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Senua's Saga: Hellblade II (2024)
Don't listen to the negativity. This game is dope.
Overall Rating: 8.9 / 10
"Hellblade 2" is what I would describe as an artistic masterpiece. The story and visuals coincide into a wonderfully crafted novel about the madness within. Yet within that madness there is a method which brings a certain level of comfort and understanding. While it's true that the short 7 hours of gameplay are not nearly long enough for the time we anticipated its arrival; I feel that if you keep perspective its easy to appreciate this amazing little game and the story that it tells. I'll admit when I first started I had concerns about the visuals and gameplay (the first five minutes are rough), but after it got started the game began to take my breath away. It brings back much of what we loved about the original while expanding on those features bringing them out to their fullest potential. Fair warning though, this game is not for the faint of heart. Its absolutely terrifying in some places. Additionally I'd recommend that to fine tune your experience you use a gaming controller and play the game on the hardest difficulty for the immersion of it. Overall? Excellent experience and did not disappoint.
Pros:
- If you like taking pictures in games, then you will love this game. Moments of gorgeous scenery that will just blow your mind.
- The combat on harder difficulty is fun and challenging. And a little frustrating till you get it.
- The story is really well done and I have a ton of respect for the research that went into it between mental health and mythology.
- More hidden objects to find than the previous game and a bonus feature to unlock for a second playthrough.
Cons: -As you've probably heard a thousand times over by now, the game is way too short lived. But I will say that it doesn't feel that way if you play on the harder difficulty.
- Overpriced for sure. You'll get more out of some $30 games these days than this game. But that shouldn't keep you from playing it. Maybe just wait for a sale if you're not in rush.
- There isn't quite as much to do in this game as some other modern games. That's why it's important to keep perspective. If you're expecting a new top tier game, then your head is just in the wrong place. Think about what you liked about the first game and remember that going into it.
The Last of Us: Part I (2022)
I Had No Idea What I Was Missing
Overall Rating: 8.7 / 10
"The Last of Us: Part 1" is a well crafted experience taking place in a grotesque post apocalyptic world teaching us the value of survival skills in a world where any step forward could be your last. While the unsettling adventure brings moments of terror and discomfort, it also provides an underlying wholesome message about what really matters in life. If you've somehow managed to avoid this title up to this point (like I had), I can firmly recommend it but you better have a top notch PC to do it. As a side note, don't play "Grounded mode" (the hardest difficulty) on your first playthrough (like I did). It's a form of self torture that provides no reward and will take away from the best moments of the experience. That is... unless you hate yourself (like I do) in which case, by all means, enjoy.
Pros:
- Stunning visuals that have aged very well with the remaster. (especially the lighting)
- Inventive mechanics which resemble that of Tomb Raider and Assassin's Creed.
- Diverse types of enemies and scenarios forcing you to think your way through each challenge.
- Compelling, relatable characters in an immersive world with beautiful story telling.
- Plenty of collectibles to find, if you're into that sort of thing.
Cons:
- Intense hit on PC performance at higher visual levels. Worth it but YIKES!
- Controls & Movement are a little wonky at times and it can get you killed on higher difficulties.
- It's about as predictable as any zombie movie / game you've ever experienced.
Hogwarts Legacy (2023)
Baldur's Gate 3 Deserved GOTY, but NOT BY MUCH!
Overall Rating: 10 / 10
"Hogwarts Legacy" had received my vote for game of the year despite a few really good ones coming out in 2023. At that time, I was only able to put about 14 hours into the game due to difficulties between hardware and real life. However, my experience with the game up to that point was fantastic. Little did I know how much the game truly had to offer. After finally upgrading my system and spending many hours within the game, I can say that it is one of greatest games ever made. It brought back many good feelings from the old films, video games, & books, while creating a new experience and world for every type of harry potter fan to enjoy and explore. This will go down as a timeless classic.
Pros:
- Amazing integration with "Wizarding World" adapting to you!
- Massive open world with many secrets to find.
- Enjoyable and challenging combat.
- Exciting story arcs and immersive development.
- One of the few modern games that don't require micro-transactions. ONE TIME BUY!
- Truly fun leveling, gearing, and crafting systems.
- Much to offer for all kinds of interests and play-styles.
Cons:
- Visuals are good but not great and not worth the performance hit.
- Character customization is good but not as good as it could be.
- Your choices don't make a huge difference.
7 Days to Die (2013)
7 Days of Fun, And after that? Not so much.
Overall Rating: 6.2 / 10
"7 Days to Die", while a bit dated now, was one of the better experiences of its genre. I admittedly hold the personal opinion that if you've played one zombie / survival game, you've played them all. However, if I had to pick one: I'd pick this game. The biggest advantage of this game is that it runs on a cycle that keeps you motivated to continue your search. It will eventually get old, like most survival games, but its at least 60 to 70 hours worth of fun if you really get into it.
Pros:
- Smooth, relatively bug-free gameplay.
- Completely interactive open world and environment.
- Good survival system in place.
- Fun combat and exploration.
- Really fun with a couple friends.
Cons:
- Very poor graphics.
- Horrendous character customization.
- You will run out of things to do eventually.
Gears 5 (2019)
Better Than Generally Accepted
Overall Rating: 7.5 / 10
"Gears 5" is what I consider to be the second best installment in the legendary "Gears of War" franchise. Additionally, it might very well be the among the better third person shooters of all time. While it is lacking in choice, environment interaction, and customization; it provides an exciting experience in which the player can enjoy a gritty and gorey game with an intriguing story. If you still have not picked this game up, I strongly recommend it.
Pros:
- Compelling story, characters, and voice acting.
- Above average visuals, sound fx, and music.
- Exciting combat with many different ways to play.
- Unique class system that heavily improves the gameplay.
- Many different types of modes and difficulties to enjoy.
Cons:
- Once you've beaten most of the game, it gets pretty boring.
- All modes feel extremely repetitive.
- Not very fun without friends to play it with.
Star Wars: The Old Republic (2011)
The BEST MMORPG & Last Legacy of the Old Guard (Bioware)
Overall Rating: 9/10
"Star Wars: The Old Republic" (SWTOR) is arguably one of the greatest MMOs of all time. The game offers a galaxy full of possibilities once the player becomes familiar with its controls, lore, and interface. As you grow stronger and develop new skills, there are dozens of worlds and instances filled with hundreds of quests. With a story spanning over 18+ years (and growing), your character will rise to each challenge as they face off against some of the largest threats to the Star Wars universe in its history. The game has much to offer the fandom as "Knights of the Old Republic" players will feel loads of nostalgia and excitement; while other generations of fans will get to experience something new in a familiar setting. In 2024, this game is still worth playing.
Pros:
- Diverse class system offering exciting styles of play.
- Fully voiced quests and cinematics, immersing you completely.
- Dynamic choices with consequences (as seen in other Bioware titles).
- The stories often get better as they develop.
- The DLCs are all included in the subscription and are mostly pretty amazing.
- You don't have to love MMOs to like this game.
- Focuses on 'Legends' lore in Star Wars, steering clear of modern disasters.
Cons:
- The subscription is an absolute must-have, and a bit pricey, in short-term payments.
- The developer updates are hit and miss; some are great and some are terrible.
- The player community is mostly greedy and often immature.
- The graphics and combat are sometimes great, and other times dated.
- The game is usually grindy (as with most MMORPGs).
- You need friends or a guild to enjoy much of the best content.
Gotham Knights (2022)
Way Underrated and Better with a Friend
Overall Rating: 9.8 / 10
"Gotham Knights" is the ideal game for true DC Comics fans who have a well-rounded perspective of the content. Even if you don't, those familiar with the "Arkham" series will recognize similar elements that caused its widespread popularity. Meanwhile older fans will feel a hit of nostalgia as the game seems to take from the old school PlayStation title "Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu". Additionally, the story brings together some of the best villains in the history of the franchise while creating its own interesting and unique spin on various pieces of lesser known classics. This game is my "Game of the Year" in 2022, and one of the best I have ever played.
Pros:
- Exciting combat styles & skill trees for each character.
- Good customization options for armor and weapons.
- Finely-crafted story telling with loveable characters and fun dialogue.
- Gorgeous, modern visuals that will immerse you.
- Something for everyone (collectables, races, investigation, etc.)
- 20 to 30+ story-driven hours of open world gameplay.
- Plenty of bonus content and challenges to pursue and unlock.
- High chance of DLC expansions with many villains still missing in Gotham.
- Compatible with visual mods.
- Great alone and better with friends.
Cons:
- The graphics, while beautiful, are not optimized and can cause issues.
- Gameplay might feel repetitive and grindy at times.
- No anti-cheat yet. Please don't cheat.
Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series (2014)
An Unnecessary Spin-Off but Pleasant Surprise
Overall Rating: 6.5/10
As with most "Telltale Series" games, this game focuses on choices and story crafting in an effort to immerse you in a 'roleplay' like experience. While the gameplay itself doesn't offer much of a challenge, the story acts as an interactive novel in which your decisions will shape the world around you. "Game of Thrones - A Telltale Game Series" is loosely based on the events of the renowned television series and even features some of the same actors and actresses reprising their roles. Your "house" represents a small family who has the misfortune of being caught up the grim events that occur within seasons three and four. It is up to you to lead them on their journey towards whatever may come. In hindsight, the game was exciting and sometimes anxiety inducing; but the overall experience was quite good. If you like other "Telltale" games and happen to be a fan of "Game of Thrones", I certainly recommend that you find a way to get your hands on it.
Pros:
- Well developed characters.
- Excellent plot twists and tough choices.
- Respectful to the hardcore fans.
- Nostalgic feelings.
Cons:
- Visuals have not aged that well but can be tolerated.
- Gameplay is pretty much click and point.
- Story will often trick you and lead you down some dark paths.
Planet Zoo (2019)
Wholesome & Fulfilling
Overall Rating: 7/10
"Planet Zoo" is a wholesome and fulfilling experience that will allow each player to express their creativity freely. With 140+ animal species to choose from and nearly limitless building potential, no two players' zoos will be the same. "Zoo Tycoon" (2001) players and fans of the "Sims" franchise may recognize familiar elements which had made you fall in love with those games. "Planet Zoo" is family friendly and offers an educational experience in which players of all ages and backgrounds can learn something new. While few games are genuinely worth the money for which they sell these days, this one is worth every cent.
Pros:
- Addicting and time consuming.
- New content added often and patches are always excellent.
- Graphics and visuals are mostly great.
- The game feels alive!
- Brilliant modding community.
Cons:
- Achievements and game modes can feel short lived.
- Challenging learning curve. Keep YouTube handy.
- Much of best content is locked behind the DLC paywall.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice (2017)
Amazing and Terrifying
Overall Rating: 8/10
"Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice" is a captivating and often breath-taking, dark fantasy in which the trials of mental health and lost loves are explored whilst also touching on many of the less-popular pagan stories from Norse mythology. As the narrative unfolds, it may seem somewhat confusing as the player must overcome both physical and mental trials to uncover Senua's secrets. This game stole my heart a few years ago as it explored the ways in which we all cope with things. The studio did a great deal of research on the subject of mental health before releasing the game, and you can find an excellent documentary about it here (May Contain Spoilers). I highly recommend the game to anyone who is going through a hard time with mental health and/or heartbreak; and I look forward to the coming sequel.
Pros:
- The combat system is pretty simple but lots of fun.
- The story will touch your heart and the ending will make you think.
- The graphics are mostly pretty good, but still perform well even on lower end PCs.
Cons:
- The game is often terrifying as it touches on fear and mental health quite a lot.
- There is not much to explore. You'll get about 12 hours (give or take) of linear gameplay and that's it.
- The hardest difficulty isn't that challenging once you understand the game's mechanics.
A Plague Tale: Innocence (2019)
A Beautifully Tragic Tale
Overall Rating: 8/10
With the recent release of "Requiem", I have refreshed my memory on "Innocence" to review it in anticipation for playing the sequel. The story within this game is both dark and powerful, illustrating the timeless tale of 'family above all'. While the world around them slips into the aforementioned darkness, the characters of the story lean on each other and rely on their connections to bring them through it. Its an emotional and inspiring narrative to help anyone dealing with hard times.
Pros:
- Beautiful story telling.
- Deep characters and solid voice acting.
Cons:
- Visuals are mostly good but at times leave something to be desired.
- Gameplay is inconsistent. In some places its fun, and others its not.
Trigger Warning: This game can be really intense and disturbing at times. I do not recommend it if you have a low tolerance for horror elements.
Conan Exiles (2017)
Fun While It Lasted
As far as pure survival based games go, "Conan Exiles" has no equal at the time of this review. It belongs to a class of its own in this niche of games in which the competition simply doesn't compare. The experience is truly one of a kind and among the best that I have had within all genres. However, the developers seem to have lost their way a bit. The game hit a standstill in 2022 in anticipation of the worst update in the game's history. The update added utterly useless content and completely broke the game causing all sorts of issues. Since that time, achieving stability on a private server has been nearly impossible while playing on the unmoderated official servers is just far too toxic of an experience to enjoy. I don't see this game heading in a positive direction in the near future.
Pros:
- Challenging combat system that makes the game thrilling!
- Plenty of places to explore and things to uncover in the game.
- Offers good times for PVE, PVP, and RP players alike.
- A great social game to interact with the community.
- Its a fun game to build lasting memories when it actually works.
Cons:
- The game is far better with mods but highly unstable lately.
- The visuals can be very demanding on anything less than high end systems.
- Server lag can ruin the experience very quickly.
- Frequent updates that cause all kinds of issues.
- Too many DLCs to keep track of for no good reason.
Smite (2014)
Endless Disappointment and Misery
Overall Rating: 4/10
The glory days of "Smite" are long gone. What once was a project that offered an educational PVP experience with enormous potential has lost all of its promise with the rapid decay of its gameplay experience. There was a time where it could have been argued that this was the best MOBA on the market. Now, however, it is nothing more than a money grabbing scheme that will continue to loop you in a repetitive cycle of disappointment. After nearly 5000 total hours of experience across platforms, I can assure you that this is nothing more than a waste of your time and money unless you like Fornite, CoD, and other mindless PVP games. It will only provide you with a temporary dopamine boost and promises of a better tomorrow that will never come. Admittedly, this review is a bit jaded but my advice in 2024? Don't play it.
Pros:
- God concepts and skills are really cool!
- Lore, items, and skins are exciting!
- Good with friends.
Cons:
- Highly toxic community on multiple levels.
- Repetitive cycle of game breaking patches.
- Lighting your wallet on fire would be more productive than buying these now expensive skins.
- Uninspiring, immersion breaking collaborations and meme skins.
- Horrible matchmaking; especially in ranked.
- Progress and achievements feel fruitless after a certain point.
- Each new 'god' breaks the meta in a bad way.
- Dumbing the game down has made it 'fun for everyone'.
- And now, they are replacing it with Smite 2 without proper reimbursement for your time wasted in the first one.