ValWhenVal
1998
Imagine all the worst aspects of New Vegas with the archaisms of 90s CRPGs. Now think of the unfunniest pop culture, fourth-wall breaking "jokes." Then we're going to take what is a 10-12 game and stretch it to 30 hours.
That's Fallout 2.
That's Fallout 2.
1997
The original Fallout is one of the greatest takes on the post-apocalypse in any media — its writing and characters are some of the best, and it's worldbuilding is revolutionary.
Unlike the rest of the series, Fallout 1 is unapologetically bleak, harsh, and brutal. From the moment you leave your vault, throughout our journey in what was once California, all the way to your return to your home vault, there is virtually no reprieve from the bleakness of post-nuclear war America. In fact, it only accelerates all the way to the very end.
Fallout 1 is also home to one of the greatest villains in gaming. The Master's presence slowly reveals itself over the course of the game until its climax. With The Master, we are introduced to a reoccuring theme in the series: an individual, or group of individuals, obsessed with not only preventing another nuclear fallout or similar event, but seemingly absolve America of its sins — the "wrath and folly of a bygone generation," as described in another entry — an obsession ironcially leading to a new set of sins.
If you're coming from the 3D games, like myself, there's a few things to keep in mind. The retrofuturism of the series is a lot more subtle. Whereas Bethesda leans into so much (which I love, mind you) it almsot turns into retroism, the original Fallout uses it a lot more subtly. Yes, this is a CRPG from 30 years ago, so it's mechanically clunky, sometimes obtuse, and the character creation requires a full on guide if you don't want to brick your first playthrough. But it's absolutely worth playing.
Unlike the rest of the series, Fallout 1 is unapologetically bleak, harsh, and brutal. From the moment you leave your vault, throughout our journey in what was once California, all the way to your return to your home vault, there is virtually no reprieve from the bleakness of post-nuclear war America. In fact, it only accelerates all the way to the very end.
Fallout 1 is also home to one of the greatest villains in gaming. The Master's presence slowly reveals itself over the course of the game until its climax. With The Master, we are introduced to a reoccuring theme in the series: an individual, or group of individuals, obsessed with not only preventing another nuclear fallout or similar event, but seemingly absolve America of its sins — the "wrath and folly of a bygone generation," as described in another entry — an obsession ironcially leading to a new set of sins.
If you're coming from the 3D games, like myself, there's a few things to keep in mind. The retrofuturism of the series is a lot more subtle. Whereas Bethesda leans into so much (which I love, mind you) it almsot turns into retroism, the original Fallout uses it a lot more subtly. Yes, this is a CRPG from 30 years ago, so it's mechanically clunky, sometimes obtuse, and the character creation requires a full on guide if you don't want to brick your first playthrough. But it's absolutely worth playing.
2015
Her Story is a great experience. Your progression in the game is not barred whatsoever, and while some people have criticized it being too easy, I would say that’s not a criticism. In my opinion, while the mechanics of the game are innovative, the real draw is how easily the game sucks you into its narrative and characters. All of which, mind you, is exclusively told by a single individual who is also your typical unreliable narrator. Despite this, you are drawn to the main characters, their back stories, and eventual fates. Ultimately, while I do wish there was something a little more to Her Story, it really is a phenomenal game.
2018
Far Cry 5 reminds me why I stay away from these sorts of games, especially from Ubisoft. The story on its surface is really interesting, but quickly you realize that it's both shallow and about as subtle as a train crash. The gun play is very average, and the world itself is just a long series of (boring) tropes.
A short, enjoyable (?) experience about mental illness couched in surrealism.
2013
I would give this one star, but I'm giving it the extra half star for the game's depth. Aside from that, I'd rather watch paint dry. The game play loop is fairly basic for a survival game, which is fine, but since the gameplay itself is rather mundane, combined with the game's graphics that look like it's 2002, there's not much to keep someone going here.
Also, how can this game be in early access for 12 years?
Also, how can this game be in early access for 12 years?
2024
Despite the limited content, Content Warning has a lot replayability if you just hop on in it with friends here and there. Unlike the base game of, for example, something like Lethal Weapon, Content Warning's quick matches and lack of serious stakes makes it very enjoyable.
2008
One of the most definitive co-op games out there, perhaps the most definitive, at least for its time. It's greatest shortcoming is its short life span by Valve releasing an immediate sequel.
2023
Not many games entice me during its playtime only to lose immediate interest once beating it. Not to say that's a bad thing necessarily, but Buckshot Roulette is either going to be a game you're playing several times a week or just once. In my case, it was the latter.
2023
It has a lot of potential, but unfortunately the monotony sets in fairly quick. On paper, this game is superior to Phasmophobia. In practice, it doesn't even come close. I'm fine with the jump scares, the problem is that they are random, set, and unrelated to your setting and the ghost you are hunting. The tools, as well, are unreliable. Because there is no progression outside of unlocking new maps, the game loses steam fast.
2021
On paper, it's a really neat twist on Phasmophobia. In practice, the game becomes a bit of a chore after a few times playing it.
It's definitely one of the games of all time. Regardless of its length (15 minutes), it's not the worst thing out there, but there's ultimately nothing interesting going on here.
2022
It took a decade for a game to get on par with the original Dark Souls for me, and why not let it be its spiritual successor? Elden Ring takes the gameplay and lore that we come to expect from a Souls game and takes it to a new level. That said, its scale by its nature takes something away from the simple charm that Dark Souls had. Would I change it, though? Probably not.
2016
Mechanically superior to Dark Souls II and almost on par with Dark Souls I, yet narratively inferior to both. The original narrative seems like it would've worked just well, but the "remember this" bait and lack of cohesion makes this the most forgetable of the trilogy for me.
2014
It took many years to warm up to the sequel. Is it my favourite Souls game? Definitely not, but it dared to not stick to the old formula, and in many respects it did so successfully. Also, Majula...