Nightmare reaper is a compromise: stuck between old and new, rogue-like and story (sort of) driven, Fps arena and old school...Doom and Borderlands? Basically, it's an old school ( I prefer the term Doom-like) FPS with an interesting take on loot-shooter mechanics: complete levels after levels( there are, like, a TON of them) finding inspired weapon ( and sometimes inspired means the exact same weapon from a different franchise) and upgrading your character through minigames ( much ''inspired'' from the old 90' Nintendo's portfolio). Gameplay wise, it's a old pixel doom-like but with a more focused ''three dimensional movement'' freedom, which includes platforming session. This liberty of movement is actually quite an interesting choice, since the game does provide with multiple options. Plus, at the end of each mission, you go back to the main hub, where there is also an arena mode. As said before, there are also a loot system, with different weapons, some unique, some from new and old games ( Just two hints: aliens ( of gold) and ''For the Emperah!'', nicely surprised by them) which you can take from level to level. Plus there is also three ''upgrade'' system ( again, this game takes the word cameo to the next level). Besides that, the soundtrack is composed by the same guy that made the ones for the modern DOOM, so you can be certain that the music is purely rock-ntastic. Meanwhile, the story.. there is a little bit, and it's dark ( I mean, the game isn't exactly hiding that) and serves its purpose, and the graphics.. are maybe the least interesting to talk about, but still there on point ( considering the this game's settings). Downsides? although the game was made to be re-playable, I must admit that at the end I was a little bored for the repetition of game mechanics ( not that this is necessarily a bad thing, but for me it was). So, worth it? goddamn YES. jumping around killing demons is fun! Don't sit this one out! ( or, in this case, Sleep ;) )
If you have win10 and this version of the game (GOG) than I would suggest you buy another version of the game! Basically, I couldn't run the game. I had to acquire another copy and play in a different system. (didn't ask for refund for time reason). BUT! on that copy, the game was good! well, a little ''needy'' for some tricks and tracks ( pun intended) but overall a good skateboarding game... at least while we are still talking about 2d games. But, that aside, yes it is fun but I didn't find very entertaining ( at least for my taste). However, this game is also a classic indie game ( at the time of its release, it was pretty radical) so... worth it? yes! but if you do not have a passion for these kind of games, it won't be long before you are bored (this is the reason I giving 3 stars, not for the technical issue encountered).
Armed and Dangerous: a long, third person shooter that comes directly from the 2000's era of console game ( which I personally really not enjoy). Although it may have been enjoyable in its time, the game feels.. clunky, repetitive and its humour, despite being sometimes funny, can be truly enjoy only by teenagers or fans ( which is not a bad thing, all thing considered). All in all, it's not a terrible game... but, although simple, and therefore should easily withstand the test of time, the game mechanics are really outdated. Besides that, story and settings are nothing to write home about but not, again, bad... just meh. So, worth buying? mmmm yes but this game comes with a lot of things attached to it that may discourage the new players. So, don't expect a great game. Usually I make a pun on my reviews but this game is Dangerously un-armed ( ....I know) of any feature that could make worth your while.
Iris and the giant is definitely something that I would play in my spare time. As a deckbuilding game, it does its job, managing to mix in its story depression and greek mythology ( which is something a little odd, but strangely fitting). As for its gameplay, it's.. interesting: definitely not worth ''masterpiece'' title among the other titles ofg tis genre but its simple, quick but with some level of depth. Noteworthy is the minimalistic art, fitting to the story ( ''feeling blue'' so to speak) and sort of calming. Unfortunately, the game does not ''give'' enough for me to give it more than 3 stars.. but perhaps it's personal: the theme involved could be more attractive to someone else. So yes, a nice game that for a quick card match and even for some more ''challenging'' quests among the reimagined fiends of Greek mythology.
I must admit, this is the very first time that I've played a Sid Meiers game, but alpha centauri truly is a wonderful way to get to know this magnificent series! As a... damn, the best definition for this game should be ''Civ simulator.. but in space'' (which is... true, since it is a CIV game... but like... in space..) which is basically an entire genre that Sid Meiers created. Politics, managerial, strategical 4X, this game offers the entire experience of a managing a civilization but with a sci-fi twist. Gameplay wise, it's a blast: yes, it got a steep learning curve, but once you get it, the game opens up and becomes a thing of wonder and also you'll realized that actually the entire structure of the game is quite simple, really ( at least, that what I felt when I finally understood it). As for the rest, it follows the same pattern as for learning the gameplay, when you finally get it, you'll get how simple but deep the game truly is. Just realized that my review must look pretty... simplistic, but this is just for how I'm sincerely astonished by Sid Meiers Alpha Centuri: amazing design overall, at the same time incredible customization and a political story shaped by your decision. So, it's a big enormous yes! even if you don't like the genre, at least you should try it once in your life as a gamer, as I regret that I waited this long to try this out. A true masterpiece from the past.
I've ever played! As a God simulator, surely Afterlife resembles a lot a classic city builder, but it does have some unique features, which makes a LOT harder ( at least for my capabilities) than any other city builder I've played. Which means constructing cities, building zones, universities and other classical features of a city builder but with a more.. heavenly charm ( ...sorry). However, as stated above, it is really obscure in some way and ''difficult''. To be more specific, earning ''money'' here is quite a lot more difficult.. or at least, it does have a hellish ( pun intended) way for earning cash. Moreover, the micromanagement in this game is incredibly massive, and that's also one of the reason that this game doesn't get the five star. The other reason is time: the game has 4 time mode, but only 1 seems to bring fruition to your choices ( the faster one), while the others.. are simply to slow. Perhaps that's why this game didn't shine like the rest: it does have a lot of charm thanks to its two counsellors ( the literals ''angel and devil on your shoulder'') and excellent writing, a truly fantastic graphic engine with a lot of personality ( like almost every single game from the 90's) but the pace is simply... off putting, to say at the very least. So, if you have patience and a good sense of humour, give it a chance! It does a lot of positive factors.. but a devilish learning curve ... YUCK!
Supreme Commander gold edition is one of those RTS that truly bring a ton to the table. As the descendent of the still unmatched RTS Total Annihilation ( say what you will, that masterpiece cannot be beaten in its genre - see my review in this site), it is a worthy one, not on par, but a worthy one. joint to its spin off, Forged alliance, this package will give you hours ( or at least, for me and my ability in strategy games) of fun with its ENOURMOUS maps. Which is basically the main feature: the act of coordinating troops feels authentic and of colossal proportion. So, why not 5 stars? mmmmm the game, although set for an epic war, still couldn't reach the peak of the game from where it takes inspiration. but let's go step by step. Gameplay wise, you'll need to meticulous planning and micro-micromanage everything (although the game does give something to help you out), so have an eye on every single operation is key to victory. There are tons of units, terrains, and strategy to employ and for any hard-core strategy fans this game is heaven. However, the downside is the niche nature of this game and the level of attention required is not for any player which is not a truly strategy lover.. but if given time, SC can truly be rewarding. As for the rest of the features, story wise is actually very good, but still cannot match the tone set by its predecessor ( not that it a truly negative note this one), while graphics are ... well, good? point is, there is a feature that makes the whole graphics kind-a pointless, since most of the time the player needs to zoom out from the usual picture found in other strategy games.. so basically you'll see mostly icons than the actual units. Which is both a good and bad thing: good because you'll feel like a master planner coordinating with your army.. bad since you'll miss mostly of the epic battles fought by the units. Anyway, the game, even for those not accustomed to strategy games, should be a must-play.
FTL ( faster than light) is a cult classic among indie titles. As a strategic simulation of interstellar ships fights, FTL sits on top of its competitors, almost defining the genre for years to come. Gameplay, the difficulty curve is high and will keep you playing again and again while trying to master this game. Furthermore, the variety of ships, techs and aliens, while not enormous, manages to diversify and stimulates new strategy in order to achieve victory. The game greatly flexibility and planning ahead, which are pivotal for this game. Speaking of the other aspects, graphics and soundtracks are enjoyable while story, albeit simple, serves its purpose. So an all round yes buy it! for an indie gamer, this is a pillar of the genre that must be try it out at least once in you life.
A word of warning: I didn't play Zero Tolarance back in the day, so I do not have any ''nostalgia'' for it, but at the same time didn't play it in its ''prime'' time. ZT is actually a pretty cool console shooter straight from the 90's, and there's nothing wrong with it. Gameplay wise, it uses the same formula from the era: go floor to floor killing baddies in a space station. The game has few highlights, such as colourful pixel graphics ad a little list of selectable character to choose from. Yes, it's simple and a repetitive but I don't think it's truly a gamebreaker for this game. On y opinion, the only true problem lies in the version the GOG choose to present it: unchanged, and that means that the game suffers from the same problem as before ( low framerate, stiff controls and so on and so forth). With just a few upgrade the game could have jumped to a much more cohesive and appealing experience. Anyway, worth buying? if you are a retrò gamer without any prior feelings for this game, depends. Discounted? I would say give it a chance, it is a nice little time killer... but gosh the controls have truly... zero tolarance ( yup, worst pun I've made so far) for error.
..... should look like. I've discovered this forgotten masterpiece just some month ago and didn't know it, and I'm still shocked how I didn't heard about it until now. Albion is a forgotten ( at least it appears to be) ''hermetic'' masterpiece of a CRPG: from its pixel backgrounds to its story, art and music, everything has the mark of being a timeless classic, which is a title that too many players have the bad behaviour to assign to any game that passes as decent. No, when I say ''it's a masterpiece'' you better believe: as a (c)RPG, it reaches highs for its time ( and beyond) I have ever seen. Gameplay wise, it's an amalgamation of multiple system mechanics such as top down strategy game, first person view while exploring dungeon and an open world system that, again for its time, was very ambitious. Story is beautiful and a little deeper of '' bad guy, let's go kill it'' but I won't spoil it too much here. Speaking instead of graphic and soundtrack, they didn't age, they are still pristine and, simply put, magnificent. Now, I did say '' hermetic'' and I wanted to clarify: if you are looking for a super easy game to get into, skip it ( although It would be really a shame) since this game require you paying attention to detail, plus some system mechanics are a little too ''archaic''. Still, as someone without any previous affection for this game ( Although I must admit, I love the genre and the time of these kind of games) , this game is one of the greatest experience offered in this site.. you just need to take your time and take in ( nailed it) the beautiful alien world of Albion. Because, after all, this is truly what this game is about: acceptance of other cultures and protecting nature ( a little bit star trek, but Albion does it in its own way).
