Homefront: FPS Retro Dark and Average

By

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Where to Buy Homefront

Steam (PC): Available for $1.99. Purchase it directly from Steam

PayDay 2: The Heist That Endures When PayDay 3 Stumbled

Heist FPS

By

Cyberez

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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!

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.

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.

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

Good Deal on Elden Ring + DLC: Shadow of the Erdtree Edition

Elden Ring Deal

By

Cyberez

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24 June, 2024

Article Reading Time: 2 minutes

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.

For more details on this deal, check out the Fanatical page for Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Edition. This could be a great opportunity for both newcomers and longtime fans of the genre.

Stay tuned for more updates and game on!

LIMBO : A Dark Journey Into a Mysterious World

2D Platformer

By

Cyberez

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Title: LIMBO
Developer: Playdead
Publisher: Playdead
Released: August 2, 2011
Platforms Available: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, iOS, Android
Platform Reviewed: PlayStation 4
Mature Content: T (Teen), Mild Blood, Mild Violence
Article Reading Time: 4 minutes

Truth to be told, I didn’t expect much when I started LIMBO. I just wanted something different from the usual games I play, and at the time, it was gaining popularity, so I gave it a shot. Right from the beginning, I was hooked. The game throws you into this dark, shaded world without instructions or context. You’re just this little boy or, better said, the shadow of a boy, waking up in a forest, and you start moving because there’s nothing else to do and no indications of what to do.

Atmosphere

The game is eerily quiet, with only ambient and occasional creepy noises. It’s incredibly atmospheric without trying too hard; it is hard to explain, and you must feel it for yourself.

Gameplay

Now, for the fun part, I died a lot. LIMBO isn’t forgiving at all. The puzzles in LIMBO are clever but not overly complex. They will make you think without making you feel stupid. I remember this section with rotating platforms and gravity changes with reverse spikes on the sides. It took me a while to figure it out, but not to the level where you would get frustrated or need a guide. Just a perfect amount of head-scratching!

Story

There’s no dialogue or straightforward story in LIMBO. You’re left to piece things together on your own. The game leaves a lot to your imagination, which I absolutely loved! I looked up some stuff about the game after finishing it. LIMBO was made by a small Danish studio, Playdead, and they worked on it for over six years. That kind of dedication shows in the game’s polish and attention to detail. It was released in 2010 and quickly became a hit, winning several awards.

Controls

One thing that bugged me a bit was the controls. They could be a bit stiff at times, leading to some uncalled-for deaths. But these moments were rare and didn’t ruin my overall experience.

Ending

The ending of LIMBO is abrupt and ambiguous. It doesn’t wrap things up neatly, which might annoy some players, but considering how it starts, it is a fitting end. The whole game is mysterious, so a clear-cut ending wouldn’t have felt right. It leaves you thinking about what it all meant.

Conclusion:

LIMBO isn’t a long game, but it sticks with you… If you want something unique, refreshing, and somewhat relaxing, try LIMBO. Just be prepared to die a lot.

Where to Buy Limbo

Steam (PC, Mac): Available for $9.99. You can purchase the game directly from Steam
Epic Games Store (PC): Priced at $9.99. Check it out on the Epic Games Store
GOG (PC, Mac): Available for $2.49 (discounted from $9.99). Purchase it from GOG
PlayStation Store (PS4): The game is on sale fo $2.00 or free on Game Pass. You can find it on the PlayStation Store
Xbox Store (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S): Available for $9.99. Check it out on the Xbox Store
App Store (iOS and Mac) : Available for $3.99 or free on Arcade subscribtion on App Store
Google Play (Android): The game is priced at $4.99 or free on your Play Pass subscribtion. You can find it on the Google Play Store

Tell Me Why: For Free on Steam Until 1st July or Available Anytime with Xbox Ultimate

Steam Deal

By

Cyberez

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Release Date: August 27, 2020
Developer: DONTNOD Entertainment
Publisher: Xbox Game Studios
Article Reading Time: 4 minutes

Tell Me Why is free on Steam until July 1

Exciting News for Gamers on Steam!

We @Weplaygames.net are thrilled to share that the award-winning strong touching story adventure game, Tell Me Why developed by DONTNOD Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios, is free on Steam until July 1, 2024. This limited-time promotion allows you to dive into an emotionally gripping story without spending a dime!

You can visit the Tell Me Why Steam page.
Click the “Add to Account” button to permanently add the game to your Steam library.
Download and Play: Enjoy the game at your convenience.

Game is also Available for Free on Xbox Game Pass

For those with an Xbox Game Pass subscription, Tell Me Why is free for your console and PC . Download the game or play directly from cloud on your devices like handhelds. This means you can enjoy the game as part of your subscription without any additional cost. Access it through the Xbox Game Pass Catalog and start playing.

Why Tell Me Why?

Tell Me Why Game is a captivating episodic adventure that delves into the bond between twins Tyler and Alyson Ronan. Using their supernatural connection, they explore and uncover the mysteries of their troubled past in a small Alaskan town. Known for its rich storytelling and strong characters, the game lets players make impactful choices that shape the narrative.

DONTNOD Entertainment, the creators of Life is Strange, featured Tyler Ronan, a transgender character voiced by August Black. This representation is authentic and respectful, adding depth to the story without overshadowing it. The game’s stunning Alaskan setting and engaging puzzles immerse you in the twins’ world, offering insights into their fantasy realm, “The Book of Goblins.” With beautiful visuals and a heartfelt story, “Tell Me Why” invites players to explore themes of identity, memory, and family in a deeply human way.

Hurry Up or Wait with Pride!

This offer is available only until July 1, 2024 on Steam, so take advantage of your chance to experience this powerful narrative adventure for free. Keep an eye on our site for updates on upcoming freebies and game reviews. Or wait a year as this game honors Pride supporting LGBT communities making this for free.