Recent reviews by Alyard

Total War: WARHAMMER II - The Hunter & The Beast is an expansion with two unique legendary lords, Markus Wulfhart and Nakai the Wanderer, offering engaging gameplay experiences.
Empire fans will love Wulfhart's campaign with new units like Huntsmen and War Wagons, and the addition of Archers eases early-game progression for the hole Empire. Lizardmen enthusiasts can explore Nakai's horde mechanics. While it might not resonate with everyone, the DLC is a must-have for Empire players, especially when on sale.

Total War: Warhammer III - A Mixed Experience with a Recommendation

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Total War: Warhammer III presents a mixed experience that may appeal to dedicated fans of the series but may not be worth it for everyone. With its continuation of the grand strategy and fantastical battles, this game offers some enjoyable moments, but falls short in certain areas.

While the game maintains the immersive Warhammer universe and introduces new factions, it lacks significant innovation compared to its predecessors. The campaign can feel repetitive and lacks enough fresh mechanics to keep players fully engaged.

However, if you can find Total War: Warhammer III at a discounted price, particularly under $20, it may be worth considering for fans of the series. Despite its flaws, it still offers the iconic battles and strategic depth that the franchise is known for.

Overall, if you are a dedicated fan of the Total War series and can acquire the game at a lower price point, Total War: Warhammer III may be worth a purchase. However, for those looking for groundbreaking improvements or a completely new experience, it may not be worth investing in at full price.

Total War: Warhammer II - A Spellbinding Sequel That Expands the Fantasy Universe

Rating: ★★★★★

Total War: Warhammer II is a true masterpiece that takes the captivating blend of strategy and fantasy to new heights. With its immersive world, diverse factions, and strategic depth, this game delivers an unparalleled experience that deserves a perfect rating.

The addition of new continents, factions, and legendary lords expands the already vast Warhammer universe, offering endless possibilities and replayability. The attention to detail in both the campaign and the epic real-time battles is nothing short of exceptional.

From commanding massive armies to engaging in exhilarating duels with powerful heroes and monsters, every aspect of Warhammer II's gameplay is finely crafted and engrossing. The visuals are stunning, bringing to life the intricate details of the Warhammer world.

Total War: Warhammer II is a shining example of how to combine the best elements of strategy and fantasy, resulting in a game that sets the bar high for the genre. With its depth, immersion, and sheer enjoyment, it deserves nothing less than a perfect five-star rating.

Title: Total War: Warhammer - A Fantastical Strategy Epic That Blends Worlds

Rating: ★★★★☆

Total War: Warhammer takes the beloved Total War franchise to new heights by fusing the immersive grand strategy gameplay with the rich lore and captivating fantasy universe of Warhammer. With its meticulous attention to detail, strategic depth, and breathtaking battles, this game delivers an unforgettable experience for both strategy enthusiasts and Warhammer fans alike.

The game seamlessly combines the iconic factions of the Warhammer world, each with their unique units, heroes, and playstyles. Whether you lead the valiant Empire, the cunning Greenskins, the savage Vampire Counts, or any other faction, the depth of choice and variety is staggering.

The turn-based campaign offers a vast map to conquer, complete with diverse regions, resources, and legendary landmarks. Managing your empire, diplomacy, and economy while keeping an eye on the ever-present threats requires careful planning and foresight.

But it is the real-time battles where Total War: Warhammer truly shines. Witnessing armies of fantastical creatures clash on the battlefield is a sight to behold. From the massive and awe-inspiring dragons to hordes of ferocious orcs, the visual spectacle and strategic depth of these battles are unmatched.

Total War: Warhammer is a true love letter to Warhammer fans, capturing the essence of the rich lore and delivering an immersive strategy experience. With its exceptional blend of world-building, strategic depth, and breathtaking battles, this game is a must-play for both strategy enthusiasts and Warhammer aficionados.

Title: ARK: Survival Evolved: A Mesmerizing Prehistoric Adventure

Rating: ★★★★★

ARK: Survival Evolved takes players on an unforgettable journey back in time to a prehistoric world filled with awe-inspiring landscapes and colossal creatures. This game offers a mesmerizing experience that combines survival, exploration, and taming mechanics, resulting in an immersive adventure that keeps players hooked for hours.

One of the standout features of ARK is its diverse and vibrant ecosystem. From towering dinosaurs to exotic creatures, the attention to detail in their design and behavior is astounding. Interacting with these creatures, whether taming them for companionship or engaging in thrilling battles, is an exhilarating experience that never gets old.

The depth of gameplay in ARK is astounding. The freedom to build and customize bases, craft tools and weapons, and explore vast landscapes adds layers of immersion and discovery. Whether you choose to team up with other players in cooperative gameplay or engage in PvP battles, the multiplayer aspect adds an additional layer of excitement and camaraderie.

Visually, ARK is a treat for the eyes. The meticulously crafted environments, stunning lighting effects, and realistic creature animations contribute to a visually captivating experience. The attention to detail extends even to the smallest elements, making the world feel alive and breathing.

In conclusion, ARK: Survival Evolved offers an extraordinary prehistoric adventure. With its mesmerizing world, captivating gameplay, extensive customization options, and stunning visuals, it stands as a testament to the power of immersive gaming experiences. Brace yourself for a thrilling journey of survival, taming, and exploration in this extraordinary prehistoric playground.

The Ascent: A Expensive Virtual Journey ($1100)

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆

The "Ascent Free-Roaming VR Experience" was a disappointment. The graphics were lackluster, the gameplay repetitive, and the tracking system glitchy. With limited games and a price tag that made me question my life choices, it failed to deliver an immersive and enjoyable VR adventure. Not recommended unless you have money to burn and a desire for disappointment.

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

World of Tanks, despite my 3,000+ hours of playtime on the wargaming launcher, and an additional 1,000 hours on Steam, proved to be a truly disappointing and frustrating experience. Here's why you should avoid it:

Pay-to-Win Mechanics: Shamelessly implementing pay-to-win mechanics, World of Tanks destroys game balance. Players who spend real money on premium tanks and ammunition gain an unfair advantage, undermining skill and favoring those with deep pockets.

Grind-Focused Gameplay: The game heavily emphasizes mind-numbing grinding. It becomes more about repetitive objectives than actual tank warfare, making it feel like an arduous chore rather than entertainment.

Unbalanced Matchmaking: The matchmaking system is a disaster. Inexperienced players are frequently matched against veterans, resulting in lopsided battles. Pay-to-win exacerbates the issue, with higher-tier tanks dominated by those who've spent a fortune.

Toxic Community: World of Tanks fosters a toxic community filled with insults, offensive language, and harassment. It fails to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for players.

World of Tanks, a promising concept tarnished by greed and poor execution, offers a deeply unsatisfying gaming experience. Save yourself the frustration and seek out a fairer and more enjoyable tank warfare game elsewhere.

Title: Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord - A Vast Medieval Sandbox with Boundless Potential

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved Mount & Blade series, offers a sprawling and immersive medieval sandbox experience. With its deep strategic gameplay, expansive world, and potential for epic battles, Bannerlord has the ingredients to captivate players for hours on end.

The game presents a rich tapestry of political intrigue, clan management, and feudal warfare, allowing players to carve out their own path in a dynamic and ever-evolving medieval realm. The character creation and progression system offer a wide array of choices, from noble knights to cunning merchants, each with their unique strengths and weaknesses.

The real highlight of Bannerlord lies in its epic battles. From commanding a small band of warriors to leading grand armies, the tactical depth and scale of the battles are awe-inspiring. The visceral combat mechanics, coupled with a wide variety of weaponry and mounted combat options, create an immersive and exhilarating battlefield experience.

The world of Bannerlord is vast and beautifully rendered, with diverse landscapes and bustling cities that truly bring the medieval setting to life. The attention to detail is commendable, from the intricate armor designs to the bustling townsfolk going about their daily routines.

However, despite its many strengths, Bannerlord is not without its flaws. The game still suffers from occasional bugs and optimization issues, which can detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the steep learning curve and lack of initial guidance may be overwhelming for newcomers to the series.

In conclusion, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a remarkable medieval sandbox that offers a vast world to explore, engaging battles to partake in, and a sense of freedom and agency rarely found in other games. While it has its imperfections, the potential for grand adventures and emergent storytelling make Bannerlord a worthy addition to any medieval enthusiast's gaming library. With continued updates and improvements, this game has the potential to reach even greater heights.

Title: Sims 4: A Captivating Virtual Life, but with its Quirks

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)

Sims 4, oh how you've stolen countless hours of my life! This virtual life simulation game has consumed me like no other. I've spent more time creating and customizing my Sim's outfits than I have on my own wardrobe. The attention to detail is astounding, from the intricacies of home design to the vast array of career paths and aspirations.

But let's not forget the delightful chaos that ensues. It's both amusing and frustrating how my Sims can't seem to handle even the simplest tasks without my intervention. I've watched in amusement as they set the kitchen on fire while attempting to make a grilled cheese sandwich, or stand idly by as they get lost in the house they've lived in for years.

All in all, Sims 4 is a captivating and addictive virtual experience that lets me unleash my creativity and indulge in the absurdity of virtual life. Just be prepared to lose track of time and occasionally question your priorities. While it has its quirks, it's a solid choice for fans of life simulation games.

Title: Space Engineers: A Stellar Sandbox Adventure

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

Space Engineers offers an immersive and captivating sandbox adventure that combines creative building mechanics with expansive exploration. Players can construct intricate space stations, vehicles, and spacecraft, showcasing their ingenuity and attention to detail. The game's realistic physics and dynamic environments add depth to the experience, whether it's mining resources, salvaging wrecks, or engaging in epic space battles.

Multiplayer functionality enhances the gameplay, allowing for collaborative projects or competitive gameplay. The community-driven mods and workshop support provide endless possibilities for customization and variety. Although the learning curve can be steep, mastering the complex controls and interface is rewarding.

Overall, Space Engineers fuels the imagination and provides hours of captivating gameplay. With its robust building mechanics, immersive exploration, and multiplayer features, it's a must-play for space enthusiasts and creative minds seeking an intergalactic journey.