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Thursday, September 18, 2025
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Cyberez

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Archero: A Strategic Challenge with Endless Replayability

Mobile Rogue-like
By
Cyberez
-
Archero Feature Picture
Archero Mobile Game

Title: Archero
Developer: Habby
Publisher: Habby
Released: April 23, 2019
Platforms Available: iOS, Android
Platform Reviewed: Android
Maturity: Everyone 10+
Reading Time: 9 minutes

Gameplay Mechanics

Archero is a mobile rogue-like action game where you control an archer navigating through different levels, filled with all kinds of enemies, bosses and obstacles. The controls are simple: your character automatically shoots when stationary, and you move by dragging your finger on the screen. The real challenge is in dodging enemy attacks and managing your positioning.

You must constantly balance moving (dodging) and shooting, which can be tricky, especially as enemies swarm you. Each level is a single room filled with various monsters and traps, and clearing all enemies allows you to move to the next room. The difficulty ramps up quickly, requiring you to think strategically about your movements and attacks.

As you progress, you gain experience points that allow you to choose from random upgrades that you receive every time you level up, adding a nice layer of strategy. I enjoyed experimenting with different power-ups combos, like multi-shot, piercing arrow and ricochet arrows, or getting all orb abilities to circle around me, which significantly changed how I approached each level.

Graphics and Visuals

Archero features bright, colorful graphics with a cartoony art style. The character designs are simple but distinct, and the animations are smooth. Each environment is vibrant and detailed, from lush forests to dark dungeons. The enemies are varied, and their attack patterns are easy to distinguish by the visuals, which helps with planning your moves. 

Sound and Music

The soundtrack in Archero is upbeat and matches the game’s fast-paced action well. The sound effects are apparent and provide good feedback for your actions, like the sound of arrows hitting targets and enemies making distinct noises when defeated.

While the music and sound effects are well-done, they didn’t stand out as much as the gameplay and visuals. There were moments when I would lower the volume to focus more on the visuals and gameplay. However, the audio cues were still helpful for understanding enemy attacks and my own actions.

Multiplayer and Online Features

Archero is primarily a single-player game with no traditional multiplayer modes. However, it occasionally features events that introduce multiplayer elements. Read more about it in the events section following.

Events

Archero regularly features events that provide additional challenges and rewards. These events vary in theme and difficulty, offering players unique opportunities to earn rare items, exclusive equipment, and significant amounts of in-game currency. Here are some of the notable events.

  1. Daily Challenges: These are short, time-limited events that offer rewards for completing specific tasks. They are a great way to earn extra resources quickly. I found these challenges to be a fun addition, providing daily incentives to log in and play. Completing the daily challenges became a part of my routine, and they often pushed me to try different strategies.
  2. Weekly Events: These events typically last for a week and involve more complex tasks than daily challenges. They often require players to complete multiple objectives or reach certain milestones. The rewards are usually more substantial, meaning you have bigger chances to obtain rare gear and large amounts of in-game currencies. These events kept me engaged and motivated to play regularly. 
  3. Special Themed Events: Occasionally, Archero hosts special events tied to holidays or game updates. These events introduce unique levels, enemies, and sometimes limited-time power-ups or abilities. These events often reward with exclusive items and are always worth participating in.
  4. Hero Trials: These are events where you can test new heroes or specific abilities. They provide a great opportunity to try out different playstyles without committing resources to unlock the heroes permanently. I found these trials to be a useful way to decide which heroes to invest in. Testing out a hero with a unique skill set helped me figure out if they fit my playstyle before investing heavily in them. This will come in handy in the late game, since you will need quite some time to unlock the heroes.
  5. Guild Events: Although Archero is primarily a single-player game, some events encourage community engagement through guilds. These events involve collective goals where all members contribute to achieving a target. Joining a guild for these events was rewarding, both in terms of in-game benefits and the social aspect, since there is a chat too. Also certain microtransactions will reward the rest of your guild a chest. 
  6. Duo Mode Event: This event allows players to team up with a friend or another player online to beat the challenges together. It’s a temporary cooperative mode that is active once a week. The Duo Mode event is a refreshing break from solo play and is definitely one of the highlights when it’s available. I personally enjoyed it a lot!

Overall, the events in Archero are well-designed and add significant value to the game. They provide variety and keep the gameplay fresh, offering players new challenges and rewards regularly.

Blacksmith and Gear Upgrades

In Archero, the Blacksmith plays a crucial role in upgrading your gear. Upgrading weapons, armor, and accessories is essential to progressing through tougher levels. The Blacksmith allows you to enhance your gear using resources collected from your runs and events.

You can also fuse duplicate items to create stronger versions, or dismantle them to get resources. I spent a lot of time optimizing my gear to find the best combinations for different challenges. The gear progression system is pretty good and well balanced too, but do expect to invest some time into grinding for specific items!

Talents

Talents in Archero are passive abilities that provide boosts to your character. These talents can be unlocked and upgraded using in game gold. Talents can enhance your health, attack speed, dodge rate, and other attributes, making a significant impact on your performance. One thing worth noting is that you can’t choose which talent you want to upgrade, it will be randomly selected from the list of your talents.

Dark Mode

Archero also features a Dark Mode, which is a much more challenging game mode, hardcore mode if you will. Levels are darker, both in terms of visual design and difficulty. The enemies are tougher, much tougher, from their health pools and abilities to their hit points, everything is scaled up, and the level designs are not forgiving either.

Replayability and Longevity

One of Archero’s strengths is its high replay value. Each run is different due to the procedurally generated levels and random power-ups. There are also various heroes to unlock and upgrade, which also have their own abilities, strengths and weaknesses. 

I came back to the game frequently for the past few weeks, since there are many chapters and events to clear, so it is definitely a game you could play for a while! As I wrote before, he game also includes daily and weekly challenges, which provide additional incentives to keep playing too!

User Interface and Accessibility

The user interface in Archero is clean and intuitive. Menus are easy to navigate, and important information is clearly displayed. The controls are straightforward, with simple touch and drag mechanics that work well on mobile devices.

Technical Performance

Archero performs well on mobile devices. I didn’t encounter any crashes or significant lag during my playthroughs. The loading times are quick, and the game is optimized to run smoothly even on older devices.

Personal Impressions

Playing Archero has been a fun and challenging experience. I enjoyed the blend of rogue-like mechanics with the simplicity of a mobile shooter. The game can be pretty tough, especially as you advance to higher levels, and maybe grindy if you focus on the main gameplay, but since there are so many events all the time, that should not be a problem.

Additional Insights

Archero includes microtransactions, which can help speed up progression or unlock new heroes, but they aren’t necessary to enjoy the game. The game is well-designed to be played for free, though spending money can provide a shortcut.

There are also ads you can watch for extra rewards, but you are not forced to do otherwise! So it is up to you whether you want to watch them or not! Rewards can actually be decent compared to the other games with a similar ad-reward system.

Conclusion

Archero is a well-crafted mobile game that offers a lot of fun and challenges. It’s perfect for quick sessions or extended play, and its replayability keeps it fresh over time. While there are areas for improvement, the game’s strengths make it a standout in the mobile rogue-like genre. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging, fast-paced yet strategic mobile shooter game. It is worth noting that Archero won the Game of the Year award in 2019, too!

Where to Buy Archero

Google Play (Android): Available for free with in-app purchases. Download it from Google Play.

App Store (iOS): Available for free with in-app purchases. Download it from the App Store.

Official Page: Visit the official Archero page for more information.

Subreddit: Join the discussion on the Archero Subreddit.

Lords Mobile Review: An Expensive Illusion of Strategy

Pay-to-win MMORG
By
Cyberez
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Lords Mobile Feature Picture
Lords Mobile

Title: Lords Mobile
Type of Game: Real-Time Strategy, MMORPG, City Building
Developer: IGG
Publisher: IGG
Released: March 26, 2016
Platforms Available: iOS, Android
Platform Reviewed: Android
Maturity: Everyone 10+
Reading Time: 10 minutes

Introduction

At first glance, Lords Mobile is a strategy MMORPG that promises an immersive experience. You get to build and expand your kingdom, train troops, and engage in battles against other players. The basic mechanics involve resource management, city building, and real-time strategy battles. However, my experience with the game was far from satisfying, as I soon discovered its less appealing aspects.

Pay-to-Win Mechanics

After investing nearly two years into Lords Mobile, reaching a might of almost half a billion and logging in daily for over 600 consecutive days, I can confidently say that the game heavily favors those who are willing to spend money. While the initial stages of the game are enjoyable, the pay-to-win aspect quickly becomes apparent. Progression becomes painfully slow unless you’re willing to invest in speed-ups, resources, and special items with real money.

Anti-Beginner Friendly

As soon as your world is unlocked (the world that you spawn in will have a protection bubble for some time), whales will jump in, making it incredibly difficult for new players to progress and forcing you to shield 24/7 if you want to make any progress instead of being a constant resources farm.

False Advertisements

Lords Mobile is not immune to false advertising. The game often promotes one-time-only discounts and special offers that, in reality, are anything but one-time-only. These misleading offers, along with gameplay ads that bear little resemblance to the actual game, are a constant presence in the game’s marketing.

Graphics and Visuals

The game’s graphics are decent, with detailed designs for buildings, troops, and heroes. The art style is cartoony, and the visual effects during battles are standard, nothing you haven’t seen before. While the graphics might initially catch your eye, they lose their charm when you realize that most impressive-looking items and features are locked behind paywalls. It’s frustrating to see other players with top-tier gear and practically unattainable upgrades without spending money.

Sound and Music

The soundtrack in Lords Mobile is generic and forgettable. The music and sound effects do their job, but they’re not memorable. After a while, I found myself turning off the sound because it added nothing to the experience. It’s disappointing that even the sound design felt like an afterthought.

Multiplayer

Now let’s talk about the central aspect of the game, Multiplayer. Lords Mobile boasts a large player base and numerous multiplayer features, including guilds, PvP battles, and collaborative events. However, as I stated already, the multiplayer experience is severely hampered by the pay-to-win mechanics. Players who spend money dominate the leaderboards and control the game’s politics, even owning in-game bots and massive whale discord channels. I’ve seen it all.

Joining a guild can provide some support and resources, but it doesn’t change the fact that paying players have a massive advantage. The stark imbalance in guild dynamics, where free-to-play players feel like they’re just there to be fodder for the spenders, can make potential players feel wary.

During my years of playing, I joined several guilds. I witnessed firsthand how the top players, who spent large amounts of money, dictated the game’s dynamics. It became clear that skill and strategy were secondary to spending power, no matter how big the guild was. I even joined some P2W guilds that still got wiped off the board by the whales.

The Player vs. Player (PvP) aspect of Lords Mobile is where the pay-to-win mechanics are most obnoxiously obvious. In PvP battles, players compete to conquer each other’s kingdoms, capture heroes, and earn rewards. Theoretically, this should be a thrilling and strategic component of the game. However, it’s once again a playground for the biggest spenders. The power disparity is so vast that even the most skilled players can’t hope to compete without opening their wallets. It is ridiculous, to say the least.

Events

Lords Mobile frequently features events that promise exciting rewards and challenges. In reality, these events are just another way to encourage spending. Here’s a look at some of the typical events:

  • Guild Fest: This event involves completing tasks for your guild to earn points and rewards. The tasks often require significant resources or speed-ups, which you’re constantly reminded you can buy. And even your guild leaders encourage the spending. They will require you to obtain a certain amount of points on each guild fest, and as you join bigger guilds, you will find that obtaining those points for free is close to impossible.
  • Kingdom Clash: A large-scale PvP event where kingdoms battle for supremacy. Don’t expect to make any meaningful impact if you’re not spending money. The biggest spenders always come out on top, of course.
  • Special Events: Themed events with exclusive rewards. These events are usually marketed heavily, but the best rewards are locked behind paywalls or require spending to complete the necessary tasks.

During my time with the game, I participated in numerous events, and the pattern was always the same: those who spent money reaped the best rewards, while the rest of us were left with scraps.

Gear Upgrades

In Lords Mobile, upgrading your gear is crucial for staying competitive. Unfortunately, the gear upgrade system is another area where the pay-to-win model is glaringly apparent. Gathering the necessary materials for upgrades takes an unreasonable amount of time unless you purchase them, and even if you decide to do so, you will need a lot of money, and I mean A LOT!

The constant prompts to buy materials or speed up crafting are relentless. It feels like every aspect of the game is designed to squeeze money out of players. This was incredibly frustrating as someone who prefers to earn my progress through gameplay.

Over the years, I tried to upgrade my gear through grinding. Still, the pace was excruciatingly slow, and all the time, I did not manage to max out a single piece of equipment.

Replayability and Longevity

While Lords Mobile has the potential for high replay value due to its multiplayer nature and various events, the pay-to-win mechanics severely limit its longevity. Unless you’re willing to spend money, the game becomes repetitive and starts to frustrate pretty fast. Even after almost two years of playing, the lack of fair progression and the relentless push towards spending money drained any enjoyment I had left. It became more of a chore than a game. And I basically stuck around due to the friendships I made in-game.

You will spend 99% of your time under a shield, having to log in constantly to reapply it, which becomes a tedious and necessary chore to avoid attacks from higher-level players.

User Interface and Accessibility

The user interface in Lords Mobile is cluttered with prompts to buy packs and special offers, of course. Navigating through the menus can be a chore, with constant reminders to spend money at every turn. While the basic controls are intuitive, the overall experience is marred by aggressively monetizing fake “one-time only” discounts.

Technical Performance

Lords Mobile performs adequately on mobile devices. I didn’t encounter significant technical issues, such as crashes or lag. The game is optimized well, and devs maintain it well. For the amount of money they amass, it is to be expected.

Personal Impressions

This might feel like a P2W rumble, but that is literally what this game is! Playing Lords Mobile for such a long time was a disappointing experience. The game’s heavy reliance on pay-to-win mechanics overshadowed any enjoyment I might have had. It’s clear that the game is designed to prioritize spending over skill or strategy. The constant pressure to buy packs and resources made it hard to stay engaged. It felt like no matter how much effort I put in, I could never compete on a level playing field. Why did I stay so long? The social aspect of the game and friendships that I made, so at least there is that.

Comparison and Context

Compared to other strategy MMORPGs, Lords Mobile stands out for all the wrong reasons. While other games in the genre offer somewhat fair progression and skill-based competition, Lords Mobile feels like a cash grab. The imbalance between paying and non-paying players is more pronounced here than in any other game I’ve ever played.

Conclusion

Lords Mobile is a prime example of how aggressive monetization can ruin a potentially enjoyable game. The heavy pay-to-win mechanics overshadow any positives, making it hard to recommend. I can say with certainty that unless you’re willing to spend significant amounts of money, Lords Mobile offers a frustrating experience. So unless you are a casual, non-competitive player who loves playing under the shield or you are a whale, do not waste your time on this game.

Where For More Info and to Buy Lords Mobile


Google Play (Android): Available for free with in-app purchases. Download it from Google Play.

App Store (iOS): Available for free with in-app purchases. Download it from the App Store.

Official Page: Visit the official Lords Mobile page for more information.

Subreddit: Join the discussion on the Lords Mobile Subreddit.

Punch Club: Pixel Knockout for Managers

Sport Strategy
By
Cyberez
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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
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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
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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

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