QUARTER BREAKDOWN
JUNE
The Month of I can't Believe I Completed this
MELVOR IDLE
I have to admit, this game was by far not on my schedule of completion any time soon, but after spending so much time in it, I finally hit completion on this game. It was an incredible journey and I am not sure if I'd be willing to pick the DLC's and continue form there.
For now, I'm left with Cookie Clicker, another Idle game waiting to be completed, but that's a game for December.
A true Idle RPG story
Sum-Up
In-depth analysis further down.
| 🟩 Pros | 🟥 Cons |
|---|---|
|
• Offers a large variety of crafting and gathering • Simple to use and non-distractive • Pleasant interface • Works well through cloud save both on mobile and desktop • For an idle game it's rather addictive |
• None I could find |
| 🟨 Bugs & Issues | 🔧 Specs |
|---|---|
|
☑️ Never had any. 🔲 Freezing, Hanging or Crashing. 🔲 Graphics Glitch. 🔲 Gameplay Defect. 🔲 In-game Purchase. 🔲 Audio Problem. 🔲 Text Problem. 🔲 Save Glitch. |
• CPU: i7-12700K • RAM: 32GB DDR4 • GPU: 1060 6GB • SD: SSD • RES: 1440p |
| Content & Replay Value | Melvor Idle is an Idle RPG game that was created by the same developers who created Runescape. It's a casual, relaxing and surprisingly enjoyable experience that is going to keep you up for hours. At this time of this review, I can say that I've got over 150+ hours of gameplay my time spent on my phone isn't recorded on Steam, but without a doubt, this game will probably be one of the top performers when it comes to hours spent. |
| Is it worth buying? | Yes. Although it comes at a price I'd normally not pay for a mobile or idle game, after considering a couple of times and trying it out, I got to the conclusion that it's worth it. I've spent well enough time to justify my spending idling and non-idling. I recommend getting this game directly through Steam as you can find it at a better price than on your mobile device and link your mobile with it afterwards. |
Verdict: Very Good |
For an idle game this has been enjoyable to say the least and probably by far one of the best Idle games I've played or let's say idled in a while. |
Melvor Idle is a feature-rich, idle/incremental game combining a distinctly familiar feel with a fresh gameplay experience. With over 20+ skills that you can craft/idle this game will keep you busy. In the game you also have a combat system, that is rather simple. All you have to do is equip a sword, bow or staff and fight your way through monsters.
⚔ Gameplay:
Rate: ★★★★☆
Melvor Idle has a rather simple, yet effective crafting and combat mechanic. Pick the profession or work you wish to do and see what the requirements are, and let the game just run. It's very simple and maybe sounds rather boring, but I am telling you, there's something about this game that makes it so much fun.
You can build your own way and there's no pressure whatsoever.
😄 Fun:
Rate: ★★★★☆
Although I can't say Idling is fun, it's something about this game that makes every moment spent interesting. I have had my moments of "AHA" with it when I figured out what I am supposed to do.
🏞 Visuals:
Rate: ★★★☆☆
Has a pleasant interface, but could do with some work on some areas. If you like minimalistic interface this game will satisfy that need.
I would personally like a fantasy art style but that would beat the whole UI and require adjustments.
🔊 Sound:
Rate: N/A
This game has no sound, so you can play or run it anywhere without having silly noises disrupt you. I like that.
📖 Story:
Rate: N/A
This is a Sandbox Idle game, so you make your own story however you like. It has no campaign, but a simple tutorial to follow.
🧵 Length:
🔲 Short
🔲 Average
🔲 Long
☑️ Unlimited
This is an idle game, so I don't think it has an end-goal, or at least I hope it doesn't. What I can tell you is that you're required to max out all your crafting and profession to level 99, which takes a while. Maybe then you can consider putting it down and if you wish start all over, but I don't see the point.
🧩 Difficulty:
☑️ Easy
☑️ Normal
☑️ Hard
🔲 Brutally Hard
🔲 Impossible
This game is rather easy to play. The only reason why it has so many difficulties is because of the combat. You have to get yourself a lot of money to support yourself with food in combat automatically, which you'll buy from the store. Until that happens it will be difficult to consider idle combating easy. You constantly have to keep an eye for your character so it won't die. If you die, you lose an item, which isn't much of a big deal.
⭕Conclusion:
Melvor is an excellent Idle game, that encapsulates the RPG very well. If you're looking for a nice and complex game, for your Steam and mobile, look no further.
This game is easy to follow up and playing it is as easy as pie.
GHOST OF TSUSHIMA: DIRECTOR'S CUT
After completing the base game and the DLC for this game on PS4 I am very very happy to get my hands once more on PC. It's by far one of my favorite PS "exclusive" games. Revisiting the world made me appreciate and love this game even more.
Although I put all my effort to complete it, the Multiplayer section is the most tedious section of the game, forcing you to grind it. So, I'm left to leave it in June as Beaten for now, but working on getting it completed.
"We must fight with honor Jin!" - Lord Shimura / "Honor died on the beach!"- Jin Sakai
Sum-Up
In-depth analysis further down.
| 🟩 Pros | 🟥 Cons |
|---|---|
| • Unique and fun samurai combat. • Beautiful world, with outstanding visuals. • Great representation of Japan and its history. • Interesting characters and story. • Good exploration without holding your hand. • Good port, with fairly good keyboard and mouse controls. • Added multiplayer with cross-play is a fine touch. | • Noticed some bugs here and there related to settings. • Enforcing PSN accounts on players to play Legends. Limiting access to so many countries. |
| 🟨 Bugs & Issues | 🔧 Specs | ⚙️ Settings & FPS |
|---|---|---|
| Sometimes stutter problems occur during playthrough if I alt-tab a lot. Required to restart game to make the game run smoothly. | • CPU: i7-12700K • RAM: 32GB DDR4 • GPU: 3080 10GB • SD: SSD • RES: 1440p | Settings: High - Ultra FPS: 70-75 |
| 🌌 Content & Replay Value | A lengthy and expansive open-world game with lots of stuff to visit, interact with, and explore. It offers a New Game + mode, and the game can be completed in 60-120 hours, depending on each playstyle. |
| 💵 Is it worth buying? | Yes. Unless you have this game bought on the PS4/PS5, I'd say this game is well worth the money it asks. |
| 🎮 Steam Deck Compatibility | Set FPS to 30 and Graphics to Low/Medium this game can run quite well on the Steam Deck. |
🧾 Verdict: Excellent |
Ghost of Tsushima immediately became my favorite open-world game from Sony. It does so many things right and can go toe to toe with my favorite franchise where you play as an assassin. In fact, I really think it succeeds where that franchise didn't in recent years. It's a gorgeous-looking game and runs, for the most part, as I expected on PC. I think picking this game will not disappoint you. |
In-depth
⚔️ Gameplay & Exploration:
Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world action-adventure game where you play as a samurai trying to redeem his land from Mongol invaders. You are given a diversified range of combat styles, from swordplay capable of countering enemies to bows, grappling hooks, and stealth elements. Progression in the story and helping out the people of the land provide you with cosmetics and gear to upgrade your stats for weapons and armor.
Exploration is done seamlessly by the use of the wind, which slowly guides you to points of interest that you can visually see from afar, like burning villages, tall buildings, and other landmarks. The world can be traversed by horse or on foot, and later on by teleporting to points of interest.
😄 Fun:
This game has been the only PlayStation game I 100% completed without having to look at tutorials or guides. I was just drawn into it. After four years of waiting, the game feels and plays just as fun as I remember it.
🏞 Visuals & Presentation:
This game is a visual artistic treat. It offers so much detail in the world that it's impossible not to take a few steps back and capture some screenshots. The visual aesthetics of the game aim to take as much as possible a fictional yet realistic approach to feudal Japan. From the clothing to the buildings to the landscapes, it is, in my opinion, a success.
The game offers a vast range of filters to modify your experience and enjoy the game however you like.
🔊 Sound & Voice-Acting:
One of the most relaxing open-world games to explore, for the simple fact that the music is not intrusive, is representative of the world it is in, and enhances immersion. Sound effects are great and match the style perfectly.
Voice acting is excellently choreographed. Although I like to play this game in Japanese with subtitles on, I believe the voice acting in English is just as good.
📖 Story & Writing:
The main plot of the game focuses on Jin Sakai, a fallen samurai in battle who is trying to defend his land and country from the Mongol invasion. Your journey is mainly straightforward as you transform into the character known as the Ghost, and your gameplay actions have little influence over how the story ends.
The writing is well done, with a great representation of the period and characters from that period. Each decision Jin makes leads more and more to a satisfying ending.
🧵 Length & Difficulty:
It's a lengthy game. It can take a minimum of 25 hours to beat the game and up to 120 hours to complete it at the most relaxed pace possible.
The game can be difficult, especially in the very beginning as you learn how to counter, dodge, and position yourself. Lethal difficulty makes for a more realistic and fun experience where not only the aggression of the enemy increases, but also the lethality. On the other hand, you deal more damage to balance things out. It's a great balance of risk and reward.
⭕️Verdict:
Ghost of Tsushima is an excellent game that offers a richly detailed and immersive open-world experience. From its breathtaking visuals and non-intrusive music to its well-crafted story and engaging combat mechanics, the game excels in every aspect. Whether you are exploring the vast landscapes, enjoying the meticulously designed period elements, or navigating the challenging yet rewarding combat system, the game consistently delivers. Its ability to captivate players without the need for external guides speaks volumes about its intuitive design. Overall, Ghost of Tsushima stands out as a top-tier PlayStation title that is well worth your time.
A STORY ABOUT MY UNCLE
I was very excited to try this game out despite the fact that many reported that the game is a hit or miss. I am sad to say that I resonate with a lot of people giving this game a negative review. I do not recommend it sadly. The story and gameplay didn't do it for me.
Despite all that, I'm glad I tried it out. This was a win from the Non-Official Steamgifts Magazine, so expect to hear a detailed review on this if you love to read their magazines.
"You must go on adventures to find out where you truly belong." - Sue Fitzmaurice
Sum-Up
In-depth analysis further down.
| 🟩 Pros | 🟥 Cons |
|---|---|
|
• Unique grappling mechanics. • Heartwarming narrative with a touching conclusion. • Engaging, non-violent gameplay. • Fairly smooth first-person platforming experience. |
• Some platforming sections can be frustrating. • Relatively short game length. • Limited replay value. |
| 🟨 Bugs & Issues | 🔧 Specs | ⚙️ Settings & FPS |
|---|---|---|
| I encountered a bug where the character occasionally clips through platforms, causing unintended falls. This mainly happens in certain high-complexity areas. |
• CPU: i7-12700K • RAM: 32GB DDR4 • GPU: 3080 10GB • SD: SSD • RES: 1440p |
Settings: High - Ultra FPS: 60-75 |
| 🌌 Content & Replay Value | A short but sweet experience with a somewhat memorable story. The game can be completed in 4-6 hours, and while it doesn’t have extensive replay value, the journey itself is interesting. |
| 💵 Is it worth buying? | No, unless you enjoy narrative-driven platformers. Do get it on a discount if you wanna experience it. |
| 🎮 Steam Deck Compatibility | The game runs well on the Steam Deck. |
🧾 Verdict: Mediocre |
A Story About My Uncle is a unique and interesting first-person platformer game. Its unique grappling mechanics, interesting world, and soft-touching narrative create a fairly okay experience. Despite its short length and occasional frustrating sections, it might be a great pick for those that are fans of indie games and narrative adventures. I do wish it offered more world varieties. |
In-depth
⚔️ Gameplay & Exploration:
A Story About My Uncle is a first-person platformer with a strong focus on exploration and movement. You play as a young boy searching for his missing uncle in a fantastical world filled with floating islands and mysterious creatures. The core gameplay revolves around a grappling hook mechanic that allows you to swing through the environment with ease. The controls are tight and somewhat responsive, making the platforming feel fluid and satisfying if you understand what you're doing.
The world is designed with exploration in mind, offering multiple paths and secrets to discover. The visual design is intriguing, with each area feeling fantastic and out of this world. While the platforming can be challenging at times, it can be rewarding when you master the mechanics and navigate through difficult sections.
😄 Fun:
The game is was somewhat frustrating at times, but can be fun for those who enjoy movement-based gameplay. The feeling of swinging through the air and chaining together jumps is entertaining at first but can easily lose its charm due to lack of complexity.
🏞 Visuals & Presentation:
The game is not visually impressive, despite having vibrant colors and imaginative environments. Each level is interestingly crafted. The art style perfectly complements the fantastical setting.
🔊 Sound & Voice-Acting:
The sound design is fairly good, with a soothing and atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the sense of adventure. The voice acting is more on the amateur side, and possibly the least enjoyable part of the game, but I like that the game was fully voiced.
📖 Story & Writing:
The narrative is one of the game's weakest points. It follows the journey of a boy searching for his uncle in a magical world, uncovering secrets, and learning about his uncle's past along the way. The writing is heartfelt and touching, but the end does fall short and kinda all the sudden.
🧵 Length & Difficulty:
The game is relatively short, taking around 4-6 hours to complete. However, it does take more to reach completion and master the game's mechanics. The difficulty is well-balanced, being able to play and beat it without much of a challenge, but can become brutally challenging when striving to complete the game. There are some tricky platforming sections, but they are manageable with practice and patience.
⭕️Verdict:
A Story About My Uncle is a unique first-person platformer with imaginative world-building and a heartfelt narrative. While the grappling mechanics are innovative and fun, the game is hampered by its short length and occasional frustrating sections. The visual presentation is decent, but not exceptional, and the voice acting leaves much to be desired. The story, though touching, doesn't quite deliver a strong ending. Overall, it offers an okay experience for fans of narrative-driven platformers, but it may not be worth a full-price purchase. Consider picking it up during a sale if you're interested in its unique mechanics and heartfelt story.
Games Completed this Month
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Melvor Idle
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A Story About My Uncle
