Mass Effect is a critically acclaimed and beloved video game franchise that has captivated millions of players since its initial release in 2007. The series is known for its captivating storytelling, immersive world-building, and engaging gameplay mechanics.

The Mass Effect series is set in a vast, sci-fi universe where players take on the role of Commander Shepard, a human hero tasked with saving the galaxy from a range of threats. The series is famous for its branching narrative paths, which allow players to make choices that impact the game's story and ending.

One of the most notable aspects of Mass Effect is its incredible attention to detail in crafting its universe. From the different alien species that inhabit the galaxy to the intricate politics and conflicts between various factions, every aspect of the game feels deeply thought-out and engaging. The series also boasts some of the most memorable and well-written characters in gaming history, with players forming deep emotional connections to their squadmates and other supporting cast members.

In terms of gameplay, Mass Effect is a third-person shooter with RPG elements. Players can customize their character's abilities, weapons, and equipment, and engage in tactical combat against a variety of enemies. The game's combat system is dynamic and challenging, requiring players to make strategic decisions based on their surroundings and the enemies they face.

Overall, Mass Effect is a masterpiece of gaming that offers a deeply immersive and rewarding experience. Its engaging storytelling, memorable characters, and thrilling gameplay make it a must-play for any fan of sci-fi or gaming in general. Whether you're a newcomer or a longtime fan, the Mass Effect series is an experience that should not be missed.

Far Cry 3 was my introduction to the Far Cry franchise and I fell in love with it. In Far Cry 3 the player controls Jason Brody, a man stranded on a mysterious tropical island with his friends, desperate to survive and escape. Far Cry 3 is carried by its villain Vaas portrayed by the great Michael Mando. For its time Far Cry 3 was revolutionary. It was THE standard for the open world action adventure genre. With deep character customization and a massive map to explore Far Cry 3 excels in player immersion and encourages the player to take their time and explore. A game I feel is definitely worth playing at least once. I'm not sure how well this game will appeal to gamers in 2022 but it's one my favourite games of all time.

South Park: The Stick of Truth is a GREAT role-playing game! As someone that isn't a huge South Park fan I was pulled into the universe that Trey Parker and Matt Stone created immediately. The combat isn't incredibly deep but it's serviceable enough that it doesn't take away from the experience. Stick of Truth SHINES via its story. It's HILARIOUS. It doesn't hold any punches and doesn't care if you're offended. South Park: The Stick of Truth according to people I trust stays true to the TV show and that itself is praise worthy because licensed games tend to miss the mark. I highly recommend this game to South Park fans!

South Park: The Fractured But Whole is a good role-playing game! As someone that isn't a huge South Park fan I definitely thought this was a step down compared to the Stick of Truth. The combat isn't incredibly deep but it's deeper than it was in Stick of Truth. The Fractured But Whole's story is inconsistent. Similar to Stick of Truth the story in The Fractured But Whole doesn't hold any punches and doesn't care if you're offended. South Park: The Fractured But Whole according to people I trust also stays true to the TV show and that itself is praise worthy because licensed games tend to miss the mark. Despite everything I've said I still recommend this game to South Park fans! Comedy is subjective. What didn't appeal to me, might appeal to someone else.

Far Cry 4 was a good follow up to Far Cry 3. Taking place in the Himalayas this time, the player controls Ajay Ghale a man returning to his home country to spread his mother's ashes and fulfil her dying wish. This game builds on everything Far Cry 3 did and does it better, except the story. Far Cry 4 is an incredibly fun game to play brought down by the story. In Far Cry 4 the player find themselves caught up in a rebellion to overthrow the dictator of the region, Pagan Min. Unless you're a fan of Far Cry games or are a fan of open world sandbox games I'd skip this game.

Mass Effect 2 is a critically acclaimed action role-playing game developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts. It was released in 2010 and is the second installment in the Mass Effect trilogy. The game is set in a futuristic universe where humans and aliens coexist, and players take on the role of Commander Shepard, a human soldier tasked with saving the galaxy from a mysterious alien threat.

The gameplay in Mass Effect 2 is a significant improvement from its predecessor. The combat system is refined and feels more fluid, allowing for a wider range of tactics and strategies. The game also introduces new weapons and abilities, allowing players to customize their character to suit their playstyle. Additionally, the game features a more streamlined inventory system, which makes managing items and equipment much more manageable.

One of the most significant improvements in Mass Effect 2 is the character development. The game features a diverse cast of characters, each with their unique personalities, backgrounds, and motivations. As players progress through the game, they have the opportunity to interact with these characters, learn about their stories, and build relationships with them. These relationships have a direct impact on the game's story and ending, adding a layer of depth and replayability to the game.

The graphics and sound design in Mass Effect 2 are also top-notch. The game features stunning visuals, with detailed character models, immersive environments, and impressive special effects. The sound design is equally impressive, with a gripping soundtrack, realistic sound effects, and well-voiced characters.

Overall, Mass Effect 2 is an outstanding game that improves on its predecessor in almost every way. The gameplay, character development, graphics, and sound design are all exceptional, making for an unforgettable gaming experience. The game's story is gripping and engaging, and the relationships players build with the characters add a layer of emotional depth to the game. If you're a fan of action role-playing games or science fiction, Mass Effect 2 is a must-play game that you won't want to miss.

Halo Combat Evolved is a must play game. A cultural phenomenon when it first released. In Halo you play as Master Chief, a super soldier. In Halo Combat Evolved the player will find themselves on the mysterious "planet" Halo where they will embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of Halo while fighting the Covenant, a military alliance of alien races. A brilliant first person shooter in which each gun feels unique and the gameplay truly shines. Halo CE is a joy to play. Everyone should play Halo CE at least once.

I replayed Halo via the Master Chief Collection on Series X last year.

If you read my Halo CE review a lot of this will sound similar because it's taken directly from that review!

Halo 2 is a must play game. A cultural phenomenon when it first released. In Halo you once again play as Master Chief, a super soldier. In Halo 2 the player will find themselves as the only thing standing between the Covenant and the destruction of mankind. A brilliant first person shooter in which each gun feels unique and the gameplay truly shines. Halo 2 is a joy to play. With new weapons, new vehicles, and new environments Halo 2 feels fresh and pushes the franchise forward in exciting new ways. Everyone should play Halo 2 at least once.

I replayed Halo 2 via the Master Chief Collection on Series X last year.

If you read my Halo CE or 2 review a lot of this will sound similar because it's taken directly from those reviews!

Halo 3 is a must play game. The conclusion to the Halo Master Chief story told by Bungie. 343 will continue Master Chiefs journey in Halo 3. A cultural phenomenon when it first released Halo 3 was the pinnacle of the franchise. Halo 3 is a joy to play. Everyone should play Halo 3 at least once.

I replayed Halo 3 via the Master Chief Collection on Series X last year.

A tight first person shooter, Halo 3: ODST is fun to play but unlike previous Halo games struggles to tell an engaging story. In Halo 3: ODST you play as "Orbital Drop Shock Troopers" and not Master Chief. The player is trying to uncover what occurred during the Covenants attack of New Mombasa that laid waste to the city. Unlike previous Halo games the story isn't told in a linear fashion. The player has to travel around a map looking for checkpoints that will trigger story flashbacks where the player will play through multiple scenarios of ODST that were in New Mombasa during the Covenant attack.

People swear by the multiplayer mode but as a non competitive gamer I can't comment on it personally. Halo 3: ODST is a game fans of the franchise should play if they have Xbox Gamepass and the Halo Master Chief collection.

I replayed Halo 3:ODST last year via my Series X.

A combination of great gameplay, level design and narrative, Prey is one of the best sci-fi games ever made. In Prey, you awaken on board Talos I, a space station orbiting the moon in 2032. The player discovers early on that the Talos 1 is being overrun by a deadly and menacing alien species. Their origin, the Talos 1s role in their appearance alongside your characters reveals itself over time. "Bioshock in space" might seem like hyperbole when someone is describing Prey but it truly isn't. Prey tells its story via the environments, audio logs and emails. Unlike most AAA games this game doesn't have elaborate cutscenes. The gameplay and the player are the focus from the very beginning. I highly recommend Prey to anyone that has Xbox Gamepass and even to someone that doesn't. The biggest tragedy surrounding Prey is that it under performed in the sales chart and that we may never receive a follow up.

Psychonauts 2 is a GREAT 3D action adventure platformer that contains some of the most mature and self aware writing that I've ever witnessed. It's funny, it's sad, it's dark but also light. Psychonauts 2 will take you through a range of different emotions throughout your play-through. Psychonauts 2 is incredibly to fun to play. The gameplay feels tight, and the ability to swap in different "powers" keeps the game feeling fresh. The only criticism I have is that you can only have 4 powers mapped on your controller at once and it can get annoying having to go into the menus to re-map them from time to time.

Psychonauts 2 was my 2021 Game of the year. A must play!

A Deck Night game and the latest entry in the Life is Strange franchise, Life is Strange: True Colours is a decent game. In Life is Strange: True Colors the player control Alex Chen, a female that has the ability to sense, absorb and manipulate the emotions of another person. In typical Life is Strange fashion Alex early on in the story experiences a tragedy that sends her on a journey of confronting her "powers" and uncovering the "truth" of what happened. I enjoyed my time with True Colours and was grateful that unlike with previous Life is Strange games all of the episodes were released at the same time. I enjoyed Life is Strange: True Colors more than Life is Strange 2. If you're a fan of the franchise I'd pick this game up on a sale.