Recent reviews by Eko

Searching for a classic RE-like game -- I found SIGNALIS, expecting it to be a survival horror clone of classic Resident Evil/Silent Hill set in space. Yet the moment I've reached the title drop sequence, was when I knew for sure, that there was something special about its narrative, and that this game was going to be more than what I expected it to be...more than the retro styling and classic gameplay it presents.

Safe to say that in my search for gold, I found Diamond.

One of the best FPS game I've ever played. There is nothing else like it.

Crytek nailed the atmosphere and setting of the bayou, It's PvPvE gameplay/gameplay loop is fun (punishing and frustrating at times) with multiple types of play styles you can choose from. Combine with one of the best (if not the best) implementation of FPS sound design that makes this game a very unique experience to anyone who plays it.

- Infected
- SFX for Guns/Infected
- Bugs that are both frustrating and hilarious.
- and Jack's plot armor


8/10 Would get mauled again by a charger after entering a basement.

Darkwood is an atmospheric top-down horror game

While its top-down perspective may be off-putting to some, I would actually argue that it’s one of its greatest strengths as it gives you the illusion of seeing the whole picture. Darkwood excels at giving the players suspense from things that you see and don't see (what lurks on the shadows is up to your imagination). Especially during night events, you know they're coming, you just don't know when. The atmosphere, sound design and the fear of anticipation all adds up to the tension and suspense.

"You are Playing a challenging and unforgiving game.
You will not be led by the hand.
Respect the woods. Be patient. Focus."
~ Loading Screen

Slow-Burn Horror & Gameplay

Darkwood is a slow burn horror. Its pacing is slow due to the core gameplay loop of having to be in your hideout every night, sometimes you have to choose between progressing the story or scavenging for scrap parts for your weapons/generator/hideout upgrades. It's easy to get stuck in this loop of scavenging resources. (avoid unnecessary resource hoarding)

Combat is really unforgiving. If you die (in normal mode), you have to retrieve some of your items on the location of your death, this further slows your progress and could be a time-sink if you die multiple times. With this in mind I personally think that Darkwood is not for everyone, play an hour or check a segment of a playthrough and see if the gameplay loop is for you.

That being said, I've thoroughly enjoyed Darkwood, It's a unique game with an interesting story and atmosphere that no other top-down game can give you. If you aren't bothered with the core gameplay loop and long completion time, I suggest you give it a try.

Obra Dinn is nothing short of a masterpiece.

Logical deduction and keen eyes are your best friends here, because this game never holds your hand.

One of the best...if not the best game in its genre.

Valheim isn't a game... It's a part-time job.

Every pancake suddenly tastes better after completing this game. 10/10

Best played without guides, I mean it's about exploration after all.

I clearly recall my first launch, it evokes a feeling of pre-departure excitement similar to what you get when you travel in real life. This game uses a physics engine, so controlling your character/ship can be fiddly at the start but is pretty straight forward once you get the hang of it. (I played with mouse and keyboard, the game recommends a game pad.)

Gameplay wise, I can only describe it as a 1st-person platformer, sharing the elements of other exploration games (such as Subnautica). The game is not linear, it doesn't hand-hold you to your next objective. That is for you to figure out and decide. Story logs can be uninteresting, until you piece it together where it becomes a sight to behold.

While exploration, mystery, and adventure are the main themes of the game. You also get themes of cosmic and existential horror. Perils usually come from the innate characteristics of the planets you explore. Except Dark Bramble, f*ck Dark Bramble

I highly recommend Outer Wilds. While the statement "It's not about the destination, it's about the journey." is somewhat fitting to this game. I can safely say that the ending is just as satisfying as the journey.

This card game comes with an Open World RPG mini-game, sweet.

Pros

• Improved QoL Updates
  
• Awesome Graphics & Animations
  
• New Campaign & Civs
  
• Improved Combat Sounds (most noticeable in range units and siege weapons)
  
• Nostalgia

Nitpicks

• Remastered Soundtrack sounds nice, although I think they toned down the tracks too much that it somehow reduced its vibrancy.
  
• I miss the old campaign narration :( But hey the new ones are fine also.

Cons (for now)

• Multiplayer Games Keeps Disconnecting
  
• Performance Issues
  
• Sound Issues
  
• Frame Drops when intense fights are happening or when scrolling in and out of the map.

All in all, I still recommend AoE 2 : DE. Hopefully we get performance patches soon.

Now if you'll excuse me, I still have to command a great army waiting for me outside Cairo.