Posts by Nick McCaskey:

Anno 1800 Review: A Quality Copy of Itself

Posted on: 31 May 2019

Anno 1800 is an engrossing and fantastic mix of city building, economic simulation, and real-time strategy. It’s so easy to get sucked in to the whole affair, as the hours fly by and your empire slowly expands. Granted, there’s much micro-management required, and the game strongly favors those of us with a patient dedication to … Continue reading Anno 1800 Review: A Quality Copy of Itself →

Devil May Cry 5 Review: So Stylish, Very Thrilling, & Too Dull

Posted on: 17 Mar 2019

Devil May Cry: an epic, polarizing series that began in 2001, had a terrible sequel in 2003, fought back with 2005’s worthy third entry, and then went missing in action-gaming after 2007’s well-received DMC 4. Some 12 years later the series is back to deliver the authentic stylized madness fans have been waiting for. So … Continue reading Devil May Cry 5 Review: So Stylish, Very Thrilling, & Too Dull →

God Eater 3 Review: Low Effort Manic Monster Munchin’

Posted on: 23 Feb 2019

I’d never played a God Eater before this third entry. I’d seen them on Steam, but they were all low-quality handheld console ports. Yuck! Finally, with God Eater 3, we have an entry developed for PC claiming high-quality visuals, fast-paced combat, and a serious story!

Resident Evil 2 Review: Gruesomely Gorgeous

Posted on: 08 Feb 2019

Ah, Resident Evil 2, the 1998 survival-horror classic adored by millions! And now the 2019 survival-horror classic-in-the-making adored by ever growing multitudes. Two games, both excellent, but how does this new RE2 compare? Thankfully, it retains the original survival-horror charm while also delivering a modern experience. Unfortunately, a bit too much outdated design causes it … Continue reading Resident Evil 2 Review: Gruesomely Gorgeous →

Fallout 76 Review: Semi-Wasted, Semi-Wonderful

Posted on: 20 Dec 2018

By now you’ve likely seen Fallout 76’s overwhelmingly bad reception. Mainstream sites have roasted it, the internet has mocked it, and retailers have slashed the price of it. The oft-heard critical terms are glitchy, soulless, broken, cash-grab, early-access, and junk. All these and more hang over Fallout 76 like a condemning toxic cloud.

Ashen Review: It’s Dark Souls but Much Worse

Posted on: 12 Dec 2018

Last Thursday at The Game Awards the announcement was made: Ashen is out now, exclusive to the Epic Games Store (why?). This game, years in the making, is suddenly unleashed upon the world with almost no marketing and not available on the world’s largest game store (Steam). A dubious start. So what is this game, … Continue reading Ashen Review: It’s Dark Souls but Much Worse →

Fallout 76 First Impressions: Shockingly Fun!

Posted on: 18 Nov 2018

I went into Fallout 76 sure I would hate it. I mean, instead of taking the effort to actually develop a proper story with actual characters, towns, and factions, it seemed like Bethesda just pushed something out with as little work as possible. “Every character is a real person” sounded like marketing garbage and an … Continue reading Fallout 76 First Impressions: Shockingly Fun! →

Shadow of the Tomb Raider Review: Lamentable Lara

Posted on: 12 Nov 2018

Do you have too much happiness in your life? Are you tired of uplifting adventure? Then have we got the game for you! Shadow of the Tomb Raider delivers non-stop frowning, pouting, and despair mixed with a whole heap of incoherent storytelling! Oh, and there’s a totally lame season pass! Act now and you too … Continue reading Shadow of the Tomb Raider Review: Lamentable Lara →

Google’s Project Stream: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – Impressions

Posted on: 22 Oct 2018

About three weeks ago I read about Google’s new closed beta (United States only, sadly) game streaming technology. I find these new technologies fascinating, but what got me even more interested was the offer of full and free access to the latest Assassin’s Creed game for all beta participants (access ends January 2019)!

Yakuza 0 Review: Deadly Serious, Deliciously Silly

Posted on: 19 Sep 2018

What is Yakuza 0? Well, it’s an ultra-serious drama of Japanese organized crime, murder, and betrayal…except when it’s not. When not serious it’s crazy and kooky and downright silly. Mix the two extremes together and you get the full Yakuza 0, a video-game yo-yo of sorts…and the ups and downs are mesmerizing!