Black Mesa: Blue Shift – Impressions

I decided to try the Black Mesa: Blue Shift mod for Black Mesa to sate my current Half-life addiction. While it’s more of the fantastic Half-life universe and does satisfy some of the cravings, it has a couple of issues. Blue Shift is a remake of the expansion Blue Shift made by Gearbox for Half-life. I never played the expansion back in the day, so I don’t know much about it, but from what I have read, the mod is supposed to be a pretty faithful recreation. Otherwise, you might think; what would be the point? Anyway, much like Black Mesa, which itself is a remake of Half-life, the quality of the work here is substantial, and matches the same level of dedication. However, while the work by itself is impressive, I can’t say I enjoyed the gameplay all the way through. I should also mention that the mod is not finished. Only the four first chapters are complete, while missing the final four.

Continue reading “Black Mesa: Blue Shift – Impressions”

Syrian Warfare: Return to Palmyra [DLC]

Welcome back, soldier. It’s time once again to defend the ancient city of Palmyra from the terrorist savages. It won’t be easy. Actually, I’m sure this campaign will be at least double as painful – so make sure the quick save button is ready to see some heavy action. Syrian Warfare: Return to Palmyra is an expansion with five more missions for you to battle out in the Middle East. While it’s still the same old war, you will control a different group of men this time around.

Continue reading “Syrian Warfare: Return to Palmyra [DLC]”

Rauniot – Wasteland Finland

Welcome to the northern Finnish wasteland, survivor! A setting that even makes the first Fallout seem like a place of joyous happiness. Now, the Finnish people, along with the rest of the Nordics (trust me, I’m one myself) are not the most cheerful of people, especially not the ones from the cold frozen north. So, with that, you can expect a tale of utter misery and human suffering. This is not Grandpa’s fun 50s apocalypse, this is Ragnarök in pure Finnish melancholic – and I like it. 

Continue reading “Rauniot – Wasteland Finland”

Headquarters: World War II – Rumble in France

I’m not too into the boardgame style of wargames, so I can’t give any kind of expert opinion, but from what I have played so far, Headquarters: World War II is an entertaining title if you enjoy tactical games and turn-based action. I have not yet completed any of the campaign scenarios. However, I’m on my way to finishing the American one, which has given me enough experience to comment on the game. Let’s start with the story.

Continue reading “Headquarters: World War II – Rumble in France”

Watch Dogs – Who watches the watchers?

I decided to give Watch Dogs another go after playing the DLC Bloodline for Watch Dogs: Legion which has Aiden Pearce as the main lead. Simply, I wanted to know more about him and to see maybe if I had misjudged Aiden, and the game itself. The short of it is… yes! Yes, I had. While it does have some gameplay issues, the story, world-building, and characterization of Aiden are the most interesting parts – that now in retrospect make more sense in the Legion expansion.

Continue reading “Watch Dogs – Who watches the watchers?”