Petr Polák
Aquatico is a solid building strategy game set in an underwater world. The unique underwater setting offers a refreshing change of pace among the wide range of building strategy games, but the potential of this setting hasn’t been fully realized. In practice, it’s essentially the same concept as if you were building anywhere else. The game offers a very diverse range of infrastructure and an extensive, if chaotic, technology tree. Despite this, it’s a solid building strategy game that will find its audience.
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Ambulance Life: A Paramedic Simulator is undoubtedly an interesting third-person simulator that sheds light on the lives of paramedics. The game features realistic scenarios and emphasizes handling them according to actual standard operating procedures. Unfortunately, frequent bugs significantly detract from the experience. At its core, the game is solid in its pursuit of realism and in providing challenges in the form of saving lives, but those bugs simply ruin the experience.
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The PC version of Rise of the Ronin is a fantastic open-world experience that transports you to the Bakumatsu period of the Edo era. The world is teeming with authentic historical details, and combined with dynamic combat and intuitive controls, it offers a delightful experience for all fans of the genre and of Japan. Unfortunately, the title is severely let down by technical shortcomings in the form of poor optimization. If (and when) the optimization improves, the game will earn a solid 8/10 rating.
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9 Monkeys of Shaolin is a solid and entertaining beat 'em up game in the spirit of 90s hits. The 2.5D visuals, combined with the side-scrolling perspective, bring back memories of classic titles from the retro era. A high-quality combat system with RPG elements is what will keep you coming back for more. If you enjoy action games in the classic beat 'em up style, then you’ll be satisfied.
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Commandos 3 - HD Remaster seemed to promise a nostalgic return and a revival of the legendary title, which combines the RTS and stealth genres with tactical elements, along with great atmosphere and gameplay, all wrapped up in a fresh new look. Unfortunately, due to technical shortcomings, a terrible camera, and, last but not least, Epic Games’ secret saving of files to the device, I cannot recommend this title.
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Pharaoh: A New Era is a faithful remake of the classic 1999 city-building strategy game that brings nostalgia to life while also appealing to new players. Unfortunately, the game does not include the Cleopatra expansion or a minimap, but it does feature attractive graphics and the entertaining gameplay familiar from the original game.
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Star Trucker is a solid game for fans of space simulators who enjoy a combination of logistics, trade, and “leisurely” space exploration. The game’s main drawbacks are certain logical paradoxes stemming from its setting and an AI that lacks any sense of self-preservation. If you enjoy space simulators and don’t mind facing repetitive challenges, Star Trucker will definitely offer you a worthwhile experience.
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Reus 2 is a very interesting sequel to the original strategy game, which carves its own path. It doesn’t try to compete with big city-building games or realistic civilization simulators. Instead, it offers a unique view of the world’s development from the perspective of divine creators. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, enjoy pondering things more deeply, and are looking for a well-thought-out game with high replay value, then Reus 2 is the clear choice for you.
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Avowed is a well-crafted action RPG set in the fantastic Pillars of Eternity universe. The story and side quests are definitely well done, and it’s also worth mentioning the truly extensive UI customization options. The combat is dynamic and thrilling, and the overall movement system is smooth and elegant. In some respects, however, you’ll get the feeling that the game lacks the depth and unexpected twists we’re used to in Pillars of Eternity and similar RPG titles. The variety of enemies is also relatively limited, though they are well-designed. Nevertheless, the game’s audiovisual presentation, gameplay, and lore are what will keep you coming back for more.
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Redeemer is a great example of a beat 'em up game that doesn't try to be anything it's not, offering a rich, action-packed atmosphere and plenty of dynamic combat. Although the game’s story isn’t particularly deep, the dynamic combat—with its brutal combos and gory scenes—makes for a first-rate experience that will be appreciated not only by fans of the genre but by all players who want to kick some serious ass.
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Crown Wars: The Black Prince, a turn-based RPG set during the Hundred Years' War, offers a fairly satisfying dose of fun for players who enjoy this genre. The core of the game—including its mechanics, combat, and castle management—works well. Unfortunately, the title is let down by technical shortcomings that disrupt the smooth gameplay and can sometimes be truly frustrating.
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SYNDUALITY Echo of Ada is an impressive action game set in the SYNDUALITY: Noir anime universe. It’s a third-person extraction PvPvE game that boasts an excellent, dynamic combat system. Unfortunately, SYNDUALITY’s mechanics are hampered by subpar optimization, limited enemy variety, and a sense of repetition that sets in over time. However, if you enjoy action-packed PvPvE extraction games and mechs, this is the game for you.
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Sins of a Solar Empire II is a superbly crafted, challenging strategy game that, thanks to its combination of 4X and RTS elements, offers a unique experience for all fans of the genre and space. The unique races and factions, distinctive spaceships, and combat system—along with stunning graphics and sound—come together brilliantly. However, due to its complexity and challenge, it’s also a game that takes some time to learn. The game mechanics are demanding, and the initial learning curve may deter some potential players. If you’re willing to take the time to gradually master it, it will become a real time-sink. This sequel to the franchise is a clear success.
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No More Room in Hell 2 builds on the foundation of its successful predecessor. Setting this eight-player cooperative extraction FPS in the midst of a zombie apocalypse was a great move, and in some situations, the game manages to create just the right kind of intense atmosphere. It therefore has great potential, and the concepts—combined with the gameplay—can keep you entertained for many hours. Unfortunately, the game is severely hampered by technical issues and bugs, which are literally rife at this stage. But when everything works as it should, it’s a fantastic co-op experience.
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The Spirit of the Samurai is a well-crafted action platformer set in the Sengoku period, with a story based on Japanese mythology and folklore. The stop-motion animation, in keeping with the game’s style, is truly impressive and, together with the soundtrack, successfully evokes the right atmosphere. Unfortunately, the game is let down by various rough edges and the fact that some elements weren’t fully realized as originally intended. Even so, it’s a great game that clearly reflects the developer’s effort and passion, and it will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the genre as well as enthusiasts of Japanese mythology and folklore.
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Soulmask offers a very well-executed blend of survival elements in a sandbox game set in a captivating, magical world full of primitive tribes. The option to choose between PvP and PvE servers can enhance your gaming experience just as much as the well-designed leveling system, including skill trees. The use of tribal companions—who can truly help you and even join you in battle—gives the impression that you’re just one of many and that the community comes first. However, the game clearly emphasizes online play with other players, with whom you’ll enjoy it the most.
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1428: Shadows over Silesia - Tourney at the Bear Rock is a well-crafted DLC that perfectly complements the main game and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the events that shaped its story. All of the main game’s favorite mechanics have been elegantly carried over and woven into a story lasting roughly four hours, in which you can follow the early days of one of the original game’s protagonists.
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Undisputed aimed to become the best boxing game in over a decade. The game features more than seventy licensed boxing celebrities, an entertaining career mode, and matches that are spiced up by various boxing styles. Unfortunately, the game is severely hampered by technical issues and various bugs. As it stands, I can’t recommend it (even though, as a boxing fan, I’d really like to), and instead I’d wait for possible future updates.
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BROK the InvestiGator is a fantastic animated detective adventure game that masterfully combines point-and-click and beat ’em up elements. The game also successfully sets its deep story in a dystopian world, featuring well-written characters. The game offers over ten different endings that aren’t just about good versus evil; each one reflects the consequences of your actions throughout the entire gameplay. Plus, it’s entirely up to you whether you play through the entire game without resorting to violence or use your fists to get information. The graphics, reminiscent of animated works from the late ’90s, along with the smooth controls, are also a highlight. The only thing that slightly detracts from the game is the dialogue, which can sometimes feel a bit stilted.
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Cossacks 3 is definitely not for everyone, and it certainly doesn't fit the modern concept of RTS and strategy games. However, if you're looking for laid-back gameplay, massive battles involving thousands of units, or if you're a die-hard fan, you'll enjoy the game and be willing to overlook some of its shortcomings.
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