Senaste recensioner av PharaohSteve

As a former Overwatch player who eventually burned out from the intense meta adherence and rigid character choices, Marvel Rivals has been a breath of fresh air. The game strikes a great balance, offering a roster where nearly every character feels viable in most team compositions. While you’re rewarded for utilizing team bonuses through strategic character combinations, you’re not forced into overly restrictive setups, which keeps matches engaging and less stressful.

The sound and art design are top-notch, staying true to the Marvel universe. Every character looks and feels authentic, and the variety of skins adds another layer of customization. Even better, the default skins are so well-designed that you don’t feel compelled to spend money unless you really want to.

The decision to go free-to-play was brilliant. Matches are quick to find, ensuring an active player base, and the microtransactions are purely cosmetic, meaning you can fully enjoy the game without spending a dime. For players like me who value fair monetization, this is a huge plus.

It’s clear that the developers genuinely love the Marvel IP. Just a month after release, we’re already seeing exciting updates, like the addition of four new characters in the Fantastic Four update. It’s great to see such strong post-launch support, and it gives me confidence in the game’s longevity.

If you’re a fan of Marvel or team-based games, Marvel Rivals is absolutely worth checking out. It combines fun, flexibility, and respect for its source material in a way that feels both fresh and inviting.

There are moments when I wish Steam allowed for more nuanced scoring, as Final Fantasy Rebirth is a game I wholeheartedly recommend—but with significant caveats.

The gameplay remains a standout of the remake trilogy. Materia abilities, synchrony mechanics, and summons are endlessly fun to experiment with, allowing for unique and creative combos. On top of that, the visuals are breathtaking—battles light up the screen with dazzling animations that never fail to impress. However, this brilliance is often overshadowed by the game’s biggest flaw: pacing.

Too often, the game’s momentum comes to a screeching halt for extended, mandatory minigame segments with clunky mechanics. These diversions can last up to an hour and completely derail the immersive flow of the story and gameplay. Starting the game on my PS5 Pro, I played about ten hours before deciding to wait for the PC release. Returning to it reminded me how tedious the opening hours can be. It’s hard to ignore moments where the grand, sweeping score builds an atmosphere of high-stakes action, only for the game to force you into something mundane like vacuuming or crawling at a snail’s pace. These segments feel unnecessarily drawn out and will frustrate anyone with limited gaming time.

As a long-time fan of Final Fantasy VII, going back to its original PS1 release, and a big supporter of the first entry in the remake trilogy, I had high expectations for Rebirth. While the story continues to deliver, and the core gameplay is phenomenal, the poorly paced, momentum-killing sections hold this game back from achieving its full potential.

For fans of the series, this is still a worthwhile experience, especially if you can overlook some of its glaring flaws. But for those with limited patience or time, be prepared for some rough patches on this otherwise brilliant journey. A little more focus and polish could have made this one of the all-time greats.

Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League stands as a testament to the importance of forming your own opinion or seeking out trustworthy independent reviewers rather than solely relying on mainstream media coverage. Despite unfair treatment from many outlets, this game shines with brilliance that deserves recognition.

Right from the start, it's evident that this isn't just another rushed cash grab on the Arkham license. The production quality is exceptional, boasting stunning art direction, immersive sound design, and stellar voice acting that brings each character to life with remarkable authenticity.

While some players may find the missions repetitive, the game encourages experimentation with a vast array of weapons, armor sets, and perks. This diversity adds layers of variety to mission completion, ensuring that each playthrough feels fresh and engaging. Whether you're testing out new loadouts or mastering different strategies, there's always something new to discover.

Completing the main story in under 20 hours left me hungry for more, and luckily there's ample side content and endgame challenges awaiting exploration. The journey doesn't end with the credits; it's an ongoing adventure to fully max out the squad and acquire outrageous weapons and armor sets, keeping players hooked for hours on end.

But perhaps the game's crowning achievement lies in its captivating narrative. Featuring beloved characters from the iconic Arkham series and introducing new members of the Justice League with fantastic voice acting and writing, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League delivers a story that's not only gripping but also emotionally resonant. Each character feels fully realized, with their own arcs and motivations that add depth to the overall narrative.

If this were a DCEU movie or TV series, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League would undoubtedly be hailed as a triumph. Its combination of stellar production values, engaging gameplay mechanics, and compelling storytelling make it a must-play for any fan of the genre. So, don't let the mainstream media's unfair coverage deter you; dive into the world of Suicide Squad for yourself - this is not one to miss.

Payday 3 - the latest in the heist game scene. Solo, the story's not exactly a blockbuster, but it's not barebones either - just somewhere in the middle. The real magic kicks in when you bring your buddies along.

Now, Payday 3 decided to take it easy compared to the old crew. They dialed down the difficulty, which means more laughs and fewer sweat-inducing try-hard moments when you're rolling with friends. It's all about camaraderie and good times.

In a nutshell, Payday 3 is the go-to for heists with your crew. It's all about accessibility, diversity, and those moments that make you chuckle. So, if you're up for cooperative fun and some serious laughs, Payday 3 is the game to play. It's like a heist hangout with your pals - pure entertainment!

In the world of racing simulation, iRacing stands as a true gem that, while criticized for its cost, offers an unparalleled experience for dedicated racers. The notion of expensive add-on content and subscription fees fades when you realize the immense value it provides. Spending around $10 to $15 for new cars and tracks may seem like a minor investment when you consider the hundreds, or even thousands, of hours you're likely to pour into iRacing if it captures your heart.

The real magic of iRacing unfolds in its multiplayer competition. The skill-based matchmaking system elevates the experience, ensuring you're pitted against racers of similar skill levels. The result is a thrilling and fair competition that keeps you coming back for more. What's more, the iRacing community exudes positivity, thanks to the paywall and stringent penalties that discourage the trolling often seen in console racing titles like Forza. In iRacing, the focus remains on pure, high-quality racing.

While the graphics may not dazzle like the latest Forza or Gran Turismo titles, they are more than adequate. What truly elevates the experience are the intricate world details and liveries from Trading Paints. They create an immersive environment that quickly makes you forget any graphical limitations.

One of iRacing's standout features is its license system, a near-perfect mechanism that enables simmers to forge a career path while witnessing tangible progression in their skills, the tracks they race on, and the cars they drive. Achieving a promotion in iRacing is a genuinely satisfying experience, as it reflects the clean and skillful driving that got you there.

iRacing is the epitome of the racing simulation genre. Its cost is justifiable when you consider the value it offers, and its multiplayer competition, positive community, and skill-based matchmaking make it a standout in the field. While the graphics may not compete with newer titles, the immersion factor is through the roof. And, the license system, with its focus on skill progression, adds an element of achievement that's hard to match in the world of racing games. For anyone passionate about racing, iRacing is an investment that's well worth making.

Having spent over 70 hours in the captivating universe of Starfield, I can confidently say that Bethesda's latest creation has not disappointed in delivering a truly expansive and engaging space exploration experience and it is by far the most polished experience to ever come out of Bethesda Game Studios.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this game is its seemingly endless stream of side quests and activities that continue to reveal themselves even after hours of play. It's a testament to the depth and breadth of content that Starfield offers, ensuring that players are never at a loss for things to do or discover.

Perhaps the most intriguing feature is the "New Game+" mode, which introduces a premise I've never encountered before in gaming. It adds a unique twist to the gameplay, inviting players to revisit the cosmos with a fresh perspective and opportunity to revisit old challenges and make different decisions, ensuring that the adventure remains exciting and unpredictable even after the initial playthrough.

My biggest concern about Starfield prior to release was that the game would be held back by Bethesda's aging game engine and clunky FPS combat, I WAS WRONG. The updated engine used for Starfield is incredible visually and the combat has layers I can't even discuss because of major spoilers, what I can comfortably say is that everything feels so polished and where there are opportunities there's probably already a great community mod to address it (shoutout to StarUI).

One of my personal highlights is the freedom to interact with the game's vast array of spacecraft. Whether it's designing and building my own ships, purchasing them from dealers, or even engaging in piracy against NPC pilots, the versatility in ship-related activities adds layers of excitement and strategy to the game that is already full of other great content to engage with.

When it comes to flying and combat within the game, Starfield offers an enjoyable arcade-style experience. While it may not fully simulate the complexities of piloting a spaceship from a cockpit, the controls are accessible and the combat is a blast. It strikes a balance that caters to both veteran gamers and those new to the genre.

While some may argue that the universe in Starfield isn't as vast as titles like Elite Dangerous, Star Citizen, or No Man's Sky, what truly sets it apart is the richness of its story content. Bethesda has crafted a narrative that delves deep into the lore of the universe, making each discovery and interaction feel meaningful and engaging. It's a trade-off that gives Starfield a distinct identity in the world of space exploration games.

Starfield is a cosmic odyssey that lives up to the hype. With its abundance of content, unique New Game+ mode, ship customization options, and a narrative-rich universe, it offers an unforgettable space exploration experience. While it may not compete in sheer scale with some of its counterparts, the depth of storytelling more than makes up for it. Starfield is a shining star in the realm of space exploration games, beckoning players to embark on a journey of discovery and adventure among the stars.

Baldur's Gate 3 provides players with a depth of choice and complexity. The character creation system allows for diverse avatars, each with unique skills and motivations. Melding classic isometric RPG mechanics with modern advancements, the game features engaging turn-based combat and intricate dialogue systems, demanding strategic thinking and careful decision-making.

The game's visuals are a spectacle to behold. Meticulously crafted environments, ranging from bustling cities to perilous dungeons, are brimming with detail. Characters and spell effects contribute to the immersive ambiance, enveloping players in the world. Baldur's Gate 3 seamlessly integrates with the established lore, showcasing a dedication to world-building that enhances the experience.

Staying true to the series, Baldur's Gate 3 presents a grand yet intimate narrative. Players become entangled in a tale of celestial conflict and personal struggle, shaping their journey through morally complex decisions. The writing introduces memorable characters and challenges players' beliefs, adding depth and engagement to the experience.

BG3 lives up to its legacy, fusing classic RPG elements with modern design. Its intricate gameplay, stunning visuals, and captivating narrative result in a memorable adventure. While acknowledging the game's earlier Early Access state, it's now a refined gem that RPG enthusiasts can fully enjoy. As it stands, Baldur's Gate 3 is a testament to the power of both nostalgia and innovation and the developers have already shown a commitment to supporting the title for the long run with substantial updates based off player feedback.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre game draws inspiration from the iconic horror film, offering players a survival horror experience that mirrors the intense atmosphere of the original.

Players can take on the role of victims trying to escape Leatherface and his family, or as the horrific family themselves, creating a tense and suspenseful gameplay centered around puzzles and evasion. The environments and sound design contribute significantly to the game's eerie and horrifying ambiance.

While the graphics pay homage to the film's gritty visuals, the game prioritizes raw horror over a complex narrative. The experience successfully captures the source material's essence, delivering an anxiety-inducing gameplay.

However, the reliance on jump scares and repetitive elements might lead to desensitization over time. Personally, I found the gameplay of the Friday the 13th game more appealing due to its emphasis on teamwork, objectives, and the unique role of Jason Voorhees.

Fans of the franchise will find themselves immersed in the world of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, appreciating the authenticity the game strives to achieve. While I did prefer the Friday the 13th game more, I do still enjoy TSCM very much and think it's a must have for any fans of this genre of games.

The Punch Club series continues to be one of the most charming franchises in gaming.

You don't need to play PC1 in order to enjoy PC2, but you'll be rewarded for doing so with many Easter eggs and callbacks to the first game in the series.

The quality of life improvements in this game make it much easier to spend your time exploring the city as you no longer are fighting off stat decay.

There's so many offensive and defensive move sets available, and the fighting styles and perks really add another dimension to the gameplay as you can properly prepare for your opponents by reading their fighter cards and getting a glimpse into their movesets and abilities.

It took me around 14 hours to finish the game, but I don't personally think I'll go through a 2nd playthrough to pick up the last 10 achievements I missed. The game is worth the cost of entry at full price as it's one of the most unique gaming experiences available - we don't get many games like this anymore.

Very disappointed that I have to leave a negative review as I was enjoying the story, but this game is such a technical mess that I decided it was better for me to just request a refund and watch a YouTube playthrough to pick up the story bits.

The game is such a mess that the framerate even drops on the main menu. Moving from room to room you get stutters and complete gamestopping hitches. The final nail in the coffin for me was that autosaves the game created simply refuse to load which forced me to go back to a manual save that would have caused me to go through another hour of the game I had already played.

I can't help but think these problems only get worse as the game goes on so I'm just going to bow out now before I get too invested and can't get my money back.

For the record, I have a RTX 3090, 64 GB of DDR5 RAM and an i5-13600K.