Ulasan terkini oleh Arc

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Grand Theft Auto 2 (GTA2), released in 1999, is one of those games that feels like a product of its time, yet still manages to remain entertaining today. Developed by DMA Design (now Rockstar North), GTA2 marked a significant step forward from the original Grand Theft Auto released in 1997. It’s a top-down open-world action game where you wreak havoc in a sprawling city filled with rival gangs, corrupt cops, and ordinary citizens just trying to survive the chaos you bring to their lives.

What’s special about GTA2 is that it wasn’t just a cash grab sequel—it improved on nearly every aspect of its predecessor. The graphics were sharper, the gameplay was more varied, and the world felt more alive, even with its intentionally exaggerated and absurd tone. It’s also one of the last games in the series to feature the top-down perspective before the franchise moved into 3D with GTA III.

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At its core, GTA2 is about freedom. You’re thrown into a massive city and left to decide how you want to climb the criminal ladder. Want to run missions for gangs? Sure. Prefer to steal cars, cause chaos, and fight off waves of cops? Go for it. The game doesn’t punish you for doing things your way—it encourages it.
Here’s what makes the gameplay tick:
One of the standout features of GTA2 is its faction system. The city is divided into territories controlled by three gangs in each district, and they all want your loyalty. You can choose to work for the Zaibatsu Corporation (a greedy mega-corporation), the Loonies (a gang of psychotic anarchists), or the Yakuza (disciplined but deadly criminals), among others. Each gang has its own flavor and mission types, and they all hate each other. Helping one faction raises your reputation with them but lowers it with their rivals, meaning you’re always walking a tightrope of alliances.

The missions themselves are varied, often bordering on the ridiculous in the best way. You’ll be tasked with everything from blowing up rival gang hideouts to stealing specific cars or escorting convoys. However, the difficulty spikes here can be brutal. Some missions feel manageable, while others will have you tearing your hair out with their sudden increase in challenge. Expect to retry missions multiple times as you learn the patterns and strategies needed to complete them.
Combat in GTA2 is chaotic and brutal. You can wield a variety of weapons, from pistols and machine guns to flamethrowers and rocket launchers. The shooting mechanics are basic but satisfying. Driving, meanwhile, feels tighter compared to GTA1. Cars handle better, and there’s more variety in vehicles, from sports cars to buses. Stealing a specific car for a mission—or just for fun—is always a highlight.
The police are no joke in GTA2. As in later GTA games, you have a wanted level that increases as you commit crimes. Start small, and the cops will come after you in patrol cars. Cause enough mayhem, and they’ll escalate to SWAT teams and military forces. The challenge of evading them adds a layer of tension and fun to the chaos.
One of the big changes in GTA2 compared to its predecessor is the introduction of save points and respawns. You can save your game by visiting churches (at a cost), which helps reduce the frustration of losing progress after dying. However, this save system comes with its own set of issues. If you only keep one save and it becomes corrupted—a problem that some players report—you’re out of luck. Always back up your saves, or you risk losing hours of progress. For a game this challenging, that’s a painful lesson to learn the hard way.

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The game is set in a retro-futuristic city simply called Anywhere City. It’s divided into three districts: the Downtown area, the Residential area, and the Industrial sector. Each has a unique vibe:

• Downtown: The starting area, with skyscrapers, bustling streets, and corporate strongholds.
  
• Residential: A mix of suburbs, small businesses, and shady hideouts.
  
• Industrial: The most dangerous district, filled with factories, gang territories, and crime-ridden streets.

The city feels alive, with pedestrians going about their day, cars honking in traffic, and random events like gang fights breaking out. The humor is dark, and the world doesn’t take itself seriously, which is part of its charm. For example, ads on the radio and billboards parody consumer culture and corporate greed in hilarious ways.

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For its time, GTA2 looked great. The graphics took a significant leap forward from the first game, with better lighting, smoother animations, and more detailed environments. The game also added a day-night cycle, which was a big deal back then. Driving through the city at night, with neon lights reflecting off the streets, adds a surprising amount of atmosphere.

The soundtrack is another highlight. Each car you steal plays a different radio station, featuring genres like rock, techno, and even funky lounge music. The voice acting is over-the-top in a fun way, and the sound effects—whether it’s the roar of a flamethrower or the screech of tires—are spot on.

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Make no mistake—GTA2 is a tough game. The difficulty spikes can be insane, especially as you progress through the city’s districts. Some missions require perfect timing and precision, while others demand quick thinking under pressure. Add to that the relentless cops and rival gangs, and you’ve got a game that keeps you on your toes.

This difficulty isn’t just about the missions, either. The save system, as mentioned earlier, can be unforgiving. If your save gets corrupted or you forget to save after a key mission, you’ll be back at square one. For modern players used to autosaves, this might feel archaic and frustrating. But for those who like a challenge, the difficulty adds to the game’s charm—it forces you to get creative and adapt to survive.

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Grand Theft Auto 2 is a chaotic, challenging classic that stands as an important stepping stone in the history of open-world games. While its difficulty spikes and technical issues might frustrate some players, it’s still an incredibly fun and rewarding experience if you’re willing to put in the effort. The faction system, vibrant world, and dark humor make it a standout entry in the GTA series.

If you’re a fan of the franchise or just want to experience a piece of gaming history, GTA2 is absolutely worth playing—just remember to save often and brace yourself for the challenge.

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Stargunner is a side-scrolling shooter that perfectly captures the arcade magic of the '90s. You take control of a heavily armed spacecraft, navigating through waves of enemies and intense boss battles across 34 meticulously designed levels. The pace is relentless, and quick reflexes are a must to survive the bullet hell chaos the game throws at you.

The game offers a steady learning curve. Early levels ease you in, but the difficulty ramps up quickly, challenging you to master both movement and strategy. You earn credits as you play, which can be used between missions to purchase weapon upgrades, shields, and other power-ups. The challenge lies in balancing offensive and defensive capabilities to suit the increasingly complex enemy patterns.

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The enemies in Stargunner are varied and well-designed, each with unique behaviors that keep you on your toes. You'll encounter:

• Standard Fighters: These come in swarms and attack in predictable patterns. While they’re easy to take down, their sheer numbers can overwhelm you if you're not careful.
  
• Turrets and Static Defenses: Positioned on the ground, walls, or ceilings, these can surprise you with sudden fire. Timing your movements to avoid their shots is critical.
  
• Fast Attack Units: These enemies dart across the screen unpredictably, forcing you to react quickly or risk losing precious health.
  
• Projectile Spammers: These are the most challenging, as they fill the screen with bullets, creating a bullet-hell scenario that requires sharp reflexes to navigate.

Each stage culminates in a boss fight, with massive enemies that have distinct attack patterns. These battles are tests of endurance and memorization, and they offer some of the game’s most satisfying moments when you finally take them down.

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The game’s power-up and upgrade system is one of its standout features. Throughout the levels, you’ll come across:

• Weapon Power-ups: Boost your primary firepower with upgrades like spread shots, lasers, and homing missiles. Each type has its own strengths, so experimenting with them is part of the fun.
  
• Bombs and Explosives: These can clear the screen of enemies or deal heavy damage to bosses, offering a strategic lifeline when the action gets overwhelming.
  
• Shields: These provide temporary invincibility, allowing you to take risks without losing health.
  
• Speed Boosts: Improve your ship's maneuverability, making it easier to dodge projectiles and navigate tight spaces.

Between missions, you can use the credits you’ve earned to purchase additional upgrades. This adds a layer of strategy, as choosing the right loadout can mean the difference between success and failure in later levels.

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The plot is simple but effective. As a "Stargunner," you’re tasked with launching a preemptive strike against the Zilions, an alien race poised to attack your home planet, Ytima. The story is conveyed through brief cutscenes and mission briefings, giving you just enough narrative to tie the action together.

The settings are diverse and atmospheric, from the vast emptiness of space to the hostile alien world of Zile and its underwater environments. Each level feels distinct, with unique visual designs and environmental hazards that keep the gameplay engaging.

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The pixel art is vibrant and detailed, capturing the sci-fi aesthetic perfectly. Explosions are satisfying, and the enemy designs are varied enough to keep each level visually interesting. The sound effects and energetic soundtrack enhance the experience, immersing you in the action and keeping the adrenaline pumping.

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This is not a game you’ll breeze through on your first try. The enemy patterns become increasingly complex, and the bosses are true tests of skill. However, the challenge is fair, and the satisfaction of mastering a tough level is worth the effort.

The different difficulty settings and the ability to experiment with various power-ups and strategies give the game solid replay value. Even after you’ve completed all the levels, the thrill of perfecting your runs will likely draw you back.

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Stargunner is a fantastic slice of retro gaming that still holds up today. Its challenging gameplay, robust upgrade system, and variety of enemies make it a must-play for fans of classic arcade shooters. While it might test your patience with its difficulty, the sense of accomplishment after overcoming its challenges is unmatched. Whether you're revisiting it for nostalgia or experiencing it for the first time, Stargunner delivers an exhilarating journey through the stars.

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At its heart, Warzone 2100 is a real-time strategy (RTS) game that manages to stand out from the sea of late-90s strategy titles. Originally released in 1999 by Pumpkin Studios, it was later made open-source, and the version available on Steam comes with some modern tweaks, though oddly, it's not is not associated with any of the developers, the community, the Warzone 2100 Project, or wz2100.net. According to forums someone just grabbed game and published it on Steam as it it is open-source and took credit for all of community's hard work testing, modifying, and continuing to develop the game.

The core gameplay revolves around resource management, base-building, and engaging in combat with an enemy AI. You’ll spend your time scavenging for resources, developing advanced technology, and designing units to suit your playstyle. The unit design system is a real highlight—mixing and matching chassis, propulsion, and weapon systems gives you the freedom to create specialized units that can fit different tactical roles. Want a fleet of fast, lightly armored hit-and-run vehicles? Or slow-moving but heavily armed tanks? It’s all up to you.

The game’s mission timer is worth noting. While some players (myself included) might feel a twinge of frustration at the time constraints, it forces you to think on your feet and make efficient use of your resources. It also prevents the end-of-mission unit spam you see in other RTS games. Since Warzone 2100 carries over your units, research, and structures between missions, the timer adds a layer of strategy. You can’t just brute-force every problem; you have to plan ahead for the long haul.

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The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been devastated by a nuclear holocaust triggered by a rogue AI. You play as The Project, a group tasked with rebuilding civilization while battling remnants of rogue factions and uncovering the mysteries of what led to the collapse of society.

The story is delivered through a combination of cutscenes and mission briefings. While it’s not the deepest narrative out there, it provides enough motivation to keep you invested in your objectives. There’s a subtle theme of humanity’s reliance on technology and the consequences of unchecked AI, which resonates even more today than it did in 1999.

The setting, though sparse in detail, is effective. The maps are bleak, industrial wastelands dotted with remnants of human civilization. There’s a sense of loneliness in the environment that enhances the atmosphere of rebuilding from ruins.

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One of the game’s defining features is its persistent progression. Unlike most RTS games, where each mission starts you from scratch, Warzone 2100 carries over everything from one mission to the next. Your research, units, and base-building efforts all stay with you, which adds a layer of continuity and immersion that few games in the genre attempt. It also raises the stakes—losing a bunch of units or failing to build up resources early can snowball into major problems later.

The tech tree is massive, with over 400 technologies to unlock. It’s incredibly satisfying to see your units evolve from basic tanks and scout vehicles to advanced, futuristic death machines. That said, this complexity can feel overwhelming at times, especially for newcomers.

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The Good:

• Free to Play: The fact that Warzone 2100 is entirely free is a huge plus. It’s a no-risk entry into a fantastic RTS experience.
  
• Unit Design: The level of customization in designing units is unmatched.
  
• Mission Continuity: Keeping your units and progress across missions is a brilliant mechanic that gives the game a sense of long-term strategy.
  
• Open-Source Community: The game’s open-source nature has allowed a dedicated community to keep it alive with mods and patches.

The Not-So-Good:

• Timer Stress: The mission timer, while adding challenge, can sometimes feel punishing and out of sync with the game’s otherwise open-ended style.
  
• Steam Version Issues: The version on Steam isn’t supported by the development team. This means that game is not updated directly through the Steam.
  
• Learning Curve: The sheer depth of the tech tree and the unit design system can feel intimidating, especially without a robust tutorial to guide you.

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Released in 1999, Warzone 2100 was one of the first RTS games to emphasize unit customization and persistent progression across missions. Developed by Pumpkin Studios and published by Eidos Interactive, it gained a cult following despite being overshadowed by genre giants like StarCraft and Command & Conquer.

In 2004, the source code was released to the public, sparking a revival and leading to community-driven improvements and ports to modern systems. The game’s open-source nature is a testament to its enduring appeal, as fans have kept it alive and relevant for decades.

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Warzone 2100 is a hidden gem in the RTS genre. Its unique mechanics, combined with its rich tech tree and customizable units, make it a standout even today. While the mission timer and steep learning curve might put off some players, the depth and challenge of the game more than make up for it.

The Steam version’s lack of active developer support is a bit of a letdown, but the game’s community has done a remarkable job keeping it alive. Whether you’re a veteran RTS fan or someone looking to try a classic for free, Warzone 2100 is absolutely worth your time.

It’s not just a game; it’s a piece of strategy gaming history—and it’s still fun to play after all these years.

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At its core, Zen of Sudoku is exactly what it sounds like: a digital Sudoku experience with a focus on relaxation and accessibility. For those unfamiliar with Sudoku, it’s a logic-based number puzzle where you fill a 9x9 grid so that every row, column, and 3x3 subgrid contains the numbers 1 through 9 without repetition. The game simplifies the concept, making it approachable for complete beginners like I was before trying it.

The tutorial is a standout feature. It walks you through the basics of Sudoku without ever feeling patronizing. By the time you're done, you'll have the confidence to tackle your first grid. The difficulty levels are highly customizable, ranging from easy puzzles that feel like a gentle warm-up to brain-busting challenges that require serious thought. This flexibility ensures that the game has something for everyone, whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned Sudoku pro.

Controls are intuitive and easy to master, with a clean interface that makes placing numbers or notes simple. There's also an option to highlight conflicts, which is a lifesaver if you're prone to mistakes (like me). The game respects your pace, allowing you to take your time or try speedier solving sessions if you're in the mood for a challenge.

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What makes Zen of Sudoku stand out from other Sudoku apps is its atmosphere. The visuals are soft and minimalistic, with calming colors and smooth animations that enhance the “zen” experience. It's a game designed to soothe your senses as much as it is to challenge your brain.

The sound design is equally lovely. Gentle, meditative music plays in the background, creating a peaceful environment that’s perfect for unwinding. The sound effects—like the soft click when you place a number—are subtle and satisfying, never intrusive or annoying. It’s clear the developers wanted the entire experience to feel like a meditative exercise, and they nailed it.

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Zen of Sudoku was developed by the creators of Osmos, another game known for its tranquil, meditative qualities. Released in the mid-2000s, this title aimed to bring the then-popular Sudoku puzzle craze to PC gamers in a way that emphasized relaxation over competition. It was a fresh approach, contrasting with other Sudoku games that often felt sterile or overly utilitarian.

Despite being a relatively niche title, it has aged well, thanks to its timeless gameplay and polished design. It runs flawlessly on modern systems and takes up minimal space, making it an easy addition to your library.

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While it’s “just” a Sudoku game on the surface, Zen of Sudoku subtly emphasizes mindfulness. The game encourages you to slow down, focus, and enjoy the process rather than rushing to complete puzzles. There's something inherently meditative about concentrating on logic puzzles while surrounded by calming visuals and music. It’s a small reminder to take a step back from the chaos of daily life and engage with something simple yet mentally stimulating.

This aspect of the game makes it more than just a time-killer. It’s a tool for relaxation, offering a mental workout that doesn’t feel like a chore. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or taking a break from more intense games, Zen of Sudoku provides a space to recharge.

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Zen of Sudoku is a gem of a game that proves you don’t need flashy graphics or complex mechanics to create something memorable. It’s perfect for beginners who want to learn Sudoku and for veterans who want a relaxing way to enjoy the puzzles they love.

The fact that it’s free only adds to its appeal. With zero risk involved, there’s no reason not to give it a try. If you’re looking for a peaceful, engaging experience that you can return to whenever you need a mental break, Zen of Sudoku is a fantastic choice.

It may not revolutionize gaming, but it doesn’t need to—it’s content with being exactly what it promises: a calm and enjoyable Sudoku experience that helps you find your inner zen.

At first glance, the zombie apocalypse setting and survival theme seem promising, but once you dig into the game, you quickly realize it’s another run-of-the-mill mobile game ported to Steam. It’s grind-heavy, repetitive, and heavily monetized. While it might be entertaining as a casual time-killer, it falls flat for anyone looking for meaningful gameplay.

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The gameplay loop is exactly what you’d expect from a mobile title. You build and manage a base, send heroes on missions, gather resources, and participate in activities like expeditions and boss raids.

While there’s a decent variety of tasks on paper, they all feel the same after a while. Rescue missions? Click a few buttons. Gather resources? Click again. Boss fights? You guessed it—click. The combat is automated, so you’re mostly watching the action play out.

The grind becomes increasingly noticeable as you progress, especially when leveling heroes or upgrading your base. It doesn’t feel rewarding—it’s just tedious.

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The game offers a roster of heroes you can level up, equip with gear, and customize to some extent. While this might sound fun, the characters feel like generic placeholders. There’s no emotional attachment or personality, and each hero is just another cog in the gameplay loop.

As for the story, it’s thin at best. The zombie apocalypse theme is merely a backdrop for the grind. There’s little effort to create memorable moments or a compelling narrative. It’s there, but you won’t care about it.

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Here’s where the game takes a nosedive. Zombiflux is loaded with microtransactions, from premium currency to loot boxes and hero packs. While you can technically play without spending money, the grind becomes unbearable at higher levels unless you cough up cash.

The shop is aggressively pushed, and the game design subtly nudges you toward spending, even though the rewards don’t feel worth it. If you’re just playing casually, you might tolerate this. But if you’re looking for a long-term experience, the monetization ruins the fun.

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The visuals are decent for a mobile port. The environments, zombie models, and hero designs are functional but lack creativity. They do the job, but nothing will wow you.

The sound design is similarly average. The music, effects, and voiceovers are serviceable, but they don’t leave an impression. It’s clear the focus was on getting the basics right rather than excelling in this area.

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Zombiflux: Sleepless War comes from a studio specializing in mobile games, and it’s evident in the design choices. The Steam release feels like an afterthought. While the studio might have had ambitions early on, this is just another mobile game dressed up for PC.

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If you’re bored and want a mindless game to pass the time, Zombiflux: Sleepless War might work for a while. It’s casual, simple, and doesn’t demand much attention. However, if you’re looking for depth, challenge, or meaningful progression, this game doesn’t deliver.

And whatever you do, avoid spending money on it. The prices don’t match the experience, and there are far better games out there that offer more value for your time and money.

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I went into Zaccaria Pinball expecting a solid trip back to the golden age of pinball machines. The game boasts an impressive lineup of classic tables from Zaccaria, an Italian pinball manufacturer that peaked in the 70s and 80s. There’s no denying the devs did their homework in replicating these retro tables with attention to detail, offering a mix of classic, solid-state, and remastered versions.

But after eight years in Early Access, the cracks are hard to ignore. Core issues remain unfixed, and while the devs have added loads of content — including tables, guides, and even VR support — the technical side has fallen behind. It feels like a project that started with a lot of love but fizzled out.

If you’re a die-hard pinball fan, you might squeeze some fun out of this, but for most players, there are better options out there.

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The core gameplay centers around recreating classic Zaccaria tables. There are several modes to mess with, from standard arcade pinball to more modern twists, with options to tweak table physics and lighting to your liking.

The ball physics are decent, and the visuals capture that retro charm pretty well. But once you start playing, you’ll quickly notice issues. Certain tables lag, especially if you use a controller. Achievements cause the game to stutter, breaking immersion. And don’t even bother with the Steam Deck – players have reported numerous bugs that haven’t been fixed, despite constant feedback in the forums.

The gameplay loop is enjoyable enough, but it feels like the devs let it stagnate. There’s still a good game underneath, but the overall experience is hindered by technical problems that should have been addressed long ago.

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Since its launch, Zaccaria Pinball has seen a massive amount of additional content. There are 88 DLCs, mostly consisting of individual tables, table packs, and even VR support.

To their credit, the prices aren’t outrageous. You can buy single tables for a couple of euros or get bundle packs if you want more variety. The devs also created a lot of content for players in the form of guides, tutorials, and even video guides, which shows they did care about the community — at least for a while.

That said, the sheer volume of DLC can feel overwhelming. It’s clear that the focus shifted toward releasing more content rather than fixing core issues with the game.

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I have to give them credit for capturing the look and feel of classic Zaccaria machines. The attention to detail is impressive, and the tables have a distinctive, nostalgic vibe that’s hard to find in other pinball sims.

From the table art to the sound effects, the game nails that retro aesthetic. You can even switch between classic, solid-state, and remastered versions of the tables, which adds some variety to the experience.

However, the technical issues pull you out of the immersion. It’s hard to appreciate the atmosphere when the game freezes mid-table because you unlocked an achievement.

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Zaccaria Pinball was developed by ASK Homework, a small indie studio based in Hungary. The game launched in Early Access on Steam in 2015, with big ambitions to become the definitive pinball simulator for retro fans.

In the early days, the devs were highly engaged with the community, taking feedback seriously and pushing regular updates. They added new tables, modes, and even VR support, which was a huge deal for pinball enthusiasts.

But as the years went on, things started to slow down. Bug fixes became less frequent, and promises of support were quietly pushed back or forgotten. The devs even edited old announcements to change the dates of updates, which rubbed players the wrong way.

It’s clear they put a lot of love into the game initially, but somewhere along the way, they lost steam.

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Here’s where things get frustrating. The game has performance issues that should have been fixed long ago.

• Lag on certain tables.
  
• Achievement stutters.
  
• Steam Deck bugs that haven’t been addressed.

These are problems you wouldn’t expect in a game that’s been in Early Access for eight years. It’s hard to believe that the devs haven’t been able to fix these issues when they’ve had plenty of time to do so.

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I want to be fair here — this isn’t a scam. The devs clearly put effort into creating new content, and the DLC prices are reasonable. But the way they’ve handled the game’s long-term support leaves a bad taste.

It’s one of those Early Access titles that had serious ambitions but just didn’t fully deliver. You’ll get some fun out of it, especially if you’re into retro pinball machines, but don’t expect a polished experience.

And whatever you do — don’t spend too much money on it. For the same amount, you can get more polished pinball games with better support.

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Zaccaria Pinball could have been something special. The nostalgia is there. The passion is there. But the execution fell flat.

If you’re a hardcore pinball enthusiast, you’ll probably find something to enjoy here. The variety of tables and customization options are impressive. But for most gamers, this is a hard pass.

The devs tried, and they did care for a time. But in the end, it feels like one of those Early Access projects that just never quite made it out of the gate.

Would I recommend it? Only if you’re a die-hard pinball fan who doesn’t mind some technical hiccups. Otherwise, you’re better off looking elsewhere.

As I said before – "I tried so hard, and got so far. But in the end, it doesn’t even matter." 🎵

Just no.

This game hit me in a way I didn’t expect. It’s a visual novel, sure, but it doesn’t play like your typical narrative adventure. You’re thrown into a scenario where the world is about to end — a full-on apocalyptic fever dream — and it’s all based on your choices. But here’s the kicker: it’s presented as a lucid dream, where you wake up knowing exactly when the end will come. That concept alone intrigued me. It’s not about stopping the apocalypse but figuring out what you’d do with the time you have left. The tension between dream and reality is what makes this game stand out.

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The game is a mix of visual novel storytelling and interactive decision-making. You play as Alice, a young woman who experiences a vivid, prophetic dream about the apocalypse. You wake up, and now it’s on you to decide how to spend your remaining days before everything goes to hell.

The gameplay revolves around branching choices. You get a few days to prepare — stockpiling food, gathering supplies, making alliances, or even just spending time reflecting on life. Every decision affects the outcome. But don’t expect any hand-holding. The game doesn’t spell out which choices are "right" or "wrong." Sometimes, you’ll make what feels like the best decision, only to have it backfire spectacularly.

And that’s life, isn’t it?

The game makes you think about survival, human nature, and priorities when everything is crumbling. It’s less about the apocalypse itself and more about how people react to it. What do you value most? Who do you trust?

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The story feels personal. Alice isn’t a superhero or some chosen one. She’s just someone trying to make sense of a surreal experience. She’s relatable in a way that many game protagonists aren’t. Her reactions to the looming end feel grounded — panic, confusion, moments of calm acceptance.

The other characters you interact with are varied, though they can come off as archetypal. You’ll meet conspiracy theorists, survivalists, and regular folks just trying to get by. The game taps into different reactions to disaster — some people become more selfish, others more altruistic.

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Now, here’s where the game really shines. The atmosphere is phenomenal. The art style is minimalist but striking. It gives off a hand-drawn, indie vibe that works perfectly for the dream-like setting. But the piano music? Beautiful and haunting. It sets the tone perfectly, making you feel like you’re trapped in a surreal, inevitable march toward doom.

The music isn’t just background noise; it carries the emotional weight of the story. The piano compositions are melancholic yet calming, like the game itself is telling you to accept the inevitable.

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At its core, The Bottom of the Well is a meditation on fate, control, and human resilience. It’s about how we cope with the idea that something bigger than us can wipe everything away. The game doesn’t give you a neat resolution — there’s no magic solution to stop the apocalypse. Instead, it’s about the journey, about making choices that reflect who you are in the face of an unstoppable force.

There’s something profoundly human about that. It reminded me of the concept of memento mori — the reminder of death’s inevitability and the importance of living meaningfully.

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Developed by Fell Tree Games, The Bottom of the Well is a small indie project that didn’t get much mainstream attention. But it doesn’t need it. Games like this live on through word of mouth, through players who appreciate something more introspective.

The title is a reference to Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The protagonist, Alice, mirrors her namesake in a way. She falls down a metaphorical well — into the depths of a dream that reflects the chaos of the waking world.

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I genuinely liked this game. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s an experience more than a game, something that sticks with you after you close it. The atmosphere, the piano music, and the existential questions it raises all make it memorable.

It’s the kind of game you play when you’re in a reflective mood, when you want something more thoughtful than action-packed. If you’ve ever wondered how you’d face the end of the world, this game gives you a chance to explore that in a meaningful way.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, but with a caveat — this isn’t for people looking for fast-paced gameplay or clear-cut resolutions. It’s for those who appreciate introspection, atmosphere, and narrative-driven experiences.

And hey, it’s free. What have you got to lose?

This is not a game. This is a half-baked, cash-grab asset flip that somehow made its way onto Steam. It's embarrassing that it even exists on the platform, and the fact that someone is trying to sell DLC for this mess for around ten bucks is outright offensive.

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The first thing you’ll notice when you load up GreenIsland is the atrocious menu. It’s a disaster. The layout is ugly, and the options screen sounds like someone is slapping together random noises on a broken keyboard. Seriously, it’s like they didn’t even test it before releasing it.

The controls are clunky, and navigating the menu feels like being punched in the face by bad design. The worst part? This is what the developers thought was acceptable to present to players before they even start the "game."

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Once you start playing, you’ll find yourself on a small, generic island. And that’s it. There’s nothing to explore or discover that isn’t completely dull or broken.

The walking sound is atrocious, especially on grass. It sounds like someone stepping on a bag of chips. Even worse, if you jump forward, the walking sound doesn’t stop— you’re hearing the same crunchy steps even when you’re mid-air. It’s absurd and completely immersion-breaking, not that there’s any immersion to begin with.

The island is tiny and bland. You’ve got a few animals like goats, pigs, and chickens, but they’re glitched into rocks and trees. You’ll see a pig stuck in a stone near the beach or a goat glued to a tree. It's like the animals themselves are trying to escape this nightmare of a game.

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The only reason this game isn’t a complete visual disaster is because it uses Unreal Engine 5 assets. But let’s be real: this isn’t a credit to the developers. It’s more like they bought a pre-made island and dumped some animals on it without even bothering to check if everything worked.

There’s nothing special graphically. It’s not even pretty. The island is generic, the lighting is flat, and there’s zero artistic direction. It’s just a boring, lifeless place that’s more depressing than relaxing.

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Here’s the kicker: there’s DLC for this garbage.

Yes, the developers think this asset flip is so good that they’re charging around ten bucks/euros for more "content." And by content, I mean more of the same pre-made Unreal assets slapped together without any thought.

It’s a scam, plain and simple. They’re banking on clueless players or curious people downloading the free game and then getting suckered into buying the DLC.

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There's nothing redeeming about GreenIsland.

It’s a lazy, broken mess of pre-made assets with horrendous sound design, clunky controls, and zero gameplay.

Even for free, it’s not worth your time. And the fact that someone is charging for DLC? That’s just insane.

Verdict: Trash-tier asset flip. Don’t waste your time. Hell, report it to Steam.

Okay, so Zero Idle calls itself an idle game, but it’s a lie. If you're expecting to walk away and come back to progress, forget it. This game wants you glued to your screen, constantly clicking and grinding through the same repetitive stuff for hours. And even after all that effort? It barely feels like you’ve achieved anything.

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The whole idea is to evolve your civilization by replaying the same boring scenario over and over. And I mean exactly the same thing, eight times in a row. There are no buffs to speed things up or make it more interesting. It’s just a grindfest. You’re stuck in a loop, doing the same tasks for the same lousy rewards.
And don’t even get me started on the "evolve" mechanic. It sounds cool, but it’s painfully slow and gives you nothing to look forward to. Most idle games make you feel like you're building momentum with each playthrough. This one? It’s like running on a treadmill—going nowhere.

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Here’s where things get weird. The game uses up to 20% of your CPU, even though nothing fancy is happening on screen. But the moment you minimize it? CPU usage drops to almost zero. What’s it doing when you’re looking at it? Seriously, it’s a mystery.
And let’s talk about stability. Click too fast, and the game lags or crashes. For a game that relies heavily on clicking, that’s ridiculous. It’s like the game doesn’t want you to play it.

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The achievements are another joke. They’re not fun, and they’re not motivating. Some of them are so over-the-top that you just laugh (or cry) at how much time they expect you to waste. There’s no sense of accomplishment here. It’s just grind, grind, grind.

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Oh, and guess what? The devs abandoned it. No updates, no fixes, no communication. If you were hoping for a patch to fix the issues, don’t hold your breath. This game is as dead as its progress bar when you’re not clicking.

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I usually try to find some deeper meaning in games, but there’s nothing here. It’s not a metaphor for human evolution. It’s not making a statement about persistence. It’s just a broken grindfest that demands your time and gives you nothing back.

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There are so many better idle games out there. This one? Not worth your time. It’s boring, repetitive, buggy, and abandoned. The only thing "idle" about this game is the dev’s interest in fixing it. Hard pass.