Category Archives: Reviews

Kena Bridge of Spirits PC Review

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is the first venture into video games by animation studio turned developer, Ember Lab. In the weeks prior to launch, there were some concerns. We didn’t get many gameplay trailers, and there was a review embargo until launch day. I saw these as worrying signs. However, after playing Kena, I’m happy to report that it’s been a great experience, even with some minor technical issues. Continue reading Kena Bridge of Spirits PC Review

Far Cry 6 Review: A Very Familiar Power-Fantasy

Far Cry 6 is power-fantasy first-person shooting at its finest. A gorgeous, huge tropical island is given to you, with carefully crafted locations, missions, and secrets to find and dominate. Urging you forward are the typical Far Cry cast of earnest and zany characters, providing motivation for your mad quest of vengeance upon a flamboyant villain. In short, not much has changed since Far Cry 3 reinvented the series in 2012. Nine years later the formula is old but enjoyable for those who want to play the hero in an accessible (and easy) game world. Continue reading Far Cry 6 Review: A Very Familiar Power-Fantasy

Aliens Fireteam Elite PC Review

The Alien movies are some of my favorite movies of all time (especially Alien and Aliens). Unfortunately, the games based on that franchise have been a mixed bag. Some were good and some were awful. With the announcement of Aliens Fireteam Elite though, I was a bit hopeful. On paper, a horde mode shooter combined with the Alien franchise seems like the perfect match. So, after around 60 hours, here are my thoughts. Continue reading Aliens Fireteam Elite PC Review

Scarlet Nexus – A Retroactive PC Review

Don’t let Scarlet Nexus deceive you. While Bandai Namco’s June 2021 release may present itself as another run-of-the-mill JRPG, this game is quite eager to bend the rules of this genre. In fact, it tries so hard to pass as a third-person action game that I wondered if the developers were making a subtle anti-JRPG statement. Continue reading Scarlet Nexus – A Retroactive PC Review

Legend of Mana Review: A Gem Best Left Buried

Originally an action-adventure RPG released in 1999 for the PlayStation, this virtually identical re-release of Legend of Mana is an imaginative banquet of charm, creativity, and quirkiness. It’s also not worth playing, as much as it pains me to say. While the colorful worlds, endearing cast, and gorgeous soundtrack are big draws, the painfully clunky combat, maze-like environments, and obtuse quest designs make Legend of Mana an overall drag of an experience. Continue reading Legend of Mana Review: A Gem Best Left Buried

It Takes Two: A Retroactive PC Review

Two-player co-op titles can almost trace their origins to the birth of the gaming industry, and It Takes Two plays like a collective tribute to all their best features. As the newest release by the co-op wizards at Hazelight Studios, this is an extremely creative and well-crafted package that takes the most enjoyable features of a game tailored for two, and amplifies all of them to deafening levels. Continue reading It Takes Two: A Retroactive PC Review

Days Gone PC Review: Tormented, Yet Triumphant

Days Gone is a narrative strong, open world zombie game first released exclusively on PS4 in 2019. Now on PC, the game behind this rock-solid, ultra-smooth port is basically a quality amalgamation of Grand Theft Auto, The Last of Us, Far Cry, and Red Dead Redemption. As such, many players may find the game too familiar and clichéd. For those willing to dig deeper, Days Gone sets itself apart with its compelling story about loss, grief, vengeance, and coping with the aftermath. Continue reading Days Gone PC Review: Tormented, Yet Triumphant