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Age of Empires IV, the long-awaited installment in the beloved real-time strategy series developed by Relic Entertainment, is a triumphant return to the throne of historical strategy gaming. With its captivating blend of engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and rich historical detail, this game stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Age of Empires franchise.

From the moment you embark on your journey through the ages, you're greeted by breathtaking visuals that bring history to life like never before. The meticulously crafted environments, detailed unit animations, and vibrant landscapes immerse you in the epic scope of each historical era, from the medieval battles of Europe to the vast empires of Asia.

But Age of Empires IV is more than just a visual spectacle—it's a masterclass in strategic gameplay. With four distinct civilizations to command, each with its own unique units, buildings, and technologies, players are tasked with guiding their empire to victory through diplomacy, trade, and, when necessary, warfare.

The gameplay mechanics strike a delicate balance between accessibility and depth, making it easy for newcomers to jump in while offering plenty of strategic depth for seasoned veterans to explore. From managing resources and constructing buildings to commanding armies in epic battles, every decision you make has far-reaching consequences for the fate of your civilization.

One of the game's standout features is its dynamic campaign mode, which takes players on a journey through some of the most pivotal moments in human history. Whether you're leading Joan of Arc's army to victory in the Hundred Years' War or defending the Great Wall of China from Mongol invaders, each campaign offers a compelling narrative and a wealth of strategic challenges to overcome.

In addition to its engaging single-player content, Age of Empires IV also delivers thrilling multiplayer battles that pit players against each other in a struggle for dominance. With a variety of game modes, maps, and civilizations to choose from, the multiplayer experience is as varied as it is intense, ensuring that no two matches are ever the same.

Furthermore, Age of Empires IV benefits from a dedicated community and robust modding support, ensuring that the game will continue to evolve and expand long after its release. Whether you're creating custom scenarios, designing new civilizations, or participating in online tournaments, there's always something new and exciting to discover in the world of Age of Empires IV.

In conclusion, Age of Empires IV is a triumphant return to form for the legendary strategy franchise. With its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and rich historical detail, it offers an experience that's both accessible to newcomers and deeply satisfying for longtime fans. Whether you're a history buff or a strategy enthusiast, this game is sure to captivate your imagination and keep you coming back for more.

How to avoid people! (and the other creatures)

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Now, for the real;

Vampire Survivors, developed by Poncle, is a captivating roguelike game that seamlessly combines elements of strategy, action, and survival. Set in a dark and perilous world infested with bloodthirsty creatures of the night, this game offers a unique and immersive experience that will keep players hooked for hours on end.

From the moment you enter the game, you're thrust into a world teeming with danger and excitement. The pixel art graphics are charmingly detailed, with each character and environment exuding a sense of eerie beauty. The soundtrack complements the atmosphere perfectly, immersing you further into the game's dark and foreboding world.

The gameplay mechanics are where Vampire Survivors truly shines. As a vampire hunter, you'll navigate procedurally generated dungeons filled with a variety of enemies, traps, and treasures. Each run presents new challenges and opportunities, keeping the experience fresh and exciting with every playthrough.

One of the game's most compelling aspects is its deep and strategic combat system. Players must carefully manage their resources, choosing when to engage enemies in fierce battles or when to retreat and regroup. The array of weapons, spells, and abilities at your disposal allows for a diverse range of playstyles, ensuring that no two runs feel the same.

Furthermore, Vampire Survivors features a robust progression system that rewards players for their skill and perseverance. As you defeat enemies and complete objectives, you'll earn experience points and unlock powerful upgrades that enhance your abilities and survivability. This sense of progression adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, encouraging players to push their limits and strive for mastery.

In addition to its satisfying gameplay mechanics, Vampire Survivors also boasts excellent replay value. The game offers multiple characters to unlock, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. Combined with the procedurally generated dungeons, this ensures that there's always something new to discover and explore, keeping players coming back for more.

Overall, Vampire Survivors is a must-play for fans of roguelike games and action RPGs alike. With its captivating visuals, engaging gameplay, and deep strategic depth, it offers an experience that's both challenging and immensely rewarding. Whether you're a seasoned vampire hunter or a newcomer to the genre, this game is sure to leave you craving more.

I don't understand this "fuzz" against the "The Callisto Protocol" to be honest. The game is 3rd person survival horror, like many other games but people say that it's not a Dead Space.
Of course, it's not a Dead Space, it's a game on its own for the gods' sake.

Anyway, let's get to the game.

The game is a cinematic experience first of all. It's like "playing" a movie.
For me, the game is very interesting. It reminds me of the early 2000s and survival horror games like Resident Evil, Alien and Cold Fear.
The graphics are phenomenal, the story is also solid and the character development is good.

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The story itself is okay, basically a "set of unfortunate circumstances". A pilot ends in the prison and there the real s*it begins. Through the game, you discover what happened on the Planet and who is responsible for that. It's a classic Hollywood Blockbuster story.

I don't want to spoil the story/ending, but ill just say that the game ends with a big cliffhanger which is good and bad at the same time.
The good thing is that the story will continue, and that format is taken from TV shows nowadays. The bad thing is that we don't know what will happen next, and if we want to see/continue forward, we will need to spend the extra cash and buy DLC(s).

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Melee
The gameplay is focused on dodging the enemy hits and counterattacks. I mean, you can just attack as you wish, but some enemies and bosses require some dodging and timing.

Ranged
There are some ranged weapons, like the pistol, revolver, shotgun and assault rifle. The ammo is scarce, as usual.

The Gravity Glove
Aka the gravity gun from Half-Life, but with a battery.

Other than that, you will collect money and items which you can sell and later buy the weapon upgrades.

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We got Josh Duhamel, who is a pilot ala Han Solo, but through the game he became a badass fighter against the "Evil".
Other characters are solid, but most of them are support characters so I won't focus on them.

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The graphics are phenomenal, Unreal Engine 5 at its finest. As I already said, it's a cinematic experience, to be honest.
But that comes with a (big) price.
The game on my PC performed very well, but I had some stutters every often which is kinda strange because I had 150+ FPS and didn't have FPS drops.
I will guess that the problem lies in UE5 since all UE after the UE3 are bugged/problematic and causes Stuttering. The same problem had Squad which is on UE4.
Hope that they will work on fixing this issue(s).

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Me, it took me almost 10 hours to complete the story. I was not focused on achievement, since some achievements need Hardcore and New Game+ completion.
With that, I would say that 20 hours is enough to complete 100% of the game.

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Yes and no.
Yes - if you want a good survival horror experience, space setting, early 2000s horrors throwback to Alien, Cold Fear etc.
No - 60 euros is kind of much for it.

I recommend it for sure, but buy it on sale.

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Type of the game
☐ Multiplayer
☑ Singleplayer

❤ Audience ❤
☑ Beginner
☑ Casual Gamer
☑ Normal Gamer
☑ Expert

☼ Graphics ☼
☐ Bad
☐ Alright
☐ Good
☑ Beautiful
☑ Fantastic

☼ PC Requirements ☼
☐ MS Paint
☐ Potato
☑ Decent
☑ Fast
☑ Richie Rich
☐ NASA

☠ Optimization ☠
☐ Works like sh*at
☑ Well optimized, but there's some work to do

♬ Music ♬
☐ Bad
☑ Alright
☐ Good
☐ Beautiful
☐ Fantastic

☠ Difficulty ☠
☐ Easy
☐ Average
☑ Easy to learn / Hard to master
☑ Hard
☐ Unfair

☠ Grind ☠
☐ Nothing to grind
☐ Only if u care about leaderboards/ranks
☑ Isnt necessary to progress
☐ Average grind level
☐ Too much grind
☐ You‘ll need a second live for grinding

§ Bugs §
☐ Bugs destroy the game
☐ Lots of bugs
☑ Few Bugs
☐ You can use them for speedrun
☐ Nothing encountered

☯ Story ☯
☐ There is none
☐ Bad
☐ Alright
☑ Good
☐ Fantastic

⚔ Gameplay ⚔
☐ Frustrating
☐ Sleepy
☐ Boring
☑ Fun
☐ Challenging

۞ Game time / Length ۞
☐ Really short (0 - 3 hours)
☑ Short (4 - 8 hours)
☑ Few hours (10 - 20 hours)
☐ Long (40-60 hours) [if you focus on the main story]
☐ Very Long (61-100 hours) [if you complete everything]
☐ Extremely Long (101+ hours)

$ Price / Quality $
☐ Full price
☑ Wait for Sale
☐ Don't buy
☐ Refund it if you can


۞ Overall Rating ۞
☐ 1
☐ 2
☐ 3
☐ 4
☐ 5
☐ 6
☐ 7
☑ 8
☐ 9
☐ 10

As a fervent fan of action-adventure games, I eagerly dived into "Evil West," hoping for an adrenaline-pumping experience set in a gritty, supernatural Wild West. Unfortunately, what awaited me was a lackluster journey plagued by technical shortcomings, outdated graphics, and disappointingly linear gameplay.

First and foremost, the technical issues I encountered were downright frustrating. From constant crashes to inexplicable frame rate drops, "Evil West" felt like it was struggling to maintain its own existence within my gaming rig. It's disheartening when you're immersed in a thrilling gunfight only to be abruptly yanked out due to a crash, leaving you staring at a blank screen wondering where it all went wrong.

Graphically speaking, "Evil West" is a relic from a bygone era. While I understand that not every game needs cutting-edge visuals to succeed, the graphics here are not just dated; they're distracting. Character models lack detail, environments feel uninspired and lifeless, and the overall aesthetic fails to capture the eerie atmosphere the game desperately tries to convey. It's like watching a low-budget B-movie where the special effects are so laughably bad that they detract from the intended horror.

But perhaps the most damning aspect of "Evil West" is its linear gameplay. In a genre that thrives on player choice and exploration, "Evil West" shackles you to a painfully linear path, leaving little room for deviation or discovery. The illusion of freedom quickly dissipates as you realize that every decision, every encounter, is scripted and predictable. It's a shame because the premise of battling supernatural forces in the Wild West could have led to endless possibilities, yet "Evil West" squanders this potential in favor of a cookie-cutter approach that feels uninspired and uninspiring.

Overall, "Evil West" is a prime example of wasted potential. Its technical issues, outdated graphics, and linear gameplay combine to create an experience that falls far short of its ambitious premise. Unless you have an unyielding craving for mediocre action games set in the Wild West, I'd recommend saddling up and riding past this one. There are far better adventures waiting on the horizon.

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Short answer: No, the game is NOT worth 50 euros.
I bought it for 40 euros during the Christmas sale, and regret shortly after.

Why?

Its short

linear (a very linear lol)

the story is boring (Hollywood C-tier story)

the game itself became really boring after a few missions

did I mention that it's short?

This game should cost MAX 30 euros, and that would be a so-so deal.

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Let's get to more explaining.
Comparison/Influences from other games
During the playing, I did notice that the game is trying to be a Darksiders/Souls/Doom clone.
The Darksiders was released 13 years ago, and it's a better game in any way (also cheaper). I had more fun with Darksiders than Evil West.
I don't like Souls so I won't compare it to what that, but that timing dodge/attack is noticeable.
The DOOM comparison is because in Evil West you are also in "Arenas" where they throw different monsters and want you to clear them before continuing with the story.

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Playthrought(s)
My 1st (and only) playthrough was on Medium difficulty which was solid, and I had in plan to repeat it on New Game+ on the hardest difficulty. But the game exhausted me so much that I couldn't wait to finish it, not to continue with a new playthrough but to delete it from my PC to save some space for another (better game).

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Difficulty
The difficulty is ok, on Normal it's challenging in some parts. It looks like the difficulty balance is the only positive thing here.

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Technical details
The graphics are outdated, seems like they are at least 10 years old.
The characters are bad and boring, nothing special.
The story is predictable and forgettable.

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Lenght
It took me around 23 hours to complete it on Normal difficulty, where I found all collectables.

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Type of the game
☐ Multiplayer
☑ Singleplayer

❤ Audience ❤
☑ Beginner
☑ Casual Gamer
☑ Normal Gamer
☑ Expert

☼ Graphics ☼
☐ Bad
☑ Alright
☐ Good
☐ Beautiful
☐ Fantastic

☼ PC Requirements ☼
☐ MS Paint
☑ Potato
☐ Decent
☐ Fast
☐ Richie Rich
☐ NASA

☠ Optimization ☠
☐ Works like sh*at
☑ Well optimized

♬ Music ♬
☐ Bad
☑ Alright
☐ Good
☐ Beautiful
☐ Fantastic

☠ Difficulty ☠
☑ Easy
☑ Average
☐ Easy to learn / Hard to master
☐ Hard
☐ Unfair

☠ Grind ☠
☐ Nothing to grind
☐ Only if u care about leaderboards/ranks
☑ Isn't necessary to progress
☐ Average grind level
☐ Too much grind
☐ You‘ll need a second life for grinding

§ Bugs §
☐ Bugs destroy the game
☐ Lots of bugs
☑ Few Bugs
☐ You can use them for speedrun
☐ Nothing encountered

☯ Story ☯
☐ There is none
☑ Bad
☐ Alright
☐ Good
☐ Fantastic

⚔ Gameplay ⚔
☐ Frustrating
☑ Sleepy
☑ Boring
☐ Fun
☐ Challenging

۞ Game time / Length ۞
☐ Really short (0 - 3 hours)
☐ Short (4 - 8 hours)
☑ Few hours (10 - 20 hours)
☐ Long (40-60 hours) [if you focus on the main story]
☐ Very Long (61-100 hours) [if you complete everything]
☐ Extremely Long (101+ hours)

$ Price / Quality $
☐ Full price
☐ Wait for the Sale
☑ Don't buy
☐ Refund it if you can

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When buying Days Gone I didn't had much expectations - just another Zombie game, right?
Well I was wrong. Days Gone is a Great game, with a solid story.
Characters are ok, RPG system is solid, zombies are ok (sometimes too fast) and NPC's are ok.
The game also includes the Challenging missions where you collect the "stars" and an New Game+.
But riding a bike is awesome, maybe best driving mechanics up to date!

So far, I can only recommend this game - it took me over 70h to finish it. Well recommended for the full price. I will replay it for sure, with the New Game+ option.

Below you can see some additional informations:

Type of the game
☐ Multiplayer
☑ Singleplayer

❤ Audience ❤
☑ Beginner
☑ Casual Gamer
☑ Normal Gamer
☑ Expert

☼ Graphics ☼
☐ Bad
☐ Alright
☐ Good
☑ Beautiful
☐ Fantastic

☼ PC Requirements ☼
☐ MS Paint
☐ Potato
☑ Decent
☐ Fast
☐ Richie Rich
☐ NASA

☠ Optimization ☠
☐ Works like sh*at
☑ Well optimized

♬ Music ♬
☐ Bad
☑ Alright
☑ Good
☐ Beautiful
☐ Fantastic

☠ Difficulty ☠
☑ Easy
☑ Average
☑ Easy to learn / Hard to master
☑ Hard
☐ Unfair

☠ Grind ☠
☐ Nothing to grind
☐ Only if u care about leaderboards/ranks
☑ Isnt necessary to progress
☑ Average grind level
☐ Too much grind
☐ You‘ll need a second live for grinding

§ Bugs §
☐ Bugs destroy the game
☐ Lots of bugs
☑ Few Bugs
☐ You can use them for speedrun
☐ Nothing encountered

☯ Story ☯
☐ There is none
☐ Bad
☐ Alright
☑ Good
☐ Fantastic

⚔ Gameplay ⚔
☐ Frustrating
☐ Sleepy
☐ Boring
☑ Fun
☑ Challenging

۞ Game time / Length ۞
☐ Really short (0 - 3 hours)
☐ Short (4 - 8 hours)
☐ Few hours (10 - 20 hours)
☑ Long (40-60 hours) [if you focus on the main story]
☑ Very Long (61-100 hours) [if you complete everything]
☐ Extremely Long (101+ hours)

$ Price / Quality $
☑ Full price
☐ Wait for Sale
☐ Don't buy
☐ Refund it if you can

۞ Overall Rating ۞
☐ 1
☐ 2
☐ 3
☐ 4
☐ 5
☐ 6
☐ 7
☐ 8
☑ 9
☑ 10

at this moment, i cant recommend SS4.
it has too many technical issues and also it looks and feels like Early Access title, but for 40 euros i expected more.
i know its day one, but still...
unplayable for me so i refunded it. simply because i cant play it due to freezes and stuttering.

i know that devs will work hard to fix it, but then i will buy it.

i did stream it, so you can check it out here (english and croatian language):
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/750639577
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v387sJSFQgA

pros:
shooting is okay(ish).
didnt have much time to find bugs since i refunded it.

cons:
empty maps.
very baaaaad performance.
enemies are boring and nothing new on them.
voice acting and one-liners are LOL so bad.
animations are BAD.

looks like duke nukem and doom had a baby, a unwanted baby.

edit:
tried to lower settings to "lower" setting, while it was at highest by default.
i had even more stutters and freezes after changing settings to lowest.

Played and finished it during free weekend.

I can tell you that Gears 5 is not same "old" Gears, only thing in common is "Gears" in name.
They need to retire Gears or make spinoff, because this is a sin. Cheap way of milking good serial.
Worth 5 euros, nothing more. Ultimate edition is STEAL, it litteraly doesnt give you anything special.

Try to play it during free time, if there will be it after this one.

Cons:
Story is boring.
Characters are shallow.
Missions are dumb.
PRICE?!?!?!?
Ultimate version is just LOL

Pros:
Coop
Graphics
Good port
Free Weekend

Deep Rock Galactic, developed by Ghost Ship Games, stands as a shining beacon of cooperative multiplayer excellence, seamlessly blending thrilling action, strategic gameplay, and immersive exploration into an unforgettable mining adventure. From its captivating visuals and immersive atmosphere to its tight-knit community and addictive gameplay loop, Deep Rock Galactic offers an experience that's as rewarding as it is exhilarating.

At the heart of Deep Rock Galactic lies its innovative blend of cooperative mining and intense combat, as players assume the roles of brave dwarven miners tasked with exploring the depths of procedurally generated caverns in search of valuable resources. With each mission presenting unique challenges and opportunities, teamwork and communication are essential for success, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and solidarity among players as they work together to overcome obstacles and achieve their objectives.

One of the game's standout features is its deep and satisfying progression system, which rewards players with experience points, credits, and resources for completing missions and objectives. As players level up their characters and unlock new abilities, weapons, and equipment, they'll become more adept at navigating the treacherous caverns and facing off against the hostile creatures that dwell within.

Moreover, Deep Rock Galactic boasts a rich and immersive world that begs to be explored, with each cavern offering its own unique biomes, hazards, and secrets to uncover. From icy tundras and fiery magma chambers to lush fungal forests and ancient alien ruins, the game's diverse environments are teeming with life and lore, providing players with endless opportunities for discovery and adventure.

The game's presentation is equally impressive, with stunning visuals, dynamic lighting effects, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that perfectly captures the atmosphere of the underground world. Whether you're marveling at the awe-inspiring vistas of a subterranean cavern or fending off waves of relentless enemies in the heat of battle, Deep Rock Galactic never fails to captivate the senses and immerse players in its richly detailed world.

Furthermore, Deep Rock Galactic benefits from a dedicated and passionate community of players who are always eager to lend a helping hand, share tips and strategies, and embark on epic mining expeditions together. Whether you're teaming up with friends or making new allies through the game's matchmaking system, the cooperative multiplayer experience is where Deep Rock Galactic truly shines, offering countless hours of fun and excitement for players of all skill levels.

In conclusion, Deep Rock Galactic is a triumph of cooperative multiplayer gaming, offering a rich and immersive mining adventure that's as rewarding as it is exhilarating. With its tight-knit community, addictive gameplay loop, and stunning presentation, it's a game that's sure to delight and inspire players for years to come. Whether you're a veteran miner or a newcomer to the depths, Deep Rock Galactic welcomes you with open arms and invites you to join in the adventure of a lifetime.

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A true meaning of the "Labor of Love".

really good coop game, combination of left 4 dead and "minecraft" (except crafting/building).

maps are totally random, you can dig where you want to go, theres no limit(s).

since game was released from EA, i can't recommend it enough!

the game is solid, gameplay is ok (little shallow for TW series) and thats all what i found to be good.
theres no story, you find yourself on a map (no matter which kingdom/empire you choose - you just get different location on the same map) and you heve few goals - destroy 1 or 3 other empires.

on the other side, story mode is locked behind paywall called "DLC" and because that i dont recommend this game.

SP
unable to play because of instant crashes in cutscenes.
cant pass trough 2nd cutscene

MP
dead by daylight

Verdict
worst 7e spent in my life