Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD

“Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is undoubtedly the best way to experience this spooky adventure”

Remember the joy of blasting away spectral shenanigans with Luigi in 2013’s Luigi’s Mansion 2 (or Dark Moon, for our American friends)? Well, grab your Poltergust 5000 again, because the spooky sequel has returned for a hauntingly delightful remaster on the Nintendo Switch! Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is the definitive way to revisit this ghost-hunting adventure, but is it a must-have for seasoned Luigi fans, or just a friendly apparition of a game? Let’s bust some ghosts and find out from the Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD Review.

A Visual Glow-Up for Luigi’s Mansion

Forget the blurry edges and jagged textures of the original 3DS release. Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD boasts a graphical overhaul that makes everything look spick and span.

From the reflective sheen on suits of armour to the detailed threads on Luigi’s iconic overalls, the developers haven’t just bumped up the resolution – they’ve breathed new life into the game’s spooky environments. While it won’t win any awards for best visuals in 2024, compared to the 2013 version, it’s a night-and-day difference.

The Gameplay: Same Scares, Same Thrills

Now, let’s talk about the good stuff – sucking up ghosts! The core gameplay remains delightfully unchanged. You’ll explore haunted mansions, solve clever puzzles, and use your trusty Poltergust to capture mischievous ghouls.

There are no fancy new ghosts, levels, or bosses to battle, and Luigi doesn’t get any of the cool moves from Luigi’s Mansion 3 (like the plunger shot or Gooigi). This means the experience is very similar to the 3DS original, lacking some of the variety found in its later sibling.

Twin-Stick Controls: A Long Overdue Improvement

One welcome change is the addition of twin-stick controls, similar to Luigi’s Mansion 3. Remember the frustration of the 3DS version, where Luigi stubbornly faced one direction while aiming the flashlight?

Thankfully, that’s gone! Now you can swivel Luigi’s aim freely with the right stick, making ghost-busting feel much more intuitive and fluid.

Multiplayer: A Missed Opportunity for Spooky Fun

Sadly, the multiplayer mode takes a hit. Unlike Luigi’s Mansion 3, which allows two players on one system, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is strictly single-player, both online and locally.

The frantic ghost-wrangling fun of Scarescraper (aka Thrill Tower) is still there, but it’s a shame you can’t share the scares with friends or family without buying extra Switches and copies of the game. No split-screen support here, boo!

A Fun, Familiar Haunt

Despite its limitations, I had a blast revisiting Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD for a dozen spooky hours. While I prefer the single, sprawling mansion of Luigi’s Mansion 3, the compartmentalized levels here make it easier to revisit areas and find missed collectables after the story.

Plus, some fantastically phantasmagoric moments still hold up, like the giant spider boss fight and the tumbling-down haunted staircase sequence (think a G-rated John Wick experience!).

The Verdict

Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD is undoubtedly the best way to experience this spooky adventure. Its gorgeous visuals and improved controls make it a great addition to the Switch library.

If you’re new to the series or haven’t played this one yet, you’re in for a treat. However, if you’re a seasoned Luigi’s Mansion 2 veteran hoping for dramatic gameplay changes, you might be a tad disappointed.

So, should you add Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD to your Switch collection? If you’re craving a charming ghost-busting adventure and haven’t played it before, then absolutely!

But if you already own the 3DS version and aren’t itching for a graphical upgrade, you might be content to revisit the original. Whatever you choose, just remember to pack your proton pack… er, Poltergust 5000! There are some spooky spectres waiting to be captured!

Be sure to click on the button above or HERE to find out more about the game or to purchase the game. But before you do that, why not leave a few comments below? Stay safe until next time 😀

Shadow Of The Erdtree

Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree

“Shadow of the Erdtree stands as one of the best DLC experiences you can get”

Overview

Remember the feeling of exploring the Lands Between for the first time in Elden Ring? That sense of wonder as you stumbled upon hidden dungeons, unearthed forgotten lore, and battled colossal enemies unlike anything you’d ever faced? Shadow of the Erdtree, the highly anticipated expansion to Elden Ring, manages to recapture that magic in a tight package, bring a fresh new addition to the end-game experience.

While it doesn’t revolutionize the core gameplay, Shadow of the Erdtree delivers a wealth of new content that will keep Tarnished warriors busy for a good long while. Here’s a closer look at what the expansion offers, along with some potential drawbacks to consider.

Breathtaking Beauty: A Feast for the Eyes

FromSoftware continues to impress with the stunning visuals of Shadow of the Erdtree. The Realm of Shadow, the new region players explore, boasts a unique aesthetic that complements the Lands Between perfectly. Expect to find lush, otherworldly landscapes, haunting ruins bathed in an ethereal glow, and sprawling vistas that inspire both awe and trepidation.

The level of detail remains phenomenal. From the intricate textures of armor sets to the environmental storytelling woven into every corner of the map, Shadow of the Erdtree is a visual treat. Whether you’re gazing upon a colossal, spectral dragon or navigating a maze-like dungeon, the visuals consistently draw you deeper into the world.

Classic Souls borne Combat Evolved

The core combat of Elden Ring remains largely unchanged in Shadow of the Erdtree, which is a good thing. The Souls borne formula of punishing encounters that reward mastery is still present, but the expansion introduces some interesting wrinkles.

New weapon types like throwing knives and beast claws offer fresh tactical options, while powerful spells and Ashes of War add another layer of depth to character builds. Players who loved Elden Ring’s open-ended combat system will find themselves right at home here, with plenty of opportunities to experiment and discover devastating new combos.

However, the difficulty curve in Shadow of the Erdtree is undeniably steeper. Enemies hit harder, bosses are more relentless, and the margin for error is slimmer. Be prepared to face some truly grueling encounters that will test your skills and patience to the limit.

A Treasure Full of New Content

One of Shadow of the Erdtree’s biggest strengths is the sheer amount of content it adds to Elden Ring. The Realm of Shadow is surprisingly vast, packed with secrets to uncover and hidden areas to explore. From deciphering cryptic messages left by past explorers to battling fearsome new monstrosities, there’s always something new to discover.

The expansion also boasts a significant number of new bosses, many of which rank among the most challenging and memorable in the entire Souls borne series. These encounters showcase FromSoftware’s mastery of boss design, demanding strategic thinking and flawless execution to overcome.

On top of the new bosses and areas, Shadow of the Erdtree introduces a wealth of new gear to collect. Players can look forward to acquiring powerful new weapons, armor sets, talismans, and Spirit Ash summons. These additions not only expand your character-building options but also encourage experimentation and different playstyles.

A Worthy Expansion, But Not Without Flaws

While Shadow of the Erdtree is an undeniably fantastic expansion, it’s not without its drawbacks. The biggest concern for some players might be the lack of significant innovation in terms of core mechanics. The core gameplay loop remains very similar to Elden Ring, which might feel repetitive for those craving a more radical shakeup.

Additionally, the brutal difficulty might alienate some players, especially those who haven’t already mastered the challenges of the base game. While the new content is exciting, it’s definitely geared towards experienced Tarnished warriors, and newcomers might find the learning curve a bit too steep.

Overall, Shadow of the Erdtree is a must-play for dedicated Elden Ring fans. It delivers a hefty dose of new content, challenging boss encounters, and stunning visuals. However, if you’re looking for a drastic change in gameplay mechanics or a more forgiving experience, you might want to adjust your expectations.

Verdict

While Shadow of the Erdtree might be the sole Elden Ring expansion, it’s a fantastic one – especially if you’re a fan of the base game’s core mechanics. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but condenses everything you loved about Elden Ring into a tightly packed experience. Think of it this way: Shadow of the Erdtree feels like a standalone game in its own right, but “small” only when compared to the sprawling world of Elden Ring. It’s bursting with secrets, loot, brutal boss fights, and nightmarish creatures to conquer.

On top of that, you get a treasure trove of new tools to play with: weapons, spells, combat skills, spirit companions, and talismans. These additions open up even more creative ways to tackle the game’s famously challenging battles. The expansion even throws in some fascinating lore revelations, along with the stunning visuals and epic music that defined the original’s larger-than-life encounters. All in all, Shadow of the Erdtree stands as one of the best DLC experiences you can get.

Be sure to check out the review of Elden Ring, which you need to play the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. So what do you think of the new expansion? Is is better than you hoped for? Tell us about your experience with Elden Ring. Leave any of your comments here below. That’s all from me. Stay safe until next time 😀 

F1 24 Review

F1 24

“F1 24 is a great racing game, especially for newcomers to F1 or gaming in general”

Overview

Formula 1 has been stuck in a rut for over a decade. Since 2010, only two teams have managed to win the championship, making things a bit predictable. F1 is all about engineering, and whoever builds the fastest car (and has a driver who can exploit its speed) usually comes out on top. However, there’s a flicker of hope in 2024! With four different winners in just the first eight races, this season might be shaping up to be more exciting. 

But that formula has grown stale. The lack of competition in real-world F1 seems to be reflected in the new F1 24 game. While it’s a fantastic racing simulator with a great career mode and realistic handling, it doesn’t offer much that’s truly new compared to previous editions. It’s a great game, but one that feels a bit repetitive.

Driver Career Mode

The biggest change in F1 24 is a new story mode called “Driver Career.” Here, you can finally step into the shoes of one of the sport’s 20 current driver superstars, like Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen, and experience a multi-season career from their perspective. This is separate from, but complements, the existing “My Team” mode where you manage the entire team (which remains unchanged).

Driver Career focuses on the driver experience, ditching the business side of things like finances and sponsorship deals. This allows you, the racer car driver, to concentrate on racing and building your reputation. These features are also available in the two-player career mode, making it a great option for friends to race together. While Driver Career sounds exciting, there’s a catch. While it offers a new way to play, it seems there might be some underlying issues that prevent it from being truly exceptional.

Mid-Race Objectives

The new mid-race objectives in F1 24 sound great on paper, but in reality it really falls flat. The idea of mini-missions during the race to add excitement and tension is brilliant. Imagine needing to push for a strategic overtake or focus on clean driving for a few laps to gain an advantage.

However, the current objectives lack any connection to the actual racing situation. Instead of feeling dynamic and strategic, they seem random and disconnected. For example, being told to focus on staying within track limits might make sense if you’re driving erratically, but otherwise feels like an arbitrary task. The objectives currently feel more like a random chance encounter rather than a well-integrated part of the racing experience.

The new mid-race objectives in F1 24 are a missed opportunity. Imagine your engineer panicking about fuel use when the HUD clearly shows you have plenty to spare! These objectives feel nonsensical. There’s also no penalty for ignoring them, making them pointless. It seems the game itself acknowledges this, as failing an objective has no consequence.

Overall, these objectives need to be more dynamic and relevant to the race situation to be truly engaging. The “secret meetings” are also a bit strange. While they try to capture the secretive nature of driver contract negotiations, they fall short. For example, refusing a “secret” offer from another team inexplicably makes your current team happy. It’s unclear why McLaren would celebrate you rejecting an offer they weren’t even aware of in the first place.

Extra Bits

F1 24 tries to add immersion with voice bites from real drivers, but it falls short. While it’s cool to hear snippets of iconic radio messages, or celebrations from other drivers, these are very limited. Most of the time, drivers are silent during races, which feels bland. The commentary also lacks depth.

You might expect special lines for dramatic championship battles, but instead, the game relies on generic commentary that doesn’t reflect the situation. For example, finishing a season tied for the championship lead going into the final race only gets you generic lines about drivers approaching the final race after a bad season.

It’s understandable that the developers can’t predict every scenario, but a championship coming down to the wire feels like a major missed opportunity for more engaging commentary. F1 World, the virtual life mode from F1 23, returns, but it’s still not for everyone. From unlocking cosmetics, to grinding for car upgrades, it feels like a chore compared to the traditional career mode.

For those who just want to jump in for quick solo races, it’s harmless, but it lacks the appeal of a traditional career. Multiplayer seems unchanged since F1 23. Public lobbies remain chaotic, and leagues are still the only way to have a civilized online experience.

Time To Race

F1 24 feels great to drive! Building on the improvements in F1 23, F1 24 offers even more stable and forgiving handling. While some might argue this makes it less realistic, the cars feel planted and allow for aggressive cornering. Let’s face it, most of us haven’t driven a real F1 car at full speed, so who’s to say the immense grip F1 24 offers isn’t accurate in its own way? The bottom line is, the handling is enjoyable and makes you feel like a skilled driver. This, after all, is the goal of a racing simulation game.

Just like F1 23, the gamepad controls are impressive, even compared to a wheel setup (though the wheel can be a bit more sensitive). Another plus is the highly adjustable AI difficulty. Being able to find the perfect balance between you and the AI, regardless of your skill level, is crucial for creating a realistic racing atmosphere. If all racing games offered this level of customization, the genre would be much better off.

The new, more forgiving handling model and the exciting Driver Career mode are a major plus. Driver Career lets you be an F1 superstar, while Challenge Career offers bite-sized experiences with pre-set drivers like Verstappen (although it’s solo with online leaderboards). Personally, I would rather play the Driver Career mode and experience it with each of the F1 superstars. On a positive note, F1 24 is the best-looking F1 game ever!

The graphics are fantastic, and driver sprites are even more realistic. Several tracks have also been updated to match their real-world counterparts. The decision to upgrade to F1 24 boils down to how important these new features and improvements are to you.

Verdict

F1 24 is a great racing game, especially for newcomers to F1 or gaming in general. It offers a polished experience with tons of options and difficulty adjustments, making it accessible for all skill levels. However, for veterans of the F1 franchise (like F1 22 and 23 players), this year’s edition might feel a bit repetitive.

While there’s a revamped career mode and some handling tweaks, the core gameplay doesn’t offer a significant leap forward compared to recent versions. If you already own the previous games, the upgrade might not be worth it. 

That’s all from me on the F1 24 review. Please share your opinions or comments below if you have anything you would like to say about the review. The game is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and on XBox Series X.

If you’re interested in the game you’re more than welcome to click the blue button above, or HERE, to check the price or to purchase the game. Until next time 😀 

XDefiant

image credit: Ubisoft

Tom Clancy’s XDefiant

“XDefiant is a decent competitive first-person shooter game”

Calling all FPS shooter fans! A new contender has entered the arena, and it’s bringing the heat. XDefiant, from Ubisoft, is a free-to-play first-person shooter that’s shaking things up with its unique blend of familiar and innovative elements. Get ready to dive into a world where iconic factions from across the Ubisoft universe collide in fast-paced, objective-based battles. This review will take you deep into XDefiant, exploring its core gameplay mechanics, character customization options, game modes, and more. We’ll discuss whether it lives up to the hype of a genre-bending shooter and if it has the potential to become your next favorite competitive fix. So, grab your weapon of choice and get ready for the XDefiant review.

Overview

Because it incorporates characters and settings from well-known Ubisoft titles, this free arcade-style arena shooter has a unique flavor to it. It features classes that could make it more akin to Overwatch, yet it’s still quick. It has quick deaths and respawns, but it also has objective-based modes that value cooperation over pure kill count. Although the mix of dissimilar components helps set XDefiant apart from other competitive shooters in terms of gameplay, it also gives the impression that the game’s components aren’t always cooperating to achieve the desired results.

image credit: Ubisoft

Back in the late 2000, Call of Duty discovered the joys of competitive play that was fast-paced and grounded. With its strong first-person shooter design, XDefiant is obviously aiming for the same kind of success. The weapons seem distinctive and gratifying to use even though they are all very normal for military shooters like this one. For example, the AK-47 kicks and strikes differently than the M41A, so choosing one over the other for your play style feels significant. Most of the time, guns are also suitably lethal, but you’ll get the most out of them if you take the time to learn how recoil affects your aim and what advantages come with outfitting a certain stock or sight attachments.

When employed skillfully, XDefiant’s class abilities—such as healing allies, lowering shields, and launching explosive drones—can alter the course of a battle, but they never become so strong as to take away from the game’s primary shooting mechanics. If anything else, this is an enjoyable shooter with decent gunplay; as a strong base, you can do far worse. What XDefiant finds difficult to integrate into a cohesive whole, though, is the additional content that is added over that gunplay.

Fast-Paced Gameplay

The allure of XDefiant lies in the amalgamation of many Ubisoft realms into a unified competitive shooter, akin to a multiverse. When you start a match, you select a character from one of four factions based on Ubisoft games (a fifth faction can be acquired or unlocked through gameplay). These factions serve as your classes, and each one is sufficiently unique and captivating to play in a different way without feeling forced into a particular game. For example, the Libertad faction in Far Cry 6 is essentially a medic class. They heal from damage more quickly and have two options: they can drop a fixed gadget that slowly heals everyone nearby, or they may shoot out a fast-heal charge that covers a radius around the person who activates it.

The Ghost Recon Phantoms, on the other hand, are tanks that don’t perish as rapidly as other factions. They can either draw out a personal riot shield that is rather good at blocking shots in both directions, or they can construct a fixed barrier that they and their teammates can shoot through. Additionally, there are factions centered around Splinter Cell, Watch Dogs, and The Division. As with other class-based shooters, using the appropriate skill at the right moment may significantly alter the course of a battle.

However, you may change your mind at any point throughout the game, so you know that every time you defeat an opponent, they could learn from your mistakes and return as a different class with a different set of abilities. For your team, timing and strategy in countering an enemy’s skills are just as crucial as accuracy.

Their hyper ability is the last significant distinction between each faction. Unlike many games’ ultimate powers, this large special ability can only be utilized once you’ve charged it by accruing kills or points toward goals. If you’re not cautious, the enemy side can generally shut them down. For example, the Phantoms‘ ultra grants them a personal energy dome that shields them from any external damage.

image credit: Ubisoft

If an opponent is cunning and fast enough to escape the protective cannon, they may still sneak through and kill the person creating the energy, negating the ability. The Libertad healing gadget, which gives everybody within its range double health, works in the same way. While an enemy is inside its range, they may appear nearly impervious, but you may fire the gadget to destroy it and turn it back on. Thus, ultras are often powerful without being ludicrous, but you have to utilize them wisely and know when to use them.

It’s crucial to note a warning. Although most factions feel very unique, well-balanced, and enjoyable, some clearly seem to stand out above the others, and a few look absolutely pointless. DedSec from Watch Dogs, whose gameplay style focuses toward hacking enemy abilities, is the greatest offender on this front. Their deployable spider drones are really impressive. They automatically track down the other team and shock or blind them completely, leaving them completely exposed. But I haven’t seen anyone use their other ability—which lets you take control of the other team’s deploys.

Simply said, there aren’t many opportunities or items to steal, and each time I attempted to sneak up to a shield or healing station to try to hack it, I would always end up dead—by other players, who were naturally utilizing the item I intended to take. That’s particularly terrible because DedSec can only be unlocked by paying $10 or by spending a significant amount of time playing the other four factions in order to obtain it for free.

image credit: Ubisoft

Conversely, some skills feel excessively powerful. Inspired by Splinter Cell’s covert gameplay, the Echelon faction may either turn almost invisible or unleash a pulsating sonar ability that allows your entire squad to detect foes through barriers. The 5.7 pistol, which fires slowly yet dispatches opponents in one or two hits, is yours to keep and is substantially extended by their extreme ability, Sonar Goggles.

The only way to deal with the Sonar Goggles is to just murder the person who is wearing them. There’s really no downside here, unlike other factions where powers are much more situational or team-oriented. Seeing through walls is always advantageous. Some classes are more popular than others in matches due to the launch’s ineffective balance, which detracts from the faction system’s overall strength.

Missed Targets

The main problem with abilities, though, is usually that they don’t really mesh with XDefiant’s “the quick and the dead” strategy for gunfights. Many qualities are basically irrelevant in most instances because shootouts frequently end practically as soon as they start. When all it takes to drop you is a few strikes, you almost certainly won’t survive if you deflect damage or use an explosive drone to delay your response. To really employ them, you need to have a Jedi-like intuition of what’s going to happen, such as planting a shield or healing device where you believe a battle is about to break out or sending an explosive drone where you think someone is likely to be.

Instead of equipping the Cleaners faction’s moltov, which you can only use if you’re a few feet away from an opponent, why not utilize the Phantom’s deployable shield to gain several seconds of free shots at any distance? If you can neutralize a healing device without dying by shooting it from a distance, what good is it to be able to hack one from close quarters? 

image credit: Ubisoft

There are now issues with various weapons’ balance as well. As I continued to play XDefiant, more and more players with sniper rifles started showing up in lobbies, and it was soon obvious why. Regardless matters where the shot lands on your target, you can usually kill someone with one shot when you swipe. If you can get a bead on someone and hit them, even at short range, you’ll probably drop them before they can double-tap you. Expert players immediately realized this, thus no matter how far away the adversary is, if you go in today, you’ll definitely find yourself eliminated right away. I felt like a chump very fast for carrying a different pistol.

Only a portion of the sniper advantage is to blame for the current sense of uselessness with shotguns and light machine guns. Both have substantial disadvantages. LMGs appear to be more geared to destroy enemy technologies like shields and cause less damage against actual enemies, while shotguns have a relatively narrow range and slow fire rate. Despite having fewer disadvantages, both weapon types seem to penalize you for selecting them over assault rifles or submachine guns.

That being said, XDefiant doesn’t mind if your kill. The death ratio is negative as long as you’re advancing your team toward the match objective, so none of that is a deal-breaker. You don’t need to be one of the quickest shooters online to pick up a riot shield, concentrate on living long enough to get a payload from one side of a map to the other, or play defense or support on capture sites by assisting in the survival of your more formidable allies. While all of that is entertaining, it might require a few additional game modes that take a more creative and intriguing approach to varying gameplay to keep us from becoming bored for a little while longer.

Game Modes

Right now, XDefiant only offers five modes, all of which are typical for this type of shooter. Six-on-six unranked play is supported in all of those modes. A four-on-four ranked mode, which employs skill-based matchmaking, is also coming to XDefiant, although it’s currently only accessible as a preview.

Zone Control, Domination, and Occupy are variations on capture-point modes that are played in XDefiant’s large, packed arenas, with Occupy taking place on a linear map. That reduces variation, and you’ll soon find that many of the matches you play in a given session get monotonous. It doesn’t really modify the gameplay to distinguish between the three types of control point capture—one that goes across the map, three that do it concurrently, or multiple in a certain order.

In the meantime, Hotshot is a variation on Call of Duty’s Kill Confirmed where points are awarded solely for retrieving dropped items following a kill. However, it has an additional VIP twist where the player with the most items gains speed and multiplies their score for each item they retrieve. As such, you should defend your team’s Hotshot while pursuing the opposition’s. Conversely, Escort is a simple payload mission on a linear map; it doesn’t really change from the mode that has been a part of Team Fortress 2 and Overwatch for years, thus it’s not very new or inventive. Neither of these choices does anything to enhance XDefiant’s unique features or set it apart from other games.

Conversely, the maps themselves are mostly exceptional. XDefiant draws its factions from the same games, and these games are heavily referenced in ten arenas and four linear areas, creating visually stimulating and diverse environments. They are often very open, with several routes leading into and out of each location. That implies that your chances of getting shot in the back are roughly the same as your chances of getting the drop on someone, but at least they promote quick mobility, little camping, and a variety of interactions with nearly every step.

image credit: Ubisoft

That helps make every group and weapon feel realistic (well, maybe DedSec), at least in terms of playstyle; even while the guns’ strength is a little inconsistent, it’s still entertaining to dash about with a shotgun or to hide out with a sniper rifle. Since there are no places where a team can burrow down to make themselves almost invulnerable or where an individual can hide and dominate alone with a sniper rifle, the open architecture also keeps things fair.

Additionally, there’s a very extensive progression system that lets you progress by unlocking different faction members, weapon attachments like scopes, and weaponry. After a few rounds with a weapon, additional components become unlocked for it just by using it. This allows you to customize weaponry to your preference. Completing tasks with the weapons you already have, such as scoring point-blank SMG kills or reaching a particular amount of one-shot snipes, is necessary to unlock further firearms and characters. All of the challenges are easy to achieve and motivate you to change up how you play. They strike the ideal mix between giving you new weapons for your efforts and encouraging you to try out alternative loadouts and gear.

However, this cannot be true about the quest to become a member of the DedSec faction. When you first launch XDefiant, you may choose from four factions; but, to access the fifth, you must accrue almost 700,000 XP (experience points) through daily challenges, finishing and winning matches, scoring kills, and accomplishing goals. To put it into perspective, you get 100 XP for a kill, 2,000 XP for finishing a match (and an additional 2,000 XP  if you win), and 5,000–10,000 XP for each of the four daily challenges. That means that completing it for free will require some serious grinding, but if you’re prepared to spend $10, you can unlock DedSec right away.

The Verdict

Although XDefiant is a decent competitive first-person shooter game, based on many Ubisoft properties, it doesn’t really separate out from the pack of free-to-play shooters. The majority of its shooting techniques are really satisfying, and even dying doesn’t stop the action because you respawn quickly.

Weapon balance is one of its more minor problems, which Ubisoft is likely to fix in the future. The quick time-to-kill can be frustrating because it limits the usefulness of many class skills. Players often die before they have a chance to activate these skills, making them feel irrelevant to the core gameplay. It also lacks a distinguishing mode, relying instead on cliched point-capture notions and worn-out yet reliable tropes like Payload and Kill Confirmed.

However, good maps make things interesting for longer than they otherwise would, so maybe it will have enough time to establish a niche of its own. It’s really appreciated that you have come this far. Thank you for checking out the XDefiant review. Be sure to get the game now, available digital on PS5, Xbox Series and PC. Also share your thoughts or comments below. Stay safe, until next time 😀 

(Image: Capcom)

Dragon’s Dogma 2

“Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a double-edged sword: a charming throwback brimming with nostalgia, but also burdened by some outdated flaws”

A decade after the original, Capcom unleashes Dragon’s Dogma 2. This sequel promises to recapture the magic of the first game’s dynamic world and innovative combat, but does it soar to new heights, or does it crash under the weight of its predecessor’s shadow? Buckle up, Arisen, because this Dragon’s Dogma 2 review dives deep into the strengths and weaknesses of this long-awaited return. We’ll explore the world, dissect the combat, and see if this sequel can truly claim the title of Dragon’s Dogma 2. So, is it a triumphant return or a frustrating exercise in nostalgia? Let’s find out!

Overview

Dragon’s Dogma 2 stays true to the cult classic formula that made the original great. It boasts the same top-notch action combat and a vast, mysterious open world begging to be explored. However, this sequel isn’t afraid to show its age.

Just like the 2012 game, Dragon’s Dogma 2 throws you headfirst into the deep end. Expect brutal enemies and chaotic encounters right from the start.

The world itself feels cobbled together but somehow works in its favor. This “controlled chaos” creates a unique open-world experience, where unexpected events can turn into exciting adventures.

The world design encourages exploration. Unlike many open-world games, Dragon’s Dogma 2 doesn’t hold your hand. Hidden secrets and unbeaten paths reward the curious adventurer.

Be warned, though, danger lurks around every corner. Early on, even simple travel is fraught with peril. Packs of enemies work together to overwhelm you, and night-time presents a whole new level of brutality.

(Image: Capcom)

Compared to the original, Dragon’s Dogma 2 avoids the frustrating difficulty spikes, but makes up for it with battles that can quickly snowball into epic, messy clashes. Learning to manage this chaos is a steep learning curve, but eventually mastering a once-daunting area feels incredibly rewarding.

Fast travel is limited in this world. Forget convenient waypoints; exploration is primarily done on foot. ‘Ferrystones’, your ticket to long-distance travel, come at a premium in the early game.

Oxcarts, a more local option, have limited schedules and can even be destroyed mid-journey by roaming monsters. This “inconvenience” creates a sense of vulnerability but can also be incredibly frustrating.

Despite the occasional setbacks, the world’s mysteries are so captivating that you’ll find yourself pushing forward. The lack of hand-holding makes you feel like a true explorer, not a pre-programmed quest machine.

Every corner holds the potential for discovery, and the environments are visually stunning. From breathtaking cliffside vistas to eerily charming caves, Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a world worth getting lost in.

A Dragon’s Tale Mixed with Hidden Gems

(Image: Capcom)

Dragon’s Dogma 2’s story mirrors the open-world approach – it’s a mixed bag with some hidden gems. The main plot is familiar territory: you’re an immortal Arisen destined to fight a dragon. It throws in some Game of Thrones-inspired political intrigue, but it’s nothing groundbreaking.

However, the story throws in a couple of unexpected twists that shake things up. Additionally, the side characters shine brighter than the main narrative. You’ll find yourself drawn to a Hemingway-esque hermit and a noble’s son working to reform his government from within.

Quests are a similar mix. Townsfolk readily throw errands your way, ranging from typical fetch quests to monster slaying. Some introduce interesting twists, like time limits or ambiguous consequences.

Imagine juggling three quests – one involves rescuing a child from wolves with a ticking clock, another requires some detective work following a suspicious character. Just like exploring the wilderness, city streets offer adventure and reward curiosity.

Familiar Class Favorites and Exciting Newcomers

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Next with Dragon’s Dogma 2 review are the vocations or classes. The game offers a robust selection of vocations or classes to choose from. Fans of the original will be happy to see the return of classics like Fighter and Mage, each with a distinct playstyle.

Advanced vocations like the Warrior specialize further, offering even more offensive power. These classes feel great to play, with responsive controls and a variety of skills to unlock.

The new additions are truly inspired. The Mystic Spearhand, a melee/magic hybrid, focuses on aggressive close-quarters combat, a stark contrast to the defensive Mystic Knight from the previous game.

The Warfarer provides ultimate flexibility, wielding any weapon type and filling any party role, although not as expertly as dedicated specialists. 

The Trickster, a master of deception, uses illusions to manipulate enemies – picture the “smoke too tough, swag too different” meme come to life, with enemies tripping over mind-altering incense.

Combat borrows heavily from Monster Hunter. Large and even some small enemies have weak points – a cyclops’ eye or a lizard’s tail. Targeting these vulnerabilities can deal more damage, inflict stuns, or even sever limbs, altering enemy attacks and potentially yielding better loot.

This strategic targeting adds depth and reward to battles, especially when facing large groups of foes.

Pawns: Your Invaluable Companions… Mostly

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Dragon’s Dogma 2 ditches traditional multiplayer, but introduces Pawns – AI controlled companions who fight alongside you. Pawns aren’t just battle buddies; they can gather resources, point out hidden secrets, and even offer quest hints.

They’ve gotten a significant upgrade this time around, with specializations like resource highlighters and party inventory organizers.

Here’s where things get interesting: Pawns can travel through The Rift, a separate dimension, to join other players’ adventures. They learn from these experiences, bringing back items and knowledge to share with you.

While exploring with your Pawn team, you might discover secrets they learned on their travels with other Arisen. This asynchronous multiplayer system was innovative in 2012 and remains unique today.

However, Pawns aren’t perfect. Their AI can be unreliable, leading them into trouble and untimely deaths (often by falling off bridges during battles!). You can issue commands like “help” or “wait,” but these can be unresponsive in the heat of the moment.

(Image: Capcom)

Sometimes, you’ll be stuck waiting on your Pawn to revive you or free you from an enemy, which can be frustrating.

Despite their occasional shortcomings, Pawns are invaluable assets. Combat in Dragon’s Dogma 2 shines with its satisfying action. Every swing, shot, and chop feels impactful, thanks in part to the game’s physics system.

Bigger characters can grab and climb enemies, while smaller ones are faster and more agile. You can even pick up objects and enemies to use as projectiles, and team up with your Pawns to overpower massive foes.

The game throws a lot of these nuances at you, and while it encourages exploration and discovery, a little more guidance in the manual wouldn’t hurt.

Climbing Woes and Performance Hiccups

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Moving on with the Dragon’s Dogma 2 review are the pros and cons. Dragon’s Dogma 2’s combat isn’t without its flaws. Climbing enemies in the heat of battle can be frustrating. The controls become unresponsive as the enemy moves, making it difficult to maintain your grip.

Additionally, the camera can become a real enemy in tight spaces, blocking your view and making it nearly impossible to see what’s happening.

Frame rate drops can also occur during large battles. While not unplayable, these slowdowns can make precise timing in combat more challenging, especially with all the chaos on screen. 

Enemy variety is a mixed bag. You’ll encounter variations of a core set of creatures, but some regions have unique enemy traits. For example, desert lizards have tougher hides, and humanoids wield different weapons and armor.

The true standouts are the special monsters like Medusas, which are visually impressive and offer unique challenges. Discovering these encounters in the open world is a definite highlight.

Verdict

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a double-edged sword: a charming throwback brimming with nostalgia, but also burdened by some outdated flaws. It lovingly rehashes the 2012 cult classic’s magic – the vibrant, dynamic world and the genre-defining combat with its physics-based brilliance.

However, the experience is haunted by a few unwelcome guests: unreliable AI companions, awkward climbing mechanics, occasional frame rate drops, and a camera prone to tantrums at inopportune moments.

These quirks might test your patience, but if you can persevere, Dragon’s Dogma 2 offers a unique and rewarding action-RPG experience.

It stands apart from its modern counterparts with its open-world freedom and unconventional quest design, making it a gem waiting to be unearthed by players seeking a captivating adventure.

So what’s your take on the Dragon’s Dogma 2 review. Is it everything you expected? Leave a comment here below and add what your think of this video game. If you interested, click on the buttons above. Until next time. 😀