AC32171_Gaming

08/05/2025

Game Review:

Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate is a definitive edition of NetherRealm Studios’ brutal and stylish fighting game. It includes the base game, two Kombat Packs, and the Aftermath story expansion, offering an impressively deep roster of 37 characters — including fan favorites like Scorpion and Sub-Zero, along with guest characters such as Rambo, Terminator, and RoboCop.

Gameplay remains tight and satisfying, with a balance of accessibility for newcomers and complexity for competitive players. The signature Fatal Blows and Fatalities are as graphic and entertaining as ever, with enhanced visuals that add cinematic polish. The custom variation system adds layers of strategy, letting players tweak character abilities for different matchups.

The story mode is one of the best in the genre — an over-the-top, time-traveling narrative filled with fan service and excellent voice acting. The Aftermath expansion continues the saga with additional content and cinematic flair.

On the downside, the grind-heavy progression system and crypt unlocks may frustrate players who want to access cosmetic items more easily. However, these are minor blemishes in an otherwise stellar package.

Verdict:
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate is a must-play for fighting game fans, offering refined combat, a compelling story, and a massive roster. It’s the most complete and polished Mortal Kombat experience to date.

Score: 9/10

23/04/2025

23/04/2025

Sony has confirmed Ghost of Yōtei releases on October 2, 2025. Link in comments for more.

21/04/2025

Red Dead Redemption 2 Review

Developer: Rockstar Games
Released: October 26, 2018
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a masterpiece of open-world storytelling and immersive design. Set in 1899, it follows Arthur Morgan, an outlaw and member of the Van der Linde gang, as they struggle to survive in a world that’s leaving the Old West behind.

Strengths:

Storytelling: The game delivers one of the most emotionally rich, character-driven narratives ever made. Arthur’s personal journey is powerful and nuanced.

World Design: The world feels alive — wildlife behaves naturally, NPCs react to your actions, and the attention to detail is staggering.

Visuals: The landscapes, lighting, and animations are breathtaking, making every sunset, storm, and dusty trail feel cinematic.

Soundtrack and Voice Acting: Top-tier voice work and a moving, atmospheric score complement the story beautifully.

Gameplay Variety: From intense shootouts to relaxing fishing trips, there's an incredible variety of activities, both scripted and emergent.

Weaknesses:

Pacing: The game can be slow at times, especially in its early chapters, which may test some players’ patience.

Controls: The control scheme can feel clunky or overly complicated, particularly during intense action sequences.

Micromanagement: Some systems (like gun maintenance and hunger) might feel tedious to players not looking for heavy realism.

Verdict:
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a landmark achievement in gaming, blending cinematic storytelling with a living, breathing world. It’s a game that rewards patience and immersion, offering a rich, often emotional experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Score: 9.5/10

18/04/2025

Red Dead Redemption – Game Review

Developer: Rockstar San Diego
Release Date: May 18, 2010
Genre: Action-Adventure, Open World
Platform: PS3, Xbox 360

Overview:
Red Dead Redemption is a Western-themed open-world action-adventure game set in 1911, during the decline of the American frontier. You play as John Marston, a former outlaw forced by government agents to hunt down his old gang members in exchange for his family’s freedom.

What Works Well:

Storytelling: The narrative is gripping and emotionally charged, filled with memorable characters and moral choices that make you question loyalty and justice.

World-Building: The vast, beautifully crafted American frontier feels alive — with wildlife, dynamic weather, random encounters, and lively towns.

Gameplay Variety: From intense shootouts and horseback chases to poker games and bounty hunting, the game offers a rich mix of activities.

Atmosphere & Music: The Western soundtrack perfectly complements the dramatic tone and scenic landscapes.

Areas for Improvement:

Some of the mission structures can feel repetitive.

The controls, especially for aiming and cover mechanics, can occasionally feel clunky by modern standards.

Final Verdict:
Red Dead Redemption is a classic of its genre — a powerful, cinematic experience that captures the spirit of the Old West. Even years after its release, it stands out for its storytelling, immersive world, and emotional depth.

Score: 9/10

16/04/2025

Call of Duty: Mobile — Game Review

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Platforms: iOS, Android
Genre: First-person shooter, Battle Royale
Developer: TiMi Studio Group (Tencent), Published by Activision

Overview:
Call of Duty: Mobile brings the legendary FPS franchise to handheld devices, offering a surprisingly polished and console-like experience for mobile players. It combines classic multiplayer modes like Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Search & Destroy with a large-scale Battle Royale mode.

What’s Great:

Smooth, responsive controls: Highly customizable touch controls and gamepad support.

Great graphics: One of the best-looking shooters on mobile, with smooth animations and detailed maps.

Familiar maps and characters: Iconic locations like Nuketown and Crash, plus classic operators like Ghost and Soap.

Rich content: Regular seasonal updates with new modes, weapons, skins, and battle passes.

Battle Royale mode: A well-designed, large map with vehicles, classes, and dynamic gameplay.

What Could Be Better:

Pay-to-win concerns: Some weapons and operators obtainable through crates can give paying players a slight edge.

Large file size: Takes up significant storage space, especially with extra content packs.

Steep learning curve for beginners: High-skill players and fast-paced matches can be tough for new players.

Final Verdict:
Call of Duty: Mobile successfully captures the adrenaline-pumping action of its console counterparts while remaining accessible on mobile. It offers deep customization, diverse game modes, and frequent updates that keep the experience fresh. While some monetization tactics can feel aggressive, the core gameplay remains top-tier for mobile FPS fans.

16/04/2025

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Review

Assassin's Creed Valhalla takes players deep into the Viking Age, letting you step into the boots of Eivor, a fierce Norse warrior leading their clan from Norway to England. Ubisoft delivers a sprawling open world brimming with brutal combat, mythological intrigue, and Norse culture.

Visuals & World Design:
The game's world is stunning. From icy Norwegian fjords to lush English countryside, every location feels alive and detailed. The weather effects, lighting, and village designs make it a joy to explore.

Gameplay:
Valhalla blends traditional Assassin’s Creed stealth mechanics with open warfare. Raids are intense and satisfying, with brutal combat animations and large-scale battles. The skill tree is massive, offering plenty of customization for different playstyles. However, the RPG elements can sometimes feel bloated, with a lot of fetch quests and grinding.

Story:
The narrative is engaging, following Eivor’s personal saga while weaving in Norse mythology and the hidden conflict of the Assassins and Templars. The modern-day storyline, though present, still feels like a side note compared to the Viking epic.

Sound & Music:
The soundtrack is atmospheric, with haunting Norse vocals and intense battle music. Voice acting is solid, especially Eivor’s performance (both male and female versions are well done).

Strengths:

Gorgeous, immersive open world

Engaging Viking-themed story

Brutal, satisfying combat

Rich Norse mythology elements

Weaknesses:

Overlong story with occasional pacing issues

Some repetitive side activities

Modern-day plot remains underwhelming

Verdict:
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a grand, immersive Viking adventure that successfully blends history, myth, and open-world exploration. While not without flaws, it’s one of the stronger entries in the modern Assassin’s Creed lineup.

Rating: 8.5/10

15/04/2025

Game Review: Marvel’s Spider-Man

Developer: Insomniac Games
Platform: PS4, PS5
Genre: Action-Adventure
Rating: 9/10

Overview:
Marvel’s Spider-Man is one of the best superhero games ever made, offering players the chance to truly feel what it’s like to be Spider-Man. Set in a beautifully detailed open-world version of New York City, the game balances exhilarating web-slinging action with a heartfelt story.

Gameplay:
The combat system is fluid and dynamic, combining acrobatic melee moves with a variety of web gadgets and stealth options. Swinging through the city is a thrill in itself — it’s fast, smooth, and surprisingly intuitive. The game offers side missions, collectibles, and challenges that help flesh out the city and Spidey’s world.

Story:
The narrative is one of the game’s strongest points, presenting a mature and emotional storyline featuring familiar characters like Mary Jane, Aunt May, and Doctor Octavius. It dives deep into Peter Parker’s double life, offering moments of both triumph and tragedy.

Graphics & Sound:
Visually, the game is stunning, especially on the PS5 with ray tracing and 60fps performance mode. The city feels alive, with detailed streets, weather effects, and bustling crowds. The voice acting and music are top-notch, delivering both high-energy moments and quiet, emotional beats.

Final Thoughts:
Marvel’s Spider-Man captures everything fans love about the character — from witty banter to selfless heroism. It’s an accessible, polished, and deeply enjoyable game that stands among the best in its genre.

14/04/2025

Ghost of Tsushima Review

Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Developer: Sucker Punch Productions
Genre: Action-Adventure, Open World
Release Date: July 17, 2020

Summary:
Ghost of Tsushima transports players to 13th-century Japan, during the Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island. You play as Jin Sakai, a samurai torn between the honorable ways of the warrior and the ruthless tactics needed to defend his home and people.

Visuals & World Design:
The game’s visuals are absolutely stunning — a living, breathing open world filled with sweeping vistas, golden forests, serene shrines, and stormy battlefields. The attention to detail in landscapes and traditional Japanese aesthetics makes this one of the most visually impressive games on PlayStation.

Gameplay:
Combat is sharp, responsive, and stylish. The game offers two main approaches: head-on samurai duels or stealthy “Ghost” tactics. Swordplay feels weighty and skill-based, with a focus on parries, stances, and timing. Exploration is seamless, guided by environmental cues like wind direction rather than intrusive UI markers — a brilliant design choice.

Story & Characters:
The story is compelling, centered on Jin’s internal conflict and loyalty to tradition versus necessity. Supporting characters are well-developed, especially allies like Yuna, Sensei Ishikawa, and Lady Masako. The narrative strikes a balance between somber and hopeful, with personal stories intertwined with the larger war.

Audio & Music:
The soundtrack complements the visuals beautifully, with traditional Japanese instruments and emotional orchestral pieces. The voice acting is strong in both English and Japanese, with the option to play in a Kurosawa-inspired black-and-white "Samurai Cinema" mode for extra immersion.

Pros:

Gorgeous, atmospheric world

Fluid, satisfying combat

Immersive exploration with minimal UI

Strong storytelling and characters

Kurosawa Mode is a unique touch for samurai film fans

Cons:

Some repetitive side missions

Enemy AI can be a bit predictable

Minor camera issues in tight spaces

Verdict:
Ghost of Tsushima is a beautiful, emotional, and thoroughly entertaining samurai epic. It’s a love letter to classic samurai films and Japanese culture, wrapped in a modern open-world game. It may not revolutionize the genre, but it perfects so many aspects that it stands as one of the finest PlayStation exclusives to date.

Score: 9/10

30/03/2025