Andrew Banks
From Software just released a new update which includes more Smithing Stones dropped and can be purchased, stronger shields, which I agree will help newcomers immensely. They have also changed some of the gameplay balancing, but remain tight-lipped as to what they have done. In this regard then and despite all my earlier ranting can I recommend Elden Ring? Yes, definitely. It's a much more interesting title than previous games in the series and in my view a step in the right direction. But...and this is the caveat here, a lot of the older combat systems remain despite improvements which means expect tons of frustrating moments which requires perseverance in buckets. Or do what I do, rage quit, rant, then come back later and try again. Honestly, that is the best way to approach these games.
Methodical combat, great enemy design and a sprawling package overflowing with content makes this a game I can easily recommend for hardened gamers and souls-like fans. No difficulty options exist here, so if you are looking for a chilled gaming experience then cast your gaze elsewhere.
To be less critical though, as it stands in the here and now, there is a fun game if (and that's a big if) you can overlook the many negatives. The basics are in place for a game you could potentially sink many hours into (like I did). For anyone looking to experience a bug free game that simply works out the gate, they won't find it here. With that in mind, I do hope Rogue Factor simply don't jump ship, and instead strive to iron out the kinks. Once that is done, then we can talk. Until then, I cannot recommend the game.
Taking the game at face value then, and it's good, not mind-blowing, but functional and pleasing. VR support definitely needs some work to get it up to speed though. Ultimately, I found it solid fun, and that's what counts despite any grievances I had with the game's general direction.
Is it a fun game? Not really. Is it intriguing? In a way. Is it worth buying at the full price? Certainly not. I would suggest if the usual gaming tropes aren’t scratching a gaming itch during this Coronavirus world lock-down right now, then you might find some enjoyment against this weird tree.
This is a weird, disjointed review, not spoiling anything and deliberately avoiding the details. Rightly so. I think Disco Elysium is an exceptional game but won’t resonate with action gamers or even RPG players who prefer more hands-on actions. You read a lot of text, there’s quite a bit of fluff, plenty of distractions and progression feels painfully slow at times. Yet, if you can dig those beats then your entire being becomes sucked into a whirlpool of depressive thought-provoking nonsense. Enlightening assessment of the sublime nature of human existence and the existentialism of a predetermined character. I love this game and all it purports to be even if inside I don’t always agree with its underlying message. It’s gratifying to play such a game where developers cleverly step outside comfort zones and the proverbial box.
For the low-price Double Damage ask for, this I have to recommend for anyone who likes space shooters. The galaxy offers plentiful work and an endless number of AI opponents to test you skills against. A cool game then perhaps lacking overall depth but well worth the ride. And the music, holy s***!
I remain undecided whether I enjoyed my playtime with Outward. On one side it’s an interesting throwback experience to a time long-forgotten, ignoring the Souls games of recent times that is. No clear direction, fiddly combat and the fact you can just roll up somewhere after a KO are quirks not seen in many games these days. I would say fair play for attempting to offer this aspect. For people who don’t want hand-holding and require a more methodical gaming experience then this works…kind of. This is a good game, not a great game in my view and really it is what is it. No amount of changing it will make it any better. Perhaps the developers should actually just keep it this way to appeal to its specific audience. I’m done though.