Splinter Cell: Conviction – Sam Going Loco [Review]

The one Splinter Cell game that, in my opinion, got the most flak. Not totally undeserved, but perhaps the critique was a tad harsh back when it was released. People wanted more of the slow, duct-crawling stealth kind. Instead, we got commando Sam Fisher, who has no problem with murdering people to the left and right for the slightest of reasons. This felt off with a lot of people. However, I think Splinter Cell: Conviction fits perfectly in the Splinter Cell lore. Sam is a loose cannon, and without anyone guiding his actions—he is just a brutal killer, especially when fueled by vengeful revenge. Having Sam go crazy with bloodlust, makes narrative sense in the grand story of Splinter Cell.

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The Expanse: A Telltale Series – Embrace the Vacuum [Review]

In preparation for Owlcat’s upcoming RPG The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, set in The Expanse universe, I decided to watch the show. Why it took me this long, I honestly don’t know. Because it’s excellent, as it reminds me of the cool sci-fi underground crime world of Mass Effect 2—where a mercenary’s life is only worth as fast as he is on the trigger. From here on, one thing led to another, and I got curious if the show has seen any other game adaptations. And to my surprise, yes, in fact it has, in the form of a Telltale style game in The Expanse: A Telltale Series, which we are reviewing today. 

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EXODUS – Extended Gameplay Reveal [Gameplay trailer]

Is EXODUS the new Mass Effect? If we go by this twenty-minute narrated gameplay demonstration, there is a pretty good chance it is. Before watching this video, I honestly thought EXODUS was a semi-dead AAA project (like most of them). You know how it is—while it got the mechanics and gameplay down, it’s looking absolutely soulless yet here we are now. It actually comes off as genuinely fun, with a strange future to explore (sentient animals, anyone?), good third-person pop-a-mole combat (even has stealth), and classic choices & consequences to ponder.

Now, this could be a highly curated slice of gameplay, which it probably is, but I can’t help getting a bit hyped. I need a new massive third-person space-opera shooter to explore! Check out the video after the jump!

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007 First Light – An Update of Despair

I’m actually taken aback a little by how I feel about 007 First Light, and usually I’m pretty lenient towards these movie‑type games. Let’s just say if the story and the presentation dazzle me (jingle keys!) with a semi-competent gameplay loop, I’m essentially sold. So, while 007 First Light sure has the presentation down, and most of the moment-to-moment action gameplay—I’m having a serious issue motivating myself to continue Bond’s adventure.

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