S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is not a game for everyone. Its unforgiving difficulty, steep learning curve, and technical issues make it a challenging experience, especially for newcomers. Yet, for those willing to brave its harsh world, the game offers a deeply immersive and rewarding journey, moreso than other open-world games. For veterans of the series, it’s a triumphant return to form—one that stays true to the franchise’s uncompromising identity. For newcomers, however, it’s an intimidating introduction to a genre that demands patience, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace failure.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 may not unseat Black Ops 2 as my personal favourite, but it’s a worthy successor for those who crave high-energy, close-range action. The campaign is engaging, filled with intense moments and a solid storyline, while the multiplayer is relentless in its quest to keep players on the move.
Spectre Divide brings an innovative twist to the tactical FPS scene with its dual-body mechanic and modular gameplay options. For those who enjoy deep strategy and tactical depth, this game provides plenty of opportunities to flex those mental muscles. However, the steep learning curve and slower-than-expected pace might frustrate players looking for a more fast-paced experience.
Fairy Tail: Beach Volleyball Havoc is best enjoyed as a fleeting party game, one that provides a few laughs and memorable moments with friends, but probably won't hold your attention for the long haul.
All in all, Concord feels like a missed opportunity that arrived far too late. It’s as if the game is trying to recapture the magic of a bygone era, but the spark just isn’t there.
For someone who typically doesn’t dabble in platformers, Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn was a challenging yet rewarding experience for myself. I won’t lie—it pushed my buttons in more ways than one, and I might not rush back to it anytime soon. Still, the game does a great job of honouring its origins while inviting a new wave of (possible sado-masochistic) players to join in.
My Lovely Empress was a journey of discovery for me as a newcomer to both management and dating sims. The game challenged my strategic thinking, tested my patience, and ultimately rewarded my efforts with a richly immersive experience that even a beginner like me could appreciate. Its blend of mythological depth, intricate faction management, and supernatural elements creates a unique atmosphere that draws you in, even if the gameplay can feel overwhelming at first. The learning curve is steep, but the game’s intuitive design and captivating story make it accessible to those willing to dive in.
For those seeking a break from the glossy realism of AAA titles and a plunge into the irreverent waters of indie gaming, Anger Foot offers a refreshing dip. It’s not flawless, but its flaws are forgivable in the face of its infectious energy and commitment to delivering a visceral if occasionally vexing, experience.
XDefiant offers a refreshing hybrid of traditional and hero shooter elements, reminiscent of classic Call of Duty with its own unique twists. However, the limited content and customisation options make it clear that the game needs further refinement and expansion to truly stand out in the competitive FPS market.
Upon completing Sand Land, I'm left with fond memories of its narrative depth, cinematic moments, and the occasional tedious journey. Engaging with the manga version proves far more enjoyable; the adaptation could have reached greater heights, suggesting ambitious goals that fell short in execution.
Skull And Bones' sailing and naval combat are solid and well-made from the get-go. Unfortunately, it isn't enough to carry the entire game and its insane "quadruple A" price tag. Whether it's the lacklustre storytelling, the shallow gameplay mechanics, or the uninspired multiplayer, there's no denying that Skull and Bones fails to live up to the hype. And as players lower their anchors and bid farewell to this ill-fated voyage, one can't help but wonder what could have been if only Ubisoft's higher-ups and management had dared to chart a course less travelled.
Helldivers 2 opts for a third-person over-the-shoulder perspective, bringing you closer to the action. This, along with its humourous military fanaticism tone and its improved shooting mechanics and action, is what warrants a sequel to take this current year filled with live service games by storm.
The future meta of The Finals is uncertain, and concerns about potential imbalances remain. However, the game's current state is an exciting multiplayer shooter (a free one at that) launch that blends generosity with technology. The hope is that future expansions will maintain the game's core appeal and add items that enable new styles of play. For now, The Finals stands out as one of the most thrilling multiplayer shooters in recent years.
Overall, Modern Warfare III seems to follow the narrative tone of Modern Warfare 2019 more closely than it does that of Modern Warfare II. Regarding gameplay, I'd hesitate to make a similar claim as the gameplay in this instalment stands out in its uniqueness compared to past versions. Despite this, I found the story quite enjoyable and eagerly anticipate its continuation.
I can't fault Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged too much. It's like an arcade racer straight out of your childhood dreams. It nails that feeling of being a kid and creating wild racecourses for your toy cars. Plus, the customisation options are off the charts. The quick races and the variety of modes keep things from getting stale, and before you know it, you're boosting your way to glory. I might not be a hardcore Hot Wheels fan, but the sheer imagination, speed, and customisation in this game totally reeled me in.
Ultimately, Starfield not only marks the beginning of a new Bethesda universe but also stands as a testament to the studio's ability to adapt its RPG mastery to a spacefaring epic. As players traverse the cosmos and uncover the mysteries it holds, Starfield promises to provide countless hours of immersive gameplay, solidifying its place among Bethesda's iconic RPG titles. It truly delivers on all fronts.
In wrapping up, Turbo Overkill delivers a distinctive fusion of humour, breakneck action, and imaginative gameplay mechanics for a boomer shooter. While this throwback FPS boasts numerous strengths including its concept, humour, and visual flair, it doesn't come without certain challenges, particularly in terms of level design, controls, and potential spikes in difficulty.
In summary, Wildfrost is a well-crafted and engaging deckbuilding game that offers a dynamic and challenging gameplay experience. With procedurally generated maps, dynamic attack counters, and various status effects, the game keeps you on your toes and provides a satisfying level of complexity without ever becoming overwhelming.
All in all, Crime Boss: Rockay City is a game that falls short of its potential due to various issues. While the idea of building a criminal empire through heists and territory wars with a variety of characters is compelling, the poor gunplay and writing detract from the overall experience. Even the star-studded voice cast can't save it from being a disappointment.
Whether you're new to the series or a longtime fan, Capcom has done a great job with this remake. Despite a few minor issues, it's a polished AAA horror game that's worth playing.