Recent reviews by excal

Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is a heartfelt tribute that manages to impress both longtime Jet Set Radio fans and players new to the style. With an outstanding soundtrack, a smooth and satisfying movement system, and a surprisingly layered story, there is something here that almost anyone can connect with. While the combat sections can drag on and the pacing may not appeal to everyone, those willing to overlook these flaws will discover a skating experience unlike any other.

Fun.

Battlestar Galactica: Deadlock is a true delight for longtime fans of the series, but it also serves as a great entry point for newcomers to the universe. It delivers a deep and engaging turn-based space strategy experience with exciting combat, strong visuals, and a campaign packed with content.

Though some changes in the Dynasties update for Total War: Pharaoh have a bigger impact than others, most of the new content is a clear improvement. The additions and adjustments add much-needed depth to the campaigns and help keep things interesting during repeat playthroughs. However, the update doesn’t tackle several core problems that longtime fans have raised and probably won’t be enough to draw them back to the Bronze Age, even though it is free.

Fun.

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is an outstanding addition to the Yakuza series, featuring a captivating new main character, an engaging storyline, and a combat system that keeps changing and surprising you.

Victoria 3 provides plenty of gameplay for fans of grand strategy, featuring many detailed and intricate systems that unfold over time. It also serves as a good starting point for newcomers to this famously complex genre. However, experienced players seeking intense warfare or more historically accurate experiences might want to wait for future updates or explore other options.

Total War Pharaoh is an enjoyable game, but it falls short in ambition. It wastes much of its potential with limited gameplay, a weak story, an uninspired soundtrack, and performance issues. It doesn’t bring anything particularly new to the Total War series or create a memorable identity for itself.

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is a standout VR game that breaks away from many typical expectations of the medium. The heavy, impactful combat paired with the ongoing tension from both undead and living threats creates a deeply satisfying experience. Add crafting, strong writing, and meaningful quests into the mix, and you have a truly special game. If you’re up for facing more zombies, this one is definitely worth checking out. Just remember to kill them, not eat them.

Michonne does not shine as a protagonist, she comes across as withdrawn, cynical, and quiet. However, she stands out as one of the most mysterious and unique characters in The Walking Dead. Placing the player in her shoes is an effective way to reveal how she ended up living the way she does.