Recent reviews by CodeVortex

Just like Ziggurat 1 but better!

Let me clarify:
- better graphics, though the 3d models of heroes are a bit more cartooney and this might throw some people off a bit
- fluid motion mechanics, very fast pace just like the previous game
- added a dash mechanic (just like Doom) which makes the battle a bit more interesting but it's rather useless in small rooms
- added more lore to the game, some kind of backstory, that makes it slightly more interesting but doesn't affect the whole game that much
- engaging music that matches the pace and context of the game

Things I don't like so much:
- some unskippable scenes, like the opening scene when the hero enters each dungeon; it may seem little but in a roguelite game where replayability is in its core mechanics, i find it rather frustrating. Such delays should be eliminated or skippable at least.
- the fact that the use/interact button brings up the character sheet as well is a silly overload that can lead to erroneous activations of interactive items (e.g. triggering an anvil enhnacement with the incorrect weapon). It's also very little nuisance, but as I mentioned it hurts the otherwise smooth gameplay.

Things that I find equally annoying but also enjoyable (this shouldn't sound so weird given the masochistic nature of the game anyway):
- you start with only 2 basic heroes unlocked and the rest should be unlocked via mission progression; it gives you a sense of purpose, something to strive for harder, but also is a bit frustrating because you are stuck with the same basic heroes for the first dozen of games (unless you are a true master of the game with godlike reflexes so a few games maybe?)

One thing I've read in other reviews and I don't agree so muchis about the limited variation of the enemies, with many of them being just elemental variants of a basic version. However, I think it's forgivable as other AAA titles do the same thing and it is expected from a smaller studio as well. Having dozens of unique enemies each with its own host of abilities, attacks, weapons would be rather overwhelming for the budget of a smaller company and the specs of this game. If it was sold for 70$+ then it would be a different matter

All in all a must have title for the fans of the previous!

Quite polished game and free. It also features constant woohooing, which is also a main part of gameplay...
What more can anyone possibly want?

A worthy addition to an already successful and addictive main title. Cannot really call it a DLC as it is a standalone product, yet it kind of feels like a DLC. It cannot stand on its own neither storywise nor lengthwise especially at its current full price tag.

Do not expect an overhaul of graphics or full set of new skills. Also the same pathfinding problems that plagued the main title, still exist here. If a character is at a different elevation with his/her destination waypoint, he/she can't reach it. You must click progressively every single ladder/vine to reach the same level of elevation with the destination and then click once more to go there. I can't understand why the same dev team couldn't just copy the mechanics from the Desperados 3, which it feels way more fluid and adaptive at this concept. Maybe they'll just fix it in a future update.

Having said all that, the full price feels steep for just a few new levels of the same basic game actually. Don't buy it if you haven't played the main Shadow Tactics title. It'd be best to buy them together if you don't own either. Definitely a must-have for the current owners of Shadow Tactics, however I would wait for a discount (as I did). Put it in your wishlist today.

Finally a game that respects the gamers' (often limited) time!

Quick save your soul away with this one and be certain to come back and replay each level to complete the rest of the challenges!

Quick saved at a tough spot or for some reason you made a mistake and needed to load the game from a few minutes further back? No problem; the game keeps 2 more save slots to give you this extra flexibility.

Furthermore, if you lose that special spot where you were supposed to abush the enemy patrol -- again no problemo! You can fast-forward time pressing X, and you reach again that moment in no time!

Unfortunately the battle portion of the game you have to play with both hands!
Other than that it's definitely a worthy title to have a long lustful look at!

Do you like puzzle-platform horror adventure games like Limbo or Inside? Well, this title won't disappoint at all!
One little downside is the 2.5D perspective that at times will make your life difficult as your character may be hidden at times behind foreground objects. Also the depth dimension is not accurately designed and if not super extra careful you will occasionally jump or walk off a pipeline or catway to your death. Worry not, because checkpoints are automatic and you respawn/awake nearby. Enjoy this little gem!

It really is a single player first-person action game where multiple playthroughs are meaningful and enjoyable!
A rare gem for your collection.

A valuable addition to your Total War collection. Glorious battles, decent naval system, politics, half-decent diplomacy and everything in-between.

However for a AAA game I find it hard to digest the fact that the in-game help (hints, tips and whatnot) is so little and inefficient that one has to scavenge the forums -- or "fora" since we are dealing with ancient Rome in this game -- to find important information for terminology, such as zeal, gravitas, authority, or crucial city management information, e.g. building options, effects, strategies, and so on.

The positive thing is that once you get the grip of all these game mechanics you don't really need a guiding-hand. However, the learning curve is noticably steep and in the beginning you will take ALL the wrong decisions, if you decide to not google things up.

Breathtaking music, fantastic graphics and animations, smooth gameplay and very sensible mappings on a microsoft XBOX compatible controller!!! A worthy successor of the previous installment that builds upon the strong points and expands into new areas such as NPCs who give quests or trade stuff with Ori.

This game should be the de facto blueprint for making immersive platformer games!

Doom Eternal is in a sense a DOOM 2016 in constant Arcade mode! Having said that it is way more difficult in many aspects. The enemies are insanely fast and agile, they take evasive maneuvers when you shoot at them, they shoot faster and deadlier projectiles, they have weak spots that you should definitely take advantage else they are OP and tear you up in no time. Generally you have an overall feeling of being such a weakling that even an ant could bring you down. Last and not least, the ammo is much more rare and the amount you can carry extremely limited. You must chainsaw once in a while some random weak enemy to replenish some of your ammo else you can find yourself running with empty guns -- a rather unfortunate circumstance in such hostile environments. You will definitely want to advance your FPS skills to wade through the various challenges DOOM Eternal has to offer.

The game also took the lore aspect seriously this time and added a lot of material and new characters that enlighten you on the history of the doom slayer.

All in all a good addition to your DOOM collection, but it may not be what you expect at first place. Fast and difficult fights, a bit more arcadey for my taste but still good and It might take a while to get used to. When you do though you should have tons of fun.