Recent reviews by NBroadsword

(I am not sure what it states my playtime is 34 minutes, I assume a Steam bug?)

Civilization VII is, without a doubt, one of the most disappointing entries in the series. It feels like a massive step backward in almost every regard, from its lackluster UI to the baffling design choices that strip away what made previous Civilization games so engaging.

The user interface is clunky, unintuitive, and a chore to navigate. Basic information is either buried in submenus or presented in a way that makes quick decision making very frustrating. The color palette doesn't help either, everything looks dull, washed out, and uninspired compared to Civilization V and VI. The game lacks the vibrancy and distinct visual appeal that made previous entries stand out. Instead, it feels like the entire world is stuck in some depressing, greyed-out limbo? Hard to really explain. Even the 'fog of war' is a bit uninspired compared to CIV6.

One of the most egregious changes is the forced civilization evolution system. While dynamic civ progression could have been an exciting *optional* feature, making it mandatory ruins the experience. It removes the sense of identity and attachment that players build with their chosen civilization. Instead of carefully crafting a long-term strategy tailored to your chosen nation, you're forced to adapt to arbitrary changes, making the game feel less like Civilization and more like a confused imitation of Humankind.

The leader choices are another glaring issue. Many of the iconic figures from history that players loved are either missing or replaced by bizarre, uninspired picks that do little to excite or encourage continued play. When the roster of leaders fails to inspire, it only reinforces the feeling that this game lacks the heart and soul of its predecessors.

Beyond the gameplay issues, Civilization VII just feels unfinished. Performance problems, inconsistent AI behavior, and a general lack of polish make it seem more like an early-access title than a full release. It’s baffling that the developers thought this was ready for launch. Instead of refining what made Civilization great, they’ve decided to experiment in ways that alienate long-time fans while failing to attract new players.

At this point, it’s hard to recommend Civilization VII to anyone. If you’re a longtime fan of the series, you’ll likely be frustrated by the unnecessary changes and lack of polish. If you’re new to the franchise, you’d be better off playing Civilization VI or even Civ V. This game needs serious, SERIOUS, reworking before it’s worth anyone’s time or money.

Avoid it.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard feels like a missed opportunity, an uninspired shadow of what fans have come to expect from the series. The game's attempt to follow in the footsteps of something like Hogwarts Legacy feels unfulfilled, with The Veilguard lacking the depth and compelling magic of previous Dragon Age titles.

One of the most glaring issues is the writing. Dialogue often comes across as preachy, as if the game is lecturing rather than allowing players to explore themes organically. There's an awkward fixation on social commentary that feels misplaced in a high-fantasy universe. For instance, the world is populated with heavy-handed mentions of "transgenderism," which, while valid in a real-world setting, feels forced in a realm where the organic exploration of identity has always been part of Dragon Age’s charm. The player is repeatedly subjected to perspectives that seem more interested in lecturing than in creating meaningful choices, resulting in a tone that’s more frustrating than immersive.

The combat and mechanics are decent, with impressive visuals and smooth frame generation that make for polished gameplay on a technical level. However, combat lacks the excitement and variety of other RPGs in the genre. It’s serviceable but not particularly memorable, with mechanics that feel just a step behind more modern titles.

Companions, a series hallmark, are one of The Veilguard’s biggest disappointments. Fans of Dragon Age have come to expect unique, multifaceted characters--companions with complex backstories and motivations that lead to unforgettable friendships or rivalries. Here, though, they feel one-dimensional and uninspired, lacking the depth or dynamism that would make players care about their journeys. It’s a low mark for the franchise and a particularly bitter blow, as companions have always been a core part of the Dragon Age experience. Even the writing for their banter is largely flat, making interactions feel more like filler than genuine relationships worth investing in.

Overall, Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a visually stunning yet lackluster entry. For a game bearing the Dragon Age name, it disappoints in nearly every area that matters most. While the graphics and technical performance are commendable, the weak story, hollow companion choices, and stale combat leave this game feeling like a pale imitation rather than the next evolution of the franchise.

Total War: Pharaoh had the potential to be a captivating addition to the Total War series, but unfortunately, it falls flat in more ways than one. While the game boasts visually pleasing art styles and well-designed battle maps, these aspects can't salvage the overall experience from its myriad of issues.

The gameplay in Total War: Pharaoh is nothing short of boring. The mechanics feel uninspired, and the overall progression lacks depth. The game fails to engage players in a meaningful way, with repetitive tasks and lackluster objectives that fail to capture the essence of strategic gameplay. There's a distinct lack of innovation, making it feel like a rehashed version of previous titles in the series. (i.e Thrones of Britannia, Troy)

The UI design is cluttered and confusing, making it a frustrating experience to navigate through menus and manage your empire. Important information is buried beneath layers of unnecessary complexity, making even simple tasks feel like a chore. A strategy game's UI should enhance the gaming experience, not hinder it, and in this regard, Total War: Pharaoh sorely disappoints.

One of the few redeeming qualities of the game is its art and art styles. The attention to detail in the environments and character designs is commendable. The ancient Egyptian and bronze age aesthetic is well-captured, bringing a visually appealing aspect to an otherwise lackluster game. However, great art can only carry a game so far when the core gameplay fails to deliver.

The battle maps in Total War: Pharaoh are well-crafted and thoughtfully designed. They offer a variety of terrains and strategic opportunities, adding a layer of depth to the otherwise monotonous battles. While the battles can be visually engaging, they can't compensate for the overall lack of excitement in the campaign gameplay. The outcome of a battle doesn't matter that much when you don't have interest in the game.

In conclusion, Total War: Pharaoh is a missed opportunity. Despite its commendable art and battle map design, the game is marred by its boring gameplay and cluttered UI. Fans of the Total War series might find some enjoyment in the visuals, but ultimately, the lack of innovation and engaging gameplay make this installment a forgettable experience. Save your time and money for a more rewarding strategy gaming experience elsewhere.

V Rising has managed to captivate me with its unique blend of vampire lore and open-world gameplay. As an immortal vampire waking up in a dark, unforgiving world, you are tasked with rebuilding your strength and conquering your surroundings. While the game is still in its early access stage, it shows immense potential that leaves me eagerly anticipating its future updates.

One of the standout features of V Rising is its immersive world. The game boasts a beautifully crafted gothic atmosphere, complete with haunting landscapes and atmospheric sound design. Exploring this dark realm feels both mysterious and thrilling, as you encounter various creatures and encounter challenges that push your vampire abilities to the limit.

The character progression system in V Rising is impressive, offering a wide range of abilities to enhance your vampire's powers. From transforming into a bat for swift aerial maneuvers to mastering ancient vampire magic, there are plenty of options to customize your playstyle and make your character feel unique. The sense of progression is satisfying, and the game rewards you for investing time in mastering your skills.

As you establish your presence in the world, you'll encounter other vampires who can be both allies and adversaries. The multiplayer aspect adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability, as you forge alliances or engage in intense PvP battles with other players. The social dynamics and player interactions contribute to the longevity of the game, making each playthrough a fresh and dynamic experience.

While V Rising is still in development, it's worth noting that the developers have been actively engaged with the community, taking feedback and implementing improvements. This dedication to refining the game based on player input is commendable and demonstrates a commitment to creating an exceptional experience.

However, it's important to keep in mind that the game is currently in early access, and as such, there may be occasional bugs and optimization issues. Nevertheless, the development team has been consistently addressing these concerns, and I'm confident that these minor setbacks will be ironed out as the game progresses towards its full release.

In conclusion, V Rising offers a captivating vampire adventure with a beautifully atmospheric world, deep character progression, and engaging multiplayer mechanics. If you have a fondness for vampire lore and enjoy exploring vast open worlds, I highly recommend giving V Rising a try. With its promising foundation and the active involvement of the developers, this is a game that holds immense potential for the future.

Total War: Warhammer 3 is a fantastic addition to the Total War franchise, offering players a deep and engaging strategy experience set in the iconic Warhammer universe. While the main campaign surrounding the Chaos Realms may not be as strong as some of the other campaigns, the game makes up for it with its excellent gameplay mechanics and a vast array of diverse factions to choose from.

One thing to note is that players will need to own both Warhammer 1 and 2 to access the Immortal Empires campaign, which can be seen as a drawback for some. However, the reward for investing in all three games is a truly epic experience that spans across all three titles and allows players to command vast armies and conquer entire empires.

Overall, Total War: Warhammer 3 is a must-play for any strategy or Warhammer fan. With its immersive gameplay, stunning visuals, and endless replayability, it's a game that will keep players engaged for countless hours.

While the team at Paradox have introduced some good new ideas for this DLC pack, they also introduced some old ideas...behind a paywall...

When Stellaris first released, three different types of travel were introduced. Warp, Hyperlane, and Wormhole. They all had advantages and disadvantages, but now you bring some of those back essentially with the Explorers having a weak Jump drive which was essentially what Warp Drives were in 1.0+

I cannot recommend buying this DLC at this price point with such limited content.

I want to recommend this game, but in its current state I cannot.

Constantly crashes/freezes to the point where I need to restart the PC to get a response. Once the bugs are fixed, I can come back for a proper review of this classic remake.

Probably only 1/3rd of the way through the game AND have barely been able to explore a lot of the world...there seems to be things everywhere! This game is an amazing open world experience that needs to be enjoyed as it is. A magically brilliant story.

It may not be the most perfect game ever, it does have weird bugs/glitches, but nothing that is game breaking thus far.

Only a few hours in and I am ALREADY hooked on this game D:

As an avid fan of the Victoria series, I was eagerly anticipating the release of Victoria 3, expecting a game that would take the grand strategy genre to new heights. However, upon playing it, I can't help but feel a sense of disappointment and longing for more. Victoria 3, while a promising foundation, currently feels like a barebones experience that lacks the depth and polish I had hoped for.

One of the most glaring issues is the limited military and war functions. As a player who enjoys the strategic aspect of warfare, I was taken aback by the lack of options and control during conflicts. The combat mechanics feel shallow and simplistic, reducing warfare to mere numbers and calculations rather than providing meaningful tactical decisions. The absence of intricate battle formations, specialized units, and diverse tactics leaves battles feeling lackluster and unengaging. It's disheartening to see such a crucial aspect of the game fall short.

Another major letdown is the poor AI. In a game that relies heavily on diplomacy and interactions between nations, the AI's lack of depth and intelligence becomes painfully apparent. Diplomatic negotiations often feel scripted and predictable, with AI nations failing to adapt to changing circumstances or employ strategic maneuvers. This undermines the immersion and challenges that should come with interacting with a dynamic and reactive world. The AI's inability to make meaningful decisions and respond appropriately to player actions diminishes the overall experience.

Furthermore, the game's overall content feels lacking, contributing to its barebone nature. While I understand that expanding a game of this scale takes time, the current state of Victoria 3 leaves much to be desired. The absence of robust features and mechanics that were present in previous installments of the series is keenly felt. The game's economy, politics, and social systems, which should be the driving forces behind the intricate web of interactions, are disappointingly simplified.

In conclusion, Victoria 3 shows promise as a successor to the beloved Victoria series, but it falls short in several critical areas. The limited military and war functions, the poor AI, and the overall barebone nature of the game leave players longing for more depth and complexity. While it's important to remember that games often evolve and improve over time with updates and expansions, as it stands now, Victoria 3 feels like an unfinished product awaiting the addition of crucial features to truly shine.