Recent reviews by Quack

Probably my favorite ARPG/Diablo-like. Has tons of character customization, including dual classing. Is actually a fun game to play over and over, and not a simple sloggy grindfest. DLC is not necessary, but highly recommended. Multiplayer also works extremely well.

Really polished and fun action game. Tons of customization, both in parts and fashion. While I would not consider this a souls game, having some tertiary knowledge will give you a big leg up. Despite the lineage of these games, I find this one to be very forgiving, which I find allowing for more wiggle room for experimentation.

Goes from COD Zombies Moon ending to End of Evangelion.

A solid spin-off to the Yakuza series. It's more or less the same flavor, with a winding plot full of betrayal, goofy side quests, and lots of collectibles. This time, however is through the lens of a civilian detective. Despite all that happens in the story, it is surprisingly more grounded, which I enjoyed. Also hot take, I actually prefer Yagami over Kiryu.

An excellent remake of the first Half-Life game. The updated graphics and engine really help accentuate the innate horror in this game.

My only complaint would be that updated final level, Xen, overstays its welcome, with the final boss not posing much of a challenge.

A short but oddly relaxing game about picking up garbage from the side of the road. One of my favorite games from its generation.

A pretty straightforward but well designed JRPG set in the Yakuza universe. Has all the essential trademarks of a typical game in the series, but with it's party-based system, feels more grounded and heartfelt. Yakuza has some iconic characters, but you really come to love the party members and supporting characters in this one. The Job based system in this game subvert the usual tropes of classic JRPGs with its incredibly interesting classes, such as the breaker, chef, and night queen.

Only real complaint would be lack of post-game content and other cities are lacking compared to the main one.

Through the power of friendship, eating at a fast-food restaurant is finally not lonely.

At this point, what hasn't been said about this series. My personal opinions are that while the general story is pretty generic, gameplay wise, the mechanics hold up really well for a decade long series. The characters are love-able and to be controversial, I do feel that each gets better than the one before it.

I didn't really enjoy the game in the beginning, felt that the game at times was too tedious. However, after giving it a second chance, I found a weapon that made me enjoy the game and played with friends. That's where I feel the game works best. For solo, there is some micromanagement that can be a bit overwhelming for new players. Playing with a group, those aspects are spread across more players that in turn makes it more manageable. Now that I understand the game a bit more, solo and group play is a lot more fun. Hammer is best weapon.

2020 edit: Hammer still best weapon.

Another one of my favorite games of the last decade. I am, admittedly, not much of a fan of old school RPGs, however this had hooked me through and through. At times, it feels more like a strategy game than it does a traditional RPG. If you are a fan of games like the newer XCOM games, I would recommend this game whole heartedly. Also, great fun with friends.

One of my favorite games of the last decade. If you enjoyed Enemy Unknown/Within, this is a continuation and a refinement. With the expansion, it becomes an even better experience, with new mechanics that greatly improve the game. Notoriously challenging, sometimes unfair, but highly rewarding.