2019
Control is a game that piqued my interest after seeing some of its videos, reviews and premise. I love science fiction stories that make me think and scratch my head, so I decided to give it a try. Although it is very fun and visually pleasing, the plot doesn't make up for the quality of the gameplay.
The action and gameplay are phenomenal. This is probably the biggest positive of the game. I had a ton of fun using all of Jesse's different powers and weapons to blast away a wide variety of enemies. The difficulty scaling is very well done, and the game gets very hard towards the end, requiring the player to be smart and plan ahead with the upgrading. The skill and upgrade system is decent, although in the beginning it can be difficult to find certain resources that are necesary to upgrade your arsenal.
Although the premise and setting are interesting, the writing and the way the story is presented are disappointing. I think Jesse is a very uninteresting and boring protagonist. We don't get much explanation for her backstory, and she is almost completely emotionless and unexpressive in her lines with the cutscenes. There isn't a clear villain to the game, other than a crisis caused by an other-worldy energy named "The Hiss" (I think this name is dumb). Which is fine, as it adds mystery to the game, but towards the end it becomes less clear if it really is that much of a threat. This is because the importance of what is at stake is never clearly defined.
A big issue with the story is that most of the details are told and shown through collectible files and recordings. and there are HUNDREDS of these things scattered around the map. In the main missions and cutscenes, the story is told in an ominous and mysterious tone that doesn't really work. It comes off as tryhard and pretentious instead of something artistic with potential to be analyzed. I especially noticed this towards the ending which was confusing and just left me rolling my eyes instead of having my mind blown.
Although I had a lot of fun playing Control, I wouldn't call it a great game. There were a lot of things that could have been better, but it still offered plenty of action and amazing gameplay unlike any game I've played before. If there was better acting, story and characters I would have enjoyed this far more, but I still think it deserves its merit where it is due.
Final Score: 72/100
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The action and gameplay are phenomenal. This is probably the biggest positive of the game. I had a ton of fun using all of Jesse's different powers and weapons to blast away a wide variety of enemies. The difficulty scaling is very well done, and the game gets very hard towards the end, requiring the player to be smart and plan ahead with the upgrading. The skill and upgrade system is decent, although in the beginning it can be difficult to find certain resources that are necesary to upgrade your arsenal.
Although the premise and setting are interesting, the writing and the way the story is presented are disappointing. I think Jesse is a very uninteresting and boring protagonist. We don't get much explanation for her backstory, and she is almost completely emotionless and unexpressive in her lines with the cutscenes. There isn't a clear villain to the game, other than a crisis caused by an other-worldy energy named "The Hiss" (I think this name is dumb). Which is fine, as it adds mystery to the game, but towards the end it becomes less clear if it really is that much of a threat. This is because the importance of what is at stake is never clearly defined.
A big issue with the story is that most of the details are told and shown through collectible files and recordings. and there are HUNDREDS of these things scattered around the map. In the main missions and cutscenes, the story is told in an ominous and mysterious tone that doesn't really work. It comes off as tryhard and pretentious instead of something artistic with potential to be analyzed. I especially noticed this towards the ending which was confusing and just left me rolling my eyes instead of having my mind blown.
Although I had a lot of fun playing Control, I wouldn't call it a great game. There were a lot of things that could have been better, but it still offered plenty of action and amazing gameplay unlike any game I've played before. If there was better acting, story and characters I would have enjoyed this far more, but I still think it deserves its merit where it is due.
Final Score: 72/100
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2017
Ever since it came out, I was very hesitant to play Fortnite. I always thought it was a fad that would just go away soon, and I never understood why people were so attracted to this game. The thing is, I never played it. That is until now, when a friend convinced me to finally give it a go. After some hours of gameplay, I received the answer like a revelation. My eyes were finally opened, and I finally achieved enlightenment as I let myself be carried in the open and nurturing arms of Fortnite.
The only Battle Royale that I ever played before this was PUBG. Although a fun concept, it didn't leave me wanting to play more of it, it lacked a lot of features that turned me away from the genre. Although Fortnite was right there, I was turned off after all the memes and ridiculousness of its characters and dances. To me, it just looked very childish, but I'd be lying if I said it isn't one of the most fun multiplayer games I've played.
I was gradually introduced to new aspects of the game every day I was playing it. Despite the battle royale being pretty simple: you drop, gather resources and fight others until you're the last one standing; it has a lot of cool things that keep you playing and discovering new features. I especially enjoyed the missions which reward you with a lot of experience, and the building mechanics which add a fun layer to the already intense combat.
This game is just simply incredibly fun, especially if you are playing with friends. Anyone can enjoy it regardless of age, and it is one of those rare videogames that are so big and influential, that a whole generation of people grow up with it. This only happens once every couple of years, with Minecraft being another prime example. I recommend playing it in moderation, as Fortnite can become increasingly addictive.
Final Score: 88/100
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The only Battle Royale that I ever played before this was PUBG. Although a fun concept, it didn't leave me wanting to play more of it, it lacked a lot of features that turned me away from the genre. Although Fortnite was right there, I was turned off after all the memes and ridiculousness of its characters and dances. To me, it just looked very childish, but I'd be lying if I said it isn't one of the most fun multiplayer games I've played.
I was gradually introduced to new aspects of the game every day I was playing it. Despite the battle royale being pretty simple: you drop, gather resources and fight others until you're the last one standing; it has a lot of cool things that keep you playing and discovering new features. I especially enjoyed the missions which reward you with a lot of experience, and the building mechanics which add a fun layer to the already intense combat.
This game is just simply incredibly fun, especially if you are playing with friends. Anyone can enjoy it regardless of age, and it is one of those rare videogames that are so big and influential, that a whole generation of people grow up with it. This only happens once every couple of years, with Minecraft being another prime example. I recommend playing it in moderation, as Fortnite can become increasingly addictive.
Final Score: 88/100
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Detroit: Become Human is a thoughtful, inspiring, and to a certain extent, terrifying game that is sure to cause anyone an existential crisis. This is one of the richest experiences I've had and I cannot recommend it enough. The game's world is perhaps the most realistic depiction of the following decades that I have seen in any media. As I was playing, there were a million questions that popped into my head. Everything from the new technologies I was observing to the way society restructured in order to accommodate these. By far, the biggest impact in the world will be the improvement and adoption of A.I. by humanity. Detroit: Become Human does a great job of showing us how that world will look like.
From my initial impressions, I realized that this was going to be a very profound and well detailed game. This is my first Quantic Dream title and I can already tell that it is a studio full of passionate people who put a lot of care into telling a compelling story with an interesting premise. One can see that they did their research before producing a game that takes on the important topics of A.I. and futurism. Some of the themes most present in the game are: meaning, purpose, identity and civil rights. This is the most philosophical and political game I have played and I loved every second of it. The scenes where the androids questioned their very programming resonated with me. It made me realize that us organic beings will not be so different from them after all.
By far my favorite character out of the three robots was Kara. Her story made me think the most and I adored her relationship with Alice. The philosophical question on whether artificial beings can love, hate or care about something or someone is best reflected through Kara. Throughout her journey, she risks her life to save Alice and feels stress when facing danger. I truly believe it is possible for A.I. to develop feelings (or an equivalent of them). These thoughts raise a lot of questions about the meanings of love, parenthood and relationships. These are all ideas that will be challenged and questioned in the next few decades, and we must be ready for them.
Markus' story has a lot of important lessons and questions we must ask ourselves in the future when A.I. arrives. Is it a matter of principle to treat everything with respect, wether it is artificial or not? What really constitutes consciousness and personhood? I also sensed a lot of messages against the threat of government and corporate tyranny in our future. The characters' stories all share the themes of preserving liberty against those who try to take them from us.
The magazines you find throughout the game are some of the best collectibles I've seen in a game. They paint a very interesting picture of our future. These magazines contain news articles reporting on topics like technological advances, politics, climate change, entertainment, etc. Some of them will fill you with existential horror, optimism or food for debate. Reading them feels like taking a peek into our future, something a lot of people will be looking forward to. but also making us have more consciousness in the present.
I loved Detroit: Become Human and I think everyone should give it a go. The story is well paced and impactful, the characters are very interesting and likeable, making you think carefully every decision you make in order to protect them. This is truly an experience that will always be a part of my life.
From my initial impressions, I realized that this was going to be a very profound and well detailed game. This is my first Quantic Dream title and I can already tell that it is a studio full of passionate people who put a lot of care into telling a compelling story with an interesting premise. One can see that they did their research before producing a game that takes on the important topics of A.I. and futurism. Some of the themes most present in the game are: meaning, purpose, identity and civil rights. This is the most philosophical and political game I have played and I loved every second of it. The scenes where the androids questioned their very programming resonated with me. It made me realize that us organic beings will not be so different from them after all.
By far my favorite character out of the three robots was Kara. Her story made me think the most and I adored her relationship with Alice. The philosophical question on whether artificial beings can love, hate or care about something or someone is best reflected through Kara. Throughout her journey, she risks her life to save Alice and feels stress when facing danger. I truly believe it is possible for A.I. to develop feelings (or an equivalent of them). These thoughts raise a lot of questions about the meanings of love, parenthood and relationships. These are all ideas that will be challenged and questioned in the next few decades, and we must be ready for them.
Markus' story has a lot of important lessons and questions we must ask ourselves in the future when A.I. arrives. Is it a matter of principle to treat everything with respect, wether it is artificial or not? What really constitutes consciousness and personhood? I also sensed a lot of messages against the threat of government and corporate tyranny in our future. The characters' stories all share the themes of preserving liberty against those who try to take them from us.
The magazines you find throughout the game are some of the best collectibles I've seen in a game. They paint a very interesting picture of our future. These magazines contain news articles reporting on topics like technological advances, politics, climate change, entertainment, etc. Some of them will fill you with existential horror, optimism or food for debate. Reading them feels like taking a peek into our future, something a lot of people will be looking forward to. but also making us have more consciousness in the present.
I loved Detroit: Become Human and I think everyone should give it a go. The story is well paced and impactful, the characters are very interesting and likeable, making you think carefully every decision you make in order to protect them. This is truly an experience that will always be a part of my life.
2018
Few games I have played have had a world and story as beautiful as 2018's God of War. This reimagination of the iconic PlayStation series takes us on a tour of Norse mythology. I really enjoyed this game and I think it did a great job of showing the best of these legends and deities. I had a blast visiting the different realms, fighting monsters and exploring a rich story.
▶️ Watch my full review on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVuCZqmF7yM
The God of War franchise is essentially the story of Kratos. Even though I never played the previous games, I can tell that he has been through some serious pain. In this chapter of his life, he provides an example for a complex character study of how experiences and emotions can shape someone. This includes his path of redemption while teaching his son Atreus how to become better, despite being a god. I enjoyed the dynamic between Kratos and his son. In this adventure, we are shown some hints about what their life was like before Faye's death. You can feel the pain in Atreus, however, it is very likely he keeps it bottled up to not let down his father. Their relationship has a lot of potential to be studied and analized, especially as it changes over their journey.
The gameplay and combat are fun, but the inventory, skill and ability system are very complex. There is so much stuff to collect that at times it can become tedious to understand what each new thing you find is for. Although after a while of playing the game, you become used to the skill and gear systems and it becomes quite interesting to combine abilities and discover the playstyle that suits you better.
This is one of the most visually beautiful games I've played. God of War takes full advantage of Norse mythology to create amazing scenes from these legends. From snowy mountains to beautiful gardens and colorful valleys, this game has everything going for it in the beauty department. As many other reviewers will point out, I think God of War is groundbreaking in its use of a single shot throughout the entire game. However way you look at it, this is an extremely well crafted product and and proof that videogames can be works of art.
Despite its serious undertones, this is a game that has a lot of personality. I thought God of War would be a dark and depressing game (and it is at certain moments), but it is full of humor and lightheartedness. The more the story continues, you can see the characters learning and evolving. By the end, Kratos is more open towards his son, and Atreus learns from a lot of important lessons and mistakes that put him on a path to become a better person. I cannot wait to see more of this world and characters.
Final Score: 90/100
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▶️ Watch my full review on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVuCZqmF7yM
The God of War franchise is essentially the story of Kratos. Even though I never played the previous games, I can tell that he has been through some serious pain. In this chapter of his life, he provides an example for a complex character study of how experiences and emotions can shape someone. This includes his path of redemption while teaching his son Atreus how to become better, despite being a god. I enjoyed the dynamic between Kratos and his son. In this adventure, we are shown some hints about what their life was like before Faye's death. You can feel the pain in Atreus, however, it is very likely he keeps it bottled up to not let down his father. Their relationship has a lot of potential to be studied and analized, especially as it changes over their journey.
The gameplay and combat are fun, but the inventory, skill and ability system are very complex. There is so much stuff to collect that at times it can become tedious to understand what each new thing you find is for. Although after a while of playing the game, you become used to the skill and gear systems and it becomes quite interesting to combine abilities and discover the playstyle that suits you better.
This is one of the most visually beautiful games I've played. God of War takes full advantage of Norse mythology to create amazing scenes from these legends. From snowy mountains to beautiful gardens and colorful valleys, this game has everything going for it in the beauty department. As many other reviewers will point out, I think God of War is groundbreaking in its use of a single shot throughout the entire game. However way you look at it, this is an extremely well crafted product and and proof that videogames can be works of art.
Despite its serious undertones, this is a game that has a lot of personality. I thought God of War would be a dark and depressing game (and it is at certain moments), but it is full of humor and lightheartedness. The more the story continues, you can see the characters learning and evolving. By the end, Kratos is more open towards his son, and Atreus learns from a lot of important lessons and mistakes that put him on a path to become a better person. I cannot wait to see more of this world and characters.
Final Score: 90/100
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2020
Astro's Playroom is a cute, beautiful showcase of the power of the PlayStation 5. It is also a love letter to the console's history and legacy. It was so much fun to go through this game looking at the different hardware through the console's previous generations and appreciating the amazing DualSense controller.
The PlayStation 5 is a joy to look at. It is a futuristic, space-age beauty of a console that makes me excited to see what the future of gaming will be like. Astro's Playroom makes full use of the controller's new features, including the dynamic L2 and R2 triggers, the movement sensors and the wide variety of vibrations that make the games come alive. Seriously, you can even feel what material Astro is walking through. I think these features will further enhance future games, and give developers more tools to play with in the future.
Another amazing thing of the PS5 is the sheer power of the machine. In Astro's Playroom, the loading times after you die are incredibly fast. I almost shed a tear after experiencing this first-hand. After 18 years of gaming, I never thought I would see the day that annoying loading screens would become a thing of the past. Dropping you into action almost immediately. Visually, there are a lot of things that are much better than past games, this is a generation that will be massively improved graphically.
The game itself is a pretty fun platformer, I enjoyed my time with it and loved all the references from other PlayStation games. You can tell that Sony puts a lot of love behind their brand, and this game is proof of it.
Final Score: 75/100
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The PlayStation 5 is a joy to look at. It is a futuristic, space-age beauty of a console that makes me excited to see what the future of gaming will be like. Astro's Playroom makes full use of the controller's new features, including the dynamic L2 and R2 triggers, the movement sensors and the wide variety of vibrations that make the games come alive. Seriously, you can even feel what material Astro is walking through. I think these features will further enhance future games, and give developers more tools to play with in the future.
Another amazing thing of the PS5 is the sheer power of the machine. In Astro's Playroom, the loading times after you die are incredibly fast. I almost shed a tear after experiencing this first-hand. After 18 years of gaming, I never thought I would see the day that annoying loading screens would become a thing of the past. Dropping you into action almost immediately. Visually, there are a lot of things that are much better than past games, this is a generation that will be massively improved graphically.
The game itself is a pretty fun platformer, I enjoyed my time with it and loved all the references from other PlayStation games. You can tell that Sony puts a lot of love behind their brand, and this game is proof of it.
Final Score: 75/100
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2017
Horizon: Zero Dawn is one of the best experiences I've ever had playing a videogame. Its gameplay is flawless and the world and story are incredible. This is a game that I took my time with exploring every part of, while enjoying the amazing combat and quests it offers.
▶️ Watch my full review on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UAoQoC0XnI&t=1s
H:ZD's world is one of the most unique concepts I've seen. A world set thousands of years into the future, where humanity has reset itself back to the bronze age after a technological catastrophe caused the end of the world. The result is a planet where humanity lives in tribes and primitive cities while animal-like machines roam around. This game lets you play as Aloy, who while trying to understand who she is, discovers secrets about the old world and a plot to end it by a terrifying cult.
As you progress the game, you start learning about the origins of the machines. The lore in this universe is extremely well put together, with a rich history that you can learn through the story missions and data logs. I loved learning about how the past created the world in Horizon Zero Dawn's present. The characters are smart and have a lot of personality to them. You can feel how they deal with the world around them and form their communities and customs to survive and understand the technology. Even though they are primitive, their understanding of the technology gives a feeling of realism to the story. I especially appreciated Aloy's curiosity and intelligence.
The gameplay is phenomenal. The combat, crafting and skill systems are extremely well made. One thing I want to appreciate is how clean everything feels, the game doesn't overload you with information and countless things to do all at once. It lets you learn as you level up, unlocking new weapons and combat styles on your own. I enjoyed taking down each machine, they are all incredibly unique and require different strategies to defeat. I loved their designs and the varying levels of difficulty while facing each one.
One of my few criticisms of the game is that you don't get too attached to the characters. Only Aloy, Rost in the beginning and maybe Sylens. All the others are only present for a quest or two and they aren't that memorable. However, I think that Aloy is one of the most incredible protagonists ever, and I can't wait to see where the world takes us in her next journey.
Final Score: 92/100
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▶️ Watch my full review on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UAoQoC0XnI&t=1s
H:ZD's world is one of the most unique concepts I've seen. A world set thousands of years into the future, where humanity has reset itself back to the bronze age after a technological catastrophe caused the end of the world. The result is a planet where humanity lives in tribes and primitive cities while animal-like machines roam around. This game lets you play as Aloy, who while trying to understand who she is, discovers secrets about the old world and a plot to end it by a terrifying cult.
As you progress the game, you start learning about the origins of the machines. The lore in this universe is extremely well put together, with a rich history that you can learn through the story missions and data logs. I loved learning about how the past created the world in Horizon Zero Dawn's present. The characters are smart and have a lot of personality to them. You can feel how they deal with the world around them and form their communities and customs to survive and understand the technology. Even though they are primitive, their understanding of the technology gives a feeling of realism to the story. I especially appreciated Aloy's curiosity and intelligence.
The gameplay is phenomenal. The combat, crafting and skill systems are extremely well made. One thing I want to appreciate is how clean everything feels, the game doesn't overload you with information and countless things to do all at once. It lets you learn as you level up, unlocking new weapons and combat styles on your own. I enjoyed taking down each machine, they are all incredibly unique and require different strategies to defeat. I loved their designs and the varying levels of difficulty while facing each one.
One of my few criticisms of the game is that you don't get too attached to the characters. Only Aloy, Rost in the beginning and maybe Sylens. All the others are only present for a quest or two and they aren't that memorable. However, I think that Aloy is one of the most incredible protagonists ever, and I can't wait to see where the world takes us in her next journey.
Final Score: 92/100
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There are few experiences in life that stick with you for a long time after you've passed them. Out of those, only a handful affect you on such a deep level, that your outlook is changed on certain things. The Last of Us Part 2 is one of those experiences.
This is a game that has been controversial since its release, I am sure that many who play it will be angered, saddened and understandably frustrated. I sure was, however, this is not a usual story. Part 2 definitely took some risks, but I wholeheartedly believe that everything has a reason, and it definitely pays off in the end. This is a story centered around both the characters, and several important lessons in morality and philosophy. The way I saw it, the events in the first game blend perfectly into this one. They are two sides of the same coin. Love and Hate, Hope and Despair, Salvation and destruction.
The gameplay and visuals are spectacular, there were many moments that I enjoyed because of this. It gave me the chance to take a lot of good pictures. The controls and gameplay are the same as The Last of Us 1, with tons of accessibility options that I appreciated. I think TLoU2 sets a new bar for expectations in the gaming industry. You can tell that a large group of passionate developers worked hard to bring us a story that will stay with us for a long time. Having said this, I also think some people will not like the choices in the story.
SPOILERS FROM HERE
I think that Abby was a very well written character with strong and justifiable motivations. Her journey in the beginning of the game to get revenge on Joel is perfectly reflected on Ellie's journey to hunt her down. They are both fueled by grief they believe will only be cured once they accomplish their goal. No matter how much pain they cause to the people around them. Jesse, Dina, Tommy, Manny, Mel, Owen. They all were dragged into a battle between two unstoppable and determined forces of destruction. Playing the game from Abby's point of view is not a cheap way to make the players sympathize with her, it shows us how anyone can go through pain. Her journey with Lev somehow reflects how as anyone will go to far lengths for revenge, they will do the same thing for love.
This is the main lesson of The Last of Us 2, there are no protagonists or villains in real life. Everyone is trying to live their life the best way they can. I applaud this game for taking this path, giving us a depressing but thoughtful ending that hopefully provides a great example for storytelling in the future. I think anyone should give The Last of Us Part 2 a playthrough and form their own conclusion, for me it is one of the best games of the generation.
Final Score: 92/100
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This is a game that has been controversial since its release, I am sure that many who play it will be angered, saddened and understandably frustrated. I sure was, however, this is not a usual story. Part 2 definitely took some risks, but I wholeheartedly believe that everything has a reason, and it definitely pays off in the end. This is a story centered around both the characters, and several important lessons in morality and philosophy. The way I saw it, the events in the first game blend perfectly into this one. They are two sides of the same coin. Love and Hate, Hope and Despair, Salvation and destruction.
The gameplay and visuals are spectacular, there were many moments that I enjoyed because of this. It gave me the chance to take a lot of good pictures. The controls and gameplay are the same as The Last of Us 1, with tons of accessibility options that I appreciated. I think TLoU2 sets a new bar for expectations in the gaming industry. You can tell that a large group of passionate developers worked hard to bring us a story that will stay with us for a long time. Having said this, I also think some people will not like the choices in the story.
SPOILERS FROM HERE
I think that Abby was a very well written character with strong and justifiable motivations. Her journey in the beginning of the game to get revenge on Joel is perfectly reflected on Ellie's journey to hunt her down. They are both fueled by grief they believe will only be cured once they accomplish their goal. No matter how much pain they cause to the people around them. Jesse, Dina, Tommy, Manny, Mel, Owen. They all were dragged into a battle between two unstoppable and determined forces of destruction. Playing the game from Abby's point of view is not a cheap way to make the players sympathize with her, it shows us how anyone can go through pain. Her journey with Lev somehow reflects how as anyone will go to far lengths for revenge, they will do the same thing for love.
This is the main lesson of The Last of Us 2, there are no protagonists or villains in real life. Everyone is trying to live their life the best way they can. I applaud this game for taking this path, giving us a depressing but thoughtful ending that hopefully provides a great example for storytelling in the future. I think anyone should give The Last of Us Part 2 a playthrough and form their own conclusion, for me it is one of the best games of the generation.
Final Score: 92/100
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I enjoyed playing Wolfenstein: Youngblood more than the previous entries in the series, The New Order and The New Colossus. The main reason for this was the change in the gameplay mechanics, making it feel more like an RPG than a traditional shooter. The only thing is that I wished that the game was longer. Although I think the length and the replayability of the side missions fit well with the $40 price tag. I hope Wolfenstein 3 has the upgrade and ability system as it was a great way to customize my character.
The multiplayer aspect of the game was fantastic. I had a lot of fun and the buddy pass was a great way to share this experience with a friend of mine. The microtransactions were mostly aesthetic and were not pushed as much, so that is a big plus, especially in today's day and age of gaming.
The story in this game is brief and does not add much to the lore, save for a small thing that I can't go much into detail without giving spoilers. But I feel like the Wolfenstein universe will get much more interesting for the future third entry, I can't wait to see what happens to the Blazkowicz family next.
Final Score: 85/100
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The multiplayer aspect of the game was fantastic. I had a lot of fun and the buddy pass was a great way to share this experience with a friend of mine. The microtransactions were mostly aesthetic and were not pushed as much, so that is a big plus, especially in today's day and age of gaming.
The story in this game is brief and does not add much to the lore, save for a small thing that I can't go much into detail without giving spoilers. But I feel like the Wolfenstein universe will get much more interesting for the future third entry, I can't wait to see what happens to the Blazkowicz family next.
Final Score: 85/100
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2001
This is my first time playing any game from the Halo franchise, and I must say, Halo: Combat Evolved was a fun start into this journey, but it isn't nearly as good as I expected it to be.
I can see why this was a revolutionary title when it came out in 2001. The gameplay and enemy behavior has become the standard for action shooters in the years to come. I was very entertained the whole way through. I began playing it on the hard difficulty and got frustrated, so I don't recommend doing that unless you enjoy a challenge. but on normal difficulty proved a decent experience that I enjoyed very much.
The story kept me hooked. The universe looks to be full of amazing mythology and I am very excited to find out what happens next, finding out more about the forerunners, the covenant and how this universe is. Master Chief is also one of the coolest characters in gaming, and I also enjoyed the few moments of humor throughout the story.
Beyond the story, I wish the gameplay would have been better. Sure, the shooting, locations and vehicle use are nostalgic, but there were moments were it lacked quality. The game gave me motion sickness, and there were areas and levels that I hated, but overall Combat Evolved is still a good experience.
I recommend the first Halo for its historical significance in gaming history and its incredible lore. However, I think that the people who call it one of the greatest games of all time look at it through rose-tinted glasses.
Final Score: 70/100
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I can see why this was a revolutionary title when it came out in 2001. The gameplay and enemy behavior has become the standard for action shooters in the years to come. I was very entertained the whole way through. I began playing it on the hard difficulty and got frustrated, so I don't recommend doing that unless you enjoy a challenge. but on normal difficulty proved a decent experience that I enjoyed very much.
The story kept me hooked. The universe looks to be full of amazing mythology and I am very excited to find out what happens next, finding out more about the forerunners, the covenant and how this universe is. Master Chief is also one of the coolest characters in gaming, and I also enjoyed the few moments of humor throughout the story.
Beyond the story, I wish the gameplay would have been better. Sure, the shooting, locations and vehicle use are nostalgic, but there were moments were it lacked quality. The game gave me motion sickness, and there were areas and levels that I hated, but overall Combat Evolved is still a good experience.
I recommend the first Halo for its historical significance in gaming history and its incredible lore. However, I think that the people who call it one of the greatest games of all time look at it through rose-tinted glasses.
Final Score: 70/100
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2020
This game is better than it's 2016 predecessor in every way. From the beginning to it's amazing conclusion, this game is action packed to the brim, making you enjoy every stage, every boss fight and every second of the game.
The thing I want to praise the most about Doom: Eternal is it's diverse environments and the enormous expansion to the lore of this universe. Every new planet, dimension and level looks beautiful, especially Taras Nabad and Urdak. The Slayer is an amazing character that was expanded a lot in Eternal with a complete backstory and awesome interactions, I loved collecting everything so that I could learn about this universe.
The weapons, enemies and bosses are great. The Marauder is awesome and it makes me want to see more of him in the future. I recommend Doom: Eternal a lot. If you like fast paced FPSs you should definitely give it a go.
Final Score: 90/100
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The thing I want to praise the most about Doom: Eternal is it's diverse environments and the enormous expansion to the lore of this universe. Every new planet, dimension and level looks beautiful, especially Taras Nabad and Urdak. The Slayer is an amazing character that was expanded a lot in Eternal with a complete backstory and awesome interactions, I loved collecting everything so that I could learn about this universe.
The weapons, enemies and bosses are great. The Marauder is awesome and it makes me want to see more of him in the future. I recommend Doom: Eternal a lot. If you like fast paced FPSs you should definitely give it a go.
Final Score: 90/100
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2017
NieR: Automata is a science fiction combat-based adventure game that has an incredible and interesting story and characters, impressive action, and a lot of amazing secrets. Although I enjoyed my time with this game, I also thought it was vastly different from anything I have played before. With its complex storyline, death system, and countless endings, this was an interesting experience that I would play again in the future.
▶️ Watch my full review on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWgTSXvxm94
The game takes place in a distant future where the planet is overtaken by machines and the remaining humans have taken refuge in space. 2B and 9S are two androids part of the YoRHa, a military organization tasked with taking back the world for the benefit of humanity. Along the way, they discover a lot of secrets relating to them and the history of the planet. I really enjoy original science fiction stores like this one. Especially those that deal with artificial intelligence. The game is highly philosophical, and it has a very distinct style that shines in many ways.
The characters are amazing, 2B and 9S are excellent protagonists, and the rest of the robots and humans you meet are also great, especially Pascal. In its open world setting, I found extremely beautiful scenes and locations such as an amusement park, and a village inhabited by robots. One of the best aspects of NieR: Automata is the score. It is incredibly beautiful and well crafted. Both in calm situations and when the action sets in.
The gameplay has its pros and its cons, but overall, it is a particularly good and balanced experience on normal difficulty. This is pretty much the only way to play the game, as easy is too boring, and the harder difficulties are frustrating. This is because death in this game means repeating long sections that I would rather not do. This is especially annoying during long boss fights. Speaking of which, the boss and enemy designs are outstanding and original.
There is not much level-scaling or interesting endgame features. Once you find a decent weapon in the beginning and remember to stock up on recovery items you are pretty much set for the rest of NieR: Automata. This makes the journey and combat somewhat monotonous, as I did not see many different weapons besides a cool spear I found a couple of hours into the game that I used until the end. The other features, such as the pods and ability chips are confusing to use. Although the gameplay had its issues, it is still incredibly fun to fight hordes of machines.
My biggest issue with the NieR: Automata, is that to experience a lot of its content, it is necessary to play it several times to unlock different endings and storylines. I played it once until I got ending A and left it like that. This left me disappointed, realizing that I would have to play hours-long sections of the game again to reach new content, including A2 ‘s story. My personal opinion is that this is a bad way to tell a story. And I highly discourage developers, writers, and storytellers from following this format in a game. I really liked it, and I would have loved to continue this journey, which I probably will sometime in the future. But for the moment I think one playthrough at a time is enough.
Final Score: 78/100
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The game takes place in a distant future where the planet is overtaken by machines and the remaining humans have taken refuge in space. 2B and 9S are two androids part of the YoRHa, a military organization tasked with taking back the world for the benefit of humanity. Along the way, they discover a lot of secrets relating to them and the history of the planet. I really enjoy original science fiction stores like this one. Especially those that deal with artificial intelligence. The game is highly philosophical, and it has a very distinct style that shines in many ways.
The characters are amazing, 2B and 9S are excellent protagonists, and the rest of the robots and humans you meet are also great, especially Pascal. In its open world setting, I found extremely beautiful scenes and locations such as an amusement park, and a village inhabited by robots. One of the best aspects of NieR: Automata is the score. It is incredibly beautiful and well crafted. Both in calm situations and when the action sets in.
The gameplay has its pros and its cons, but overall, it is a particularly good and balanced experience on normal difficulty. This is pretty much the only way to play the game, as easy is too boring, and the harder difficulties are frustrating. This is because death in this game means repeating long sections that I would rather not do. This is especially annoying during long boss fights. Speaking of which, the boss and enemy designs are outstanding and original.
There is not much level-scaling or interesting endgame features. Once you find a decent weapon in the beginning and remember to stock up on recovery items you are pretty much set for the rest of NieR: Automata. This makes the journey and combat somewhat monotonous, as I did not see many different weapons besides a cool spear I found a couple of hours into the game that I used until the end. The other features, such as the pods and ability chips are confusing to use. Although the gameplay had its issues, it is still incredibly fun to fight hordes of machines.
My biggest issue with the NieR: Automata, is that to experience a lot of its content, it is necessary to play it several times to unlock different endings and storylines. I played it once until I got ending A and left it like that. This left me disappointed, realizing that I would have to play hours-long sections of the game again to reach new content, including A2 ‘s story. My personal opinion is that this is a bad way to tell a story. And I highly discourage developers, writers, and storytellers from following this format in a game. I really liked it, and I would have loved to continue this journey, which I probably will sometime in the future. But for the moment I think one playthrough at a time is enough.
Final Score: 78/100
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2012
Resident Evil 6 is a fun chapter in one of my favorite franchises that changes a lot of gameplay and storytelling aspects. Some of which work, but others that don’t. Even though it is different a lot of the classic R.E. games, it is still a great experience that has a lot to offer.
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At first, I did not enjoy the way the story was told with the different campaigns, but I eventually came to like them once I got into the flow of things. My order of playthrough was: Leon, Chris, Sherry/Jake and finally Ada. Every single one is vastly different from the other, and I think it is worth it to take one’s time, as they all cover important parts of the overall Resident Evil story. All the different characters are likeable and fun to play as, and every one of their stories is interesting and fast-paced.
One of Resident Evil 6’s biggest flaws is the massive downgrade in gameplay quality from Resident Evil 5. Although the shooting aspects feel more polished, the inventory management and skill point systems are a joke. All the different skills you unlock during the game are pretty much useless considering you only get three slots for them, making the only rational choice to pick any three at the beginning of the game and dedicate all the points you get to upgrading said skills. This was a terrible decision, and ultimately the game would have been better without it as it doesn’t really change much in the end.
The characters, as always, are entertaining and charismatic. Resident Evil always shines due to its characters, and in 6 it is great seeing them come all together and interact with each other. The enemies and bosses are creepy and fantastic, I had a lot of fun fighting them while following the complex yet satisfying story.
Even though the game isn’t perfect, I still enjoyed it a lot and it made me feel nostalgic seeing how it was going to be one of the last times we would see these classic characters in action before the game went back to full survival horror with Ethan Winters’ story. Resident Evil 6 is a decent chapter that shouldn’t be skipped.
Final Score: 78/100
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At first, I did not enjoy the way the story was told with the different campaigns, but I eventually came to like them once I got into the flow of things. My order of playthrough was: Leon, Chris, Sherry/Jake and finally Ada. Every single one is vastly different from the other, and I think it is worth it to take one’s time, as they all cover important parts of the overall Resident Evil story. All the different characters are likeable and fun to play as, and every one of their stories is interesting and fast-paced.
One of Resident Evil 6’s biggest flaws is the massive downgrade in gameplay quality from Resident Evil 5. Although the shooting aspects feel more polished, the inventory management and skill point systems are a joke. All the different skills you unlock during the game are pretty much useless considering you only get three slots for them, making the only rational choice to pick any three at the beginning of the game and dedicate all the points you get to upgrading said skills. This was a terrible decision, and ultimately the game would have been better without it as it doesn’t really change much in the end.
The characters, as always, are entertaining and charismatic. Resident Evil always shines due to its characters, and in 6 it is great seeing them come all together and interact with each other. The enemies and bosses are creepy and fantastic, I had a lot of fun fighting them while following the complex yet satisfying story.
Even though the game isn’t perfect, I still enjoyed it a lot and it made me feel nostalgic seeing how it was going to be one of the last times we would see these classic characters in action before the game went back to full survival horror with Ethan Winters’ story. Resident Evil 6 is a decent chapter that shouldn’t be skipped.
Final Score: 78/100
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Resident Evil 7 is not only my favorite game in the R.E. franchise, but one of my favorite games and horror properties of all time. This game is incredibly different from the previous games in the series, but it is so much better in all possible ways. It leaves behind the zombie action for a horror masterpiece that would make John Carpenter, Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft Proud.
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RE7 is set in a Louisiana mansion where a terrible bioweapon has infected an innocent family, turning them into deranged lunatics. You take control of Ethan Winters, Resident Evil’s new protagonist in search of his girlfriend Mia who disappeared there years ago. When he arrives, he meets the Baker family and encounters some horrifying situations as he tries to escape and solve the mystery of what happened there to begin with.
There are no words to describe how much I enjoyed the aesthetic and themes of this game. Resident Evil 7 is beautiful in strange way, from the Louisiana swamp setting, the house’s design, to the way it uses its ambient to tell a story. For a small map, it has different areas and buildings where you face a different member of the family. They are each unique and terrifying in their own way. The first-person view fits this new chapter very well, as it makes the horror far more engaging.
The game is so incredibly spooky, haunting, and amazing that the few flaws it has are almost unnoticeable. The only ones I could point out are Chris Redfield’s awful redesign and some lack of variety with enemies. The gameplay is very good, it is very similar to that of Resident Evil 4, with modernized mechanics and excellent shooting. As usual with Resident Evil, you fight many bioweapons and monsters with weapons that are fun to use and you navigate a lot of puzzles that test you.
The DLCs are also incredible, although not as perfect as the main game. Not a Hero follows the aftermath of the game with the weird-looking Chris Redfield, but it is a fun, action-packed experience that reminded me of the magic of previous games. End of Zoe was experimental with the combat, but I thought it was ultimately annoying. Still, I am glad Zoe got a happy ending. The banned footage is incredibly haunting and mesmerizing, each one (Daughters, 21, Bedroom) looks and feels like a horror short film. They made full use of the terrifying setting of the game to bring these stories to life. The minigames were also fun and creative, especially Nightmare and Ethan Must Die.
Resident Evil 7 is one of the most perfect experiences I’ve had in a videogame, and I believe that it will forever be a staple in horror culture. As a fan of the genre, I was happy with all the different themes and references to other films such as Evil Dead, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Color Out of Space, Saw, IT, among many others. However, this game stands out so much on its own. Resident Evil 7 is truly a masterpiece. I can’t wait to see how Resident Evil Village tops it, and shows us the next chapter in Ethan and Mia Winters’ story.
Final Score: 95/100
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RE7 is set in a Louisiana mansion where a terrible bioweapon has infected an innocent family, turning them into deranged lunatics. You take control of Ethan Winters, Resident Evil’s new protagonist in search of his girlfriend Mia who disappeared there years ago. When he arrives, he meets the Baker family and encounters some horrifying situations as he tries to escape and solve the mystery of what happened there to begin with.
There are no words to describe how much I enjoyed the aesthetic and themes of this game. Resident Evil 7 is beautiful in strange way, from the Louisiana swamp setting, the house’s design, to the way it uses its ambient to tell a story. For a small map, it has different areas and buildings where you face a different member of the family. They are each unique and terrifying in their own way. The first-person view fits this new chapter very well, as it makes the horror far more engaging.
The game is so incredibly spooky, haunting, and amazing that the few flaws it has are almost unnoticeable. The only ones I could point out are Chris Redfield’s awful redesign and some lack of variety with enemies. The gameplay is very good, it is very similar to that of Resident Evil 4, with modernized mechanics and excellent shooting. As usual with Resident Evil, you fight many bioweapons and monsters with weapons that are fun to use and you navigate a lot of puzzles that test you.
The DLCs are also incredible, although not as perfect as the main game. Not a Hero follows the aftermath of the game with the weird-looking Chris Redfield, but it is a fun, action-packed experience that reminded me of the magic of previous games. End of Zoe was experimental with the combat, but I thought it was ultimately annoying. Still, I am glad Zoe got a happy ending. The banned footage is incredibly haunting and mesmerizing, each one (Daughters, 21, Bedroom) looks and feels like a horror short film. They made full use of the terrifying setting of the game to bring these stories to life. The minigames were also fun and creative, especially Nightmare and Ethan Must Die.
Resident Evil 7 is one of the most perfect experiences I’ve had in a videogame, and I believe that it will forever be a staple in horror culture. As a fan of the genre, I was happy with all the different themes and references to other films such as Evil Dead, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Color Out of Space, Saw, IT, among many others. However, this game stands out so much on its own. Resident Evil 7 is truly a masterpiece. I can’t wait to see how Resident Evil Village tops it, and shows us the next chapter in Ethan and Mia Winters’ story.
Final Score: 95/100
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Resident Evil Village is an incredible experience from beginning to end. This is probably one of the best games I have played in my entire life, matching Resident Evil 7 in terms of quality, but each game still being vastly different in their own way. This is proof that Capcom’s decision to move the franchise away from zombie sci-fi action, to full on horror masterpieces is working for them in all the best ways.
▶️ Watch my full review on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYYlidbZ2Xo
Resident Evil Village will go down as one of the most influential horror works of art from the 2020s. From the gothic, Bloodborne-like feeling of Castle Dimitrescu, to the Silent Hill P.T. inspired Beneviento house section, every single area has heavy influences from many works of literature, films and classic horror themes and stories. The environments that I visited during the game are short of perfect. Even with all the horrifying visuals, the game is incredibly beautiful. You spend most of your time in the desolate, cold village, but also visit several important locations that pit you against different enemies and unique bosses.
The story itself is largely influenced by classic European gothic horror stories, and authors like Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft. There are slight hints of cosmic horror throughout, especially in the final boss battle that reminded me of Coraline (2009)’s ending, and even certain biblical deities. Everything meshed perfectly into a living, breathing, story that was like a love letter to me.
There are also contemporary influences, from the opening of the game you are greeted by “Village of Shadows”, an beautifully animated short film that reminded me of the 2015 game Fran Bow, or Tim Burton’s films. Speaking of Burton, you can really feel his influence in some of the characters and story elements. Topping it all off, there are hints of Guillermo del Toro all across the game, especially in the Moreau and final sections. If you told me these talented artists were involved in the production of Resident Evil Village, I would totally believe you.
The gameplay and action are a mixed bag. It takes the same feeling and pacing from Resident Evil 7, but with heavy influences from Resident Evil 4 (2005), and the 2 & 3 Remakes. Different from 7, this one includes the Duke, a merchant reminiscent of the one from 4. Although I liked the system of this game, I felt that 4 was more balanced in that department. Especially with the inventory system. No matter how many things I picked up, it never filled up, removing the challenge of managing one’s inventory and sacrificing items to make room for more important ones.
Fighting monsters in this game was fun. The shooting and weapons are better than in previous entries, although the weapon modification and upgrade system were overhyped from what we see in the trailers. But I think this is due to a heavy imbalance in the game’s Lei currency system rather than the guns’ quality. The enemies were satisfyingly varied, from lycans to robotic abominations, much better than 7’s all molded enemy types.
The story follows Ethan Winters once again, as he looks for his kidnapped daughter and tries to solve a mystery surrounding a mysterious village and its inhabitants. Along the way, he battles hordes of infected werewolf-like creatures, four terrifying, yet amazingly well-written characters, and the mysterious Mother Miranda. During the whole trip, we slowly uncover secrets that have to do with the Resident Evil universe, the Winters family, and Chris Redfield’s involvement in this situation.
SPOILERS FROM HERE
I think the story was incredible, and it did a great job at answering many questions that expanded the Resident Evil lore. Ethan Winters’ death and revelation about his true nature was executed well. I was relieved to see that Redfield wasn’t evil as we all thought, but I still wish he would have had more involvement in the story. As I said before, this game makes the most out of its terrifying environment and influences, and I appreciated how it managed to juggle so many different things in a satisfying, well-written story.
Even though it has more gameplay imbalances compared to Resident Evil 7 and the RE2 and 3 Remakes, Resident Evil Village is still a masterpiece not only as a videogame, but as a horror property. Like 7, this game will hold legendary status among the community. Besides horror games like The Evil Within and The Last of Us, few properties can pull of a concept so elegantly and impactful as this game did with its gothic, psychological, Lovecraftian horror, and dark fantasy aspects. I am in love with RE: Village, and will probably play it several times again in the future. With the direction this franchise is taking, I can’t wait to see what Capcom has in store for us in the future.
Final Score: 95/100
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Resident Evil Village will go down as one of the most influential horror works of art from the 2020s. From the gothic, Bloodborne-like feeling of Castle Dimitrescu, to the Silent Hill P.T. inspired Beneviento house section, every single area has heavy influences from many works of literature, films and classic horror themes and stories. The environments that I visited during the game are short of perfect. Even with all the horrifying visuals, the game is incredibly beautiful. You spend most of your time in the desolate, cold village, but also visit several important locations that pit you against different enemies and unique bosses.
The story itself is largely influenced by classic European gothic horror stories, and authors like Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft. There are slight hints of cosmic horror throughout, especially in the final boss battle that reminded me of Coraline (2009)’s ending, and even certain biblical deities. Everything meshed perfectly into a living, breathing, story that was like a love letter to me.
There are also contemporary influences, from the opening of the game you are greeted by “Village of Shadows”, an beautifully animated short film that reminded me of the 2015 game Fran Bow, or Tim Burton’s films. Speaking of Burton, you can really feel his influence in some of the characters and story elements. Topping it all off, there are hints of Guillermo del Toro all across the game, especially in the Moreau and final sections. If you told me these talented artists were involved in the production of Resident Evil Village, I would totally believe you.
The gameplay and action are a mixed bag. It takes the same feeling and pacing from Resident Evil 7, but with heavy influences from Resident Evil 4 (2005), and the 2 & 3 Remakes. Different from 7, this one includes the Duke, a merchant reminiscent of the one from 4. Although I liked the system of this game, I felt that 4 was more balanced in that department. Especially with the inventory system. No matter how many things I picked up, it never filled up, removing the challenge of managing one’s inventory and sacrificing items to make room for more important ones.
Fighting monsters in this game was fun. The shooting and weapons are better than in previous entries, although the weapon modification and upgrade system were overhyped from what we see in the trailers. But I think this is due to a heavy imbalance in the game’s Lei currency system rather than the guns’ quality. The enemies were satisfyingly varied, from lycans to robotic abominations, much better than 7’s all molded enemy types.
The story follows Ethan Winters once again, as he looks for his kidnapped daughter and tries to solve a mystery surrounding a mysterious village and its inhabitants. Along the way, he battles hordes of infected werewolf-like creatures, four terrifying, yet amazingly well-written characters, and the mysterious Mother Miranda. During the whole trip, we slowly uncover secrets that have to do with the Resident Evil universe, the Winters family, and Chris Redfield’s involvement in this situation.
SPOILERS FROM HERE
I think the story was incredible, and it did a great job at answering many questions that expanded the Resident Evil lore. Ethan Winters’ death and revelation about his true nature was executed well. I was relieved to see that Redfield wasn’t evil as we all thought, but I still wish he would have had more involvement in the story. As I said before, this game makes the most out of its terrifying environment and influences, and I appreciated how it managed to juggle so many different things in a satisfying, well-written story.
Even though it has more gameplay imbalances compared to Resident Evil 7 and the RE2 and 3 Remakes, Resident Evil Village is still a masterpiece not only as a videogame, but as a horror property. Like 7, this game will hold legendary status among the community. Besides horror games like The Evil Within and The Last of Us, few properties can pull of a concept so elegantly and impactful as this game did with its gothic, psychological, Lovecraftian horror, and dark fantasy aspects. I am in love with RE: Village, and will probably play it several times again in the future. With the direction this franchise is taking, I can’t wait to see what Capcom has in store for us in the future.
Final Score: 95/100
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I enjoyed my time playing A Plague Tale: Innocence, it is a stealth-focused game that also has a lot of puzzles, unique combat, and a story that made me think a lot. It follows Amicia and Hugo, two siblings who travel across medieval France in order to escape the inquisition and understand Hugo’s powers.
A Plague’s Tale’s atmosphere and influences are dark and depressing, reflecting what I imagine it was like during the black death in the 1300s. The game is the first time I’ve seen a property take on this era, and even if it has a lot of fantasy elements added to the mix, it is one that people interested in history will enjoy a lot.
The gameplay is good, I had my doubts going into a mostly stealth game because I am not really a fan of the genre. But it managed to change things in new and interesting ways throughout the course of the story. The upgrade system was especially good, and although it has a few imbalances, it kept me on the look for certain resources.
Both Amicia, Hugo, and several other characters are interesting and likeable. The story made me attached to them, and I especially enjoyed the sequences after they start living in the castle. Even though the game is linear, the world and locations you visit are unique. This is a good example of a modern adventure videogame.
The puzzles in the game were challenging and interesting, although I found the whole theme around the rats to become a little bit too much, especially towards the end. However, I respect A Plague Tale for sticking to this style. Overall, I really enjoyed the game, and although it isn’t perfect, I would recommend it.
Final Score: 78/100
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A Plague’s Tale’s atmosphere and influences are dark and depressing, reflecting what I imagine it was like during the black death in the 1300s. The game is the first time I’ve seen a property take on this era, and even if it has a lot of fantasy elements added to the mix, it is one that people interested in history will enjoy a lot.
The gameplay is good, I had my doubts going into a mostly stealth game because I am not really a fan of the genre. But it managed to change things in new and interesting ways throughout the course of the story. The upgrade system was especially good, and although it has a few imbalances, it kept me on the look for certain resources.
Both Amicia, Hugo, and several other characters are interesting and likeable. The story made me attached to them, and I especially enjoyed the sequences after they start living in the castle. Even though the game is linear, the world and locations you visit are unique. This is a good example of a modern adventure videogame.
The puzzles in the game were challenging and interesting, although I found the whole theme around the rats to become a little bit too much, especially towards the end. However, I respect A Plague Tale for sticking to this style. Overall, I really enjoyed the game, and although it isn’t perfect, I would recommend it.
Final Score: 78/100
For more reviews and cool content follow me on:
📚 My Official Blog - https://grantkeegan.com
▶️ YouTube - https://youtube.com/channel/UCpWCw5dVvb4QUGYHRrx4kmw
👨💻 Twitch - https://twitch.tv/grantkeeganofficial
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