When I picked this from my romlist I didn't expect to be Literally Battleship. Dead serious, it's just the Battleship board game. But that's not a condemnation from me man - growing up in a homeschooled family with a lot of siblings, Battleship was a great timekiller. Nowadays I don't have much to get out of a package like this, but if we had this back when we were younger, it would've been our number one car trip game, period. The visual dressing is really charming, the customization features for board controls is great, and lots of neat qol stuff. I think the only thing about the battleship component of the game is the aircraft option: When turned on, both players can spawn a random 1x1 size airplane around midgame, and it COMPLETELY fucks the game into complete guesswork. But it IS technically a toggle, so for as dumb as it is, it's completely optional.

They also got a 1st person submarine battle minigame in here I guess? It sucks, I didn't bother with it for more than a minute or two.

i got so mad at this game as a little 9 year old that i bent my ds screen backwards and broke one of the hinges off almost completely. dad tried to fix it with nail glue and somehow glued the power button as well. whole ds became unusable. it's not Gardening Mama's fault but i blame her anyways and since then this game has become the bane of my existence. every now and then i go to look at my ds games and the cartridge pops up like a reoccurring nightmare. Gardening Mama will never leave me alone.

Everything I could want out of a rhythm game.

The visuals are so intense and disorientating at times. The game actively tries to get you to really get lost in the flow and the rhythm. The adlib system deserves a special shoutout for actively rewarding the player for hitting notes that do not appear visually. It's like the game is giving me points for tapping my toes.

All the music is great but the vocaloid tracks in particular are perfect for the rhythm game genre. While other games have you normally playing a single part of a larger song, like just the guitar or just the vocals. Groove Coaster pretty seamlessly transitions from vocals to instruments and makes you feel like you're playing the entire song, not just a part of it. I think it works so well because vocaloid is such an interesting crossroad between vocals and instrument.

It's just a fun fun time. I've got an arcade machine just an hour drive away and I can't wait to get my grimey little mits on one of those big groove coaster nipples.

The Evil Within 2
Developed by: Tango Gameworks
Published by: Bethesda Softworks

The Evil Within 2 is one hell of a game. It’s a game that does a great job at building an incredibly tense, and eerie atmosphere and is brutally difficult to play at times. The story kept me engaged and excited from start to finish and it was a great survival horror experience that left me feeling satisfied encounter after encounter.

In The Evil Within 2, the player controls Sebastian Castellanos who is on a mission to rescue his previously thought dead daughter from a world known as “STEM” that parallels and is best described as a “Matrix” in the universe that The Evil Within 2 takes place in.

The Evil Within 2 isn’t a game that has perfect writing. It’s on the level of a B level horror movie and exactly what you would expect. Graphically The Evil Within 2 looks great despite it being a 6 year old game at this point.

Tango Gameworks did a great job with lighting and overall level design in The Evil Within 2. Using lighting to their advantage along side environmental story telling Tango did a great job at making me feel unsettled and tense, making me wonder what I was going to encounter as I explored “Union” the location the game takes place in. “Union” is a made up town in STEM and is a post apocalyptic type of town that is abandoned. Union contains a church, diners, a movie theatre, houses and more. While not every building can be entered a good amount can be and often times the game will reward the player for exploring. By thoroughly exploring Union the player will find “weapon parts” which can be used to upgrade weapons, or keys that can be used to unlock lockers that will provide Sebastian with different types of supplies. They range from ammo, to weapon parts to a “green gel” that can be used to upgrade Sebastian. The player can also find ammo pouches for the various guns Sebastian will unlock as the story progresses. The ammo pouches increase the amount of ammo a certain gun can hold. The player will encounter a pistol, a sawed off shotgun, an assault rifle, a crossbow, and a flamethrower throughout their journey.

To circle back for a second, I previously stated that “green gel” can be used to upgrade Sebastian. Sebastian has various attributes that can be upgraded via the central hub of the game. They are his health, athleticism, recovery, and combat ability. Resources can be scarce so choosing the right attribute to invest in is absolutely critical. From weapon damage to Sebastians stealth abilities to his overall stamina, properly investing in the right upgrades will determine how hard or how easy the overall experience of the game will be for the player.

All that being said I have to talk about my experience unlocking achievements. 3 achievements bugged on me and it took me 2 additional playthroughs, a complete reinstall of the game and another playthrough to unlock them. During my first NG+ run of the game 5 achievements unlocked at various times during the playthrough that should have unlocked during my first playthrough of the game. Something is seriously wrong with this game or with how it connects to the Xbox servers. It was frustrating that a game that should normally take 3-4 playthroughs to complete took me 5+. If I didn’t enjoy The Evil Within 2 as much as I did I would have gave up on trying to get all of the achievements.

The Evil Within 2 is a game definitely worth playing if you’re a fan of the horror survival genre and have Xbox Game Pass. If you’re a completionist and play it on Xbox be prepared to encounter bugs. I’m unaware of how the Steam or Playstation versions perform. I really enjoyed my time with The Evil Within 2 and hope they make a sequel some day. I was left wanting more and I believe that Tango Gameworks left the door open to explore more of The Evil Within’s universe.

Pros:
The atmosphere
Graphics
B level horror movie plot and writing


Cons:
Achievements were BUGGED

Played on: Xbox Series X via Xbox Game Pass
Review Score: 4/5

The Last of Us Part 1, developed by Naughty Dog and released in 2022, is a post-apocalyptic action-adventure game that has become a classic in the gaming industry. The game tells the story of Joel and Ellie, two survivors in a world ravaged by a fungal infection that has turned most of humanity into savage, zombie-like creatures. The Last of Us offers an immersive experience that blends gripping storytelling, stunning visuals, and heart-pounding gameplay.

The game starts with a heart-wrenching prologue that sets the tone for the entire game. It's the opening scene that shows the outbreak of the infection and how it affects Joel, the main protagonist of the game. The game then jumps ahead twenty years, where Joel is now a smuggler, tasked with transporting Ellie, a teenage girl, across the country in search of a group of resistance fighters known as the Fireflies. As they travel across the country, they face various obstacles and challenges, including not just infected humans but also hostile human factions.

The game's narrative is one of its strongest points. It's a gripping story of survival, loss, and hope that pulls you in right from the beginning. The characters are well-written and complex, and their development throughout the game is exceptional. The relationship between Joel and Ellie is at the heart of the story, and the chemistry between the two is incredible. The game does an excellent job of showing how their relationship evolves from mistrust and suspicion to a deep bond of love and loyalty.

The game's graphics and sound design are equally impressive. The post-apocalyptic world is beautifully rendered, and the details in the environment add to the game's immersive experience. The sound design is excellent, and the game's soundtrack is haunting and adds to the game's emotional depth.

Gameplay in The Last of Us is a mix of stealth, action, and survival elements. The game has a crafting system that allows players to create weapons and items to aid in their survival. The game also has an excellent AI system that makes the infected enemies challenging to deal with. The gameplay is challenging but not frustrating, and players can approach situations in various ways, giving the game a high level of replayability.

Overall, The Last of Us is an exceptional game that deserves all the praise it has received. The game's narrative is one of the best in the industry, and the characters are well-developed and memorable. The game's graphics and sound design are stunning, and the gameplay is challenging and rewarding. The Last of Us is a must-play for anyone who enjoys story-driven games, and it's an experience that will stay with you long after you've finished playing.

However, it's worth noting that the game deals with mature themes and contains violent and intense scenes that may not be suitable for all players. The Last of Us is a masterpiece, but it's not a game for everyone. If you can handle the game's themes and content, though, it's a game that you should not miss.

The Last of Us Part 2 is an epic adventure game that exceeded my expectations. The graphics are breathtakingly beautiful and the gameplay is smooth and immersive. The story is an emotional rollercoaster that left me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire game.

The game mechanics are top-notch, with a wide variety of weapons and abilities to choose from. The level design is fantastic, with each area feeling unique and challenging in its own way. The game also offers a great balance of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, making it a well-rounded experience.

The story is the real standout, however. It's a dark and emotionally charged tale of revenge that takes the player on a journey through the post-apocalyptic world of the game's setting. The characters are fleshed out and feel real, with their own motivations, flaws, and personalities. I found myself rooting for them, feeling their pain and experiencing their triumphs.

The only downside to the game is that it can be quite heavy and emotionally draining at times. It's definitely not a game for everyone, but for those who can handle the intensity, it's an unforgettable experience.

Overall, The Last of Us Part 2 is an excellent game that deserves the high praise it has received. The graphics, gameplay, and story are all top-notch, and it's a must-play for fans of the genre. I would give it 4 and a half stars out of 5.

God of War (2018) is a stunning game that combines epic storytelling, immersive gameplay, and technical excellence. Developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, it is the eighth installment in the God of War series and a complete reimagining of the franchise.

The game features Kratos, a former Greek god of war who now lives in a Norse-inspired world with his young son Atreus. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to scatter the ashes of Kratos's wife, Faye, atop the highest peak in all the realms. Along the way, they face many challenges, including fierce monsters, treacherous gods, and their own troubled past.

One of the standout features of God of War (2018) is its gameplay. The combat system has been completely overhauled from the previous games, with a more deliberate and strategic approach to fighting. Kratos now wields the Leviathan Axe, a powerful weapon that can be thrown and recalled at will, as well as a shield for blocking and parrying attacks. Atreus provides ranged support with his bow and arrow, and can also be commanded to attack enemies or perform various actions in puzzles and exploration.

The combat feels weighty and satisfying, with a wide range of moves and upgrades to unlock. Enemies are varied and challenging, with unique attack patterns and weaknesses that require careful observation and adaptation. Boss battles are particularly impressive, with epic set pieces and intense action that test your skills to the limit.

Outside of combat, the game features a vast and beautiful open world to explore. From the snow-capped mountains of Midgard to the fiery depths of Muspelheim, each realm is full of secrets, treasures, and lore to discover. The game also incorporates RPG elements, with a crafting system, skill trees, and upgrades for both Kratos and Atreus. This adds depth and replayability to the game, as you can customize your playstyle and tailor your character to your preferences.

The technical performance of God of War (2018) is exceptional. The game runs smoothly and looks stunning, with breathtaking visuals and attention to detail that immerse you in the world. The game's use of a single camera shot throughout the entire game is a technical marvel, seamlessly transitioning between gameplay and cutscenes without any loading screens. The soundtrack is also outstanding, featuring a powerful and haunting score by composer Bear McCreary that perfectly captures the epic and emotional tone of the game.

In conclusion, God of War (2018) is a masterpiece of game design, storytelling, and technical excellence. It is a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike, offering a fresh take on the franchise with deep and satisfying gameplay, stunning visuals, and a gripping narrative. Whether you're a fan of action games, RPGs, or epic adventures, God of War (2018) has something for everyone.

God of War Ragnarok is the highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, it continues the story of Kratos and his son Atreus in a world inspired by Norse mythology.

One of the biggest draws of God of War Ragnarok is its narrative. The first game ended on a cliffhanger, with Kratos and Atreus discovering that Fimbulwinter, the three-year winter that precedes Ragnarok, has begun. In the sequel, they are confronting the impending apocalypse and the gods who seek to use it for their own purposes.

The story of God of War Ragnarok is epic in scope, featuring a wide range of characters from Norse mythology and beyond. Kratos and Atreus encounter Thor, Odin, Freya, and other gods and monsters, each with their own motives and secrets throughout the game. The game's writers have done a masterful job in creating a story that is emotional and impactful, with character development and relationships at the forefront.

Gameplay is also a major focus of God of War Ragnarok. The combat system from the first game return, with improvements and additions that allow the player to play the game in a wide variety of ways. Kratos once again wields his Leviathan Axe and shield, as well as other weapons and abilities. Atreus continues to provide support with his bow and arrow, and has new abilities of his own.

God of War Ragnarok features more RPG elements than the first game, with a deeper skill tree and upgrade system. Players are able to customize their play style and tailor their characters to their preferences. Exploration and puzzle-solving are back in God of War Ragnarok with new areas to discover and secrets to uncover.

Finally, the technical performance of God of War Ragnarok is exceptional. The first game was widely praised for its visuals and attention to detail, and the sequel is builds on that foundation. The game was released on the PlayStation 5, which allows for more advanced graphics and faster loading times. The game's developers take full advantage of the PS5's haptic feedback and 3D audio capabilities, immersing players in the world like never before.

In conclusion, God of War Ragnarok is one of the best sequels ever created. Its narrative, gameplay, and technical performance are all outstanding, building on the strengths of the first game and pushing the series to new heights.

Resident Evil 4 is the latest remake in the Resident Evil franchise and redefines the survival-horror genre. Resident Evil 4 (2023) sets a new standard on what a well crafted remake of a classic game can and should be. The game brings back the iconic Leon S. Kennedy as he sets out to rescue the President's daughter, Ashley Graham, from a mysterious cult in a remote village in Europe. Resident Evil 4 has been highly anticipated by fans of the series, and it doesn't disappoint.

Gameplay:

Resident Evil 4's gameplay is a mixture of classic survival-horror and action-adventure. The game is played from a third-person perspective, and the player must use Leon's arsenal of weapons to fight off hordes of enemies. The controls are smooth and responsive, and the aiming system is intuitive and easy to use. The game has a variety of enemies, including the iconic chainsaw-wielding Ganados, which provides a challenging and engaging gameplay experience. The game's puzzles are well-designed and add an extra layer of challenge to the game. Resident Evil 4's gameplay is fast-paced and adrenaline-fueled, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Graphics:

Resident Evil 4's graphics are stunning. The game's environments are highly detailed, and the character models are realistic and well-animated. The lighting in the game is excellent, and the game's use of shadows and darkness adds to the horror atmosphere. The game's textures are crisp and clean, and the game's effects, such as explosions and gunfire, are impressive. The game's cutscenes are beautifully rendered and add to the game's cinematic feel. Overall, Resident Evil 4's graphics are some of the best in the series.

Performance:

Resident Evil 4's performance is outstanding. The game runs smoothly on both consoles and PCs, and the load times are short. The game's framerate is consistent, even during the game's most intense moments. The game's sound design is excellent, and the game's music adds to the game's atmosphere. The game's voice acting is top-notch, with the game's main voice actors delivering believable performances. The game's controls are responsive and intuitive, and the game's aiming system is easy to use. Overall, Resident Evil 4's performance is excellent, making for a seamless and enjoyable gameplay experience.

Conclusion:

Resident Evil 4 is a must-play for fans of the survival-horror genre. The game's gameplay is fast-paced and engaging, with a variety of enemies and puzzles that provide a challenging and exciting experience. The game's graphics are stunning, with highly detailed environments, realistic character models, and impressive effects. The game's performance is outstanding, with a consistent framerate, short load times, and top-notch sound design and voice acting. Overall, Resident Evil 4 is an excellent addition to the series, and one that should not be missed.

Resident Evil 2 is a survival horror game developed by Capcom and is a remake of the original Resident Evil 2 released in 1998. The remake brings the game to life with stunning graphics, an updated gameplay experience, a revamped storyline, and excellent technical performance.

One of the most notable features of Resident Evil 2 is the graphics. The game looks incredible, with highly detailed character models and environments that are both terrifying and beautiful at the same time. The lighting effects are especially impressive, creating a moody atmosphere that adds to the overall horror experience. The updated graphics really bring the game to life, making it a truly immersive experience.

The gameplay in Resident Evil 2 is both challenging and satisfying. The game strikes a perfect balance between action and horror, with intense combat encounters interspersed with moments of tense exploration and puzzle-solving. The controls are intuitive and responsive, making it easy to take down zombies and other enemies. The game also offers a choice between two playable characters, each with their own unique campaign and storyline, providing players with a reason to play through the game more than once.

The story of Resident Evil 2 has been revamped, and it's a significant improvement over the original game. The narrative is engaging and well-paced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep players on the edge of their seats. The game also features a large cast of memorable characters, each with their own motivations and backstory. The story is full of tense moments that will have players on the edge of their seats.

In terms of technical performance, Resident Evil 2 is excellent. The game runs smoothly, with no noticeable framerate drops or other technical issues. The sound design is also top-notch, with chilling sound effects that add to the overall atmosphere of the game.

Overall, Resident Evil 2 is an excellent remake that successfully updates the original game for modern audiences. The game's stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and revamped story make it a must-play for fans of the horror genre. The technical performance is also excellent, making the game a joy to play from start to finish. If you're a fan of survival horror games, Resident Evil 2 is definitely worth checking out.

Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered is an updated version of the critically acclaimed 2018 action-adventure game developed by Insomniac Games. The game was released exclusively on the PlayStation 5 console in November 2020, and it boasts impressive graphics, engaging gameplay, a compelling story, and solid technical performance.

The first thing that stands out in Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered is the stunning graphics. The game features improved character models, lighting, and texture detail, resulting in a more immersive and realistic New York City. The game also supports ray tracing, which adds a new level of visual fidelity to the game's reflections and lighting. The remastered version also runs at a smooth 60 frames per second, making it a joy to play.

The gameplay in Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered is smooth and polished, building on the already solid mechanics of the original game. The game offers a mix of web-slinging, combat, and puzzle-solving, and the controls are intuitive and responsive. The game also introduces new suits, gadgets, and side missions, making it a fresh experience even for players who have already completed the original game.

The story in Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered is engaging and emotional, following the adventures of Peter Parker as he struggles to balance his personal life with his responsibilities as Spider-Man. The game's narrative is well-paced, with a good mix of action and character development, and it also introduces new story content not present in the original game. The voice acting is superb, with Yuri Lowenthal delivering a standout performance as Peter Parker.

From a technical perspective, Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered is a solid performer. The game runs smoothly with fast load times, and there are no major bugs or glitches. However, there have been some reports of crashes and performance issues, which have been addressed in subsequent patches.

Overall, Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered is an excellent update to an already fantastic game. The improved graphics, engaging gameplay, and compelling story make it a must-play for fans of the original game, as well as newcomers to the series. The technical performance is also strong, although there have been some minor issues. If you own a PlayStation 5 console, this game is definitely worth picking up.