This game absolutely rules, when you can play it. Looking past the abysmal server issues at launch, likely attributable to an unpredictably enormous debut, this game delivers. It is bombastic and has a polished gameplay loop. It is hilarious in its incessant parody of militaristic expendability and feverous patriotism. Most critically, it delivers emergent gameplay moments in spades.

Although fun in solo play, it is much better to engage with an outstandingly cooperative community of strangers or your friends when delivering managed democracy in Helldivers II. The game's dynamism is amplified by the presence of other players. Team kills, coordinated airstrikes, team reloads and a hug on the battlefield all color the cooperative experience.

There is a shocking amount of gameplay diversity that derives from a robust ordinance ("strategem") system and a good spread of mission designs. Whether it be the hectic nests of a Terminid planet or hordes of Automatons marching towards you out of a jungle's tree-line, there is a filmic nature to nearly every encounter. In my 35+ hours in game (with other hours of my 46 total in servers queues), there were some hysterical exploits of the physics-system and harrowing escapes from certain doom that had us laughing or cheering for hours on end. There is irresistible charm in the parody at play here, whether it be a rag dolling player flying through the sky yelling "LIBERTYYYY" or the cheeky combat tips you get between missions. There are many such examples. Add in some crisp shooting, both 1st and 3rd person, and you have a hell of an experience here. Truly, taking out alien and robotic hordes with your pals has never been so damned cool.

A wonderful ode to a nostalgic franchise for many. The Legend of Monkey Island DLC is more substantial than I initially thought, bringing to life what was essentially full-length puzzle game, running me some 8 hours in length at least. It's clever, charming and is bolstered by its reverence to the source material. The familiar faces here are well voice acted and animated with the endearing charm Sea of Thieves clearly prides itself on. Although a bit long in the tooth in some parts... this root-beer glorifying, quip laden, insult-sword-fighting romp is worth your time if a "3D point and click adventure" sounds like something you'd fancy.

Receiving the Monkey Island theme as a reward shanty for doing all the DLC's commendations was a wonderful bonus :)