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
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
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
Where to Buy Super Meat Boy
Steam (PC, Mac): Available for $14.99. You can purchase the game directly from Steam
Epic Games Store (PC): Priced at $14.99. Find it on the Epic Games Store
PlayStation Store (PS4): The game is available for $14.99. Check it out on the PlayStation Store
Xbox Store (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S): Available for $14.99. You can buy it from the Xbox Store
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.
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…
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
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.
Title: Homefront Developer: Kaos Studios Publisher: THQ / Deep Silver Released: March 15, 2011 Platforms Available: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC Game Platform Reviewed: PC Game Article Reading Time: 5 minutes
Revisiting a Forgotten Fictional Conflict
Homefront, a first-person shooter developed by Kaos Studios way back in 2011, offers a unique setting that piqued my interest. Set in a fictional future where North Korea invades the USA, you play as part of a rebel movement army. This intriguing premise set the stage for my mixed experience with the game, which I’ll delve into in detail.
Homefront 37
A Brutal and Oppressive Atmosphere
Homefront doesn’t shy away from portraying the brutality of war. There are mass graves, executions, hanging bodies, and a constant feeling of oppression, all part of a brutal story that unfolds as you progress. The atmosphere is heavy, which is both a strength and a weakness. It pulls you in, but it can also feel overwhelming and graphic. The narrative is bleak and unrelenting, intending to show the horrifying consequences of an occupied America.
Homefront 5
Standard Gameplay with Noticeable Flaws
Gameplay-wise, Homefront is standard for the genre. Nothing here sets it apart as a first-person shooter, and the mechanics feel dated compared to other games released around the same time. It has moments of excitement, like intense firefights and vehicle segments, but nothing special or worth pointing out. The NPC movement is noticeably buggy at times. Characters will glitch and walk into walls or each other, to the point where I had to restart a checkpoint once since the NPC was stuck and the cutscene did not start when it was supposed to. This is a glaring issue that made some moments feel unpolished and rushed. Furthermore, the AI behavior was often erratic, leading to frustration during stealth sections or coordinated attacks.
Homefront 21
So So Graphics for Its Time
Graphics-wise, Homefront is functional for a 2011 game. The visuals could be more groundbreaking, but they do the job. The environments are adequately detailed and fitting to the story, even though I did not enjoy particular scenes personally. The game utilizes the Unreal Engine 3, which was quite popular then, but doesn’t push the engine to its limits. Some textures could be more varied, and the character models can look stiff, detracting from the immersive experience the game tries to create.
Homefront 16
Multiplayer Mode and Its Shortcomings
One of the unique aspects of Homefront was its multiplayer mode, which, at the time of release, featured large-scale battles with up to 32 players. It included a Battle Points system, where players earned points through combat performance to purchase weapons, gear, and vehicles during a match. This system added a strategic element to the gameplay, allowing players to adapt their loadout based on their performance. However, this mode did not have the longevity or impact of other multiplayer shooters released during that era, such as Call of Duty or Battlefield.
Homefront 17
The Legacy Worth of Sequel ?
Homefront was seen as it had potential, and its publisher, THQ, had even planned a sequel. Despite financial difficulties leading to THQ’s bankruptcy and the subsequent sale of Homefront’s rights, the game’s potential was not lost. The release of ‘Homefront: The Revolution’ in 2016, a spiritual successor with an open-world approach, was a testament to this potential. However, the sequel faced its own set of challenges, including technical issues and mixed reviews, which prevented it from fully realizing the original’s promise. We will review bit later.
Final Word on Homefront
Despite some intriguing ideas and moments, Homefront falls short of delivering a memorable experience. With dated mechanics, technical glitches, and an overwhelming atmosphere, it remains a game that could have been much more with a bit more care and polish. It might be worth a playthrough for those curious about its story but don’t expect a groundbreaking experience. In the end, Homefront should maybe stay forgotten.
Homefront 30
Where to Buy Homefront
Steam (PC): Available for $1.99. Purchase it directly from Steam
Title: Payday 2: Crimewave Edition Developer: Overkill Software Publisher: 505 Games Released: August 13, 2013 Platforms Available: PlayStation 4 and 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Xbox X|S, PC Game, Mac Game Platform Reviewed: PC Game, PlayStation 3 Article Reading Time: 7 minutes
Living the Heist
We’ve all seen those heist movies and wondered how we would handle those situations. This is precisely what the devs at Overkill Software promised us with PayDay 2, and if you ask me, they delivered big time! PayDay 2 is a cooperative first-person shooter that thrives on teamwork and strategy. Whether you’re stealthily infiltrating a heavily guarded facility or engaging in a blazing shootout, the game offers multiple approaches to achieving your objectives. You step into the shoes of the infamous PayDay Gang, bringing back the original characters Dallas, Hoxton, Wolf, and Chains, along with 14 brand-new characters. Each has a unique background and story, and most of the voice actors did a great job, with a few exceptions. Once you’ve chosen your character and mask, you’re ready to tackle a series of daring and complex heists, ranging from straightforward bank robberies and cooking meth in crackhead labs to elaborate high-tech thefts. PayDay 2 has it all!
PayDay 2 Shootout
Gameplay: Choose Your Approach
Each mission demands strategic planning to the smallest of details, precise execution, and teamwork to succeed. Whether you want to sneak in or prefer blowing stuff up, the choice is yours! The level of detail is impressive. You get to disable cameras and alarms, tie up hostages, drill the vaults, bag the loot, and everything else you would imagine in a heist. PayDay 2 did not disappoint with the customization system either. Players can tailor their load-outs with various weapons, mods, and skills, allowing for diverse playstyles, tactics, and approaches. Whether you prefer silent takedowns or going in guns blazing, there’s a satisfying level of customization to suit your approach. If you play your cards right, you can single-handedly rob a whole bank, which is something I absolutely love! It is tough since the game is meant to be played in a team, but it is still possible for certain heists! And yes, I managed to do some banks solo, too!
Multiplayer: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
As already stated, the true essence of PayDay 2 is in multiplayer mode. Communication and coordination are essential for success, especially in more intricate heists where split-second decisions can make or break a mission. Playing with friends enhances the experience, adding layers of strategy and camaraderie. Some heists are just impossible to solo, no matter your approach, so get ready to co-op!
A World of Crime: Story, Atmosphere
While PayDay 2 focuses primarily on gameplay, there are some elements to the story that revolve around the PayDay Gang. Mission briefings and in-game events slowly unveil the backstory of the gang, adding depth to their criminal exploits. The storytelling in PayDay 2 is integrated seamlessly into the gameplay through dynamic dialogues and brief cutscenes. While not traditionally story-driven, these elements contribute to the overall experience. PayDay 2’s visuals are functional rather than groundbreaking, to say the least, but for an 11-year-old game, not too shabby! The detailed interiors of banks, offices, and secure facilities add to the immersion despite occasional limitations in graphics and minor visual glitches. To be fair, the graphics were decent at the time of release! Especially in certain DLCs, like my all-time favorite, the Point Break Heists DLC, based on the movie Point Break and Ozaki 8 Heists. If you end up playing the DLCs, Point Break is a must-play! Simon Viklund composed the soundtracks for PayDay 2 as well as for the original PayDay, and once again, he did a great job! From subtle background tracks during stealth operations to adrenaline-pumping beats during intense firefights, the music complements the action perfectly.
PayDay 2 Hands up
Technical : Mostly Smooth Criminal and Lot of DLCs
During my experience with PayDay 2 on PC, the game ran smoothly for the most part, with occasional minor bugs that didn’t significantly impact gameplay. Updates from the developers have been consistent in addressing these issues, and 70 DLCs have been released through the years. Yes, you read that right! 70 unique DLCs! These downloadable content packs include a variety of heists, characters, weapons, mods, cosmetic items, and other additional content. The downside is that most of these are premium DLCs, which means you will have to pay for them individually. Most DLCs are great, but some are not worth your money, so research and find what suits your needs! While my primary experience was on PC, the community’s feedback showed that the PS4 version of PayDay 2 had different success. The game was not patched and maintained as well, but it still reached a solid player base at some point. PayDay 2 offers significant replay value. There’s always a new challenge or strategy to explore, ensuring long-term enjoyment for dedicated players. On top of that, there are many achievements, too, and some of them are extremely hard to get. So, for those trophy hunters, go crazy!
The Fall of PayDay 3
PayDay 2 set the bar high for cooperative shooters, making the anticipation for PayDay 3 immense. Unfortunately, PayDay 3’s release has been marred by numerous issues. From server instability to bugs and glitches that hinder gameplay, the launch has been far from smooth. Many players have reported problems connecting to servers, experiencing game crashes, and encountering unresponsive controls, which have significantly impacted the overall gaming experience. Despite the developers’ promises and the high expectations set by its predecessor, PayDay 3 has struggled to deliver a polished product. The backlash from the community has been intense, with many fans expressing their disappointment across various forums and social media platforms . The issues have led to a significant drop in player numbers, contrasting sharply with the ongoing popularity of PayDay 2, which continues to maintain a loyal player base thanks to its engaging gameplay and extensive content library attached.
PayDay 2 SWAT coming
Conclusion: A Heist Worth Taking
Despite the stumble with PayDay 3, PayDay 2 remains a solid title for more than decade now, offering a thrilling heist experience, detailed customization, engaging missions, and an immersive atmosphere. PayDay 2 is a must-play for fans of cooperative shooters and stealth games. Its a nicely paced heist experience with its detailed customization, engaging missions, and gritty atmosphere. Despite minor flaws, its strengths make it a must-play for fans of cooperative shooters and stealth games since 2013 when unleashed.
Where to Buy Payday 2: Crimewave Edition
Steam (PC, Mac): Available for $9.99. You can purchase the game directly from Steam, VR supported.
Epic Games Store (PC Game): Available for free from June 8 to June 15, 2023. After the promotional period, the game will be priced at $9.99. Check it out on the Epic Games Store
Xbox Store (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S): The Crimewave Edition is available for $19.99 or free on GAME PASS. Find it on the Xbox Store
PlayStation Store (PS4): The Crimewave Edition is priced at $19.99 or for free pn PlayStation Pass Extra. You can purchase it from the PlayStation Store
I came across an interesting deal on Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Edition on Fanatical. For fans of action RPGs, this is definitely newsworthy. This edition includes both the critically acclaimed base game, Elden Ring, and the new expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree.
What’s Included:
Elden Ring: The base game offers an expansive open world, challenging combat, and a rich storyline co-created by George R.R. Martin and Hidetaka Miyazaki.
Shadow of the Erdtree Expansion: This new DLC adds more depth, content, and challenges to the already vast world of Elden Ring.
Key Highlights:
Open-World Exploration: Elden Ring is renowned for its vast, interconnected world filled with secrets, lore, and a variety of landscapes.
Challenging Combat: Known for its difficulty, the game rewards strategic thinking and skillful play.
Rich Lore and Story: With contributions from George R.R. Martin, the story is deeply engaging and immersive.
Additional Content: The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion promises to bring new adventures, bosses, and areas to explore.
Interesting Tidbits:
Developer: FromSoftware, the studio behind Dark Souls and Bloodborne, brings its signature style and challenge to Elden Ring.
Depth: Collaborating with George R.R. Martin adds a unique storytelling element that enriches the game world.
