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Nick Shively


27 games reviewed
73.1 average score
75 median score
48.1% of games recommended
Nov 13, 2013

While Deadfall Adventures shares its inspiration with Indiana Jones, it lacks everything that made the movie series special. Instead, it features bland puzzles, basic combat mechanics and many frustrating gameplay issues.

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Aug 12, 2014

Divinity: Original Sin might not be an instant classic, but it certainly feels like one at times. During parts of my playthrough I felt as though I was replaying Baldur's Gate, without the terrible graphics and archaic mechanics, but I don't know if it was truly unique enough to be remembered like the games it was attempting to emulate. It's going to please a lot of experienced RPG gamers and those that love a challenge, but with virtually no hand holding and punishing combat mechanics it's going to turn off the more casual player base.

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Nov 24, 2014

There is simply no other game on the market like Dungeon of the Endless. The game mechanics are diverse and each play attempt is just as exciting as the last. This is a great game for anyone who's sick of scripted gameplay and wants to try something that's clever and daring. Not only is the game itself amazing but the soothing synthesized chiptunes created by FlybyNo set the dark and dreary atmosphere. Do yourself a favor and pickup Dungeon of the Endless, it's fairly inexpensive and well worth the money.

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6.5 / 10.0 - Natural Doctrine
Jan 14, 2015

While Natural Doctrine does use an innovative combat system and has can be a very enjoyable experience, that feeling of accomplishment is sabotaged just before the game becomes fun. On the positive side of thing, this game doesn't have to be doomed and at its core it has a lot of potential to be great. However, the blatantly unfair AI mechanics in combination with the relatively diluted multiplayer experience really hurts Natural Doctrine in the end.

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3 / 10.0 - Onigiri
Jan 15, 2015

All in all Onigiri is just not a good game. There are really no redeeming qualities unless you really like manga, more than solid gameplay, and enjoy repetitive grinding in uninspired worlds. If you're looking for a manga-inspired game than there are solidly better choices already on the market such as Dragon Nest and Elsword. Neither of those games are perfect either, but at least they're not the crapshoot Onigiri is.

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May 26, 2015

What Blackrock Mountain brings to Hearthstone is a memorable experience, but not much in terms of actual card value. Many of the cards obtained in the adventure are incredibly situational and most likely aren't going to see much play. There was, however, a lot of thought and effort put into designing the boss encounters, and it also allows for some interesting deck constructions in the arena mode.

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8 / 10.0 - Spellweaver
Feb 6, 2016

The depth of gameplay and strategy in Spellweaver far surpasses most other digital CCGs on the market.

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8.5 / 10.0 - Black Desert Online
Mar 17, 2016

It combines high-quality textures, voice acting (albeit not that great), action combat, an expansive world and open-ended leveling with a major focus on player interaction. Instead of trying to reinvent the MMO, Black Desert Online has focused on things that work for other games and it puts a fresh spin on them.

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9 / 10.0 - Duelyst
May 24, 2016

Duelsyt is a digital strategy game perfect for players who are looking for a little more depth and a lot less RNG. Besides the drawing mechanic, there are few aspects of Duelyst that rely on randomness. That, combined with a visible grid, finally grants players the control they've been looking for in a digital strategy CCG.

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8 / 10.0 - Livelock
Aug 30, 2016

If you enjoy twin-stick shooters and/or action RPGs then you’ll likely enjoy it. For the meager price tag, I definitely recommend picking it up and trying it out.

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9 / 10.0 - Atlas Reactor
Sep 30, 2016

So far, Atlas Reactor has delivered a very enjoyable gaming experience, but it has a long way to go.

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4 / 10.0 - Crush Online
Oct 12, 2016

While Crush Online attempts to do a lot of things, it doesn’t do any of them particularly well. Combat overall is rather clunky, unresponsive and feels outdated. The PvE zones are bland looking and the PvP combat is repetitive. Given the choice, I’d rather play an actual MMORPG when it comes to PvE or a true MOBA for PvP.

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7.5 / 10.0 - Trove
Mar 14, 2017

While I enjoy the slower, peaceful tracks for grinding, there is quite a bit of similarity between many of them, which can make the overall soundtrack feel repetitive. Additionally, the constant 'thud' sound effect from striking enemies is enough to drive anyone mad. I recommend turning the music up and the SFX down, unless you happen to be streaming your own music in the background.

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Morrowind has a little something for everyone, but it's hard to justify the price for those who don't plan on experiencing everything it has to offer.

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8 / 10.0 - Master X Master
Jul 7, 2017

Despite the few minor issues with the game, MXM has a lot of unique features that make it worth trying. There's not much to lose, even if you don't decide to stick around, and it could end up being your new favorite MOBA.

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Jan 28, 2018

If you enjoy fighting games or are a fan of Dragon Ball then I can't recommend Dragon Ball FighterZ enough. The gameplay is addicting, the visuals are outstanding, and it finally feels like you're fighting in the anime.

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Sep 6, 2018

While playing through SNK Heroines I had a difficult time figuring out its true target audience. The combat system isn't complex, or interesting, enough to attract hardcore fighter fans while the steep price and lackluster visuals make it difficult to recommend for fan service alone. Unfortunately, it seems like SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy falls into an awkward middle zone and doesn't excel where it needs to.

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9 / 10.0 - SoulCalibur VI
Oct 17, 2018

It's been more than six years since the last Soulcalibur game released, and it's clear that Bandai Namco took its time to make sure a stellar product was delivered. It's apparent that a huge amount of detail went into creating Soulcalibur VI and it's bursting at the seams with content. If you're looking for a different take on the 3D fighting genre then I heavily recommend this one.

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Jul 25, 2019

Warhammer: Chaosbane is an enjoyable experience that could really use a bit more polish and fleshed out level design. It's a fairly good game at its core but it's hard to miss the problem areas as well. Pick it up if you're a big Warhammer fan or really enjoy ARPGs, but it might be better to wait for a sale if you're on the fence.

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Aug 16, 2019

Anyone who really enjoys 4X or tactical strategy games set in a sci-fi universe with overgrown bugs, androids, and dinosaurs with laser beams should definitely consider picking up Age of Wonders: Planetfall. However, this one likely doesn't break away enough from the mold to bring in players who haven't been previous interested in the genre, and if you're on the fence then possible wait for a sale before giving it a try.

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