Old World, New Tricks: 4X Strategy Evolved

Video Game Review: Old World and Its Expansions Overall Rating: 8.8/10 Introduction Old World, developed by Mohawk Games and led by designer Soren Johnson, renowned for his work on Civilization IV, is a turn-based 4X strategy game that delves into the ancient and classical eras of human history. Released for Windows and macOS on July…

Say Your Vows: A Marriage Between Skyrim and Pillars of Eternity

Video Game Review: Avowed Overall Rating: 8.2/10 Avowed, developed by Obsidian Entertainment and released on February 18, 2025, is an action role-playing game set in the richly woven universe of Eora, previously explored in the Pillars of Eternity series. This title marks Obsidian’s ambitious foray into a first-person RPG experience, blending deep narrative elements with…

Close Encounters of the Tactical Kind

Video Game Review: XCOM: Enemy Unknown and Its Expansions Overall Rating: 9.0/10 Introduction XCOM: Enemy Unknown, developed by Firaxis Games and released in October 2012, is a reimagining of the classic 1994 strategy game UFO: Enemy Unknown. This turn-based tactical game places players at the helm of the XCOM project, a clandestine organization tasked with…

Crowning Achievements: Crusader Kings III Reigns Supreme

Video Game Review: Crusader Kings III and Its Expansions Overall Rating: 9.2/10 Introduction Crusader Kings III, developed by Paradox Development Studio and released in September 2020, is a grand strategy game that masterfully blends intricate political maneuvers with rich role-playing elements. Set during the Middle Ages, players oversee a dynasty, navigating through warfare, diplomacy, and…

Zephon and On: Endless Adventures Await

Overall Rating: 6/10 Introduction Zephon, developed and published by Proxy Studios, is a post-apocalyptic 4X strategy game released on November 8, 2024. Known for their previous title, Warhammer 40,000: Gladius, Proxy Studios brings a new experience that combines traditional 4X elements with a combat-focused approach. Set in a ravaged Earth, players guide survivors through a…

Mythical Makeover: Age of Mythology Retold Reawakens a Classic

Overall Rating: 8.0/10 Introduction Age of Mythology: Retold is a modern remaster of the classic 2002 real-time strategy game developed by Ensemble Studios. This updated version aims to rejuvenate the original experience with enhanced visuals, rebalanced gameplay, and new content, appealing to both nostalgic players and newcomers to the series. It filled me with A…

Sins and Wins: Navigating the Cosmos in Sins of a Solar Empire II

Video Game Review: Sins of a Solar Empire II Overall Rating: 8.2/10 Introduction Sins of a Solar Empire II, developed by Ironclad Games and published by Stardock Entertainment, is the much-anticipated sequel to the acclaimed real-time strategy (RTS) and 4X hybrid game. Released on August 15, 2024, the game continues to blend empire management with…

Reigning Supreme: A Downpour of Thrills in Risk of Rain 2

A Video Game Review: Risk of Rain 2 Overall Rating: 8.7/10 Introduction Risk of Rain 2, developed by Hopoo Games and published by Gearbox Publishing, is a roguelike third-person shooter that transitions the series from its original 2D platformer roots into a fully realized 3D experience. Released in August 2020, the game has captivated players…

Stalk Hard, Die Harder: The Brutality of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2

A Video Game Review for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Overall Rating: 8.0/10 Introduction S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, developed by GSC Game World, is the latest installment in the acclaimed S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series. Released on November 20, 2024, the game immerses players in a post-apocalyptic world set in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, blending first-person shooter…

Strategic Harmonies: Orchestrating Victory in Songs of Silence

Video Game Review: Songs of Silence Overall Rating: 8.2/10 Introduction Songs of Silence, developed by Chimera Entertainment, is a story-rich 4X strategy game that uniquely blends exploration, fast-paced military conquest, and rogue-lite progression. Set in a visually stunning fantasy world, the game challenges players to lead one of three distinct factions, each with unique units…