Recent reviews by Gamer

It's one of those Flavor of the Month streamer games and one of those ♥♥♥♥♥♥ asset flip climbing games.

As a dedicated gamer always on the lookout for new adventures, I eagerly dove into Sons of Forest. Unfortunately, what I found was a jumbled mess of half-baked ideas and missed opportunities.

Let's start with the story, or lack thereof. Sons of Forest promised an intriguing narrative centered around parallel universes, but what it delivered was a convoluted mess that left me scratching my head in confusion. The plot felt disjointed and poorly executed, consisting of post-it notes and parallel universes with little rhyme or reason. Instead of feeling engaged, I found myself struggling to care about the world and the characters.

Adding insult to injury was the abysmal pacing. The game cruised along at a snails pace, with little to no narrative peaks to look forward too. The cutscenes were also abysmal, and actively made my enjoyment of exploring caves and bunkers worse, as I came to dread the extremely boring and narratively nonsensical cutscenes. Even worse were the lackluster boss fights, which felt more like tedious chores than epic battles. Each encounter was a repetitive slog, lacking the excitement and challenge that should accompany such pivotal moments.

And then there's the ending, or lack thereof. After slogging through hours of lackluster gameplay, I was hoping for some sort of payoff, some resolution to the questions swirling around in my head. Instead, Sons of Forest chose to leave me hanging, dangling on the edge of a cliff with no satisfying conclusion in sight. It was a cheap move that left a bitter taste in my mouth and soured my overall experience.

But it wasn't all doom and gloom. One shining beacon amidst the darkness was the base building mechanics. While the story may have been a disappointment, I found myself strangely addicted to constructing and customizing my own little corner of the world. There's something oddly satisfying about erecting walls and turrets to defend against the hordes of enemies that plagued the game.

And let's not forget about greg. After a long night of battling lackluster bosses and grappling with a nonsensical plot, there's nothing quite like curling up with a nice pot of greg to warm the bones. It may not make up for Sons of Forest's many shortcomings, but it certainly helped take the edge off.

In the end, Sons of Forest is a game rife with potential but ultimately falls short of its lofty ambitions. With a weak story, poor pacing, and lackluster boss fights, it's hard to recommend this title to anyone other than the most dedicated base builders.

Prepare for an odyssey of disappointment should you dare to venture into the desolate landscape that is Elder Scrolls Online. This purported MMORPG, rather than standing as a beacon of gaming prowess, crumbles under the weight of its own inadequacies when juxtaposed against the titans of the genre.

Embarking on this journey, one is immediately struck by the feeble attempt at visuals, as if ESO emerged from an era where pixelation and jagged edges were acceptable. In a universe where World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy 14, Guild Wars 2, and Black Desert Online unfurl breathtaking tapestries of visual ecstasy, ESO seems like a relic from an ancient digital graveyard. It's akin to presenting a scribbled doodle in the Louvre and expecting applause.

Delving deeper, the so-called combat in ESO unravels into a lamentable charade – a choreographed dance of button-mashing banality. A symphony of monotony where one hits a button, feigns a semblance of strategy with a perfunctory power attack, only to resume the uninspiring choreography. The combat lacks the finesse and innovation displayed by its competitors, rendering the player's actions as inconsequential as a whisper in the wind.

Yet, the descent into despair doesn't conclude there. The difficulty level in ESO is an insidious joke, a malevolent trick played on unsuspecting players. Open-world skirmishes and story-driven confrontations unfold with a mind-numbing simplicity that obliterates any semblance of narrative significance. Where, pray tell, is the thrill of conquering adversity, the elation of a hard-fought victory? Nowhere to be found amidst the barren wasteland of Elder Scrolls Online.

In a gaming cosmos where players crave immersive landscapes, formidable challenges, and cutting-edge aesthetics, Elder Scrolls Online crumbles like a sandcastle in the face of an approaching tide. Spare yourself the heartache and embark on a quest elsewhere, for in the realm of MMORPGs, Elder Scrolls Online stands as a forlorn testament to the art of disappointment – a catastrophic collapse of epic proportions.

Edit 12/23/2023:
I have some findings in regards to mitigating the stuttering issues with the game.

The settings that did help reduce the amount of stuttering is the the shadow quality (set this to the lowest), and setting a frame limit (any number seems to help with stuttering). These help mitigate some, but not all of the stuttering present in game.

Beyond those two settings, the remaining in-game settings make no difference in the stuttering problem present in-game. Messing with Windows graphics settings and the NVIDIA control panel do nothing. Messing with the fullscreen optimization setting on both ReadyOrNot exe files do nothing. Also tried both versions of DirectX, and found no notable differences in the stuttering issue.

In its current state, Ready or Not fails to deliver a seamless and enjoyable experience right out of the box.The responsibility for providing a polished and accessible gaming experience lies squarely with the developers, and in this regard, Ready or Not falls short.

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I recently had the unfortunate experience of playing Ready or Not, and I must say it was a roller-coaster of frustration rather than the thrilling tactical shooter I was hoping for. The game's potential is overshadowed by a glaring issue that significantly hampers the overall play experience – the incessant stutters.

From the moment I loaded into the game, it was apparent that Ready or Not was not ready for prime time. The stuttering issue persisted throughout my entire playthrough, transforming what could have been an immersive experience into a disjointed and aggravating ordeal. Whether it was during intense firefights or while exploring the game's environments, the stutters consistently disrupted the flow, making it difficult to enjoy the otherwise promising gameplay.

It's disheartening to see a game with such potential succumb to technical shortcomings. The stuttering not only ruins the immersion but also has a direct impact on gameplay, affecting my ability to react quickly in critical situations. The frustration reached its peak during multiplayer matches, where split-second decisions can make the difference between success and failure.

The developers' apparent oversight in addressing this critical issue reflects poorly on the overall quality of Ready or Not. It's baffling that a game released in its state managed to slip through quality assurance, leaving players to deal with an unpolished product. The lack of a timely fix for this problem only adds to the disappointment, as it seems the developers are not prioritizing the resolution of this game-breaking issue.

As it stands, Ready or Not falls short of its potential due to the persistent stutters that plague the gameplay experience. While the concept and mechanics have promise, the technical flaws undermine any enjoyment that could be derived from the game. Until the developers address and resolve these issues, I would strongly advise potential players to steer clear of this frustrating and unfinished title.

Battlefield 2042 has proven to be nothing short of a colossal disappointment, marred by glaring technical issues that make the game virtually unplayable. From the moment I attempted to launch the game, it became abundantly clear that DICE and EA had dropped the ball on this one.

The most frustrating aspect of Battlefield 2042 is the abysmal loading screen problem. It's not an occasional inconvenience; it's a pervasive and infuriating obstacle that plagues every attempt to enjoy the game. Waiting times are excruciatingly long, and the promised seamless experience is nothing more than a distant dream. It's unfathomable that such a basic component of gaming – launching the game – could be so fundamentally flawed.

The loading screens are not only time-consuming, but they also serve as a stark reminder of the lackluster optimization that went into this title. The game stutters and stumbles its way through the loading process, leaving players wondering if they'll ever get to experience the actual gameplay without interruption.

Adding insult to injury, when players do manage to overcome the loading screen ordeal, they are often greeted with a myriad of other issues. The gameplay itself is riddled with bugs, glitches, and frame rate drops that further detract from any enjoyment that might be salvaged. It's clear that Battlefield 2042 was rushed to market, sacrificing quality for a premature release.

One would expect a AAA title like Battlefield 2042 to have undergone rigorous testing and optimization before hitting the shelves, but the current state of the game suggests otherwise. This is not an acceptable standard for a franchise with such a rich history and a loyal fan base.

In conclusion, Battlefield 2042's laundry list of technical shortcomings, particularly the egregious loading screen problems and the overall issue with launching the game, make it impossible to recommend. Save yourself the frustration and avoid this broken mess of a game until the developers address these issues – if they ever do.

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Listen, kid, if you're lookin' to unravel the mystery of Jazzpunk without losin' your sanity, save yourself the trouble and hightail it to the nearest screen to catch Dunkey's take on this twisted reel. It's the only wisecrack you'll need in this convoluted caper. Otherwise, pour yourself a stiff drink, light up a smoke, and delve deeper into this doozy of a review.

In the dimly lit underbelly of Jazzpunk, a tale unfolds that's as tangled as a rat's nest, but not in the intriguing way you'd hope. Right out the gate, the controls throw you a curveball—more unpredictable than a dame with a hidden agenda. Navigating through this caper becomes a clumsy tango, with every step feeling like a stumble on a cobblestone street at midnight.

The mouse sensitivity, partner, it's a real head-scratcher. It's like trying to thread a needle in a hurricane. You tweak the settings, but it only magnifies the mess. This game's got a sense of rebellion, alright, but it's not the kind that makes you feel like a slick operator—it's more like wrestling an octopus while wearing roller skates.

The charm starts flowing in like bootleg whiskey, promising an offbeat tale with laughs as sharp as a dame's wit. Yet, the punchlines fall flatter than a pancake on a steamroller. The jokes land like a lead balloon, and the storyline is as thin as a cigarette paper. It's all fun and games until the novelty wears off shadow vanishing in the night, leaving you with a stale taste of disappointment.

Jazzpunk, it's a relentless grinder that doesn't know when to fold. The repetition becomes a symphony of monotony, and you're left wondering if the game is playing you. The oddity that initially drew you in becomes a tiresome routine, a puzzle without a solution, like trying to find the missing piece of a shattered whiskey glass.

In the end, Jazzpunk is a dame who promised a night of intrigue but delivered a headache. It's a twisted dance through a world that overstays its welcome faster than a P.I. in a room full of secrets. Unless you've got the patience of a saint and a love for humor as dry as a martini in the Sahara, this caper ain't worth the entry fee.

Library of Ruina is a true gem in the world of indie games, offering a unique and captivating experience that seamlessly blends a rich narrative and character driven story with an intricate deck-building system and challenging turn-based card battler. I found myself utterly engrossed in the game's fascinating setting and lore, and the literary references sprinkled throughout the game added a layer of depth and intrigue that kept me hooked from start to finish.

One of the standout features of Library of Ruina is undoubtedly its captivating setting. The lore surrounding the Library, the City, and the other corporations is masterfully crafted, with a meticulous attention to detail that creates a world both bizarre and beautiful. Exploring the setting through the visitors of the Library was a journey in itself, filled with surprises, mysteries, and a sense of wonder that few games manage to achieve.

The deck-building system in Library of Ruina is a work of art. The game presents players with a vast array of cards, each with its own unique abilities and synergies. This deck-building gains further depths with the variety of passive effects you can equip your characters with, resulting in some interesting and very broken combinations. Experimenting with different combinations of cards became a joy, as I discovered new strategies and tactics to overcome the challenges presented by the game. My personal favorite is what I call the “American Solution to Problems” deck from early-midgame, which carried me over the initial difficulty spikes.

The combat system in Library of Ruina strikes a perfect balance between difficulty and reward. Battles are challenging, requiring careful planning and execution of strategies. The game demands that players think critically about their card choices, positioning, and resource management. Victory is not handed out easily, but the sense of accomplishment upon overcoming a tough opponent is immensely satisfying. The learning curve is steep, and might even require you to read what your cards, passives, and enemies do (the horror), encouraging players to improve and adapt as they progress through the game. This game does feature several difficulty spikes/casual filters, which will wall you off from progression until you manage to figure out how to beat the fight. There is no shame in looking up a guide, but I would strongly encourage some time spent deck-building and testing before resorting to a guide.

Furthermore, the visuals and soundtrack of Library of Ruina complement its immersive atmosphere flawlessly. The art style is both stunning and distinct, bringing the characters and the Library itself to life. The hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, especially the songs by Mili, enhances the overall experience, creating an atmosphere that is both haunting and mesmerizing.

The one issue I have with the game and its progression comes down to the grinding. Books of the enemies you defeat act as a limited box of cards, but you also need to use the books to open up access to new fights, and you need to spend those books for every attempt, so if you’re having a hard time, you might run out of books and need to grind. You can also run into the issue where you don’t have enough copies of a card for all your characters, which also means its back to the mines.

I would highly recommend going to the Steam Workshop, and installing the mods “BaseMod for Workshop” and “NoGrind”. This will smooth out the experience by remoing the tedium of grinding, and puts the focus back on deck building and trying out decks on fights, as well as enjoying the setting and story Project Moon has written.

Distance by Refract isn't just a racing game; it's an electrifying fusion of speed, skill, and visual spectacle that has managed to convert even the most skeptical players, like myself.

The game's arcade-like feel is immediately apparent, offering an intuitive and responsive control system that seamlessly blends with the heart-pounding speed of the gameplay. What sets Distance apart is its ingenious use of platforming elements, forcing players to skillfully spin their cars to match the dynamic changes in track orientation. This added layer of complexity adds a thrilling twist to the racing experience, challenging players to think on their feet and execute precision maneuvers to navigate the futuristic landscapes.

The race tracks in Distance are more than mere circuits; they're intricate puzzles that demand strategic thinking and split-second decision-making. What's truly captivating is how the game seamlessly transitions from high-speed racing to gravity-defying flight. Some tracks literally propel you into the air, requiring you to spread your car's wings and take flight. This unexpected twist not only adds a refreshing dimension to the game but also alters the entire flow of gameplay, keeping you constantly on your toes and enhancing the overall sense of exhilaration.

Visually, Distance continues to dazzle with its neon-drenched landscapes and futuristic aesthetics. The attention to detail is impeccable, making each track a visual feast that perfectly complements the breakneck speed of the races. The neon visuals, coupled with a smooth frame rate, create an immersive experience that feels like a cinematic journey through a cybernetic dreamscape.

And then there's the soundtrack – a pulsating force that propels the game to new heights. The beats and electronic melodies sync seamlessly with the gameplay, enhancing the overall intensity and creating an unforgettable atmosphere. It's a soundtrack that not only complements the experience but becomes an integral part of it, amplifying the thrill of each race and flight.

What surprised me the most was how Distance managed to captivate someone who isn't inherently drawn to racing games. The inclusion of platforming elements, the dynamic changes in track orientation, and the exhilarating moments of flight have transformed Distance into a genre-defying experience. It's a game that challenges expectations and keeps you engaged, whether you're a racing enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre.

In conclusion, Distance is a triumph of game design, seamlessly blending speed, skill, and spectacle into a captivating experience. Its innovative use of platforming, the dynamic shifts in track orientation, and the game-altering moments of flight redefine what a racing game can be. Distance isn't just a game; it's an adrenaline-fueled journey into the future of gaming, where every twist and turn is a testament to the developers' commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering an unforgettable experience.