Recent reviews by Hive Scum

RoboCop: Crash City

I'd write a more in-depth review of the game, but my progress is being hindered by frequent UE Engine crashes. The game has been out since November 2023, these issues should've really been fixed by now. What I've played so far has been pretty fun, but 4 crashes in under 3 hours is not acceptable. OCP could make a better product.

As much as it pains me to write, I cannot recommend the game in its current state. Gameplay-wise, it's very solid, but there are technical issues making it a disappointing experience. See Digital Foundry's latest criticisms for a much better summary than what I can type here. It looks and runs worse than Monster Hunter World (a seven year old game) somehow. The only way to get it near a consistent 50fps is to lower the settings to the point it looks like a muddy mess, and no amount of DLSS helps with that. I'll revise this review when the situation (hopefully) improves.

More sweaty than an anime convention.

An absolutely massive RPG with insane attention to detail, yet no battle pass or micro-transaction ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥. Larian definitely rolled a natural 20 with this game.

The whooshing sounds drown out my tinnitus.

Thanks a lot, I just pissed myself. 10/10.

I can't really see any reason to recommend this game.

If you're a veteran player, you can't use your existing account, so that's a no.

If you're a new player, the answer is "it depends".

While Wargaming seems to do a better job explaining the various systems that make up the game, you will likely struggle early on. A lot. To have an even footing with longtime players, you need well trained crews, and the only way to get them is to spend Gold (premium currency) on training and exp books. If your crews aren't skilled, your tank will massively under perform compared to players with well trained crews. That means you can't spot enemies as far away. You will be spotted from further away. You can't aim or reload as quickly. You can't traverse bad terrain as effectively.

So while the core gameplay is fun, you're really going to have to spend money as a new player if you want to have any hope of being on equal footing with longtime veterans. That 100% trained crew you get with your first tank? If you want to use them in the next tier vehicle, they have to be retrained. The only way to retrain them at 100% for that new vehicle is to spend Gold.

The free to play model in this game is not friendly to new players. Be prepared to spend a fair amount of money on Gold and premium tanks going in.

The only battle royale game I care about, and the price is right. Hug Simulator 2020.

Spending hours and hours grinding the new meta god roll: wow, this game sucks!
Actually getting the new meta god roll: wow, this game kicks ass!

If you enjoyed Death Skid Marks, buy this.

If you enjoy shmups, buy this.

If you enjoy rogue-lites, buy this.

If you enjoy space games with a demented sense of humor, buy this.

Now if you'll excuse me, it's time to start a run to Uranus.