🕗 Total time played (approx.): 1145+
🏆 Completion: Played through the Campaign with all classes and pretty much done everything the game has to offer.

REVIEW:

"Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords" is a captivating blend of match-3 gameplay and RPG elements, offering a truly addictive experience that's pretty much akin to virtual crack, lol.

The game's core mechanic involves matching colored gems on a grid, with each match affecting your RPG adventure by allowing you to cast spells, attack enemies, and gather crucial resources. The strategic depth of deciding between a big match or saving gems for a game-changing spell adds layers of complexity to the already addictive puzzle mechanics. As you progress through the game's quests, you'll encounter a variety of foes, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. Winning battles rewards you with experience points and loot, essential for leveling up your character and acquiring new abilities. This integration of RPG elements gives much more purpose to the puzzle gameplay, making every match feel like a step towards becoming a more formidable hero. However, it's important to note that the game is not without its fair share of flaws. One notable issue is the sometimes frustrating behavior of the AI. It often appears that the AI has more luck than skill, leading to moments of exasperation when it seems to get the perfect matches just a bit too frequently. This can occasionally create a sense of unfairness and imbalance, detracting from an otherwise enjoyable experience. Visually, the game's fantasy-themed graphics are charming, if not overly flashy, and the accompanying music and sound effects add to the atmosphere.

In conclusion, "Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords" is a game that successfully marries match-3 puzzle mechanics with RPG elements. Its addictive nature will have you hooked, constantly striving to level up and discover new spells. However, be prepared for occasional frustrations with the AI's seemingly fortuitous luck. Despite this drawback, if you're a fan of either genre or simply looking for a game that's easy to pick up but hard to put down, this is definitely worth your time. Just keep in mind the occasional bouts of frustration as you embark on this addictive puzzle RPG adventure.

⭐ Rating: 3/5

🕗 Total time played (approx.): 647h
🏆 Completion: 100% (35/35 Steam Achievements)

REVIEW:

"Fallout Shelter" is a game that I've played on and off for years, both on my smartphone and on PC. As someone who experienced the game completely Free2Play, I'd like to share my thoughts.

First and foremost, I have to mention that the gameplay of "Fallout Shelter" is naturally limited by the nature of the game. You build rooms, assign dwellers, manage resources, and try to protect your Vault from dangers. It's all quite simple and predictable, but still enjoyable for a few hours here and there. What I do particularly enjoy about "Fallout Shelter" is the ability to customize and optimize my own Vault. It's fun to build new rooms, equip them with various items, and place dwellers strategically for efficient work. There's also a certain satisfaction in managing resources well and successfully expanding your Vault. Another plus is the "Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System" (V.A.T.S.) during exploration missions. Here, you can send your dwellers on expeditions where they encounter events and collect loot. The V.A.T.S. system - just like in the "real" "Fallout" games - allows for targeted aiming at specific body parts during combat, providing a nice tactical element.

Regarding the Free2Play aspects, personally, I find that "Fallout Shelter" is reasonably fair. You can play the game completely for free without hitting any big paywalls that push you to purchase in-game currency. Sure, there are microtransactions for Lunchboxes and Nuka-Cola Quantum, and you can save a ridiculous amount of time by paying for certain services, but I've never felt super compelled to buy them to enjoy the game. Graphically, the game is pretty charmingly designed in the typical "Fallout" style, with its retro-futurism and iconic Vault designs. The soundtrack also adds to the atmosphere, although it can become somewhat repetitive after a while.

Overall, "Fallout Shelter" is a nice pastime for me. It might not be the deepest or most complex game, but for a few relaxed hours managing a Vault and watching it grow and thrive, it's quite enjoyable. Anyone looking for a free game that doesn't require too much time or commitment might find some joy in it.

⭐ Rating: 2/5

I played the second game as part of "The Sly Collection".

🕗 Total time played (approx.): 13h
🏆 Completion: 100% (36/36 Trophies)

REVIEW:

"Sly 2: Band of Thieves" is a game that embodies the essence of a solid 3D platformer with its charming art style and delightful characters. Throughout my playthrough, I found myself genuinely enjoying the experience, but there were also moments that left me feeling frustrated and somewhat disappointed.

Let's start with the positives: the game's art style is STILL fantastic, with vibrant colors and imaginative designs that bring the world to life. The characters, from Sly and his friends to the various villains, are well-developed and full of personality. The heist-based gameplay is a refreshing twist, adding a layer of strategy and planning to the typical platformer formula. The core mechanics of sneaking around, pickpocketing, and using gadgets are all well-executed and make for satisfying gameplay. The variety of missions and locations keeps things interesting, and the story is engaging, with twists and turns that keep you hooked.

However, as much as I enjoyed the majority of "Sly 2", there were certain aspects that detracted from the overall experience. One of the biggest culprits was the inclusion of vehicle sequences. These moments felt like they were from a different game altogether and often disrupted the flow of gameplay. Not only that, but the controls during these sequences were frustratingly imprecise, leading to more than a few instances of unnecessary failure. Additionally, the final level on the Airship was particularly aggravating. It was filled with tasks and challenges that felt more like chores than fun gameplay. The difficulty spike was kinda steep, and the sheer number of enemies and obstacles made it more of a test of patience than skill. It was also a disappointing end to an otherwise enjoyable game.

Despite these frustrations, "Sly 2: Band of Thieves" remains a solid 3D platformer with a lot of heart. The characters and world are charming, the heist mechanics are engaging, and there are plenty of moments that will put a smile on your face. It's just a shame that certain design choices and the final level marred what could have been a near-perfect experience. In conclusion, the game manages to entertain and charm, but it's not without its flaws. If you're a fan of 3D platformers and can overlook some frustrating moments, you'll likely have a good time with this game. Just be prepared for a few bumps along the way.

⭐ Rating: 3/5