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Shawn Zipay

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Favorite Games:
  • Yakuza 0
  • A Plague Tale: Innocence
  • Resident Evil 2

82 games reviewed
74.0 average score
80 median score
65.9% of games recommended

Shawn Zipay's Reviews

Editor, Community Manager, and lone journalist working at Total Gaming Network.
8.5 / 10.0 - Dark Souls II
May 7, 2014

The improvements made to the PC version are fantastic. Just the fact that you do not need any community mods to make the game look respectable is a tremendous step in the right direction for From Software.

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Feb 15, 2015

I think it's safe to say that Dying Light is one of the most enjoyable zombie based games I've played in quite some time. The game certainly ups the ante a bit by tossing in some solid parkour movement mechanics, four player co-op, and optional, but fun, competitive multiplayer. All of these elements blend in nicely with a more mature narrative when compared to other games in the genre.

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The increased mobility and abilities really open up the gameplay and I now cannot imagine future Call of Duty titles not having these fun additions. This is the first Call of Duty game in years that I really don't have any issues recommending at full price, though you can easily find it on sale at a few retailers already if you keep a look out. Sledgehammer Games entered into the Call of Duty franchise with guns blazing. I just hope they can keep that strong momentum going with their future releases.

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A great game held back by some tired tropes.

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Jun 5, 2016

It's sad that Battleborn came out when it did, that being right around the same time that Overwatch had its beta and subsequent release. The game was overshadowed before it ever saw the light of day. It also didn't help that there was a preconceived bias against the game due to Gearbox's past efforts. However, Battleborn has shockingly filled that action-MOBA void in my heart that I didn't even know was missing.

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- Abzu
Aug 7, 2016

Abzu is a game that is better experienced than explained. Featuring gorgeous visuals and a story that leaves the door open enough for your own personal interpretations. The only real drawback to the game is that it may be a bit too short for those overly concerned about cost per hour.

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May 22, 2017

Deck13 really stepped up their development game since Lords of the Fallen. They have managed to address most of the complaints consumers had about that game, namely the slow combat mechanics, and delivered an enjoyable experience through and through.

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At the end of the day, Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns managed to reignite that spark I hold that once burned bright for the franchise. The story was enjoyable, despite the occasional grind between major story quests, and the new guild additions alone would be worth the upgrade. However, ArenaNet also included a new class, new specializations, and new skills that make the game feel like an entirely new experience at times. Heart of Thorns is an absolute must-buy for fans of the base game and for those looking to see a "buy-to-play" game done right.

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Aug 31, 2015

Even with the few, and consequently minor, shortcomings in Madden NFL 16, it is by far the best football game in years. The new additions to the passing and receiving game alone are more than worth the purchase price. These new game mechanics, coupled with the new defensive additions and refinements, bring the game to a level of realism that has never before been reached by the Madden franchise. On top of all of that, Draft Champions looks to be one of the best new game modes added to a sports game in recent years.

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Mar 16, 2016

If you are looking for a fresh, colorful, fun twin-stick shooter with a dash of personality, then you should look no further than Assault Android Cactus. With a number of levels, daily challenges, and game altering unlocks, you and up to three friends will have an absolute blast with this game. Yes, it can and will be difficult for many players but what fun would a twin-stick or bullet hell game be without a good challenge.

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Oct 9, 2016

Forza Horizon 3 is, without a doubt, the best open-world racing game on the market. Its looks are stunning. Its sounds are rich and impressive. Its driving and handling can be tailor fitted for novice arcade racers up to veteran sim drivers. It's full of content that could, theoretically, never dry up. It's just flat out fun to play! The only problem is that the PC version has some significant issues when it comes to stability and smooth performance.

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Aug 29, 2016

The Turing Test isn't just another "dime a dozen" puzzle game. It is a thoroughly enjoyable experience that does a tremendous job of separating itself from the herd. It is a game that compliments and neatly expands upon some of the best that the puzzle genre has to offer, games that you have come to know and love over the years.

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Nov 14, 2017

Just like with the release of the original game, Destiny 2 leaves us wanting more: More strikes, more missions, more of everything. This is a strong testament to the fantastic core gameplay even if other aspects of Destiny 2 come up short.

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Oct 30, 2017

Forza Motorsport 7 is a fantastic racing title. It has a broad appeal that all but the super diehard "I can tell when a screw is a quarter turn too tight" sim fans will love.

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Aug 28, 2017

Yakuza Kiwami is an exceptional game with exceptional action and exceptional stories. There are so many things to do and experience here that $30 for Yakuza Kiwami feels almost like highway robbery. Throw in Yakuza 0 and you are set for about 100 hours of great gaming.

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Yakuza 6 offers a near perfect farewell to the Dragon of Dojima, Kazuma Kiryu, complete with the roller coaster of emotions you have come to expect from this franchise. Whether you are a new fan of the franchise or a returning one, this is one swan song you won't want to miss.

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Jun 4, 2018

Aside from a few technical issues, Vampyr delivers one of the most engaging action-RPGs in recent memory. It is a game where everything and everyone is connected through some fantastic gameplay design and yes, your choices do actually matter here.

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Aug 27, 2018

Strange Brigade has managed to scratch the itch that I had for a fanciful, fun, yet challenging and intense action-adventure experience. I especially enjoyed the game's large levels with multiple branching paths and hidden areas. The addition of puzzles offered a nice break from the lengthy combat sequences.

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Jun 29, 2019

Despite a few issues with combat, The Sinking City features solid world building, strong crime solving mechanics, and is the best Lovecraft game released in recent memory.

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