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For starters, I like this game's in-depth character creator. While I’m not particularly skilled at using it myself, I’ve seen players recreate celebrities and other real-life figures with impressive accuracy. The graphics are another standout feature, marking a significant step up from other grand strategy games, especially its predecessor, Crusader Kings II. The visual upgrade really enhances the experience. The gameplay is equally commendable. This game incorporates RPG elements by allowing you to play as a dynasty rather than a nation, as is common in other grand strategy titles by Paradox Interactive. This unique approach makes Crusader Kings stand out from the rest of the catalog and leads to some truly engaging and memorable moments. Additionally, the game feels more accessible when it comes to downloadable content (DLC). Unlike its predecessor, this installment doesn’t overwhelm players with a reliance on extra content. The base game is enjoyable on its own, which isn’t something I can say for other Paradox titles. Lastly, the modding community is exceptional, second only to Hearts of Iron IV in terms of quality. If you’re interested in total conversion mods, I recommend The Fallen Eagle, After the End, and Prince of Darkness.However, some aspects feel simplified compared to Crusader Kings II. Many gameplay elements have been streamlined: for instance, you can’t play as republics without mods, you don’t deal with decadence as a Muslim character, and secret societies are no longer part of the game. While this reduced complexity may make the game less appealing to those who preferred the depth of its predecessor, it also makes it more approachable for casual gameplay—sometimes, I just want to enjoy some straightforward map painting. On the downside, the game tends to slow down as you progress, especially in the late-game stages. This issue isn’t unique to Crusader Kings III—it’s a common problem across Paradox games—but the improved graphics can make it particularly challenging to run on some systems. In conclusion, this game is a must-have for fans of the medieval period, grand strategy games, and history in general. I’ve been playing it on and off for years since its release, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon

Man, where do I even begin with this game? To start, the soundtrack of this game surpasses even the original's, earning a place as one of my favorite OSTs of all time. The story is impressively crafted, serving as a prequel, midquel, and sequel simultaneously. This ambitious narrative structure could easily have fallen flat, but the game executes it masterfully. Additionally, the game expands significantly on the lore of *Hotline Miami*, which is a detail I deeply appreciate. The non-chronological storytelling adds an intriguing layer, as you might play one level set in 1991 and the next in 1985. The characters are a notable improvement over the first game, benefiting from the increased story focus. As for the gameplay, it retains the addictive quality of the original, with the added bonus of a wider variety of playable characters, each offering unique and enjoyable differences. The inclusion of a level editor and workshop support is another fantastic addition that enhances the overall experience. However, the level design leaves much to be desired. Many levels in this game suffer from frustrating design elements that resemble the worst parts of the original. They tend to be excessively large with numerous sightlines, making it easy to be killed by unseen enemies. The game encourages a fast-paced, aggressive playstyle but punishes it with this type of level design, forcing players to slow down and bait out enemies instead. This approach is counterintuitive to the game’s scoring system. Notable offenders include levels such as Dead Ahead, Death Wish, Casualties, Demolition, Release, and Takeover, which are particularly frustrating. While the characters’ unique abilities are a fun concept, they are not all equally effective. For example, the dodge roll shared by Corey and the Son is often difficult to use and counterproductive when trying to execute enemies. The boss fights, while slightly better than in the first game due to their reduced prominence, remain repetitive. To wrap this up, it is easy to understand why this game has generated so much controversy. While it makes significant strides in storytelling and character development, it takes a step back in gameplay compared to the first game. Despite these flaws, I would still recommend the game to fans of the original. However, if you’re easily frustrated, this game might not be for you, as the increased difficulty means you’ll die much more often. Looking ahead, I hope Dennaton Games will create another title that captures the compelling gameplay of the Hotline Miami duology while improving on its weaker aspects.

Helldivers II delivers an exhilarating and polished experience that stands as a shining example of what cooperative shooters can be. The gameplay is, quite simply, perfect. The developers have meticulously balanced everything—from the weapons and stratagems to the diverse enemies you face. Each difficulty level, up to 7, feels thoughtfully calibrated, offering a rewarding challenge without venturing into frustration. The game’s setting deserves special mention. The galactic war between Super-Earth, the bugs, and the automatons adds a sense of purpose and gravity to every mission. This overarching conflict not only enhances immersion but has also played a key role in maintaining a robust player base. Visually, the game is stunning. Even with performance settings dialed down, there were moments when I was genuinely awestruck by the game’s beauty. The graphics, combined with an exceptional soundtrack, make the entire experience feel cinematic. Whether you're engaged in intense firefights or simply trekking with your squad from one objective to another, the music elevates every moment. Progression in the game feels fair and well-paced. Earning new stratagems and weapons rarely feels like an unbearable grind, and the game deserves praise for its non-greedy battle pass. In an industry where excessive monetization is all too common, this is a refreshing change. The community is another standout aspect—most players I encountered were kind, cooperative, and welcoming, making the multiplayer experience all the more enjoyable. However, the game is not without its flaws. Glitches can be a frequent annoyance. While they’re not game-breaking in most cases, they can disrupt the flow of gameplay. It’s worth noting that the developers likely didn’t anticipate the overwhelming player turnout, which somewhat mitigates this issue. Additionally, the grind required for the latter half of the free battle pass feels excessive and could benefit from some balancing. In conclusion, Helldivers II is a nostalgic callback to a time when AAA games didn’t demand a second job’s worth of commitment to keep up. That alone is worth celebrating. On top of that, it stands alongside legendary co-op shooters like Left 4 Dead 2, Vermintide 2, and Deep Rock Galactic as one of the best in its genre. This game is a triumph, blending thrilling gameplay, stunning visuals, and a strong community into a cohesive and unforgettable package.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

This game is a masterpiece in many respects, with its strengths shining brightly across multiple aspects of design and execution. First and foremost, it looks fantastic. The visuals are stunning, and the level of detail is genuinely impressive. The combat system is another highlight—it's not just functional but deeply satisfying, rewarding both strategy and creativity. The characters are all exceptionally well-written and intriguing, adding emotional depth and richness to the experience. The game’s sheer scope is mind-blowing; I doubt it’s possible to experience everything in a single playthrough, no matter how meticulous you are. The story is compelling and engaging, at least so far, and the dynamic nature of both gameplay and narrative ensures that you never feel constrained or railroaded into a single path. This flexibility enhances immersion and player agency, making every choice feel meaningful. The voice acting and sound effects are equally immaculate, adding polish and emotional resonance to every scene. On top of all this, the soundtrack is phenomenal, complementing the game’s atmosphere perfectly. However, the game is not without its flaws. One of the most frustrating issues is the inability to customize when the game auto-saves. Too often, I’d mess up, only to find that the nearest auto-save was 15-20 minutes old, which saps enthusiasm quickly. Additionally, the placement of the delete and load save buttons feels counterintuitive. On more than one occasion, I accidentally deleted a save instead of reloading it, a frustrating error that could have been avoided with better UI design. The camera can also be a hassle, particularly in multi-story environments where its positioning sometimes makes navigation unnecessarily tricky. Another annoyance is the lack of automatic weapon switching for party members during combat. It’s frustrating to click on an enemy, expecting a melee attack, only for the character to use a ranged weapon and miss, putting the entire party in jeopardy. Character customization, while solid in some areas, feels a bit lacking when it comes to the face options for the customizable protagonist. The absence of sliders for more precise adjustments makes creating a truly unique character more difficult than it should be. Romance mechanics are another sore spot. The game’s rigid approach means that if you don’t initiate a romance as soon as the option becomes available, you’re locked out for the rest of the playthrough. This design choice forced me to restart my first playthrough and felt unnecessarily punitive. Despite these shortcomings, the positives far outweigh the negatives. The love and care poured into this game by its developers is evident in every aspect of its design. Such dedication is rare in the modern AAA gaming landscape. While it’s neither fair nor realistic to expect every game to achieve the same level of scope and quality, this game undoubtedly raises the bar for big-budget studios, many of which have become notorious for releasing mediocre or buggy products. In a year as tumultuous as 2023 for gaming, this game stands tall as one of the year’s crowning achievements. For me, it’s not just the Game of the Year but also one of the greatest games of all time. If the future of gaming takes inspiration from the craftsmanship and ambition on display here, we’re in for something truly special.

This game stands out for its exceptional replayability. The multiple paths and solutions available for navigating Sordland's challenges provide an experience that feels fresh with each playthrough. Every decision carries real weight, far more than what I’ve felt in many other games. The feeling that my choices truly mattered kept me deeply engaged throughout my time with the game. The writing is another major highlight. Initially, I was hesitant to dive in due to its reputation for being text-heavy. Having had mixed experiences with similarly verbose games like "The New Order" mod for Hearts of Iron IV or Persona 4 Arena Ultimax (a bit of a strange comparison, I admit), I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, despite not being someone who reads as many books or novels as I probably should, I found the text here enjoyable and far from a chore. The writing pulls you in, making even the densest sections of dialogue or exposition feel rewarding. The world-building is simply superb. While the game draws heavy inspiration from the Cold War era—with Arcasia and United Cortana serving as clear stand-ins for the USA and USSR—the continent of Merkopa feels like a fully realized, immersive setting. Every detail reinforces the sense that this is a living, breathing world, and my immersion was never broken. Additionally, I appreciated how the game handles difficulty. As a visual novel and choose-your-own-adventure title, it doesn’t demand lightning-fast reflexes or complex mechanics, but that doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park. You can’t waltz through your first playthrough expecting to transform Sordland into a utopia. Success requires careful negotiation and strategic thinking. Fail to navigate the political landscape effectively, and you’ll face blocked reforms, coups, assassinations, or impeachment. It strikes a great balance between accessibility and challenge. However, the game isn’t without its flaws. One issue is the economy’s limited visibility and impact. While it does affect the game to some extent, its influence feels subtle unless you’re meticulously reading all the reports. The lack of a comprehensive UI element for the economy beyond economic growth metrics doesn’t help. By the end of my first playthrough, the economic changes I implemented didn’t feel as tangible as I would have liked. Another shortcoming is the lack of exploration outside Merkopa. Countries like Arcasia and United Cortana are frequently mentioned, yet we never get to see what these nations look like or how they operate, which feels like a missed opportunity to further enrich the game’s world. In conclusion, this game offers one of the most compelling experiences of running a country that I’ve ever encountered. Any flaws are minor compared to the sheer depth and quality it delivers. If you’re interested in political simulation, immersive storytelling, or strategic decision-making, this game is a must-play.

This game excels in many areas, starting with its stunning visuals. The art style is captivating, making every moment a feast for the eyes. Gameplay is another standout feature. The sheer variety of tools at the player’s disposal is impressive, and everything feels well-balanced. There are countless wacky builds to experiment with, and while some are more effective than others, none feel outright bad based on my experience. The boss fights are, for the most part, both enjoyable and challenging, adding to the thrill. The soundtrack is another highlight, complementing the gameplay perfectly. As a rogue-lite, the game also offers immense replay value, keeping players coming back for more. However, not everything about the game is perfect. My biggest gripe is with Elysium. Everything about this section is infuriating—the weapon-wielding enemies you have to kill twice, the suicide bomber carts, the massive carts that relentlessly chase you, and especially Theseus. If Elysium were removed entirely, the game would instantly be 25% better. On a lighter note, Asterius could really stand to take corners less sharply when charging. Another drawback is how the game feels when played with a mouse and keyboard. While it’s definitely playable this way, I’d strongly recommend using a controller for a smoother experience. Lastly, unlocking certain elements in the game can sometimes be a tedious process, as it heavily relies on RNG, which can test your patience. In conclusion, this game is fantastic for anyone who enjoys rogue-lites, action games, Greek mythology, or a combination of the three. It’s a well-crafted experience that shines despite a few frustrating elements. P.S. A special shout-out to the game's portrayal of the gods. Their bipolar nature is hilariously accurate to the mythology. One moment they’re cheering you on and showering you with boons, and the next, they’re trying to kill you because you favored another god. Then, as if nothing happened, they’re back to supporting you. Whether you find this fickle behavior annoying or praise it for its faithfulness to the source material, it’s undeniably memorable.

This game is great for several reasons, particularly its stellar soundtrack, which I consider S-tier. I play it all the time, and it was honestly the main reason I got into the game in the first place. The gameplay is another highlight—addictive, fast-paced, and delightfully frantic. Although you die in one hit (unless you take someone hostage), the quick respawn system keeps it from being frustrating. The story is also worth mentioning, as it delves into our relationship with violence, a thought-provoking and forward-thinking concept for its time. Additionally, the graphics are timeless; even though the game was released in 2012, its pixel-art style has aged beautifully and still looks fantastic today. However, the game is not without its flaws. Every moment that isn’t focused on the core second-to-second gameplay feels like a chore. For example, the boss fights are more like glorified puzzles than actual fights. They lack engaging decision-making, and once you figure out their patterns, they become mere roadblocks rather than exciting challenges. This feels like a missed opportunity, especially given how excellent the base gameplay is. Another issue is the size of some levels, particularly toward the end of the game. Their sprawling design often results in getting shot by enemies you didn’t even know existed, which can feel cheap and frustrating. On top of that, restarting a level forces you to sit through repeated dialogue, making the frequent deaths more annoying than they need to be. Despite its shortcomings, this game is a unique experience I wholeheartedly recommend. Its highs outweigh its lows, and there’s truly nothing else like it on the market. Even the sequel couldn’t replicate the magic that this game captured.

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

Things I like: - Simple (especially in comparison to other RTS titles) but Challenging - Iconic Maps - Amazing Soundtrack (but that is to be expected from any Halo game) Things I dislike: - Plenty of difficulty spikes Conclusion: this game is a CLASSIC game that any RTS fan should have

Things I Like: - The mechanics of the game are not only sound but also sets it apart from all the other top-down shooters on the market today - The gunplay is one of the best in the industry - The gameplay is top-tier - The sound design and music are very good - The game has a pretty good sense of progression Things I dislike - No Full-Screen Borderless Windowed Mode Conclusion: This game is critically underrated and deserves way more attention.

Things I Like: - The Music is S tier (as expected from a persona game) - The gameplay is great - All of the palaces are very unique from each other, both in terms of visuals as well as layout and gameplay - The story and themes are pretty well executed - The social links (and yes, I do mean social links, you cannot pay me to call them confidants because I'm too much of a contrarian to allow it) are not only all memorable, but pretty good - The game itself looks amazing (both graphics-wise as well as in terms of UI and menu design) - The story is great Things I disliked: - The final boss fight for the 4th palace is one of the most infuriating things I've encountered in a Persona game - With the last part being said, the game overall is pretty easy, to the point where I didn't feel like I needed to think much in terms of combat, Especially when... - The DLC personas are very OP, which wouldn't be a problem if they weren't free in the compendium AND available to you at the start of the game, but they are. - Some characters completely lose relevance after their palace is completed (looking at you, Haru) - I feel that the phantom thieves forgive Makoto (and a certain character, if you know you know) a little too quickly -Although this port is the best one we've had of a persona/SMT game since P4G, It still has some bugs (although, none of them are game-breaking) Conclusion: although I wouldn't consider this game the best game in the series, It's still a masterpiece that I highly recommend playing, although I would get it on sale if you already own P5R.

Things I Like: - Soundtrack is absolutely amazing - Combat in this game is very fun - the Game can be difficult, but not so difficult that it's frustrating - the story is hilariously campy while, at the same, having moments of brilliance - Most of the characters are, simply put, Iconic at this point Things I dislike: - at least for me, the parry mechanic was difficult to learn at first Conclusion: this game is a modern classic that should receive a sequel.

Pros: - Great Writing - Good Story with a lot of twists - Great Characters (this might be covered by "Great Writing" and "Good Story", but still) - Adjustable Difficulty for certain aspects of the game - Good amount of Replayablity through New Game + - Good quality voice acting for the English voice lines - Interesting gameplay separation between the main world and the other world - Soundtrack is full of BANGERS (ex: Heartbreak, Heartbeat; and Your Affection) - the cutscenes that they have in this game are very well animated Cons: - Audio Quality could've been better for the Japanese Voice Lines - At least to a monkey-brained person like me, The True Ending is a bit too hard to achieve without a guide - The Anime Tropes can get very annoying at times. - It isn't the most replayable due to the fact that it's a story-based game AND a mystery - you will be depressed for weeks after you completed the game Verdict: To preface this, I'd like to say that I'm not too big of a fan of RPGs, let alone JRPGs; but with that being said, this is one of my favorite games of all time. I'd completely recommend buying it and playing it blind.

Things I Like - Interesting Concept - Randomly Generated Map - Good Weapon Variety Things I Dislike - Managing your ammo, health, and flashlight battery is annoying - Achievements are bad - No real replay value besides the achievements Conclusion: this game isn't really worth buying for me, it honestly is similar to a mobile game

Things I like: -Satisfying Economy Mechanic -Great modding community, especially considering how old this game is -Amazing Soundtrack -Good amount of countries that have content -Non-Linearity Things I dislike: -Army management -Constant revolts (seriously, **** Jacobin rebels all my homies ****ing loathe Jacobin rebels) -No real way to dramatically change the way your country functions outside of relying on revolts (there is a mechanic that allows you to change the electorate vote but that's practically useless) -Clunky UI Conclusion: this game stands the test of time and is a must-have for anyone that is a fan of strategy games; however, I would recommend getting at least the "Hearts of Darkness" DLC (and waiting for a sale if you aren't a fan of grand strategy games).

Things I like: - Large Amount of Replayability - Good Amount of Fun classes to try - Decently hard boss fights - Plenty of detail in the logs - Stylistic Graphics Things I dislike: - Can't save mid-run - No option for turning on some sort of mini-map Conclusion: this game is worth every penny

Things I like: - So-bad-that-its-good voice acting -Absolutely Insane Weapons -Fun to play classes -Fair amount of replayability Things I Dislike: -Absurd Difficulty Spikes -AI allies that are practically useless Conclusion: although the game can be frustrating, It's an absolute hidden gem.

Things I Liked: -Amazing Story -Charming Visuals -Some Replayability Things I Disliked: -Blinking Mechanic can be buggy at times Conclusion: Probably one of the best games released this year. there's a reason why most people didn't refund this game, even though they could

Things I like: - very good character balance - Easy to Learn, hard to master gameplay - Banger Soundtrack - Unique Graphics - Practically Endless Replayability via mods - In-depth Tutorial Things I don't like: - are not really any options for casual play - base game map and character selection could be bigger (I know I'm kinda stretching for this one) Conclusion: Although it has some flaws, Rivals of Aether is probably one of the best alternatives to super smash bros on the market today

Things I liked: - The gameplay relating to wars is PEAK grand strategy - Pretty good soundtrack - Non-Linear for the most part - The game is very replayable - The game has probably one of if not the best modding communities as of me writing this review (look at Kaiserreich, Old World Blues, and The New Order) Things I disliked: - Bad Optimization - Inconsistent AI - The game doesn't really feel complete without DLC - Community that has a **** Bar Problem - Diplomacy can feel a bit too simplistic - Economic Management Conclusion: Although the game certainly has its flaws, those flaws either aren't deal-breakers or can be solved with mods. This game is probably the best WW2 strategy game on the market today, although I'd wait until it's on sale w/DLC

Things I Liked: - Premise is interesting - Voice Acting is very good - Dialogue is great - Atmosphere is good - Art Style is very charming Things I Disliked: - Lack of Meaningful Interactivity, This game would've been better as a Short Film in my opinion - They're various technical bugs that take you out of the story Verdict: If you're a fan of more cinematic games, this would probably be up your alley; but I prefer more interactivity in my games than what is offered here. I still had a good time with this game, but I probably won't be replaying it anytime soon