Recent reviews by Loopman

Step into the world of Baldur's Gate 3, and you'll quickly realize you're not just playing a game; you're embarking on an epic adventure that's in a league of its own. Larian Studios has outdone themselves, delivering a title that's not only visually breathtaking but deeply engaging on every level.

From the moment you start, the graphics will captivate you, demanding double takes – yes, it's that stunning. But it's not just the visuals that make this game a masterpiece. The voice acting is exceptional, breathing life into every character with such realism that you'll find yourself lost in their stories. The cutscenes are so masterfully executed that even if you're usually the type to skip them, here, you'll be utterly glued to your screen.

The sound design in Baldur's Gate 3 is an unexpected highlight. Every clash of swords, every ambient environmental sound is crafted with impressive attention to detail, enhancing the immersion to extraordinary levels.

Be warned, though: this game is massive in scope. You might find yourself taking unexpected turns or facing untimely ends in the most surprising ways. While there are a few bugs, they pale in comparison to the sheer absorption in the world Larian has created. The game can be chaotic at times, but it's a delightful chaos that keeps you craving more.

The depth of Baldur's Gate 3 is unparalleled. The storylines and character development are woven intricately, and the world's vastness is crafted with such meticulous care, you can easily spend hours exploring every nook and cranny. The animations and facial expressions of the characters add a level of realism that's rare in games, bringing each character to vivid life.

Your companions in the game are not mere sidekicks; they are well-developed characters with their own unique backgrounds and motivations. You'll feel a genuine sense of loss when paths diverge. The combat system is strategic and satisfying, challenging you to maximize your party's abilities.

Every aspect of Baldur's Gate 3, from the intricate quests to the expansive environments, is designed with purpose and intention. There's no filler here, just a rich, engaging world that beckons you to dive in. Baldur's Gate 3 isn't just a game; it's an enthralling experience that keeps you wondering what's around the next corner, making it incredibly hard to put down. As you progress, the narrative weaves in unexpected twists and turns, ensuring that each playthrough offers something new.

This game is truly worthy of all the awards it's won, standing as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of Larian Studios. Baldur's Gate 3 is more than just a game – it's a journey into a meticulously crafted world that's brimming with adventures, mysteries, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer, this game promises to captivate and enchant you, offering endless hours of engaging gameplay.

Embarking on my "Planet Coaster" journey, I was buoyed by high expectations, fueled by a long hiatus from theme park simulators and the game's esteemed pedigree, hailing from the creators of "Rollercoaster Tycoon 3." Opting for career mode as my entry point, I was pleasantly guided through the game's basics across various missions, a path I'd heartily recommend to newcomers for its immersive introduction to the game's breadth.

Initially, "Planet Coaster" struck me as flawless, a paragon of simulation excellence. However, as my time with the game unfolded, it became evident that even the finest creations have their blemishes.

The game's Achilles' heel lies in its management mechanics. What starts as a promising venture into park administration gradually reveals a lack of depth, making some decisions feel less impactful than anticipated. Yet, the management aspect isn't entirely superficial; it still offers a layer of engagement, albeit with room for enhancement.

"Planet Coaster" truly shines in its construction and customization capabilities. The game provides an extensive selection of scenery items, enabling players to craft their dream parks with precision. Despite occasional hiccups, such as the need for object manipulation for optimal placement, the building process is generally seamless and rewarding. The game's creative potential is vast, though challenges like water placement and coaster design, influenced by thrill and comfort metrics, present a steep learning curve.

Visually, the game is a masterpiece, with a vibrant cartoonish style, stunning water effects, and meticulous animations that bring the park to life, especially at night. Performance remains smooth until the complexity of a full-scale park introduces some lag, a testament to the ambitious scale of player creations.

The game's community support and developer engagement are commendable, with regular updates that introduce new content and features, reflecting a genuine commitment to the game's evolution and player satisfaction.

For potential buyers, it's worth noting that "Planet Coaster" leans heavily towards the creative and design aspects of park management. While this may daunt less creatively inclined players, the vibrant workshop community offers a wealth of inspiration and resources.

In summary, "Planet Coaster" stands as a towering achievement in the theme park simulation genre, distinguished by its robust building tools, enchanting visuals, and dynamic community engagement. It's a must-play for simulation aficionados and creative minds, offering an unparalleled canvas for imagination and innovation.

Prey" stands as a unique and transformative experience in the realm of video gaming.

While it might superficially resemble classic games in its genre with its assortment of tools and settings, Arkane Studios has elevated it to an exceptional level. The game thrives on its ingenious solutions to challenges, such as gaining access to a locked security station filled with valuable Neuromods (skill points). The methods are diverse and creative: from finding a keycode on a deceased worker, hacking consoles, to using the innovative Gloo Gun to create new paths, or cleverly manipulating controls from a distance. This approach highlights Arkane's expertise in level design and enriches the player's skill set for future challenges.

Beyond these elements, "Prey" dives into deeper layers of gaming experience. The setting of Talos-1, a vast research space station, is designed like a metroidvania universe, encouraging exploration and revisitation. This design philosophy extends into combat, offering various strategies to outsmart enemies. Whether engaging directly, using the environment, leveraging the Gloo Gun, employing stealth, or deploying automated turrets, the game constantly promotes inventive gameplay.

"Prey" exemplifies Arkane’s creative prowess, supported by the freedom and resources to innovate. It’s a game that deserves more recognition for its groundbreaking design and immersive experience.

This game assures that your investment is worthwhile, offering a rich, multi-faceted experience that stands apart in its genre.

For those about to play: dive into this game without any spoilers. Avoid Let's Plays and the Subnautica wiki for the best experience. Just launch the game and let your adventure begin.
This isn't just a game; it's a journey in the survival genre like no other.
Subnautica distinguishes itself by not just focusing on gathering resources and building bases. It offers a narrative richness and lore depth that is unparalleled in survival games.
The story begins right when you start playing, crafting a unique experience. It's not merely about base building; exploration and the evolving story are what keep you engaged. And this journey takes you deeper, quite literally.
Each new depth brings its own set of challenges and initially unwelcoming environments. As you explore and overcome these challenges, you transform these once daunting areas into familiar territories. From fear to familiarity, you make the unknown your domain. New resources enable you to explore even further. This cycle of discovery and adaptation is relentless.
But you're always a stranger in these depths.
This game offers a unique sense of exploration and uncertainty unlike any other.
My own adventure spanned 50 hours, filled with countless moments of awe. The world's atmosphere, diverse wildlife, and vast landscapes are stunning. In this world, you're a small entity in a vast, beautiful ecosystem.
With no lethal weapons, your survival depends on wit and resourcefulness. Alone on an alien planet, you learn to survive, adapt, and thrive.
Subnautica is a singular experience in gaming and is more than worth its price.
The single-player design enhances the game, emphasizing the feeling of isolation and discovery.
When you finally uncover the mysteries of the planet, the experience is unforgettable.

Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI is a triumph in the strategy genre, offering a deeply engaging experience from the ancient era to the information age. With its diverse civilizations, each with unique traits, and a robust district system, the game excels in delivering strategic depth and replayability. The AI opponents are challenging, making diplomacy and war exciting and unpredictable. The evolving soundtrack is a delightful touch, enhancing the immersion.

However, be prepared for a slower pace in the late game, as turns can become lengthy and the gameplay slightly less dynamic. Despite this, Civilization VI remains a standout title, offering hours of compelling gameplay for strategy enthusiasts. Highly recommended for its depth and complexity, with a small note on the late-game pacing.

As a seasoned player of Transport Tycoon since its early days in 1996, I can confidently declare this game as one of my all-time favorites. Don't let the modest game time displayed on my profile deceive you – my journey with this classic has been long and rewarding.

Quick Take for the Busy Gamer:
If you're into management, sandbox games, or have a penchant for trains, Transport Tycoon is a must-try. And guess what? It's free!

Gameplay Experience:
Since its initial release in 1994, Transport Tycoon has kept its core gameplay consistent and engaging. The challenge lies in building and managing intricate transportation networks. This game perfectly embodies the "easy to learn, hard to master" philosophy, starting you off with simple bus or truck routes and gradually leading you to complex railway systems. The thrill of expanding your empire and transforming landscapes is incredibly satisfying.

OpenTTD - A Masterstroke:
OpenTTD has taken the original to new heights, offering compatibility with almost any modern operating system and introducing game-changing features. From advanced passenger and freight handling to customizable game rules and economic models, the enhancements are substantial. But the real game-changer is the modding capability. With easy-to-install mods, your gaming experience can be endlessly varied, bringing in new vehicles, intricate industry supply chains, and even quirky town names.

Multiplayer Fun:
The multiplayer mode in OpenTTD is a blast, whether you're teaming up in co-op mode or competing against others. The co-op mode, my personal favorite, allows you to collaborate and build massive transportation networks, a feat that’s both challenging and rewarding.

A Tribute to the Makers:
I extend my deepest appreciation to the OpenTTD developers for their unwavering commitment, the modding community for constantly revitalizing the game, and to Chris Sawyer, whose genius in creating the original game in Assembly language over two decades ago laid the foundation for this enduring masterpiece.

Final Verdict:
Transport Tycoon isn't just a game; it's a legacy. For anyone with a love for strategy, creativity, and a bit of nostalgia, this game is an unmissable experience.

Evolve stands as a remarkable milestone in the realm of multiplayer gaming, brilliantly weaving together elements of strategy, teamwork, and pulse-quickening action. This game isn't just about playing; it's about being strategically outwitted and outmaneuvered, making every session a fresh and exhilarating challenge. The gameplay mechanics are nothing short of captivating, seamlessly blending with the game's visually stunning landscapes to create an immersive experience. Whether you're the hunter or the hunted, Evolve delivers a heart-pounding thrill that's hard to match.

Sadly, there's a bittersweet tinge to my enthusiasm. The game's unique essence is irreplaceable, and its absence in the current gaming landscape leaves a void that's deeply felt. I often find myself reminiscing about the unparalleled adrenaline rush and the camaraderie it fostered among friends. Evolve on Steam was not just a game; it was an experience that bonded players in an unforgettable way. Its departure from the active gaming scene is a loss that I, and many others, sincerely mourn. If you yearn for a gaming experience that transcends the ordinary, Evolve remains an unparalleled choice, albeit one that we can now only cherish in memory. So, gather your friends, reminisce, and let the legacy of the hunt live on in our hearts.

The game, as it stands, could be likened to a basic version of 3D Rimworld, yet it lacks the same level of charm and variety, featuring only a single type of enemy. The available DLC adds some unusual features, but these don't quite elevate the game's overall appeal.

Its mechanics are reminiscent of tower defense but are hampered by an underdeveloped technology tree. The game also seems to struggle with realistic portrayals of electricity, physics, and technological progression. For instance, players transition from using primitive bows to constructing AI-controlled machine gun turrets from mere scraps, which feels disjointed.

There is potential for improvement in future updates, ideally focusing on enriching the game without relying on frequent, revenue-driven DLC releases. It may be more prudent to consider purchasing this game during a significant sale, or to wait until it undergoes further refinement and thoughtful development.

Total War: Warhammer II is not just a game, it's an awe-inspiring journey into the heart of the Warhammer Fantasy world. Merging magnificently with its predecessor in the Mortal Empires campaign, it also boasts its own enthralling grand campaign. This game doesn't just raise the bar; it catapults it into new realms!

From the meticulously crafted new races to the standout Vampire Coast and Tomb Kings, this title is a treasure trove for strategy enthusiasts. The DLCs, in particular, are not just add-ons; they are masterpieces that set the gold standard for what downloadable content should be.

Some might debate the DLC policy and the total cost for the 'full' experience, but let me put this into perspective: Total War: Warhammer II offers an unprecedented level of diversity with 15 unique factions, each brimming with their own models, animations, mechanics, and rich, lore-driven campaigns. This isn't a simple cosmetic variation; it's a complete reinvention for each faction. And with around 40 distinct lords, the game offers a plethora of strategic options and replayability.

The game’s depth and complexity are simply unmatched. Even considering the full price for both games and all current DLCs, the value you receive is extraordinary. To draw a parallel, consider Starcraft II's pricing for a significantly smaller scale of diversity.

With each Warhammer game providing four initial factions and the potential for over 40 unique campaign starts, the strategic depth is immense. And we haven't even touched on the beautifully designed real-time battles and expansive campaign maps!

In conclusion, while the DLCs might appear expensive at first glance, they are worth every penny, enriching the game immensely and providing countless hours of engagement. Total War: Warhammer II is not just a game; it's a landmark in strategy gaming, a colossal achievement that will captivate you for hours on end. A must-play for any strategy fan!"

As a fan of sandbox building games with depth and complexity, I'm truly impressed by this title. It stands out from the usual cosmetic-focused games in the genre. My experience has been filled with engaging challenges as I repeatedly try, and often fail, to efficiently manage a prison. This trial and error process is where the game shines brightest for me. It's akin to an intricate ant farm or a complex chemistry set, where each decision is crucial and you're constantly balancing a myriad of factors.

The strategic depth of the game is exceptional. Actions unfold over time rather than instantly, requiring thoughtful planning from point A to point B. Every choice in building or research feels significant, often involving trade-offs that can open up vulnerabilities elsewhere. The game masterfully weaves moments of seeming stability with sudden upheavals, keeping the gameplay dynamic and unpredictable.

Far from being a simple imitation of other tycoon games, this is a rigorous exercise in micromanagement, strategic decision-making, and logistics. The game makes you feel that every action has weight, and often you're left feeling several steps behind where you need to be. The pace is flexible, with options like a "free" mode for a more relaxed experience. This isn't about creating a serene setting; it's about managing a challenging environment where careful planning is essential to prevent chaos among the inmates.

What sets this game apart is its continuous expansion and evolution. Drawing inspiration from classics like Dwarf Fortress, it has carved out its unique niche. The developers have nailed many aspects of prison management, and their commitment is evident through regular updates and patches. The "Planning Mode" is a standout feature, one that should be a staple in all building games.

I strongly recommend this game. The developers are proactive, continuously enhancing the game with significant updates. It's easy to get engrossed in maintaining order and preventing mishaps, which adds to its charm and challenge.

However, it's worth noting that some of the DLCs feel like they could have been part of the original updates rather than separate purchases. Including these features in the base game would have made for a more cohesive and user-friendly experience. Nonetheless, this game is a standout in its genre and well worth exploring for fans of strategic and management simulations.