Francisco Maia


54 games reviewed
81.5 average score
82 median score
79.6% of games recommended
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Oct 17, 2024

By finishing the Remake and immediately revisiting the classic, it became even more difficult to understand the purpose of the new version. It's hard to find a justification for recreating such a recent game. Even more so when the original version is as good as, if not better (in some aspects), than the new game. Until Dawn is good and worth playing, it's just not worth the investment of full price, when the classic edition is still competent.

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Jul 16, 2024

Darkest Dungeon II is quite distinct from the first one and it is essential that players are aware of this. It's a game that brings good new ideas, despite having a very frustrating "artificial limitation". The affinity system, the brutal and complex combat system, in addition to the better development of the narrative are positive aspects that justify the investment in this universe. However, it's a shame that you have to spend a lot of time unlocking new features for the game to demonstrate its full potential.

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85 / 100 - As Dusk Falls
Mar 19, 2024

Interactive adventure games don't always need surprising, original, or dense stories. As Dusk Falls is proof that a well-written and acted crime drama is enough to get us involved in a new universe. Although the gameplay is simple, the interactivity in this game is manifested through the player's decision-making power and the most diverse consequences of their choices.

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90 / 100 - Unicorn Overlord
Mar 7, 2024

Vanillaware gets it right with Unicorn Overlord and reinvigorates a sub-genre of RPG that, for a long time, has been the target of huge scrutiny in the gaming industry. I strongly believe that it is also the best game ever created by the Japanese developer. Even though there are minor imperfections, the game is brilliant and worthy of the highest recommendation!

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Nov 28, 2023

The Pale Reach is an addition that makes the game even more special for first-time sailors, who will now be able to enjoy a more varied experience. The additional content brings exciting news and is recommended for veterans as well, especially for its attractive price.

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80 / 100 - World of Horror
Nov 9, 2023

The horror universe created in World of Horror deserves to be checked, especially for its peculiar mechanics. The different stories, accompanied by a competent soundtrack and art direction, make the experience enjoyable and interesting. It's a shame, however, that the cases don't bring as many ramifications, which can make the game repetitive after a few hours of play.

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90 / 100 - Rogue Legacy 2
Jul 9, 2023

Rogue Legacy 2 enhances all aspects of the first game and delivers a vast amount of content that provides many hours of quality entertainment. Every journey is unique and well balanced. Although failure is recurrent along the way, the game gradually provides small upgrades that will allow even the most casual players to succeed in the end.

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65 / 100 - Road 96: Mile 0
Apr 6, 2023

The prequel to Road 96 introduced substantial gameplay changes, but not everything was for the better. The music rhythm challenges are decent and fun for the most part. However, the game lacks in its adventure format, especially due to the poor narrative and shallow characters.

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85 / 100 - Dredge
Apr 5, 2023

Dredge promotes a strange fusion of genres and is proof that even outlandish ideas work when the project is well executed. Black Salt Games' debut game is amazing and delivers an experience of extremes – from relaxing fishing to terrifying moments.

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The Tomorrow Children is endowed with a very particular aesthetic – strange at times, but with an identity of its own. There is a certain satisfaction in building a village from scratch with just the fruits of one's labor, but alone, the journey is far more boring. The game excels when it's enjoyed with other players, but unfortunately the community isn't large or very active at the moment, so the player experience may be compromised.

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95 / 100 - Inscryption
Sep 10, 2022

Inscryption is a card game that goes far beyond its initial premises, delivering narrative and gameplay twists on several occasions. It's a game that subverts all the player's expectations, renewing itself at each stage of its campaign. An easy-to-play roguelike, with complex mechanics and fun gameplay, as long as the randomness and restarts typical of the genre are tolerated. Inscryption is brilliant and you need to try it!

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Jun 25, 2022

Despite the impression of being an unpretentious and simple game, Pocky & Rocky Reshrined provides a great time. The gameplay is functional and challenging in the right measure. The graphics are good and the animations are excellent. The soundtrack is impeccable. The game delivered by Tengo Project is exemplary in many departments, but some questionable implementations and the lack of online co-op and content compromises the overall experience.

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80 / 100 - Souldiers
May 31, 2022

There is a vast supply of quality metroidvanias on the market and Souldiers is yet another game that goes into that pile. However, there are a lot of technical issues and there are no major innovations here. Although it is quite enjoyable and fun for the most part, there is no revolutionary content in Retro Forge's debut game.

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80 / 100 - Road 96
Apr 26, 2022

While Road 96 lacks consistency in its quality and its approach to politics is occasionally superficial, it's a necessary game that raises an important topic of discussion. There are few products that deal with politics and its consequences so directly in this media. The innovative take on the theme highlights this game amidst an avalanche of good offerings, justifying the experience. Road 96 isn't perfect, but it has great ideas and a spectacular soundtrack!

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95 / 100 - Elden Ring
Feb 23, 2022

‎With Elden Ring, From Software de-graces an ideal model in open-world game design.‎

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80 / 100 - Infernax
Feb 11, 2022

Infernax brings an interesting system of choices in a retro game, giving a certain freedom to the player, something that was not so common in the 8-bit era. The gameplay is quite primitive and there hasn't been too much effort to bring more modern elements to it. Thus, it is difficult to recommend Infernax to players who cannot tolerate the gameplay and aesthetics typical of the era it simulates. If that's not your case, Infernax is worth checking out. It's a nostalgic, fun game, with considerable content and with good surprises in store.

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Comprised of dozens of Creation Club additions and a petty upgrade for the PS5 version, Skyrim's anniversary edition is good, but not enough to justify such an expensive upgrade. Most of the new content are cosmetic and don't add as much to the experience. It is only recommended for the most enthusiastic fans. For everybody else, it is advisable to wait for a sale.

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Jul 30, 2021

Frostpunk's Season Pass raises the bar and demonstrates how additional content should be. With interesting new narratives and the addition of relevant mechanics to the gaming experience, the expansion proves essential for any fan of the game.

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Feb 14, 2021

Little Nightmares 2 is more of the same, but it is a deja vu of a very unique and enjoyable experience. Although it does not bring significant innovations and provides a brief experience, the art and design of the game is quite impressive. It is an essential game for anyone who enjoyed the first title, on the other hand, it is not a product that will change the opinion of those who did not like the predecessor.

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80 / 100 - Cyber Shadow
Jan 27, 2021

After the tedious early stages and a few upgrades, Cyber ​​Shadow shows its value. The gameplay is much more appealing after the first half of the game. However, it still lacks innovation. Despite those problems, it is easily recommended for those interested in the classic 8-bit era, especially for its great visuals, sound and narrative.

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