Recent reviews by Becks

Crytek, what on earth were you thinking with this latest Hunt update? It's like you decided to toss everything that made the game great out the window and replace it with the most infuriating experience imaginable. The new UI is nothing short of a disaster. It's not just a minor inconvenience; it's an absolute nightmare. How could you let this happen? The old UI wasn't perfect, but at least it was functional. Now, we have to wade through a clunky, confusing mess that looks like it was designed by someone who has never played a game before. It's as if you thought, "Hey, let's make it as difficult as possible for players to navigate the menus." Mission accomplished. The buttons are oversized, the font is hideous, and the whole thing is so unintuitive that it makes you want to scream.

But wait, it gets worse. The performance issues are off the charts. What should have been a smooth experience with the new engine has turned into a stutter-filled, laggy mess. Players with top-of-the-line systems are reporting massive frame drops, crashes, and all sorts of graphical glitches. And don't even get me started on the server problems. Disconnects, failed lobbies, and an inability to reconnect after being dropped—it's like you want us to stop playing.

And what's with the new monetization tactics? It's bad enough that the game is barely playable now, but to add insult to injury, we're greeted with full-screen ads for in-game purchases the moment we log in. The greed is palpable, and it leaves a sour taste in everyone's mouth.

The core gameplay might still be there, but who can even reach it through the labyrinth of broken menus and frustrating bugs? This was your chance to take Hunt to the next level, but instead, you've managed to alienate your most loyal players. Fix this mess, or watch the community that supported you through thick and thin walk away in disgust. This update isn't just bad; it's a catastrophe.

I am writing this review as a humble tribute to the game that has become an enigmatic cornerstone of my video game playing journey—Outer Wilds. In a time when the gaming industry is inundated with derivative themes, sequels, and uninspired franchises, Outer Wilds breaks away from the mold, thrusting players into a mind-bending narrative nestled within the beauty and terror of an infinite cosmos.

The first thing to admire about Outer Wilds is its creativity. To simply call it "innovative" is a colossal understatement. The game dares you to plunge into the deep void of space, navigating an ever-evolving cosmic playground where planets shatter and reform in real-time, and the laws of physics serve as an indomitable antagonist. Each celestial body you encounter offers unique physics-based puzzles, from navigating the ferocious currents of Giant's Deep to discovering the shifting sands of the Hourglass Twins.

Next up - the story. Outer Wilds' story isn't just well thought out—it's a painstakingly crafted masterpiece of science fiction. With only subtle hints, cryptic alien texts, and an environmental storytelling that's both deep and implicit, you slowly unravel a cosmic mystery that's equal parts awe-inspiring and heart-wrenching. It's a journey where each loop fills one with with joy, terror, wonder, and melancholy that leaves you with more questions than answers, compelling you to probe deeper into the celestial abyss.

And this game is addicting. Oh, how it's addicting. You are trapped in a perpetual time loop, culminating in being engulfed by the local supernova. But with every loop, every failure, every brush with death, you learn. You grow. You get better. You map the cosmos in your mind, and it becomes a part of you. And in this repetition, instead of inducing frustration, it creates a mesmerizing rhythm, a dance of exploration and discovery that you can't help but lose yourself in.

Lastly, the ending. Without revealing any spoilers, the culmination of Outer Wilds is a powerful, poignant climax that transcends the confines of conventional video game storytelling. It's not about the big boss battle or saving the universe—it's more profound, more personal. It delves into the heart of existential questions and wraps up your adventure in a way that will stir your soul. It's not just an ending; it's a profound revelation that will make you ponder long after you've stepped away from your screen.

TLDR: Outer Wilds is a testament to the potential of indie games—a beacon of originality and depth in a market saturated with the banal and repetitive. It's more than a game—it's an odyssey through space and time that asks you to contemplate your existence while simultaneously thrilling you with its breathtaking vistas and intricate mysteries. If you're looking for a game that challenges the status quo, offers a deep, captivating narrative, and promises an unforgettable journey, look no further. Outer Wilds is a cosmic masterpiece that will forever resonate in the vast universe of gaming.