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

(Image: Capcom)

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

(Image: Capcom)

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

(Image: Capcom)

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. 😀

“Rise of the Ronin delivers a captivating samurai experience with its beautiful world, engaging combat, and impactful story choices.”

Looking to carve your name into the legends of feudal Japan? Then unsheathe your katana and prepare to dive into “Rise of the Ronin,” the latest open-world action RPG by Team Ninja. This review will guide you through the sprawling world, fierce combat, and character-driven narrative to help you decide if this is the samurai adventure you’ve been waiting for.

Overview

Rise of the Ronin throws you into the tumultuous final years of the Sengoku period. You play as a disgraced ronin, a masterless samurai seeking to forge your own destiny amidst warring clans and rising tensions. Explore a vast open world inspired by historical Japan, forge alliances, hone your combat skills, and carve your legend through a web of choices and consequences.

A Samurai Tale

Rise of the Ronin throws you into the heart of Japan’s turbulent 19th century, during the Boshin War that toppled the Shogunate. The story follows two fictional orphans, survivors of a Shogunate massacre, trained as assassins – the “Blade Twins.”

You customize these blank slates in a detailed character creator, then embark on a daring mission: infiltrate American Black Ships and eliminate Commodore Perry (no kin to the singer). This thrilling opening sets the tone for the game – fast-paced action with a historical backdrop.

The narrative expands beyond the initial mission. You’ll encounter historical figures, choose your allegiance (pro-Shogunate or against), and face tough decisions that shape Japan’s future. While some choices hold weight, others have predetermined outcomes.

Thematically, the story tackles interesting topics – nationalism, resistance to foreign influence, and the clash of tradition with new technology. History buffs will enjoy interacting with fictionalized versions of influential figures like Genzui Kusaka and Sakamoto Ryoma. Think “revolutionary samurai warriors” for a unique blend of history and action.

However, the narrative’s depth resembles a blockbuster movie – entertaining while you play, but details fade quickly after the credits roll. It’s a fun ride, but one that might not leave a lasting impression.

Features

• Open-World Exploration: Traverse a meticulously crafted open world brimming with bustling towns, scenic landscapes, and hidden secrets.
• Character Customization: Craft your samurai warrior, from appearance and attire to your fighting style and skillset.
• Deep Combat System: Master the art of swordsmanship with a variety of weapons, stances, and parrying techniques.
• Meaningful Choices: Your actions and decisions throughout the game influence the story’s progression and the fate of the world around you.
• Bond System: Build relationships with key characters, unlocking side quests, unique rewards, and potential allies.

Gameplay

The true stars of the show are the missions. Some are open-world encounters, while others resemble classic Ninja Gaiden or Nioh missions, where you team up with AI companions or friends to tackle objectives. Co-op is a fantastic addition, but it’s a shame you can’t always tell if a mission allows it beforehand.

The combat shines! Team Ninja delivers again with a satisfying and flexible system. You can wield various weapons, each with multiple fighting styles and strategic rock-paper-scissors mechanics. Mastering “counterspark” – deflecting attacks and opening enemies up – is key to victory. Enemies are relentless, making battles demanding but rewarding.

Boss fights are fantastic, forcing you to learn patterns and utilize advanced tactics.

Character progression is another highlight. Each stat has a skill tree, allowing you to tailor your playstyle. Side quests strengthen bonds with characters, unlocking dialogue, combat style upgrades, and gear.

The Longhouse, your hub, offers customization, skill point respec, and even time travel via a special book! You can revisit past missions, make different choices, and complete missed content – a fantastic feature. The world is peppered with thoughtful touches, like color-coded dialogue options and character trackers.

You can even see and interact with your friends’ characters in the world, adding a unique layer of connection.

However, Rise of the Ronin stumbles under the weight of its ambition. The open world is stuffed with repetitive activities and generic loot drops. Upgrading and disassembling gear helps, but the sheer volume of mostly useless items becomes overwhelming.

Even some side activities, despite being interesting in concept (finding cats, photography missions), lose their appeal due to the uninspired loot rewards. It feels like the developers were more focused on ticking open-world RPG boxes than creating a truly focused experience.

Imagine this: a more streamlined Rise of the Ronin, ditching the loot bloat and focusing on stellar combat, well-designed missions, and engaging character progression. That could have been a truly remarkable Soulslike. Instead, we’re left with a good game buried beneath layers of unnecessary content.

Rise of the Ronin’s core gameplay loop revolves around exploration, combat, and character progression. Uncover quests in settlements, venture into the wilderness to tackle challenging enemies, and complete objectives to gain experience and unlock new abilities.

The combat is a highlight, offering a satisfying blend of strategic swordsmanship and demanding reflexes. Mastering weapon stances, parries, and timing your attacks is key to overcoming formidable opponents.

Multiplayer

While the focus lies on the single-player experience, Rise of the Ronin offers a limited online co-op mode. Team up with a friend to tackle challenging missions and specific bosses, adding a layer of camaraderie to your samurai journey. However, the online aspect feels like a tacked-on feature and doesn’t significantly impact the core gameplay.

Post-game Content

Once you complete the main story, a decent amount of post-game content awaits. Unfinished side quests, hidden areas to explore, and challenging endgame bosses offer additional hours of gameplay for completionists.

Verdict

Rise of the Ronin is a promising mix. It boasts a fantastic historical setting, Team Ninja’s renowned combat system, and some clever RPG elements that make it instantly engaging, especially with friends. Little details like using the grappling hook to throw objects or gliding onto your horse add a delightful touch.

However, the game stumbles with an overabundance of map markers, overly complex systems, and a ridiculous amount of useless loot. Sorting through this clutter and dealing with unnecessary mechanics made me yearn for a more streamlined experience.

When Rise of the Ronin focuses on its core strength – the challenging and rewarding combat – it shines. But it often feels caught in two minds, unsure of its identity and what it should be. This indecision, unfortunately, weakens the overall experience, even for a skilled samurai.

It delivers a captivating samurai experience with its beautiful world, engaging combat, and impactful story choices. While repetitive open-world tasks and a shallow online mode hold it back slightly, the core gameplay loop and character progression are deeply satisfying. If you crave a thrilling single-player adventure set in the rich tapestry of feudal Japan, Rise of the Ronin is a worthy journey to embark on.

Thanks for checking out my Rise of the Ronin Review. If you like this review please leave your comments below. So what do you find fascinating about Rise of the Ronin? Is it the combat system, the open-world exploration or the character customization system? Is this the ideal game you would play? What other alternative games are you looking at? So, what now? Click on the button above or HERE to get yourself a copy of Rise of the Ronin.  

WWE 2K24 Review

 

WWE 2K24

“WWE 2K24 delivers a refined experience, building on the successes of the past three years”

Lace up your virtual boots and step into the squared circle because WWE 2K24 is here! After a two-year hiatus to regroup, the latest edition in the franchise throws its hat into the wrestling game ring. But is it a champion or a contender merely warming the bench? Let’s break it down into a WWE 2K24 Review.

Looking Sharper Than Ever

One thing’s for sure – WWE 2K24 is a looker. Wrestlers boast detailed character models that capture their real-life counterparts with impressive accuracy. From signature hairstyles to intricate tattoos, the attention to detail is fantastic. Even the referees get a makeover, ditching the generic stand-in look for faces you might actually recognize from Monday Night Raw. It might seem like a minor detail, but these touches add to the overall immersion.

Gameplay: Small Tweaks, Big Impact (Maybe)

Don’t expect a complete overhaul of the core mechanics. This year’s edition focuses on refining the existing formula. The biggest addition is the Super Finisher, a devastating move requiring three finisher stocks to execute. It’s undeniably powerful, but filling those stocks takes time, leaving you vulnerable. Another new wrinkle is the random trading blows minigame that pops up during matches. While it adds a touch of variety, it disrupts the flow and feels more like an annoyance than a strategic element.

The good news: some nagging issues have been addressed. Non-legal tag team partners can only interfere once before getting ejected, preventing the cheese-fest of past iterations. New paybacks like the Iron Jaw add strategic depth, and the overall AI feels improved, with managers now actively helping their clients secure victories.

Match Mania: A Mixed Bag of Brawls

This year brings back some fan-favorite match types, including the special guest referee match. Imagine the chaos of one player controlling the ref, enforcing the rules or throwing the whole match into disarray! It’s a blast, especially with a group of friends.

The ambulance and casket matches return, each with their own quirks. The ambulance match offers more environmental interaction, while the casket match feels like a regular bout with a different win condition. A missed opportunity? Not being able to recreate iconic moments like HBK dancing on the coffin. Gauntlet matches add another layer of challenge, letting you test your endurance against a series of opponents. However, the limited pool of four wrestlers feels restrictive.

MyRise: Living the Dream (or Nightmare)

WWE 2K24’s story mode, MyRise, returns with two compelling narratives. “Unleashed” mirrors the struggles of an indie darling adjusting to the WWE machine, while “Undisputed” throws you into the power vacuum left by a retiring Roman Reigns. Both stories are packed with content, humor, and even some truly bizarre moments that capitalize on the absurdity of professional wrestling. However, they can feel bogged down by filler matches that detract from the main events.

Showcase Mode: Fumbled History

The Showcase mode aims to recreate iconic WrestleMania moments, but it stumbles this year. The match selection, spanning 40 years of the event, feels underwhelming. While some early matches benefit from the added context, others simply don’t hold up as historical landmarks. Even worse, the mode still struggles to capture the magic of those legendary battles. Completing objectives often feels like checking boxes rather than truly reliving those moments. The transitions between gameplay and real footage are jarring and frequent, further disrupting the flow.

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect is the game’s seeming fear of its own history. Edited crowd noise and blurred faces sanitize the experience, removing some of the grit and realness that made those matches so memorable. Key moments and wrestlers are missing, likely due to licensing issues. This sanitization and incompleteness feel like a disservice to the fans.

Universe and MyGM: Familiar Faces, New Toys

For those who like to craft their own wrestling stories, Universe Mode and MyGM offer familiar territory with some interesting tweaks. MyGM gets the most attention with new features like post-PLE trades and individual wrestler ring levels that influence their performance. These additions make for the most strategic MyGM experience yet.

Universe Mode feels more like a minor update, offering new rivalry options but lacking significant changes. While still robust, it misses some features like superstar promos that were present in older iterations.

Verdict

WWE 2K24 delivers a refined experience, building on the successes of the past three years. While it doesn’t overhaul everything, it introduces enough fresh features across the board to make it a worthwhile upgrade.

However, some longstanding issues persist. The Showcase mode docuseries format still struggles to translate into engaging gameplay, MyRise’s story pacing remains inconsistent, and some wrestlers outside the top tier lack the same level of visual detail. Despite these shortcomings, WWE 2K24 stands as a strong conclusion to a trilogy of excellent wrestling games.

Thanks for checking out my WWE 2K24 review. Be sure to click on the button above to buy the game. And don’t forget to leave your comments below. Stay safe until next time 😀

(Image credit: Eleventh Hour Games)

Last Epoch

“Last Epoch blends deep character customization with exciting action gameplay, offering a unique experience”

In the ever-expanding realm of action RPGs, where giants like Diablo and Path of Exile reign supreme, a new contender has emerged: Last Epoch. This time-bending title promises an experience unlike any other, offering a blend of rich character customization, thrilling action, and innovative systems. But does Last Epoch live up to the hype? Let’s dive into this Last Epoch Review to discover its strengths, weaknesses, and whether it deserves a place in your gaming library.

Last Epoch Review – Overview

Last Epoch, a new ARPG, has finally launched after five years in Early Access. It offers a sweet spot between the two giants: it’s easy to learn like Diablo 4, but has the deep character customization of Path of Exile. You can build your character exactly how you want thanks to a clear and flexible skill system.

The story campaign is a bit forgettable after the initial hours, but that’s okay because the real fun starts at the endgame. There are some online multiplayer bugs and occasional clunkiness, but if you can get past those, the journey to level 100 is rewarding, filled with exciting loot, thrilling battles, and a constant sense of getting stronger.

It offers a familiar starting point for ARPG veterans. You can choose from five classic character classes: Sentinel; Mages; Rogue; the undead-summoning Acolyte; and Primalist (similar to Barbarian class). Each character has a distinct playstyle, so you can’t go wrong with your pick.

(Image credit: Eleventh Hour Games)

The adventure takes place in the visually stunning high-fantasy world of Eterra, constantly under threat from evil gods, undead armies, and a mysterious void slowly consuming the planet, kind of like purple mold on a giant orange.

Last Epoch throws you into a classic ARPG experience filled with intense battles, exploration, and loot collection. You’ll hack, slash, cast spells, chug potions, and delve into quests, just like in other action RPGs. But Last Epoch adds some unique twists to the familiar formula.

For example, the “Ward” system adds a regenerating shield on top of your health, and your mana can go negative, acting as a cooldown for your spells. These additions make the combat feel deeper and more strategic compared to Diablo 3 or 4, without losing the core fun and simplicity of the genre.

Last Epoch delivers the expected gore and monster battles of an ARPG, with enemies like zombies, bird-warriors, and giant crabs. However, the story itself isn’t quite as dark and demonic as Diablo.

Story

The story borrows heavily from Chrono Trigger, particularly the character “Elder Gaspar” and the concept of time travel. While this inspiration helps explain the events of the game, the overall story itself is just decent, not outstanding.

The game heavily borrows from Chrono Trigger’s time travel concept. The story revolves around preventing Eterra’s destruction by traveling through five different eras.

However, unlike Chrono Trigger’s well-developed narrative, Last Epoch fails to create a compelling reason for the characters to care about the time travel mission, making the story feel uninspired despite the interesting premise.

(Image credit: Eleventh Hour Games)

The main story is a letdown. The ending feels like a series of disconnected events and areas with underdeveloped characters and a confusing plot. Thankfully, around level 60, this uninspired story gives way to the much more enjoyable endgame.

This features fun, procedurally generated challenges within each timeline you previously explored, along with some epic boss fights. While the story falls short, the engaging endgame content salvages the experience.

It’s clear the developers aimed high by referencing a classic like Chrono Trigger, but the narrative fails to meet those expectations.

Battle Gameplay

Last Epoch might feel like a step back initially in two ways:

However, persevere past level 15, and you’ll discover the true star of the show: the incredibly deep and unique skill system. Each class has its own distinct identity, and as you level up, the variety of skills and builds available truly shine.

This makes experimenting with all five classes highly rewarding, offering a breadth of character creation unlike any other ARPG.

Each of the five base classes has three subclasses to choose from. These subclasses drastically alter your playstyle. For example, the Acolyte can choose to be a Necromancer, focusing on summoning and buffing undead minions.

One of the best Necromancer skills is spawning Wraiths that get even deadlier. The Rogue can specialize as a Marksman, focusing on mobility and precise archery attacks. 

Character Base Classes & Sub-Classes (Image credit: Eleventh Hour Games)

Last Epoch lets you fine-tune your character in incredible depth. You have two main ways to do this:

These two systems work independently. You don’t have to choose between improving your passive or active skills; you can level them up both at the same time. This allows for unmatched character customization and lets you tailor your hero to your exact preferences.

Item Crafting & Gear

Its crafting system, using glyphs and scrolls, lets you completely transform equipment, making each piece feel unique and valuable. 

The game also throws surprises your way! You might find random items like a belt that grants your Necromancer a frosty surprise – every time you heal, it unleashes a wave of ice, freezing enemies and making them easy prey for your undead army.

This system encourages exploration and experimentation. Instead of just searching for gear to fit your build, you might find an amazing item that inspires you to completely redesign your character’s skills and passives to take advantage of its unique power.

The game lets you truly unleash your inner mad scientist when it comes to character building. You can combine up to five different skills at once, unlocking entirely new skill trees that let you precisely tailor your playstyle. 

(Image credit: Eleventh Hour Games)

Imagine finding an item that boosts you or your minion’s damage. This is where Last Epoch shines: the possibilities for creative combinations are endless. And if you ever change your mind, switching skills and character respec is a breeze, allowing you to constantly experiment and fine-tune your ultimate hero.

Last Epoch takes the guesswork out of character building with its intuitive guide system.

Overall, Last Epoch empowers players to experiment and customize their characters confidently thanks to its accessible and informative guidance system.

Post Story Content

Last Epoch’s endgame revolves around challenging “Monoliths of Fate,” inspired by roguelikes like Hades. These time rifts offer unique themes, diverse rewards, and replay ability as you progress to level 100. The true loot comes in the form of Blessings, permanent buffs impacting everything from experience gain to character stats.

You can equip up to 10, with some flexibility in choosing from a selection after each Monolith conquest. The element of surprise comes from hidden Blessings, motivating players to complete them all.

Last Epoch’s endgame throws you into the “Monoliths of Fate,” maze-like challenges inspired by roguelikes.

In essence, the Monoliths of Fate offer a strategic and ever-evolving endgame experience that pushes you to master your character and adapt to constantly changing situations. 

While Last Epoch has other endgame activities like traditional dungeons and an enemy wave arena, they feel less engaging compared to the Monoliths of Fate.

(Image credit: Eleventh Hour Games)

Here’s a breakdown of the drawbacks of post game:

These factors make the non-Monolith endgame feel somewhat unpolished and forgettable compared to the core strength of the game.

Last Epoch Review – Good and Bad

Last Epoch is a forgiving game, especially outside of challenging endgame activities.

Overall, Last Epoch prioritizes a smooth and enjoyable experience, offering a forgiving approach in most situations but providing a strong challenge in the endgame to keep things interesting.

Last Epoch’s town portal system throws a wrench into the otherwise smooth gameplay.

In short, the town portal system detracts from the overall experience, especially for online players.

Battle Online or Offline

Since you’re already in offline mode, you won’t encounter any of the game’s microtransactions or cosmetic options. These are primarily visual additions purchasable through the online store, and the reviewer confirms they can be entirely disregarded without affecting gameplay.

Last Epoch offers a great side system called Factions, with options for both online and offline players.

This system caters to different playstyles: online players who enjoy trading can join the Merchant’s Guild, while solo players or those offline can benefit from the Circle of Fortune’s boosted loot rates.

Last Epoch excels in presenting complex systems in a user-friendly way. Despite having a lot going on under the hood, the game’s intuitive interface makes learning its mechanics feel smooth and accessible.

(Image credit: Eleventh Hour Games)

This is in stark contrast to other ARPGs, like Path of Exile, where intricate systems can be overwhelming for newcomers. 

Therefore, Last Epoch could be considered the perfect entry point for anyone interested in the genre. It allows players to learn and master ARPG mechanics without the initial hurdle of overly complex interfaces or overwhelming systems.

Last Epoch impresses with both performance and visuals in the following ways:

Overall, Last Epoch delivers a visually impressive and smooth gameplay experience regardless of your hardware.

Last Epoch Review – My Verdict

Last Epoch blends deep character customization with exciting action gameplay, offering a unique experience between Diablo and Path of Exile. While it borrows elements from these giants, it also carves its own path with innovative systems and a captivating endgame that will keep you hooked for hours.

While the story might not be its strongest element, and there are some lingering bugs, the overall experience is still rewarding and shouldn’t deter you from giving it a try. I hope you enjoy the Last Epoch review. Please leave a comment below telling us about the game and other concerning matters. Until next time 😀

Skull and Bones

The seafaring RPG delivers unexpected levels of fun. Ship-to-ship combat with customizable weaponry is a blast, and the RPG mechanics offer surprising depth for build-crafters

After a long and tumultuous development journey, Skull and Bones has finally set sail. While many envisioned it as the successor to ‘Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag’, and Ubisoft itself made various promises that haven’t fully materialized, the final product offers a surprisingly enjoyable, albeit imperfect, experience.

Not Quite the Promised Treasure, But Still Fun

Skull and Bones is an RPG action-adventure that lets you become a fearsome pirate captain. If you enjoy watching “Pirates of the Caribbean” you will feel right at home.

You start as a sheer outcast. You embark on your naval adventure at the end of the 17th century when piracy thrived, and many outcasts decided to pursue their fortune.

You will have to grow your fame by completing missions and engaging in epic naval combats. Every pirate needs a pirate ship, so you’ll need to build one and customize your own fleet.

As you perform these deeds, you end up climbing ranks, gaining respect, and become a one-of-a-kind pirate captain whose name strikes fear across the ocean sea.

The Skull and Bones game doesn’t fulfill all the expectations set by its troubled development history. It’s not the “Black Flag” follow-up some craved, and it lacks the depth of the story and features Ubisoft once hinted at.

However, the core gameplay loop of sailing the Indian Ocean and engaging in ship-to-ship combat proves surprisingly fun.

Engaging Naval Combat and Deep RPG Mechanics

The game shines in its naval combat. Firing cannons, mortars, giant ballista and all sorts make for an enjoyable experience. It’s satisfying and a thrilling RPG experience as you defeat other ships on the Indian Ocean, granting you rewards and loot to customize your ship.

The RPG mechanics add a satisfying layer of depth, allowing you also to build your character for various playstyles. The cooperative element, where you can team up with friends to tackle challenging encounters, further enhances the enjoyment. 

Impressive Economy Simulation, But Content Concerns Linger

The economy simulator deserves praise for its impressive depth and complexity. Managing trade routes, engaging in black market activities, and building settlements adds a satisfying layer of strategic thinking and resource management.

However, the current state of the game raises concerns. The endgame content feels thin, lacking the variety and engagement needed to hold players’ attention for the long haul. The story is practically non-existent, offering a bare minimum of narrative context.

Additionally, the game suffers from technical issues like crashes, glitches, and persistent notifications, hindering the overall experience.

Hope on the Horizon

Despite these shortcomings, the Skull and Bones game isn’t entirely without hope. The ambitious live-service roadmap promises a steady stream of content updates that could address the lack of endgame activities and potentially expand the narrative.

In the meantime, the solid foundation of the core gameplay, the enjoyable RPG, and economic elements make it a decent voyage for players who crave ship battles and strategic seafaring adventures. Even though the experience needs some refinement and additional content to truly reach its full potential, game patches and updates will hopefully resolve the

The Verdict

While the Skull and Bones game might not be the successor many longed for, the seafaring RPG delivers unexpected levels of fun. Ship-to-ship combat with customizable weaponry is a blast, and the RPG mechanics offer surprising depth for build-crafters.

The economy simulation is also impressive.

However, it’s not yet the fully realized package Ubisoft promised, with limited endgame content, minimal story, and a rough-around-the-edges technical state.

Yet, hope isn’t lost… the ambitious live-service content roadmap offers a chance to address these weaknesses, and its strong foundation leaves room for an even better experience down the line.

Should you buy it? If you want to fight other pirate ships on the wide open sea, with your friends then I’m sure you will enjoy this game. Buy the Skull and Bones game. However, you may need to update the game before playing to get a better gaming experience.  

If you like my review give it a thumbs up in the comments below. Any questions you may have as well, you can leave them here below and I’ll make sure that it gets answered. Until next time. 😀