Recent reviews by Blade

Elden Ring: Nightreign is everything you’d hope for – and a little more.

The new areas are massive, layered, and oppressive in the most rewarding way. Boss fights are punishing but fair, and every victory feels earned. FromSoft doesn’t reinvent the formula, but refines it to near perfection.

The visual design, the soundtrack, the pacing—it’s all incredibly polished. Nightreign isn’t just more Elden Ring. It’s a concentrated, elevated version of what made the base game so special.

Monster Hunter Wilds offers solid gameplay mechanics, delivering the fast-paced, action-packed experience fans of the franchise expect. The combat is fluid and engaging, with a variety of weapons and monster types that keep things interesting. The exploration aspect is well done, with large, open environments that encourage hunting and gathering in a way that feels rewarding.

However, the cooperative mode leaves much to be desired. The connection issues and general instability make it frustrating to play with friends, which is a major letdown for those hoping for smooth multiplayer experiences. It’s a shame, as multiplayer is a key element in the Monster Hunter series, and this aspect feels underdeveloped.

Another noticeable drawback is the lack of an endgame. After reaching a certain point, there's little to keep players engaged, as there are no substantial long-term goals or activities to pursue. Without an endgame, the experience feels incomplete and can result in a lack of motivation for players looking for more content.

Overall, Monster Hunter Wilds is fun, but it needs improvement in the co-op functionality and content depth to truly shine. Hopefully, these issues will be addressed in future updates to enhance the overall experience.

Satisfactory is a mesmerizing blend of factory building, resource management, and exploration that turns efficiency into an art form. It’s a sandbox game that lets your creativity and problem-solving skills shine while providing a deeply rewarding gameplay loop.

The vast alien planet is stunning, filled with lush landscapes, hidden caves, and towering cliffs to explore. Every biome feels alive and invites curiosity, making exploration just as fun as optimizing your factory.

The factory-building mechanics are intuitive yet complex, offering endless possibilities for creative solutions and intricate designs. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching your conveyor belts hum with precision as your automation empire grows.

Multiplayer adds another layer of fun, allowing friends to collaborate or compete in building the most efficient production lines. While the game is still evolving in early access, it’s already a polished and feature-rich experience.

If you enjoy problem-solving, engineering, or just love seeing your hard work come to life, Satisfactory is a must-try.

Monster Hunter: World is a breathtakingly immersive action RPG that sets a new standard for the series and welcomes both veterans and newcomers alike. With its expansive environments, thrilling combat, and deep customization options, it’s a game that keeps you hooked for countless hours.

The seamless, living ecosystems are a standout feature, teeming with detail and dynamic interactions between monsters and their surroundings. Every hunt feels like an epic adventure, whether you’re stalking a towering Anjanath or facing the awe-inspiring Elder Dragons.

Combat is challenging yet rewarding, offering 14 unique weapon types to master, each with its own playstyle. The game shines brightest in co-op mode, where teamwork and strategy are key to taking down the toughest monsters.

While the crafting and grind for gear can occasionally feel repetitive, the satisfaction of crafting that perfect armor set or upgrading your favorite weapon makes it worthwhile.

With its gorgeous visuals, engaging gameplay loop, and rich endgame content, Monster Hunter: World is a must-play for action RPG fans.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition breathes new life into a legendary classic, delivering a near-perfect blend of nostalgia and modern enhancements. It’s everything fans loved about the original, now polished to meet today’s gaming standards.

The updated visuals are stunning, with beautifully remastered textures, smooth animations, and detailed environments that make the game feel fresh while retaining its timeless charm. The enhanced audio and remastered soundtrack elevate the experience even further.

New campaigns and civilizations add substantial content, while the improved AI and quality-of-life features—like auto-farm reseeding and easier unit management—make the game more accessible without losing its strategic depth. The multiplayer experience is seamless, with matchmaking and ranked play keeping the competitive scene alive and thriving.

Whether you’re revisiting this masterpiece or experiencing it for the first time, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition is an essential addition to any strategy fan’s library. It’s a true celebration of a classic.

Orcs Must Die! 3 takes the beloved tower defense and action hybrid formula to new heights with larger battlefields, massive armies, and even more creative traps. It’s everything fans of the series love, but bigger and better.

The War Scenarios are a standout addition, letting you fend off hordes of orcs on an epic scale with massive traps that feel incredibly satisfying to use. The gameplay remains fast-paced and chaotic, with a great mix of strategy and action.

The co-op mode shines as always, offering endless fun with a friend. While the game doesn’t stray far from its roots, the new content and larger scope make it a worthy sequel that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

If you’re a fan of the series or just love obliterating waves of enemies in creative ways, Orcs Must Die! 3 is a blast.

Remnant 2 is an exhilarating follow-up that successfully expands on the unique blend of third-person shooting and Soulslike mechanics from the original. The procedurally generated worlds are more diverse and visually stunning, offering surprises around every corner.

Combat feels tight and rewarding, with an impressive variety of weapons, classes, and abilities that allow for deeply customizable playstyles. Co-op mode remains a highlight, making every fight feel dynamic and strategic.

While the difficulty spikes can occasionally feel unfair, the thrill of overcoming a tough boss or uncovering hidden secrets makes it worth the effort.

Overall, Remnant 2 is a must-play for fans of challenging, action-packed games.

Path of Exile 2 is an ambitious sequel that builds upon the foundations of its predecessor, offering a fresh take on the action RPG formula. While it doesn't quite hit every mark for me, it’s still a solid game that deserves recognition for its improvements and bold vision.

One of the standout features is the updated graphics and visual design. The environments are more immersive, the character models more detailed, and the overall atmosphere feels darker and grittier, perfectly capturing the tone of the series. The updated animations and combat mechanics also bring a smoother, more refined experience compared to the original.

The new skill system is an intriguing addition, offering more flexibility and depth. However, it feels slightly overwhelming at times, especially for players who loved the streamlined nature of Path of Exile 1. While the game retains its "no hand-holding" philosophy, the learning curve might deter some newcomers.

The story is another mixed bag. While it introduces compelling characters and lore, the pacing occasionally feels uneven, leaving certain moments less impactful than they could be. That said, the expanded world and multiple acts provide plenty of content to explore, and there’s no shortage of secrets to uncover.

Despite these minor grievances, Path of Exile 2 is undeniably fun. The core gameplay loop of grinding, looting, and crafting remains addictive, and the sheer amount of build diversity keeps things fresh. The endgame content, while not perfect, still delivers the challenge and replayability the series is known for.

In conclusion, while Path of Exile 2 doesn’t quite capture the same magic for me as its predecessor, it’s a well-crafted game that offers plenty to love for fans of the genre. It’s not flawless, but it’s undeniably a good game worth diving into.

Anno 1800 is a masterpiece of strategy and city-building, perfectly capturing the spirit of the industrial revolution while offering endless hours of engaging gameplay. This game stands as a shining example of how to blend historical authenticity with complex mechanics to create an unforgettable experience.

The city-building aspect is nothing short of brilliant. From designing bustling cities with intricate layouts to managing the needs of citizens across different social classes, every decision feels impactful. The industrial production chains are both challenging and deeply satisfying to optimize, especially as your empire grows.

One of the game’s strongest points is its stunning visuals. Every detail, from the smoke rising from factory chimneys to the ships bustling in your harbor, is crafted with care. The world feels alive, and it’s easy to lose hours simply admiring the beauty of your creations.

The introduction of the New World and its distinct resources adds a fresh layer of complexity to gameplay, requiring players to manage trade routes and balance the demands of two vastly different economies. It’s a challenging but rewarding addition that keeps the game exciting.

Anno 1800 also shines in its multiplayer and sandbox modes, allowing players to either compete or collaborate with friends. For those who love storytelling, the campaign offers an engaging narrative that ties the mechanics together beautifully.

Whether you're a fan of city-builders, economic strategy, or just love beautifully crafted games, Anno 1800 is an absolute must-play. It’s a modern classic that sets the gold standard for the genre.

Highly recommended! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Manor Lords is an absolute masterpiece that seamlessly blends city-building, real-time strategy, and medieval immersion into one phenomenal experience. From the moment I started playing, I was captivated by its stunning visuals, intricate details, and the sheer depth of gameplay it offers.

The city-building aspect is incredibly satisfying. Constructing my village from scratch and watching it grow into a thriving medieval settlement is both rewarding and challenging. The attention to detail in the building mechanics, from the placement of structures to the realistic layout of roads and fields, is unmatched.

Combat and strategy are equally impressive. The tactical battles feel intense and require real thought and planning, which adds an exciting layer of complexity. The ability to command troops and engage in battles while still managing your settlement keeps the gameplay dynamic and engaging.

One thing I truly admire about Manor Lords is its dedication to historical accuracy. The environments, architecture, and overall atmosphere transport you directly to the medieval era. It’s clear that the developers poured their passion into every detail.

While the game is still evolving, its current state already shows immense promise. If you’re a fan of strategy games, city builders, or medieval history, Manor Lords is an absolute must-play. It’s not just a game – it’s an experience that keeps you coming back for more.

Highly recommended! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟