Xcom 2: Resurrection by Greg Keyes [Book Review]

Xcom in-universe stories and lore? Yes, please! Xcom 2: Resurrection is a prequel to the fabulous Xcom 2, set between the two games, Xcom: Enemy Unknown and Xcom 2. While it’s an okay story, and expands on the world-building in the compelling existence of a post-alien invasion earth, it has a couple of issues. Now, I don’t expect a mesmerizing writing style in any of these kinds of books, and I would say it’s adequate in this one. However, the plot feels pretty hacked up, as locations shift way too often, with the main characters coming off as pretty one-note.

Continue reading →

The Lamplighters League – Kitchen Sink Adventures

Welcome to Paradox Interactive’s attempt at a Xcom-like turn-based tactical game in the form of The Lamplighters League. While it does not live up the legacy it was aiming for, I did find it enjoyable periodically, albeit a tad grindy. In this alternative 1930s world of earth, every kind of pulp fiction exoticism has been thrown in for good measure. Everything from the spirit world of ghosts and walking skeletons to monsters of the depth out to feast, Cthulhu style. Don’t worry, there are Nazi type regular human soldiers to shoot up too. In other words: there’s a whole damn smörgåsbord of critters and ancient horrors waiting to devour your soul!

Continue reading →

Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter – Extermination Geonosis

Strap in and secure your hold-out blaster pistol. It’s time to once again set out to defend against the Trade Federation droids. Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter is a continuation of Star Wars: Starfighter, but bigger and better, with a more focused story that plays into the Star Wars movie prequel a bit more. Notable Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and specifically: the battle of Geonosis. Another difference in this game, compared to the original, is that the spot for the main character is now shared with a Jedi, who comes with unique devastating force abilities.

Continue reading →

Star Wars: Starfighter – Aces of Naboo

I have a soft spot for the sequel movies, even if they are not the greatest. Games like Star Wars: Starfighter play into the nostalgia fun just right for me. An often major feature of these games is that, instead of playing as film characters or following the movie plot too strictly, they present the main conflict from a different perspective. I love this, since it expands on the lore, and provides insight (in a gamey way) in how others fared in the war. It’s usually from a grunt-side view, and being a regular Joe caught up in battle is very different from being a noble Jedi slicing heads off uppity droids. Star Wars: Starfighter is no different.

Continue reading →

Tenebris: Terra Incognita – Early Access Impressions

It’s time to return to the bug infested hellhole of Tenebris. Limbs will be lost, and eyes will be poked out. This is truly a place of horror, and crippled soldiers seeking injury pay. In other words: Tenebris: Terra Incognita will make a man out of you, or well, less of a man. If you suffer from entomophobia, stay away! I played the demo when that was released, which I wrote about here. My impressions from the demo were very favorable, so does the full release live up to the hype? Full release as far as Early Access will take you. Meaning, it’s missing a few crucial parts, like a complete campaign, and a few soldier classes. It’s expected to be in Early Access for one year. Anyway, let’s check it out.

Continue reading →