Recent reviews by duduz1n

JRPGs were never really my thing. I tried several in the past but always ended up abandoning them halfway through. Yet, through all those attempts, one constant remained: someone telling me I had to try Chrono Trigger.

Years went by, and in 2024, I finally paid that debt — and I’m glad I did. Chrono Trigger is a wonderful adventure that hasn’t aged a day. It starts with a simple premise, but that simplicity quickly gives way to a rich and captivating narrative.

As the title suggests, the story revolves around time travel. Actions in the past affect the present, and the present shapes the future. Understanding the past helps us grasp the world we live in; glimpsing the future makes us reflect on what we can change today. And don't expect a linear journey — your choices impact not only the fate of the world but also the outcome of your story, with multiple different endings available.

The characters manage to avoid many common video game clichés, which is refreshing. Every dialogue and plot twist feels surprising in the best way. Some characters even touch on deeper themes — social class, loyalty, and, most memorably for me, the meaning of human emotions and what make us human.

Gameplay-wise, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a classic JRPG. Given its era, the combat is relatively simple and lacks deep complexity — which can be a double-edged sword: potentially dull for genre veterans but an excellent entry point for newcomers like myself.

After finishing it, I finally understand why Chrono Trigger is always on those “games to play before you die” lists. It’s truly timeless. If, like me, you’ve never been too close to the world of JRPGs, this might be the perfect place to start. And if you’re already a fan of the genre but haven’t played it yet — don’t wait any longer.

Halo Wars was born as an attempt to create a real-time strategy game exclusively for consoles. In the past, some developers tried bringing RTS games to consoles, such as Warcraft for the PSX or Age of Empires 2 for the PS2. However, since these games were originally designed for PCs, they carried a level of complexity that worked well with a mouse and keyboard but didn’t always provide a great experience on a controller.

With that in mind, Halo Wars was developed as a console-first RTS. Ensemble Studios (RIP) did a great job, in my opinion, bringing RTS concepts to consoles while simplifying mechanics to create a fun experience. They significantly reduced the amount of micro-management required in traditional RTS games. While many RTS veterans might see this as a downside, it can be a great way for newcomers to enter the genre with a controller. For example, the game only has two resources to manage, and there’s no concept of workers/builders as seen in games like Age of Empires or Warcraft. Your base is a static structure with six slots where you can build constructions to manage your military and economic resources.

For civilizations, the game keeps things simple as well. There are two races (UNSC and Covenant), and each has three different "heroes" with unique abilities. So, overall, the gameplay is quite streamlined.

However, this simplicity doesn’t make the game “bad.” On the contrary, it makes the game more dynamic and fun to play, especially on a controller. And speaking of that, this game feels like a perfect fit for controllers. I played the entire campaign on my Steam Deck and had an amazing time, as I was able to enjoy the game in short bursts.

The story is solid—neither exceptional nor poor. It’s completely separate from the main Halo saga and serves more as fan service. If you’ve played the main saga, it’s a nice-to-know addition, but it’s not essential IMO. The campaign is short, but I don’t see that as a drawback—it feels like the ideal length. There are 15 chapters, each taking around 30–45 minutes to complete.

So, is this game for you? If you’re an RTS veteran seeking a complex, competitive game, the answer is definitely no. You won’t feel challenged due to the game’s simpler structure, and the multiplayer scene is nearly dead.

But, if you’re trying to get into the RTS genre, this is a great game. The simpler mechanics make it an excellent entry point for newcomers. If you’re a Halo fan, it’s also a great game. While it doesn’t have the best story in the franchise, it’s a solid one. If you’re looking to play an RTS on a controller or handheld device, this is one of the best options available right now. The short campaign chapters also make it perfect for short play sessions.

In my opinion, it’s impossible to recommend this game to hardcore RTS fans who love the complex micro-management found in StarCraft or Age of Empires. However, if you’re open to a different take on the genre, want to play with a controller, or explore more Halo lore, I highly recommend this game. It’s a solid experience.

Warhammer 40K Boltgun is a game that only sustains itself because of the name "Warhammer 40K" in it. As a boomer shooter, it is extremely repetitive, as the game delivers all enemies, weapons, and challenges before the end of chapter 1. After the 4th level, you discover everything the game has to offer. Additionally, the map design is so extremely confusing that the developers had to add a navigation system to help you properly navigate the map.

This review comes from a boomer shooter lover and not from a Warhammer 40K fan. If you are a W40K fan, you may have a good time with this game. However, if you're looking for a good boomer shooter, there are definitely better options on the market.