EducatedReviews

Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores provides a decent chunk of new content to the base game, adding a little bit of everything to the already expansive sequel. While Burning Shores possesses its own draws and identity, it also mirrors the previous game’s expansion—The Frozen Wilds, in many ways. Similar to The Frozen Wilds, this expansion adds: -- A level cap increase from 50 to 60 -- A sizeable new region to explore with a distinct theme (volcanic archipelago) -- A handful of main quests and side quests, with a focus on one of the tribes from the base game -- Multiple new skills and valor surges (two skills and one valor surge per skill tree) -- An expansion of Aloy’s spear capabilities and new techniques (including new tools) -- A couple new enemy types (with apex variants for two of the machines) -- Additional machine sites for some of the best enemies from the base game -- A new cauldron to override, along with a couple other returning activities and arena challenges -- A few new collectibles and many new data points -- A handful of new outfits and several new weapons, coils, and weaves (all have legendary rarity) -- A new resource type (for trade and upgrades) Following the conclusion of Horizon Forbidden West, this expansion sees Aloy travel to the titular Burning Shores, where a new threat awaits. Along the way, the expansion introduces some new characters and companions, while setting the stage for the next chapter of the series. The Pros: -- The map has a distinct look and feel overall, offering an added focus on using both the skies and the sea. -- The number of added activities and collectibles is not overwhelming, but rather feels like the right amount for an expansion of this size -- While there is only a handful of quests, each one is memorable and offers a worthwhile reward. -- The primary draw of this expansion—an epic battle against a reactivated Horus/Metal Devil—lives up to the expectation and takes advantage of the power of the PlayStation 5, while offering a glimpse into what the future of the series may be able to offer. -- Most of the new skills and valor surges are useful and offer additional variety to the combat. -- There is a surprisingly large amount of legendary weapons, coils, and weaves in the expansion, these are all welcome additions, especially the coils and weaves. -- Upgrades for the new outfits and weapons also have more feasible requirements, with more variety to what parts are needed, and most of which are located on the new map (no fireclaw sac webbing, slaughterspine circulators, stormbird storm cannons, or slitherfang earthgrinders are needed). -- The new cauldron is expansive, and like the cauldrons from the base game, it offers its own unique exploration challenge -- The primary new machine and its respective apex variant are both exciting opponents and a welcome addition to the already impressive enemy roster -- The expansion uses certain machines in some rather surprising and refreshing encounters throughout the map The Cons: -- While I would say this is only a minor critique, the use of the Los Angeles setting could have been taken better advantage of with more recognizable locations and unique setpieces -- There is no Tallneck machine to override, and the map is simply unfogged using normal traversal -- The functionality of the new Waterwing machine could have been used to better effect, either as just an upgrade to the existing Sunwing, or perhaps turned into a completely original machine with expanded incentive to explore underwater (maybe a submarine of some sort, used to explore underwater relic ruins or hunt Tiderippers) -- The inclusion of the new skiff vehicle and geysers are nice additions, but feel mostly unnecessary other than used for specific circumstances -- The new resource, brimshine, is overused for anything concerning the new legendary gear (outfit and weapon upgrades, and trading for coils and weaves) Burning Shores offers more of what made Horizon Forbidden West successful, while also providing some new opportunities to refresh the gameplay. Although there are a few things that could have been developed further, this expansion boasts a solid helping of content that is worth checking out after completing the base game. For any interested returning players or newcomers, I recommend picking this up with the base game for the complete Forbidden West experience.

Max Payne 3 is the pinnacle of third-person shooter games. While the previous two titles were developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by Rockstar Games, this installment was both developed and published by Rockstar. Although it sheds some of the layers of the past, such as the heavy emphasis on neo-noir elements and trading in the dark and lonely nights in New York City for sunny and crowded days in São Paulo, Brazil, the title feels like a natural evolution of what came before. Max’s character remains consistent with his journey in the previous games, and the plot follows a similar formula and story beats to the original titles. The gameplay of Max Payne 3 is often cinematic and brutal. Shooting feels exceptionally polished, coupled with enhanced returning features, and new mechanics that further strengthen the intense combat. Like previous installments, the plot of Max Payne 3 is divided into several chapters that are sorted into three acts. Max, himself, serves as the narrator of the events of the game, while occasionally chiming in with thoughts that he has in certain moments. The game is also told in a nonlinear fashion, as it opens with a look at the final confrontation, and a few of the chapters take place in the past, establishing Max’s reason for moving to São Paulo. The cast of this title is fairly small, with only a handful of clients and antagonists for players to keep track of during the narrative. Nearly a decade after the tragic events of Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne, a new crisis surfaces in South America. Left with few options following a bloody scuffle in New Jersey, disgraced former NYPD detective Max Payne flees his home country to pursue what is promised as a temporary distraction. However, what should have been a string of easy paydays quickly devolves into more of the same bloodshed on different lands. Outnumbered, outwitted, and outgunned, Max quickly comes to the realization that he has bitten off much more than he was ready to chew: facing death at every turn, with few reliable allies, unable to speak the local language, at his lowest point of health, in unfamiliar territory. Grappling with severe addiction and long-held misery, Max drags himself along from failure to failure until he finally comes to a costly realization: Max must swear off his demons and adapt to this new environment, committing himself fully to unraveling a terrible conspiracy. Choosing to drive his own stake deep into the matter, Max openly challenges near-endless waves of bloodthirsty gang members and soulless paramilitary brutes. His unstoppable rampage through the tattered state of São Paulo echoes the ferocity of the Max Payne of old, as the former detective desperately chases after a chance to right old wrongs, avenge his fallen clients, and claim a recovery long overdue. Eleven years later, Max’s third outing continues to be a tough comparison to many recent third-person shooters. This game is an old school shooter, primarily guiding the player’s focus to two elements: the narrative and the shooting. There are no side quests or upgrades for the player to grind out, as progression is based solely on the player’s skill as they navigate through their difficulty level of choice. With linear chapters, little side content that disrupts the flow of the narrative and levels, and a lack of role-playing elements that may otherwise over-bloat the game, Max Payne 3 excels in compelling players to root for its titular character as he fights his way toward his new lease on life. This installment is stocked with a vast array of weapons to wield, new cover and second chance systems, and updated Bullet Time and kill cam mechanics. Gunplay and intensity reach cinematic peak in this installment. Varied level design, a lack of load screens and natural transitions between cutscene and gameplay, immersive physics, heavily detailed environments, brutal gore, and relentless enemies only add further compliments to the experience. The game even delivers a sequence that manages to create a pure adrenaline rush and captures the kind of climactic cinematic experience seen in levels like the Suicide Mission in Mass Effect 2 and the final Warthog Run in Halo 3. Max Payne 3 is among the best shooters I have played, sporting a strong pairing of polished gunplay and an inspired character journey. Rockstar’s contribution to this series is an underrated title that gives a fitting sendoff to its haunted protagonist and an action experience that is worth playing through to completion. Thankfully, all three Max Payne titles were added in with the final batch of games made backwards compatible on newer Xbox consoles, allowing for many more players to experience the entirety of this series.

Over five years later, God of War (2018) still manages to be one of the most engaging titles players can experience today. This game offers both a substantial narrative and a surplus of thrilling gameplay. From the personal journey and compelling characters, to the vast realm exploration and brutal combat, this fresh departure from the original Greek saga has solidified itself as something of a modern masterpiece. Many years after leaving his homeland behind, the legendary Spartan, Kratos, has started a new life among the Nine Realms. For a time, Kratos learned to temper his rage and live in peace with his wife, Faye, and his son, Atreus. However, after a sudden loss befalls his family, father and son are prompted to embark on a great journey to fulfill a final wish. Along the way, the two endure many obstacles as they learn to build trust, each teaching the other something valuable as they move closer to their goal. Kratos and Atreus make several allies, but also powerful enemies. Together, they strive to overcome the monumental conflicts that stand in their way and learn a great deal about the forces that oversee the realms as they attempt to find their own place in this world. While this is arguably a larger game than the three Greek trilogy games combined, 2018’s soft reboot is a deeply personal story, with elements that match with the stakes of 2005’s original God of War. Where God of War Ragnarök is the Norse saga’s equivalent of the more epic and expansive God of War II and God of War III, 2018’s entry is a slower burn. Previous titles focused almost exclusively on Kratos, though, as part of this installment, Kratos is constantly accompanied by Atreus. Several other supporting characters also assist the father and son at multiple points in the story, each going through their own journey alongside them. There are only a couple of major antagonists to keep track of, with the journey itself serving as the chief opposition to Kratos and Atreus. A cast of this size makes each character memorable, especially given the scope of this game. One of the things I appreciated most was the deliberate inclusion of little character moments, be it through a string of seamless transitions between cutscenes and gameplay, or frequent dialogue between characters as players move along through each of the levels. The amount of emphasis on story and speech is substantial, but in a way that always feels natural and never feels excessive. What makes a story like this so compelling is a combination of these strong characters and a unique take on mythological figures and lore. This entry certainly captures the spirit and excitement of an adventure through realms flowing with magic and fantastical creatures. Despite the subject matter concerning loss, corruption, cruelty, and murder, the game constantly delivers moments of awe, often reflected through the young Atreus. Being a God of War game, this title does not disappoint in its gameplay execution, and with the PlayStation 5 performance patch, it runs even better than before. Like the previous iterations, this installment is a hack and slash, action/adventure game set in a fantasy world. However, unlike the Greek saga titles, this iteration utilizes an over-the-shoulder perspective all throughout its gameplay, outside of sections involving climbing the environments. While God of War (2018) features a new perspective and less over-the-top tone, it also manages to preserve certain elements from its predecessors. For instance, juggling opponents can still be accomplished by launching them into the air with large attacks, then proceeding to continue attacking them as they slowly make their way back down. There is a balance between combat, exploration, traversal, and puzzle solving made even greater in this game. Weapons feel heavier, exploration is expanded with more open environments, traversal is improved with more guided paths and assistance from Atreus, and puzzles come in the form of riddles and uses of combat techniques. Unfortunately, the enemy variety is noticeably small—especially when it comes to discussing the minibosses. As a result, execution animations quickly become repetitive against these opponents, even though the animations are initially satisfyingly brutal. There is a handful of main bosses and several optional bosses, each of which are memorable experiences that offer great spectacle and succeed in bringing out the god in Kratos. God of War is an exceptional feat that certainly deserves the attention, praise, and accolades it has garnered since its release. An uplifting tale of father and son, abundant with beautiful landscapes, compelling characters, engaging lore, and gripping combat, this game is a prime example of how to evolve a series and its protagonist in a captivating way.

To put it simply, Dead Island 2 delivers a fun and mostly polished zombie-slaying experience. Most people who have heard of this title are aware of its infamous development cycle. I am happy to report that this game **** all my expectations by keeping what worked in Dead Island (2011) and Dead Island: Riptide (2013), while also making some much needed changes and focusing on the fun factor. The “slayer” I chose for my first playthrough is Jacob. Dead Island 2 is shorter than its predecessors, dropping the mostly serious tone of the originals for a more lighthearted approach, trading the few large open world maps for several smaller zones, and exchanging skill trees for an interchangeable skill card system. While some may not consider this title “groundbreaking,” all of the attention to detail, enemy and location variety, and quality of life updates make for a big difference and create a very engaging and replayable experience. Visually, this game is stunning. The “Flesh” system displays clear levels of zombie skin, muscle, organs, and bone—mirroring the new necromorph damage system seen in this year’s Dead Space remake. The game’s many environments, such as Beverly Hills and Venice Beach, manage to beautifully capture that “postcard aesthetic,” similar to that of Yara in 2021’s Far Cry 6. There is also plenty of environmental storytelling to be found throughout the game. Regarding performance, I have encountered very few bugs—with the most notable being the glitched “Max Headroom” (reach max level) trophy, and some lag when playing co-op with a friend. There were also some occasions where distant enemies would disappear from a zone if I was outside of combat and looked away from them for a brief moment, and a few instances where weapons would regress to their previous level after being matched to my character level and placed in the storage locker. I have faced no crashes during the entirety of my playthrough and endgame roaming up to the point of this review (over 50 hours of playtime). While the story and character work may not be the most iconic or original, what is present here is solid and moves at a good pace. I enjoyed what played out in the narrative, though this is a title where the gameplay will likely be the prime focus to many interested players. Without spoiling the development of the plot, the game does attempt to do something interesting in its last act, establishing material for the upcoming story expansions. Combat and weapon customization is mostly in line with the previous two titles: a primarily melee weapon-focused game with some firearms and throwable weapons. This title does support PlayStation 5 controller functionality, most prominently when using firearms. Weapon customization has been changed to give weapons more effective performance in the form of weapon mods and perks. Several named unique weapons are also earned throughout the game. These weapons cannot be broken down or sold, preventing any mistakes that could involve losing these precious items. Unfortunately, both the character and storage locker inventories are very limited and cannot make enough room for all six slayers to possess all named weapons, as the locker is shared. I do not know if this is an oversight, or if there are plans to expand the storage locker in the future through updates, but as it stands, there is almost no room for any other weapons unless players stick to a single slayer or avoid quests that reward unique drops. I found the new skill card system to be a welcomed change from the original skill trees. Although it may not be the most complex skill system, there are plenty of ways to make fun builds with the slayers, including later builds that trade recovery options for more damage-dealing capabilities. Almost every zombie type from the previous titles return in some form (with one notable exception), either faithfully added in with some new tricks, or present in a way that preserves the essence of that enemy type, while changing it to fit this new infection. The “common” zombies have been given more attention and several variants, adding to the pressure of combat in a meaningful way alongside the threatening “apex” zombies. While the combat is not as heavily layered or skill based as Doom Eternal (2020), there were countless times where I faced combat encounters that felt reminiscent of that title’s combat scenarios, from early game to endgame, thanks to this new variety of enemies, strengths, and resistances. Overall, I was surprised to find myself enjoying this title as much as I did. This surprise is not the result of the game finally delivering a playable experience after such a troubled development history, but rather because it more than justifies its existence with all of the fun combat and location variety and impactful innovations I listed above. This is a title I will be coming back to, and one I definitely recommend.