Report #35
I’m late with my report, I had a lot to do at work. And, to be honest, writing reviews for BLAEO felt more like a chore than a joy lately. Maybe both are connected, maybe not. For now I think I’ll shorten my reviews drastically. It would be bummer to stop writing reviews completey, so let’s see how this plays out. Hopefully for the best :)
Reviews
Release Date: 2015
Dex is a typical Cyberpunk-RPG, reminding me of Deus Ex and Shadowrun Returns. While adding nothing new, it is a solid game with interesting mechanics and an enjoyable story. Leveling was rewarding as well. The fighting system takes some time getting used to, at least for me. It was hard in the beginning, okay in the middle and a bit too easy in the end. Spoiler: I didn't like the ending: It felt too extraordinary for the rest of the game.
Achievements: Easy to get in one playthrough, almost no missables.
Verdict: Definitely recommended.
Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse
13 hours, no achievements
★★★☆☆
More
Release Date: 2010
Sam & Max: Season Three aka The Devil's Playhouse is a Point'n'Click game, finishing the first two seasons of Sam & Max. The puzzles are quirky, the whole game even funkier than the previous ones. Telltale Game used a new engine for the game: It is beautiful, but the controls are weird. Spoiler: Yeah again about the ending: It was really exceptional for one moment, when you actually thought Max had sacrificed himself to save the world… the actual ending (Max returns) is surely more fitting to the rest of the series, but less dramatic on its own.
Achievements: None.
Verdict: Recommended for those who played (and enjoyed) the previous seasons.
Supreme Commander
25 hours, no achievements
★★☆☆☆
More
Release Date: 2007
Supreme Commander is a RTS game in a Sci-Fi setting. It focuses heavily on the macro aspects of RTS games, while micro is secondary. The game does something truly unique: It utilizes any second monitor as sort of a (zoomable) mini-map, so that you are able to pay attention to two places at the same time. I can't think of another game which actually uses a second monitor. I really like it, it's a pity that's so rare!
However, I didn't like the rest of the game. There is not much tactics involved, it's only about outproducing your enemy and throwing wave after wave at them for small ground gains. Kind of like WW I. I don't enjoy this approach to RTS. On top of that it gets really hard fast and I didn't have the passion/patience to 'git gud' at the game.
Achievements: None.
Verdict: No, sorry.
Currently playing
- Offworld Trading Company
35.3 hours playtime
- Far Cry 2
18.4 hours playtime
no achievements
Offworld Trading Company is a simple (ok, that may be debatable) economy simulation set on Mars. It’s definitely not without flaws but fun to kill some time between other games.
I started Far Cry 2 to finish the Far Cry games I own. It took some time to get used to the gameplay, but it’s enjoyable now.
Big thanks to kubikill for Dex, I liked this game quite a lot. Sam & Max was enjoyable, plus I finished the series. While Supreme Commander was a letdown, I still don’t feel too bad about it, for it gave me another take on RTS. I did not fancy it, but at least I tried it. Also, the utilization of my second monitor was interesting to see.
Happy backlog-clearing to everyone,
Vito
Good to know that you liked Dex! I got it not that long ago… oh gosh, almost two years ago!! X) Ehm, nevermind, can’t wait to play it! ;D
Nothing bad with short reviews! It just means that it will be more spot on. ;) Also, that way you won’t feel exhausted and you will enjoy it more. :)
Hehe, time flies I guess. There are some games in my library for years which I still consider fairly recent acquisitions. Dex is good game, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Thanks, I see it the same way. I enjoyed writing the little reviews, it’s a different kind of challenge :)
I kinda got to the point where reviews were feeling chore-ish as well. I’ve kinda stopped for now, but I do miss having a good write-up from myself! :D
I like your short-takes here though. Informative enough, while also offering a personal impression that isn’t just whatever everyone else might be writing. Cool!
Thank you, glad that you like them. I think the reviews turned out okay, I’ll keep them like that for the time being. After all, the main point is to have fun on BLAEO and not feeling any kind of obligation. Everyone has to figure out their own way, a way which can surely change with time and circumstances. Maybe in a year or so we’ll feel like writing longer reviews again :)