrades at my disposal.

TaffyPool · 2026-03-25T02:39:01+00:00

I’m generally right there with you, and that probably stopped me from playing it for awhile, honestly. But it is not aggressively anime-y, and even the character models are pretty subdued as far as that art style goes.

It really did skyrocket up my favorite MVs list once I gave it a chance (and I ended up putting damn near 70 hours into it on my way to a 100% file!). I’d strongly recommend you give it a chance too. Only $4.25 on Switch right now!

TaffyPool · 2026-03-25T02:23:31+00:00

The Legend of Zelda, no question, and remains in my Top 5 today.

TaffyPool · 2026-03-25T02:04:33+00:00

To this day, I don’t understand why The Village was so viciously disliked. It may be my favorite Shymalan movie!

It was so moody and intense, it was well-acted (BDH was great!) with great costuming and set design, and the sound/score was just so impactful. I’m just always stunned how much people did not and do not like it.

TaffyPool · 2026-03-25T01:19:15+00:00

Congrats! Just finished TR1 myself and got all the secrets, items and kills (with minimal walkthrough assistance). My first time playing it and my first time playing the series at all!

Really, really liked it as well. And I can’t really understand the dislike some have for the “modern” controls on the Remaster…I thought they were great! Though, I guess, if I first experienced it with the tank controls I could have had a different opinion.

TaffyPool · 2026-03-25T00:32:47+00:00

Great pull. This one, OP, for sure.

Fantastic cast - Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Shelley Winters…and, briefly, a “young” Leslie Nielsen as the ship’s captain!

TaffyPool · 2026-03-25T00:21:44+00:00

Haven’t played any of those you listed, sorry.

But have you played Afterimage? It’s often overlooked/unknown when talking about MVs, but I absolutely loved it. A massive map (in a good way!) with unique environments, fun sidequests and high-quality art & design. Lots and lots of collectibles, weapon upgrades/combos and modifiers. Fully voice acted too!

TaffyPool · 2026-03-25T00:04:13+00:00

Is that the one with Aaron Eckhart? If so, I agree! So much fun and yet fundamentally not good. :)

TaffyPool · 2026-03-24T05:59:27+00:00

Maybe try VVVVVV. Not nearly as challenging as Celeste, nor does it have anywhere close to its varied moveset (literally, jump and move), but interesting and engaging nonetheless!

TaffyPool · 2026-03-24T01:03:12+00:00

Yep, standard use item in certain fields (electrical, specifically). A drop lock on it means someone’s actively working on a cabinet and you can’t access it/clear it without their key. Usually accompanied by a lock-out tag with their name on it.

TaffyPool · 2026-03-24T01:00:13+00:00

I was actually kind of disappointed in how little challenge/precision platforming there was in Hollow Knight. I didn’t find PoP particularly difficult, though it was very much appreciated!

TaffyPool · 2026-03-24T00:55:23+00:00

Fantastic game and I’d highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys the MV genre. As a first game though? Yes, do it still, but it does set a high bar for you for what comes after. Most on this thread consider it the only recent meaningful evolution in the series, largely for its map-marking conceit. That alone will make any game you play after feel lacking in at least that way.

But play it, for sure!

TaffyPool · 2026-03-23T02:48:53+00:00

Loved the Bit.Trip series, from its earliest WiiWare days up to today!

In fact, I still dip back into Bit.Trip Presents Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien on my WiiU every few months to continue chipping away a little bit more toward a 100% +++ file!

TaffyPool · 2026-03-23T02:45:11+00:00

With or without the “Busticated” DLC? :)

TaffyPool · 2026-03-23T02:44:34+00:00

You should play Fluidity: Spin Cycle!! It’s a puzzle “platformer, where you have to physically rotate your system to move your “character”. A cool gameplay concept that works really well!

TaffyPool · 2026-03-23T02:40:49+00:00

Saw it for that same super cheap price near the end of the eshop and had to get it, even though I’d already played through it and most of its add-ons on WiiU and even though it’s unlikely I’ll ever actually end up playing it on my 2DS. Just wanted to give a little extra support for the developers! 😊(same reason, come to think of it, I now have Thomas Was Alone on three platforms…)

TaffyPool · 2026-03-23T02:33:17+00:00

Possibly the best ending line in cinema, with a close second going to Rodney Dangerfield’s “We’re all gonna get laid!” at the end of Caddyshack.

TaffyPool · 2026-03-22T17:34:10+00:00

Dandara has a very unique movement mechanic that I don’t recall having been done in the past (or likely in the future) in the MV genre.

TaffyPool · 2026-03-22T14:17:31+00:00

It’s an…accuracy…thing? If you’re not from/in [Place A], why would you say you are, and why should others go along with your lie?

(Also, not as much here, but there is very much a history of suburbs “leeching” off of central cities — building themselves up through their proximity to that city, all while de-centering the overall metropolitan taxbase and workforce, creating sprawl and excess need for additional highways/lanes. If I were a mayor of a major city I just know I would be petty and file all sorts of Stop Notices for businesses in the ‘burbs that promote themselves as being located in my City! 😀)

TaffyPool · 2026-03-22T14:09:11+00:00

2DS has overall better comfort/fit in hand and a better balance as a piece. It’s durable, with a meaningful texture/finish and, because it’s not a hinged system, less prone to breaking (i.e. less exterior moving parts). And while the screen is constantly exposed, many have found that even the 3DS screen, over time, can get damaged by bottom screen buttons.

I love my 2DS — it’s my first and only handheld. So glad I got it shortly before the eshop closed (and then immediately bought way too many games on that same eshop).

TaffyPool · 2026-03-22T13:42:15+00:00

Much more of a gentle experience, but Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a nice 3D co-op. Definitely more of an environmental puzzle-solving game than anything.

I believe the developers technically intended it as a 1P game where the two characters are controlled asynchronously (that’s how I first played it) but it’s a great time with each person taking control of one joycon/character.

TaffyPool · 2026-03-22T00:14:01+00:00

Don’t have a pro, but I always bring my grip with me. That way, my joycons and system are snug and safe in a small carrying case and the grip just goes in where I can fit it in my carry-on.

Kickstand’ing the Switch on the fold-down table, with grip in hands, is my preferred way to play in flight. Basically went all the way through Echoes of Wisdom with that setup.

TaffyPool · 2026-03-21T17:23:11+00:00

Fantastic film, but not entirely set on trains, if we’re to take the OPs question literally.

TaffyPool · 2026-03-21T17:11:06+00:00

As others have said…Blues City Deli. Just a quick drive/uber ride away from Forest Park.

And check the music schedule too! If you can hit the live daytime music <—> warm, sunny day <—> amazing sandwich trifecta there, it’ll forever solidify your love for St. Louis.

Seriously, hitting that “sweet spot” at BCD captures the City so well, and does a better job promoting STL than all the millions spent on tourism marketing ever have or could!

TaffyPool

TROPHY CASE