Recent reviews by Cvamped

"The world of Fallen London maps beautifully to the form of a visual novel, but Mask of the Rose loses something in translation all the same and sorely lacks the freedom that’s been a staple of past Failbetter games."

Read my full review here - https://www.reviews.org/au/games/mask-of-the-rose-review/

"Kingdom Come: Deliverance isn’t perfect — both on mechanics and on, quote-unquote, historical accuracy — and it’s definitely not going to be for everyone. Still, if you’re willing to put up with its imperfections and shortcomings, it’s an ambitious experience that comes surprisingly of living up to its lofty promises."

Read my full review here - https://cvamped.medium.com/kingdom-come-deliverance-2018-review-3870cde07cb8

"League of Geek's take on the hellish strategy game that time forgot isn't perfect, but it's easy to fall for. The sharp corners of the original are shaved down but the bones of this board game-like strategy game remain firmly intact.

Rather than desecrate the legacy of a strategy gaming cult classic, Solium Infernum feels like the right kind of resurrection."

Read my full review here - https://www.reviews.org/au/games/solium-infernum-review/

"It took a little longer than expected, but CD Projekt Red finally learned to make a good version of Cyberpunk 2077. Now, it feels like it’s only a matter of time until it can put together a great one. A problematic fave is all well and good, but who doesn’t love a redemption arc?"

Read my full review here - https://www.reviews.org/au/games/cyberpunk-2077-phantom-liberty-review/

"Amnesia: The Bunker finds fresh thrills in a more open sandbox approach and a new setting. It's not the best the series has ever been, but it's easily the most exciting and experimental installment."

Read my full review here - https://www.reviews.org/au/games/amnesia-the-bunker-review/

"Meet Your Maker puts a sadistic but savvy spin on the run-and-gun action of an old-school shooter and then tricks you into learning how to craft your own killer levels for it. "

Read my full review here - https://www.reviews.org/au/games/meet-your-maker-review/

"The Pale Beyond does justice to its biggest inspirations, channelling dread and uncertainty in all the right ways. The management mechanics may be a little shallow for some, but the narrative is gripping enough that you'll likely find yourself ready to see your journey through to the bitter end."

Read my full review here - https://www.reviews.org/au/games/the-pale-beyond-review/

"If the thrills offered by the recent film adaptation or a longer-term fascination with Frank Herbert's science fiction series is the vector by which you’ve been drawn to consider picking up a copy of Dune: Spice Wars, I have some bad news. The fact that this is a strategy game set on Arrakis might actually be the least interesting thing about it.

Sure, the Shiro Games version of the Dune universe is dripping with flavour and texture that feels inspired by other adaptations yet is wholly unique. Yet, the fact that the specific structure and pacing of the gameplay here feels so well complemented by the setting and subject material is ultimately secondary to the fact that the core gameplay loop is as compelling as it is. "

Read my full review here - https://www.reviews.org/au/games/dune-spice-wars-review/

"Of course, Destiny 2 isn’t just the poster child for live service gaming done right, it’s also an example of how it can easily go wrong. For every Witch Queen, there’s a Lightfall. For each Season of The Witch, there’s a Season of the Wish. From a certain point of view, the letdown of last year’s expansion pack may have been a blessing in disguise. After Lightfall received such a mixed reception, there’s nowhere to go but up.

Fortunately, The Final Shape does more than ride that updraft. It ticks almost every box you could hope for, plus a few unexpected ones that change Destiny for the better without changing the fundamentals too much. Bungie's neverending sequel has finally found its groove. Better late than never, I guess."

Read my full review here - https://www.reviews.org/au/games/destiny-2-the-final-shape-review/

"The Witch Queen is the best expansion Bungie have delivered since in years, giving longtime Destiny 2 players exactly what they crave and ex-Destiny 2 players something that’s worth returning for."

Read my full review here - https://www.reviews.org/au/games/destiny-2-the-witch-queen-review/