I love Quasimorph. It is unforgiving, brutal, and you WILL die a lot. But, when you survive - There is nothing like it. You are thrust into a grim-dark sci fi universe where the galaxy is owned and sold by big corporations who have no value for human life, let alone the lives of clones (which you yourself will be utilizing to complete missions.) As if this wasn't dark enough of an existence; there are also demons from another dimension who are busting through the fabric of reality to gain a foothold in our universe. The game is absolutely unforgiving, but if you can learn its nuances and know how to utilize the battlefield around you, and your limited supplies - you can thrive in this horrific universe. And trust me - to get to that point, you will sacrifice the lives of countless clones. In this game, if you die - you lose everything you brought with you, and everything you found. But if you survive, and escape - You keep everything!! Learn when to stay and when to cut things short and get outta' dodge. You lead a PMC (Private Military Company) called MAGNUM. You have a ship, and a cloning bay to clone soldiers to send on missions. The galaxy has a lot of big companies you can do business with - you can even work for and help the demons! There is so much to this game, and it is only getting better over time. I HIGHLY recommend Quasimorph - even though it drives me crazy, and haunts my dreams - I can't help myself.
An absolute classic! The United States is invaded by the Soviet Union in an alternate reality timeline. You play Chris, a plumber forced to become a Freedom Fighter hero! This game is one of the most enjoyable games from the early 2000's. As Chris, your goal is to take back various locations throughout New York from the Communist Soviets. In order to do so, you must undertake daring attacks on heavily guarded Police Stations, Fire Stations, and many other important locations throughout New York. While you bring bloody hell down on the Red invaders, you will command a growing group of soldiers who support you in your crusade to save the "Big Apple". The squad command mechanics are simple, and fantastic! Sometimes, simple is best. And it is at its best here. Send your soldiers in to attack individual targets, or call them back to take cover near you and defend your position. If one is taken out, run through the gun fire and heal them. Simple, and satisfying! The story is simple as well, with some great cut scenes, illustrating what it might be like after an occupation of this scale. Soviet propaganda news reports which start by attempting to normalize the invasion as if the Soviets are coming to save us from the "evil capitalist government we have been oppressed by". To the player becoming the boogeyman, the biggest thorn in the side of our occupiers as you build and push your rebellion to unstoppable heights. This game, is a CLASSIC in every sense of the word. And it is an insult that we never got a proper sequel. I HIGHLY recommend Freedom Fighters to anyone who loves GREAT games. The Gameplay is simplistic and a total blast, the Soundtrack is one of the best of the era. You will fall in love with this game as many of us did back when it was released, and will come clambering for more. FREEDOM FIGHTERS is a TRUE CLASSIC, you will not be disappointed!
I'll say it right off the bat; I love Blood West! Blood West is reminescent of a bright, wonderful time in gaming that I miss. Before the constant yearly sequels of games that are essentially the same game with a new coat of paint over and over again, before the broken AAA releases that require Day 1 patches to fix problems that should have been ironed out LONG before release. The Indy gaming scene today seems to be where the most interesting titles are coming from. Not to mention, where the chances are being taken - chances that AAA companies will rarely risk due to the massive budgets their games tend to have. Along comes Blood West; a game that graphically looks like a game that could have come out during the days of Quake 2, or Half Life 1. (Just one of its many charms, in my opinion.) The game elicits a feeling of nostalgia even though its new. You are a Wild West Outlaw who died, and is brought back to life by strange Native spirits. They have tasked you with tracking down and destroying the source of the evil blight that has taken over the region. On your quest, you will battle innumerable horrors, and loot valuable treasures in a wild west that has become host to monsters and evil spirits. The gameplay mixes fast paced shooting mechanics, and stealth - many have made comparisons to the legendary Thief games in regard to the stealth mechanics. (In fact, the voice actor who played Garret from Thief is voicing the hero here.) There is an inventory system that has similarities to Diablo, your own stash, and a light RPG aspect that allows you to level up and upgrade your skills. The game, at the beginning, is difficult, and you will die, often. But stick with it and you will be taking out monsters like a champ as you level and gain better weapons. You will meet other living denizens of the west you will have to help out, and trade with to survive. Blood West is one of my favorite releases of 2023, I HIGHLY recommend it. -Would be longer limited writing space.
