Facebook RSS TikTok Twitter Youtube
Facebook RSS TikTok Twitter Youtube
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Home Authors Posts by Cyberez

Cyberez

140 POSTS 0 COMMENTS

Punch Club: Pixel Knockout for Managers

Sport Strategy
By
Cyberez
-
Punch Club Feature Picture
Punch Club

Title: Punch Club
Developer: Lazy Bear Games
Publisher: tinyBuild
Released: January 8, 2016
Platforms Available: PC Game, Mac Game, Linux, iOS, Android, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Platform Reviewed: PC Game
Maturity: Teen
Total time spent on game: 38h; 100% Achieve at 30h mark
Reading Time: 7 minutes

Boxing Strategy and Pixels

My time with Punch Club has been a fascinating one, surpassing my initial expectations. The game’s unique blend of management simulation and box fighting, akin to a fighter simulator, kept me engaged as I balanced training, work, and combat in my quest to uncover my father’s killer. When I first started, the tutorial walked me through the basics, and it was easy to get the hang of things. Especially since it is a point-to-click game, it is pretty intuitive. You have to keep an eye on your character’s energy, hunger, and mood. It is pretty straightforward, but as the game goes on, it will get much more complex. The opponents naturally get more challenging, and I had to think more about how to spend my time in the game to be more efficient. I used no guides, so it is possible to narrow down the playtime a lot.

Training and Combat

In terms of combat, the game uses a turn-based system where you select your character’s abilities and tactics before the fight starts. During the fight, the fight itself is automatic. You don’t directly control the character with the keyboard during fights, as they play out automatically. The training aspect is the most important thing you have to focus on. It is split into different exercises that boost your strength, agility, and stamina. I remember focusing a lot on agility at one point, using the jump rope and speed bag cause I previously neglected it, which could have worked better. It felt good to see my character getting better in fights, but doing the same exercises repeatedly started to drag a bit. I wish for more variety in the training options, to be fair, and maybe they should be more interactive as well, cause you don’t really do much, nothing at all actually.

Skills and Strategy

The game has a skill tree, offering a pretty developed system for customizing your character’s abilities and strengths. The tree is divided into categories, allowing you to allocate earned skill points to enhance various aspects of your character. Each skill provides specific benefits, from improving combat prowess with special moves to optimizing stat growth and managing daily activities. The tree’s branching paths encourage strategic choices, of course, depending on your fight style.

Nostalgic Graphics

The graphics are done in this pixel art style that’s very nostalgic-like, and any retro gamer will appreciate it, I certainly did. The character sprites are detailed, and the different places you visit, like gyms and fight arenas, are full of little touches and pixelated animations which I loved. There’s a lot of color, and the visual effects during fights are pretty cool too, it gives you the 90’s arcade feeling. I played it on my PC, and it ran smoothly without any issues. The game isn’t demanding on your PC, so you don’t need a high-end setup to enjoy it fully.

Sound and Solo Play

The soundtrack is upbeat and perfectly fits the game’s vibe. The sound effects, like the punches and ambient noises, add a lot to the experience, but if you are not a fan of arcade-like games, you might find the sound effects dated. The game has limited voice acting since it primarily relies on text for dialogue and storytelling. Punch Club is a solo game, so there are no multiplayer aspects.

Replay Value

The main story took me about 12 hours to get through, but there were a bunch of side quests and activities that kept me busy. I found myself going back to try different career paths and make different choices. There are multiple endings, so there’s a reason to replay it. I eventually decided to go for 100% achievements on Steam, which I highly advise, since it will take you through the whole game on the way.

User Interface and Technical Performance

The user interface is clean and easy to use. Everything is laid out clearly, and it’s simple to navigate. There are subtitles and some basic accessibility options. Still, I did wish there were more control customization options, although it was more retro this way, so again it had its charm. Technically, the game is solid. I didn’t run into any crashes or significant bugs. It runs well on both PC and mobile, so you can play it on the go if you want.

Managers Experience

Playing Punch Club, I felt like I was really managing the life of this fighter. There were times when balancing everything felt like a real challenge, but that’s part of what makes the game engaging. On the flip side, the repetition in training did get to me after a while, so I expect it to feel like a bit of a grind at times. The game has some interesting bits, like discovering an underground fight club! I really enjoyed this aspect of the game, as it allowed me to live out the “Fight Club” movie, one of my favorite movies of all time. You will know what I mean if you are a fan, too.

No Microtransactions

No microtransactions; the game is a paid title. Once purchased, you can access the full content without any additional in-game purchases. Compared to other management sims, Punch Club stands out because of its fighting theme and unique style. It’s got a mix of elements that make it different from the usual sim games. The retro graphics and soundtrack give it a distinctive feel that I particularly enjoyed.

Overall Impression

Overall, Punch Club is a solid game with much to offer. It’s challenging, fun, and has a lot of replay value. While it can get grindy and some things could be improved, like control options, it’s definitely worth playing.

Where to Buy Punch Club


Steam (PC, Mac, Linux): Available for $9.99. You can purchase it directly from Steam at 80% discount on Steam until 11 July 2024!

Xbox Store (Xbox One): Available for $9.99. Check it out on the Xbox Store.

PlayStation Store (PS4): The game is priced at $9.99. You can find it on the PlayStation Store.

Nintendo eShop (Switch): Available for $14.99. Purchase it from the Nintendo eShop at 75% discount until 18 July 2024!

GOG (PC, Mac): Available for $9.99. Purchase it from GOG at 80% Discount on Steam until 10 July 2024!

App Store (iOS): Available for $4.99. Download it from the App Store.

Google Play (Android): Available for $4.99. Download it from Google Play.

Subreddit: Join the discussion on the Punch Club Subreddit.

Islands of Insight: A Puzzling Paradise with Minor Hiccups

Puzzle Adventure
By
Cyberez
-
Islands of Insight Feature Image
Islands of Insight

Title: Islands of Insight
Developer: Lunarch Studios
Publisher: Behaviour Interactive
Released: February 13, 2024
Platforms Available: PC Game
Platform Reviewed: PC Game
Maturity: Everyone
Reading Time: 7 minutes

Weplaygamesnet Youtube Channel: Islands of Insight – Melody Puzzles

An Etheric World of Puzzles

Islands of Insights is a standout in the gaming world, offering a unique open-world puzzle-adventure experience that even non-puzzle enthusiasts like myself found intriguing. The game’s beta version was released in September last year, followed by the full game on February 13, 2024. The world is a vibrant, colorful canvas, with graphics and attention to detail that are truly commendable. The soundtrack and effects, in perfect harmony with the gameplay, create a serene atmosphere, ideal for focusing on the puzzles.

The puzzles in Islands of Insights are cleverly designed and varied, so you always have something you’ll do. You’ll encounter logic puzzles that involve connecting dots or arranging different symbols. Most of them require certain strategies and some trial and error, as many will have specific rules you must follow. There are also light and shadow puzzles where you must position objects to form particular shapes on walls, auditory puzzles with melody matching sequences, seethrough mazes that you must navigate through, and many more. One feature I appreciated was the minimalistic HUD. It pushes you to pay attention to your surroundings and think critically about how to solve problems. While I got stuck at times, the game provides subtle hints that guide you without giving away the solution. The narrative is light, giving just enough context to the game, so you will be focusing on the puzzle-solving experience for the most part.

Skillful Progression and Social Aspect

The game also features a skill tree that allows you to unlock various abilities as you progress. This adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, as you can change the character’s skills to suit your puzzle-solving style. You use points earned during the game to purchase these upgrades, enhancing your abilities in various ways. You can also complete daily quests to earn more points, which encourages regular play and keeps the game fresh with new challenges.

Weplaygames.net Youtube Channel: Islands of Insight – Melody puzzles

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Islands of Insights is its multiplayer feature. This allows you to invite other players to join your party, adding a social element to the game. Together, you can work on solving puzzles or simply explore the vibrant world. The ability to collaborate and share the experience with friends enhances the overall enjoyment and introduces different perspectives on puzzle-solving. However, the lack of a chat feature is a noticeable absence.

Personalized Avatars and Extreme Challenges

Islands of Insights offers a unique feature that allows you to perceive your character’s appearance with various outfits, accessories, and colors. This not only makes your avatar truly unique but also enhances your immersion in the game world. Some outfits even come with minor gameplay benefits or thematic elements. You earn these customization options as you progress, complete quests, or solve particularly challenging puzzles. It’s a small but fun addition that lets you express your style and makes your journey through the game world more personal.

For those looking for a tougher challenge, the game offers extreme puzzles that push your skills to the limit. These puzzles often combine multiple elements like logic, light, and sound, requiring you to think outside the box and use everything you need. They’re not for the faint of heart and can take a lot of time to crack. I did not resolve any of the extreme ones since I did not want to cheat and use guides, and resolving it by myself would take way too much time. However, for players who enjoy a real brain-teaser, these extreme puzzles can provide a sense of accomplishment and mastery when solved.

Weplaygames.net Youtube Channel: Islands of Insight – Exploration gameplay

Minor Flaws and Areas for Improvement

There are bits of lore and story elements scattered throughout the game that you can piece together, but it could be worked on. These elements, when fully understood, add depth and context to the game’s world and characters. I missed some context occasionally and did not like the orb sound effects during the story narrations. It felt unpolished compared to the other details in the game. Another issue I encountered was the occasional drop in frame rate during more graphically intense, which wasn’t. It wasn’t game-breaking but did detract from the otherwise smooth experience.

Furthermore, some of the puzzles felt unnecessarily difficult without clear hints, which could be frustrating after spending a long time trying to figure them out. Getting stuck in the environment is also pretty standard, as is bugging through the floor, getting stuck between rocks, etc. However, devs did implement an easy solution to combat this issue, the unstuck button. This feature, when activated, will reset your character’s position to a safe location, effectively getting you out of any sticky situation. But overall, improvements could still be made. Devs are actively working on the game, so we could expect these issues to be fixed in the future.

A Promising Future

From what I learned, the game was developed by a small indie team, which made it much more impressive in my eyes. You can truly see their dedication to the game. It reminded me a bit of The Witness in how the puzzles and environment are interconnected. The team used a unique algorithm to generate some of the puzzles dynamically, ensuring that each playthrough offers slightly different challenges. This procedural generation adds to the replayability and keeps the experience fresh.

Weplaygames.net Youtube Channel: Islands of Insight – Vanishing point completion

In conclusion, Islands of Insights is an enjoyable experience. It’s not without its minor flaws, such as occasional bugs and a few overly obscure puzzles. If you’re a puzzle game fan and looking for something new, Islands of Insights is worth checking out. It offers a thoughtful and engaging adventure that will keep you invested for a while, especially if you are going for 100%. In case you do, strap yourself in because you are in for a long ride! With the developers actively working on the game, we can look forward to these issues being addressed in the future.

Steam (PC Game): Available for $14.99. You can purchase it directly from Steam.

Official Page: Visit the official Islands of Insight page for more information.

Subreddit: Join the discussion on the Islands of Insight Subreddit.

More Videos

Weplaygames.net Youtube Channel: Islands of Insight – Gamplay mix
Weplaygames.net Youtube Channel: Islands of Insight – Exploration gameplay
Weplaygames.net Youtube Channel: Islands of Insight – Vanishing orbs encounter, no tutorial

Sniper Elite V2: Berlin 1945 Retro Tactical Shooter Enough to Start With

Tactical Shooter
By
Cyberez
-
Sniper Elite V2 4

Title: Sniper Elite V2
Developer: Rebellion Developments
Publisher: Rebellion Developments
Released: May 4, 2012
Platforms Available: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC Game, Wii U
Platform Reviewed: PC Game
Reading Time: 6 minutes
Level of Maturity: Mature 17+

Weplaygames.net Youtube Channel: Sniper Elite 2 Gameplay Trailer

I remember picking up Sniper Elite V2 when it was just released. At the time, my PC couldn’t handle it, so I never got to finish the game. I rediscovered it in my library recently and decided to give it another go. I’m thrilled that I did, and I plan to continue with the Sniper series for sure! Without further ado, let’s dive into why Sniper Elite V2 is a must-play for any tactical shooter fan.

The Setting and Story

Sniper Elite V2, developed by Rebellion, is a third-person tactical shooter released in May 2012. It places a strong emphasis on stealth, patience, and marksmanship, just like you’d imagine a real sniper would. The game is set in the final days of World War II, specifically in 1945. You step into the boots of Karl Fairburne, an elite American sniper. Berlin is in ruins, crumbling to pieces, and the atmosphere is heavy with a sense of desperation and tragedy that war inevitably brings. The visuals, while dated by today’s standards, still manage to immerse you in this war-torn world effectively.

Realism and Gameplay Mechanics

One of the standout features of Sniper Elite V2 is its commitment to realism. The bullet physics are the game’s true highlight, particularly when you play on the hardest difficulty. When you take a shot, you must consider gravity, wind, angle, distance, and even your own breathing. It’s not just about aiming and shooting; it’s about ensuring every factor aligns for that perfect shot. And when you do place that perfect shot, the game rewards you with an x-ray kill cam that shows the bullet tearing through your target’s body in gruesome detail. This feature is both morbidly fascinating and oddly satisfying. It’s probably my favorite detail about the game, adding a visceral layer to the experience.

Flaws in Execution

The game isn’t without its flaws, of course. The AI can be a bit inconsistent. At times, enemies are sharp and will spot you from a mile away or even through walls, which can lead to a few frustrating checkpoint restarts. In one mission, I encountered NPCs stuck behind doors necessary to progress, forcing me to restart the checkpoint. It wasn’t too annoying though, rather amusing in a strange way! [Check out the screenshots!] The stealth mechanics, while functional, feel a bit unpolished, especially the stealth kill mechanism. Close-quarters combat can be laggy, and you are very limited in bullets for your side weapons. Yet again, since it is a sniper game, I didn’t mind this limitation too much.

Funny shaking bug
Shaking again

Feeling Like a Lone Wolf

Sniper Elite V2 does an excellent job of making you feel like a lone wolf behind enemy lines. The missions are varied enough to keep things interesting, with assassination missions being my favorite. There’s a real sense of accomplishment when you manage to clear an area without being detected. It’s a game that demands patience and strategy. Rushing in will almost always end badly, especially on the hardest difficulties. I highly recommend playing on these higher difficulties since the easier modes provide aim assistance and overlook most of the intricate bullet physics, which is the core appeal of the game.

Comparing to Its Predecessor

Compared to its predecessor, Sniper Elite V2 is a significant improvement. The graphics, mechanics, and overall polish are much better, and I’m looking forward to exploring the newer releases in the series. For newcomers to the Sniper Elite games, V2 is a great entry point. It offers a robust introduction to the unique mechanics and the careful approach needed to succeed.

Historical Context and Immersion

The attention to detail extends beyond just the gameplay mechanics. The historical context and setting are meticulously crafted, making you feel like you are part of the final tumultuous days of World War II. The ruins of Berlin are hauntingly beautiful, and the ambient sounds of war-torn streets add to the immersion. Each mission location feels distinct, and the environmental design often contributes to your strategic planning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sniper Elite V2 might not be perfect, but it offers a unique and rewarding experience that’s hard to find in other games. If you enjoy stealth and strategy shooters, this is definitely a game worth checking out. It stands out in a crowded genre with its emphasis on realistic sniping mechanics and a compelling World War II setting.

For more on the series we are about to write later. Meanwhile stay updated with our latest content, and keep an eye on our website and social media channels. Thanks for you support and game on!

Where to Look for Sniper Elite V2 (or Remastered)

Steam (PC): Not available, but you can purchase a Remastered version directly from Steam
Available for $3.49. Could you check it out on the Xbox Store?
PlayStation Store Sniper Elite V2 Remastered only: The game costs $34.99
Nintendo Shop have Remastered version: Available for $34.99

Visit the Rebellion official Page for more information.
Subreddit: Join the discussion on the Sniper Elite Subreddit

Super Meat Boy: A Retro Hardcore Platformer’s Delight

Retro Platformer
By
Cyberez
-
Super Meat Boy Thumb up
Super Meat Boy

Title: Super Meat Boy
Developer: Team Meat
Publisher: Team Meat
Released: October 20, 2010
Platforms Available: PlayStation 4, Xbox One Xbox XS, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac
Platform Reviewed: PC Game
Article Reading Time: 3 minutes

The Meat of the Matter

Super Meat Boy offers players a hardcore platforming experience. You play as a rare steak, a tender blob of meat, with one goal: avoid becoming minced meat! Jokes aside, the goal is to rescue Bandage Girl from the clutches of the nefarious Dr. Fetus, a familiar pattern in platformers.

Super Meat Boy Angry sun
Super Meat Boy Angry sun

Gameplay Challenge

Each level in Super Meat Boy requires flawless execution of jumps and maneuvers. Mistakes are swiftly punished, pushing you to refine your skills and timing. It’s a journey filled with frustration, but the sense of accomplishment upon conquering a tough stage is incredibly rewarding, especially when you’re aiming for challenging trophies. Be warned, these trophies are not for the faint-hearted, so be prepared for a lot of trial and error.

Controls: Precision at Its Finest

The game’s controls are responsive and precise, a crucial aspect in such a demanding platformer. Meat Boy moves exactly as you command, leaving no room for blame but yourself for any missteps. Team Meat, the indie developer behind the game, has perfected the mechanics that prioritize skill over luck, even in obstacle movements.

Super Meat Boy Great platforming
Super Meat Boy Great platforming

Visuals and Design: Simple Yet Effective

Visually, Super Meat Boy’s pixelated art style and straightforward graphics serve its purpose effectively. It’s not about flashy visuals but rather about focusing on the gameplay. One standout feature is its level editor, which allows players to create and share their own challenges. This community-driven aspect extends the game’s longevity and creativity, adding to its appeal beyond the pre-designed levels.

Community and Replayability: Extending the Fun

The level editor is a standout feature, allowing players to create and share their own challenges. This community-driven aspect extends the game’s longevity and creativity, adding to its appeal beyond the pre-designed levels.

Conclusion: A Must-Play for Platformer Lovers

Compared to other platformers, Super Meat Boy stands out for its sheer difficulty. Super Meat Boy is a must-play if you enjoy games that test your reflexes and patience. Just be prepared for a very challenging journey and maybe a rage quit or two.

Super Meat Boy Angry meats
Super Meat Boy Angry meats

Where to Buy Super Meat Boy

  1. Steam (PC, Mac): Available for $14.99. You can purchase the game directly from Steam
  2. Epic Games Store (PC): Priced at $14.99. Find it on the Epic Games Store
  3. PlayStation Store (PS4): The game is available for $14.99. Check it out on the PlayStation Store
  4. Xbox Store (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S): Available for $14.99. You can buy it from the Xbox Store
  5. Buy for your Nintendo Switch on Nintendo Shop

Prison Architect: Great Management Simulator Worth of Upcoming Sequel

Strategy
By
Cyberez
-
Prison Architect Main
Prison Architect

Title: Prison Architect
Developer: Double Eleven, Introversion Software
Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Released: October 6, 2015
Platforms Available: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC Game, Mac Game
Platform Reviewed: PC Game
Article Reading Time: 5 minutes

Welcome to Prison

Prison Architect is a prison management simulator released by Introversion Software in 2015. You are placed in the shoes of a prison warden and in charge of building and running a prison, and there is so much more to it than I initially thought. I dove in, thinking it would be about placing cells and setting up security cameras and whatnot, as an average management simulator would be. Still, it quickly became apparent that there’s a lot more to it.

Building and Managing

First off, it is important to note that there are many different mods that you could play, but the general idea is that you start with a blank plot of land, and it’s up to you to design and build up every part of your new facility. At first, it could seem overwhelming since there are so many details you must consider, going as deep as setting up the electricity and water pipelines. Still, the tutorial will guide you through every step of the way!

Art Style and Atmosphere

What visually stood out right away for me was the art style. It’s simple and cartoonish, which seems odd for a prison game, but it works just fine. It keeps things from feeling too dark or heavy, I’d say, which is good since it is a prison game, after all… You will deal with issues like riots, fights, escapes, and even executions. There’s an actual weight to some of the content! The game’s unpredictability is a big part of its appeal. You might think you’ve got everything under control, then a riot breaks out, or you got a prisoner on the run…

Balancing Security and Rehabilitation

The management aspect goes beyond just keeping prisoners locked up, though. You have to consider their needs and try to rehabilitate them, just like in a real prison. There are programs for education, therapy, and job training that you have to manage, too. That balance between security and rehabilitation is tricky but satisfying if and when you get it right.

Challenges and Glitches

There are some rough edges, so let’s look at those. The AI can be a bit laggy; sometimes guards get stuck or don’t behave as expected, as well as the prisoners and staff members, not as often as the guards, but still. These glitches can be annoying, especially when you’re trying to manage a crisis. But overall, they don’t detract too much from the experience and can’t really mess up your gameplay.

Prison Architect 2
Prison Architect 2

Community and Mods

What I didn’t expect at all from this type of game was the community around it. There are tons of user-generated mods and scenarios, adding endless replayability. I’ve spent hours just exploring different mods, each one bringing something new to the table. It’s clear that the game has inspired a lot of creativity among its players. My favorite mod is by far the breakout mod!! Where you are actually placed in another player’s prison as a prisoner, and your goal is to break out! This mod kept me locked for my screen for hours, bringing my total play time to just above 100 hours. I did not expect that I am going to spend so much time playing a prison simulator game!!

Conclusion and Future Prospects

Prison Architect is engaging, creative, challenging, and extremely fun, especially if you engage with the community and the content they create. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely one of the best management games I have ever played! I recommend this game by all means! To wrap it up, a remarkable fact about Prison Architect is how it was funded. The developers released it in alpha state and let players pre-purchase it. This gave them feedback and financial support to keep developing the game. And well, you can pre-purchase on Steam sequel Prison Architect 2 which coming this fall.

Where to buy Prison Architect

  1. Steam (PC, Mac): Available for $29.99, currently on sale for $2.99. You can purchase it directly from Steam.
  2. Epic Games Store (PC): Priced at $29.99. You can find it on the Epic Games Store.
  3. GOG (PC, Mac): Available for $29.99. Currently on Sale for $6.49. Purchase it from GOG.
  4. PlayStation Store (PS4): The game is priced at $29.99 on sale for $6.49 or as a Play Pass free game. You can check it out on the PlayStation Store
  5. Xbox Store (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S): Available for $29.99. You can buy it from the Xbox Store
  6. Nintendo eShop (Switch): Available for $29.99. Purchase it from the Nintendo eShop
1...262728Page 27 of 28
Weplaygamest @ 2025 Game Reviews Gaming News Top Games
WePlayGames - Community of Global Gamers
Contact us: adminATweplaygamesDOTnet
Facebook RSS TikTok Twitter Youtube
© 2025 WePlayGames