I know what you probably want to read. Me complaining about the microtransactions. Yes, they're egregious and you'll get no argument from me. My review is about functionality and replay factor so for those that may be interested and want to hear something other than negative complaints....

I originally preordered this game on PS5. I thought it was a polished release in terms of bug presence and functionality. Server queues are something else and only ever noticed those queues at launch and when season 2 released which for that in particular was not a long troubleshoot. I don't have any problems with hitching, stuttering or crashing and my rig is straight AMD for reference. I have seen videos of bugs in season 2 but it has not happened to me like that. Sometimes there's jank like in ragdoll effects but it's comedic, not serious.

For those with midrange to low-end PCs that want to know if it's playable, it has DLSS, FSR and XesS so hopefully that helps you make a choice on what you can expect from beyond the minimum/recommended system requirements.

Now, Season 2. I stopped playing before season 1 started, and once I saw how that season transpired I didn't log on for months. Well season 2 has an allure to it. It draws me in. It makes me lose track of time. There is stuff to do that keeps me entertained and doesn't make me want to log off after a short amount of time! That was my experience up to season 2 and why I didn't care to log on in all that time. The vampire harvest and the more frequent events keep it much more engaging than before. For the first time I have some hope in this game.

The quality of life changes in a short amount of time which people perceived to be a lost cause, I give credit to the devs because I know it's not easy trying to do good by the game and the suits managing the finances of your studio as well as questionable leadership choices don't treat your work like the passion project you created it as. I don't find this game to be soulless, but it was a strong affinity before season 2 all the way back to launch with how shameless these microtransactions have become. It is still that way since you don't even get the platinum back you spent for the battle pass for items that don't really look that cool. Not a game I'm interested in spending any more money in but from a playable standpoint, this has positives going for it.

It's a 7 for me, and that's because those microtransactions really are that egregious. The rest of the game is taking shape and I have positive stuff to say about it but this is also the largest publisher in all of gaming so having anything below high standards for this company is not a sensible position to take. These changes should have been done before season 1. Season 1 and the patch the week before it is why everyone quit. I'm sure they know that and the massive cost of player pop that reminded them of it.

Straight up, if this game drops below $50, I think its worth a look. But even discounted its a steep price for a game with this egregious of microtransactions and a battle pass. I only recommend it because its functional and its got replayability currently. If the other stuff bothers you, it is valid in your decision making.

Enjoy and game on friends. Hope this helps you...