Recent reviews by [V]inny

"Black Myth: Wukong" is a highly anticipated action RPG that blends the challenging and intricate gameplay of the Soulslike genre with the rich tapestry of Chinese mythology. Developed by Game Science, this game offers a unique experience that not only pays homage to classics like "Dark Souls" and "Elden Ring" but also introduces its own flavor, deeply rooted in the legendary tale of the Monkey King, Sun Wukong.

Gameplay and Combat Mechanics

At its core, "Black Myth: Wukong" retains the hallmarks of the Soulslike genre: unforgiving combat, intricate enemy patterns, and a deep sense of accomplishment that comes with every hard-fought victory. The game’s combat system is reminiscent of "Elden Ring" in its fluidity and responsiveness but adds a layer of complexity with Wukong's unique abilities.

Players can transform into various forms, each with its own set of abilities and strengths. This mechanic adds a strategic depth that distinguishes "Black Myth: Wukong" from its predecessors. While in "Dark Souls," players might rely on a mix of melee, magic, and ranged attacks, "Black Myth: Wukong" encourages experimentation with different forms to overcome the game's many challenges. This dynamic approach to combat makes each encounter feel fresh and engaging, as players must adapt to their enemies and environments.

Difficulty and Challenge

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the difficulty. Soulslike games are notorious for their punishing difficulty, and "Black Myth: Wukong" is no exception. From the very first encounter, it's clear that this game demands patience, precision, and skill. Every death feels like a lesson learned, as you analyze enemy patterns, perfect your timing, and strategize your approach.

However, unlike "Dark Souls," where the bleak and oppressive atmosphere often intensifies the challenge, "Black Myth: Wukong" balances its difficulty with moments of awe-inspiring beauty. The game's environments are breathtaking, offering a stark contrast to the brutal combat. Whether you're traversing ancient forests, scaling towering mountains, or exploring mystical temples, the sheer artistry of the world design provides a welcome respite from the relentless difficulty.

Boss Design and Visuals

The bosses in "Black Myth: Wukong" are nothing short of spectacular. Each one is a towering testament to the game’s stunning visual design and attention to detail. From demonic beasts to celestial warriors, the variety and creativity on display are astounding. The boss fights are reminiscent of the epic scale found in "Elden Ring," where each encounter feels like a monumental event.

But what sets "Black Myth: Wukong" apart is the cultural authenticity infused into each design. The bosses are not just obstacles; they are embodiments of Chinese mythology, brought to life with an incredible sense of grandeur and menace. As you engage in these battles, it's hard not to be awed by the intricate animations, the fluid combat, and the sheer scale of these mythological beings.

Story and World-Building

While "Dark Souls" and "Elden Ring" are known for their cryptic storytelling and fragmented lore, "Black Myth: Wukong" offers a more structured narrative, grounded in the legendary tale of Sun Wukong. The story is rich with references to Chinese folklore, yet it remains accessible to players unfamiliar with the source material. The world is alive with history and culture, and as you progress, you uncover the deeper layers of the narrative, revealing a story that is both epic and personal.

The game's world is vast and interconnected, much like the open world of "Elden Ring," but it feels distinctly different due to its cultural roots. The landscapes are diverse and meticulously crafted, with each area offering its own unique challenges and rewards. The sense of exploration is ever-present, and like in other Soulslike games, players are often rewarded for venturing off the beaten path.

Comparison to Other Soulslike Games

Comparing "Black Myth: Wukong" to giants like "Dark Souls" and "Elden Ring" is inevitable, given the similarities in gameplay mechanics and design philosophy. However, where "Dark Souls" is defined by its oppressive atmosphere and gothic horror, and "Elden Ring" by its vast, open world and freedom of exploration, "Black Myth: Wukong" carves out its own identity through its deep connection to Chinese mythology and its innovative combat mechanics.

The transformation abilities of Wukong add a layer of depth not seen in other Soulslike titles, encouraging players to think outside the box and approach each encounter with a flexible mindset. Additionally, the game’s stunning visuals and art direction set it apart, creating an experience that is as visually captivating as it is challenging.

Conclusion

"Black Myth: Wukong" is a masterpiece in the making, a game that takes the best elements of the Soulslike genre and infuses them with fresh ideas and a unique cultural perspective. It is a game that challenges you, frustrates you, and ultimately rewards you in ways that few others can. While the difficulty is undoubtedly high, it’s the kind of challenge that drives you to improve, to adapt, and to persevere.

Whether you’re a seasoned Soulslike veteran or a newcomer to the genre, "Black Myth: Wukong" offers an experience that is both familiar and refreshingly new. It’s a game where every death feels like a step closer to mastery, where every boss defeat feels like a true accomplishment, and where every moment spent in its breathtaking world is a reminder of why we love video games.

The First Descendant has garnered a lot of attention and, unfortunately, quite a bit of misinformation, especially regarding its cash shop and so-called pay-to-win aspects. Let's set the record straight: all heroes, or "descendants," are obtainable within the game through farming and gathering the necessary resources. Yes, you can purchase them if you wish, but don't be misled into thinking that paying is the only option. This system is very similar to other games in the genre, particularly Warframe, where the core structure revolves around unlocking characters through gameplay.

The game is currently in early access, and it's not without its flaws. However, considering it's free to play, The First Descendant offers a satisfying experience of running, shooting, and looting. Should you invest real money into it? That’s entirely up to you. The game does not force you to spend, and you can enjoy the full experience without opening your wallet.

One significant issue that needs addressing is the anti-cheat system, which has been causing performance problems for some PC players. While I haven't personally encountered this issue, it's evident that it affects the community's overall experience and perception of the game.

In summary, The First Descendant is a promising title with a lot to offer, especially for fans of games like Warframe. It's not perfect, but it's free and fun. Just be mindful of the current anti-cheat issues, and you should have a great time diving into this new world of action and adventure.

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Nightingale, a game set in a magical world within the Victorian steampunk era, offers a compelling vision that is unfortunately overshadowed by its current state. The game's concept is intriguing, but its execution leaves much to be desired. At this stage, playing Nightingale may not provide the experience the developers intended.

The game's world is rich with potential, but technical issues mar it. The game feels unpolished, laggy, and broken, which detracts from the immersive experience. The animation could be more problematic, making the game feel clunky and unfinished.

One suggestion for improvement is to implement separate profiles for single-player and online play. This would allow players to enjoy the game offline without the issues that arise from online play.

Despite these shortcomings, there is hope for Nightingale. The potential is evident, and with more patches and work, the game could become the experience the developers envisioned. For now, however, it may be best to wait for further updates before purchasing the game.

In conclusion, Nightingale has a promising concept but is hindered by technical issues. It is worth keeping an eye on for future improvements, but for now, it may not be worth playing in its current state.

The Pokemon game we never asked for but deserved! Nintendo and Game Freak please take notes

"Clicker Guardians: A Triumph in the Idle Gaming Realm"

Clicker Guardians stands out as a triumphant addition to the clicker "idle" genre, presenting a delightful blend of traditional mechanics and innovative features. The game introduces engaging systems like crafting, companions, and skill trees, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

One of the standout aspects of Clicker Guardians is its intricate crafting system. Players can invest time in creating various items, adding a layer of strategic depth to the otherwise simple clicker gameplay. The inclusion of companions further enriches the experience, allowing for unique alliances and strategic partnerships that enhance progression.

The inclusion of skill trees adds a welcome element of personalization to the gameplay. Players can tailor their character's abilities to suit their preferred playstyle, providing a sense of agency in the progression journey. This thoughtful addition ensures that the game caters to a diverse audience with different gaming preferences.

While micro transactions are present, they don't overshadow the overall enjoyment of the game. Clicker Guardians strikes a balance by offering a fair amount of in-game currency through rewards and quests, allowing players to progress at their own pace without feeling pressured to spend real money. This approach ensures that both free-to-play enthusiasts and those willing to invest in the game can find enjoyment without compromising the experience.

In conclusion, Clicker Guardians successfully builds upon the foundations of the clicker "idle" genre, providing a refreshing and entertaining gaming experience. The incorporation of crafting, companions, and skill trees adds depth, ensuring that players will find themselves captivated for an extended period. Whether you're a casual player or a dedicated gamer, Clicker Guardians offers a satisfying journey that can be enjoyed at your own pace.

Get it; you'll know it'll be worked on forever because Valve can't count to 3 :')

An actual Survival game where you gather material and fend off waves of mobs, and the replayability is surprising. Where you "power up" is from what you gather from materials around you, and it allows you to focus and master a specific skill or item.
Yes, it's still early, but I'm having fun and can't wait to see what else they have installed!

Please support these devs and help us create something great.

Edit:

I thought this was raw and no where near finished...not even close...

It's still freaking MOooo"ing

If you've played Dorfromantik or the infamous Islander, then this would be the next game to add to your collection..
I feel like this combination of both of these games, it's simple yet very rewarding for those who seek to go beyond and carefully plan out their journey.
The music and vibrant pops of colours really draws you in along side with the cute small little animation details as your world grows.
It's def worth to at least try it out..

** BE WARNED**

I'd say you can just try it and refund it within 2 hours.. but.. I was 5 hours in too deep before I realised it was too late .. xD

Jokes aside its a great game to relax and just unwind and get lost in.

Yes