Neue Rezensionen von Howlux

Pros

+ Atmospheric World-Building: Talos I is beautifully crafted, with each room and corridor radiating a sense of history and foreboding. The environment feels alive, and the attention to detail makes every discovery rewarding

+ Non-Linear Gameplay: One of the game’s standout features is its emphasis on player choice. Whether you prefer direct confrontation or sneaking past threats, Prey allows you to adapt your play style to the situation

+ Variety in Gameplay Mechanics: From combat and stealth to puzzle-solving and resource management, Prey offers a mix of gameplay elements that keep the experience fresh throughout

+ Immersive Sim Elements: The ability to interact with the environment in multiple ways—using tools, crafting upgrades, or finding alternative paths—adds depth to the gameplay and encourages creative problem-solving

Cons

- Pacing Issues: Despite its engaging setup, some parts of the game can feel unnecessarily slow

- Repetitive Encounters: While the Typhon enemies are designed to be both terrifying and challenging, some encounters can feel repetitive, potentially reducing the tension over time

- Balance Concerns: At times, certain weapons or abilities may feel overpowered, whereas others seem less useful. This occasional imbalance can affect the overall

- Enemy Difficulty: In some instances, the enemy AI proves to be unforgiving

Prey is a commendable attempt at blending atmospheric storytelling with gameplay flexibility. Its richly detailed setting and intriguing narrative make it a worthwhile experience, especially for those who appreciate games that reward creative problem-solving and exploration. However, the occasional pacing issues, repetitive encounters, balancing problems, and the sometimes overwhelming enemy difficulty prevent it from achieving perfection.

All things considered, I’d give Prey a 7 out of 10. If you’re a fan of immersive sci-fi adventures that let you choose your own path, Prey is definitely worth checking out—even if it isn’t without its flaws.

Incredible Freedom of Movement: The combination of the grappling hook, parachute, and wingsuit creates a unique traversal experience. You can zip across the map, dive off cliffs, or soar between mountains seamlessly.
Explosive Gameplay: Destruction is the name of the game. Blowing up bridges, fuel tanks, and enemy bases never gets old, and the game encourages you to find the most creative ways to wreak havoc.
Stunning Visuals: The Mediterranean-inspired world is breathtaking, with sprawling coastlines, lush landscapes, and vibrant villages that make exploration a visual treat.
Varied Vehicles and Arsenal: From helicopters and jets to boats and cars, the game offers a wide array of vehicles to play with. The weapons are equally diverse, catering to every destructive whim.


Excessive Grind: Progression relies heavily on repetitive tasks. Liberating towns and destroying outposts starts to feel like a chore after a while, as the game pushes you to grind for upgrades and challenges.
Performance Issues: Even on capable hardware, the game occasionally suffers from frame rate drops and long load times, which can disrupt the experience.
Repetitive Mission Design: While the sandbox is engaging, the main and side missions often boil down to similar objectives, reducing the sense of variety.
Limited Enemy Variety: Combat feels predictable due to the lack of diverse enemy types, making encounters less dynamic as the game progresses.

7/10

Combat System:
One of Redeemer’s biggest strengths is its fluid and brutal combat. Whether you’re using guns, hand-to-hand fighting, or improvised weapons from the environment, the game makes you feel like a real powerhouse. The melee combat, in particular, is satisfying, with a combo system that feels responsive and impactful. The ability to pick up and use any object nearby adds a layer of creativity to the fights.

Graphics & Art Style:
While not groundbreaking, the game's graphics are solid and serve its atmosphere well. The environments are varied, from industrial areas to dark, shadowy warehouses, each with a unique look and feel. The art direction effectively sets the tone for the story.

Story:
While not overly complex, the story does a great job of keeping you invested. You feel Vasily's internal struggle, and his journey from a cold-blooded killer to someone seeking redemption is engaging. The game’s narrative works well to tie the intense action together.

Co-op Mode:
If you’ve got a friend to play with, the co-op mode is a lot of fun. The game is designed with multiplayer in mind, and working together to take down enemies feels rewarding. It’s a nice way to break up the tension of the solo campaign.

Replayability:
With multiple difficulty levels and the ability to upgrade your skills and gear, there’s enough replay value here for players who enjoy a challenge. You can also experiment with different playstyles, from going full brawler to incorporating more stealth elements.


Repetitive Gameplay:
While the combat is satisfying at first, it can become repetitive over time. The game’s levels are fairly linear, and enemies often follow predictable patterns. After a few hours, the combat mechanics start to feel a bit too familiar, and the excitement can wane.

Weak AI:
The enemy AI isn’t particularly impressive. While they can be numerous, their behavior is predictable, which makes encounters less challenging after the initial few levels. Some enemies seem to mindlessly rush towards you, offering little in terms of strategy.

Camera Issues:
Occasionally, the camera angles can be problematic, especially in tight areas. This can make it difficult to spot enemies or avoid traps. It’s a minor issue, but it does detract from the overall experience at times.

Lack of Depth in Upgrades:
The upgrade system could have been more robust. While you can upgrade Vasily’s abilities and weapons, the options feel a bit limited. There isn’t a huge variety of upgrades to choose from, and they don't drastically change gameplay.

Redeemer is a solid action game that offers a satisfying combat experience with a simple but effective story. It’s great for those who enjoy visceral, brutal gameplay and want a game they can jump into for a few hours. However, if you’re looking for deep strategy or an exceptionally complex narrative, this might not be for you. The repetitive nature of the gameplay and the somewhat basic AI are the main drawbacks, but if you’re in it for the pure action, Redeemer does a great job of delivering. Worth trying if you’re into brawlers or action games with a touch of story!

8/10

Half-Life 2 isn’t just a game—it’s a landmark in gaming history. Even years after its release, it remains a benchmark for storytelling, world-building, and gameplay in first-person shooters.


1. Unparalleled Atmosphere
The oppressive, dystopian world of City 17 feels alive with its eerie silence, haunting Combine architecture, and subtle environmental storytelling. Every area tells a story, pulling you deeper into its universe.

2. Revolutionary Physics and Gameplay
The Source engine was a marvel for its time, and its physics are still satisfying today. The Gravity Gun is a standout, making combat and puzzles incredibly engaging. No other game blends action and brain-teasing challenges so seamlessly.

3. Flawless Level Design
From the creepy, zombie-infested streets of Ravenholm to the sprawling sand dunes of Highway 17, every location feels distinct. The pacing is perfect, keeping you engaged with just the right balance of action, exploration, and quiet tension.

4. Engaging Storytelling
Dialogue and plot unfold naturally, leaving you to connect the dots. Gordon Freeman’s silence lets you feel like the protagonist without forcing unnecessary exposition.

5. Timeless Combat
The weapon variety is excellent, from the iconic crowbar to the pulse rifle. Combine soldiers and alien creatures are smartly designed enemies that keep fights interesting and satisfying.

6. Modding Community
Even after finishing the main game, the modding scene keeps the adventure alive. Fan-made stories, tweaks, and expansions offer endless replayability.


Honestly, finding negatives in Half-Life 2 is a challenge. If we’re nitpicking:

- The vehicle segments might feel slightly long for some players, but they break up the action nicely.
- Graphics, while still impressive for their time, show their age in certain textures and animations.

Half-Life 2 isn’t just a must-play—it’s a must-experience. Every element, from the story to the gameplay, feels like it was crafted with care and innovation. It’s a timeless gem that every gamer should have in their library.

10/10

1. Lack of Purpose.
The game doesn’t bring anything new to the table. The story is shallow, the characters are forgettable, and the events feel like filler content that adds no value to the overarching Crysis narrative.

2. Missed Potential.
Psycho as a protagonist could have been interesting, but the game never takes the time to explore his character. He ends up being a generic, angry soldier rather than someone you care about.

3. Linear and Repetitive.
Gone is the freedom of the original Crysis. Instead, you get linear levels with repetitive shootouts that quickly lose their charm.

4. Short and Unsatisfying.
At 4-5 hours, the campaign is not only short but also devoid of any memorable moments. It feels like the developers rushed this out without putting much thought into making it engaging.

Final Verdict

Crysis: Warhead feels like a hollow cash grab. It doesn’t add to the story, doesn’t improve the gameplay, and doesn’t justify its existence. If you enjoyed the original Crysis, just replay that instead. This expansion is a waste of time.

4/10

Pros:

1. Improved Graphics: The Source 2 engine elevates the visuals significantly. Maps feel more alive with better lighting, textures, and environmental details, while still maintaining the clean design essential for competitive gameplay.

2. Responsive Gunplay: The core mechanics feel as sharp as ever, with weapon handling and recoil delivering that signature CS experience. It’s satisfying and skill-intensive, rewarding precision and practice.

3. Dynamic Smoke Grenades: The new volumetric smokes are a game-changer. They react to gunfire, grenades, and the environment, adding new layers of strategy to every round.

4. Enhanced Matchmaking: A better ranking system and reduced wait times make finding matches easier and more enjoyable.

5. Free Upgrade for CS:GO Players: Valve offers Counter-Strike 2 as a free upgrade for CS:GO owners, ensuring the player base transitions smoothly.


Cons:

1. Optimization Issues: While the visuals are stunning, some players report performance drops even on high-end hardware. Optimization needs further tweaking.

2. Lack of New Content: At launch, the game primarily updates existing CS:GO maps and mechanics rather than introducing substantial new content, leaving some players wanting more.

3. Cheating Concerns: Despite Valve’s anti-cheat improvements, the game still faces issues with hackers, particularly in casual and lower-ranked matches.

4. Steep Learning Curve: As with its predecessors, Counter-Strike 2 is not beginner-friendly. New players might struggle with the mechanics and the unforgiving nature of competitive play.

5. Community Issues: Toxicity remains a significant problem, especially in public lobbies and lower-ranked matches.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially for fans of competitive FPS games. Just make sure you have the patience (and a good team) to survive the grind!

Crysis Remastered brings back the iconic 2007 shooter that revolutionized gaming graphics and became a benchmark for hardware. The remaster promised to refresh the game and bring it closer to modern standards. So, how does it hold up?


1. Graphics
The main selling point. Even after all these years, Crysis still looks stunning, and the remaster adds ray tracing, improved textures, and updated effects. The tropical island feels alive, sunsets are gorgeous, and explosions remain as epic as ever.

2. Freedom of approach
The iconic nanosuit gameplay lets you tackle situations your way: become a stealthy predator picking off enemies one by one, or a walking tank smashing through everything in sight.

3. Physics and destructibility
Collapsing buildings, trees falling apart, and realistic water effects still impress. Considering the game’s original foundation, this level of interaction feels ahead of its time even today.

4. Optimization
Surprisingly, the remaster runs better on modern hardware. Stable FPS on high settings is a huge improvement compared to the original’s infamous performance issues.



1. Dated gameplay mechanics
While the nanosuit is still fun, certain aspects of the gameplay feel clunky by today’s standards. Enemy AI can be inconsistent, and some missions feel too straightforward.

2. Performance issues on older systems
Although optimized for new hardware, the game still struggles on mid-range or older PCs, especially with ray tracing enabled.

Crysis Remastered is a nostalgia-filled trip for fans of the original, with a fresh coat of paint that makes the game visually stunning even in 2024. However, it doesn't do much to modernize the core gameplay, which might feel outdated to newcomers. If you’re here for the visuals or want to relive the “Can it run Crysis?” meme, this is worth checking out. For those looking for a fully reimagined experience, it might fall short.

9/10

1. Stunning Visuals
The environments are truly gorgeous, with vibrant colors and atmospheric lighting that make exploring a pleasure. The art style creates a serene, dreamlike experience that feels perfect for the themes the game explores.

2. Emotional Story
The game intertwines the journey of a fox searching for her lost cubs with the narrator's reflections on family, loss, and hope. The voice acting is solid, and the narrative is heartfelt, if not groundbreaking.

3. Atmospheric Soundtrack
The music is a standout feature, complementing the visuals and story beautifully. It’s soothing and melancholic, helping immerse you in the game’s world.

4. Short and Sweet
Clocking in at around 2 hours, the game respects your time. It’s perfect for those looking for a brief yet emotional experience.



1. Repetitive Gameplay
While the game encourages exploration, the gameplay mostly boils down to walking and collecting glowing orbs. The lack of variety makes the experience feel shallow after the first half-hour.

2. Unpolished Mechanics
The controls can feel clunky, and the jumping mechanic is imprecise, leading to occasional frustration during exploration. These issues are especially noticeable in a game where platforming plays a significant role.

3. Minimal Player Engagement
The story is compelling, but the game feels more like a passive experience than an interactive one. There’s little to challenge or engage players beyond moving forward.

4. Predictable Narrative
While touching, the story doesn’t break new ground and can feel overly familiar if you’ve played other narrative-driven games.


The First Tree is more of an art piece than a traditional video game. It excels in delivering a serene and emotional experience but falls short in gameplay and depth. If you enjoy story-focused games and don’t mind sacrificing interactivity for atmosphere, it’s worth a playthrough. Just don’t expect it to leave a lasting impression.

8/10

Project Borealis: Prologue is an impressive achievement, bridging the gap between a devoted fanbase and a series left in limbo. It may not have the official Valve stamp, but it delivers a heartfelt homage that any Half-Life fan will appreciate

Atmosphere: The Zone feels alive and terrifying. With unpredictable weather, haunting sounds, and deadly anomalies, the environment keeps you on edge.
Faction System: One of the coolest additions. You can align with different factions, making each playthrough feel unique. But beware—it’s a double-edged sword. Enemies you make won’t forget your actions.
Upgraded Weapon System: The weapon upgrades are well-integrated and add depth to combat, allowing you to customize your guns to fit your play style.


Brutal Difficulty: Even for veterans, the difficulty spike can be jarring. Expect to die... a lot. A lack of balance can make some sections feel frustrating rather than fun, especially in early-game skirmishes.
Buggy at Launch: Though many patches have improved it, Clear Sky still has its share of bugs and performance issues that can interrupt the experience. Consider modding if you're running into trouble.
Weak Storytelling: While the setting is intriguing, the storyline itself doesn’t have the same impact as Shadow of Chernobyl. Character motivations sometimes feel shallow, and it’s easy to lose track of the main story.
Bleeding simulator: You bleed all the time and have to use bandages

Overall: If you loved Shadow of Chernobyl and want to dive deeper into the world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R., Clear Sky is worth it. Just be prepared for a fight—this game doesn’t hold your hand. It's a love letter to hardcore survival fans and those who want to experience the bleak, punishing beauty of the Zone.

5.5/10