Gaming Professors

EXOcars is now available in its full version, but it still feels like a promising early-access title. The physics, controls, and graphics all work well and are of good quality. However, the game lacks substantial content that could keep players entertained for longer than, say, two to four hours. On Quest and Pico, EXOcars may stand out more due to the lack of serious competition in the genre; however, on PC, it will be difficult for it to make a name for itself among the many other racing titles that can be played in VR, either through native support or via mods.

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Tokyo Xtreme Racer is already worth recommending in Early Access to anyone who enjoyed the previous installments. Players venturing onto Tokyo’s highways for the first time will enjoy it just as much, provided they can appreciate the old-school simplicity of the gameplay mechanics, the atmosphere of nighttime racing, and, of course, the artistry of Japanese car designers. Until the full version is released, let’s hope the developers manage to better balance the difficulty of the AI opponents and tweak the tuning system. Then Tokyo Xtreme Racer will become one of the most addictive racing games of recent years.

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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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This game is unique, and if—as with most PlayWay titles—you’re open to its quirkiness, it’s definitely capable of keeping you entertained for quite a while. It’s simple and straightforward enough that you won’t be racking your brain over how to chain combos or outsmart a boss when you get back from vacation. Unfortunately, for what is essentially an interesting little game, it carries a rather steep price tag on Steam. If you decide to give it a try because of the theme, keep in mind that Robocop: Rogue City has a similar concept, roughly the same level of investigative depth, significantly better graphics, a legendary license, and costs almost the same. The decision is up to you; this time, I have to side with the Steam reviews—mixed.

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Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is an excellent sequel to an already extraordinary game. Not only is it bigger and more spectacular, as one would expect from any sequel, but above all, it fixes most of what was broken in the first game and adds what was missing from it. Blacksmith Jindra can now actually forge his own metal tools, he can be accompanied by a dog that isn’t tied to specific locations, the crime and punishment system is significantly more sophisticated, and the quests are more complex. The menu has also been improved. However, combat—enlivened by the addition of crossbows and handguns—has largely retained the clunkiness of the first game. One could complain about the character animations or the certain chaos prevailing in the open world, but these would be petty criticisms. There aren’t many other games that have so successfully combined a masterfully told story with the freedom to approach problem-solving in one’s own way.

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If you’re looking for adventurous fairy-tale stories for adults, enjoy simple two-button button-mashing, like the Japanese style, and don’t mind old-school graphics, then Ys Memoire: The Oath in Felghana is for you. Unfortunately, it includes that sad crutch of experience grinding, but otherwise it’s a fun mix of action and RPG with Metroidvania elements. I spent twenty hours playing the game, beating up monsters—about two of those hours were spent on dialogue and five on grinding. It was wonderful, but I don’t feel like playing through it again.

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Terminator: Resistance - Annihilation Line offers a few new missions, a couple of new movie-inspired weapons, and several new machines to destroy (the T-600 or HK Centurion) for just a few crowns. The locations have been scaled down, and even greater emphasis is placed on the story, which is executed as well as it possibly can be. Kyle Reese is a badass, and his dreams come to life, combined with period music, are simply the best. Objectively speaking, it’s just a short DLC. If the Terminator universe leaves you cold and you take into account that it’s just a DLC, deduct two points from the rating.

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The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty is a captivating and mature visual novel that draws players in with its dark atmosphere, complex characters, and a powerful story set against a historical backdrop. The game doesn’t shy away from darker themes and forces players to reflect on their decisions and their consequences. The visual and audio production is top-notch, and even though the game doesn’t feature complicated gameplay mechanics, it effectively draws players into the story. I highly recommend this title. You’ll enjoy it from start to finish.

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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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The Last Alchemist is like a promising elixir still in development—it contains the rare ingredients of a picturesque world and the essence of a relaxing experience. However, the recipe was mixed by an unskilled hand, so sediment appears in the flask in the form of clunky controls and unpolished mechanics. Nevertheless, the game holds within it a spark of the true alchemist’s philosophy: trial and error ultimately leads to success. If you’re willing to turn a blind eye to a few drops of bitterness, this alchemical potion might just delight you.

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In any case, Tales of Graces F Remastered is a game aimed primarily at those who skipped it a few generations ago. However, if you’re a longtime fan of the series and are expecting something innovative, you’re better off picking up another Tales title. Tales of Graces F Remastered is by no means a bad game, but the competition is fierce, and the genre has, after all, evolved somewhat over the past few years.

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If you’re looking for a horror game that will keep you on the edge of your seat while offering a complex story, Into the Pit is definitely a game you should consider. The game not only ramps up the tension but also expands the FNaF mythology, making it an unforgettable experience for any fan of the series. Whether this game gets under your skin or becomes just another title in your gaming collection depends on your personal taste. But one thing is certain—Into the Pit is worth checking out.

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Vivid Knight is a well-crafted roguelike game that stands out thanks to its original system for collecting and combining gem units. Charming visuals, pleasant music, and addictive gameplay make this game a great choice for long-term play. Although its story and other aspects aren’t particularly deep, the game more than makes up for it with fun and sophisticated gameplay. If you’re looking for a roguelike with original mechanics, Vivid Knight is a must-play. Combining gems, creating synergistic teams, and strategizing in combat is both fun and satisfying. The game offers a sufficient level of challenge for experienced players while remaining accessible to newcomers to the genre. Vivid Knight is undoubtedly a gem in the sea of indie games that deserves your attention and time.

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Batman: The Enemy Within - The Telltale Series is a sequel that pushes the boundaries of the psychological thriller genre in the gaming industry. It offers an intense and well-crafted story full of decisions that affect not only Bruce’s relationship with the Joker, but also the fate of Gotham. The entire game feels like an interactive movie where you can influence how the story unfolds—which is exactly what Telltale fans expect. Add to that the easy controls, and you’ve got a home run. I just have to say, though, that it still really annoys me that I can’t skip certain sequences—because let’s be honest, boredom does creep in sometimes, even though the great soundtrack and perfect voice acting do their best to keep that from happening.

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Alaskan Road Truckers is a truck simulator that could have had—and hopefully still has—great potential to stand out from its competitors. The inclusion of survival elements, the ability to step out of the truck, and the option to be completely self-sufficient are features that haven’t been seen before, and this game will certainly find its loyal fanbase. Unfortunately, the overall experience is marred by several glitches and bugs, subpar technical aspects, and graphics that are now outdated by today’s standards. Still, I can recommend this title to anyone who enjoys ETS2 and ATS and is looking for something new that SCS Software hasn’t provided us with yet. Everyone else, though, should steer clear—at least for now. Five and a half out of ten.

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Panelak by Pajos Games is a unique horror adventure game that relies on an original setting, an oppressive atmosphere, and a deep story. If you’re looking for something new and fresh, you should definitely venture into this apartment building. Be prepared—it won’t be a walk in the park, but an adventure you won’t forget for a long time. The game gives free rein to your imagination and forces you to think, which is very valuable these days. So don’t be afraid to give this unique title a try.

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The game can be recommended as a quick, light-hearted diversion that will particularly appeal to those who are nostalgic and fans of light-hearted humor. Still, the title would benefit from a more thorough overhaul that would eliminate its outdated aspects and make it more accessible to a wider audience.

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Compared to the previous MFS 2020, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 brings revolutionary changes and offers many exciting new features. Perhaps the biggest one is the extensive career mode, where you can try out most well-known activities and professions, as well as the fantastic photo mode, which lets you explore the world’s greatest landmarks. I also appreciate the ability to step out of the aircraft and the implementation of pre-flight checks. Unfortunately, there are a few snags. The main issue is the transition to a cloud-based environment, which didn’t go entirely smoothly and also limits options for those without access to a fast internet connection—even if they have a powerful PC. If you loved the previous installment and want to try out these new features, feel free to invest those 80 euros in the game. In my opinion, there are enough innovations to justify Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024’s price tag. However, if you’re not that interested in a career mode and just want to fly freely, there’s no need to rush into buying it. Eight and a half out of ten.

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Pathologic 2 is undoubtedly a fascinating game that stands out from others thanks to its focus on moral dilemmas, survival, and psychological elements. Although it suffers from some technical issues, such as poor optimization and frustrating survival mechanics, its strong narrative and atmospheric elements make it an interesting project worth checking out, especially for fans of dark adventure games. Overall, I would recommend the game to those who enjoy story-driven games with tough choices and a dense atmosphere. For others looking for carefree entertainment, this game might be too challenging and frustrating. Pathologic 2 is a game that requires patience and, in return, rewards you with a unique and unforgettable experience.

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