Publisher: Gearbox Publishing

Homeworld: Remastered Collection (2015)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Homeworld: Remastered Collection – A Triumphant Return for a Spacefaring Classic

First released in 1999, Homeworld quickly established itself as one of the greatest real-time strategy (RTS) games of all time. Its innovative 3D gameplay, epic story, and stunning visuals captivated players and critics alike. Homeworld’s sequel, Homeworld 2, released in 2003, further refined the formula and introduced new features such as ship boarding and resource management.

In 2015, Gearbox Software released Homeworld: Remastered Collection, a lovingly crafted update of both Homeworld and Homeworld 2. The collection includes both games, painstakingly remastered with updated graphics, sound, and gameplay. It also includes the original versions of both games, preserving the purity of the original releases.

Gameplay

Homeworld: Remastered Collection is a real-time strategy game in which players control a fleet of spaceships and engage in combat with enemy fleets. The game is played from a 3D perspective, allowing players to zoom in and out of the battlefield and rotate the camera to get a better view of the action.

One of the things that sets Homeworld apart from other RTS games is its focus on 3D space combat. This adds a layer of complexity to the gameplay, as players must now consider not only their positioning on the battlefield but also their altitude and orientation.

Another unique feature of Homeworld is its resource management system. In order to build new ships and upgrade existing ones, players must collect resources from asteroids and other space objects. This adds a strategic element to the gameplay, as players must decide how to allocate their resources wisely.

Story

Homeworld: Remastered Collection tells the story of the Kushan, a race of nomadic spacefarers who have been exiled from their home planet. The Kushan must travel across the galaxy in search of a new home, while facing the challenges of space travel, enemy attacks, and their own internal conflicts.

The story of Homeworld is told through a series of beautifully rendered cutscenes and in-game dialogue. The game’s voice acting is top-notch, and the characters are well-developed and relatable.

Graphics and Sound

Homeworld: Remastered Collection has been visually overhauled, with updated textures, models, and lighting. The game now runs at a higher resolution and frame rate, and the graphics are simply stunning.

The game’s sound has also been remastered, with new sound effects and music. The music is particularly noteworthy, and it helps to create an immersive and atmospheric experience.

Legacy

Homeworld: Remastered Collection is a faithful and lovingly crafted update of one of the greatest RTS games of all time. The game’s stunning graphics, innovative gameplay, and epic story make it a must-play for fans of the genre.

Homeworld has had a profound impact on the RTS genre. Its innovative 3D gameplay and focus on resource management have been imitated by many other games. The game’s story and characters have also been praised for their depth and complexity.

Homeworld: Remastered Collection is a fitting tribute to one of the most beloved and influential RTS games of all time. It is a must-play for fans of the genre and a great way to experience one of the classics of gaming.

Review Score

9/10

Pros

  • Stunning graphics and sound
  • Innovative and engaging gameplay
  • Epic story and characters
  • Includes both Homeworld and Homeworld 2, plus the original versions

Cons

  • Some minor bugs and glitches
  • Multiplayer can be difficult to find matches for

Review Score

9/10

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Burnstar (2015)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Burnstar (2015): A Blazing Action-Puzzle Extravaganza

Prepare yourself for an explosive adventure in Burnstar, a thrilling action-puzzle game that will challenge your mind and reflexes like never before. Released in 2015, Burnstar has captivated gamers with its unique blend of frantic gameplay, brain-teasing puzzles, and a healthy dose of friendly fire.

Incinerate Evil Inc. with Explosive Precision

In Burnstar, you take on the role of a freedom fighter tasked with bringing down the nefarious Evil Inc. Armed with an arsenal of powerful explosives, you must infiltrate their heavily fortified worksites and installations, setting off a chain reaction of fiery destruction that will leave Evil Inc. in smoldering ruins.

The gameplay is a delightful mix of action and puzzle-solving. Each level presents a unique challenge, requiring you to carefully plan your explosive strategy to maximize damage and clear a path to victory. With a variety of explosives at your disposal, from timed bombs to remote detonators, you’ll need to think on your feet and adapt to the ever-changing environment.

Blaze Your Own Trail or Team Up for Co-Op Chaos

Burnstar offers two distinct gameplay modes: Solo and Co-op. In Solo mode, you’ll embark on a perilous journey alone, facing off against Evil Inc.’s defenses and solving puzzles with your own two hands. But if you’re looking for a more explosive experience, Co-op mode is where it’s at.

Team up with a friend and unleash a storm of destruction upon Evil Inc.’s unsuspecting minions. Coordinate your explosions, cover each other’s backs, and revel in the chaotic beauty of demolishing everything in your path. Just be careful not to blow each other up in the process – friendly fire is a real hazard in Burnstar!

A Symphony of Explosions and Puzzle-Solving

Burnstar’s gameplay is a perfect blend of action and puzzle-solving. Each level is a carefully crafted challenge that requires both quick thinking and strategic planning. You’ll need to assess the layout of each level, identify the key targets, and determine the best way to use your explosives to achieve maximum impact.

The game’s physics engine is a thing of beauty, simulating the explosive force and debris with impressive realism. Explosions send shockwaves through the environment, knocking over objects and creating new opportunities for destruction. Use this to your advantage, setting off chain reactions that will topple entire structures and leave Evil Inc. reeling.

A Visual Spectacle of Fire and Fury

Burnstar is a visual feast, with vibrant colors, detailed environments, and spectacular explosions that will leave you in awe. The game’s art style is a unique blend of cartoonish charm and realistic destruction, creating a world that is both visually appealing and incredibly immersive.

The soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a mix of upbeat, adrenaline-pumping tracks and more somber, atmospheric pieces that create a perfect backdrop for the game’s explosive action.

A Challenge for the Ages

Burnstar is not for the faint of heart. It’s a challenging game that will test your skills and push you to your limits. But with patience, perseverance, and a healthy dose of explosive know-how, you’ll overcome Evil Inc.’s defenses and emerge victorious.

The game features a variety of difficulty levels, so you can tailor the challenge to your own skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned action-puzzle veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Burnstar has something to offer everyone.

Burnstar: A Must-Play for Action-Puzzle Enthusiasts

If you’re looking for a challenging, rewarding, and downright explosive action-puzzle experience, Burnstar is the game for you. With its frantic gameplay, brain-teasing puzzles, and a healthy dose of friendly fire, Burnstar will keep you entertained for hours on end.

So grab your explosives, prepare for some fiery chaos, and join the fight against Evil Inc. in Burnstar today!

Review Score

8/10

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Subnautica (2014)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

Subnautica: A Deep Dive into an Alien Underwater World

Descend into the depths of an alien underwater world filled with wonder and peril in Subnautica, a thrilling survival game that has captivated players since its release in 2014. As the lone survivor of a crashed spaceship, you must explore, craft, and outsmart wildlife to survive in this vast and unforgiving ocean.

Exploration and Discovery

Subnautica’s underwater world is a vast and diverse ecosystem, teeming with life and secrets. From lush coral reefs to deep-sea hydrothermal vents, there’s always something new to discover. You’ll encounter a wide variety of alien creatures, from the docile reefbacks to the fearsome leviathan.

Exploration is key to survival in Subnautica. By scanning and analyzing the environment, you can learn about the different resources and hazards that await you. You’ll also need to build underwater bases and vehicles to reach deeper depths and explore more remote areas.

Crafting and Survival

To survive in Subnautica, you’ll need to craft a variety of equipment and tools. This includes everything from basic tools like knives and flashlights to advanced equipment like submarines and exosuits. You’ll also need to manage your hunger, thirst, and oxygen levels to stay alive.

Crafting is an essential part of Subnautica’s gameplay. You’ll need to scavenge for resources, such as metal salvage, quartz, and plants, and then use them to build the items you need. As you progress, you’ll unlock new blueprints and be able to craft more advanced equipment.

Wildlife and Threats

The underwater world of Subnautica is home to a wide variety of wildlife, both friendly and hostile. You’ll encounter docile creatures like the reefback leviathan, which can be used as a mobile base, and the cuddlefish, which will follow you around and provide light.

However, there are also dangerous predators to watch out for, such as the stalker, which will attack you if it gets too close, and the reaper leviathan, a massive creature that can crush you in its jaws.

Story and Progression

Subnautica has a deep and engaging story that unfolds as you explore the underwater world. You’ll learn about the fate of the crashed spaceship Aurora, the mysterious alien race that once inhabited the planet, and the secrets that lie beneath the waves.

As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock new areas, discover new technologies, and learn more about the world around you. The story is well-written and engaging, and it provides a compelling reason to keep exploring and surviving.

Graphics and Atmosphere

Subnautica’s underwater world is brought to life with stunning graphics and a immersive atmosphere. The water physics are incredibly realistic, and the lighting and sound effects create a truly believable underwater environment.

The game’s atmosphere is one of wonder and dread. You’ll marvel at the beauty of the underwater world, but you’ll also be constantly aware of the dangers that lurk beneath the surface. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it perfectly captures the sense of isolation and vulnerability that comes with exploring an alien world.

Conclusion

Subnautica is a masterpiece of survival gaming. It offers a vast and immersive underwater world to explore, a deep and engaging story, and challenging survival gameplay. Whether you’re a fan of exploration, survival, or science fiction, Subnautica is a game that you won’t want to miss.

Review Score

9/10

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We Happy Few (2018)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

We Happy Few: A Dystopian Adventure with a Darkly Funny Twist

Introduction

We Happy Few is a first-person action-adventure game developed by Compulsion Games and published by Gearbox Publishing. It was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in August 2018. The game is set in a retrofuturistic version of England in the 1960s, where the populace is forced to take a drug called Joy to suppress their memories of a traumatic past event.

Gameplay

Players control one of three characters: Arthur Hastings, Sally Boyle, or Ollie Starkey. Each character has their own unique abilities and playstyles. Arthur is a former journalist who is immune to the effects of Joy, making him an ideal choice for stealth missions. Sally is a pyromaniac who can use fire to her advantage in combat. Ollie is a former soldier who is proficient in melee combat.

The game’s world is divided into several districts, each with its own unique atmosphere and inhabitants. Players must explore these districts, complete quests, and avoid detection by the authorities. The game features a variety of gameplay mechanics, including stealth, combat, and puzzle-solving.

Setting

We Happy Few is set in a retrofuturistic version of England in the 1960s. The game’s world is a strange and unsettling place, where the populace is forced to take a drug called Joy to suppress their memories of a traumatic past event. Those who refuse to take Joy are branded as “Downers” and are treated with extreme prejudice.

The game’s setting is inspired by a variety of sources, including the works of George Orwell, Aldous Huxley, and Ray Bradbury. The game’s developers have also cited the films Brazil and A Clockwork Orange as influences.

Characters

We Happy Few features a cast of memorable and complex characters. The game’s three playable characters are all flawed and damaged individuals, but they are also capable of great courage and compassion.

  • Arthur Hastings is a former journalist who is immune to the effects of Joy. He is determined to uncover the truth about the past and expose the government’s lies.
  • Sally Boyle is a pyromaniac who is struggling to come to terms with her past. She is a fierce and independent woman, but she is also haunted by her demons.
  • Ollie Starkey is a former soldier who is trying to find his place in the world. He is a skilled fighter, but he is also struggling with PTSD.

Themes

We Happy Few explores a number of dark and disturbing themes, including the dangers of totalitarianism, the importance of memory, and the nature of happiness. The game’s setting is a metaphor for the dangers of suppressing the past and the importance of facing our demons.

Reception

We Happy Few received mixed reviews from critics upon release. Some praised the game’s unique setting, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes. Others criticized the game’s repetitive gameplay and technical issues.

Despite the mixed reviews, We Happy Few has been a commercial success. The game has sold over 1 million copies worldwide.

Conclusion

We Happy Few is a unique and thought-provoking game that explores some dark and disturbing themes. The game’s setting is a metaphor for the dangers of suppressing the past and the importance of facing our demons. We Happy Few is a must-play for fans of dystopian fiction and action-adventure games.

Review Score

7/10

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