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A game I had dreamed of playing for 15 years, but couldn't because I didn't have a console.

And this is the moment when expectations and reality have been met. Vivid design, updated engine and graphics. And all this «Neversoft» did in one year, after the release of «THAW».

Many people don't like that the game has gone from arcade to realism, but I like it. The visual style and motion capture did their job. Everything looks very smooth.

The levels themselves were cleverly combined on one map. One location flows into another. One cardinally different from the other. In general, the visuals of the game, the plot and even the soundtrack as if conveys to us that the series departs from the «Punk» style more in «Alternative».

I recommend it to all fans of the series.
«Blew my mind»
«Underrated»
Discovered this part only now. Throughout the game it felt like I was watching a movie. The game is very immersive. Respect to the motion designers of the time who did the splash screens before each mission. Looks modern to this day.

I am russian, but played in English because I love the original voice acting. The voice actors did their best. Each character has a different accent. Be it Scottish, English or Caucasian.

The level of direction on high, each mission brings a ton of emotions. I advise you to go through it.
«Time-tested»
More Arcade and Dynamic Gameplay:
«FlatOut 2» features more arcade-like and dynamic gameplay compared to «FlatOut». The developers have added many elements that make the game more exciting and enjoyable for a wide range of players.

Controls and Physics:
The vehicle controls have become more responsive and forgiving of mistakes. In «FlatOut», the controls were more realistic and demanding, which made the game harder for beginners.
The physics of destruction and collisions have been refined, allowing players to enjoy spectacular crashes and destructions. Cars break into pieces upon impact, adding to the visual appeal and thrill.

Variety of Modes:
The game features several modes, such as demolition derby, time trials, and stunt challenges.

Soundtrack:
The game's soundtrack is also noteworthy. It includes energetic tracks from bands like «Papa Roach», «Fall Out Boy», and «Rob Zombie». The music perfectly complements the game's dynamic nature

Repetitive Tracks:
The game features numerous tracks, but many of them look very similar to each other. This creates a sense of monotony and can quickly become boring for players.

Conclusion:
Despite the repetitive tracks, the game stands out due to its improved physics, diverse modes, and excellent soundtrack. It will appeal to fans of high-speed racing, spectacular crashes, and adrenaline.
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«Time-tested»
«OST on repeat»
This is a remaster of the racing arcade game «FlatOut 2», which introduces a number of notable improvements and innovations. The main focus is on the graphics, which have been significantly updated compared to the original game.

Now 12 Racers:
One of the significant innovations is the increase in the number of players in a race. Now, 12 cars can compete on the track simultaneously instead of 8, as it was in «FlatOut 2». This adds even more dynamics and chaos to the races.

New «Carnage» Mode:
It is a mix of racing, demolition derby, time trials, and stunt jumps, where the goal is not only to finish first but also to score the most points by destroying everything around you. This mode adds additional hours of fun to the game.

Derbies Are Easier:
I consider it a downside that the derby mode has been changed. Cars now break down faster, making it easier to eliminate opponents. Veteran players of the series might find that the game offers less of a challenge.

Physics Have Changed:
In «FlatOut: UC», cars literally fly off every piece of debris. This can often be annoying when you're trying to take the lead.

Conclusion:
«FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage» - is a decent remaster of «FlatOut 2» that adds new modes and improved graphics. Despite some simplifications, the game remains enjoyable and is suitable for both newcomers and experienced players.
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Completed everything with pain. Looks good, but the controls are terrible.
«Buggy as hell»
«Call of Juarez» - is a game with immersive simulation elements, where there is a parallel narrative about two heroes (Reverend Ray and Billy «Candle»), absolutely different and unique in their own way.

If Ray is more of a marksman, Billy is an explorer of the world. The gameplay for both characters is different and has its own conventions. I liked the way the narration in the form of voice-over diaries and remarks of the characters. Allows you to get into the story and understand what motivates them.

As for the shooting, I can say that «Bullet Time» is very well integrated. It's spectacular and very often helpful.

The musical accompaniment of the game perfectly complements the action. The soundtrack emphasizes the atmosphere and enhances the spirit of adventure and the unknown.

The developers managed to create a believable, exciting and beautiful world. The graphics is very good even today.

And by the way, one of the first games with «DirectX 10» on PC!
«Time-tested»
«Constantly dying and enjoy it»
«Skyrim» - is one of those games where you constantly discover something new, even after hundreds of hours of gameplay. It immerses you in an ancient fantasy world filled with mysteries, secrets, and endless opportunities for exploration.

Mysteries and Secrets:
«Skyrim» combines an open world with deep exploration elements. Players will discover ancient «Dwemer» ruins with intricate mechanisms, barrows, forts with hidden traps, and challenging puzzles. Many dungeons conceal stories of the past, which can be uncovered by studying notes and artifacts.

Atmosphere:
A harsh northern land, yet beautiful and enchanting. Cold landscapes, snow-covered mountains, dense forests, and hot springs create the feeling of a truly living world. Rain taps on rooftops, wind howls through canyons, and the night sky is adorned with magical northern lights.

Nordic Design:
Visual style of the game is inspired by «Scandinavian» motifs. The «Nords» architecture is rugged yet majestic, featuring massive stone fortresses and wooden longhouses with intricate carvings.

Politics and Guilds:
«Skyrim» offers more than just battles and exploration—it also features a deep political system. The war between the «Stormcloaks» and «Imperial Legion» allows players to take sides and influence the fate of the province. Guilds provide different character development paths. You can play a specific role, follow a set behavior pattern, or help one character only to rob another 30 minutes later. A thief, a warrior, or a mage is your path and your choice. And nothing stops you from combining all skills.

Conclusion:
This is a game you can keep returning to, constantly discovering new details, quests, and stories. Freedom of choice makes every playthrough unique.
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«Blew my mind»
«Time-tested»
Exceptional
Artificial intelligence that will decide everything for you.

To eat cake or not, to live or die. GLaDOS is a cold, rationed machine, creating a sterile, eugenic world where everything must be calculated.

That game shows us is that artificial intelligence can get out of control and overplay its hand. A device that was created to help people will turn into a tyrant and overseer.
«Blew my mind»
«Time-tested»
What can I say about playing the game? Well, there are indeed three possible endings, and we're given a whole world to explore. The nonlinear plot, not divided into chapters as in previous installments, adds depth. However, in this context, two problems arise – the issue of choice and consequences.

For instance, liberating more than three cities from orcs automatically makes you their enemy. Consequently, you won't be able to complete quest chains in other cities. A similar situation arises with the rebels. Destroying their camps triggers aggression upon sighting you.

In this context, if you want to complete most side quests, you have to balance, which is not as simple. The game is decent, not better or worse than its predecessors. It's different. Yet, over time, it can become monotonous with repetitive tasks and combat.
Exceptional
«FlatOut» stands out for its minimalist design approach.

About:
The game offers intuitive controls that require little acclimatization. The screen is free from excessive information and embellishments, allowing players to fully focus on the race. The absence of complex storylines and additional missions keeps the game focused on its core element — racing.

Realistic physics is one of «FlatOut's» key features:
The game features an advanced damage system that allows cars to break and deform upon collision. This mechanic adds an element of unpredictability, making each race unique. The vehicle handling reflects real-world physical laws, requiring players to consider trajectory, speed, and maneuvers on the track.

Graphics:
At the time of release, the game offered impressive graphics. Cars and environments are highly detailed, enhancing the immersion in the gameplay. The visual effects of damage and destruction add to the spectacle.

Music:
The soundtrack consists of Grunge, Garage Rock, and Punk Rock, which emphasizes the racing dynamics and keeps players energized.
«Underrated»
«OST on repeat»
Skip
Ugh... Meh 
«Disappointment of the year»
If the trilogy was more of an arcade and stand-alone game, then starting with this part the game decided to be like a movie. The gameplay itself seems fascinating at first, but later all that's left is the grind of shields, to move on to the next episode. What I really liked about it was the parallax effect of the splash screens for each episode. Cool animation.
«Buggy as hell»
«Boooring»
This RTS is reminiscent of genre classics such as «Warcraft III», with its distinctive faction division and unique abilities. The game offers two distinct campaigns: «Light» (for the Free Peoples) and «Darkness» (for Sauron's forces).

Graphics and Environmental Interaction:
- The environment responds to player actions. When armies march, grass is trampled, and buildings can be rotated before construction for optimal placement.
- Structures like barracks and workshops produce units that animate as they emerge, adding dynamic visual appeal to the gameplay.

Magic Mechanics - «Fate Power»:
A unique magic system. Instead of traditional mana, players accumulate «Fate Power» through successful actions-precise attacks, defeating enemies, and completing mission objectives. Effects vary depending on the faction.

Atmospheric Soundtrack:
The musical score perfectly captures the spirit of the «Middle-earth». Majestic orchestral themes represent the forces of «Light», while dark and ominous melodies highlight the forces of «Darkness». The soundtrack adapts to the game’s progression, intensifying during battles and providing calm during moments of respite.

Conclusion:
The game represents a classic RTS with a unique approach to magic and an immersive atmosphere. It offers «Middle-earth» fans the opportunity to experience epic events from both sides of the conflict, blending deep gameplay with striking visual and audio effects.
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«Blew my mind»
«Time-tested»
About:
The game offers an open world divided into several large zones, each populated with characters and locations from the animated series. The gameplay combines elements of racing and missions, where players can freely explore Springfield, complete missions, participate in races, and collect items.

Main characters:
These include Homer, Bart, Lisa, Marge, and Apu. Each character has their own unique missions and vehicles, adding variety to the gameplay.

Music:
The game's soundtrack perfectly captures the spirit of the animated series. The composers used original melodies and sounds familiar to fans of the show, as well as added new, dynamic tracks that enhance the atmosphere and create a sense of excitement during races and missions.

References to the Series:
The game is filled with numerous references to episodes of "The Simpsons," including secondary characters, iconic locations, and well-known jokes. Fans of the show will appreciate the attention to detail and the many Easter eggs scattered throughout the game world.

Visuals:
The game's graphics are designed in the style of the animated series, making it visually appealing to fans. The locations and characters are meticulously drawn, preserving the recognizable style.
«Blew my mind»
«Just one more turn»
Exceptional
This game is a «hardcore arcade»: despite the simplicity of its concept, it requires high precision and quick reactions, especially in the later levels. Players need to carefully plan their actions and predict the trajectory of the balls to successfully complete the level.

The game became one of the cult arcade hits of the early 2000s and had a significant impact on the development of the genre. The success of «Zuma Deluxe» led to the creation of many similar games and sequels, including «Zuma's Revenge!».

«Zuma Deluxe» - is a classic of the arcade puzzle genre, which remains popular among players to this day. Its combination of increasing difficulty and vibrant visual style has made it an unforgettable game worldwide.
«Just one more turn»
«OST on repeat»
«Gothic 2: Night of the Raven». Has the most connection to the first part. In fact, part of the old camp has migrated to «Jarkendar». Throughout the entire walkthrough, it felt like I was playing «Gothic 1».

During all the running around in «Jarkendar», I realized that this is it. Because it doesn't have the creation of that hero image that was thrust upon it in the main plot of «Gothic 2», the «You're the Chosen One»! You're nobody and everybody's challenging you. Just like it was in «Gothic 1».

The atmosphere, music and design of «Jarkendar» is immersive and personally reminds me of the beginnings of «Gothic 3», more specifically the kingdom of «Myrtana».
«OST on repeat»
Even worse than the first game
«Boooring»
Exceptional
«Quake III Arena» - offers a lot of possibilities. From simple battles to PvP, it has it all.

Plus, let's not forget about «multiplayer», where there are even more battles with other players. At least, that's what I experienced when I played it.

Well, «single-player» mode offers the chance to choose a map and play against a bot. It might seem easy since bots are usually dumb and slow. Not in this game. Try setting the difficulty to «Nightmare» and play against the computer. It will simply annihilate you, with its immense shooting accuracy, constant evasion, and hiding. I lost to the computer with a score of «10-3».

This game embodies swiftness, brutality, and joyful madness. You won't need to think about anything. Grab your weapon, strap on your armor, and start shooting.
«Constantly dying and enjoy it»
It's a childhood game, so it's hard to say anything bad about it. It's one of the best strategies of the German school, with a focus on economics and tactics. The game is not simple, but it is interesting and not boring. The pinnacle of isometric graphics. Recommended for anyone who likes to establish cause and effect relationships, fascinating economics, and incremental construction. The game requires patience, but it will pay off. Don't doubt it. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
«Blew my mind»
«Can’t stop playing»
Nice «point-and-click» adventure game with an interactive and educational experience that encourages problem-solving and exploration.

 The storyline revolves around Putt-Putt, a purple car, who embarks on a quest to save the local zoo. One of the standout features is its intuitive gameplay. The point-and-click mechanics make it easy for young players to navigate through the game world and interact with objects and characters.

The visuals in the game are vibrant and eye-catching, with charming animations and detailed backgrounds. Each location is filled with lively characters. The voice acting is top-notch, with distinct and memorable voices for each character, enhancing the immersive experience.

Great choice for children.
«Time-tested»
«Sit back and relax»
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