Recent reviews by Razonix

So, this is where it all began – the pioneer of the series. I had no clue what to expect when I first delved into it, but I must admit, I was quite taken by its innovative concept. It introduced a map with an expansive overworld view, seamlessly transitioning into a third-person perspective during the action sequences. Now, given the familiarity with the subsequent titles in the series, this one might seem like a relic, a charming curiosity from the past. But is there really anything that makes it special?

While it lacks an official story mode, the basic premise revolves around your choice of faction and the quest to conquer the entire map by subduing rival states. With RPG character development elements in play, you also forge bonds with companions along your journey – these comrades ultimately become your most dependable assets, leveling up alongside you and customizable to suit your preferences

The graphics may appear dated by contemporary standards, but they aptly serve their purpose. Sound effects prove sufficient, and as for the music, it's not bad, though it does grow somewhat repetitive over time

Now, let's juxtapose this version with the upgraded Warband edition. In this predecessor, establishing your own faction is a no-go, limiting you to serving under a liege with your mouth shut. The ability to invest in businesses within cities is also notably absent, and one fewer faction exists – a boon in this context, as the AI's management and garrisoning of buildings leave much to be desired. Another vexing quirk is the inability to swap weapons during tournaments, making your initial weapon selection quite the roll of the dice. Furthermore, marriage is not an option here, so prepare to bid adieu to romantic escapades

In conclusion, I wouldn't brandish this game as "bad," but it certainly falls short in comparison to Warband. Unless you possess an insatiable curiosity for exploring the raw beginnings of this franchise, I'd advise setting your sights on the newer releases (with the exception of Fire and Sword, as it's notorious for its pervasive bugs and underwhelming gameplay)

Remember the joy of childhood, that sheer delight when you first laid hands on MS Paint? Today's kids may have a slew of resource-rich mobile apps at their disposal, but the magic of creating art through digital means remains timeless

This particular title embraces that sentiment. Beyond the expected sandbox mode, there's even a story available, although, truth be told, it doesn't steal the show. Why, you ask? Well, picture this: you're thrust into the future, suddenly gifted with exceptional artistic prowess. Consequently, you find yourself in an apartment brimming with various tools and environments at your creative disposal. You get to interact with a few members of your family and there're also encounters with assorted characters, including a few extraterrestrial ones, and a flurry of commissions—all conducted through emails. Occasionally, you even get to choose your responses. Does it matter? Who's counting, really, because after a while, the entire experience starts feeling a tad repetitive, a bit too redundant, and you can't help but anticipate its conclusion

Now that we've dispensed with the story, let's delve into the other facets. The graphics? Impressive. Sound effects? Decent enough. Music? I can't vouch for it, as I muted it as soon as I could. The controls, while somewhat intuitive, had me inadvertently executing actions I hadn't intended, all thanks to some bewildering key bindings. As for gameplay, it offers a vast array of creative possibilities to suit your artistic fancy. The only hiccup, and I'll leave you to decide its significance, is that ultimately, your efforts seem to make no difference. Imagine this: you're tasked with drawing a unicorn, but you decide to sketch a less enchanting subject, let's say, a big turd with stink lines and even flies around it. Astonishingly, the client will express sheer delight. This pattern repeats across all scenarios, leaving you wondering about the motivation to persist. Sure, you can expand your apartment and shop online, but it all circles back to more of the same

Unless, of course, you're intrigued by the virtual gallery aspect—a platform to showcase your creations. While most visitors will shower you with praise, there's also the rare opportunity to put critics in their place

In summary, it's an intriguing game with an appealing concept. In my humble opinion, what holds it back is the absence of genuine feedback. One can't help but ponder the potential for future integration with an AI capable of analyzing submissions, thus enhancing the overall experience. Or perhaps the inclusion of the ability to visit other users' art galleries.. Now, that's food for thought. As a sandbox art tool, it's an absolute must-have. As a narrative-driven game, it falls somewhat short of expectations, leaving room for improvement

Discover the captivating world of storytelling with Sankurusu's debut masterpiece. Are you ready to embark on a journey filled with hopes, fears, and tough choices? Then look no further

In this immersive narrative adventure, you assume the role of an eager listener, absorbing the tale of Yaren, a young woman faced with a life-altering dilemma. As the narrative unfolds, you'll find yourself entangled in her world, navigating the intricate web of decisions that lie ahead

Unlike typical gaming novels that heavily rely on visual stimuli, this release puts your imagination and creativity at the forefront. It encourages you to delve deep into the consequences of your choices, allowing your mind to paint vivid pictures and craft the storyline according to your preferences

But fear not, for this journey is not devoid of sensory delights. Skillfully placed artistic elements and sound effects enhance the ambiance, immersing you further into the world of Yaren. Each moment feels real, each emotion palpable, as you traverse the narrative landscape

The story's length strikes a harmonious balance, ensuring it never overstays its welcome. Your engagement remains unwavering, as the narrative propels forward without unnecessary detours

And what's a journey without rewards? Achievements await, adding an extra layer of excitement and challenge to the narrative. After all, who can resist the allure of conquering milestones through their dedication and personal experiences?

In summary, Sankurusu's debut work is a testament to the power of storytelling and the art of choice. It offers a unique and immersive experience that captures the essence of hope, fear, and consequence. With a perfect blend of imagination, sound, and engagement, it's a journey you won't want to miss

Overall, I'm really excited about this game and I definitely can't wait for the sequel

Back in the day, I was a crazy fan of point-and-click adventure games. Among my favorites were "The Dig," "Monkey Island II," and "Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis." And guess what, for some kind of coincidence (or not), I only had these available at the time...

However, I easily recall the moment I stumbled upon Sam & Max while flipping through a PC magazine. The mere mention of it drove me nuts, and I eagerly sought out a copy as soon as possible. After that eventually happened, I've done something that I still somewhat regret nowadays: Instead of trying to figure out what the heck I was supposed to do, I pretty much just followed the walkthrough present in the publication from start to finish, which somehow defeats the main purpose of the game

Setting that aside, let's delve into the release's premise. It revolves around a dog and a psycho rabbit, who together form the renowned "Freelance Police," embarking on thrilling adventures across the country to solve captivating cases. In this specific installment, you are tasked with unraveling the enigma behind the disappearance of a couple of circus members

The gameplay mechanics are very simplified compared to the releases which were mentioned previously. As for the graphics, sound effects and everything, they're simply awesome, I've got nothing else to say about it

As Sam & Max traverse the vast expanse of the United States, players are treated to visits to well-known locations (or rather, satirical interpretations of them). Speaking of which, this title thrives on its comedic elements, with the voice actors delivering stellar performances that perfectly capture the essence of the characters

The solutions for a few puzzles might be really annoying, which somehow makes me feel less guilty about following the walkthrough during my experience. Then again, it's definitely much more rewarding finding what to do on your own, especially when the result that you get is something completely absurd and outrageous

All in all, this game undoubtedly adds another jewel to the already illustrious collection of titles produced by LucasArts. Building upon the foundation of its comic book origins, the franchise continued to captivate fans with further adventures, expertly crafted by Telltale Games. This only serves to highlight the enduring appeal of the unconventional duo. If you enjoy intricate puzzles and a delightfully zany sense of humor, investing your time in this gem is bound to pay off

Well, who hasn't had the opportunity to play Arkanoid before? Hmm... Perhaps not that exact title, but it wouldn't be surprising if there were other releases based on this same kind of game

Over the years, this formula has received a few upgrades, but the basic premise remains the same: Control the platform below with sideways movements, with the main purpose to destroy all the targets above while doing your best to prevent the ball from dropping off the bottom

It's a simple concept, but as you add more elements to the equation, things can become more complex. Like dealing with moving targets or even facing targets that try to retaliate... Well, I suppose it's to be expected

Wizorb doesn't attempt to reinvent the wheel, but it certainly utilizes its own elements effectively. It offers retro-style visuals and sounds, a simple story mode to keep you more engaged, in-game shops to purchase items, different map themes, and even challenging bosses to defeat. You can also find power-up items along the way that can provide you some vital aid in your quest

Overall, I assume that there's not really much to write about other than that. if you enjoy casual games, I am confident that this will be a great addition to your gaming library

What can be said about this series that hasn't already been mentioned? Well, this title in particular was indeed the first point-and-click adventure I encountered in my life, and that was quite some time ago. Aye, I am well aware that there are older games predating it, but back then, internet access was pretty much limited, hindering information availability as a consequence

Now, let's delve into the essence of the game. It revolves around a determined young lad who yearns to become a pirate at any cost. However, to achieve this aspiration, he must first prove himself worthy. Along his quest, he encounters intriguing individuals, forges new friendships, and unavoidably ruffles some feathers, for not everyone can be pleased. Gradually, his journey takes unexpected turns, presenting a broader path for him to explore. I shall leave the details for you to discover if you haven't already embarked on this adventure

In terms of mechanics, it embodies a classic point-and-click adventure experience, offering a plethora of interactive features that may seem initially bewildering. Nevertheless, over the years, such complexity has been simplified. Despite this version providing graphical and auditory enhancements, my nostalgic fondness remains for the original release. Thus, during gameplay, I often found myself switching to experience it as it was originally developed

As for the puzzles, a fundamental aspect of this genre alongside the captivating narrative, some may prove challenging and demand time to unravel. Yet, with a little patience and perseverance, anyone can overcome these obstacles. Notably, humor plays a pivotal role in the story, and the best part is that it feels natural and unforced, evoking genuine laughter

By the way, something that I find important to be mentioned is that it is truly regrettable that this game lacks trading cards, achievements, and even dedicated artwork for the Steam Library. I ponder whether such features will ever be introduced in the future

In summary, this stands as one of the most outstanding classics ever released by LucasArts. If you are a fan of point-and-click adventure games and have yet to explore this series or engage in its gameplay, you are truly missing out on an exceptional experience

While Steam was gradually gaining recognition in the market, there emerged a smaller player known as "Big Fish Games". I'm commenting about them because it was actually through them that I first discovered the "hidden objects" genre

So, what exactly is this genre? Well, as the name suggests, within the experience you are pretty much presented with a screen where you must find specific objects amidst the cluttered picture in order to progress and... Yes, find even more hidden items. Although not an entirely original concept, it may be an interesting diversion for casual players seeking to pass the time or shift their focus

Now, turning back to Big Fish Games, the initial games I encountered with this concept were relatively simple with modest graphics. However, "Amazing Adventures Around the World" brought a revolutionary touch. While the core gameplay remained similar, it introduced new dynamics and elements. Enhanced graphics, music, sound effects, and even a scoreboard. These factors contributed to make it stand out among others in that category

In a world full of AAA releases, one of the best aspects of this sort of title is that you don't need a high-powered PC to run it; a basic computer with internet access will suffice (as you still need to download the game)

So, my friends, if you enjoy the casual genre, I consider this game in particular one of the best in its segment. However, I advise against grinding through too many levels during your playthrough, as it may eventually lead to boredom. Of course, this is merely my personal perspective on the matter

My experience with East India Company started off somewhat on a positive note. I mean, the graphics / sounds are nice, the gameplay is entertaining, but then all of a sudden, the problems decided to crash the party. Let's begin with the tutorials, or should I say the incomplete tutorials? They conveniently forget to mention important details, leaving you to figure things out through trial and error. But hey, who needs proper guidance anyway? It's like living in the glorious 80's when manuals were your only lifeline. Well, it's not like it's the end of the world, right?

At first, managing things seems like a walk in the park, but soon enough, you realize the interface is craving for some magical tools to handle all the tedious micromanagement tasks. Because, you know, who doesn't love controlling multiple fleets and feeling like Sir Henry Morgan? Well... I suppose that even that is somewhat tolerable

But here comes the grand finale of this disaster parade—the frequent crashes. They're like the icing on the cake, the cherry on top. Just when you're basking in the glory of victory and eager to collect your hard-earned loot, BAM! Crash! In my opinion, it's as if the game trips you up, and just when you think it's gonna offer you a helping hand, it instead grabs hold of your hand, steps on your stomach, and breaks your arm to finish the job

In the end, I've come to the profound realization that this title was pretty much designed to mock you just when you think you're reaching the peak of satisfaction. I got it at a "great" discount, but I can't say I really care anymore. It's not worth the hassle and the disappointment

Overall, who needs stability and a smooth experience when you can knock yourself out with frequent crashes, incomplete tutorials and unncessary micromanagement right? Good job, devs! You really nailed it

As an enthusiast of the FPS genre, this game somehow caught my attention, so I decided to give it a try. I mean, the trailer and screenshots seemed promising enough

Regarding the story... Well, I'm at a loss for words. It didn't make any difference to me, as all I needed was some targets to blast. The visuals and sounds are indeed gorgeous, the action is fluid, and the character development is somewhat complex. It appears there's even a co-op mode available, although I never had the chance to test it with anyone

However, what frustrated me about this title is that, unlike other conventional shooters, the developers thought it would be a brilliant idea to make enemies respawn. Like, seriously? It means you can't catch a break, constantly watching your back and managing your ammo as best as possible

If this issue wasn't present, I might have felt motivated to play it through to the end. But after a few hours, I grew bored with the entire experience and decided to stash the game away. I can't say for certain if I'll give it another try in the future, but for now, it's not part of my plans

All in all, at least in my opinion, I'd say it's an ambitious title that could have become a classic if it had been a bit more polished

So it all began back in the 90s when I walked into this rental shop and stumbled upon a game called "River City Ransom" for the NES. Now, the cover didn't exactly scream "masterpiece" – it looked like something you'd find in the bargain bin of a B-movie rental store. But hey, options were limited, so why not give it a shot, right?

To my surprise, this game turned out to be quite remarkable. The character design and stages were top-notch, the gameplay was fun, and the music was downright superb. Sure, there were some serious FPS issues, but hey, beggars can't be choosers. Naturally, I expected a sequel to continue the greatness. But instead, it seemed like the developers took an unexpected turn and decided to steer the franchise towards sports themes

We got dodgeball, football, basketball... And then there was this wild sports marathon, seemingly inspired by some insane Japanese TV shows. There are a total of 4 different events: Racing from point A to B while dealing with all sorts of shenanigans along the way, an obstacle course, attempting to break a camphor ball with your fists (like a piñata, but tougher), and a battle royale that takes the game back to its roots

In the story mode, you take on the role of a random member of Kunio's team and you get to develop yourself and other members of the squad as you progress, making them more prepared to tackle the craziness ahead

All in all, it's fantastic to see this franchise slowly making a comeback, especially because dealing with FPS problems on actual consoles or emulators can be a real pain. I sincerely hope that more sports events will be introduced on Steam because I'd absolutely love to have them in my gaming library.