Recent reviews by Lord Fluff

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a masterpiece that sets a new standard for open-world gaming. Developed by Rockstar Games, this title offers an immersive journey into the fading Wild West, blending compelling storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and meticulous attention to detail.

The game follows Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, as he navigates a world on the brink of change. The narrative is rich, character-driven, and emotionally resonant, capturing themes of loyalty, morality, and survival. Players can explore a vast, beautifully crafted environment filled with dynamic weather, wildlife, and bustling towns, making every excursion feel alive.

Gameplay combines a mix of narrative-driven missions, side quests, hunting, fishing, and random encounters that create a sense of realism and depth. The mechanics are smooth, with a well-designed combat system and a variety of activities to keep players engaged. The attention to detail—such as NPC routines and interactive environments—further immerses players into this meticulously recreated period.

Graphically, Red Dead Redemption 2 is stunning, with every scene showcasing Rockstar’s mastery in visual design. The soundtrack and voice acting are equally impressive, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.

While the game demands a significant time investment and can be slow-paced at times, its storytelling and world-building are worth the effort. Overall, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a landmark in gaming, delivering an unforgettable experience that balances epic adventure with intimate storytelling.

pretty good

**Review: *Destroy All Humans! (2020 Remake)***

*Destroy All Humans!*, the 2020 remake of the 2005 cult classic, is a nostalgic revival that manages to capture the quirky essence of the original while offering a polished, modernized gaming experience. Developed by Black Forest Games and published by THQ Nordic, the game puts players back in the shoes—or, rather, alien boots—of Crypto-137, an extraterrestrial invader tasked with harvesting human DNA and wreaking havoc on 1950s America.

### Visual and Audio Overhaul

The most immediate and noticeable improvement in the 2020 remake is the graphical overhaul. The original *Destroy All Humans!* was built on mid-2000s technology, and the remake updates this with vibrant, cartoony visuals that are perfectly suited to the game’s whimsical tone. The environments are more detailed, the characters more expressive, and the lighting effects add a dynamic layer to the chaotic destruction Crypto brings to Earth. While it’s not aiming for photorealism, the visual upgrades significantly enhance the playful satire that the game thrives on. The audio, too, has been remastered, with the original voice acting intact—a big plus given the stellar performance of Richard Steven Horvitz as the snarky, irreverent Crypto. His sardonic commentary, alongside the bombastic declarations of his superior, Orthopox (voiced by the iconic J. Grant Albrecht), add a lot of charm to the experience. The sound design complements the on-screen mayhem with satisfying laser blasts, explosions, and the occasional sound of terrified humans fleeing in panic.

### Gameplay:

A Faithful Remaster with Quality-of-Life Improvements In terms of gameplay, *Destroy All Humans! (2020)* sticks closely to the formula that made the original a hit, for better or worse. It’s an open-world action game with mission-based objectives, allowing players to use a variety of alien weapons and psychic powers to wreak havoc on humanity. Crypto’s arsenal includes a Zap-O-Matic for electrifying enemies, a Disintegrator Ray for turning humans into ash, and the infamous Anal Probe for, well, you get the idea. These weapons feel as fun as they did 15 years ago, with the remake enhancing their responsiveness and visual effects. There are also some minor quality-of-life improvements that make the game feel less dated. Crypto’s ability to use multiple powers in tandem has been streamlined, and the controls feel smoother. New mechanics, like the ability to use your jetpack more fluidly, make movement easier and combat more engaging. However, it’s worth noting that some aspects of the gameplay still feel a bit archaic. Enemy AI can be erratic, often charging directly into your line of fire, and some mission structures are repetitive by modern standards.

### Story and Humour

The story of *Destroy All Humans!* is purposefully absurd, centering on Crypto’s mission to harvest human DNA and infiltrate the United States government—all while delivering a satirical take on 1950s Cold War paranoia, B-movie alien invasions, and conspiracy theories. It’s lighthearted and doesn’t take itself seriously, which works in its favor. The humor, often dark and filled with innuendo, still holds up remarkably well, especially with today’s lens of satirizing paranoia, government overreach, and societal norms. The game’s writing is laced with snark, and its parody of the ‘50s setting, complete with exaggerated accents and cultural tropes, offers plenty of chuckles. However, some jokes that played well in 2005 may feel a bit dated or tonally off in today’s more socially aware environment. Still, the over-the-top humour, when taken for what it is, contributes to the game’s charm and identity.

### The Downsides:

Aged Mechanics While the remake does a good job of bringing the original up to modern standards, it can’t entirely mask some of its aged design. The mission structure, for example, often boils down to basic fetch quests or simply obliterating waves of enemies, which can become repetitive. The game is also fairly short by today’s standards, with most players able to finish the story in about 8 to 10 hours. There are side activities and collectibles to pad out the runtime, but they don’t offer much in terms of variety. Another downside is the difficulty curve. *Destroy All Humans!* doesn’t have much of a challenge, and enemy variety is limited, meaning that combat encounters can start to feel monotonous after a few hours. Although Crypto's weapons and abilities are fun to use, the lack of meaningful progression or complex enemies means that the novelty can wear off sooner than expected.

### Verdict:

A Fun, If Flawed, Trip Down Memory Lane *Destroy All Humans! (2020)* is a love letter to fans of the original game, offering a visually impressive and faithful remake that captures the spirit of its predecessor. It’s a fun, chaotic experience filled with irreverent humor, creative destruction, and a lighthearted tone that sets it apart from more serious, modern titles. However, beneath the shiny new coat of paint, the game’s age still shows in its repetitive missions and simplistic gameplay. For newcomers, it may not have the depth or sophistication expected from today’s open-world games, but for fans of the original, it’s a nostalgic romp worth revisiting. Despite its flaws, it’s hard to deny the simple joy of being a wise-cracking alien wreaking havoc on an unsuspecting human population. After all, who wouldn’t want to destroy all humans—at least for a little while?

**Score: 7.5/10**

A solid remake that stays true to the original’s quirky charm, but some dated mechanics keep it from being truly out of this world.

*God of War* (2018) is a masterclass in game design, storytelling, and character development, marking a significant evolution for the series and setting a new standard for action-adventure games.

**Story and Characters:**
The game takes a bold departure from the Greek mythology of the earlier titles, moving to the rich, icy world of Norse mythology. The story follows Kratos, who is now older, wiser, and struggling to control his rage as he raises his young son, Atreus. The relationship between Kratos and Atreus is at the heart of the game, offering a deeply emotional and mature narrative that explores themes of fatherhood, loss, and redemption. Kratos is no longer the one-dimensional, rage-fueled god-slayer; instead, he is a complex character wrestling with his past and striving to be a better father. Atreus, meanwhile, is curious, naive, and eager to prove himself, which leads to compelling dynamics and growth throughout the journey.

**Gameplay:**
The gameplay in *God of War* is a significant shift from previous entries. The fixed camera perspective is replaced with a third-person, over-the-shoulder view, bringing players closer to the action and enhancing the game's intimacy. The combat is more methodical and strategic, with Kratos wielding the Leviathan Axe, a weapon that feels weighty and satisfying to use. The axe, which can be thrown and recalled at will, adds a unique layer to combat and puzzle-solving, making every encounter feel fresh. The addition of Atreus as a companion adds another layer to the gameplay, as he assists in combat, solving puzzles, and offering emotional support to Kratos.**World and Exploration:** The world of *God of War* is meticulously crafted, offering a semi-open world experience with plenty of areas to explore, secrets to uncover, and lore to absorb. The Lake of Nine serves as a central hub, with various realms accessible as you progress through the story. The environments are stunningly detailed, from snow-covered forests to towering mountains and dark, mysterious caves. The world feels alive, with every corner filled with something to discover, whether it’s a hidden chest, a challenging side quest, or a piece of Norse mythology that enriches the game's lore.

**Graphics and Sound:**
Visually, *God of War* is breathtaking. The attention to detail in character models, environments, and animations is exceptional, making every moment of the game a visual treat. The sound design is equally impressive, with a powerful score that enhances the epic scale of the game and adds emotional weight to key moments. The voice acting is top-notch, with Christopher Judge delivering a memorable performance as Kratos, capturing the character's gruff exterior and the underlying vulnerability.

**Conclusion:**
*God of War* (2018) is not just a great game; it’s a transformative experience for the series and the action-adventure genre. It successfully reinvents a beloved franchise, offering a more mature and nuanced story, refined gameplay, and a richly detailed world. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to Kratos’ journey, *God of War* is a must-play that stands as one of the best games of its generation.

Bruce Willis reprises his role as Post Man Pat. This time we see him enduring blistering winds and scorching desert, climbing to the highest room in the tallest tower to destroy The One Ring and bring balance to the force.

I wish I could order 66 myself.

If Rayman Origins had a depressed twice removed cousin who was into goats and had a cross species baby. This would be it.

Farmville 2 is a great First person shooter for beginners. There's a lot to do. The campaign is great and there are a lot of customisations for all your needs

League of rocket is the sequel to League of Legends. Riot Games really improved their game design with this one. With the introduction of balls and goals, kills really don't mean anything now.

There is so much to do in this open world RPG. EA really outdid themselves with this one