@rzxv04 said:

@cloud_man said:

Not really. Actually it looks cartoony compared to the original. The vanilla PC version still looks more realistic, at least according to these early comparison screens. First one is remaster. Second... original.

Don't know why everyone was getting hyped for it so much. Nintendo Switch logo was already a red flag. It was targeted for lowest common denominator. Besides, Crytek ain't even same company anymore. Talented folks left the company years ago. The only good thing we can expect from it is better optimization and optional/tacked on Ray Tracing.

Thanks!

Looks like it can be a different tod but the last shot, the remaster has too much bloom.

On the first pic, the foliage is heavily reduced and shadow lod on the distance took a massive downturn.

Yeah.... In first comparison, we can clearly see there is reduced foliage. In second, grunge maps are totally missing. Beach looks flat and even textures close to grass looked washed out. In third comparison, whole ground looks flat and early last gen stuff. Next to no bump maps.

Not really. Actually it looks cartoony compared to the original. The vanilla PC version still looks more realistic, at least according to these early comparison screens. First one is remaster. Second... original.

Don't know why everyone was getting hyped for it so much. Nintendo Switch logo was already a red flag. It was targeted for lowest common denominator. Besides, Crytek ain't even same company anymore. Talented folks left the company years ago. The only good thing we can expect from it is better optimization and optional/tacked on Ray Tracing.

Wing Commander 4

Freespace 2

Was interested then found out it's mobile game. Lol. Hope it comes to PC and Consoles. Otherwise not interested.

Baldur's Gate 3, System Shock 3, Horizon: Forgotten West, Vampire Bloodlines 2, AC: Valhalla.

Was excited for RE8 but replaying RE7 left a bit bad taste in my mouth. I really loved its first 2 walkthroughs. 3rd one, not so much. It's too scripted and linear. I really hope they open things up a bit in RE8. RE7 is still great but I enjoyed RE2 in my recent playthroughs more because there was more replay value, plus controls were way more fluid. Enemies were fun to shoot at too. There was more variety in encounters too.

Interesting answers. I think reviewing games like these or games in general these days is becoming a bit difficult. It depends on person and what he prefers. Being an old school gamer I kinda still have soft spot for gameplay. If you are in just for the story and were very emotional about characters in the last game, you'll probably think this game is 6 or 5. May be even 4. I on other hand won't disregard the gameplay entirely. Despite pacing issues, I actually did enjoy the gameplay, presentation, some characters and small touches like enemy encounters and the way they interacted with each other even though writing in second half was a complete misfire. I think I'll give it an 8 as an overall experience. However, I don't think I'll return for a second walkthrough anytime soon.

It's becoming difficult to review games. How will you review them? Will you prioritize story, gameplay, level design, overall experience or replay value? I don't believe in dick measuring contest anymore. Instead I look at overall reception. I read a bit, watch some footage to learn about good and bad aspects of the game. That helps me decide whether this game is for me or not. I also give developers benefit of doubt. I take higher scores more seriously (whether they are from critics or users) and mostly it works.

Just finished the game 30 minutes ago and my question is; What the hell just happened? Right now I'm still in the middle of my thoughts and don't know what to think about it, there is a lot to process. I enjoyed early moments of the game a lot playing as Ellie. There were some sections that dragged on for too long and there were some pacing issues but overall I was having a great experience. Once you are half way through the game you are given control of "villain" Abby. Then you spend rest of the time playing as her.

I get it, they were trying to show that every story has 2 sides and I understood it too. In fact I really liked some of the WLF characters too like Owen for example. Really felt bad over his demise. However the plot in that second half played no role in main story line. It was just a side quest or felt like an expansion pack. The characters you try to protect are not likable much. In fact that kid "Lev" was pretty annoying in the beginning and due to his stupidity so many people get killed. If only he could sit in the room as he was told to. From there the game drags on for way too long until you get back to the main story right in the end.

Then I wished for the ending because I was kinda exhausted but realized I'll have to play over an hour of slow paced epilogue again as Ellie. After grinding my way through it, I reached the final fight. Ellie leaves her family to avenge Joel's death. But then she doesn't even kill Abby. She returns home after getting her two fingers eaten. What was the point of going after her and leaving your family? The payoff wasn't satisfying after nearly 30 hours of playthrough. For better or worse, the gameplay remained the same as it was in TLOU. Despite pacing issues it was really fun. But frankly I've no idea what to think of overall experience ATM. However I'll definitely won't give it a 10 or a 4. Both critics and users are supporting two extremes.

What are your thoughts?

These days I'm mostly going through old sci fi games. I'm revisiting some but a lot of em are also my first experiences. Also taking a look at overlooked or underrated games. Some of the games I can remember from recent days.

WING COMMANDER series

5- WC1: Simple story concept, it's war between humans and Kilrathi. However outcome for people of different systems changes based on your performance. Unfortunately engine makes controls unresponsive when there are too many objects on screen. Would've given it a 9 or a 10 if it was 1990. But will give it a 7 by today's standards. Mainly because of engine's limitation and optimization issue on modern PCs.

4. WC5- Prophecy: Weakest story in the series (no gameplay/story variations too, hence low replay value) but has best cinematography and most polished gameplay. It's also most moddable and it looks really good after enhancements. 8/10.

3. WC2: One of the best stories in series. Plays like a spy thriller. Very difficult but rewarding experience. Still some performance issues but huge improvement over WC1's engine. Uses modified version of first game's engine. Plot is more linear (not as linear as WC5 however) but it is much deeper compared to the first game. 9/10.

2. WC4: Probably second hardest game in the series but luckily there are difficulty options like the third one. Very slick controls and grounded plot full of conspiracies and betrayals. Characters lack the depth of Wing3 and some wingmen are there to fill the seats in case you lost main sidekicks. Production values are very high on other hand. It's too short though, like 5 hours short just as Resident Evil 2. However there is a lot of replay value and variety in missions. Demands at least 4 walkthroughs. But it's more movie than a game. 9.5/10. (Played 4 times)

1. WC3: Takes best elements of WC1 and 2, merges them, then adds extra stuff on top of it, and executes it in an entirely new 3D engine with no optimization issues and everything just works; from story, every single character, epic scale to gameplay and branching narrative (not as much as Wing 4 and Wing 1 however). Gameplay requires minor tweaking here and there but overall this game is almost perfect imo. Not a single boring moment. Is just as cinematic as Wing 4 but there is also plenty of gameplay. It's also easiest in the series, hence welcoming for new comers to the genre. 10/10. (Played 3 times and made a tribute trailer after recording my full walkthrough)

THE EVIL WITHIN series

2. TEW: I have no idea why it's rated so low. I think because the story went over most people's head. I really enjoyed this game and played it twice. Felt like The Shutter Island movie. The only issue I had was optimization issue in some mid levels. However it gets better later on. Earlier chapters were also problem free. 9/10. (Played Twice)

1. TEW2: One of the best survival horror games this gen. Wasn't demanding narrative wise like first game but still featured a great story. Gameplay was more polished. Animation quality reminded me of The Last of Us series. Sandbox environments and new crafting system were also welcoming additions to the series. No performance issues, and had great controls. 9.5/10. (Played Twice)

DOOM ETERNAL

Good old school run and gun shooter. Was very polished. Worth the wait. Zero issues. 9/10.

HALF LIFE ALYX

Borrowed friend's VR to play it. Won't mind playing it again on my own headset. Had amazing characters, great gameplay and story. One of the most unique experiences I've ever had. Definitely looking forward to the next game in the series. However, I hope it's traditional shooter and not a VR game. 9.5/10.

THE LAST OF US PART 2

Currently almost half way through it. I've enjoyed the game so far. However it's a slow burner and I've no idea what's gonna happen next. Only issue I have is some areas stretching on for a bit too long. New weapon customization animations are dope AF and almost every enemy has his or her own little personality. All interactions bring something different, I mean the way they call each other's name or interact with each other is different. They must've recorded a lot of lines just for these encounters.

@the_master_race said:

Is it coming back or something?