Recent reviews by The Plague Doctor

Throughout my 106 hours (at the time of the review), I have never truly enjoyed a release this decade until Baldur's Gate 3.

For starts I would like to appreciate the development team behind such a masterpiece. Since BG3's original release in Early Access in 2020, the team took the time they needed to ensure a rich and fulfilling experience upon actual release. In contrast to most AAA development in today's climate, this game was released was released with minimal to no issues.

Lets get to it. This game has exceeded the standard in every way possible. The game is set in the Dungeon's and Dragons universe that embarks players on a perilous journey in seek of a cure.... initially.... This open world CRPG works flawlessly in near all areas. The turn-based combat makes for the most unpredictable (thanks to the roll of your die) and methodical combat ever seen in gaming. Countless times I have spent attempting different strategies in encounters. Lets talk about my FAVORITE part... The role play. BG3 has surpassed my expectations of how your decisions impact the game. Most fans of the genre would reference games like Dragon Age, Mass Effect, The Witcher; but BG3 has set the tone with the amount of impactful decisions that can made in the game. The dialogue will change depending who you have in your party. The sense of urgency is created with a very rich and changing story. All in all, BG3 has truly defined the standard of how games should be developed and released. BG3 has captivated me with its amazing story, that I GET TO DECIDE HOW IT PLAYS.

Baldur's Gate 3 is truly one of the best games currently and foresee it lasting for years to come. I have loved every bit of this game, and know you will too. May the roll be in your favor, and have fun!

In writing this review, it is genuinely difficult to recommend either a concrete "yes" or "no". In the countless hours I have spent playing this game on console, eventually making my way to the PC port; I have genuinely had a "love-hate relationship" with this game. From the original release of this game to the time writing of this review, I have seen monumental "highs" and rock bottom "lows" within the community.

Firstly, if you are looking for a rich, embodied, and spectacular story line, I would advise NOT purchasing this game. At the time of this review, I have come across MANY people who are beginning this game, or returning from a long hiatus; who are lost in the current story line. As you can see, "Destiny 2: Lightfall" is the latest major expansion as of this review. This game will also release seasonal story content to maintain player continuity and ATTEMPT to continue the story after completion. However, the story content does NOT engage players in the rather drastic outcomes or events this expansion leads up to. You seemingly enter a different plot arc in seasonal stories and are left to wait for the next major expansion release.

Secondly, if you are NOT looking for a game that will snag your money more than your taxes do, I would also NOT recommend this game. In this game there is a multitude of transmog, weapon skins, emotes, etc you can purchase with actual money. This system is rather straight foward, the Store offers a weekly, and daily offer on items to purchase within the game, no loot boxes or crates. Starting in Destiny 2: Lightfall you are now required to purchase "Dungeon Keys" if you did NOT purchase the "Annual Pass" too access high tier content. During each Season, as mentioned above, you are now able to purchase the ENTIRE pass. The Season Pass comes with various cosmetic items, in-game currencies, emotes, and an Exotic (highest tier) weapon. Because of the capability to purchase an Exotic weapon, Destiny 2: Lightfall is now considered to some pay-to-win.

Despite some shortfalls listed above, Destiny 2: Lightfall is a rather fleshed out first person shooter. The game feels very good on both keyboard/mouse and controller peripherals. The UI and graphics are good. Some areas within this game outshine its competitors (level design, music soundtrack, and lore). The overall gun play and 3 classes (and perspective abilities) are phenomenal, allowing various play-styles that can make or break intense encounters. The foundation of this game is broken by PVE and PVP content. PVE content engages players from a variety of ludacriously easy content to very difficult, mechanic based encounters. High tier PVE content will genuinely put players to the test on not only how well they can communicate, but also how they can grasp different level mechanics in order to complete high tier events. Destiny 2 has truly excelled in this aspect with the 6-player "Raid" content. These Raids are top-tier, pinnacle events that truly give the most memorable, and sometimes frustrating moments in my gaming history. PVP content is relatively explanatory. However has interestingly not received as much praise from the community as a whole recently. There has been no new maps add to the rotation, meta shifts occur each season, with what seems to be minimal balancing in the different weapon archetypes in this game. There are two PVP events that tests players competitive capabilities, but are two the same events that were released at the start of this franchise with no fundamental changes. I personally believe that D2 PVP was never made to compete at a professional level, however that does not mean its not capable of giving you some satisfying moments.

All in all, despite my personal hiatus' and inevitable returns to this game, this game will have a place in my heart. I played the beta of the first game and have been hooked since. If you are reading this and contemplating purchasing this for the first time or looking to get back into the franchise, I hope this review was helpful.

Thanks!