Recent reviews by Cobalt

While this game is incredibly fun, the recent update introducing Escalation of Freedom and the Freedom's Flame Warbond has really taken a turn for the worst. The new update introduced us to the Super Helldive Mission Difficulty, which brought new enemy types and threats as well as Terminid Mega Nests and Automaton Fortress'. It also brought about a series of weapon changes that have created upset within the community, which I am also a part of. Nerfing strong weapons instead of buffing the weapons that rarely/don't get used is not the right choice, and the community has openly expressed this since game launch.

Unfortunately, it also seems that the developers haven't playtested their own game before release. The new Terminid variant is an absolute nightmare to deal with when you're about to be swarmed, and gives you very little breathing room/a chance to survive when you're constantly ragdolled and thrown about all the time. It also doesn't help the developers case when they've openly said they struggle to complete Difficulty 5.

Overall, this game is going in a direction that I am not happy with, an opinion shared by most of the Helldivers 2 community. Until this is rectified and better decisions are made, my review will be negative for now. I really want to see this game do well, but I feel more and more frustrated rather than having fun, which was in abundance months ago.

Persona 3 Reload takes us back to the iconic world of Shadows, Personas, and the enigmatic Dark Hour, bringing with it a wave of nostalgia that effortlessly intertwines with modern gaming sensibilities. As a devoted fan of the original Persona 3 FES, I couldn't help but appreciate the dedication ATLUS has shown in preserving the essence of the classic while injecting fresh elements that breathe new life into the experience.

One of the game's standout features is the retention of the vast majority of Persona 3 FES, including the beloved fusion spells that add depth and strategy to the already engaging battle system. This fidelity to the original not only pays homage to the roots of the series but also ensures that longtime fans will find comfort in the familiar mechanics that made Persona 3 a timeless classic.

The cast of characters, who have become beloved fixtures in the Persona universe, seamlessly transition into a modern setting. ATLUS' careful consideration in hand-picking new voice actors shines through, as they manage to encapsulate the essence of each character flawlessly. The chemistry among the cast feels as authentic as ever, making it easy to invest emotionally in their individual stories and the overarching narrative.

Undoubtedly, the standout element of Persona 3 Reload is its phenomenal soundtrack. The iconic tunes that accompanied us through the Dark Hour are back, but with a refreshing twist. The addition of the newest singer, Azumi Takahashi, injects new life into the music, offering her own interpretation while staying true to the originals. The result is a soundtrack that manages to be both nostalgic and innovative, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

As the narrative unfolds, the bittersweet ending of Persona 3 Reload hit me with a powerful emotional resonance, leaving me in tears. The game's message lingered in my thoughts long after the final credits rolled, a testament to the storytelling prowess of ATLUS. The ability to evoke such strong emotions is a hallmark of a truly exceptional gaming experience.

In conclusion, Persona 3 Reload is a masterful blend of old and new, offering a captivating journey through the familiar while introducing fresh elements that enhance the overall experience. With a stellar cast, a phenomenal soundtrack, and an emotionally resonant narrative, this release cements itself as a must-play for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Persona 4 Golden is a shining gem in the world of video games, a timeless classic that continues to captivate players with its brilliant storytelling, meticulously crafted characters, and the exceptional ability to evoke real and hard-hitting emotions. Originally released on the PlayStation 2 and later enhanced for the PlayStation Vita, then released to Steam and other platforms, this game remains a testament to the power of storytelling in the medium of video games.

Storytelling: 10/10
The narrative of Persona 4 Golden is a work of art. It begins with your character, the silent protagonist, moving to the rural town of Inaba and quickly immerses you in a suspenseful murder mystery. This story is meticulously crafted, masterfully weaving elements of mystery, suspense, and supernatural intrigue. The pacing is impeccable, with each in-game day offering a new layer of the story, allowing players to slowly unravel the mystery behind the Midnight Channel and the strange occurrences in Inaba. The twists and turns keep you engaged, and the revelations are both surprising and thought-provoking.

One of the game's strengths is its exploration of the human psyche and the inner struggles of its characters. As you forge bonds with your friends and delve into the dungeons of their inner selves, you witness their deepest fears and insecurities. The way the game addresses these issues with empathy and depth is a testament to the craftsmanship behind the storytelling. By the time you reach the climax, you're deeply invested in the lives and fates of the characters, making each emotional beat all the more impactful.

Character Development: 10/10
The characters of Persona 4 Golden are a testament to how well-written and fleshed out video game characters can be. Each character has their own distinct personality, struggles, and growth arcs, making them feel like real people you genuinely care about. As you spend time with them, you get to know their quirks, vulnerabilities, and strengths. The "Social Link" system allows you to deepen your relationships, offering insight into their backgrounds and helping them overcome their personal issues. This not only enhances the game-play but also creates a profound emotional connection with the characters.

The central cast, including Yosuke, Chie, Yukiko, Kanji, Rise, Naoto, and Teddie, are multifaceted and undergo significant development throughout the story. Their personal stories are both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, and you can't help but root for them. The antagonist, too, is brilliantly crafted, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative that's rarely seen in video games.

Emotional Impact: 10/10
The emotional impact of Persona 4 Golden is where it truly shines. This game masterfully tugs at your heartstrings. It's impossible not to feel a strong connection to the characters as you watch them grapple with their inner demons and grow through adversity. The game doesn't shy away from addressing sensitive themes like identity, sexuality, acceptance, and the masks people wear to hide their true selves.

The final act of Persona 4 Golden is a roller-coaster of emotions, as you confront the true nature of the villain and help your friends confront their innermost fears. The climax is gut-wrenching and awe-inspiring in equal measure, and it leaves a lasting impact on players.

In conclusion, Persona 4 Golden is a game that excels in storytelling, character development, and evoking genuine, hard-hitting emotions. Its unforgettable cast, thought-provoking narrative, and profound exploration of human psychology make it a timeless classic in the world of video games. If you haven't experienced this emotional roller-coaster, you're missing out on one of the greatest storytelling achievements in gaming history.

Overall, this game is great, and after a lot of consideration and listening to what my friends have said it is pretty hard to not call it L4D-esque.

Overall, this game runs well, the gun-play is amazing and the gore is good but not as over the top as I expected it to be. Enemy and player models are fantastically designed, and travelling through the environments on my first run through did feel pretty spooky/eerie. So props to the level design team. Great choice of voice actors too, you can tell they didn't want this game to be taken so seriously because of some of the voice lines.

My only issue is the creation of an annual pass with no extra content until 6 months after release they create one single piece of DLC with only two likeable additions being Sharice and Ridden Hives. I have absolutely no idea why Heng exists to point out Ridden Hives when half the time they're glowing purple and screaming at you. Other than that, being able to gain the new currency while playing with someone who does have the DLC is a nice addition. Nobody is really missing out that way.

So, since I've played more than a few hours in this game, I though't I'd write a review for this game.

Leaf Blower Revolution was one of those games I saw on my Home Page on the Steam Store. I'm a bit of a sucker for games like these, so I picked it up thinking I'd play 1 maybe 2 hours of this game. Just like other reviewers, I was so incredibly wrong. I've only got 9 hours in the game, but I may as well have more with the progress I've made from just being idle. The gameplay loop never really gets old, and I honestly was pretty shocked about that.

After a few updates, I saw the developer had released two packs (There are three, but I'm saying two because you get more from the Supporter and Premium packs.) known as the Supporter and Premium packs. Seeing as I was enjoying the game a lot, I bought the Supporter pack since I wanted to see more content updates and whatnot! And I can tell you now, every penny I spent on that pack did not go to waste. What I got was more than enough, and was more than I expected to receive. I've made a lot of progress, but still nothing comparable to how much content there is in this game now.

Overall, yes, I'd recommend this game to anyone who loves idle games. I'd say there's a gameplay loop that might not be for everyone, but that's unfortunately gonna happen sometimes.

10/10, will blow more. (pun vehemently intended.)

Dead by Daylight, despite its popularity, is a game riddled with numerous frustrating flaws that significantly detract from the overall gaming experience. Let's delve into some of the most well-known and widely criticised issues with the game:

Balance Nightmare:
Dead by Daylight struggles with achieving a balanced game-play experience. The constant tug-of-war between survivors and killers is a never-ending frustration. Killers often find themselves overwhelmed by the collective strength of survivors, while survivors frequently encounter seemingly overpowered killers. The lack of true balance makes the game feel like an exercise in frustration and luck rather than skill.

Frustrating Matchmaking:
The matchmaking system in Dead by Daylight is notorious for being unreliable and often leading to lopsided matches. Long queue times are a common issue, and once you're in a game, you might face opponents who are vastly more skilled or better equipped than you, making the outcome feel predetermined. This inconsistency can turn what should be a fun and competitive experience into a source of frustration.

Toxic Community:
Toxicity is a pervasive problem in Dead by Daylight. Players often engage in bullying, harassment, or unsportsmanlike conduct, creating a hostile environment for newcomers and experienced players alike. While reporting mechanisms are in place, they don't always effectively deter or penalise toxic behaviour. The community's negativity can be a significant deterrent for those trying to enjoy the game.

DLC Overload:
Dead by Daylight's reliance on downloadable content has reached a point where it feels excessive and almost greedy. Players are bombarded with a constant stream of new killers, survivors, and cosmetics, making it difficult to keep up without spending a small fortune. Some argue that these DLC characters come with game-changing perks, leading to a "pay-to-win" perception, and potentially fragmenting the player base.

Persistent Bugs and Technical Issues:
The game is plagued by an array of technical issues and persistent bugs. Players frequently encounter problems such as connection issues, graphical glitches, and crashes, all of which can disrupt the gaming experience and even result in the loss of progress or items. It's frustrating to deal with these issues when you simply want to enjoy the game.

Grind-Heavy Progression:
Dead by Daylight's progression system is incredibly grind-heavy, demanding an excessive amount of time and effort to unlock new characters, perks, and cosmetics. For players who can't dedicate hours on end to the game, this grind can be a major barrier to accessing all the content and enjoying the game to its fullest.

In conclusion, Dead by Daylight is a game that's unfortunately marred by a host of glaring flaws. The chronic imbalance, matchmaking woes, toxic community, excessive DLC, technical problems, and demanding progression system collectively make it an experience that's often more frustrating than fun. While the concept is intriguing, the game's issues need to be addressed for it to truly shine.

Heavily reccommend this game to anyone who was a fan of Smash Bros. It's only really fun with friends but other than that, absolutely reccommend it to everyone!