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Notly
◍ A guy from Eastern Europe
◍ Graphic designer
◍ Dreamer
I'm here:
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/notlyan#034
Steam: https://steamcommunity.com/id/notlyan
Xbox: https://account.xbox.com/en-US/Profile?gamerTag=Notly_33
LiveLib (Books): https://www.livelib.ru/reader/Notly
◍ Graphic designer
◍ Dreamer
I'm here:
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/notlyan#034
Steam: https://steamcommunity.com/id/notlyan
Xbox: https://account.xbox.com/en-US/Profile?gamerTag=Notly_33
LiveLib (Books): https://www.livelib.ru/reader/Notly
Запутанный сюжет:
Основная линия простая и короткая, без сильной мотивации. Раскрытие сюжета происходит только в конце. И он не шокирует. Сайд квесты выглядят намного сильнее и интереснее.
Душно:
Беготня по пустым локациям надоедает, особенно в Припяти — много пустоты и однотипных прогулок.
Меньше духа Сталкера:
Ослабление фирменного «духа Сталкера» — той клаустрофобной, угнетающей атмосферы Зоны из «Тени Чернобыля», где каждый шаг сопровождался ощущением опасности и паранойи.
Причина потери атмосферы:
Затон и Янтарь — просторные, солнечные зоны, где мало укрытий и напряжения; в отличие от тёмных коридоров Кордона или Агропрома, здесь Зона кажется «приветливой» и менее враждебной. Слабая Припять - Кульминационная локация недоделана — пустые улицы, мало аномалий/мутантов. Акцент игры сместился на исследование и квесты.
Разнообразные квесты:
Штурмы, переговоры, охота за артефактами. Лучше основного сюжета по проработке.
Итог:
Игра хороша по механикам и квестам, но уступает «Тени Чернобыля» по атмосфере и сюжету.
Основная линия простая и короткая, без сильной мотивации. Раскрытие сюжета происходит только в конце. И он не шокирует. Сайд квесты выглядят намного сильнее и интереснее.
Душно:
Беготня по пустым локациям надоедает, особенно в Припяти — много пустоты и однотипных прогулок.
Меньше духа Сталкера:
Ослабление фирменного «духа Сталкера» — той клаустрофобной, угнетающей атмосферы Зоны из «Тени Чернобыля», где каждый шаг сопровождался ощущением опасности и паранойи.
Причина потери атмосферы:
Затон и Янтарь — просторные, солнечные зоны, где мало укрытий и напряжения; в отличие от тёмных коридоров Кордона или Агропрома, здесь Зона кажется «приветливой» и менее враждебной. Слабая Припять - Кульминационная локация недоделана — пустые улицы, мало аномалий/мутантов. Акцент игры сместился на исследование и квесты.
Разнообразные квесты:
Штурмы, переговоры, охота за артефактами. Лучше основного сюжета по проработке.
Итог:
Игра хороша по механикам и квестам, но уступает «Тени Чернобыля» по атмосфере и сюжету.
Finally, ”Gears of War” is on Steam (and beyond)
For many newcomers, this is the most convenient entry point into the series: the remaster looks much “fresher” than the 2006 original, with improved graphics and modern quality-of-life features.
The campaign runs at a stable 60 FPS, multiplayer goes up to 120 FPS, loading times are faster, and modern rendering technologies are used.
In ”Reloaded”, the color grading, lighting, and detail are clearly improved compared to the ”Ultimate Edition”. Textures are sharper, lighting and shadows are more realistic, water reflections and metallic highlights look much better.
At the same time, the visual style has noticeably changed: the game has become brighter, and the atmospheric “dark” aesthetic of the original and early remasters has been softened. It’s now less “gritty and oppressive“
Many players expected “Reloaded“ to be something more than just a graphical touch-up; however, the content, gameplay, and mechanics remain almost the same as in the previous version (Gears of War: Ultimate Edition). There are no new missions or significant gameplay improvements.
If you are a fan of the original ”Gears 1” atmosphere and value its “grit, gloom, and oppressive tone,” be prepared that Reloaded may feel “too clean” and “washed out.”
If you expect major gameplay changes, new content, or a fundamentally reworked remaster, ”Reloaded” will likely disappoint you: essentially, it’s ”Ultimate Edition” + upgraded graphics / tech.
For many newcomers, this is the most convenient entry point into the series: the remaster looks much “fresher” than the 2006 original, with improved graphics and modern quality-of-life features.
The campaign runs at a stable 60 FPS, multiplayer goes up to 120 FPS, loading times are faster, and modern rendering technologies are used.
In ”Reloaded”, the color grading, lighting, and detail are clearly improved compared to the ”Ultimate Edition”. Textures are sharper, lighting and shadows are more realistic, water reflections and metallic highlights look much better.
At the same time, the visual style has noticeably changed: the game has become brighter, and the atmospheric “dark” aesthetic of the original and early remasters has been softened. It’s now less “gritty and oppressive“
Many players expected “Reloaded“ to be something more than just a graphical touch-up; however, the content, gameplay, and mechanics remain almost the same as in the previous version (Gears of War: Ultimate Edition). There are no new missions or significant gameplay improvements.
If you are a fan of the original ”Gears 1” atmosphere and value its “grit, gloom, and oppressive tone,” be prepared that Reloaded may feel “too clean” and “washed out.”
If you expect major gameplay changes, new content, or a fundamentally reworked remaster, ”Reloaded” will likely disappoint you: essentially, it’s ”Ultimate Edition” + upgraded graphics / tech.
Plot:
In this modification, you find yourself on the other side of the conflict — playing as a HECU soldier sent to «Black Mesa» to eliminate witnesses of the incident. Inspired by the classic «Opposing Force», the mod aims to show the events from the military's point of view.
Gameplay:
A classic action shooter with a focus on gunplay and tactics. The balance is off at times — dull shootouts alternate with sudden, ridiculous difficulty spikes. The AI for both enemies and allies often behaves strangely.
Technical Execution:
Some animations and level designs feel unpolished. Optimization is lacking — expect FPS drops and bugs.
Verdict:
«Black Mesa: Military» - is an attempt to tell a familiar story from a new angle, but the execution suffers from technical roughness and uninspired gameplay. Recommended only for hardcore fans of the «Half-Life» universe and modding scene.
In this modification, you find yourself on the other side of the conflict — playing as a HECU soldier sent to «Black Mesa» to eliminate witnesses of the incident. Inspired by the classic «Opposing Force», the mod aims to show the events from the military's point of view.
Gameplay:
A classic action shooter with a focus on gunplay and tactics. The balance is off at times — dull shootouts alternate with sudden, ridiculous difficulty spikes. The AI for both enemies and allies often behaves strangely.
Technical Execution:
Some animations and level designs feel unpolished. Optimization is lacking — expect FPS drops and bugs.
Verdict:
«Black Mesa: Military» - is an attempt to tell a familiar story from a new angle, but the execution suffers from technical roughness and uninspired gameplay. Recommended only for hardcore fans of the «Half-Life» universe and modding scene.
This game is the next step after «MORDHAU»:
«Half Sword» takes things further, pushing toward realism by almost paradoxically abandoning traditional «game-like» dynamics. This isn't an action game. It's a slow, physically grounded simulation of close combat, where every swing of a weapon demands control and precision.
The controls are both your enemy and your mentor:
Weapon handling is modeled with extreme detail. Your right hand, left hand, torso, and blade position — all under your command. It's closer to puppeteering than to traditional action gameplay. At first, you'll feel clumsy — the sword jerks awkwardly, your character stumbles, strikes miss entirely. But that's the point: Half Sword teaches you to think like a fencer.
Depth without speed:
Each duel feels like a deadly chess match, where blade positioning, stance, and timing matter more than reflexes. Victory doesn’t come from button mashing, but from understanding weight, angles, and weak points. The game lives up to its name: the "half-swording" technique — gripping the blade for precise thrusts — isn’t a gimmick, but a vital skill.
Final verdict:
«Half Sword» - is a tool for studying swordsmanship, wrapped in an experimental shell. It’s not about fun — it’s about mastery. If you’re looking for the next step after «MORDHAU», not broader, but deeper — you’ve found it.
«Half Sword» takes things further, pushing toward realism by almost paradoxically abandoning traditional «game-like» dynamics. This isn't an action game. It's a slow, physically grounded simulation of close combat, where every swing of a weapon demands control and precision.
The controls are both your enemy and your mentor:
Weapon handling is modeled with extreme detail. Your right hand, left hand, torso, and blade position — all under your command. It's closer to puppeteering than to traditional action gameplay. At first, you'll feel clumsy — the sword jerks awkwardly, your character stumbles, strikes miss entirely. But that's the point: Half Sword teaches you to think like a fencer.
Depth without speed:
Each duel feels like a deadly chess match, where blade positioning, stance, and timing matter more than reflexes. Victory doesn’t come from button mashing, but from understanding weight, angles, and weak points. The game lives up to its name: the "half-swording" technique — gripping the blade for precise thrusts — isn’t a gimmick, but a vital skill.
Final verdict:
«Half Sword» - is a tool for studying swordsmanship, wrapped in an experimental shell. It’s not about fun — it’s about mastery. If you’re looking for the next step after «MORDHAU», not broader, but deeper — you’ve found it.
«Blew my mind»
«Just one more turn»
«Durak Online» - is a digital version of the most well-known Russian card game, adapted for mobile devices. The app allows you to play the classic «Durak» game against real people online, which made it a real hit in Runet back in the 2010-s.
Online mode - is the main feature of the game. Matches are found quickly, and the rating system allows you to compete with players of a similar skill level.
This game is a great way to pass the time, especially if you enjoy card games and want to challenge real opponents. Despite its simplicity, the app is well-designed and captures the spirit of the good old «Durak» we all used to play around the kitchen table.
Online mode - is the main feature of the game. Matches are found quickly, and the rating system allows you to compete with players of a similar skill level.
This game is a great way to pass the time, especially if you enjoy card games and want to challenge real opponents. Despite its simplicity, the app is well-designed and captures the spirit of the good old «Durak» we all used to play around the kitchen table.
In the Fallout 4 Next-Gen Update (2024), Bethesda included nine free Creation Club add-ons, which were previously available for purchase. These add-ons introduce new quests, weapons, armor, and settlement decorations, significantly expanding gameplay options.
1. Enclave Remnants
- Quest: Echoes of the Past — A confrontation with the Enclave faction trying to establish a foothold in the Commonwealth.
Includes:
- Unique Enclave Colonel uniform
- Weapons: Tesla Cannon and Heavy Incinerator
- Power Armor: X-02 and Hellfire
- Enclave-themed skins for weapons and armor
- New workshop items
2. Makeshift Weapon Pack
- Quest: When Pigs Fly — Begins at a vendor northwest of Greenetech Genetics.
Weapons:
- Baseball Grenade Launcher
- Nail Gun
- Saw Blade Launcher
- Improvised Grenade Launchers
- Piggy Bank weapon
3. Halloween Workshop
- Quest: All Hallow’s Eve — Activated via the “Mysterious Signal” on your Pip-Boy.
- Content: 38 Halloween-themed settlement decorations: witches, cauldrons, pumpkins, and more
- New headgear: the De-Capitalist Helmet
These add-ons are automatically available after installing the game and do not require additional downloads or manual activation.
1. Enclave Remnants
- Quest: Echoes of the Past — A confrontation with the Enclave faction trying to establish a foothold in the Commonwealth.
Includes:
- Unique Enclave Colonel uniform
- Weapons: Tesla Cannon and Heavy Incinerator
- Power Armor: X-02 and Hellfire
- Enclave-themed skins for weapons and armor
- New workshop items
2. Makeshift Weapon Pack
- Quest: When Pigs Fly — Begins at a vendor northwest of Greenetech Genetics.
Weapons:
- Baseball Grenade Launcher
- Nail Gun
- Saw Blade Launcher
- Improvised Grenade Launchers
- Piggy Bank weapon
3. Halloween Workshop
- Quest: All Hallow’s Eve — Activated via the “Mysterious Signal” on your Pip-Boy.
- Content: 38 Halloween-themed settlement decorations: witches, cauldrons, pumpkins, and more
- New headgear: the De-Capitalist Helmet
These add-ons are automatically available after installing the game and do not require additional downloads or manual activation.
«Pajama Sam 4» - is a continuation of the «Pajama Sam» adventure game series, released after «Humongous Entertainment» came under the wing of «Atari».
Atmosphere:
The game is more reminiscent of the first installment, bringing back the cozy and slightly mysterious vibe that fans loved. However, compared to previous games, the world feels less detailed and immersive.
Sam’s Voice:
One of the biggest changes is the new voice actor. Unfortunately, Sam's voice has become less expressive, which may disappoint longtime fans.
Animation:
Character movements appear less fluid, and scenes are less detailed. This significantly impacts the overall perception of the game.
Conclusion:
While «Pajama Sam 4» does not reach the level of the first two games, it remains a decent adventure for children. However, changes in voice acting and a generally simplified approach to gameplay make it less memorable for longtime fans of the series.
Atmosphere:
The game is more reminiscent of the first installment, bringing back the cozy and slightly mysterious vibe that fans loved. However, compared to previous games, the world feels less detailed and immersive.
Sam’s Voice:
One of the biggest changes is the new voice actor. Unfortunately, Sam's voice has become less expressive, which may disappoint longtime fans.
Animation:
Character movements appear less fluid, and scenes are less detailed. This significantly impacts the overall perception of the game.
Conclusion:
While «Pajama Sam 4» does not reach the level of the first two games, it remains a decent adventure for children. However, changes in voice acting and a generally simplified approach to gameplay make it less memorable for longtime fans of the series.
«Pajama Sam 3» — is the third installment in the beloved children's adventure game series by «Humongous Entertainment», but unfortunately, it feels weaker compared to its predecessors.
Story and Atmosphere:
This time, Sam finds himself in a world of sentient food, where a conflict is brewing between different groups of edible characters. His mission is to help organize a peaceful conference. In this world, food is self-aware, talks, and interacts, yet casually discusses its own fate in the food chain. The storyline feels mediocre, as if it was pulled out of thin air.
Gameplay and Puzzles:
The gameplay stays true to the series’ traditions—exploring locations, collecting items, and using them in the right places. However, the puzzles seem simpler and less inventive than before.
Conclusion:
«Pajama Sam 3» — feels less well-thought-out and engaging than the previous games in the series.
Story and Atmosphere:
This time, Sam finds himself in a world of sentient food, where a conflict is brewing between different groups of edible characters. His mission is to help organize a peaceful conference. In this world, food is self-aware, talks, and interacts, yet casually discusses its own fate in the food chain. The storyline feels mediocre, as if it was pulled out of thin air.
Gameplay and Puzzles:
The gameplay stays true to the series’ traditions—exploring locations, collecting items, and using them in the right places. However, the puzzles seem simpler and less inventive than before.
Conclusion:
«Pajama Sam 3» — feels less well-thought-out and engaging than the previous games in the series.
Story:
Sam once again finds himself in a world full of imagination, but this time his fear is thunder and lightning. He accidentally ends up at the «Weather Factory» and discovers that his actions have caused the system to malfunction. Now, the young hero must fix the situation to restore the weather to normal.
Gameplay and Mechanics:
The game features classic «point-and-click» mechanics. Sam must interact with the environment, find items, and solve puzzles to bring order back to the factory.
Features:
- Interactive and fun puzzles
- Well-designed and colorful world
- Alternative paths for progression
- Educational element - helps children develop logical thinking
Conclusion:
«Pajama Sam 2» - is a great sequel that retains the spirit of the original while introducing new mechanics and exciting locations. The game is perfect for young players but can also delight adults with its nostalgic 90's gaming atmosphere.
Sam once again finds himself in a world full of imagination, but this time his fear is thunder and lightning. He accidentally ends up at the «Weather Factory» and discovers that his actions have caused the system to malfunction. Now, the young hero must fix the situation to restore the weather to normal.
Gameplay and Mechanics:
The game features classic «point-and-click» mechanics. Sam must interact with the environment, find items, and solve puzzles to bring order back to the factory.
Features:
- Interactive and fun puzzles
- Well-designed and colorful world
- Alternative paths for progression
- Educational element - helps children develop logical thinking
Conclusion:
«Pajama Sam 2» - is a great sequel that retains the spirit of the original while introducing new mechanics and exciting locations. The game is perfect for young players but can also delight adults with its nostalgic 90's gaming atmosphere.