HamezRodriguez
2019
The marshmallow roasting mechanics are quite divine.
2015
Frictional are masters at conjuring a dread-inducing atmosphere; this remains true in SOMA. However, whilst I enjoyed the story, the gameplay often felt like a chore.
2008
Set in a pristine dystopia, Mirror's Edge stumbles a lot over its relatively short runtime. But if you're someone who can brush off a graze or two, its unique style of first-person platforming is still unmatched to this day.
2011
A story doomed to never reach its conclusion, Underhell is a mod that's difficult to recommend. With only two chapters released, the games surprisingly long runtime is made monotonous via empty objectives and padding. Despite all this though, a chilling experience resides within and I implore any horror fans to at least explore "the house".
Much like its predecessor, Revelations 2 situates itself at crossroads between horror and action. The result of this is a game that can't quite do either, and whilst some moments shine and are propelled by the sequels greater ambitions, it stumbles far more than the first. Overall though, including the yet again excellent "raid mode", Revelations 2 is another game best endured as a die hard fan.
2009
Left 4 Dead 2 is still the reigning king of the zombie shooter genre. Others have tried to match what Valve and Turtle Rock put out over a decade ago just to fall far short of that target. Each campaign run is just as engaging as the last, and among the chaos is a precision that is one of the keys to the game's success, with the other being, you guessed it, mods. Because amidst the hordes of Hatsune Miku player models are genuinely enthralling custom campaigns that match the quality of the ones seen in the main game. Whilst not all mods reach such a high standard, the pure volume of them allows for the player to customise their experience to an extent that is rare to see in AAA titles. And for all its pros, it's that attitude towards modding that solidifies Left 4 Deads legacy.
2014
The Evil Within is more than the lacklustre reception it got upon release, and in its own way, is a staple of the action-horror sub-genre ramping up the intensity gradually as you progress deeper into the hellish world Sebastian finds himself in. This is sadly not the case in the game's third act however, acting as a sizable blemish on what could've been another hit and run for famed director Shinji Mikami.
2020
Presented with equal shovel loads of pulp and brashness, Murder House shares a lot of visual DNA with its peers. What sets it apart however, and the key to why it surprised me so much on my first playthrough, is the intelligence within its design. Little things like stopping to hear the heavy footsteps of your fuzzy pink stalker as they roam the house is incredible. Not only is it a great way to strategise for those with a keen ear, but it can also deepen the dread when they're punctuated with the sound of a nearby door creaking open.
Now, I'm aware that's only one example, but the rest are best left discovered by yourself. So, if like me, you find yourself infatuated with retro styled horror games, I implore you to go unearth the rest for yourself. Because other than a minor bug i stumbled on toward the end, the only thing that left me wanting more from this game, was its length.
Now, I'm aware that's only one example, but the rest are best left discovered by yourself. So, if like me, you find yourself infatuated with retro styled horror games, I implore you to go unearth the rest for yourself. Because other than a minor bug i stumbled on toward the end, the only thing that left me wanting more from this game, was its length.
2013
Tomb Raider (2013) is a product of its time. A levelling up system, weapon upgrades and a focus on bombastic set pieces over gameplay complexity. All these components collide to craft an experience that whilst adequate, fails to stand out among its competition. For everything it does well, there's a game that does it better and whilst it was initially lauded for bringing Lara into the modern age, it already feels outdated.
A game dated upon entry with a slideshow framerate and a lack of polish that would make even Bethesda blush, Deadly Premonition is one of the most polarizing pieces of media I've consumed thus far. And I absolutely loved it.
2016
I struggled to write a lot about this game which seems fitting, because whilst it's gorgeous graphically speaking, Kingdom: New Lands is only a fun few hours and not much else. Its simplistic take on survival and strategy runs dry quick but continues regardless, leaving me and other players alike to leave long before a definitive end is reached.
2007
You wouldn't expect a game about viscously cutting your way up a leaderboard of assassins to have you mowing lawns and picking up trash as well, but removing it would rob part of the brilliance of No More Heroes design. And whilst the game does admittedly falter in other areas, an empty open world acting as one example. It's the game's unflinching confidence throughout that will stick with you long after you've reached number one.
1995
Doom wasn't just a great game but a pioneer for trends to come. That's why despite its age, I'd struggle to call it "dated". The original three episodes expertly ramp up the action and the gunplay still feels satisfying in today's climate. That being said, the fourth episode which is a new addition to this version of the game. Can quite honestly go to hell.
2016
(Singleplayer Review)
Titanfall 2 has one of the tightest fps campaigns I've ever played, and whilst the story isn't going to wow anyone away with its complexity. It allows for some of the most memorable set pieces in gaming and leaves room to focus on the budding bromance between man and machine. If you haven't tried it out yet you should rectify that, preferably soon.
Titanfall 2 has one of the tightest fps campaigns I've ever played, and whilst the story isn't going to wow anyone away with its complexity. It allows for some of the most memorable set pieces in gaming and leaves room to focus on the budding bromance between man and machine. If you haven't tried it out yet you should rectify that, preferably soon.
2007
Penumbra: Overture is a drawn-out prologue to a much better game. Whilst the narrative and atmosphere carry the opening hour or two, once you figure out that your bloodthirsty pursuers can be easily reasoned with after a clobber or two the game devolves into a maze runner with a few puzzles in between.