Recent reviews by DataWraith

Avowed Review (WIP)

Right from the start, Avowed impresses with its natural dialogue and smooth performance. It sets you up in a powerful, “godlike” role, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s clearly integral to the narrative Obsidian is crafting. One neat feature is the ability to toggle certain facial attributes on or off; I personally enjoy going all-in with the otherworldly look for a bit of extra immersion, but it’s great that the game offers an option to look more human if that’s your preference.

I’ve seen a few rumors about potential controversies in the game, but after 13 hours, I haven’t come across anything unusual. It could be that these concerns were overstated, or maybe they appear later on. For now, though, the writing feels well-balanced, and I haven’t encountered the issues some media reports mentioned. In fact, the companions/NPCs have some great one-liners that genuinely made me laugh, which only reinforces my sense that the rumored problems might not be as big a deal as suggested. (Trying not to spoil)

On the gameplay side, combat feels fantastic. It’s the kind of system that rewards timing and creative thinking—especially if you’re playing a Wizard like I am. Landing a critical combo is deeply satisfying; the audio-visual feedback really sells the impact of a successful strike. Another standout feature is the companion command system, which essentially treats your allies like additional spells or abilities in your roster. It adds depth and tactical variety, making battles feel more dynamic than the usual “set and forget” companion AI.

After playing further, I discovered there’s actually a wealth of lore hidden throughout the game—complete with a ton of lore books—and it’s absolutely awesome. Dialogue continues to shine, providing strong world-building without feeling overwhelming. Initially, I wished there were more reading materials scattered around, as I love diving deeper into the setting through environmental storytelling. But the more I explored, the more I realized just how many fascinating texts there are to uncover. That said, the NPCs still do a great job of delivering the essentials—so the game certainly isn’t lacking in exposition; I simply enjoy having lots to read and discover on my own.

Technically, Avowed does a good job minimizing loading screens, which is a welcome relief, especially when comparing it to certain open-world titles that become notorious for constant load times (Starfield, looking at you). Still, loading zones do exist, reminiscent of The Outer Worlds, in that you’ll occasionally transition between fairly large areas. It’s not seamless, but it’s quick enough not to disrupt the overall flow.

All things considered, Avowed is off to a strong start. The smooth performance, high-quality dialogue, and engaging combat suggest this will be another solid entry in Obsidian’s catalog. While I’m still early in the adventure, I’m excited to delve deeper into the story, uncover more of the lore, and see how the “godlike” storyline continues to evolve. If the opening hour is anything to go by, fans of deep RPGs—particularly Obsidian’s brand of storytelling—have a lot to look forward to.

The remaster of Mafia 1 is truly exceptional, offering an immersive and captivating experience for both new players and longtime fans of the series. The game has been meticulously updated with stunning visuals, enhanced audio, and refined game-play mechanics, making it feel both nostalgic and fresh. The developers have stayed true to the original story-line and atmosphere while adding modern touches that enhance the overall experience.

Spanning roughly 20 hours of game-play, Mafia 1's remaster offers a rich and engaging narrative set in the 1930's, with a deep dive into the world of organized crime. Players are drawn into the life of Tommy Angelo, a taxi driver turned reluctant mobster, as they navigate through a series of intense missions and gripping cut-scenes. The attention to detail in the game's open-world design, from the authentic period cars to the meticulously recreated cityscape, further immerses players in the era.

In addition to the main story-line, the remaster includes a variety of side missions and activities that add depth and replay-ability to the game. The updated controls and mechanics ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience, whether you're driving through the city or engaging in shootouts. Overall, this remaster is a testament to the enduring appeal of Mafia 1 and is a must-play for anyone looking to experience a classic game brought to life with modern enhancements.

While the original game is fantastic, the remaster falls short. Even on a high-end PC, I experienced a significant number of visual glitches and performance problems. The rushed aspects are evident, and the quality assurance was clearly lacking.

I'm genuinely impressed by Palworld, and I'm hopeful that the overwhelming support it's receiving will not only breathe new life into Pocketpair but also pave the way for success in their future endeavors, including the completion of Craftopia.

10/10

Without a doubt, I give this DLC a thumbs up. To all you naysayers about the price for what you get in this content refer to Civ 5 DLC. If you were expecting something with more content or priced lower you shot yourself in the foot with that mindset. It's obvious to me that a lot of you may have bought that content on sale which would lead you to comment negitivly. But dont alow yourself to belittle a game and it's content because of your own idiocy or ignorance.


To the Devs(Firaxis, and Aspyr): Love the content! Great voice work and animation on the Leader! Can't wait to see what else you have in store for us in the future.

Café Salou - Balaeric Nights, is one of my favs. Love the commercials and and DJ's. Overall this DLC is pretty much worth it.

Solid work as always, Matt!