Recent reviews by reAfter

As someone who's played a lot of iconic titles like Uncharted, Assassin's Creed, Indiana Jones and even Ratchet & Clank and many others, I have to say there's something special about the original Tomb Raider that hits differently.

Sure, the graphics are dated, and it's not as polished as some of the newer games, but there's a certain magic to it. You can feel the history in every pixel - the way Lara Croft moved, the puzzles, the exploration - it laid the foundation for the entire genre we know today. It is raw, it is tough, and you can really appreciate how far the gaming world has come since then.

Even after playing modern adventures with way more advanced mechanics, Tomb Raider I (1996) still holds its own. It is a reminder of how much value there is in the classics.

Sure, it is a bit clunky in spots, but it also has this undeniable charm and sense of adventure that is hard to replicate. You cannot help but admire how groundbreaking it was for its time, and for that alone, it deserves respect.

reVote 8/10

Artifact Foundry (2020) is a TCG based in the Dota 2 universe that, while carrying potential, needs to catch up in several areas.

The lore of the game centred around Dota characters, which has undeniable depth and could engage players familiar with the Dota universe. Fans of Dota will likely appreciate the thematic connection and recognisable heroes, similar to how Hearthstone appeals to fans of the Warcraft series or Gwent taps into The Witcher’s rich world.

However, the gameplay itself feels somewhat lacking in polish and could benefit from improvements. The mechanics, though unique, sometimes feel overly complex and can result in a slower pace compared to its more streamlined competitors like Hearthstone or Gwent. Unlike Hearthstone, which offers accessible but strategic gameplay, or Gwent, where every card feels impactful, Artifact Foundry can feel overwhelming and does not always satisfyingly reward players.

In its current state, Artifact Foundry has potential, especially for Dota enthusiasts, but it needs adjustments to its core mechanics and pacing to appeal more broadly to TCG fans.

reVote 6/10

Banana Hell (2020) is an indie platformer that takes clear inspiration from challenging titles like Super Meat Boy and VVVVVV, but also contrasts sharply with the classic Mario games.

While Super Meat Boy and VVVVVV focus on high-speed + precision-based platforming, Banana Hell aims for a similar experience, though with slightly less refined controls and floatier mechanics. Unlike Mario, where platforming is often forgiving and levels are designed with broader accessibility, Banana Hell leans heavily into difficulty, offering little room for error.

The level design in Banana Hell lacks the fluidity and variety found in Mario games, which balances challenge with creativity and pacing. Where Mario emphasizes fun and exploration, Banana Hell is closer in spirit to Super Meat Boy’s unforgiving trials, though it doesn't match the same level of polish.

In terms of difficulty, Banana Hell may appeal to fans of hardcore platformers but may alienate players seeking a more balanced, traditional experience of platformers; yet if you are looking for the real challenge I Wanna Be the Boshy is your only best option.

reVote 5/10

Crusader Kings II (2012) is a strategy game that combines political intrigue, dynasty management, and medieval history in a complex combo. Players take on the role of nobles and navigate centuries of complicated relationships, wars, and succession crises.

The depth of play allows for many different play styles, including diplomacy, warfare, and intrigue - which depends on the period and region you play at. The graphics are mesmerisingly detailed, and the soundtrack immerses you in the medieval atmosphere, which literary makes you dive into each game session you have. One of the game's ultimate strengths is its dynamic storytelling - the unpredictable nature of character interactions and events makes each playthrough feel unique. Yet, the learning curve can be steep for newcomers, and some may find the complexity overwhelming as there are way more constants than in most of Total War series games.

Overall, it is a captivating experience for those willing to delve into the intricate mechanics of feudal politics; making it a well-known title among strategy enthusiasts, especially those who like medieval management.

reVote 7/10

To say the truth, I cannot call myself a real fan of Total War series (even though tried most of it), yet Shogun 2 (2011) and Rome (2004) were absolute masterpieces and intriguing strategy to play through long sessions back in the days.

Atmospheric elements in this part of game are made in most iconic way for me, from UI elements towards every canon elements of Japanese culture which you may be seen form Kurosawa cinematography.

In regard of the gameplay, it is good solid Total War with most of its known progression elements and fractional wars with its special units or possible technologies, which makes session to session more unique than it was in previous games.

For whom this game? Well, if you love turn-based strategies with solid historical and cultural content (in this case Japan) this title is more than recommended.

reVote 9/10

XCOM: Enemy Unknown - is when the chance of hitting with a shotgun at a distance of 2 cells is 98%, and you got these 2% ...

reVote 9/10

Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise been always my personal favorite trading card game (TCG) among very many other projects. Yet for sure I can say about my love towards its first few generations - Duel Monsters and GX, as the further it moved on, the more complex and at some point absurd game become, which also required investment into the meta cards.

Yet Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links (2017) is simplified version with its own rules and 1/2 concept of the original game; simplified board, less summons, less new generations provided with its extreme meta combos and games could last longer than one turn - what is great, trust me.

I have played most of my time this game on my phone, but for Steam achievements, I decided to give it a try one more time. It is fun to play on with some good old mechanics from the card game and dive in into nostalgia.

reVote 7/10

I mean co-op games are something significant for the video game industry; It Takes Two (2021), A Way Out (2018) and Portal 2 (2011) and it is coop mode is just an unforgettable experience which will always stay in my memory as great experience with my friends.

Zorya: The Celestial Sisters (2022) tries to provide is alike experience with our co-partner and enjoy time together going through meditative gameplay and various platforming puzzles.

If indie projects are something you would like to play with your friends, and coop is a priority - try it, it might an enjoyable time playing together.

reVote 7/10

Viscera Cleanup Detail: Santa's Rampage (2013) получился сомнительным, но оригинальным симулятором чистильщика в Рождественской атмосфере, вот уж странный проект для досуга; но зато полноценная презентация профессии уборщика.

Кому понравится данный проект, ну скорее всего тем кто любит разного рода симуляторы в самых странных и необычных амплуа. Хотя на мой взгляд проект проходной, пусть и не лишенный забавных пасхалок и элементов всеми известных праздников, но остается чем-то сомнительно репетативным.

reVote 6/10

Буду максимально откровенен, получил игру бесплатно, увидел что чертовски простые ачивки + карточки - значит нужно забрать;

Играть не получилось Arcade Spirits (2019) это ЛГБТ игра, а мой уровень толерантности недостаточно высок чтобы не раздражаться при каждом подкате от другого человека той же ориентации; Кортез из Mass Effect 3 (2012) и Зевран из Dragon Age: Origins (2009) познали это жестким путем.

reVote 4/10