Recent reviews by Ashcoat

This game hit my recommended list for it's innovated and slow paced game-play, art-style, and departure from the norm of MMO. The early build is a bit clunky, but I am looking forward to an immersive and enthralling game as time progresses.

Baldur's Gate 3 like the previous games in the franchise does a stellar job at staying true to it's roots. It has all the depth of Dungeons and Dragons, the Lore, the Class choices, the spells and decisions that go along with them. If you are a table top DnD player this game will feel like a curated holy grail of a story driven session. Fluid implementation of a hybrid real time and turn based time space allows for combat sequences that feel like you are back at home with your table top group. The animation and visuals are great but for now the camera and a fair few of the video cut scenes are a bit clunky. Most of the game I have played so far is wonderfully voice acted and the music does a great job of pulling you into the world. I am looking forward to a full and polished release, and I don't regret my decision to opt into the alpha.

CKIII is everything the grand strategy player wants in a game, the deep AI and potential for political strings to be pulled and manipulated with numerous avenues for success, from financial, and diplomatic to regicide and forced march. Your path to world domination has never been more interesting. Games are long and involved, crafting your family line is interesting, and the consequence of a poor decision echoing through your line. Is a brother that was once your friend, now a rival in light of his claim to a throne, would it be wise to be a kin slayer to prevent your own life from being taken? Should you marry off your sister to a powerful alliance or a house of little note? Easy to spend countless hours pouring over decisions and planning your next move. Delivers what fans of the series were expecting with easy, and improves on previous UI and decision short falls. Would recommend.

Stoneshard is still in beta but it has a lot to offer. It scratches that traditional RPG itch, with a satisfying turn based action. It can be played like a rogue like, with a perma-death option. It's depth and difficulty will keep you engaged as you navigate the world. I am excited to see this game grow, and new additions and content keep me checking back in to re-experience prior content in a new way.
Edit: City of Gold, a ton of new content since Trollslayer.

For capturing the spirit and raw emotion of ancient combat, Mordhau is one of the best in the genera. In terms of scale and action combat is enjoyable and fast paced, with a few different fighting styles at ones disposal. With no mechanics to tie up too much of your time one can sit down, lop a few heads, and then head out for the rest of ones day feeling satisfied.

Real time Tactics, with a Japanese twist. For fans of the Commandos Series, or the Desperadoes series this offers many more hours of game play with the same immersive, challenging level design you love. 5 characters with unique strengths and weaknesses. As well as enemy types each presenting their own challenges. Sneaking, Subterfuge, and Strategy, makes for many hours of fun.

Satisfies that Rogue Like itch, like so many others in the genera. Complexity added with build and perk choice, many different areas to visit. If you were a fan of Rogue Legacy, Dead Cells, Spelunky, Binding of Issac, or any other procedurally generated dungeon crawler. With familiar aspects such combined with a veiled story leaves room to explore and find the most effective way to proceed despite adversity, and RNG. Challenging and numerous enemy types. Full customization of wands. You'll always be curious for what the next wand might be in terms of power levels.

A deep and immersive universe, with many hours of enjoyable play. Sneaking, or guns blazing. Lone-wolf, or base builder aside from the main mechanics there is a little bit for many interest groups. Exceptional attention to details, humor, and seriousness. With plot interspersed via story telling, game-play, and cut scenes. Hours of non-plot activities. As well as challenges for the completionist. Well worth the investment.