Recent reviews by Chris

a fantastic attest to the original, despite being considered a "parallel" universe. you get what you're given, and much, much more. i'm 50 hours in, and still barely scratched the surface of what this sequel has to offer. if you can cast aside the riddled issues there is a true gem lying beneath the rocky surface of what this game has presented itself as at first glance. hopefully these are sorted out, as those who are struggling to play definitely need to experience this astonishing work. personally, my fix would be to update your drivers/clear your shader cache if you know how. i'm sure google will assist you in that. don't use DLSS for now, it's rather bumpy for crashes.

visually breathtaking and a very impressive remaster of the original. the requirements are kind of unrealistic though. better optimization needed and then this is a solid one.

a technological marvel and a true love letter from larian studios. you must play this game.

poor replacement to the original

project zomboid offers an unparalleled survival experience, setting itself apart as a standout in the genre with its depth, realism, and continuous development. the game plunges you into a post-apocalyptic world where your primary objective is simple yet profoundly challenging: survive for as long as possible in a world overrun by zombies.

from the moment you start, this game impresses with its attention to detail and commitment to realism. the isometric graphics, while simple, are effective and evocative, creating an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and eerily immersive. the game's mechanics are where it truly shines. every decision matters, from managing hunger and thirst to coping with injuries and illnesses. the crafting system is extensive, allowing you to create a wide variety of tools, weapons, and barricades essential for your survival.

the AI of the zombies is impressively sophisticated; they react to sound and sight in a way that feels authentic and unpredictable, keeping you constantly on your toes.

one of the strongest aspects is its replayability. no two games feel the same thanks to the procedurally generated elements and the vast open-world map. each playthrough offers new challenges and opportunities, whether you're scavenging for supplies in abandoned homes or fortifying a safehouse with your friends in multiplayer mode.

the modding community is vibrant, offering a plethora of mods that can tailor the game to your liking, from small quality-of-life changes to total overhauls that can transform your gameplay experience.

this is a must-play for fans of survival games. its depth, realism, and ever-evolving nature make it an addictive and rewarding experience. whether you’re a lone wolf navigating the apocalypse or teaming up with friends to outlast the undead, project zomboid delivers an immersive and thrilling journey into the heart of a zombie apocalypse.

death stranding is a bold and innovative title that defies conventional gaming norms, delivering a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience.

from the outset, death stranding captivates with its stunning visuals and hauntingly beautiful world. the game’s setting, a post-apocalyptic america ravaged by supernatural phenomena, is brought to life with meticulous detail. the landscapes are both desolate and breathtaking, evoking a sense of isolation and wonder as you traverse the varied terrain.

the core gameplay of death stranding revolves around the concept of connection. you are tasked with delivering essential supplies across a fragmented world, rebuilding society one step at a time. the mechanics of walking, climbing, and balancing might sound mundane on paper, but in practice, they are deeply engaging. the game’s innovative use of terrain, weight distribution, and physical strain turns each journey into a strategic and immersive experience.

what sets death stranding apart is its emphasis on collaboration and community. the asynchronous multiplayer system allows players to leave helpful structures, signs, and resources for one another, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation. this feature transforms the solitary trek into a shared endeavor, as you contribute to and benefit from the efforts of other players.

the narrative of death stranding is both intricate and poignant, exploring themes of life, death, and the bonds that connect us. the story is delivered through a combination of cinematic cutscenes and in-game discoveries, each character is richly developed, and their performances add depth and emotion to the unfolding drama.

the game’s soundtrack and audio design further enhance the experience, with hauntingly beautiful music that perfectly complements the atmosphere and tone. the soundscapes of the world, from the crunch of gravel underfoot to the eerie silence of abandoned cities, draw you deeper into the game’s immersive environment.

this is a bold and ambitious title that challenges traditional gaming boundaries. it’s a game that requires patience and reflection, rewarding those who embrace its unique vision with an experience that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. whether you are drawn by its narrative, intrigued by its mechanics, or simply looking for something different, death stranding is a journey worth taking.

this game should not be on Steam, it is a safety concern and those who are currently leading the development for this product are continuously ignorant to the blatant security risks that this service provides to children. - it is a testament to the worrisome behaviour this social platform entails by how the involved community and developers alike treat the ongoing issues of grooming and mental health decline throughout this games' history.

in par for the course, one of the most glaring issues with vrchat is its toxic player base. instead of fostering a welcoming community, the platform often becomes a breeding ground for negative behavior. instances of harassment, bullying, and general toxicity are alarmingly common, making it a hostile environment, especially for new users. the lack of effective moderation and enforcement of community guidelines exacerbates this problem, leaving many users feeling vulnerable and unwelcome.

vrchat suffers from social cliquishness that can make it difficult for new users to integrate. the social groups are often insular and unwelcoming to outsiders, creating a divisive atmosphere. many users spend hours simply staring at mirrors, an activity that highlights the platform's superficial and self-obsessed nature rather than fostering meaningful interactions and connections.

vrchat has serious issues with grooming and inappropriate interactions involving minors. despite being aware of these problems, it often seems that the developers push these safety concerns under the rug. the platform's measures to protect younger users are insufficient, creating a dangerous environment where predatory behavior can thrive. this negligence is inexcusable and poses significant risks to the most vulnerable members of the community.

it's bizarre how the userbase had unanimously come together and boycott the development of this game simply because their accessability modifications/enhancements such as the ability to pet other avatars was shortly halted during the middle of 2022 when VRChat Inc decided it would be best to implement Easy Anti Cheat into its platform. the response from users over this change was overwhelmingly negative, and you can see this through this store pages review history.

however, like i said, i find this a rather bizarre effort, considering the uncomfortable rise in the merging of those who play this game for adultry reasons and those who play this game without such intent. there have been efforts from outside perspectives looking in at just how truly disgusting this platform is, if you approach a user in this game who is dressed up in overly sexualized content while being in the presence of the unmoderated and unregulated children surrounding them, that user will usually respond by blocking you, while also continuing to expose themselves to these passing children in the process.

in very recent events, a moderator of their official Discord server was exposed as someone who involves themselves in sexual manners while wearing avatars in depiction of children. videos and screenshots were shared throughout the community, and despite the overwhelming proof published about this moderator, VRChat staff tried to make the issue seem less severe, saying the "content displayed/exposed is before they were a moderator and over six years ago".

alright VRChat, i've got a few questions for you.

tell me exactly how the UI update from 2022 is present in a video that is "six years old" ?

tell me exactly how the avatar that at the time of the evidence posted, which is still on this moderators account, is a six year old issue?

how is the WORLD used in the evidence, which is less than five years old, used in a video that is "six years old" ?

quite frankly, even if it was six years old, why on earth are you providing lenience to a moderator of your own platform using a avatar depicted as a child in sexual circumstances? it doesn't matter if it was six, twelve, twenty years ago, get them off your platform.

overall, this game is incredibly problematic. the userbase will try to convert you to the virtual platforms normalization of bad mental habits including: toxicity, stalking, blackmail, harassment, self-isolation, promotion of self-harm, overdependency of people online and unhealthy drug consumption - while also allowing those with any of these factors to interact with children as young as 4 years old anonymously with zero reprocussions.

I do not recommend this game.

it's really good, despite how simple it is. there was a lot of love put in the visuals and if you're looking for a nice platformer, it's for you.

halo: the master chief collection is a compilation that celebrates the legacy of one of the most iconic franchises in gaming history. this collection not only brings together the best of halo but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to the golden era when bungie crafted some of the most unforgettable moments in gaming.

the collection includes halo: combat evolved, halo 2, halo 3, halo 3: odst, and halo 4, offering a comprehensive journey through the series' rich history.

bungie's era, particularly with halo 2 and halo 3, represents the pinnacle of multiplayer and storytelling in the first-person shooter genre. halo 2 introduced groundbreaking multiplayer features that set the standard for online gaming. its competitive balance, innovative map design, and the introduction of xbox live made it a game-changer. the community flourished, creating a sense of camaraderie and rivalry that remains unmatched. halo 3 took these foundations and elevated them even further, offering an unparalleled multiplayer experience that i consider the golden age of online gaming.

the campaign narratives during bungie's tenure are nothing short of epic. master chief's journey is filled with memorable moments, from the awe-inspiring battles against the covenant to the mysterious allure of the halo rings. the storytelling is masterfully done, with characters like cortana and the arbiter becoming beloved icons in their own right. the emotional depth and cinematic quality of these campaigns have left a lasting impact on me, making them timeless classics.

one of the standout features of the halo 2 remaster is the absolutely breathtaking cutscenes created by blur studio. these scenes are visually stunning, bringing a new level of detail and dynamism to the story. the improved animations, textures, and cinematic direction transform the narrative experience, making the epic battles and emotional moments even more impactful. these cutscenes are a true highlight of the collection and demonstrate the care and artistry that went into the remaster.

this collection does more than just compile these games; it enhances them with improved graphics, smoother gameplay, and a wealth of additional content. the updated visuals bring new life to classic maps and environments, while the seamless transitions between games in the unified interface make it easy to dive into my favorite halo moments.

one of the standout features for me is the preserved multiplayer experience. whether i'm reliving the chaotic fun of halo 2’s multiplayer maps or the strategic depth of halo 3’s forge mode, the master chief collection provides a nostalgic trip down memory lane while keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging. the online community is still vibrant, a testament to the enduring appeal of bungie’s masterpieces.

however, the master chief collection isn't without its flaws. one of the most significant criticisms i have is 343 industries' touches on the franchise.

halo 4 was a disaster of a title. the game attempted to delve deeper into the relationship between master chief and cortana, introducing more personal and emotional elements to the story. while this was an ambitious move, i felt it deviated too much from the epic, large-scale conflicts that defined earlier games. the focus on cortana's rampancy and the emotional struggles of master chief felt out of place in the context of the traditionally stoic and larger-than-life protagonist.

the game fell very short from many of the core elements that defined the series under bungie—such as its multiplayer mechanics, art style, and narrative focus—resulted in a game that, while ambitious and technically accomplished, failed to resonate with me. this perceived misstep marked the beginning of a more turbulent period for the halo franchise, leaving me yearning for the days when bungie was at the helm.

onto the campaign remasters. the way 343 industries had remastered halo: combat evolved was not good in my first experience of it over a decade ago. the new art style feels wrong and doesn't capture the original atmosphere, especially in key moments such as the flood's first appearance. the remaster lacks the pacing and tension that made these missions so memorable, detracting from the overall experience.

additionally, technical issues persist, particularly with halo 2's co-op mode. despite the numerous updates, the co-op experience still suffers from crashes on certain missions, which can be frustrating when trying to relive these campaigns with friends. if specific bugs like this were fixed, the collection would be much closer to perfection.

now with the multiplayer, the decision to add new cosmetics to the bungie-era of halo has been unfavorable to me, as it diverges from the original design and aesthetic that i cherished. the introduction and design of some of these wearables feels out of place and somewhat detracts from the nostalgic experience and gameplay. i am however glad they decided to add an option to hide these new features.

in conclusion, halo: the master chief collection is not just a collection of games; it's a celebration of a legendary era in gaming. bungie's golden days with halo: ce, halo 2 and halo 3 represent a time that may never be replicated, but this collection ensures that these timeless classics will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. despite some missteps with the addition of cosmetics, lingering technical issues and poor choices from 343 overall, the experience still remains incredibly rewarding, and probably the only good thing 343 has ever done. whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, the master chief collection is a must-have, offering an unparalleled gaming experience that stands the test of time.

damn. bungie redemotion arc 2024.