Recent reviews by Spinbastian Vettel

I'm doing this for the summer sale thingy *thumbs up*

Reviewing a 20 year old game (seriously, 20 years old) is pretty hard. Compared to today's standard of controls, graphics and music - yeah the PC version shipped without in game music - Tomb Raider is obviously lacking.

I can only recommend this game to those who have already played it or those who know they can cope with the limitations that come with a 2 decade old game.

Gameplay - The level design in Tomb Raider is fantastic with some truly memorable set pieces and enemies. Secret areas are hidden well and the game offers a decent degree of challenge. Flipping through the air with dual pistols auto locked onto the wolves running at you is rather satisfying. The only thing letting the game down at the moment is...

Controls - Not the worst I've ever used but I certainly remember it being easier on a PS1 controller a very long time ago. On PC and in comparison to today's standards, the controls in Tomb Raider are clunky, difficult to use and incredibly good at pissing you off. When you're getting through a timed jumping puzzle and fall to your death only because of the painful control scheme, you can only feel betrayed. Oh, and the swimming controls are about as useful as pedals on a wheelchair.

Graphics/sound design - I really like old school graphics and Tomb Raider looks very old school. It might be offputting to some, but I personally think it doesn't look that bad. In terms of sound, well there's no music. And the sound assets that do exist get rather repetitive.

I stopped playing after about 4 levels just due to the controls. I'll finish it if I ever get around to picking up a Dualshock 4 (assuming I can use one for this game, I haven't found out)

Overall, Tomb Raider truly is a classic. Looking past its new-age issues it still stands up on its own and it's still really fun. It's not for everyone, but I do think everyone should try it first. It might surprise you.

3/5
4/5 with nostalgia

I would recommend this game. Just.

Planetary Annihilation is an RTS game developed by Uber Entertainment - which in itself consists of members of the development teams of both Total Annihilation and Supreme Commander. Both fantastic RTS games. They've got the experience and expertise so in my mind, should deliver.

I actually backed the game during its Kickstarter, only £5 but still. I decided to wait for a more stable build until picking up the game in full and was initially rubbed the wrong way. The 'tutorial' is laughable at best so getting your way around the basics can take a few games. A few games in which you will get Annihilated (geddit?). It bored me, overall, so I left it alone for more to be added.

I tried playing again recently but with some friends. Two of which deemed themselves "experts" and after a multitude of technical issues (crashing, failing to join, load times of about half a decade etc) we finally got to play. My first real game. And with my highly special and dysfunctional team, we absolutley destroyed these so called "experts" (sorry guys) by crashing an entire moon into the side of their planet, propelled by huge engines. Nothing has been more satisfying in a video game before.

Play this game with friends. Be patient with the bugs.

It's pretty damn fun but compared to games like Supreme Commander, I'd describe it as 'lackluster'. Definitely buy on sale.

Crimefest = Failfest