Recent reviews by Joe Hendry

Puyo Puyo Tetris is a delightful mash-up of two beloved puzzle game franchises, combining the colorful world of Puyo Puyo with the classic mechanics of Tetris. Released on Steam in 2018, this game offers a unique blend of strategy, quick thinking, and vibrant visuals, making it a must-try for fans of both genres.

Graphics and Design: 8/10

The graphics are bright and cheerful, perfectly capturing the whimsical nature of Puyo Puyo while maintaining the iconic blocky aesthetic of Tetris. The colorful backgrounds and character designs add to the game's charm, creating a visually appealing experience. The animations are smooth and engaging, enhancing the overall enjoyment during gameplay.

Gameplay: 9/10

Puyo Puyo Tetris excels in its gameplay variety. Players can choose from several modes, including solo and multiplayer options, allowing for both casual and competitive play. The core mechanics are easy to grasp: align Tetriminos to clear lines in Tetris, and match Puyos to pop them. The fusion of these two systems introduces a fresh layer of strategy, as players must adapt to different playstyles and tactics depending on the mode.

The game features a robust single-player campaign with various challenges and a multitude of characters to unlock, which adds depth and replayability. The multiplayer mode shines, offering both local and online options for up to four players, ensuring that there's always someone to compete against.

Multiplayer Experience: 10/10

The multiplayer aspect is where Puyo Puyo Tetris truly shines. The competitive play is fast-paced and exhilarating, with players often finding themselves in intense battles where quick reflexes and strategic planning are essential. The ability to choose between Puyo and Tetris modes or combine them for added chaos creates endless fun and keeps matches fresh.

Replayability: 9/10

With its diverse game modes, customizable options, and a range of challenges, Puyo Puyo Tetris has significant replay value. The online leaderboards and ranked matches encourage players to improve their skills and compete with others, adding a layer of competitiveness that keeps players coming back for more.

Overall: 9/10

Puyo Puyo Tetris is a fantastic fusion of two classic puzzle games, offering a vibrant and engaging experience that appeals to both new players and seasoned veterans. Its charming graphics, varied gameplay modes, and exciting multiplayer options make it a standout title on Steam. Whether you’re looking for a casual gaming session or an intense competition, Puyo Puyo Tetris delivers endless hours of fun and challenge. If you love puzzle games, this is an essential addition to your library!

UNO on Steam brings the classic card game to the digital realm, offering both nostalgia and new features for players to enjoy. Whether you’re playing with friends or engaging with the online community, this version of UNO captures the essence of the beloved tabletop game while adding modern conveniences.

Graphics and Design: 7/10

The graphics are colorful and cheerful, maintaining the classic UNO aesthetic with vibrant cards and a simple interface. The animations are smooth, adding a fun flair when players draw cards or play their moves. While the visuals may not be groundbreaking, they effectively convey the game’s playful spirit.

Gameplay: 9/10

UNO shines in its straightforward yet engaging gameplay. The rules remain true to the original, making it easy for newcomers to pick up. Players can strategize by using special cards like Skip, Reverse, and Wild, adding depth to the game. The digital format allows for quick matchmaking and various game modes, including classic, house rules, and tournaments, enhancing replayability and keeping the experience fresh.

Multiplayer Experience: 9/10

The multiplayer aspect is where UNO truly excels. You can play with friends locally or connect online with players worldwide. The ability to create private rooms or join public matches adds flexibility to how you play. The social interaction and lighthearted competition make for memorable gaming sessions, whether you're playing with friends or strangers.

Customization and Features: 8/10

The game includes several customization options, allowing players to tweak rules and settings to suit their preferences. Additionally, seasonal events and themed card sets add variety and keep players engaged. The introduction of unique house rules can also lead to unexpected twists and fun gameplay variations.

Overall: 8/10

UNO on Steam successfully captures the charm of the original card game while offering a modern twist. Its easy-to-learn gameplay, engaging multiplayer features, and customization options make it a fantastic choice for both casual gamers and longtime fans. Whether you’re looking for a quick game with friends or a more competitive online experience, UNO provides a fun and enjoyable way to spend time with others. It’s a perfect addition to any digital game library, offering countless hours of entertainment.

We Happy Few is a unique survival adventure game developed by Compulsion Games, set in a dystopian alternate history where joy is enforced through a drug called "Joy." Released in 2018, the game blends elements of stealth, exploration, and crafting in a richly stylized world reminiscent of 1960s Britain, complete with vibrant visuals and a haunting atmosphere.

Graphics and Design: 8/10

The art style of We Happy Few is one of its standout features. The game employs a striking visual aesthetic, combining colorful, almost whimsical designs with a dark, unsettling undertone. The environments are meticulously crafted, from the cheerful streets of Wellington Wells to the ominous, dilapidated outskirts. This contrast effectively immerses players in the eerie yet captivating world.

Gameplay: 7/10

The gameplay in We Happy Few is a mix of survival mechanics and narrative-driven exploration. Players must navigate a society obsessed with happiness while avoiding the Watchers and other dangers. Stealth is often crucial, as direct confrontation can lead to overwhelming odds. The crafting system allows players to create tools and items, adding depth to the survival aspect. However, the mechanics can feel clunky at times, which may disrupt the flow of gameplay.

Story and Themes: 8/10

We Happy Few's narrative is both intriguing and thought-provoking. The story revolves around themes of conformity, addiction, and the pursuit of happiness at any cost. Players control three distinct characters, each with their own backstories and motivations, which adds layers to the overall narrative. The storytelling is rich, with plenty of lore to discover through environmental storytelling and collectible items.

Replayability: 7/10

While the game has a compelling story and engaging world, its replayability can be limited. Once you experience the main narrative and explore the various character arcs, there may be less incentive to return. However, the different playstyles and choices available can encourage players to approach the game from new angles.

Overall: 7.5/10

We Happy Few is an ambitious title that offers a captivating blend of survival, exploration, and storytelling in a uniquely crafted world. Its striking visuals and thought-provoking themes set it apart from other games in the genre. While it has its shortcomings in gameplay mechanics, the experience it provides is still worthwhile for those who enjoy narrative-driven adventures. If you're drawn to dystopian settings and enjoy a mix of stealth and survival, We Happy Few is a journey worth taking, even if it stumbles at times.

Broforce is a high-octane, action-packed platformer available on Steam that pays homage to classic action movies and 80s/90s video game culture. Developed by Free Lives and released in 2015, this game is all about explosive gameplay, destruction, and camaraderie as you take on the role of various "Bro" characters, each inspired by iconic action heroes.

Graphics and Design: 8/10

The pixel art style of Broforce is both nostalgic and charming, capturing the essence of retro gaming while delivering vibrant, detailed environments. The game features destructible terrain, which adds a dynamic layer to the visuals as players blast through levels. Each character is uniquely designed, making it easy to recognize their movie inspirations, from "Rambro" to "Bronan the Barbarian."

Gameplay: 9/10

Broforce excels in its fast-paced, chaotic gameplay. Players can choose from a diverse roster of characters, each with unique abilities and weapons, allowing for varied playstyles. The levels are filled with traps, enemies, and hostages to rescue, creating an engaging mix of platforming and action. The co-op multiplayer mode is particularly fun, encouraging teamwork and coordination as you tackle increasingly challenging stages together. The game’s permadeath mechanic adds an extra layer of tension and excitement to each run.

Co-op Experience: 10/10

The multiplayer aspect of Broforce is where it truly shines. Whether playing locally or online, the game fosters a sense of camaraderie as players work together to rescue their comrades and defeat enemies. The chaotic nature of the gameplay often leads to hilarious moments, making it an excellent choice for social gaming. The shared experience of managing explosions and rescuing hostages creates unforgettable memories.

Replayability: 9/10

With procedurally generated levels and a plethora of characters to unlock, Broforce offers substantial replay value. The challenge ramps up as you progress, keeping players engaged and motivated to improve their skills. Additionally, the various game modes and customizable options further enhance the replayability factor.

Overall: 9/10

Broforce is a fantastic blend of nostalgia, chaos, and cooperative gameplay. Its engaging mechanics, charming visuals, and the thrill of working together make it a must-play for fans of platformers and action games alike. Whether you're reliving the glory days of action movies or just looking for a fun way to spend time with friends, Broforce delivers an exhilarating and entertaining experience that’s hard to resist.

Supermarket Together is a charming co-op simulation game available on Steam that invites players to work together to run their own grocery store. Released in 2021, it combines elements of strategy, time management, and teamwork, making it a fun experience for friends and family.

Graphics and Design: 7/10

The visuals in Supermarket Together are colorful and cartoony, perfectly capturing the lighthearted atmosphere of a bustling grocery store. The character designs are whimsical, adding to the overall charm. While the graphics may not be cutting-edge, they effectively convey the playful spirit of the game and make it visually appealing for all ages.

Gameplay: 8/10

The gameplay revolves around managing various tasks such as stocking shelves, checking out customers, and handling inventory. Each player can take on different roles, promoting teamwork and communication. The game features a variety of challenges and scenarios that keep the experience fresh and engaging. The intuitive controls make it easy to pick up and play, though mastering the coordination between players adds an enjoyable layer of complexity.

Co-op Experience: 9/10

Supermarket Together truly shines in its co-op mode. The need for collaboration encourages players to strategize and communicate effectively, making it a great choice for family game nights or casual gatherings with friends. The chaos of managing a supermarket while dealing with customers creates hilarious moments and fosters a sense of camaraderie.

Replayability: 7/10

While the core gameplay is enjoyable, the level of replayability may vary depending on player interest. The game offers different scenarios and challenges, but after completing them, some players might feel less inclined to return. However, the fun of playing with friends can often outweigh this limitation.

Overall: 8/10

Supermarket Together is a delightful co-op experience that successfully combines teamwork with the chaos of running a grocery store. Its charming visuals, engaging gameplay, and emphasis on collaboration make it an excellent choice for social gaming. While it may not have the depth or complexity of some larger simulation games, its fun factor and accessibility make it a worthy addition to any gaming library. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted way to spend time with friends or just want to enjoy a unique simulation experience, Supermarket Together delivers a wholesome and entertaining adventure.

Blender is a powerful, open-source 3D creation suite available on Steam that has garnered a passionate following among artists, animators, and game developers. Renowned for its versatility and depth, Blender offers a comprehensive set of tools for 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and more.

Features and Functionality: 10/10

Blender is packed with features that cater to a wide range of creative needs. From sculpting and texturing to rigging and animation, it provides an all-in-one solution for 3D content creation. The recent updates have introduced improvements in the user interface and performance, making it more accessible for newcomers while still offering advanced tools for professionals. The built-in Cycles and Eevee render engines deliver stunning visual output, whether for real-time previews or high-quality final renders.

User Experience: 8/10

While Blender's interface has improved, it can still be overwhelming for beginners. The sheer number of tools and options may require a learning curve, but there are extensive tutorials and a robust community that can help users get up to speed. Once you become familiar with the interface, however, the workflow becomes intuitive, allowing for efficient project management.

Community and Resources: 9/10

Blender has a vibrant and supportive community that contributes a wealth of resources. From free tutorials and documentation to forums and user groups, there’s no shortage of help available. Additionally, the Blender Market provides a platform for purchasing assets and add-ons, enhancing the software's functionality.

Performance: 9/10

Blender performs exceptionally well, especially considering it’s free software. It supports GPU acceleration, which can significantly enhance rendering speeds. Users with powerful hardware can expect smooth performance, even when working on complex scenes or simulations.

Overall: 9/10

Blender is an incredible tool for anyone interested in 3D modeling and animation. Its robust feature set, combined with a strong community and continuous updates, makes it a top choice for both beginners and seasoned professionals. While the initial learning curve might be steep, the investment in time pays off with the creative possibilities that Blender offers. For anyone serious about 3D art, Blender is an indispensable resource.

Wallpaper Engine is a standout application available on Steam that transforms your desktop experience by allowing users to create, customize, and apply dynamic wallpapers. Launched in 2016, it has quickly gained popularity among users who appreciate personalized aesthetics and vibrant visuals.

Graphics and Design: 9/10

The visual quality of wallpapers available in Wallpaper Engine is impressive. Users can choose from a wide array of animated wallpapers, from stunning nature scenes to vibrant anime art and abstract designs. The app supports various resolutions, ensuring that even ultra-wide monitors can display wallpapers beautifully. The smooth animations and high-quality graphics enhance the overall desktop experience.

Customization and Features: 10/10

One of the app's biggest strengths is its extensive customization options. Users can adjust settings such as playback speed, brightness, and color effects, allowing for a tailored look that matches personal preferences. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate through thousands of wallpapers and find the perfect fit. Additionally, the ability to create your own wallpapers using the built-in editor offers a unique opportunity for creative expression.

Community and Content: 8/10

Wallpaper Engine boasts a vibrant community where users can share their creations. The Steam Workshop integration allows for easy access to an ever-growing library of user-generated content. While the quality of wallpapers can vary, the sheer volume ensures that there’s something for everyone. Regular updates also keep the content fresh and engaging.

Performance: 8/10

The app is generally lightweight and performs well on most systems. It has settings to manage performance, allowing users to optimize resource usage based on their hardware capabilities. However, using highly detailed or resource-intensive wallpapers can sometimes impact system performance, especially on older machines.

Overall: 9/10

Wallpaper Engine is an exceptional application for anyone looking to enhance their desktop with stunning visuals. Its combination of high-quality graphics, extensive customization options, and a thriving community makes it a must-have for those who enjoy a personalized computing experience. Whether you're a casual user or a creative individual, Wallpaper Engine is sure to elevate your desktop aesthetic to new heights.

LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 is a delightful blend of two beloved franchises—LEGO and Harry Potter. Released in 2010, this action-adventure game takes players through the first four years of Harry's magical journey at Hogwarts, all while delivering the charming humor and creativity that LEGO games are known for.

Graphics and Design: 8/10

The graphics capture the whimsical essence of both LEGO and the Harry Potter universe beautifully. The environments are richly detailed, from the iconic Hogwarts castle to the vibrant Diagon Alley, all rendered in the signature LEGO style. The character models are adorable, and the animations add a playful touch that keeps the game lighthearted.

Gameplay: 9/10

The gameplay is a classic LEGO formula, combining exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Players control Harry, Ron, Hermione, and other beloved characters, each with unique abilities that unlock new areas and challenges. The game does an excellent job of balancing simplicity and depth, making it accessible for younger players while still offering enough complexity to engage older fans.

The puzzles are clever and often require cooperative play, making it a fantastic choice for family gaming. The addition of spell-casting mechanics allows for a fun twist, as players can use different spells to interact with the environment and defeat enemies.

Story and Humor: 8/10

The game follows the narrative of the first four books in a lighthearted, humorous way. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, offering plenty of comedic moments that fans of the series will appreciate. The cutscenes, rendered in LEGO style, capture key moments from the story while adding a unique twist that keeps the experience entertaining.

Replayability: 7/10

LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 features a wealth of collectibles, including house crests and character tokens, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny of the game. While the main story can be completed in a relatively short time, the desire to collect everything can draw players back in for more.

Overall: 8/10

LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 is a magical adventure that successfully merges the charm of LEGO with the enchanting world of Harry Potter. Its engaging gameplay, delightful humor, and vibrant design make it a must-play for fans of both franchises. Whether you're a long-time LEGO enthusiast or a Harry Potter aficionado, this game offers a whimsical journey that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.

BANAN

BLOODBORNE PC IS REAL