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Calling all fans of bullet hells and classic run-and-gun action – Vampire Survivors: Operation Guns is here to deliver a gloriously explosive expansion. This DLC is a love letter to the legendary Contra franchise, injecting a potent dose of nostalgia and side-scrolling mayhem into the already addictive Vampire Survivors formula.

Operation Guns throws you headfirst into the Neo Galuga stage, a vibrant landscape teeming with enemies straight out of Contra. From hulking robots to insectoid aliens, the sheer variety of foes keeps the action fresh and the challenge high. But the real stars are the new weapons – a treasure trove of iconic Contra firepower.

Forget passively collecting powerups. Operation Guns demands a more active approach. Many new weapons require aiming and maneuvering, adding a satisfying layer of skill to the familiar Vampire Survivors gameplay. Let loose with the spread shot's chaotic hail of bullets, unleash the homing missiles' pinpoint precision, or rain hellfire with the screen-clearing smart bomb. Experimenting with these weapons and their evolutions becomes a joy in itself.

The new characters, inspired by Contra heroes like Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, each come with unique weapon sets and playstyles. Learning their strengths and weaknesses adds another layer of strategic depth to your survival runs. While Operation Guns might be a bit more demanding on new players, it offers a thrilling evolution for veterans seeking a fresh challenge.

Sure, the reliance on Weapon Power-Ups for some upgrades can feel restrictive on non-Contra maps. However, the sheer fun of wielding classic Contra weaponry and navigating the bullet-hell chaos of Neo Galuga makes Operation Guns a must-have for any Vampire Survivors fan. Just crank up the volume, unleash your inner action hero, and prepare for an explosive good time.

Vampire Survivors: Emergency Meeting might seem like an odd duck on paper, a crossover between the gothic monster-mash and the crewmate chaos of Among Us. But for fans of both (or even just Vampire Survivors), this budget-priced DLC is a surprisingly delightful surprise.

Don't expect a complete overhaul. The core gameplay of Vampire Survivors remains – survive the ever-growing onslaught of enemies with your character's automatically firing weapons and powerups. But Emergency Meeting injects a whole new theme and some clever twists.

The new stage, The Skeld, is a faithful recreation of the iconic spaceship from Among Us. While it might be smaller than some other DLC maps, it makes up for it with its tight corridors and strategic choke points that force you to carefully plan your movement. The twist? Periodic "Emergency Meeting" announcements force you to navigate to a central location within a time limit. Reach it in time, and you're rewarded with a chest full of goodies. Lag behind, and face a tougher wave of enemies.

The true stars are the new weapons and characters. Inspired by Among Us roles, these unlockables offer unique playstyles. Become the ultimate impostor with the shapeshifting Doppelganger, or rain fire down on enemies with the Sheriff's trusty Revolver. The weapons themselves are a riot, with options like the "Pizza Box" that launches a barrage of cheesy goodness.

Sure, some might find the single map a bit limiting, and the overall difficulty a touch easier than the base game. But Emergency Meeting is pure, unadulterated fun for Vampire Survivors fans. The Among Us theme is lovingly recreated, the new mechanics add a fresh layer of strategy, and the price tag is a steal. So if you're craving another helping of Vampire Survivors with a side of imposter action, Emergency Meeting delivers a winning formula. Just don't vent too close to the enemies – they might sus you out.

Vampire Survivors: Tides of the Foscari might not revolutionize the core gameplay of the beloved rogue-lite, but for fans hungry for more, it's an enchanting expansion.

This DLC whisks you away from the gothic atmosphere and into a lush, fantastical forest. The new Academy stage is a sprawling playground, complete with a hidden hedge maze for the adventurous (or foolhardy) survivor. While it might lack the multiple environments of some prior expansions, the Academy makes up for it with its charm and secrets.

The highlight of Tides of the Foscari is its new cast of characters. Each hails from a different house within the Academy, bringing their own combat styles and personalities. Experimenting with these characters, from the magically-gifted Sybille to the melee-focused Giovanna, adds a layer of strategic depth to your survival runs.

The new weapons are a mixed bag. The magic attacks, evolving every 10 levels, offer a satisfying growth curve. The other weapons range from useful to quirky, keeping the experimentation fresh. The "Academy Badge" passive item throws a unique wrench into your strategy, offering benefits at the cost of reduced experience gain. It encourages you to approach the game in new ways.

If you're a Vampire Survivors devotee, Tides of the Foscari is a delightful return to the frantic monster-slaying you crave. It injects fresh energy with its new stage, characters, and strategic wrinkles, all at an attractive price point. Just be prepared to lose yourself for hours in the whimsical yet challenging embrace of the Academy.

For fans of the addictive rogue-lite Vampire Survivors, Legacy of the Moonspell is a must-have. It delivers exactly what you crave: more of that chaotic, monster-slaying fun, but with a fresh coat of East Asian-inspired paint.

The star of the show is the gorgeous new map, Mount Moonspell. It's a sprawling stage that throws diverse environments your way, from snowy castles to bamboo forests. This variety keeps exploration exciting, and the map itself feels more strategic with hidden corners and secrets to uncover.

But Mount Moonspell isn't just a pretty face. It's teeming with new enemies based on Japanese Yokai and Oni lore. These foes add a fresh layer of challenge and strategy to your survival runs.

Legacy of the Moonspell also bolsters the character roster with exciting new heroes, each with unique abilities that open up new build possibilities. The same goes for the new weapons and powerups, letting you experiment with even more devastating combinations to unleash on the hordes.

While some might wish for a wider variety of maps, the sheer depth offered by Mount Moonspell is undeniable. Legacy of the Moonspell is a fantastic expansion that injects new life into Vampire Survivors, offering more content, challenge, and strategic depth at a bargain price. If you enjoyed the base game, this DLC is a no-brainer.

Black Mesa is a love letter to the original Half-Life, a legendary title that defined the FPS genre. This fan-made remake takes everything you loved about the original - the gripping narrative, the suspenseful atmosphere, and the iconic crowbar - and injects it with a hefty dose of modern visuals and gameplay improvements.

The story of a hapless scientist caught in a catastrophic alien incursion remains as compelling as ever. Black Mesa faithfully recreates the original's narrative beats, but expands on certain sections, fleshing out the world and characters in a way that feels organic. You'll find yourself genuinely invested in the fate of Gordon Freeman and his desperate fight for survival.

Visually, Black Mesa is a stunner. The Black Mesa facility has never looked more impressive, with detailed environments and character models that bring the world to life. The tension is palpable as you navigate claustrophobic corridors and sprawling industrial complexes, all teeming with alien threats.

However, Black Mesa isn't without its flaws. The game can be occasionally plagued by technical hiccups, with some game-breaking bugs and crashes popping up at unwelcome moments. These can be frustrating, but the dedicated modding community has created workarounds for many of them.

Here's the thing: despite the technical blemishes, Black Mesa's core gameplay is phenomenal, especially in the early and mid-sections. It captures the essence of what made the original Half-Life great - the tactical gunfights, the environmental puzzles, and the constant sense of dread. It's a challenging and rewarding experience, a true testament to the quality of the source material.

One caveat: While the remake excels in recreating the Black Mesa facility and its surrounding areas, some players might find the later chapters, specifically those set in the alien world Xen, to be a bit less polished. The level design can feel less inspired compared to the earlier sections, and the technical issues might seem more frequent here.

That being said, if you're a fan of the original Half-Life or are simply looking for a fantastic narrative-driven FPS, Black Mesa is absolutely worth checking out. Just be prepared for the occasional bump in the road, especially towards the end. This remake stays true to its roots, offering a faithful reimagining of one of the greatest games ever developed, with the majority of the experience capturing that magic perfectly.

Stronghold Crusader HD takes the beloved real-time strategy classic, Stronghold Crusader, and polishes it for a modern audience. This isn't just a graphical facelift (though the HD visuals are a welcome improvement). The core gameplay that made the original so addictive - building mighty castles, managing intricate economies, and engaging in epic medieval warfare - is still here and just as satisfying.

One of the biggest strengths of Crusader HD is its content variety. You can test your skills in four historical campaigns that take you through the Crusades, with new units and challenges specific to the era. The expansive Skirmish mode lets you go head-to-head with AI or human opponents on various maps, offering endless replayability. And for the truly creative, there's a Free Build mode where you can unleash your inner architect and construct the ultimate castle without any enemy threats.

The HD update brings several improvements to the experience. The new high-resolution graphics make the bustling castle life and clashing armies more visually appealing. More importantly, the ability to zoom out and see the entire battlefield on one screen adds a layer of strategic depth, allowing you to better manage your troops and defenses.

However, it's important to note that some players may encounter occasional compatibility issues with modern operating systems like Windows 10 and 11. These can manifest as problems launching the game, graphical glitches, or unexpected crashes. Thankfully, there are workarounds available online, such as running the game in compatibility mode or installing fan-made patches. While these steps may add a little extra troubleshooting to the initial setup, the core gameplay remains fantastic.

Whether you're a nostalgic fan returning to a cherished favorite or a newcomer to the world of castle building and siege warfare, Stronghold Crusader HD is a must-play with a caveat. It offers a charming blend of strategic depth, rewarding gameplay, and a healthy dose of medieval mayhem. So, fire up the forge, stockpile your resources, and prepare to defend your honor (and your castle) in this timeless classic, just be ready to do some troubleshooting if you're on a modern system.

Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor takes the beloved formula of the original co-op shooter and injects it with a surprising shot of adrenaline. This single-player spinoff might be a different beast, but it captures the heart of Deep Rock Galactic in a whole new way.


Fans of the original will feel right at home with the arsenal of Dwarven weaponry and the relentless swarms of Glyphid enemies. But the top-down perspective and "auto-shooter" mechanics add a layer of frenetic fun that's both strategic and satisfying. Mining precious minerals while dodging a horde never gets old, especially with the persistent upgrades that keep each run feeling fresh.


The core gameplay loop is addictive. You blast bugs, collect resources, unlock upgrades, and push yourself to survive just a little longer. The difficulty ramps up nicely, and the boss fights provide a thrilling climax to each mission. It's a simple concept executed with polish, making it easy to pick up and hard to put down.


While I miss the camaraderie of the original, Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor delivers a fantastic solo experience. It's perfect for those who want a quick, intense burst of Dwarven action or who crave a challenge they can conquer alone. Plus, the familiar voice lines and humor keep the Rock and Stone spirit alive.


As an Early Access title, Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor already shines. But the roadmap promises even more content, with new environments, enemies, and upgrades on the horizon. The developers are clearly passionate about the project, and their commitment is evident in the game's quality.

Overall, Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor is a must-play for fans of the original and anyone who enjoys a frantic, rewarding shooter experience. Rock and Stone!

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, the eighth installment in the acclaimed first-person shooter franchise, falls tragically short of its predecessors' glory due to a trifecta of issues: a relentless pursuit of profit overshadowing gameplay, rampant cheaters infesting multiplayer, and a plethora of game-breaking bugs that hinder the experience.

First and foremost, Modern Warfare 3 is plagued by a blatant cash-grab mentality that prioritizes microtransactions and loot boxes over player satisfaction. From day one, the game bombards players with predatory monetization schemes, offering overpriced cosmetic items, weapon skins, and character unlocks at every turn. This incessant focus on squeezing every last penny from players undermines the integrity of the game, turning what should be a fun and engaging experience into a shameless money grab.

Adding insult to injury, Modern Warfare 3's multiplayer is rife with cheaters and hackers who run rampant, ruining the experience for legitimate players. Despite assurances from the developers, anti-cheat measures are woefully inadequate, allowing cheaters to exploit glitches, use aimbots, and engage in other forms of unfair play with impunity. As a result, matches are often marred by frustration and disillusionment, as players find themselves pitted against opponents who have an unfair advantage through illicit means.

To compound matters further, Modern Warfare 3 is plagued by a litany of game-breaking bugs and technical issues that disrupt gameplay and undermine immersion. From frequent crashes and server disconnects to glitches that render weapons ineffective or cause players to become stuck in the environment, these issues detract from the overall experience and leave players feeling frustrated and disappointed.

Moreover, the lack of meaningful updates or support from the developers exacerbates these problems, leaving players feeling abandoned and disillusioned. Despite promises of ongoing support and content updates, Modern Warfare 3 has seen little in the way of meaningful improvements or bug fixes, leaving players to contend with the same issues that have plagued the game since launch.

In conclusion, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 represents a disheartening descent into cash-driven chaos, with its relentless pursuit of profit overshadowing gameplay, rampant cheaters infesting multiplayer, and game-breaking bugs hindering the experience. For players seeking a fair and enjoyable multiplayer shooter experience, Modern Warfare 3 falls short of expectations and fails to deliver on its promises, leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of those who once held the franchise in high regard.

Let's be honest, Battlefield 2042's launch was rough. Technical stumbles and missing features left many a fan feeling like this wasn't the Battlefield they knew. Thankfully, DICE has been putting in the work, and in 2024, Battlefield 2042 is a much stronger experience.

The core gameplay, that classic Battlefield blend of strategic sandbox warfare, is fantastic. Huge 128-player battles rage across diverse maps, from the storm-ravaged wastes of Hourglass to the neon-drenched skyscrapers of Renewal. Vehicles feel weighty and powerful, and the gunplay is tight and responsive. Moments of pure Battlefield magic happen all the time: a squadmate reviving you under fire, a perfectly timed helicopter strafe run saving the objective, or a wild tornado tossing tanks around like toys.

The updates have addressed many of the launch issues. Performance has been significantly improved, and features like a functional scoreboard and voice chat are finally in place. The addition of new maps and specialists keeps things fresh, although a note here: the "hero" specialist system still feels a bit out of place in the traditional Battlefield flow. Perhaps a more squad-oriented approach would've been better.

But that's a minor quibble. Battlefield 2042 offers a massive, dynamic sandbox for up-to-minute warfare. DICE has demonstrably listened to the community and continues to improve the game. If you're looking for a chaotic, large-scale multiplayer shooter that rewards teamwork and strategy, Battlefield 2042, in 2024, is definitely worth a look.

Helldivers 2, the highly anticipated follow-up to the acclaimed cooperative shooter, brings players back into the chaotic and challenging world of intergalactic warfare. Developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, this sequel promises to deliver even more intense action and strategic gameplay. However, despite its ambitious vision, Helldivers 2 suffers from significant technical issues that mar the overall experience.

One of the most glaring issues plaguing Helldivers 2 is the prevalence of game-breaking bugs and crashes. From sudden freezes during gameplay to inexplicable glitches that disrupt progression, these technical hiccups severely hamper the enjoyment of what could otherwise be an exhilarating cooperative experience. It's frustrating to see such potential undermined by persistent technical shortcomings.

The instability extends beyond mere inconvenience, as frequent crashes not only disrupt the flow of gameplay but also risk causing players to lose progress and hard-earned rewards. In a game that emphasizes cooperative teamwork and progression, these setbacks can be particularly disheartening, leading to feelings of frustration and disillusionment among players.

Furthermore, the lack of timely patches or updates to address these issues only exacerbates the problem, leaving players feeling abandoned and disillusioned. While it's understandable that complex games may encounter technical challenges post-launch, the absence of swift and effective solutions diminishes player confidence in the developer's ability to support the game adequately.

Despite its technical shortcomings, Helldivers 2 still manages to shine in certain areas. The core gameplay mechanics remain as engaging and strategic as ever, with tight controls, satisfying gunplay, and a wealth of tactical options to explore. The cooperative multiplayer experience, when it works seamlessly, can be incredibly rewarding, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie as players work together to overcome the odds.

Additionally, the game's visual and auditory presentation is commendable, with stunning graphics, dynamic environments, and a pulse-pounding soundtrack that immerses players in the chaos of battle. It's evident that Arrowhead Game Studios poured a great deal of passion and craftsmanship into crafting a world that feels alive and vibrant, despite its technical shortcomings.

In conclusion, while Helldivers 2 showcases the potential for an exhilarating cooperative shooter experience, its immersion and enjoyment are significantly hampered by game-breaking bugs and crashes. Until these technical issues are addressed and resolved, it's difficult to recommend the game wholeheartedly. However, for those willing to weather the storm and overlook its flaws, there's still a thrilling and challenging experience waiting to be had amidst the chaos of Helldivers 2.