The OG Souls game...
Demon's Souls, often heralded as the progenitor of the now legendary Souls series, has aged remarkably well, retaining much of its original charm and challenge that have endeared it to a generation of gamers.

From what I've noticed, many fans, including myself, prefer the original version over the more recent remake. There’s something about the original Demon's Souls that feels more authentic, more true to the spirit of what a Souls game is meant to be. It offers a solid introduction to the series’ notorious difficulty and gameplay mechanics, though it is by far the easiest of the Souls games.
While the series is known for boss fights, this game in particular is so and so, not all the bosses stand the test of time in terms of design and challenge. A few bosses are very gimmicky, memorable and well-crafted, but others lack the depth and innovation seen in later titles in the series. This mixed quality can be a bit disappointing for those expecting the relentless challenge associated with later entries.
Notable bosses include the Tower Knight, a towering behemoth clad in armor and wielding a massive shield and lance, which is one of the more iconic boss fights of the series (HA HAHA HA).
Another memorable encounter is the King Allant, a fast-moving, aggressive opponent that can suck your soul level with one attack.
Gameplay-wise, my favorite boss is the Storm King because of his gimmick, using the Storm Ruler sword is awesome.
Lore-wise, my favorite is Maiden Astraea, she is one of the most memorable and unique bosses in Demon's Souls.
Unlike most bosses in the game, Maiden Astraea doesn’t directly engage the player in combat. Instead, she is protected by her devoted knight, Garl Vinland. What makes Maiden Astraea’s fight particularly striking is the moral ambiguity and tragedy that surround it. Astraea, once a noble and pious figure, has descended into the Valley of Defilement to care for the wretched and plague-ridden inhabitants, who view her as a saint. Her motivations and actions raise questions about the true nature of good and evil in the game's world. When confronted, she doesn’t fight back; instead, she laments the necessity of your mission and ultimately takes her own life if Garl is defeated, highlighting the tragic nature of her story.
The music during the Maiden Astraea fight is haunting and sorrowful, perfectly complementing the encounter’s melancholic tone. The somber melody and choral elements evoke a sense of tragedy and loss, enhancing the player’s emotional engagement.

The soundtrack of Demon's Souls contributes significantly to its dark, foreboding atmosphere. Composed by Shunsuke Kida, the music is haunting and sparse, using minimalistic themes to enhance the loneliness and despair of the game's world. The score is not just background music; it actively participates in the gaming experience, swelling during boss fights and echoing eerily through the desolate corridors of the game's dungeons. This minimalist approach helps to create a tense and immersive atmosphere, making each step in the game's treacherous world feel significant and weighty.

One of the more frustrating elements involves the infamous grind for the pure bladestone, taking me a painstaking six hours to obtain. Thankfully, the duping glitch still works on the PS3 version, offering some respite from the more tedious aspects of the game.
My least favorite part of the game has to be the fifth world. Additionally, the World Tendency system, while innovative, often complicates gameplay unnecessarily, and the Dragon God boss can be particularly infuriating due to its design and mechanics.

For those interested in the roots of the Souls-like genre, Demon’s Souls is an essential play. While its systems might seem a bit rough around the edges compared to its successors, the original game offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of game design in high-difficulty RPGs. I'd recommend picking it up, especially for those who appreciate gaming history and enjoy a challenge. The pure essence of what makes a 'Souls' game can be experienced here, albeit with some quirks and dated elements.

Whether you're revisiting it on the PlayStation 3 or experiencing it for the first time, Demon’s Souls remains a testament to the enduring allure of challenging gameplay and intricate world-building. It’s a cornerstone of the action-RPG genre, offering an experience that is both rewarding and, at times, unforgiving.

I love Demon's Souls, its the original Souls game. It's like a comfort game to me. What can I say? They did a good job with the remake; I liked it, but honestly, I prefer the original version. It feels more atmospheric and retains the unique charm that made it a classic.

The original "Demon's Souls" has a distinct, eerie atmosphere that I feel wasn't fully captured in the remake. While the remake has amazing graphics and smoother gameplay, the original's gritty, haunting visuals and sound design create a more foreboding experience.
The World Tendency system is one of the game's features i dislike the most. It affects the difficulty and available content based on player actions and deaths. While innovative, it can be frustrating and complex to manage. I'm glad they didn't include it in subsequent games, as it adds an unnecessary layer of stress and complexity.

Demon's Souls is probably the easiest game in the franchise, but that doesn't mean it's a walk in the park. The hardest part of the game was keeping track of everything missable due to the World Tendency system. Ensuring I didn't miss anything required meticulous planning and constant vigilance.
The game features a range of memorable bosses, each with unique mechanics and challenges. However, some bosses are relatively simple compared to later Souls games. The gameplay, while foundational for the genre, feels more straightforward, making it a great entry point for newcomers.
Despite its quirks, it's a comfort game that I can always return to, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience. Whether you're a veteran or a new player, "Demon's Souls" is a must-play that continues to stand the test of time.

Absolutely loved this game, the first in the trilogy. It's such an atmospheric experience; I enjoyed every second of it, except maybe the Bed of Chaos, that "boss" really sucks! Its everything but a test of skill.
The soundtrack is full of bangers. Even the character creation theme goes crazy and gets you in the mood from the start. My favorite track is the Ornstein & Smough theme, which also happens to be my favorite boss fight in the game. The music during this encounter amplifies the intensity and epic scale of the battle, making it an epic fight.

Yes, the game feels a bit rushed in the second half, especially in areas like Lost Izalith, which seemed less polished compared to the earlier parts of the game. However... the DLC really redeems it. The additional content was excellent, with top-notch boss fights that were challenging and well-designed. The Artorias of the Abyss DLC stands out with its deep lore and intense battles against tough opponents like Knight Artorias or Manus, Father of the Abyss.
The graphics may be a bit outdated even for 2011, but the game still features some stunning locations that look beautiful, such as Anor Londo with its majestic, cathedral-like architecture, and Ash Lake with its eerie, otherworldly ambiance. These environments contribute significantly to the game's immersive atmosphere.
Additionally, I loved the story and the lore. The narrative is subtle, requiring players to piece together the plot through item descriptions, environmental storytelling, and character interactions. This method of storytelling makes the game's world feel alive and encourages players to explore and discover its secrets. The lore behind characters like Gwyn, Lord of Cinder, and the tragic tale of Sif, the Great Grey Wolf, adds depth to the experience and makes the journey all the more compelling.

Overall, despite a few flaws, this game remains a masterpiece in its genre. It offers a deeply engaging experience with its challenging gameplay, atmospheric world, and rich storytelling. It's a game that stays with you long after you've put down the controller.

This is exactly how you do a Remake!
You keep everything that made the original good and you modernise it in such a way that you don't ruin the atmosphere and general feeling of the first.
I'm glad they did this remake because i never finished the original from 2002.
Given the advancements in gaming technology and storytelling, this remake was certainly overdue and is a welcome return to a story that captivates with its historical context.

As for the gameplay, it maintains its classic narrative, which is as compelling now as it was in the original. The driving mechanics stand out as an interesting feature; they certainly add a unique flavor to the game, although im not sure how great it actually is. It might be because i played on Classic difficulty.
The shooting mechanics didn’t impress me as much, feeling somewhat mediocre. Again, this might be heavily influenced by the Classic difficulty setting, which is intended to provide a more difficult experience.
One of the most impressive achievements of this remake is how it recaptures the ambiance of the 1930s. The setting, the music, the costumes, and the dialogues all combine to create a rich environment that transports players back in time.

Overall, this remake is a prime example of how to rejuvenate a beloved classic without compromising its core elements and it also stands as a testament to how classic games should be revitalized, by making them accessible and enjoyable for a new generation of gamers.

This game had no right to be this good! It was the perfect detective game. The cases were interesting and well thought out, always making you think like a real detective, taking into account the evidence and details to find the right culprit.
The story has lots of ups and downs, exposing you to different types of cases and investigative approaches. At times, this game felt like a great detective TV show, keeping you engaged with its twists and turns. The Noir atmosphere of the 40s and 50s is just fantastic, and Los Angeles is the perfect city for this kind of game. Los Angeles becomes Los Angeles y Los Demonios in this game, immersing you in its dark and gritty underworld.

The facial expressions are the game's trademark, revolutionary for 2011. Many people might find them a bit cringy, but I thought they were impressive and added charm to the game. The attention to detail in capturing subtle facial movements made interrogations feel more authentic and challenging, as you had to read characters’ emotions to determine if they were lying or telling the truth.

One of my favorite aspects of this game is the main menu. It’s so creative; I love when games try to do something unique like that. Out of the letters from the light panel, only the letters L, I, and E don't flicker. A cool detail, right? You know the game will be good from the moment you see the effort put into these kinds of things. This kind of creativity sets the tone for the entire game, showing that the developers cared deeply about every aspect of the experience.

The soundtrack is amazing too, especially the main theme. It’s very moody and makes me want to drink some whiskey and light up a cigar while elegantly dressed in a suit with a nice hat on my head, contemplating life and the immortality of the soul. The music perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere, enhancing the feeling of being a detective in post-war Los Angeles. Each track is carefully composed to match the intensity and emotion of the scenes, making the experience even more immersive.

One thing I can't say i was a fan of is how large the map was, considering there’s not much to do in free roam. However, it’s not really a bad thing as they did well in creating the L.A. of that time, even if it wasn't super necessary. The detailed recreation of the city is impressive, and while the free roam activities are limited, it adds to the authenticity and scale of the game.
Team Bondi did a fantastic job with this game. It’s a shame they don’t exist anymore. The effort and passion they poured into the game are evident in every detail. I hope we will see more games like L.A. Noire at some point. Until then, this game remains a standout example of what a detective game can achieve.

'Warriors: Legends of Troy' feels like a distinguished departure from the typical musou formula that someone might expect. Unlike the endless enemy waves of Dynasty Warriors, this title brings a refreshing focus on one of history's most riveting tales: the Trojan War. For those with a penchant for ancient epics, this game offers a chance to step into the sandals of legendary figures such as Achilles, Odysseus, Penthesilea, Paris (and a few others) and to experience their storied exploits firsthand.

One of the most striking features of Warriors: Legends of Troy is its art style, especially some cutscenes which draws heavy inspiration from Ancient Greek amphoras. This artistic choice lends the game an authentic feel that transports you directly into the heart of Greece.
The world design, even if it wasn't overly detailed, managed to craft a compelling backdrop that convincingly conjures the ancient cities and battlefields of Greece. Every arena feels like a step back into a world ruled by gods and heroes.

The character designs in Legends of Troy are a highlight, and they are gorgeous looking.
Each figure is rendered in a way that both honors their mythological roots and brings them vividly to life.
Achilles is portrayed with the fierce intensity befitting a legendary warrior, while Odysseus' cunning and strategic acumen are subtly woven into his demeanor and expressions.
The inclusion of lesser-celebrated characters like Penthesilea or Patroklos adds a layer of depth and diversity to the cast, enriching the experience and connection to the story.
The more characters, the better in this kind of setting.

Koei has tweaked the usual gameplay dynamics seen in their other titles, making button-mashing a less viable strategy. This change necessitates a more tactical approach to combat, especially during the thrilling boss fights that punctuate the storyline. The introduction of a strategic upgrade system, where you manage limited space slots for various items and enhancements, adds a layer of tactical depth that extends beyond the in-game battlefield.

The narrative delivery in Warriors: Legends of Troy is compelling, facilitated by well-executed cutscenes that captures the triumphs and tragedies of the Trojan War epic. The voice acting deserves a special mention for its quality and for how effectively it conveys the powerful emotions of the characters involved. This, combined with a soundtrack that resonates with the themes of ancient Greece, creates a full mythological experience.

Despite its unique offerings and the robust execution of both its aesthetic and gameplay elements, this game feels like an underrated gem. It’s a title that deserves far more attention, I've barely seen anyone talk about this game, possibly because its overshadowed by the other more mainstream games in the Musou genre.
Warriors: Legends of Troy is a commendable effort by Koei to step outside its comfort zone and venture into the rich, tumultuous era of Greek mythology. The game not only succeeds in delivering a memorable experience but also enriches the musou genre with its unique blend of strategic combat, beautiful style, and a decently engaging narrative. For anyone that's fascinated by ancient history, this title is a must-play.

Call of Juarez: Gunslinger was a surprisingly good game that put the series back on track after the disaster that was Call of Juarez: The Cartel. But did it truly redeem the franchise?

I loved the style of the game; it had a lot of personality. The cel-shaded graphics and comic book-inspired visuals gave it a unique look that set it apart from its predecessors. The narrative structure, with the protagonist Silas Greaves recounting his exploits, added a layer of charm and unpredictability as his stories often changed mid-mission, altering the gameplay dynamically.
The story was pretty good, with a blend of fact and fiction that kept things interesting. Silas's journey through the Wild West, interacting with legendary figures like Jesse James and Billy the Kid, was entertaining.
The gameplay itself was arcadey and fun, focusing on fast-paced gunfights and satisfying combos that rewarded precision and style. The skill trees allowed for some customization, letting you tailor the gunslinging to your liking.

Gunslinger was a game that definitely delivered, standing on par with Bound in Blood as the best in the series. It was a return to form, recapturing the essence of what made the series enjoyable in the first place.

Despite its success, Gunslinger was the last Call of Juarez game. The license is no more, and you can't buy this game anymore. The franchise seems to have been consigned to history, and it's a damn shame. Call of Juarez had so much potential, and it's disheartening to think it will remain dormant forever.