Recent reviews by Fraylen

Marathon is a game for a very specific type of person. That person just so happens to be me, or those like me. People with the right mindset about what this game really is. Due to seasonal wipes and high risk gameplay, the knee-jerk reaction is to succumb to the despair of loss, but let that not discourage you. What the game is at it's core is a mystery/story game, and an arcade shooter. There is a mystery in this world that everyone is trying to figure out, and that's compelling, the environments ooze with little clues. The priority contracts propel you to discovering what happened to this far flung colony, even if you lose everything you can at least say you completed some contracts. (Others require successful exfil, but therein lies the challenge). The reason I say it's like an arcade shooter, or even a rogue-like, is because the attachment to your gear cannot be your concern. You must play for the thrill of the game itself, and let the gear flow through you. Getting good gear is thrilling, don't get me wrong, but every match could be the match that you snag something really cool. The limited time you get with some things makes them all the sweeter, and gives you a target for what to work towards with the more permanent progression aspects of the game.

Overall, Marathon has a great game loop with rewarding progression, the best gun-feel in the industry due to it's Bungie lineage, and probably some of the sickest visuals and music I've heard in awhile. The art style is unlike anything I've seen in any game, and that alone makes it a joy to play in some cases. Everything is colorful because everything is basically 3D printed in this imagined future of humanity. It's all so cohesive and thought out. Every aspect of the game is rich and detailed, I'm in awe.

The more you play the game the more you'll like it. The first several hours are a little rough as you learn the systems and understand the UI and game loop. But once you get all your factions unlocked, you've been to the first three maps at least, and tried the various runner shells, you'll understand how it all connects and you'll be hooked. Especially once you get to the final map, Cryo Archive, which I've spent the last day in and it's phenomenally designed, incredibly intricate environment and a wild PVPVE experience unlike any other. It gives big dreadnaught or leviathan vibes for my Destiny fans out there.

I cannot wait to see how this game progresses and evolves, I hope it survives. I want to unravel this mystery and I also want to see what new and awesome environments and runner shells and cosmetic skins they can cook up.

So if you've ever enjoyed PVP, Bungie, or sci-fi mystery... Play Marathon!!!

Helldivers is a fun and silly game about GALACTIC SCALE WAR. Where you romp around on various stunning and wonderous landscapes DECIMATING ENEMIES OF FREEDOM. All while you and your friends laugh and fire WEAPONS OF MASS DEMOCROCY, inevitably and unfortunately murdering each other continuously in increasingly hilarious and accidental ways. Highly recommended, excellent writing, one of the best intro cinematics in gaming. "LOOK FAMILIAR? :D" The game is an absolutely infectious brain worm that will have you spouting overly patriotic sentiments to your fellows. Play this game, bring your friends, good times guaranteed!

I love this game. It's incredible, it's fascinating, it's beautiful, it's mesmerizing, it's relaxing, it's 100 hours at least of peak crafting and progression. I made it to 700 hours running a small guild and building bases, and then selling the blueprints of my creations on the market. Last summer, I put the majority of my hours in this way and loved engrossing myself in the world and maxing out my character, hanging out with my friends, and experimenting in the deep desert. Now, with the new Chapter 3 update and it's expanded endgame, I think it finally has what it needs to capture the attention of those who dropped off last fall, if they decide to return at all. It's unfortunate that this update wasn't something they thought to do at launch, it would have had a lot more staying power if they did. But, hindsight is 20/20 after all... Regardless, I think everyone who enjoys crafting, survival, or even just Dune should check this game out. It is a love letter to the franchise and a really really solid third-person exploration RPG. I also find the combat to be quite different and engaging, with it's balance between ranged and melee tactics. Overall very satisfied and will be playing much, much more! Keep it coming guys! Can't wait to have more ground-based gameplay with the tank someday.

I've played 20 hours, (mostly on console), and I think this game is actually awesome despite all the negativity surrounding it's reveal and launch. They've really got something here and if they are able to keep the lights on and refine it I can see it being just as popular as something like Apex Legends. The mount combat and thrilling tug of war while fighting over the shieldbreaker is the best part. It's also way more fun in the new experimental 5v5 mode, very good on them for responding quickly and implementing this new mode not even a week after launch.

When I first played this game, as a demo at PAX 2023, I was immediately turned off. The multiplayer experience of having three others initiating conversations and interacting with things without me around or noticing made me feel like I was missing out. The turn-based combat was an even worse experience, as I got left behind and took 4 turns to catch up and by then the fight was over. It was only after my partner bought the game and I was able to try it myself at my own pace, and learn what the game really offered that I fell in love with it. For sure play alone, or with only one other person for your first time through, unless you're with 3 others who are committed to the same gameplay style as you and are willing to be patient with each other.

This game turned me on to D&D in general by introducing me to the world of Faerun and the mechanics of D&D gameplay. I've already DM'd my first session at the time of writing. It was a fantastic game and a gateway drug to my new hobby. So if you're skeptical, just give it a try in a setting where you can really absorb it. There's a reason it won game of the year so many times over. It is a 10/10, no, an 11/10 game. A truly legendary achievement in gaming, exemplifying the medium itself in a way that only it can. Player choice matters, buildcrafting is deep, narrative is solid, and gameplay is engaging. Highly recommend picking this one up!

This game is the best in it's genre and it's a crime that it is being shut down for good. I love the world they built here, the beautiful environments, the weapons, the outfits, the emotes and sprays, the activities you can get up to all while needing to keep your head on a swivel for any players coming through.

I think the main problem that's caused it's failure as a game is likely that 90% of people who probably tried this game had no idea how cool the end game weapons and activities were. Like the drilling rigs you can call down, the forge, or the alpha crusher den. For a PVEVP game it sat in this perfect balance between progression based MMO-lite and Battle Royale. But better in both respects because you didn't have to invest a ton of hours to have a good time like an MMO, and yet the progression made playing feel worth it- unlike a continually reset Battle Royale. I cant get into BR's because I want to fight with the weapons I want to fight with. Not scrap for whatever is around like Fortnite or Apex. But on the other hand, games like Destiny don't offer real risk or fear of losing what you have. That's what made Cycle so thrilling, yet the lack of a closing circle like Apex/Fortnite made The Cycle kinda peaceful because you could loot at your own pace. The storm was a smart middle ground to force players to move or set up and camp and it led to some amazing moments.

Sure, it needed tweaks. Yes, the hill to climb for that 90% of players was too steep. But I'm sure eventually they could have ironed out those issues after more time to mature as a game. But I'm so sad it's not going to get that chance. I hope the developers will take these assets and world up again and repurpose it into something we can enjoy in another way.

Personally though, I'm always going to be sad that this version of the game is going to be gone forever. I found the quests and objective based PVE content to be rewarding, all with the thrill and fear of being hunted by another person. I mean the sound design alone in this game has given me a primal fight or flight response unlike any game I've played before.

This review will probably just fall into the abyss but writing it is giving me closure. So now, I'm gonna boot the game up and play for likely the last time. Cheers

What can I say, FFXIV has consumed my free time for years and continues to annoy all my friends because I evangelize this game so hard. But it was so worth it, 10 out of 5 stars. Would become the hero of this realm yet again.

But in all seriousness, where do I begin with a game I've played more than any other? Leave it to final fantasy to create the best MMORPG on the market. The game provides varied content and engaging classes. The world design is great and gets better with every expansion. The music is incredible. The story is one of the best ever told in a game, let alone an MMO. I frequently watch it played again by streamers or friends just to feed off their first-time reactions like some kind of emotional vampire. It really feels like a world and game that you can invest your time into because it's so expansive and it's regularly added to. The subscription is worth it.

The Story:
Yes, as many will say, the base game may drag a little if you're not an MMO aficionado. (I personally enjoyed the hell out of it) It's slow because it's teaching you what you need to know later. If you actually READ the story though, you may find it to be an intriguing tale of sociopolitical conflict. Various kingdoms working together or fighting for dominance. (with some fetch quests along the way, but, push through them) Once you get into the first expansion though, Heavensward, (which is part of the free to play offering) the story becomes more focused, and only gets exponentially better from there. Everyone says this, and there's a reason they do. That's because the base game really just sets up a lot of things and builds the world out for you. The subsequent expansions focus on specific areas or peoples of the world after the base game.

The Characters:
The characters and their development in this game is excellent. There's someone relatable or enjoyable for everyone. The main group has all sorts of characters; smart, bubbly, confident, snarky, bold, mysterious, heroic. With countless side characters filling every other possible personality.

The Developers:
The game developers are also some of the most wholesome, honest, and earnest devs in the industry. They really care about their game, and their players. The mechanics and systems of the game RESPECT YOU and your time. You pay a subscription so that it can be this way, remember that. That's the reason so many games suck these days, because they're designed to squeeze money out of you. This game already gets your money if you are playing, so the pressure is relieved. (although there is a cash shop and the prices are a bit high for those cosmetics)

The Classes (Jobs):
I have leveled all classes (called jobs in this game) to max level, and I can say they are all enjoyable, and all viable at the high level. This game is actually balanced. No one will ever criticize the choice of class you decide to play. The vast majority of the player base is nice and supportive, to new players especially. So pick what you are interested in, watch Larryzaur's "Basically which job to play" video before starting. Note: about 1/2 of the jobs in the game are only accessible through leveling up other jobs first, they are also attached to the expansion packs. Specifically: Astrologian, Machinist, Dark Knight (Heavensward lvl 35), Red Mage, Samurai (Stormblood lvl 50), Dancer, Gunbreaker (Shadowbringers lvl 60), Reaper, and Sage (Endwalker lvl 70). But there are 10 other jobs you can start with.

PRO TIP:
Do yourself a favor and spend some time customizing your UI and keybindings, as the default ones are really rough. I highly suggest installing something like "FR4NSSON's FFXIV Config" to get the best experience. It's not really a mod (wont break TOS) as much as it's just a configuration file you replace and you'll be good to go.

ENJOY

Update at over 6,000 hours:
It's still fantastic.

Best Star Wars game in many years.

A heartbreaking tale about truth, love, and friendship that will make you smile from ear to ear. This is a 10/10 must play narrative, and I would go so far as to say I enjoyed it even more than the original Life is Strange, which is set after the events of this game. Chloe Price is simply a joy to embody.