Recent reviews by Ryan

Played through with Steam Deck w/ custom PC configs here:
steam://controllerconfig/22370/14

I did thoroughly enjoy this game but it does have it's caveats that I'll list out first. I've seen and read so many issues stemming from Windows 10/11 not running this properly. This game does have crashes, even on the Steam Deck, so do be prepared and have saves going regularly. It's nothing new, per say, but it is something to be prepared for when it comes to most Bethesda games. Additionally, I wish that Bethesda would've added the achievements from the old Games for Windows LIVE service that was deprecated.

Bugs and issues aside the game was absolutely great. It's a tough pick between this and New Vegas as my favorites. I didn't like the direction that Fallout 4 took where it's geared more towards base building, random weapon generation, and some other key elements that has slowly been stripping away the RPG elements in favor for more streamlined experiences.

The S.P.E.C.I.A.L. stat tree is a key element in the game relating to the RPG mechanics. If you've played previous Fallouts, you'll know what I mean. This game is a lot more bleak than the other titles that have came afterwards. Personally, feel this is more bleak than New Vegas, even if that game gets pretty heavy at times. This game feels a lot more isolated and alone than the others. The DC Wasteland is barren which is good or bad depending on who you are. There are a bevy of secrets littered about that you can find but they are scarce. Some may find it boring and tedious to do so but it's the exploration that makes it shine above the other titles.

The DC ruins has a lot more content packed in it compared to the Wasteland. The major cities, factions, and choices you make only make an impact at the end credits - for the most part. There are some choices that does effect the overall game but, for the most part, is minimal. Since this is the GoTY edition the end isn't as bad as the original was/is. That being said, I can't review the individual DLC as this is an all-in-one so here's my review of the DLC's I played in order:

I really enjoyed this one. It was quick and linear. It never outlasted it's stay and had a decent storyline. The gear you obtained afterwards was spectacular and could be considered overpowered if you did this DLC at the suggested level of 10. I didn't run into any bugs throughout the playthrough.

You pair up with the Brotherhood of Steel in this one to take out the remaining remnants of the Enclave. The suggested level to do this is somewhere in the range of 20+. You'll be around there by the time you beat the game, which is where you'd start this one up at. It's got great unique weapons, unique armor sets, unique location (and revisits old locations), and a storyline that is linear but does a good job at keeping things consistent and concise. It also upps the level cap to 30. Great DLC in terms of quality of life improvements.

Hated this one. I recommend to not even go through this broken mess. I've had multitudes of bugs that made the game crash, teleporters that stopped working, corrupted a game save, and more. There is hardly a story. The weapons are cool, admittedly, but that's about it. The DLC outstays it's welcome and has so many repeating corridors that look exactly the same. It does have tougher enemy types but it's just a buggy shooting gallery.

From the onset it's a darker themed DLC. Personally, the darker themes are what draws me in so this was a fun one for me. There is a large amount of content in here. Custom armor sets, good main storyline, custom weapons, and varied new enemy/friendly types. Overall a great DLC that's worth your time. It is a depressing setting though but honestly if you've completed Fallout 3 I don't think that will bother you. I didn't like the steel ingot fetch quest for all of them but it's not required. The choices you make don't necessarily matter at the end either, which is neither good or bad

This isn't as dark as The Pitt was and is by far the best DLC. This is truly an extension of Fallout 3, from my perspective. There are additional zones, varied new enemy types, new items, tons of new assets, custom weapons, armor, and multiple branching storylines throughout. It's clear this is the most worked on DLC out of all of them - or at least the one that has/had the most direction. Depending on who you are, this might not be for you. It's open world akin to Fallout 3 unlike the other DLC's which were more streamlined experiences (think Point A -> Point B). Some people prefer the DLC to be more focused and this one isn't but that's what makes this one my favorite.

Point Lookout
The Pitt
Operation Anchorage
Broken Steel
Mothership Zeta

It's a great conclusion to the latest reboot of Hitman. The game itself is great and the VR support is something that is a ton of fun.

This is an absolute gem of a mod. It's a revisit to the world of Half Life that's fun all the way through. It's got the music you'd expect, combat, and more. It feels very similar to the official expansion packs that were released by Sierra years and years ago for the original Half Life. The only difference here is that.... It's free!

The clock time will vary from person to person and what you're looking to complete. If you just beeline the story it'll probably run you at about 5 - 7 hours. If you're looking to do a little more than that it'll maybe get up to 8-9. What's even better about the game is that they've got bonus missions, available cut content to play, and challenge modes available if the combat really was engaging for you.

As someone who is longtime Source engine fan it's been a blast to play. Honestly, it closes the gap well enough for me to never really expect and or receive an official Half Life 2: Episode 3. Just note that you aren't in the position of Freeman in this and instead are one of the Combine soldiers. Again, it's a bit reminiscent of Half Life: Opposing Force where you play the Marines. It's a great mod - check it out!

I'd argue that this game was better than it's predecessor, Serious Sam 4. There was one level in here that was similar to the France level(s) in SS4 but it wasn't as bad. However, all the systems and the like are in here so don't expect that to be changed. Same goes with multiplayer modes/etc. so nothing groundbreaking. You have vehicular battles, large scale battles, city battles, boss battles, and more.

If you did like SS4 then you'll love this one. It's tighter and has a better direction that the other one, personally. The boss fights in it are on the same level as the previous one. For $20 (time of writing) this is a great buy. If you play on a lesser difficulty and aren't someone actively looking for secrets and the like I'd say that the game probably will run you about 4 - 6 hours. A friend and I had played the game searching for secrets in every level and we clocked in 7 1/2 hours of gameplay so your mileage will vary. We did play on Hard.

We'll probably go back with another friend to play through on Serious mode (the hardest difficultly) and that probably will add a bit of time into there. Do note that if you didn't like SS4 then this may be a hit or miss. The one of the problems I had with the prior game was that there was just too much wide open space with nothing around. This one fixes most of those issues minus one level. Humor is still on point!

It was good. It's short but to the point. Throughout just keep in mind it is a mod that is free. Based on that this is a great game if you wanna hop in. Probably will last an afternoon to complete.

TL;DR - Buy this game if you enjoy story over gameplay. The combat is good but it's not for everyone. Do note that you'll more than likely need to play multiple times over to really 'complete' the game but that's the games biggest strongpoint.

So I've finally completed this game for the first time and may come back at another time to update it if I decide to play through the entirety of the game a second time. I'll probably end making some quick decisions the final act to get some different outcomes quickly vs replaying the whole thing over again. I mention this because that is what this game really is about. Replayability.

You can just play through the game once but there are tons of 'what if' questions. However, it's pretty clear that the intentions here is that you go through multiple times to get some different outcomes. This is the main selling point of the game in my opinion. It is vastly different depending on what route you are to take. There are so many branching story arcs that completely get taken away if you make certain decisions. You can ally up with multiple factions or you can go it your own personal way.

If you wanted to you could just about kill everyone you meet if you so please. You've got companions with you and you don't even have to keep them alive if you don't want them to be. I had killed off a to-be companion with the first few hours because coming off of playing Pillars of Eternity I wanted to play an entire evil run especially since this game is heavily written towards that. That being said, can you play this game without being evil? For the most part, yes.

If you want to play the game as more of a hero do note that most of the 'hero' points will be more in the morally gray area. With one of the lesser factions you probably could make it through as a good character so for those that want that in their playthrough it is possible.

If you're wondering about combat then this game is alright. Instead of Pillars of Eternities 6 player RtWP (Real time with pause) it's pitting you up with a max of 4 so micromanagement isn't as pertinent here (only RtWP is available). There isn't classes in a typical D&D fashion and you create your own so to speak. The spellcrafting system is the best I've seen in a while because you're able to create them to your liking vs PoE's predefined spells based on your class. Remember to always keep getting Lore levels as that is what dictates how many spells you can use, what you can craft in terms of spells, and some other good things. You can be a tank/warrior-esque character and still use spells!

Enemy variety is varied enough but multiple playthroughs will show how little there really is. There is a New Game+ too for those interested. It has the enemies scale up to your level once you start over again. Game is about 30-50 hours if you go through every single thing there is to do.

There is little voiced dialogue except for critical path areas. The companions have voiced dialogue for the most part but otherwise side quests and the like get ready to read. I enjoy that more than voiced dialogue in some instances because it leaves it up to you to use your imagination on what's happening but I know it's a dealbreaker for some. Again, do understand most of the game is not voiced.

Those that are wondering this vs Pillars of Eternity I'd say it depends. Personally I think this has longer staying power than PoE but I enjoy playing the hero/good guy. Problem with PoE is that there is no where near the amount of different outcomes as this game has. Tyranny's story is much stronger whereas PoE had a better world/worldbuilding aspect to it. Both are amazing and I highly recommend them both. Here's to hoping that we can get a Tyranny 2!

This was by far the best VR game I've played so far even if I haven't played a whole lot of titles yet. Regardless, it seems like that is the consensus for other VR players out there too. The game itself is an absolute blast to play with every VR option available. You are able to teleport if you need that, there are the 'blinders', and there is the smooth locomotion movement which I prefer and really must have in a game to really enjoy it even if it gives off the most motion sickness for some.

As far as the story - it's basically the answer to the end of Half Life 2: Episode 2! It's great and the added characters were lots of fun to interact with. It's something you've got to buy if you have got a VR headset as this is the killer app out there currently for the gaming segment.

The sounds and the atmosphere feels as though Half Life 2: Episode 2 only came out 3 years ago! Minus the graphical enhancements it just feels as it should. Some games that have quite a long hiatus sometimes lose that charm that they once had. Not Alyx though!! Can't recommend it more!

Was good

Great port over from the Xbox! As of submitting this review the only two Halo games available are Reach and the original Halo. What's even better is that all the games are contained within this, the Master Chief Collection. You can easily play the game with a controller and or the keyboard and mouse.

Make sure you have The White March I first!!. It's almost a must have in general throughout the game. This continues the story from the first white march. It's really good and has a great conclusion.

Full review of Pillars of Eternity: https://steamcommunity.com/id/therealrmorris/recommended/291650