Recent reviews by Nickromeo999

Once Human - Ambitious but Rough Around the Edges

Rating: 6/10

Once Human offers an intriguing concept with its blend of survival and action elements, but the game struggles with some significant issues that affect the overall experience.

Gameplay and Mechanics:

The core idea behind Once Human—a survival game set in a post-apocalyptic world where players must fight off mutated creatures and manage resources—has a lot of potential. The combat system is engaging, and the crafting mechanics can be satisfying when you get them right. However, the gameplay can often feel repetitive. The game’s pacing is uneven, with some survival elements feeling more like chores than challenges. The mechanics also have a bit of a learning curve that can be frustrating, especially if you’re not familiar with similar survival games.

Graphics and Performance:

Graphically, Once Human has moments of visual appeal with its atmospheric environments and detailed character models. However, the overall polish is inconsistent. You might encounter graphical glitches or performance issues, especially on lower-end systems. The game’s world is expansive and detailed, but it occasionally feels empty or lacks the level of refinement you might expect from a modern title.

Story and Immersion:

The narrative in Once Human is somewhat lacking. While the premise is promising, the storytelling doesn’t quite hit the mark. The plot can feel disjointed and the character development is minimal, which makes it hard to become fully invested in the world. The lore and backstory are interesting but not always well-integrated into the gameplay, leaving you with a sense of missed potential.

Content and Longevity:

The game offers a decent amount of content with various survival challenges, crafting options, and exploration. However, the longevity of the game can be questionable. After the initial novelty wears off, you might find the gameplay loop becoming repetitive, and the lack of meaningful progression or variety can lead to diminishing returns over time.

Overall Experience:

Once Human shows promise with its ambitious design and interesting concept, but it falls short in execution. The repetitive gameplay, inconsistent graphics, and underwhelming narrative detract from what could have been a standout survival experience. If you’re a fan of the genre and willing to overlook some rough edges, it might be worth a try, but it’s not likely to be a game-changer.

In summary, Once Human is an ambitious attempt at a survival game that delivers some engaging moments but is held back by several issues. It’s a solid 6/10—an average experience with potential that doesn’t fully realize its vision.

Rating: 7.5/10

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Ultimate Edition offers a reimagined take on the classic franchise, and while it certainly has its moments of brilliance, it’s not without its flaws. This Ultimate Edition enhances the original game with improved visuals and additional content, but the experience is a bit of a mixed bag.

Visuals and Presentation:

Visually, the Ultimate Edition makes a strong impression with its high-definition graphics and detailed environments. The gothic aesthetic is striking, and the improved textures and lighting add a modern polish to the game. However, there are instances where the visuals can feel a bit dated, especially when compared to other contemporary titles. Despite this, the art design and atmospheric elements still contribute to an engaging and immersive world.

Story and Narrative:

The story of Lords of Shadow is ambitious, aiming to offer a fresh take on the Castlevania lore. Gabriel Belmont’s quest for vengeance and redemption is compelling, with a narrative that is both grand and personal. The voice acting is generally solid, with notable performances from Patrick Stewart and Robert Carlyle. However, some of the plot twists and character developments can feel somewhat predictable or melodramatic, which might detract from the overall impact of the story for some players.

Gameplay and Mechanics:

The gameplay in Lords of Shadow is a highlight, featuring a combat system that is both deep and satisfying. The ability to perform a variety of combos and special moves makes battles enjoyable and engaging. However, the game’s pacing can sometimes feel uneven, with some sections dragging on longer than necessary. The platforming and puzzle-solving elements are a nice addition, but they can occasionally feel repetitive and less inspired compared to the combat.

Content and Extras:

The Ultimate Edition includes all the DLCs and additional content, which is a significant bonus. These extras add new story chapters and challenges, enriching the game and extending its replay value. While this content is appreciated, some of it feels like it was designed to pad out the experience rather than offer substantial new gameplay or narrative elements.

Overall Experience:

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow Ultimate Edition is a game with a lot of potential and several standout moments, but it doesn’t fully realize all of its ambitions. The improved visuals and added content are definite pluses, but the game’s pacing issues, occasional predictability in the narrative, and repetitive elements hold it back from being a true masterpiece.

For fans of the series or those interested in a reimagined take on the Castlevania franchise, it’s worth checking out. However, it may not captivate everyone or stand the test of time as a classic. It’s a solid 7.5/10 – a good game with moments of greatness, but not without its imperfections.

Great game like the original a bit short tho

Lots of fun, i find this game extremely satisfying to speed run