Recent reviews by Blu

If you like XCOM and want more of it this game will satisfy that itch. However folks should be aware that it does change parts of the 'standard' XCOM formula - and not always in ways that are appreciated. There are also a few bugs here or there, but nothing re-loading a save couldn't fix.

If you want some more XCOM and are craving a few tweaks to keep things fresh this should be your cup of tea.

Mankind Divided provides a ton of improvements over its predecessor. From new augmentations, a more nuanced storyline, and new game modes, everything I loved about HR has been tweaked and enhanced in MD.

The level design has been vastly improved as well, with different playstyles being truly represented in every mission. You can be a hacker, pacifist or go in guns blazing and you are no longer penalized with less xp. It genuinely feels good no matter what kind of playstyle you choose now, which is a far cry from the problems of HR.

For those worried about microtransactions within the game, they are literally just praxis kits and in-game credits for those people that aren't willing to explore the city in its entirety. You are not at a disadvantage if you do not purchase these items, because the game was designed assuming that you haven't.

If you really are interested in getting all of the augmentations in a play through you can always play through with New Game+.

The Darkness provides a distraction for anyone looking for some decent gunplay and demonic eviscerating. It does get stale quite quickly though, and the plot can sometimes be frontloaded to a degree that gets annoying (basically anytime you enter your mansion).

All in all, if you can grab the game for $5 or less it might be worth the 3 or so hours you'll spend on it.

Open world car games are difficult to get right, in the case of Criterion's Burnout Paradise they unfortunately get it wrong.

Long gone are the fun car crash game types that have you destroy as much property as possible, instead replaced with a straightforward racing game that feels like a diluted version of past titles.

The cars drive just fine, although playing with a controller is almost a necessity. The gameplay falls short though, as takedowns feel limp and winning races doesn't feel satisfying.

If you're looking to just roam around and play a few races here or there this might be some fun, but it doesn't have lasting appeal like the older Burnout titles did.

Packed with wit and charm, Thomas Was Alone will take you on an adventure of friendship, love, and sacrifice - all with geometric blocks and platforming.

The puzzles are somewhat simplistic, so if you're looking for a game to really wrack your brain at this may not be it. The levels are rewarding though, and pace themselves in such a way that you'll always know what block does what and how it interacts with the environment.

Thomas Was Alone's soundtrack also masterfully tugs are your heartstring with a subdued and minimalist soundtrack that motivates your progression.

For its cost, Thomas Was Alone is a terrific investment and a touching experience on par with games like Journey or Two Brothers.