Recent reviews by darkmain™

My game of the year.

If Heavy Rain and Life is Strange had a crime-thriller baby, As Dusk Falls would be the result. This narrative-driven game combines interactive drama with tough moral choices and a cinematic storytelling approach. But does it deliver an unforgettable experience, or does it feel like watching a slideshow with occasional button presses?

A motel, a hostage situation, two families – and every decision can change the course of events.
🔹 Two timelines, one connected past – The story jumps between 1998 and 2012, showing how choices have lasting consequences.
🔹 Dramatic twists – Every choice can cost lives, ruin relationships, or lead to unexpected fates.
🔹 Realism over exaggeration – No sci-fi, no action heroes, just real people with flaws and struggles.

Whether you rise as a hero, fall as a victim, or simply get caught in the chaos – that’s up to you.

✔️ Engaging story with real consequences – Every decision matters and feels meaningful.
✔️ Surprisingly deep characters – Even the "villains" have layers and motivations.
✔️ Co-op mode for shared decisions – Perfect for testing friendships. 😆
✔️ Real-world themes – Family issues, trauma, crime – handled with maturity.
❌ Art style is divisive – The motionless comic book visuals take some getting used to.
❌ Minimal actual gameplay – If you dislike interactive films, this won’t change your mind.
❌ Some choices are just illusions – Not every decision truly reshapes the outcome.

✔️ Fans of interactive dramas like Heavy Rain or Life is Strange.
✔️ Players who love deep storytelling and strong characters.
✔️ Perfect for groups or couples wanting to make choices together.
❌ If you want actual gameplay, look elsewhere.
❌ Not for fans of fast-paced action or reflex-based challenges.
❌ If you don’t want to be emotionally invested, stay away.

Achievements are mostly tied to different choices, meaning multiple playthroughs are required to get them all. Some can only be unlocked by making the “wrong” decisions – perfectionists will suffer. 😅

As Dusk Falls isn’t for everyone, but if you love a gripping, character-driven drama, this game delivers. It’s more of an interactive film than a traditional game, but the emotional choices and narrative twists keep you hooked.

Scientific estimation: My playtime was interrupted by heated debates over which decision to pick. If you want to know how long the game actually lasts, check HowLongToBeat[howlongtobeat.com].

Imagine stepping into a breathtaking world full of magic, spirits, and adorable little companions. Sounds great, right? Now imagine that this adventure consists of many linear paths, a predictable story, and a bunch of collectible tasks that mostly serve to unlock cosmetics or upgrades. Welcome to Kena: Bridge of Spirits – a game that looks like a Pixar film but sometimes feels more like a to-do list.

You play as Kena, a spirit guide who helps lost souls move on – basically a mix of spiritual social worker and action hero with a magic staff. She is accompanied by the Rot, cute little furballs that look adorable but offer only mild support in combat.
🔹 Visually impressive, but the story remains predictable.
🔹 Emotional moments, yet no real surprises.
🔹 Spirit-world themes that suggest depth but don’t fully deliver.
🔹 A dull story – Nicely told, but lacking excitement and engaging characters.

✔️ Stunning visuals – Top-tier animations and environments.
✔️ Charming companions – The Rot are cute and bring some life to the world.
✔️ Decent combat – Some bosses provide a fair challenge.
❌ Dull story – Lacks excitement, highly predictable, and forgettable.
❌ Hidden repetitive gameplay – Lots of collecting, lots of backtracking, not much variety.
❌ Clunky controls – Especially frustrating in platforming sections.

✔️ Fans of Pixar-style visuals – If you care more about presentation than gameplay.
✔️ Players who enjoy short, linear adventures – A great weekend game.
✔️ Completionists who love collecting – If you enjoy exploring every corner, this could be fun.
✔️ Younger players or newcomers – Accessible, visually appealing, and not too complex.
❌ Players looking for a deep story – The narrative remains surface-level with no major twists.
❌ Anyone who dislikes collecting tasks – Not needed for the main story, but essential for upgrades and achievements.
❌ Experienced gamers expecting depth – The story and gameplay stay quite simple.

If you're aiming for 100%, keep this in mind:

• Some achievements are missable, so use a guide if you want them all.
  
• The highest difficulty mode unlocks only after completing the game once, meaning at least two playthroughs are required.
  
• Many collectibles are optional but necessary for upgrades and achievements.

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is a visual masterpiece but an average game. The world looks fantastic, but behind the beautiful facade lies a linear adventure with repetitive tasks and a forgettable story. If you're looking for a short, visually stunning experience, you might enjoy it – but if you expect deep exploration or engaging mechanics, you may be disappointed.

Scientific observation: My playtime does not reflect how long this game actually takes—it’s simply evidence of my deep spiritual connection to the world of Kena. If you want a more grounded estimate, check HowLongToBeat[howlongtobeat.com].

If Assassin’s Creed Unity, Origins, and the first Assassin’s Creed formed a secret brotherhood, Mirage would be the result. 🏹 It promises a return to the series’ roots, with parkour, stealth, and assassinations, but with some modern refinements. But is this really the revival long-time fans have been waiting for, or just a nostalgic misstep?

Baghdad, in the Golden Age of the Abbasids: You play as Basim, a street thief with a dark past who joins the Hidden Ones – the group that would later become the Assassin Brotherhood. On your journey from rogue to master assassin, you uncover conspiracies, political intrigues, and ancient secrets.

🔹 A young Basim – before he became the mysterious figure from Valhalla.
🔹 A historical Baghdad – a stunning but dangerous city filled with conflict.
🔹 More focus on stealth – assassinations, escapes, and the art of vanishing.

The story has a solid length, but Basim’s development sometimes feels rushed, and not all of its twists land as epically as they should.

✔️ A return to the roots – Less RPG, more classic Assassin’s Creed.
✔️ Baghdad is gorgeous – A detailed, vibrant world with plenty of atmosphere.
✔️ Parkour is fun again – Faster and smoother than in Valhalla.
✔️ Stealth matters again – Assassinations finally feel meaningful.
✔️ More focused experience – A compact game instead of an overwhelming open world.

❌ Combat system is basic – If you love action, you might be disappointed.
❌ Not a big leap forward – More of a refinement than a revolution.
❌ Some missions feel repetitive – “Follow the target,” “Eavesdrop on the conversation” – we’ve done this before.
❌ Difficulty spikes – Sometimes stealth is the only viable option because open combat can be brutally punishing.

✔️ Fans of classic Assassin’s Creed games who love stealth & parkour.
✔️ Players who don’t want a 100+ hour open-world RPG.
✔️ History buffs who want to explore ancient Baghdad.

❌ Players expecting a deep RPG system like Odyssey or Valhalla.
❌ Anyone who prefers open combat over sneaky assassinations.
❌ Those hoping for groundbreaking innovation – Mirage plays it safe.

The achievements range from “Assassinate 10 guards while blending in with a crowd” to “Surprise enemies by jumping out of a hiding spot like a medieval Jack-in-the-Box” – classic assassin-style challenges. Completionists will be happy: Nothing is missable, so if you want to unlock them all, just keep stabbing people quietly and pretend you’re a shadow.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage feels like a love letter to old fans, but also like a game that hesitates to evolve. If you enjoy classic stealth gameplay, you’ll have fun here – but if you prefer the RPG elements of recent entries, you might feel restricted.

Scientific estimate: My playtime is based on countless attempts to execute the perfect assassination, only to be caught anyway. If you want to know how long the game really takes, check HowLongToBeat[howlongtobeat.com].

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to star in a movie that starts as a serious thriller, only to suddenly turn into a mix of The Matrix, X-Men, and "What the hell is happening?" Welcome to Fahrenheit! A game that proves no plot twist is too insane and no Quick-Time Event (QTE) is too excessive.

You wake up in a bathroom covered in blood. Did you kill someone? No idea. Time to get out before the cops catch you! Sounds exciting? It is—at least for the first half. After that, the story shifts from a solid thriller to a rollercoaster ride into absurdity.

🔹 You fight invisible forces.
🔹 An ancient secret society is after you.
🔹 And then... things get completely insane, but no spoilers!

If you thought Heavy Rain or Detroit: Become Human were over the top—no, Fahrenheit is the true kingdom of madness.

✔️ A unique experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
✔️ A strong opening with a gripping thriller atmosphere.
✔️ Player agency—your decisions actually matter.
✔️ Mental state mechanics—your character can break down from stress.
✔️ Multiple playable characters, each offering a different perspective.

❌ Quick-Time Events that tangle your brain faster than a Tetris speedrun.
❌ Some QTEs are so intense you might think you accidentally launched Dark Souls.
❌ The controls feel like battling an invisible force—maybe that fits the story?
❌ The second half escalates so hard that even H.P. Lovecraft would say, "Okay, that’s enough!"

✔️ Fans of interactive thrillers with strong story twists.
✔️ Players who see Quick-Time Events as a competitive challenge.
✔️ People who enjoy absurd yet unforgettable story experiences.
❌ Anyone who gets anxiety just hearing the words "Quick-Time Event."
❌ Players expecting a coherent story (Yeah… that’s not happening).
❌ People who believe David Cage is a normal game developer (Spoiler: He’s not).

Fahrenheit is like a bizarre yet highly entertaining fever dream.
At first: Wow, a dark crime thriller!
Midway: Wait, why am I fighting invisible enemies?
By the end: Am I a Jedi now?

It’s not perfect, but it’s unique, crazy, and undeniably fun. If you want to see how David Cage evolved into making Detroit: Become Human—this is where it all started. But be warned: There’s no turning back. 😆

Statistical anomaly: My playtime probably has no relation to the actual length of the game. If you want a mathematically sound estimate, check HowLongToBeat[howlongtobeat.com].

Beyond: Two Souls is an emotional rollercoaster that tells the life story of Jodie Holmes, a girl with a supernatural bond to Aiden, an invisible entity. You follow her through childhood, chaos, and catastrophe – all while navigating what it feels like to be an unwilling X-Men battling governments, spirits, and your own demons.

The gameplay combines interactive storytelling with quick-time events where you often have no idea if you're saving a life or just opening a fridge. Aiden adds some spice by letting you open doors, scare people, or cause general havoc as an invisible force. The controls take some getting used to – sometimes subtle, sometimes frustrating – but in the end, the emotional impact outweighs the precision of your joystick moves.

✔️ Emotional Depth: The story hits hard – get ready for tears and goosebumps.
✔️ Supernatural Powers: Finally, you get to be the unseen force that sees everything and spares no one.
✔️ Hollywood Flair: Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe deliver performances that make you forget you’re playing a game.
✔️ Diverse Chapters: From family drama to thriller and ghost hunting – it never gets boring.

❌ Linear Choices: Your options often feel like “Pepsi or Coke?” but both lead to the same outcome.
❌ Controls: Guiding Jodie in a straight line is an art form in itself.
❌ Pacing: Some scenes drag on like chewing gum, while others fly by too quickly.
❌ Hairstyle Roulette: Jodie changes her hairstyle more often than her emotions – and that says a lot.

The game offers a good mix of story-based achievements and challenging objectives. But be prepared for frustrating repetitions if you want to unlock all achievements.

✔️ Recommended for:
• Fans of emotional stories with a supernatural twist.
• Players who love interactive movies and prefer fewer button presses.
• People looking for a game they can feel, not just play.

❌ Not recommended for:
• Players who despise quick-time events with a passion.
• Hardcore gamers expecting action and precision.
• Anyone who finds dramatic hairstyle changes unnecessary.

Beyond: Two Souls is more of an interactive movie than a game, but it shines with its emotional depth, Hollywood-level acting, and gripping story. The gameplay flaws fade into the background as you dive into the narrative. It’s an experience that will stick with you – even if Jodie’s hairstyles occasionally steal the spotlight.😊

This game is the perfect nightmare for anyone who thought they had good eyesight and angelic patience. 🐱 The idea of finding 101 cats on a massive map sounds cute at first—until you realize the cats are microscopic, the map is endless, and the timer constantly reminds you in real time how bad you are.

Sure, you can zoom in, but hey, who needs free time when you can spend an entire day searching for a cat paw among pixels? Oh, and there’s no help in the game whatsoever. If you’re desperate, you’ll have to turn to the community forum. Of course, you’ll need to switch between the game and your browser, while the game happily opens menus you’ll need to close every single time. Fun times! 🎉

And that timer... Why? Is it a secret message to remind us how much of our life we’re wasting? Maybe. Maybe not. But one thing is certain: Speed means absolutely nothing here except frustration. 🕒

I seriously wonder if the developer searches for their own cats this small. 🐾

Verdict: Only for fans of microscopes and endless frustration.

This game is an emotional rollercoaster wrapped in a noir thriller, where every decision you make could save a life—or ruin it completely. It’s part detective story, part family drama, and part “How many quick-time events can you fail before you lose your sanity?” All of this, drenched in relentless rain, because nothing screams drama like soggy shoes and perpetual gloom.

Heavy Rain is a gripping, emotional journey where you play as multiple characters racing against time to save a child from the mysterious Origami Killer. Expect twists, surprises, and plenty of moments where you’ll find yourself yelling at the screen, "What are you doing, Ethan?!"

The gameplay combines interactive storytelling with quick-time events that often determine life or death. The controls might feel clunky at first, but they contribute to the tension. Every action, whether a dramatic decision or a simple gesture, feels significant. If you lack patience for quick-time events, this might test your nerves. But fans of narrative-driven games will appreciate how the gameplay deepens the emotional impact.

✔️ Choices Matter – Every decision impacts the story, even if you sometimes wonder why you pressed that button.
✔️ Emotional Rollercoaster – You’ll laugh, cry, and probably question your life choices.
✔️ Unforgettable Scenes – "JASON!" in the mall has become a meme and a lifestyle.
✔️ Multiple Endings – Endless replay value—or at least until you manage to save everyone.

❌ Awkward Controls – Making Ethan walk in a straight line is harder than solving the case.
❌ Plot Holes – Sometimes the story leaves you asking, "Wait, how does that even make sense?"
❌ Overly Dramatic – Every decision feels like the end of the world… because it probably is.
❌ The Rain – Who turned off the sun for the entire game? Sure, it’s called Heavy Rain, but come on!

With over 50 trophies to collect, this game will test your patience and quick-time event skills. Prepare for challenges like "Do absolutely nothing wrong for 10 hours" and "Replay the same scene 50 times to get it perfect."

✔️ Recommended for
• Fans of emotional storytelling and plot twists.
• People who enjoy tough decisions and living with the consequences.
• Anyone who loves yelling "JASON!" at random moments.

❌ Not recommended for
• Players who hate quick-time events.
• People who prefer straightforward stories with no loose ends.
• Anyone who despises rain (this game won’t improve your mood).

Heavy Rain is an unforgettable experience, filled with tension, emotions, and a touch of madness. While it’s not perfect, its ambition and storytelling make it a must-play for fans of interactive dramas. And let’s be honest: where else can you shout "JASON!" and have it actually make sense? 😄

Note: My playtime doesn’t reveal how long the game actually is. Maybe I spent too much time yelling "JASON!" For a realistic estimate, I recommend checking HowLongToBeat[howlongtobeat.com].🌧️

Think you’re just playing a sci-fi action RPG? Think again. NieR:Automata is like an interactive art film where you constantly ask yourself, “Am I here to fight, or to rethink my life choices?” It mixes deep philosophical questions with explosive boss battles and a staggering 26 (!) endings.

You play as androids in a post-apocalyptic world ruled by machines. Your mission? Save humanity—or what’s left of it, anyway. But before you know it, you’re caught up in a story so complex and emotional, you start wondering if robots might just be better at being human than we are. It sounds simple, but within five minutes, the game has thrown all your expectations out the window.

This game is a genre chameleon, seamlessly switching between hack-and-slash, shoot-’em-up, and “What the heck just happened?” moments. The controls are buttery smooth, and 2B’s combat moves are so fluid you’ll feel like a futuristic samurai. But be careful: Don’t accidentally press the self-destruct button—or do, if you’re curious.

✔️ Combat That’s Addictive
From elegant sword combos to laser-blasting Pod attacks, the combat is so stylish you’ll wish it were an eSports event.

✔️ A Story That Blows Your Mind
Nier:Automata makes you question existence, morality, and what it means to be human—all while battling a robot wearing boxing gloves.

✔️ A Soundtrack for the Ages
The music is so good you’ll want to play it during your next dinner party. “Weight of the World” will haunt you forever—in the best way possible.

✔️ 2B and Her Iconic Coolness
Let’s be honest: You’re not just here for the story. 2B is so cool, you’ll consider buying a katana just to feel half as awesome.

✔️ Endings Galore
This game has 26 endings. Some are emotional, some are funny, and a few happen because you did something absurdly stupid. It’s a joy discovering them all.

❌ Perspective Switch Chaos
The game jumps between top-down, side-scrolling, and 3D combat. It’s cool, but sometimes you’ll wonder which genre you’re actually playing.

❌ Emotional Devastation Guaranteed
You’ll grow attached to robots you never thought you’d care about—and then the game will remind you this is a Yoko Taro creation, where nobody gets a happy ending.

❌ Chaos on Screen
Sometimes there’s so much happening, you’ll forget where you even are. But hey, maybe that’s part of the charm?

The achievements are like your to-do list: varied, occasionally absurd, but incredibly satisfying to complete. And yes, you can buy them in-game—but don’t. Your pride will thank you.

✔️ Recommended for
• Fans of action RPGs who want more than just mindless combat
• Players who enjoy pondering life’s big questions while battling giant bosses
• People who love epic soundtracks and even more epic swords

❌ Not Recommended for
• Gamers who want linear stories without twists
• People who don’t want to hunt for multiple endings
• Those who prefer robots to stay emotionless (seriously, who even are you?)

Nier:Automata isn’t just a game—it’s an experience. It’ll make you think, cry, and marvel, often all at once. With its unique story, phenomenal gameplay, and a soundtrack that will stay with you forever, it’s a must-have. Get ready for philosophical insights and a little emotional damage—it’s worth it. 🤖✨

Note: My playtime is as distorted as the game’s camera angles. For a realistic estimate, check HowLongToBeat[howlongtobeat.com].

This game is the ultimate mashup of a JRPG, a high school simulator, and a heist movie—but with a talking cat and a killer soundtrack. It’s as stylish as it is stressful, because nothing screams “fun” like balancing school, friendships, and stealing the distorted desires of corrupt adults.

You’re just an average high school student—or so you thought. Wrongly accused of a crime and shipped off to Tokyo, you stumble upon the Metaverse, a magical dimension born from human desires. Here, you and your new crew, the Phantom Thieves, dive into the minds of shady adults to steal their wicked hearts. It’s like Inception, but with more jazz music and fewer Leonardo DiCaprios. Along the way, you’ll unravel conspiracies, form unbreakable bonds, and get yelled at by a talking cat for staying up too late.

✔️ Combat That Makes You Feel Like a Genius
Every battle feels like a perfectly choreographed dance of flashy moves and tactical brilliance. And when you land a critical hit and trigger a stylish All-Out Attack, it’s impossible not to cheer for yourself.

✔️ Characters You’ll Want to Be Besties With
The Phantom Thieves are basically the coolest friend group you’ve ever dreamed of joining. Whether it’s the sweet and awkward artist Yusuke or the bold and feisty Ann, you’ll find yourself rooting for them—and maybe even tearing up once or twice.

✔️ A Soundtrack So Good It Should Be Illegal
With tracks like "Last Surprise" and "Rivers in the Desert," this soundtrack will live in your head rent-free for weeks. Good luck resisting the urge to hum "Take Over" during your next grocery run.

✔️ Visuals That Put Other Games to Shame
From slick menus to explosive combat animations, everything in this game is so stylish it could walk the runway. Seriously, even the pause menu is cooler than most other games.

✔️ The Stress Simulator You’ll Love to Hate
Planning your days, managing your social life, and deciding whether to hang out with your friends or infiltrate a palace will give you flashbacks to finals week—but in the best way.

❌ The Calendar Will Haunt You
Did you waste an entire day playing darts with Ryuji instead of studying? Too bad, because now you’ll be up at night regretting your poor life choices.

❌ Morgana’s Bedtime Rules
Want to stay out late and train for the next boss fight? Too bad. Morgana will scold you until you go to bed. Sleepytime police strikes again.

❌ Time Will Disappear
You’ll tell yourself, “Just one more in-game day,” and then suddenly it’s 3 a.m. and you’re questioning all your life decisions.

The achievements are like your to-do list: intimidating but oddly satisfying to check off. From maxing out your relationships to mastering combat, every task feels rewarding. And don’t worry—nothing is missable if you plan well. Just… maybe don’t waste time playing darts with Ryuji.

✔️ Recommended for
• JRPG fans who love strong characters and flashy battles
• Players who enjoy balancing a full schedule while stealing hearts
• People who want a game dripping with style and humor

❌ Not Recommended for
• Gamers who hate time management (or calendars in general)
• People who dislike talking cats (seriously, why?)
• Those who don’t want to spend 100+ hours on a single game

This game is a dazzling mix of strategy, storytelling, and pure style that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Whether you’re drawn in by the heists, the friendships, or the endless jazz bangers, you’re in for a ride you won’t forget. Oh, and let’s not forget: it’s the best Persona game to date. The bar has been raised—and it’s now in the Metaverse. 🎭✨

Note: My playtime is as distorted as the cognitive worlds I infiltrated. For a realistic estimate, check HowLongToBeat[howlongtobeat.com].