Deus Ex: Black Light by James Swallow [Book Review]

In my review of the novel Deus Ex: Icarus Effect by the same author, I wrote that Icarus Effect was almost required reading to understand Deus: Ex: Human Revolution—at least when it comes to the finer details, and the antagonists. Well, in contrast, Black Light is mandatory reading. It’s amazing how many important plot points this book sets up for Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. When I played Deus Ex: Mankind Divided back in the day, it left me utterly confused why I was in Prague, what actually happened after the Panchaea incident, and the general state of the world. Black Light explains everything, while also being a good book to boot. Minor beginning spoilers incoming.

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Kingdom Come 2 – Boring Beginnings

I decided to give Kingdom Come 2 a go, since I liked certain parts of the first outing. Specifically, the sandbox nature of the game that reminded me of such classics like Gothic & Risen. What I didn’t enjoy that much, like many of Vavra’s (the game director) games, is the cinematic approach to storytelling. You are constantly being railroaded, with long segments of endless cutscenes with varying quality of dialogue. You might think you are given a choice, but narratively, the story and the protagonist (Henry) is set in stone. For example, going on a full murder spree on some poor village folk, has a clear disconnect from the narrative. Henry, as he is realized in the first game, is a good boy, and wouldn’t do these things. Kingdom Come is not my favorite game or anything, but it was okay for one playthrough thanks to the unique setting, which the sequel now no longer can lean on.

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Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter – Rats on Ice

Welcome to the Kingdom of Rats! No, we are not in the sewers. Like the name might imply, Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter is a sequel to the excellent 2D-action adventure game Tails of Iron. And much like the first game, Tails of Iron 2 is great as well. Essentially, it’s more of the same, but bigger, with some new mechanics, while other things have changed a bit. So, with that, I can safely say already; if you like the first game, you will enjoy this. Nevertheless, let’s burrow into the details!

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Star Trek: Elite Force II – Vengeance of the Xenos

Munro is back to kick alien ass, but this time in Federation Space. His part of being a crew member of Voyager is over, but does the more civilized Alpha Quadrant (well, more civilized than the Delta Quadrant anyway) need a Hazard Team? As it is, they do, but not until after some thick Federation red-tape has been cut through. So, is Star Trek: Elite Force II a worthy sequel? In the graphical, and presentation department, it certainly is. Unfortunately, they didn’t learn too much when it comes to the gameplay, and made alien bugs craving a fight in melee the main opponent once again.

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Vampire Syndicate: The combat

The solo developer behind Vampire Syndicate recently released a video about the turn-based combat it will use. It will use a modern Xcom control scheme, meaning it leans more into abstraction than being realistic with simulated projectiles and the like. While a simulation is preferred personally, I don’t mind the Xcom take, if it fits the game. Which, to be fair, it does look like Vampire Syndicate will pull off. From the little shown, I enjoy the scale, and the focus on all these different skills – from regular gunplay, to magic, since it will have ancient vampires ripping the head off people. Take a gander for yourself down below.

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