PS4 – Blog of Games – A Friendly Gaming Community https://blogofgames.com Fri, 15 Nov 2024 08:01:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://blogofgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/cropped-BoG-black-1-180x180-3501448-150x150.png PS4 – Blog of Games – A Friendly Gaming Community https://blogofgames.com 32 32 Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales Review https://blogofgames.com/thronebreaker-the-witcher-tales-review/ Fri, 04 Dec 2020 13:07:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=198 CD Projekt Red’s latest release is Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales and is set in the same universe as their critically acclaimed open world RPG title The Witcher 3. Released on October 23, it is available exclusively through GOG for the PC and will be released for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on December 4.

What is Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales?

Thronebreaker is a roleplaying strategy game that revolves around the card battle minigame used in The Witcher 3, Gwent. In place of a combat system, this game uses cards to do battle, with each card representing characters encountered throughout the course of the game.

Yet, the game is much more than a glorified card game and features a rich story that is teaming with compelling characters and interesting dialogues.

Queen Meve of Lyria and Rivia

In this game players take on the role of Queen Meve and follow her journey as she explores areas of The Witcher world that have previously been unseen, such as Rivia, Lyria, and Mahakam. Meve is an intriguing protagonist with multiple layers and is extremely enjoyable to play as. You Along way the way you will encounter political turmoil and have to make game-changing moral decisions that will leave you questioning your levels of personal honor and humanity.

Gameplay

The game is an interesting concoction of various different gameplay styles, combining elements of adventure, strategy, point-and-click, and visual novels. The player can move freely throughout the world using a mouse or controller from a top-down perspective. Whilst roaming the map as Queen Meve, you can take on quests and gather items and resources to help you in throughout the game.

As with previous Witcher instalments, Thronebreaker makes use of animated cutscenes in the style of graphic novels in order to further the dialogue between characters and advance the story of the game. It is also possible to make dialogue choices within conversations that can sometimes lead to change in the path of the story.

Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales gameplay

You must also manage resources efficiently and recruit units within a customizable war camp, from which you can build an army and take part in epic story battles that affect the way the game plays out. Battles are done through Gwent, with over 250 cards available to use throughout the game. Special cards and leader cards are also available and provide various perks and advantages to help you claim victory. The game also implements story specific mechanics into Gwent,

If you are enjoying this article, you might like reading about the best free RPG games for the PC.

The Good

Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales has a good amount of content, with over 30 hours of story gameplay and 20 possible different outcomes to the game based on your decisions. In addition to the main story, the game has 75 side quests that are predominantly based around solving puzzles.

The story is captivating, and the characters are engaging, particularly Queen Meve, whose choices can occasionally make her seem morally questionable. These types of intriguing characters are exactly the type that you want to see in an RPG game.

Voice acting in the game is top level, as was the case with The Witcher 3, and this is supplemented with a beautiful artistic style and high-level animations.

The Bad

Thronebreaker has also had its negative critics since its release, with many claiming that the gameplay is quite slow and boring. Some players claim to have completed the game in just a few days of casual playing and, because of this, feel that the game does not justify its price tag.

Thronebreaker: animated cutscene

The game’s story has also been criticised for its linearity. Some players of Thronebreaker feel like they didn’t have enough of an active role in the plot, which inhibited the immersion of the game and rendered a lot of the dialogue pointless.

Other criticisms have pointed towards the ease of the gameplay, with some players revealing that they only had to change their Gwent deck a few times in order to complete a battle and progress through the story.

Should I buy Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales?

Overall, Thronebreaker is a fantastic blend of storytelling, RPG gaming, adventure and strategy, which all rolls neatly together into a big ball of highly captivating and impressive gameplay.

If you are not fan of card games, the story itself makes the game a must buy, especially for those who are familiar with the series. If you are a fan of card games but not the series, it is also still worth trying, as Gwent is a thoroughly well-thought out strategy game that can test your tactical abilities.

Gwent: The Witcher Card Game

Similar Games to Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales

If you like Thronebreaker, you might also like Magic: The Gathering – Puzzle Quest, which has a similar battling ard game system. You may also like Hand of Fate 2 and Hex: Shards of Fate, which are card-based games with elements of RPG and fantasy.

Get in touch

If you liked this article, you might like our article on what is the best final fantasy game?

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed the content. Whether you agree or disagree with the content, it would be great to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. If you have any, please get in touch below or contact me at richard@blogofgames.com.

Thanks.

Richard, Blog of Games

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All 12 Horizon Zero Dawn Ancient Vessel Locations https://blogofgames.com/all-12-horizon-zero-dawn-ancient-vessel-locations/ Mon, 30 Nov 2020 15:25:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=431 Ancient Vessels in Horizon Zero Dawn are valuable collectibles that can be traded for powerful treasure boxes in Meridian. There are 3 sets of 4 ancient vessels (12 in total) and, although you can get maps alluding to their general area, finding the exact location will require some exploring and focus use. Whether the reward is worth the effort is for you to decide, but at the very least it leads to the unlock of a trophy. 

For those who don’t have the desire or time to do that, we’ve condensed the info into a quick and easy guide with pictures. Here are all 12 HZD Ancient Vessel Locations. 

Faro Ancient Vessel Map Location Ancient Vessel – Faro

The Faro ancient vessel is inscribed with the Faro Automated Solutions logo. FARO were the corporation responsible for the demise of Earth’s living creatures owing to their mission of mass producing manufactured robots. 

This vessel is located in The Jewel towards the south of the Carja Sundom. 

Arches Ancient Vessel Map Location Ancient Vessel – Arches

The Arches ancient vessel depicts an area of land in the Gatelands region in Eastern Sundom. It is not found there, though. This ancient vessel is close to the starting point of the game in the Sacred Land inhabited by the Nora Tribe (see Map).

Once you have located an ancient structure next to a stream, scan the area using Aloy’s focus to locate the ancient debris that contains the vessel.  

DroneHop Ancient Vessel Location Ancient Vessel – DroneHop (right of the bridge)

The DroneHop ancient vessel has a picture of a 21st century drone on the face of it. It is located in the Sacred Lands to the East of the Devil’s Thirst Bandit Camp. This one can be slightly tricky to locate, so listen out for Aloy’s prompts and use the focus to find it. 

As you are approaching the bandit camp front the West, the vessel will be located before the bridge, in a partially obscured pile of rubble to the right of the bridge.  

Wayfarers Ancient Vessel Map Location Ancient Vessel – Wayfarers

The Wayfarers ancient vessel bore the inscription “HARTZ WAYFARERS” on the front of the cup. This is likely a reference to an entity borne out the Hartz-Timor Energy Combine, a corporation in the time of the Old Ones that was partially responsible for the Faro Plague. 

The Wayfarers vessel is located not too far away from the Arches vessel, and can be found in the Sacred Lands close to where you encounter the first tallneck robot. 

Once you have all 4 of Set 1, you can go and collect Palas’ Reward Box I from Meridian. 

Related: The 15 Best PS4 Exclusives

Miriam Ancient Vessel Map Location Ancient Vessel – Miriam

The first vessel in Set 2 is the Miriam ancient vessel. This refers to the Miriam Technologies corporation of old Earth, a company founded by Dr. Sobeck in an attempt to produce environmentally-friendly robots.

This vessel is located in the Sacred Lands to the east of the Devil’s Grief ancient ruins, and very close to the text datapoint “Luna Here I Come”. 

USRC Ancient Vessel Map Location Ancient Vessel USRC

The USRC vessel is a reference to the U.S. Robot Command division of the U.S. government. This division, headed by General Herres, was a military unit that came into the limelight after the military was fully automated in 2055. 

The USRC ancient vessel is situated very close to the Miriam vessel, and can be located by heading eastwards from the “All the Same” text datapoint. 

KZ Ancient Vessel Map Location Ancient Vessel – KZ

The KZ ancient vessel is a reference to Guerilla Games’ other big game franchise, Killzone. The picture on the front of the mug is the red eyes of the Helghast Troopers that are found in the game. 

Conveniently, the KZ vessel is also located near the USRC and Miriam vessels and can be found to the south of the Devil’s Grief ancient ruins. 

The closest text datapoint to this vessel is “She’s the One”. 

Sterling-Malkeet Ancient Vessel Map Location Ancient Vessel – Sterling-Malkeet

The Sterling-Malkeet ancient vessel bears the logo of the large corporation of the same name. The company was similar to Faro Automated Solutions and was a big proponent of robot manufacturing in Old Earth. From numerous data points found throughout the game, we come to learn that Sterling-Malkeet was a controversial corporation, who had a lot of power in the political world. 

This vessel is found to the immediate west of the Shattered Kiln settlement in Maker’s End. Use your focus as you approach the area from the west, it is hard to miss. 

Once you have collected this Horizon Zero Dawn ancient vessel, you can now trade Set 2 for Palas’ Reward Box II in Meridian. 

Related: The 10 Best-selling Games of All Time 

Odyssey Ancient Vessel Map Location Ancient Vessel – Odyssey

The Odyssey vessel is located in the Sun Furrows. It refers to the colony ship that was proposed by a multinational coalition to prepare for the worsening climate crisis. Without giving too much away, you get to learn more about the Odyssey storyline throughout the main quest line in Horizon Zero Dawn. 

The best way to find this vessel is to go to the location of the Olin assigned quest “Collateral”. The vessel is located directly south of here in the heart of the Maker’s End region. 

Metallurgic Ancient Vessel Map Location Ancient Vessel – Metallurgic

The Metallurgic ancient vessel is a mug with the logo of the megacorporation Metallurgic International, a company that was heavily linked to the Faro Plague due to having a monopoly on the mining industry prior to the collapse of human civilization. 

This vessel is located in the mountains in the northeastern region of the map. It is slightly to the east of the level 27 corrupted zone (containing 2 Ravagers and 1 Fire Bellowback), and very close to the campfire in the area. 

Jomei Ancient Vessel Map Location Ancient Vessel – Jomei

Probably one of the last Horizon Zero Dawn ancient vessels that you’ll encounter is the Jomei mug. Not much is known about this vessel, other than the fact that “Jomei World Tour 2053” is written on the face of it. 

It is located in the Sun Furrows, not too far away from the Dimmed Bones ancient ruins. The best opportunity to encounter this vessel is during the level 15 main quest “Into the Borderlands”. 

Thunderheads Ancient Vessel Map Location Ancient Vessel – Thunderheads

On the face of the last vessel in Set 3 is written “Rocky Mountain Thunderheads”. Once you have collected this vessel, you will be able to return to Palas in Meridian to collect Palas’ Reward Box III. 

The Thunderheads vessel is situated near the metallurgic vessel in the northeastern region of the map. It is a stone’s throw east of the Maker’s End ancient ruins and south of the Faro Automated Solutions ruins. 

We hope you enjoyed reading about the 12 Horizon Zero Dawn ancient vessel locations. With a combination of the maps and the picture clues, you should find them in no time. If not, let us know in the comment section below.

For any enquiries, contact me at basil@blogofgames.com, or join our Facebook gaming group for a friendly gaming community. Subscribe to the Blog of Games YouTube channel via the video below. 

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Top 15 List Of PS4 Exclusive Games https://blogofgames.com/top-15-list-of-ps4-exclusive-games/ Fri, 25 Sep 2020 18:49:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=106 Horizon Zero Dawn Gameplay

Ever since Horizon Zero Dawn was first released as a PS4 exclusive in 2017, the open-world action game has continued to engross millions of gamers around the world.

Set in a futuristic world with dinosaur robots, you play as Aloy as she ventures a planet filled with intrigue and beauty at every corner. 

You can equip yourself with a number of weapons and encounter various characters (both good and bad) as you complete an engaging main quest and a multitude of side quests along the way. 

There’s a reason why Horizon Zero Dawn is one of the best-selling PS4 games of all time, and if you haven’t tried it yet, we highly recommend that you do. 

4. Ghost of Tsushima (2020)

Ghost of Tsushima Gameplay

Ghost of Tsushima was one of the most hotly anticipated PS4 exclusives to ever be released. Ever since it was first announced at E3 in 2018, gamers around the world were left intrigued by the stunning graphics and the promise of a huge and dynamic open world set in 13th century Japan. 

Some may argue that the game was hit and miss, especially when it came to the open world activities, but one thing for sure is that the game had a beautiful aesthetic and an thoroughly enjoyable combat system that has still got people talking about it now. 

Fans of stealth, action, samurai, and just good games in general are bound to enjoy Ghost of Tsushima

3. God of War (2018)

God of War Gameplay

For many, God of War would top any list of the best PS4 exclusives, and it’s easy to see why. God of War is a gaming masterpiece that provides a fresh vibe to the franchise’s gameplay and gives everyone another reason to fangirl over Santa Monica Studio’s spectacular protagonist, Kratos. 

The game is great from start to finish. It has that God of War feel that made the previous instalments so good, but the shift from Greek mythology to Norse mythology gives the story a new twist. 

Aside from all this, the game is simply beautiful. At the time of its release, it’s hard to make a case for any other game being more aesthetically impressive than God of War. All of this, combined with action packed combat and a plethora of content, make God of War one of the best PS4 games of all time. 

2. Uncharted 4 (2016)

Uncharted 4 Gameplay

The most recent main entry to the Uncharted series is, in our opinion, undoubtedly the best. Everything about Uncharted 4 is fantastic. The humor, the action, the pacing, the story, the graphics. Everything.

Really, you could play this game in 2020 and still be convinced that it is one of the best games to ever be released. With a great combination of stealth and action, players follow Drake as he searches for new treasures and unearths new puzzles and scenarios. 

With a great amount of content, and a nice multiplayer aspect to boot, Uncharted 4 is a phenomenal game that encapsulates everything you would want in a PlayStation exclusive. This is one that, for sure, other consoles miss out on big time. 

1. The Last of Us Part 2 (2020)

The Last of Us Remastered – Ellie

The Last of Us Part 2 polarized a lot of the fanbase from the original game in ways that we think are largely unjustified. Getting mad about a main female character with big muscles like many bafflingly did seems like a total waste of time when you have a game of this calibre on your hands. 

It’s a story focus game, like the first instalment, and you’ll be equally as engaged to the characters in Part 2. Combat is still expertly designed to make survival feel important. Every action needs to be carried out precisely.  

Fans of the horror aspect of the original will also be happy (terrified) to know that the clickers are still around, along with some new enemies that will make your skin crawl. The game is arguably scarier than the rest and does horror better than most games dedicated to the genre. 

Like the first, you can craft and upgrade your way to a better character, with some neat new additions to the system. The most polarising aspect is the story, but we thought that Naughty Dog did a tremendous job in advancing the narrative, and without giving too much away, this is one you don’t want to miss if you enjoy a rollercoaster of emotion and drama.  

What is your favorite PS4 exclusive? Let us know in the comment section below, or contact me at basil@blogogames.com for any other enquiries.

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The 10 Best Mystery Games for the PS4 https://blogofgames.com/the-10-best-mystery-games-for-the-ps4/ Tue, 18 Aug 2020 19:21:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=495 Mystery games are not often found among the mainstream triple-A titles for the PS4, but there are still plenty of gems out there to be experienced if you’re a fan of the genre.

If you enjoy solving problems and unravelling ambiguities, read on for the 10 best mystery games for the PS4.

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10. Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments

Sherlock Holmes Crime and Punishments – Gameplay

Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments is an adventure mystery games developed by Frogwares and released in 2014.

The game takes place in late 19th Century London and is heavily inspired by the original stories of Arthurs Conan Doyle’s detective fiction series. There are six different cases to be solved throughout the game, and to do so players must visit different locations to discover clues and explore crime scenes to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments feels like an authentic part of Arthur Conan Doyle literature, and is, undoubtedly, one of the best mystery games for the PS4 to play right now.

9. The Sexy Brutale

The Sexy Brutale Gameplay

The Sexy Brutale is a game unlike any other for the PS4 and features a unique and quirky style of animation that lends itself well to the mystery genre.

Inspired by the cult-classic Groundhog Day, the game involves a 12-hour time loop in a casino mansion, in a period of time following the events of an annual party called the The Sexy Brutale. The playable character, Boone, has broken free of the time loop and must save the other party revellers from their deaths by gathering information from clues and hints.

The Sexy Brutale is one of the more stylish games within the genre and, coupled with an interesting gameplay concept, this game easily makes for one of the best mystery games for the PS4 around right now.

8. Agatha Christie: The ABC Murders

Agatha Christie ABC Murders Gameplay

Agatha Christie: The ABC Murders is a point-and-click mystery game that was developed by Artefacts Studio and released in 2016.

In this game, you take on the role of the famous detective Hercule Poirot as you try to investigate clues that will lead to the identification of a mysterious serial killer – the “ABC” killer. Both fans of mystery games and of the Agatha Christie detective novels will love this game. Despite its brevity, the game is addictive and fun, and should definitely be investigated if you’re looking for the best mystery games for the PS4.

7. The Shapeshifting Detective

The Shapeshifting Detective Gameplay

The Shapeshifting Detective is a supernatural murder mystery game that was released in 2018 and takes on a full-motion video (FMV) format.

In the game, you take on the role of a detective who has the ability to morph into other characters and, consequently, unlock different dialogues with certain characters and unravel the mystery of the murder of Dorota Shaw.

The supernatural-noir aesthetic and the FMW format add a unique twist to the mystery genre and make The Shapeshifting Detective a must-try for those looking for great mystery games for the PS4.

6. The Witness

The Witness Gameplay

The Witness is a 2016 puzzle game by game developer Thekla, Inc. The game received overwhelming positive feedback upon its release, with critics praising its challenging yet engaging puzzles and the huge number of mysteries to unravel.

The game is played from first-person perspective and follows an unnamed character as he navigates a large island solving various mysteries and puzzles. The island is split up into different categories of puzzles, all of which must be conquered to get to the final destination – the mountain.

The Witness brilliantly interweaves first-person gameplay with complex puzzles in a way that keeps you engaged throughout. This is a mystery game that will challenge you and keep you entertained for days.

5. L.A. Noire

L.A. Noire Gameplay

L.A. Noire is a detective action-adventure game that was developed by Team Bondi. The game was initially released in 2011 before being remastered for eighth-generation consoles in 2017.

The game features an open-world environment in which players can explore 1940s Los Angeles as an officer of the LAPD. Played from third-person perspective, you must solve cases by investigating crime scenes, searching for clues, and interrogating suspects. The game also allows players to free roam the open world environment and take part in various other activities.

Despite being a remaster, L.A. Noire is one of the best mystery games for the PS4 and is a game that will keep you engrossed from beginning to end.

4. The Wolf Among Us

The Wolf Among Us Gameplay

The Wolf Among Us is a graphic-adventure mystery game released in 2013 by developer Telltale Games – the same game developers as the awesome The Walking Dead game series. The Wolf Among Us is an episodic interactive game that is based on the Fables comic book series.

The game is split into five different episodes, in which you play as protagonist Bigby Wolf, the sheriff of Fabletown, a secret community of fairy tale characters. As Bigby, you are tasked with investigating crimes throughout the area, and the decisions that you make during these investigations will alter the events that take place later in the game.

The Wolf Among Us is stylish and charming, and its unique world makes it easily one of the top mystery games for the PS4.

3. The Vanishing of Ethan Carter

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter – Gameplay

The Vanishing of Ethan Carter is an adventure-mystery game with elements of horror. It was released in 2014 and developed by The Astronauts.

In the game, players can explore an open world environment in order to solve the mystery surrounding the deaths of the Carter family. The player has paranormal abilities which can be used upon locating a dead body in order to piece together the events. The plot is engaging and unique and, along the journey, you will seek the answers to numerous questions – who exactly was Ethan Carter? And what is the truth about the protagonist and paranormal investigator’s existence?

This is one of the best mystery games for the PS4 right now, and well worth trying out.

2. Broken Sword 5: The Serpent’s Curse

Broken Sword 5 Gameplay

Broken Sword 5: The Serpent’s Curse is the fifth instalment of the cult series by Revolution Software and was received positively upon its release in 2013. The game was largely funded by a Kickstarter campaign, in which it raised more that $750,000.

The game follows the same point-and-click mystery adventure format as previous instalments in the series. Players follow the story of George Stobbart and Nicole Collard as they investigate a mysterious painting that takes them on a journey to Paris, Catalonia, and many other places.

The Serpent’s Curse is visually stunning and has an engaging plotline to match – it is definitely one of the best mystery games for the PlayStation 4 available right now.

1. Firewatch

Firewatch Gameplay

Firewatch is an adventure mystery game that was developed by Campo Santo and released in 2016. The game was one of the surprise success stories of 2016 and received universal critical acclaim.

The game follows the story of Henry, a fire lookout based in the Shoshone National Forest. Henry must explore the area in order to investigate strange happenings and unravel the mystery of a dark entity that seems to be haunting his patrol. The game is played from first-person perspective and features a walkie talkie to interact with other characters in the game.

Firewatch is an enjoyable mystery game for the PS4 that has an immersive and engaging gameplay experience. This is definitely one to try if you’re looking for the best PS4 mystery games.

Get in Touch

I hope you enjoyed reading about the 10 best mystery games for the PS4. If you did, you might like to check out our article about some of the best free internet games around righ now.

What is your favorite mystery game? Let us know in the comments section and join our Blog of Games gaming blog community. If you have any questions, please get in touch below or contact me at richard@blogofgames.com

Check us out on YouTube and subscribe to our channel for game playthroughs!

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The 5 Best PS4 Roguelike Games (2020) https://blogofgames.com/the-5-best-ps4-roguelike-games-2020/ Mon, 03 Aug 2020 19:32:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=503 The roguelike genre has become saturated in recent years, with some great (and not so great) titles being released on the PS4. Because of this, it can be hard to stand out from the crowd.

Some roguelikes have that extra something that make you keep coming back for more dungeon crawling and procedurally generated action. The following list is subjective and, if you disagree with the choices, let us know your favorite roguelike games in the comment section below. Here are our 5 best PS4 roguelike games.

Dead Cells PS4 Gameplay

Dead Cells stands out from the crowd in many ways. Most strikingly, the visuals and artwork in the game are beautiful, and the game looks certain to stand the test of time if only for its colorful and stylish aesthetic.

But Dead Cells is more than just an eye-pleaser, the gameplay is fun, moreish, and exciting – everything you want in a roguelike game. The combat is tidy and has a futuristic flair to it that can create explosive blasts of powerful neon flashes. You can choose from melee or projectile weapons and have the ability to upgrade and specialize your character’s offense as you desire.

The story is pretty much none existent and, as with most roguelikes, Dead Cell instead chooses to focus on the gameplay, whilst this is understandable and something that the developers have executed masterfully, I would have liked to have seen a little more substance to the story to incentivize the player.

That being said, Dead Cells was a welcome addition to the genre in 2018 and is undoubtedly one of the best roguelike games for the PS4 in 2020.

Darkest Dungeon PS4 Gameplay

When Darkest Dungeon was released for the PS4 back in 2016, it hit the roguelike community with a bang, and it’s easy to see why. This roguelike was the result of a Kickstarter campaign that resulted in Red Hook Studios raising over $300,000 to develop the game.

The first thing you’ll notice when playing Darkest Dungeon is how gloomy it feels. The artwork team did a great job of creating a dark aesthetic that, at times, is really quite chilling.

The player controls a group of heroes and warriors that are recruited using the facilities in the town page, from which the whole game revolves around. Each character has unique abilities and you can select the appropriate team before heading out to explore dungeons and gather loot and money.

The dungeons are procedurally generated and rooms within each dungeon are connected via hallways that the player moves between in a side-scrolling view. Every dungeon feels different and there are a multitude of enemies that you must cut your way through to progress.

If you’re looking for a title with a good mix of turn-based and real-time gameplay, look no further. Darkest Dungeon is a must-try for lovers of the genre and is one of the best PS4 roguelike games around in 2020.

Slay the Spire PS4 Gameplay

Slay the Spire is a fusion of deck-building and roguelike games that no other has been able to execute so successfully for the PS4. Released in 2019, the game received widespread praise and has been highlighted as a pioneer for the deck-building roguelike genre.

At the start of each run, the player chooses one of four characters, each of whom has their own unique abilities. You then embark on a journey up the spire, which deviates at certain points along the map and contains various minigames, battles, and rest points, among other things. At the top of the spire, you will encounter the boss.

To get to the strop of the spire, strong tactics and effect strategizing is essential. You have to select the appropriate cards to have in your deck in order to defeat the spawning enemies. Your deck builds along the journey, and choosing which cards to keep and discard can be the difference between life and death.

This is not like your average deck-building game, and the customization and combination capabilities are huge. Because of this, so is its addictiveness and replay value. Without a doubt, Slay the Spire is a must try and one of the best roguelike games for the PS4 in 2020.

Enter the Gungeon PS4 Gameplay

Enter the Gungeon is usually the first game I recommend to people who are searching for a new roguelike game to try for the PS4. It has something for everyone and does everything right for a game in the genre.

As soon as the game loads up, you know it’s going to be something special. From the cute and stylish aesthetic to the smooth transitions between the procedurally generated rooms, Enter the Gungeon is a dungeon crawlers dream.

The gameplay is energetic and doesn’t take itself too seriously – there is humor to be found around every corner. Yet, when it comes to combat, the items and weapons that are encountered on a run can lead to some devastatingly powerful attacks that light up the entire dungeon. As the game has developed over time, so has its synergistic capabilities, and now this is one of the game’s greatest pulls.

This top down shooter has immense replay value and, if it wasn’t for the awesome addictiveness of the number 1 entry in this list, Enter the Gungeon would sit right at the top of the pile of best PS4 roguelike games.

The Binding of Isaac PS4 Gameplay

It will be no surprise to regular readers of Blog of Games that we have chose The Binding of Isaac to top the list of the best roguelike games for the PS4. When the game was first ported to the PS4, it was exposed to new audience and has revitalized the dungeon crawler genre.

The Binding of Isaac has a quirky charm that so many games attempt, but few are able to master. In BOI you progress through rooms and floors as you attempt to take on Mom and a number of other endgame bosses, but there is no real story to it.

The real draw of the game is the abundant list of items and plentiful synergies that make no two runs the same. Some runs will be better than others, and you may have to put in some hours to unlock the best Binding of Isaac characters, but every time you start the game you are presented with a different challenge. Something that gives the game a greater replay value than any other I have played.

Another great pull of the game is that you can master the game in different ways depending on your style. If you prefer to tank your way through a game, search for HP and orbitals and use defensive active items to keep you away from harm. If you prefer a zanier offensive approach, you can seek out a whacky synergy that will utilize Isaac’s tears to obliterate enemies of all shapes and sizes.

The Binding of Isaac is a game that all fans of roguelikes should try at least once. It is a masterpiece that gets better with each play, and with the impending release of the Repentance DLC, the game will only further cement its place as number one in the list of the best PS4 roguelike games.

We hope you enjoyed our review of the best roguelike games for the PS4 in 2020. If you think we missed a game that should have been included, let us know in the comment section below!

You may also enjoy our article on the best synergies in The Binding of Isaac. For any enquiries, contact me at basil@blogofgames.com

Check out Youtuber Northernlion playing The Binding of Isaac below.

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What is the Best MMO for the PS4 in 2020? https://blogofgames.com/what-is-the-best-mmo-for-the-ps4-in-2020/ Sun, 02 Aug 2020 14:27:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=379 It’s 2020 now and you’d expect that the MMO genre would be saturated with great new Triple A titles all competing against one another to be at the top of the pile. That doesn’t seem to be the case, though, and MMO players always find themselves going back to the same old games.

Is that such a bad thing, though? Read on for a countdown to the best MMO for the PS4 in 2020.

Neverwinter PS4 Gameplay

Is Neverwinter still a good MMO to play in 2020? Well, you could argue that it is better now than it has ever been. The staff at Cryptic Studios have improved the game tenfold since it was first released and there is now a rejuvenated fanbase and many new players joining continually.

The character creation system is solid, and you can choose from 14 different races (though 5 of which are behind a paywall), each of which has their own distinct abilities. There are 8 different classes and the customization of each character works with appearance presets and sliders that you can use to modify your appearance.

The game, which is based on the Dungeons & Dragons series, has an abundance of quests which are centred around a set of legacy campaigns – missions that must be completed to unlock new aspects of the game. Neverwinter also has a helpful and friendly online community that seem to be readily available to assist people in their quests.

The game is not without issues, however. Perhaps the biggest gripe with the game is the persistent push to purchase in-game content – at times it seems completely unavoidable. Yet, for a free-to-play game, you can kind of understand this tactic to help acquire funds to keep the game going. Many players have also reported framerate issues, too.

All in all, Neverwinter can still be considered a contender for the best PS4 MMO in 2020, and one that you should definitely try if you haven’t already done so.

Warframe PS4 Gameplay

Warframe is often highlighted as an example of how to do an MMO the right way, and it’s easy to see why. The team at Digital Extremes seem to care greatly for the Warframe community and keep it fresh and smooth with regular new content and patches.

Indeed, the game has evolved immensely since it was first ported to the PS4 in 2013, and players who tried the game upon its initial release would almost certainly find the game unrecognizable now.

The combat in the game is one of its best features. It can take some time to get used to at first, but once you do, the slow-motion diving, melee attacks, and ninja-like gun-wielding becomes very satisfying. Another great feature is the amount of content there is. For a free game, the open world content is surprisingly enjoyable, and it is easy to sink hours into the game exploring or hunting.

There are a couple of common criticisms that Warframe is faced with, though. The game is heavily based on grinding and levelling up, so be prepared to put in a fair amount of time before you progress to the next stage. There is also some content that is behind a paywall, but this doesn’t really impact on the ability to play Warframe almost fully without ever having to open your wallet.

Warframe is a must-try for lovers of the genre, and is undoubtedly one of the best MMO games for the PS4 in 2020.

Elder Scrolls Online PS4 Gameplay

If you have a Skyrim itch that you can’t quite scratch, ESO may just be able to satisfy your needs. Granted, it’s not quite the same game (but what ever will be?), but Tamriel Unlimited has that unique Bethesda RPG feel that has makes the developer a master in the roleplaying game genre.

ESO is a game that I played when it first came out, but I struggled to get fully immersed into the world – partly because I was expecting something else (namely, Skyrim 2.0). In fact, it was probably good thing to have left the game where it was then, as returning to it last year was like playing a whole new game, in the best possible way.

As with all Elder Scrolls games, there are a multitude of main and side quests to get through, and the lore in the game is unrivalled. If you allow yourself a few days to get reacquainted into the world, you’ll soon want to be nowhere else.

Combat is what you would expect from an Elder Scrolls game – it’s nothing special but it’s simple and can incentivises the player to level up and find better equipment.

Overall, after it had a rocky start when it was first released, but a number of expansions and DLCs have led to Elder Scrolls Online being a strong contender for the best MMO for the PS4 in 2020.

Star Trek Online PS4 Gameplay

Now, this may seem crazy to some people, but the Trekkie makes Star Trek Online one of the best gaming experiences around and, for me, it is easily a contender for the best MMO for the PS4 in 2020.

There are 6 factions to choose from in Star Trek Online – Starfleet, Klingon Defense Force, Roulan Republic, TOS, Starfleet, Dominion, and DSC Starfleet – and once you’ve chosen your allegiance, you must select one of the many species in the franchise. Three career paths are also available to play as – an engineering officer, a science officer, and a tactical officer.

 When it comes to gameplay, STO is split between ground missions and space missions. In the ground missions, the combat utilises a tab target system and allows you to explore planets on foot. The space missions are slightly more complex and rewarding. The world is vast and takes a long time to explore thoroughly, and you must be weary of encountering enemies on the way.  

Aboard you ship, you control a group of crew members who you must assign various tasks to – they can even join you on ground missions to make your quest easier.

The game is free-to-play, but there is really no need to spend money to enjoy the game fully. Indeed, most of shops contents are utility items and equipment to change the game’s aesthetics.

FFXIV PS4 Gameplay

There’s a reason that FFXIV frequently comes out top of any ‘best of’ lists in the MMO world. It’s simply the best MMO game for the PS4 available right now, and that’s despite being first released on the platform in 2014.

If you had to choose only one aspect of the game that makes it so much better than other MMOs, it has to be the story. FFXIV’s story is immersive, engaging, and enjoyable, and there is plentiful content found within the game.

Character customization is varied and sufficiently detailed to allow you to create a truly unique character. The graphics, while not the best, are incredibly smooth, and the cutscenes become noticeably crisper as you progress throughout the game as FFXIV adapted to its release on new consoles. The soundtrack is diverse, with some traditional Final Fantasy music and some more heavy rock numbers, each of which seem to perfectly suit the scenario of the game.

The combat is not as heavy as in most MMOs, and a focus is mainly placed on the story and skill progression. When you do have to fight, you have a wide array of abilities and weapons in your arsenal. You can choose to specialize in one particular skill, too, in order to tailor your character to how you best like to play the game.

The only draw back to the game is that it requires a monthly subscription to play after the free trial. This was something that put me off for a long time, but once I played FFXIV, I realized why it was justified. The game certainly warrants the title of the best MMO for the PS4 in 2020.

Did you enjoy our article? Let us know what your favorite MMO is in the comment section below. You may also like our review of Star Trek Online.

For any enquiries, contact me at basil@blogofgames.com

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The Best PSVR Bundles https://blogofgames.com/the-best-psvr-bundles/ Mon, 25 May 2020 13:30:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=306 If you’re looking to purchase a PSVR headset, you are probably also looking for some games to play along with it. Since the release of the PlayStation VR in 2016, there have been many bundle deals available to purchase – some worth it, some not so much. Here is a list of some the best PSVR bundles available to users right now.

The Best Value – PlayStation VR FPS Deluxe Bundle

Although this is not our top choice bundle on the list, it is probably the best value of all the PlayStation VR bundles available at the moment. It is so because it includes 4 great games, including probably the best virtual reality game available right now – Skyrim VR.

Farpoint VR

What’s included?

This bundle includes a PlayStation VR headset, a PlayStation Camera, 2 PlayStation Move controllers and a PSV aim controller, Doom VFR, PSVR Bravo Team, PSVR Farpoint, and Skyrim VR.

Pros

The games in this bundle are high-quality virtual reality experiences, each offering a unique take on the first-person shooter genre. PSVR Farpoint takes you on an otherworldly space adventure to a hostile planet, PSVR Doom provides more of a frantic shooter experience with plentiful carnage and a fair few jump scares, PSVR Bravo Team is a more modern and politicized affair set in an Eastern European city.

On top of this you also have Skyrim VR, and for those familiar with the game already it needs no introduction. For those unfamiliar with it, you need to introduce yourself to it.

Cons

If you are not a fan of first-person shooter (FPS) games, this bundle effectively leaves you with only one game choice in the form of Skyrim VR, in which case you would be better off electing for the bundle listed below.

Our Top Choice – PlayStation VR Skyrim Bundle

In our opinion, one of the best PSVR bundles available right now is also the cheapest one. It is also the one with the least games included (just one, in fact), but it is the best PlayStation VR game available right now and will keep you going for a long time while you decide what other games you want to try in the virtual reality world.

Skyrim VR

What’s included?

The bundle includes the PlayStation VR headset, two PlayStation Move controllers, a PlayStation Camera, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR game

Pros

Although the Skyrim may not be the most graphically advanced game available for the PSVR, it is definitely the most immersive and true virtual reality experience available. It has the potential provide over one hundred hours of gaming and the gameplay never seems to get old – testimony to this is found in its still strong sales results, despite having originally been released in 2011.

You can read and watch more on Skyrim VR in our list of VR Open World Games.

Cons

With the bundle offering only 1 game, it is not the most diverse package available, and those looking to try different genres in virtual reality should look elsewhere on the list.

The Most Diverse – PlayStation VR Starter Bundle (10 Items)

This bundle has a little something for all gamers and is probably the most diverse PSVR bundle available right now for a reasonable price. Fans of horror games can be happy with the inclusion of Until Dawn: Rush of Blood, if action-adventure games are your thing then Batman Arkham Asylum is available to you, Driveclub is also there to satisfy fans of racing games.

Eagle Flight PSVR

What’s included?

PlayStation 4 console, PlayStation VR headset, HDMI cable, PlayStation Camera, 2 PlayStation Move controllers, Call of Duty: Black Ops III, PSVR Eagle: Flight, Batman Arkham VR, PSVR Battle Zone, Until Dawn: Rush of Blood, PSVR Rigs: Mechanized Combat League, DriveClub VR, PSVR EVE: Valkyrie, Battlezone VR

Pros

When you consider that the PS4 and PlayStation VR bundle without games is only $30 cheaper than this one (at time of writing), it really is great value for money. The games in this bundle are all solid titles and provide a good introduction to both virtual reality gaming and standard console gaming. Additionally, this bundle comes with all the PSVR equipment necessary to make the most of virtual reality gaming.

Cons

The price may put some people off purchasing this bundle and, although the games are all good, some of the titles included are a little dated now.

All Out – Deluxe PS4 VR Star Wars Bundle (16 Items)

If you have both time and money in abundance, then you may want to go straight in for this Deluxe PS4 Star Wars Bundle. As with the starter bundle listed above in the list, this one is very diverse and has something for lovers of all gaming genres. This one, however, also includes a PS4 Pro, the upgraded and more powerful version of the original PS4, and 12 games in total.

Resident Evil 7 VR

What’s included?

1TB PS4 Pro, PlayStation VR headset, HDMI cable, PlayStation Camera, 2 PlayStation Move controllers, Star Wars Battlefront II, Batman Arkham VR, Doom VFR, EVE: Valkyrie VR, Until Dawn VR, Skyrim VR, Gran Turismo VR, PSVR Worlds, Resident Evil 7 VR, DriveClub VR, RIGS: Mechanized Combat League VR, Battle Zone VR, Eagle Flight VR.

Pros

This is certainly the most complete bundle in the list and has all the best titles currently available on the PSVR, in our opinion. The inclusion of Skyrim VR, Resident Evil 7 VR, and Doom VFR make the game choice in this bundle far superior to the starter bundle. This bundle also contains all the PSVR equipment to maximize the potential of the gameplay experience of the games listed.

Cons

Despite the value being very good considering what’s on offer, this bundle is simply too expensive. If you can afford it easily, then go for it, but we would recommend looking elsewhere at the cheaper bundles to get a feel for the PSVR before going all out with this one. Plus, by the time you have gotten through all the games listed in this bundle, it’s highly likely that better games will have been released in the meanwhile.

Get in touch

If you liked this article, you might enjoy reading our post about the best VR horror games available right now.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed the content. Whether you agree or disagree with the content, it would be great to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. If you have any, please get in touch below or contact me at richard@blogofgames.com.

Thanks.

Richard, Blog of Games.

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Samurai, Viking, Knight – For Honor Warrior Choice https://blogofgames.com/samurai-viking-knight-for-honor-warrior-choice/ Mon, 17 Feb 2020 14:42:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=391 There are only a handful of games out there that have perfected the art of combat, and among them is the much beloved For Honor. In case you’re not familiar with the game, For Honor is an action video game that was released back in 2017.

This game features one of the best combat systems, complete with a vast array of light and heavy attacks, graceful evasions, and deadly counter attacks. For Honor comes with 4 different warrior classes you can choose from which includes Samurai, Viking, Knight, and Wu Lin. But which warriors among them are the most effective and fun to play with? Read on to learn about the best For Honor warrior choice.

For Honor – Samurai

Samurais are incredible fighters with a style of Japanese origin – they can very precisely cut their enemies in half in swift maneuvers with their sharp swords. Samurais are a great choice as a warrior because they can be a huge asset to your team. You can do different heavy and light attacks with them, but you’ll need to be very exact – one wrong move and you could take a lot of damage from the enemy. In For Honor, you will have to face some of the strongest enemies of all time and Samurais can be a great choice to deal with them.

There are 7 Different warriors in the ‘Samurai’ category which include Kensei, Shugoki, Orochi, Nobushi, Shinobi, Aramusha and Hitokiri. All of these Samurais have their own unique style of fighting. All of these fighters have their own perks and cons.

Kensie is a great warrior with a wide approach, strong attacks and reasonably good defense, but takes a lot of time to launch a heavy attack which is a downside for them.

Shugoki is considered by many to be the worst hero of the game because he is too slow and there’s not much he can do to counter enemy attacks.

Orochi is an incredible assassin and her combat is even better, she is quick and deadly, and this combination makes her the most loved Samurai by many.

Nobushi is fairly a good fighter and she can do some serious amount of damage but fighting with her will feels like poking your enemies with a spear and I hardly believe you’ll enjoy playing with her.

Shinobi is a complete fighter with the right amount of attack and defense skills that will leave you in awe. Shinobi features many light and heavy attacks, along with long-range chain attacks that can completely dismantle the enemy.

Aramusha is an assassin/hybrid fighter who comes with two swords that can only do a limited amount of damage – and there are not many options after a counterattack, making him quite vulnerable in combat.

Last but not least, Hitokiri delivers the most heroic heavy attacks but his slow speed might be the biggest issue which makes him very vulnerable and open to counter attacks.

Best among the Samurai – Orochi

For Honor – Vikings

The Vikings are a class of Scandinavian warrior that were dominant throughout much of Europe between the 8th and 11th centuries. They are among the four factions in ‘For Honor’ and they are a force to be reckoned with. Vikings are ruthless attackers and hell raisers – and they can do a great deal of damage to their enemies using some iconic Viking-era weaponry. The Viking category features 7 great warriors that you can choose from. They are the Raider, Warlord, Berserker, Valkyrie, Highlander, Shaman and Jormungandr. All of them have their own unique style of combat that can be equally entertaining.

Vikings are truly the most ruthless, vicious, barbaric, and ferocious fighters that you will ever get your hands on. Yet, as with all the classes, they have their limitations.

The Raider can only be defined in one word – legendary. He can deliver some of the heaviest attacks and his light attacks are very brutal as well. He can also do a 360’ move that completely stuns enemies. Yet, despite his unique tactics, it takes a lot of time to launch a heavy attack and it can be a little distracting.

The Warlord can be best described as the old school Viking that features a sword and a shield in his hands and packs some reasonable headbutts and sprint attacks. Other than some good counters, though, there’s not much more to him.

The Berserker is the perfect fit for someone looking to deliver back to back heavy attacks accompanied by dodges and brutal counterattacks. There is not much uniquity to their combat, though.

The Valkyrie is a combination of an assassin/hybrid warrior who can get the job done with a deadly spear. She can deliver some pretty good heavy attacks and her light attacks are not too shabby, either. Moreover, she is among the deadliest warriors in the game and, if you giver her a shot, you will likely discover a new favorite.

The Highlander is a giant, equipped with a sword larger than himself, and is one of the most effective and brutal among all of the Vikings. The Highlander has two stances, defense and offense which makes him very unique and one of a kind.

The Shaman is very much similar to the Berserker, but they have some different tactics up their sleeves that can make you fall in love with them in a whole different way. The Shaman delivers many combos of heavy and light attacks and they are very decorated warriors.

Last, we have the mighty Jormungandr (Huge Monster in Old Norse) who is a brutal and fearless warrior equipped with a hammer-like weapon and can land some pretty heavy and deadly attacks. For many, though, the Jormundandr can feel slightly sluggish in attack and has the potential to be frustrating for the player.

Best Among the Vikings – Raider

For Honor – Knights

The Knight is another faction in For Honor that you can enjoy as the player. They are the most disciplined warrior among all of the classes. Knights are equipped with a lot of armor and they can be a great asset to your team. The only thing these Knights are missing are the horses that they are usually associated with. There are 7 warriors in the Knight faction that you can play as – they are the Warden, Conqueror, Peacekeeper, Lawbringer, Centurion, Gladiator, and Black Prior.

All of these Knights have their own perks and cons. The Warden is famous for his great defense and counterattacks, and his height is a great advantage in the battle. His wide approach can also cut enemies into pieces from a mile away. Heavy attacks take a while to launch, but with a great defense system, the risk is worth taking. Other than that, there’s nothing extraordinary about the warden.

The Conqueror is a complicated character who has been a part of many controversies. The Conqueror is a lethal warrior that can deliver both heavy and light attacks with precision, causing great damage to the opponent. However, the Conqueror’s defense system is not too great at all – a major downside for this warrior.

The Peacekeeper is one of the best warriors among the knights. She can land heavy and light attacks with fast precision and accuracy, making her one of the most beloved warriors of the Knight Faction. Her low-n-quick maneuver makes her even more lethal and is one of the sharpest attacks across all classes.

With the Lawbringer, it’s all about timing your attacks, and landing heavy and light attack combinations. However, landing those combos sometimes feels more like watching it in slow-motion because they are extremely lethargic and, in truth, extremely annoying.

Next, we have the Centurion, who is famous for his three different heavy attacks that can destroy enemies in a instant. Yes, they are quite fast, so you don’t have to worry about their speed. The Centurion is easily among the most playable characters from the Knight faction and, indeed, across all the classes.

The Gladiator will give you some Aquaman vibes because he holds the same spear as him and dresses in a somewhat familiar fashion. The Gladiator can do good damage with his spear, using his unblockable heavy attacks and supplementing them with piercing jabs and light attacks. You will enjoy playing with this one.

Black Prior is a warrior that you’d be forgiven for not recognizing as a knight. His old raggy clothes suggest a less regal title, but that shouldn’t deceive you. The Black Prior comes with a sword and a shield with some brutal combos to dismantle your enemies. He can deliver lethal heavy, light, and counterattacks but lacks the ability to easily break the guard of enemies.

Best Among the Knights – Centurion

For Honor – Wu Lin

Wu Lin is the newest playable faction in For Honor. The Wu Lin warriors are from the era of ancient China, and they move faster than the blink of the eye. Unlike the other factions, The Wu Lin only consists of 5 warrior choices, including Tiadi, Jiang Jun, Nuxia, Shaolin, and Zhanhu.

Wu Lin warrior provides unique gameplay that you won’t experience from any other faction and you will love their combat once you have played with them. Tiandi is unbelievably fast and can land combos of light and heavy attacks mixed with an extensive amount of dodges that will leave your enemies with a great amount of damage. Speed is the key when playing with Tiandi and it will take some time to perfect. It should be noted that Tiandi can be quite difficult when playing for the first time.

Jiang Jun can be best described as a combination of Berserker and Nobushi. A lot of Jiang Jun tactics are similar to them. Jiang Jun has a wide approach, lethal finishers, and strong attacks that help to chop enemies down from a distance. However, stamina might be an issue when you are playing with this character.

Nuxia features the best 3-hit chain attack in the whole game and it is a delight to behold. The most unique feature of Nuxia is that she can set traps for her enemies by confusing them with misdirections and launching a chain attack in the meantime. Despite her uniqueness, sprint attacks might be hard to land.

The Shaolin is a ferocious monk who is known for their disciplined combat. The Shaolin can launch an endless stream of chaos on enemies and can dismantle them with ease, providing they have the stamina. Yet, launching an endless attack chain could lead to less stamina and it could ruin the whole battle.

Finally, we have the mighty Zhanhu who is known for his long sword that can cut enemies from every direction in a single chain. Zhanhu has great tactics that can come in handy when you are facing the fiercest of enemies. Zhanhu features a variety of heavy and light attacks backed with great defensive stance that can really help with counterattacks.

Best Among Wu Lin – Tiandi

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Deus Ex: Mankind Divided Review https://blogofgames.com/deus-ex-mankind-divided-review/ Mon, 09 Dec 2019 17:58:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=452 If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a cyberpunk video game world, you can’t do much better than Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. This game was released in 2016 and still holds up as one of the best cyberpunk video games of all time, thanks to some impressive futuristic visuals and a well-constructed story. Yet, the game is far from perfect and has had its fair share of detractors. Read on for our Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review.

Developer: Eidos Montréal

Publisher: Square Enix

Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, macOS

What Is Deus Ex: Mankind Divided?

Deus Ex Mankind Divided – Gameplay

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is an action role-playing cyberpunk game that is the fourth entry of the Deus Ex series following on from the 2011 title, Deus Ex: Human Revolution. It is set in 2029, two years after its predecessor.

The game primarily takes place in Prague, though parts of the story see some events occur in London and Dubai. In line with the series’ cyberpunk elements, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided explores themes of elite secret societies, cybernetics, biotechnology, and unjust social division. A key aspect of the game is the divide between normal humans and augmentations, or “augs”, who are people that have technologically enhanced themselves.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided was well received when it was released, and the game was praised for its gameplay, story and graphics. It was seen as a worthy successor to Human Revolution, but there is a general consensus that the story was too short, meaning the game’s characters were underdeveloped and one-dimensional. This has, however, left people calling for the release of a new Deus Ex game.

In this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review, we will explain why the game is worth trying, and why it is one of the best cyberpunk video games available right now.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – Story

Deus Ex Mankind Divided – Cyberpunk World

In Deus Ex: Mankind Divided players take on the role of Adam Jensen, a human who became heavily augmented following an assault on Sarif Industries, where he worked as Chief of Security.

The game begins in Dubai, where Adam is undertaking a mission for anti-terrorist unit Task Force 29 (TF29), before being intercepted and attacked by a mercenary group of the augmented. Adam returns to Prague after the mission and becomes involved in a mission to discover who attempted to bomb the city.

Adam’s journey takes him on a trail of the illuminati, who have begun to use advanced biological weapons in order to kill high-level opponents to their causes. Struggling to know who to trust, Adam finds himself involved with the Augmented Rights Coalition (ARC), a controversial group that acts as a resistance to the abuse of the augmented. Adam encounters many twists and turs from here on in, and what follows is a truly engaging and well-constructed plotline that, deliberately or not, delivers messages pertinent to contemporary society.

The story in Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is heavily rooted in cyberpunk and futuristic themes and attempts to evoke thought of societal injustice in the mind of the payer. Adam is a member of the augmented, a supposedly enhanced version of the human race as we know it. Yet, he and many other “augs” are segregated and looked down on as morally inferior by the game’s “normal” human population.

Deus Ex – Adam Jensen

Is this a sign of things to come? Either way, it’s certainly food for thought and, if your imagination allows, it’s possible to predict a time in the not-so-distant future where this scenario could become a reality. This is why the cyberpunk genre strikes a chord with so many people and why we say in this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review, that this game is one of the best cyberpunk video games available right now.

Without giving too much away in this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review, it should be known that the story, however brief, is rich in content and emotion. The game also ends without a definitive conclusion, leaving the possibility of a new Deus Ex game being released in the future.

If you’re enjoying this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review, you might also like our Observer video game review, another one of the best cyberpunk games available right now.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – Gameplay

Deus Ex Mankind Divided – Graphics

The Deus Ex: Mankind Divided gameplay is similar to previous instalments in the series. It is a first-person shooter with elements of adventure and stealth. Some animations in the game, such as taking cover and melee attacks, switch to a third-person view. Both open world and linear environments are incorporated into the game for players to explore.

Throughout the game, you will encounter various non-playable characters with whom you can interact with and will aid you in completing both main and side story quests. Completing more quests and discovering new areas will reward the player with experience points, enables players to upgrade Adam’s abilities. An in-game currency called Credits can also be acquired which allow the player to purchase item and equipment from black-market shops.

Players can adopt different strategies to progress throughout the game. Those of a more gung-ho disposition can violently enter situations all guns blazing, while those who favour stealth can equip themselves suitably to avoid the danger and silently eliminate enemies with non-lethal weapons.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided Review – The Good

Deus Ex Mankind Divided – Prague

  • Story: In this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review, we have already discussed how good the story is, and it is worth reiterating. This action role-playing game has a good blend of action, stealth, exploration, and character development, all of which combine to make this one of the best cyberpunk video games of all time.  
  • Setting: Seeing Prague in a futuristic cyberpunk setting is definitely a highlight of the game. It is not the only location that you will are able to explore, but it is the largest one and acts as a base for you to go travel from to other areas throughout the game. It is quite easy to spend hours just roaming around the city and taking in the sci-fi vibes while listening to the citizens liaise with each other.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided Review – The Bad

Deus Ex Mankind Divided – Metro

  • Lip Sync: One aspect of the game that is noticeably flawed is the lip syncing. This is slightly disappointing, especially when you consider how good the voice acting in the game is.
  • Length: A lot of criticism of the game was aimed at how short the story is. It is true that the main quest line is a little on the short side, but it didn’t feel like a problem for us as the content was so good. There is also a lot of exploration in the game which occupies a lot of game time.

Games like Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

If you’ve already completed the game and are looking for a similar fix, there are plenty of other titles out there to try. Here are some more games like Deus Ex: Mankind Divided:

  • System Shock 2
  • BioShock
  • Anachronox
  • Thief
  • Prey

Blog of Games Rating

You can probably tell from reading this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review that we are fans of the title. Despite, this is still one the best cyberpunk games around. We award the game 8/10.

Get in Touch

If you enjoyed reading this Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review, you might also like our Resident Evil 2 remake review.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed the content. Whether you agree or disagree with the content, it would be great to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. If you have any, please get in touch below or contact me at richard@blogofgames.com.

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Observer: Video Game Review https://blogofgames.com/observer-video-game-review/ Mon, 09 Dec 2019 14:28:00 +0000 https://blogofgames.com/?p=380 Observer is a psychological horror game that was released in 2017 on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The game is set in a futuristic cyberpunk world and features Rutger Hauer, who played a prominent role in Blade Runner. It was released to unanimous critical acclaim and is one of the best cyberpunk video games to ever be released. Read on for our Observer video game review.

Developer: Bloober Team

Publisher: Aspyr

Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch.

What Is Observer?

Observer – Cyberpunk World

Observer is a psychological science fiction horror game that gained notoriety for its world design, story, and visual effects.

The game is set in the Kraków, Poland, in the year of 2084. The world has recently fallen victim to a digital plague, or nanophage, that resulted in thousands of deaths and a subsequent rise in war and drug abuse. Poland has ceded control to megacorporation Chiron, which has resulted in the creation of the Fifth Polish Republic.

The Observers, a police unit working under Chiron, have been placed in charge of the country’s security and have been granted access to hack the minds of inhabitants. As a result of this, criminals and drug addicts are sent away to live in run-down apartment buildings.

The game has been well received by critics and gamers alike, and collected numerous awards for its gameplay and setting. Observer was lauded for its effective amalgamation of cyberpunk, sci-fi ad horror elements, and its success has led to the possibility of a film adaptation being released in the future.

The visual effects, the story and the world design are of the highest calibre in this game. In this Observer video game review, we will try to explain why Observer is one of the greatest horror games of the past few years, and why it is one of the best cyberpunk video games of all time.

Observer – Story

Observer – Story

Players take on the role of Observer detective, Daniel Lazarski. At the beginning of the game, Lazarski receives a phone call from Adam, his estranged son. The call is traced to an apartment in one of the most run-down areas of Kraków.

After visiting Adam’s apartment building, a series of hints lead Daniel on a trail to find his son. The journey to find Adam turns out to be a rollercoaster of emotions for the detective, who eventually finds himself in an abandoned virtual reality salon called Sanctuary.

Inside Sanctuary, Lazarski encounters further surprises. What follows is a deep exploration into a digital realm that allows consciousness to exist in virtual reality and enables the possibility of transferring consciousness into a different host body.

Without giving too much plot information away in this Observer video game review, one thing we can say is that the story is as intense as it is enjoyable, with an engaging and emotional connection being crafted with the characters in the game.

If you’re enjoying this Observer video game review, you might also like our Anachronox review, another one of the best cyberpunk video games available right now.

Observer – Gameplay

Observer – Psychedelic

The Observer gameplay is similar to other psychological horror games in the genre. It is played from a first-person perspective and allows the player to roam certain areas, interacting with objects and characters in order to solve puzzles to advance in the game.

A unique feature of Observer’s gameplay is the use of the Dream Eater. This device allows the player to hack the minds of people in order to interrogate them. In this cyberpunk game, the detective is also equipped with Bio Vision and Electromagnetic Vision, allowing you to thoroughly examine your surroundings and mark any interactable objects.

Aside from the main quest, players can also search for collectibles such as patient records and Nanophage cards. There is also an enjoyable mini-game available to play through computer terminals called With Fire and Sword: Spiders.

Observer – The Good

Observer – Gameplay

  • Cyberpunk setting: It is obvious from the outset that the game is heavily inspired by Blade Runner, and Observer does a great job of emulating the cyberpunk setting and feel that made so many fall in love with the genre. The atmosphere is immense, with lighting and audio playing a huge part in the suspense. Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect, though, is that you are thrown into the deep end with little explanation and a ton of working out to do, it adds a great deal of immersion to the gameplay and couples wonderfully with the futuristic setting.
  • Story: It is already mentioned above in this Observer video game review how good the story is, and it is worth mentioning again. Admittedly, the story is confusing at times, but if you focus on the plot there are some thought-provoking and current themes to the game’s story. Combine this with some top voice acting and impressive futuristic visuals, and Observer easily becomes one of the best cyberpunk video games of recent history.

Observer – The Bad

  • Combat: Or lack of. Some players were put out by the lack of combat in the game. So, if you’re into horror games with a good dose of action injected into them, you may want to search elsewhere before trying Observer.
  • Length and difficulty: A few gamers have complained about the length of the game. It will take around 8-10 hours to complete the game, depending on how much you interact with the environment. Others have levelled criticism at the ease of the game, citing the simplicity of the puzzles.

Games like Observer

Observer – Graphics

If you’ve finished the game already and are looking for something similar, you are in luck. Here are some other games like Observer for you to try:

  • Soma
  • Layers of Fear
  • System Shock 2

Blog of Games Rating

You may have noticed from reading this Observer video game review that we are massive fans of this psychological horror game. It is, without question, one of the best cyberpunk video games of all time, and certainly one of the best psychological horror games of the past few years. We enjoyed this game immensely at Blog of Games, and this Observer video game review awards the title an impressive 8.5/10.

Get in Touch

If you enjoyed reading this Anachronox review, you might also like our Remothered: Tormented Fathers review.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed the content. Whether you agree or disagree with the content, it would be great to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. If you have any, please get in touch below or contact me at richard@blogofgames.com

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