Hell is Us – Demons of Boredom [Early (Final) Thoughts]

This is not a full review of Hell is Us, since I haven’t completed the game, but I felt I had to give my opinion on what I have played so far. Now, when I tried the demo, I got impressed, despite the large sword-anime antics, which is something I’m allergic to for the most part. Even so, the story felt mysterious, and the world, while being fairly large with plenty of areas to seek out, still felt tightly designed with an enjoyable dungeon to tackle at your own pace. I thought the full game would follow this premise, but so far, that’s not so.

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My Top 10 ZOMBIE games on PC

Ah, zombies! The most overused modern monster in any medium. Despite that, I can’t get enough of the zombie apocalypse. However, in my opinion, most creators miss the mark by turning their projects into mindless zombie slaughters, without any of the famous tension or civilization-ending dread from the Romero days. Yet, there are some titles that headshot their way to great atmosphere and storytelling!

So, here are my Top 10 Zombie Games for PC.

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Cyber Knights: Flashpoint 1.0 is out!

Finally, after years, and months of suffering, Cyber Knights: Flashpoint version 1.0 is here. Goodbye Early Access! I have already given it about six hours of my life, and my first impression: pretty damn good. However, it’s not without faults. I think going 3D should have come with a tad more polish concerning the visuals and animations. Characters can come across somewhat weird in a cartoony way, and when moving, it looks like agents and soldiers ice skate instead of walking. A little sloppy, unfortunately.

Two other issues are the alarm system for when going loud, which punish you with endless enemy reinforcements. Never liked these types of mechanics, even if I know why from a gameplay standpoint (to punish you for getting caught). The final problem (so far) is that initiative/turn-order is individual instead of being group based. It adds to the tedium when you have to make daring escapes, as it can be really hard to plan ahead. More in-depth first-impression coming soon (probably). Other than this, the game is fun, and the narrative device seems interesting as well. Check out the launch trailer below!

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My Top 10 Tactical Games (X-com-likes) on PC

Welcome to yet another top ten list! This time we are leaving the RPG genre behind and going straight for intense tactical combat in the form of X-com-likes, with the X-com games included. Specifically, this means: The games on this list must have some kind of base/camp management, where the player will upgrade, equip and recruit units for the campaign. The game must also involve tactical combat, with an overlaying strategic map where decisions are made like where to attack. And finally, the most important requirement: It must be sandbox-orientated—even if it has a story, where the deaths of soldiers, agents, or mercenaries don’t result in an instant game over.

The X-com genre is one of my absolute favorites. The gameplay is dynamic, has natural high tension thanks to permanent deaths, cool sense of progression, and sweet tactical action when tasks must be accomplished. But it’s not exactly a well-defined genre on its own. However, I will try to keep it in line with the original that started it all. With that said, let’s start the list with the most obvious entry:

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My Top 10 RPGs with Fixed Parties on PC

Hello, and welcome to another top ten. The last time, I presented a top ten list over RPGs with a custom-made party. So, a list of RPGs with a fixed party feels like a natural pick for the next. I can’t say that there will be too many surprises on this list, seeing that I’m as much of a pleb as the next guy when it comes to taste.

While I do love my RPGs with a created crew. I can’t deny the allure of a well crafted story with intriguing pre-made companions, as it adds another dimension to roleplaying. That cool and collected lawful good Paladin that you like, might not see too kindly to your murder-hobo ways for loot. It forces a natural choice of character of whom you want to be and accomplish. Who will you align with – the forces of good, or the snakes in the grass?

Just like the first list, if a game isn’t on it, which you think should be, it’s because I haven’t played it, or I just didn’t like it. It’s that simple. The criteria for the games are: The game must feature a party, from at least two and up, and they must be integral to the story. Players also need to retain control over the party members when it comes to battles, and progression. Let’s begin!

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