Recent reviews by 𝓩𝓪𝓫𝓲𝓭𝓸𝓷𝓲

"Just one more match" — me, 3 hours ago

This game? Pure nostalgia. But it’s more than that.

Yeah, it’s from 2004. The graphics are dated, the menus creak like an old PC case, and the AI still sometimes forgets how to shoot. But the feel of it? Still unbeatable. You drop into the middle of a chaotic battlefield — stormtroopers and rebels everywhere, tanks rolling through, starfighters dogfighting above your head — and for a second, it’s like you’re in Star Wars.

The class system is simple but satisfying. The maps are iconic: Hoth, Endor, Kamino — every one has that “just one more round” effect. You can switch from soldier to pilot, jump in a speeder, grab a turret — it’s controlled chaos. The kind of game where you go from capturing command posts to crashing a snowspeeder into an AT-AT because... why not?

Multiplayer is hit or miss these days (depends on community servers), but honestly? I don’t mind playing solo. Instant Action still slaps. It’s that old-school fun where it doesn’t take itself too seriously, but you still feel like a hero when you clutch a match with 10 reinforcements left.

If you played this back in the day, it’s like opening a time capsule. If you haven’t? Just know it’s a classic for a reason.

In short — think epic medieval fantasy wars, but made of colorful polygons and chaos. You can unleash up to 100,000 characters into battle, then pick any unit mid-fight and prove your might yourself.

🎯 What I liked:

Wow-scale crowds! The ultra-performance renderer handles tens of thousands of troops without breaking a sweat — perfect for huge medieval clashes.

Direct control option. You can steer any soldier or even giant monsters in real time — combo attacks, parries and heavy strikes included.

Eight unique fantasy factions, each with varied unit styles and strengths.

Giant controllable monsters are a fun twist that amplifies battlefield spectacle.

⚠️ What didn’t sit well:

Visuals and UI feel low-fi and blocky, which some might see as a charm — others as rough edges.

Limited depth in strategy — despite massive battles, tactics don’t go much beyond basic positioning and weapons.

Sparse content variety — fewer factions or unit types than bigger sims, so battles can feel repetitive.

🎮 Overall Take
This game brings the vibe of huge fantasy battles in a neat, accessible package for only $4.99. It’s not hyper-realistic or deep strategy, but it's fun for satisfying smash sessions — especially if you love sandbox war sims with colorful visuals and lots of units.

Recommended if you like:

messy, medieval-sized battles in a fantasy universe

jumping into the action to control a single unit mid-chaos

quick fun without overthinking

supporting small indie projects

A satisfying, lightweight fantasy battle sandbox that delivers fun crowd carnage at a budget price — perfect for when you just want to smash everything on screen.

In short — this isn’t just racing. It’s chaos on wheels. It’s destruction, physics gone wild, and launching your driver through the windshield like a human cannonball. 😄

🎯 What I liked:

Top-tier physics! Every crash, bump, and spin feels brutal. Cars break apart like LEGO when you slam into something.

Driver launch mini-games — absolute classics. High jump, bowling, long jump… stupidly fun for hours.

The soundtrack slaps. Rock-heavy, full of energy — fits the vibe of the game perfectly.

Destructible environments — fences, barrels, tires... everything can and will be smashed. It really sells the underground demolition-racing feel.

⚠️ What didn’t land:

The physics can get a little too unpredictable. Sometimes a random bump sends you flying off track.

AI is hit or miss — either hilariously dumb or suddenly turns into a Formula 1 pro.

Not a huge variety of cars or upgrades compared to later games.

🎮 But overall — FlatOut is still a legend. This isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a pure example of how to make chaotic, fun, no-nonsense arcade racing. Perfect when you want to turn your brain off and just smash things at high speed.

Recommended if you like:

arcade racers with destruction physics,

wacky driver-launching mini-games,

gritty early 2000s vibes.

Chaos, carnage, and pure fun — everything you need for a perfect FlatOut evening.

If I had to sum it up — this is the same beloved Mount & Blade, but with a focus on the hero's journey and a story you shape yourself.

You start as a nameless nobody and can end up as a lord with your own city and army. The road to that point is filled with battles, recruiting soldiers, trading, politics, and tough decisions.

🎯 What I liked:

Realistic combat — every hit feels impactful, every death matters.

You truly command your squad, give orders, and lead them into battle.

You can build your economy, influence factions, and create your dream army.

Large-scale sieges look epic.

⚠️ What didn’t quite work for me:

Some quests and tasks start repeating after a while.

Battles can be too fast — sometimes tactics don't matter as much.

After capturing your first city, motivation to keep going can drop a bit.

🎮 But overall — it's pure joy, especially if you enjoy games where everything depends on you. No hand-holding — you decide who to be: a mercenary, a ruler, a trader, or just a hero with his own army.

Recommended if you like:

realistic battles,

chill army-building,

sandbox games with full freedom of choice.

Classic Mount & Blade formula, but with a nice narrative twist.

Zombo Buster Rising is a surprisingly addictive and satisfying side-scrolling shooter. Despite its simple visuals, the game delivers a lot of fun through fast-paced gameplay, strategic upgrades, and increasingly intense zombie waves.

You control a squad of defenders shooting down hordes of zombies, and each level adds a bit more pressure. The balance between upgrading units, using special abilities, and managing your defenses is well done. The difficulty ramps up nicely without becoming unfair.

Pros:

Easy to pick up, hard to master

Tons of upgrades and abilities to experiment with

Great for short bursts of gameplay

Fun pixel art and animations

Solid performance even on low-end systems

Cons:

Can get repetitive after a while

No real storyline or progression outside of upgrades

Short campaign (but fits the price)

Overall, Zombo Buster Rising is a great time-killer with arcade-style charm. If you enjoy games like Metal Slug or other zombie defense shooters, this one is definitely worth a try — especially for the price.

This is one of those games I picked up without expecting much — but it honestly surprised me. It’s a medieval battle sandbox where you can create massive fights and either watch the chaos unfold or jump in and control any unit yourself.

What I liked:

You can create huge battles with thousands of units.

A good variety of unit types — infantry, archers, pikemen, even some monsters.

The ability to take control of any unit mid-battle is really cool.

Steam Workshop support adds a lot of replay value with user-made content.

What could be better:
– The AI still needs work — sometimes units behave oddly or get stuck.
– No campaign or structured missions yet — just sandbox mode for now.
– The interface can be clunky at times and takes a bit to get used to.

Final thoughts:
If you’re into tactical sandbox games and love experimenting with army compositions, Epic Fantasy Battle Simulator is worth checking out. It’s still in early access, so there are a few rough edges, but the potential is definitely there. I’ve already sunk a few hours into it and had a lot of fun.

Stick Fight: The Game is an absolute blast, a chaotic brawler that perfectly blends simplicity and strategy with nonstop hilarity. From frantic skirmishes with friends to diving into the game’s Workshop content, this is an experience that never gets old.

Core Gameplay
At its heart, Stick Fight: The Game is a physics-based 2D brawler where up to four players battle it out across a series of fast-paced levels. The controls are straightforward—jump, punch, block, grab weapons—but mastering them takes time, especially when the unpredictable physics come into play.

The chaos is the charm here. Each round delivers unpredictable moments: flying off platforms, dodging a barrage of bullets, or launching a snake bazooka to let slithering chaos do the work for you. Whether you're the last stick figure standing or spectacularly failing, every match is packed with laughter and surprises.

Multiplayer Madness
Playing with friends is where the game shines the brightest. The unpredictable physics combined with random weapon spawns create a perfect recipe for mayhem. The dynamic levels constantly shift and crumble, forcing you to adapt quickly or fall into the void.

While local multiplayer is fun, online play makes it easy to join matches with players worldwide. However, the experience can vary depending on the connection quality, as lag sometimes disrupts the fast-paced action.

The Workshop
The Workshop integration takes Stick Fight: The Game to another level. Players can access a vast collection of user-created maps, each offering unique challenges and creativity. From hilariously broken stages to intricately designed arenas, the variety keeps gameplay fresh.

The ability to create your own maps is also a highlight. The editor is intuitive, letting you unleash your creativity and design levels to share with the community. Whether you prefer chaotic free-for-alls or strategic layouts, the Workshop has something for everyone.

Graphics and Sound
The minimalist stick-figure visuals work perfectly for the game. The simplicity makes it easy to focus on the action while also allowing the game’s absurdity to shine. Explosions, collapsing platforms, and flying snakes look just as ridiculous as they sound.

The sound design complements the chaos well. Weapons sound punchy, and the comical stick-figure screams add a layer of humor to every match.

Replayability
Thanks to its fast-paced nature, endless chaos, and Workshop content, Stick Fight: The Game has virtually limitless replay value. Whether you’re battling friends, experimenting with new maps, or creating your own, there’s always something new to enjoy.

Final Thoughts
Stick Fight: The Game is pure fun distilled into stick-figure form. It’s easy to pick up but endlessly entertaining, especially when shared with friends. The addition of Workshop content ensures that the chaos never grows stale, with the community continually adding fresh and creative maps.

Whether you’re looking for a quick laugh or a full evening of ridiculous battles, this game delivers in spades.

After spending countless hours exploring every nook and cranny of Cossacks: Art of War, from its single-player campaigns to its multiplayer skirmishes, I can confidently say that this expansion to the original Cossacks: European Wars is a worthy addition for any strategy enthusiast.

Single-Player Experience
The single-player content in Art of War expands on the original game with new campaigns, scenarios, and challenges. The historical campaigns are engaging and provide a good mix of objectives, from large-scale battles to resource management-heavy missions. The level of detail in the units, buildings, and maps adds a layer of immersion that makes each mission feel unique.

However, the AI can sometimes feel either too predictable or unnaturally aggressive, depending on the difficulty setting. While challenging at times, it doesn't always adapt dynamically, making it possible to exploit certain strategies repeatedly. That said, the depth of gameplay keeps things interesting for those who love micro-managing their resources and armies.

Multiplayer
The multiplayer mode is where Art of War truly shines. It retains the core appeal of real-time strategy battles while introducing new maps and balancing improvements. Whether you're playing with friends or strangers, the competitive nature of the game keeps you on your toes. The addition of new units and nations adds a layer of strategy, allowing for diverse playstyles and tactical approaches.

That said, multiplayer matches can sometimes be lengthy, especially when two skilled players engage in a stalemate. Patience and careful planning are essential, as rushing often leads to disaster.

Improvements Over the Base Game
The expansion introduces several key improvements, including:

New Units & Nations: These add depth and variety to the game.
Map Editor: A fantastic tool for creative players who want to design custom scenarios.
Enhanced Gameplay Mechanics: Subtle changes in unit behavior and balance make the game feel more polished.
Bug Fixes: Many of the bugs and issues from the base game have been addressed.
Graphics & Sound
Although the game is visually dated by today’s standards, it still has a certain charm. The large-scale battles with hundreds of units clashing are a spectacle to behold, even if the animations are a bit stiff. The soundtrack and sound effects are serviceable, though they can become repetitive after long sessions.

Final Thoughts
Cossacks: Art of War is a solid expansion that builds on the strengths of its predecessor. While not without its flaws, its depth, replayability, and improved features make it a must-play for fans of the RTS genre. The game’s steep learning curve and dated visuals may deter newcomers, but for those willing to invest the time, it offers a rich and rewarding experience.

After exploring everything Cossacks: Back to War has to offer—from epic battles and custom map creation to diving into the in-game encyclopedia and scenario editor—I can confidently say this standalone expansion is a masterpiece of RTS gaming. It’s not just an addition to the Cossacks series; it’s an all-encompassing toolkit for strategy lovers.

Single-Player Experience
The single-player mode emphasizes freedom of play. While the game lacks a traditional campaign, the abundance of skirmish maps and customizable settings more than makes up for it. Each battle feels like a unique challenge, especially as you experiment with different nations and strategies.

The AI offers a decent challenge, particularly at higher difficulty levels. It’s rewarding to master the game’s mechanics while engaging in large-scale battles where every decision counts.

In-Game Encyclopedia
One of the most valuable tools in the game is the in-game encyclopedia. It provides detailed information about all units, buildings, and nations. For newcomers, it’s an essential guide to understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each faction. For veterans, it’s a helpful reference for planning strategies.

The encyclopedia also includes historical insights, adding an educational element to the game. It’s a fantastic way to appreciate the historical depth and context behind the units and nations you command.

Scenario Editor
The scenario editor is a standout feature that elevates the creative possibilities of the game. Unlike the map editor, which focuses on terrain and layouts, the scenario editor allows you to script events, set objectives, and create custom campaigns.

I experimented extensively with this tool, crafting dynamic battles and even full-length scenarios with branching objectives. The editor is surprisingly robust, enabling you to create everything from small tactical skirmishes to massive, story-driven campaigns. It’s a playground for creative minds who want to bring their ideas to life.

Multiplayer Mode
Multiplayer remains a core highlight of Back to War. The ability to pit your strategies against real players adds an unpredictable and competitive edge to the game. With the variety of maps and nations, no two matches ever feel the same.

However, as with many RTS games, some matches can drag on if both players are equally skilled and cautious. This can be both a blessing and a curse, depending on your patience and playstyle.

DLC and Additional Content
The DLCs introduce 100 additional maps and new nations like Hungary and Switzerland, each with unique units and gameplay styles. This significantly expands the game’s variety and replayability. Whether you’re testing out new strategies or just enjoying the fresh content, the DLCs ensure that the game never feels stale.

Graphics and Sound
For its era, the graphics are still a treat, particularly when commanding massive armies on beautifully designed maps. The detail in units and buildings complements the historical setting, immersing you in the 17th-18th-century atmosphere. The soundtrack, while fitting, can become repetitive during long sessions.

Final Impressions
Cossacks: Back to War isn’t just a game—it’s a comprehensive RTS experience. From its tactical depth and historical richness to its creative tools like the map editor, scenario editor, and encyclopedia, it offers endless possibilities for both casual players and hardcore strategists.

The ability to not only play but also create your own content ensures that the game remains engaging no matter how much time you spend with it. It’s a must-have for any RTS fan.

Garry's Mod is an incredibly versatile sandbox game that offers limitless possibilities for fun and creativity. Developed by Facepunch Studios, it provides a unique platform where your imagination is the only limit. Whether you're constructing elaborate buildings, playing custom game modes, or experimenting with physics, Garry's Mod delivers an unmatched gaming experience.

The open-ended nature of Garry's Mod is its biggest strength. With a robust physics engine and a vast array of tools at your disposal, you can create almost anything you can think of. The Steam Workshop is filled with user-generated content, including new maps, game modes, and add-ons that keep the game fresh and exciting. The strong modding community ensures there's always something new to explore.

Multiplayer is another highlight of Garry's Mod. Joining servers with other players adds a social dimension that enhances the fun. Whether you're collaborating on projects or competing in custom modes, the community aspect is engaging and enjoyable.

However, Garry's Mod can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers due to its lack of structure and the learning curve associated with its many tools. Additionally, performance can vary based on the complexity of your creations and your computer's specs.

Overall, Garry's Mod is a must-have for anyone who enjoys creative freedom and open-ended gameplay. Its endless possibilities, strong community support, and engaging multiplayer make it a standout title in the sandbox genre. Highly recommended!