Step into the most violent age of piracy, sharpen your swords, load your flintlocks, and hoist the colors because we’re taking a peek into Ubisoft’s fourth installment Assassin’s Creed’s, Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag.  It steps away from the franchise's more rigid Assassin-Templar focus to embrace a freer, more open-world experience. You’ll captain a ship, explore tropical islands, and uncover buried secrets, all while being drawn into a complex and personal story. Story and Environment The narrative follows Edward Kenway, a charismatic yet self-serving privateer who finds himself caught between his thirst for fortune and the philosophical war between Assassins and Templars. Unlike past protagonists, Edward begins his journey with little interest in ideology, driven by ambition and survival. His arc evolves gradually, offering emotional payoff as he grapples with loss, loyalty, and legacy in a world where alliances shift like the tides. The Caribbean setting is masterfully designed, capturing the atmosphere of the era with authenticity and style. Lush islands, colonial cities, and bustling pirate hideouts form the backdrop for a world filled with danger and opportunity. Environmental storytelling is rich, from abandoned Mayan temples to hidden grottos and sunken ships, creating a sense of discovery at every turn. The game world is as much a character as any of the pirates you meet. Visuals and Graphics At launch, Black Flag pushed the graphical capabilities of its time, and it still holds up surprisingly well today. The Caribbean is portrayed with vibrant water effects, lush vegetation, and dynamic weather that enhances immersion. Naval battles look spectacular, with cannon fire and storm-tossed seas creating a cinematic experience. Character models and animations are solid, although facial expressions can occasionally feel stiff. The overall aesthetic, with its mix of pirate grit and historical realism, works beautifully to bring the era to life. Gameplay and Mechanics Black Flag stands out for its seamless blend of traditional Assassin’s Creed gameplay and naval exploration. Land-based missions include the series' hallmark stealth, parkour, and combat mechanics, while ship-based gameplay allows players to command the Jackdaw, upgrade it, and engage in epic sea battles. The open-world structure encourages exploration and offers a variety of side activities, from treasure hunting to underwater diving. Combat is straightforward but satisfying, and naval mechanics are intuitive and rewarding. Though the game can sometimes feel repetitive, the variety of gameplay styles helps keep the experience fresh. Multiplayer and Game Modes The multiplayer component offers competitive modes seen in previous Assassin’s Creed titles, such as Wanted and Manhunt. These involve stealthy takedowns and evasion, rewarding players who can blend into crowds and strike strategically. While multiplayer doesn’t tie directly into the main pirate theme, it provides a different kind of tension and gameplay challenge. There’s no co-op or shared open-world sailing, which some players may miss, but the solo campaign and side activities more than make up for it. Multiplayer remains a nice diversion but isn't the main draw of the game. Summary Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag is a standout entry in the franchise, praised for its open-world freedom, compelling pirate setting, and thrilling naval combat. Edward Kenway is a compelling anti-hero, and the game balances narrative and gameplay with skill. Though some elements show their age, the core experience remains engaging and immersive. It’s both a great pirate game and a strong Assassin’s Creed title, offering a unique blend of action and exploration. A must-play for fans of open-world adventures. Pros • Immersive pirate-themed open world with rich historical detail • Engaging naval combat and ship customization • Strong main story with well-developed characters • Tons of exploration and side activities Cons • Land combat and stealth mechanics can feel dated • Repetitive mission structure at times • Multiplayer is underwhelming and disconnected from the main theme • Minor bugs and AI issues in certain scenarios

Released in February 2025, R.E.P.O. (Retrieve, Extract, and Profit Operation) is a co-op horror game developed by Swedish indie studio Semiwork. Combining physics-based mechanics with procedural generation, it offers a unique blend of tension and humor. Players team up to retrieve valuable items from haunted facilities, facing various challenges along the way. The game has garnered "Overwhelmingly Positive" reviews on Steam, reflecting its growing popularity. Objective and Environment In R.E.P.O., players assume the roles of agents tasked with retrieving valuable objects from abandoned, haunted facilities. Each mission involves locating items, handling them carefully due to the game's physics-based mechanics, and extracting them safely. The environments are procedurally generated, ensuring varied layouts and challenges in every playthrough. From dimly lit corridors to expansive rooms filled with obstacles, the settings contribute to the game's eerie atmosphere. The game's environments are not just backdrops but integral to the gameplay. Players must navigate through traps, avoid environmental hazards, and use the surroundings strategically to evade or confront threats. The dynamic nature of the settings keeps players on their toes, requiring adaptability and teamwork. The combination of horror elements with interactive environments enhances immersion and replayability. Gameplay R.E.P.O. emphasizes cooperative gameplay, allowing up to six players to work together in missions. The core loop involves exploring facilities, identifying valuable items, and transporting them to extraction points, all while avoiding or confronting various threats. The physics-based mechanics mean that object handling requires coordination, especially when dealing with bulky or fragile items. Communication is key, with proximity voice chat enhancing the cooperative experience. The game introduces a variety of enemies, each with unique behaviors, adding layers of strategy to encounters. Some adversaries may be deterred by light or sound, while others require specific tactics to avoid. The tension escalates as missions progress, with increasing threats and time constraints pushing players to make quick decisions. This blend of strategy, coordination, and unpredictability keeps the gameplay engaging and challenging. Graphics and Performance Visually, R.E.P.O. adopts a stylized aesthetic that balances horror and humor. The character designs and environments are detailed enough to convey the game's eerie tone without becoming overly realistic. Lighting plays a significant role, with shadows and limited visibility heightening suspense. The game's UI is clean and intuitive, ensuring players can focus on the action without unnecessary distractions. Performance-wise, the game runs smoothly on a range of systems, thanks to its optimization in the Unity engine. Load times are minimal, and frame rates remain consistent even during intense sequences. While occasional bugs have been reported, the developers have been proactive in addressing issues through updates. Overall, the game's technical aspects support its immersive gameplay effectively. Multiplayer The multiplayer component is the heart of R.E.P.O., offering a cooperative experience that thrives on communication and teamwork. Players can join missions with friends or be matched with others online, with proximity voice chat fostering organic interactions. The game's design encourages players to strategize together, whether it's coordinating item retrieval or devising plans to avoid enemies. This collaborative approach enhances the game's replayability and social appeal. However, the multiplayer experience isn't without its challenges. Some players have noted occasional matchmaking issues, particularly during off-peak hours. Additionally, the game's reliance on voice communication means that players without microphones or those in silent lobbies may find coordination more difficult. Despite these minor setbacks, the multiplayer mode remains a standout feature, offering memorable and dynamic gameplay sessions. Summary R.E.P.O. stands out in the co-op horror genre by blending physics-based mechanics with procedural environments and cooperative gameplay. Its emphasis on teamwork, strategic planning, and dynamic challenges offers a fresh take on horror gaming. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in matchmaking and communication tools, the game's strengths far outweigh its shortcomings. For players seeking a unique and engaging cooperative experience, R.E.P.O. is a title worth exploring. Pros • Engaging cooperative gameplay that emphasizes teamwork • Procedurally generated environments enhance replayability • Physics-based mechanics add depth and challenge • Stylized visuals and effective use of lighting create an immersive atmosphere Cons • Matchmaking can be inconsistent during off-peak hours • Reliance on voice communication may hinder coordination for some players • Occasional bugs and glitches, though addressed promptly • Limited solo play options for those preferring single-player experiences

Strap on your VR headset and strap in as we delve into Stress Level Zero’s 2022 VR title “Bonelab.” The sequel to the 2019 title “Boneworks” by the same developers, Bonelab brings forth a new experience on experimental physics with its own take on gunplay and exploration. Developed to accommodate the newer generation of VR platforms like the Meta Quest 2 and 3, it also remains playable for those who use PC VR. Steel yourself as you scour through the seemingly overrun laboratories with enemies, puzzles, and secrets waiting to be unveiled. Story and Environment: The story in Bonelab is minimalistic, offering a loose narrative that focuses more on player-driven exploration and experimentation rather than a traditional plot. The game unfolds within a lab setting where players are thrust into various environments and scenarios. The world-building is subtle, relying on the player’s imagination to fill in the blanks about the nature of the game’s universe. Despite its lack of a clear narrative, Bonelab excels at creating an atmosphere where players are encouraged to explore, experiment, and uncover the secrets of the lab and its surroundings. The environments themselves are a mix of industrial and alien-like spaces, which are varied and engaging. Gameplay: Gameplay in Bonelab is primarily physics-driven, offering a mix of puzzle-solving, combat, and exploration. The game provides a high level of freedom, allowing players to manipulate objects and engage in combat in creative ways. The physics are extremely detailed, meaning that objects react realistically to player input, whether you’re throwing them, using them as tools, or engaging in combat. There are a variety of gameplay modes, including platforming, action, and sandbox elements. The controls, though, can be a bit tricky for beginners, especially with the VR setup, but once players get the hang of it, the experience becomes immersive and rewarding. Visuals and Graphics: Bonelab’s visuals are impressive for a VR game, especially in terms of the detailed physics-driven interactions. The environments are rich with textures, though some areas can feel a bit sparse due to the minimalist design. Character models are highly detailed and convey a good sense of realism, while the lighting and shadow effects contribute to the immersive nature of the game. The physics-based interactions shine here, with objects, characters, and environments all reacting believably. However, there are some performance issues on lower-end VR setups, where frame drops and occasional glitches can detract from the overall experience. Mods As it was intended, Bonelab focuses more on the creative freedoms of the community and introduces a much wider take on physics rather than focusing on its own story. While it has taken criticism for the decision to rely on the community rather than the development of its own story, it has shown to be quite the experience nonetheless. With the ability to add vehicles such as the Dodge Challenger, weapons such as firearms from Helldivers, or even avatars such as beloved characters from other games, Bonelab gives more power to the community rather than holding it solely to the game developers. Summary: Bonelab is a unique VR title that focuses heavily on interactive physics and player-driven exploration. While its story is barebones, the game compensates with an engaging and varied set of environments that encourage experimentation. The gameplay excels in offering a sandbox experience that challenges the player’s creativity, though the learning curve for VR controls may frustrate some. Visually, the game impresses with its detailed environments and character models, though technical performance can vary based on hardware. Overall, Bonelab stands out as a great VR experiment, especially for players who enjoy open-ended gameplay and physics-based puzzles. • Excellent physics-based interactions. • Varied and immersive environments. • High level of player freedom and creativity. • Detailed character models and realistic world-building. Cons: • Minimal story, lacking depth. • Steep learning curve for VR controls. • Performance issues on lower-end VR systems. • Some areas feel sparse or underdeveloped.

Developed by Capcom and Nvidia LightSpeed Studios, the world of Resident Evil brings Resident Evil 5 following the returning Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar. Either alone with an AI teammate, or together with a friend, you are tasked with investigating a bio-terrorism outbreak in Africa, centred around the mysterious Uroboros virus. It is up to Chris and Sheva to uncover the sinister plot and prevent total global annihilation as a team while fighting for survival through West Africa. Story and Environment Resident Evil 5 holds 12-34 hours worth of content for casually returning Resident Evil fans or for the overachievers looking for 100% completion. The story delves into themes of global bioterrorism, with a strong focus on the consequences of the previous games' events. The environment is diverse, ranging from desolate villages and jungles to high-tech laboratories. While it introduces a new locale, the story feels somewhat predictable and doesn't explore the same level of tension or horror that the earlier titles in the franchise did. The setting in Africa provides an interesting contrast to previous urban and isolated locales, but it can feel a bit detached from the original survival horror tone. Gameplay Resident Evil 5 shifts the series' classic survival horror formula to a more action-focused style. The game uses a third-person perspective with a fixed camera, and combat is front and centre, offering a variety of weapons and cooperative mechanics with the AI or a second player controlling Sheva. The controls are smooth, but the heavy emphasis on action diminishes the suspense and tension that defined earlier games in the series. Puzzles are less frequent, and ammo management, a key component in past titles, is downplayed. The addition of co-op play is a significant plus, enhancing the experience, but it also highlights how the game leans more toward action than survival horror. Visuals and Graphics  The visuals in Resident Evil 5 are striking for its time, with highly detailed character models and environments. The game uses a bright and colourful aesthetic for the African setting, which stands out compared to the dark, oppressive tones of earlier games. However, while the graphics are solid, the visual quality can sometimes feel inconsistent, with areas of the game looking a bit dated in comparison to other contemporary titles. The animations are fluid, and the cutscenes are cinematic, but the overall graphical presentation, while impressive for its era, doesn't completely hold up when compared to the graphical fidelity seen in more recent titles. Summary Resident Evil 5 is a notable shift in the franchise, moving away from survival horror into action-oriented gameplay. While it offers intense combat and cooperative mechanics, it struggles to maintain the series' traditional atmosphere of suspense and terror. The visuals are impressive for its time, and the African setting offers a fresh backdrop, but the story and environmental tension often feel lacking. For fans of action-packed shooters, it is an enjoyable experience, but for those hoping for the terrifying atmosphere of earlier games, it may fall short.  Pros • The inclusion of a second player or AI partner adds a new layer of strategy and fun. • Smooth and satisfying third-person shooting and weapon handling. • A diverse range of settings, from villages to high-tech labs. • The cutscenes and character animations are impressive for its time.  Cons • The focus on action reduces the traditional survival horror atmosphere. • The plot feels formulaic and doesn't provide the same mystery or fear as earlier entries. • Some environments look dated compared to the standards of the time. • The game leans more on combat than the environmental puzzle-solving that was a staple of earlier titles.

Sharpen your sword as we take a look into the 2018 release from WarpFrog, Blade and Sorcery. This VR title moves to combine sword combat with magic and more, now as the game has reached its full-release stage. A title for almost every VR gamer to enjoy or at least peer into, Blade and Sorcery encourages its players to modify the game as they see fit, changing the environments from a Mediaeval sword fighting game to much more with mods that include Star Wars, Anime, even going as far as to introduce modern day weaponry such as firearms. Story and Environment As of the 1.0 update of June 2024 (for PC), the game mode “Crystal Hunt” has been released. This mode follows a new inclusion of lore, bringing in new factions to the game who will combat the lone player in their quest to unlock the world’s secrets, acquire new skills, abilities, weapons, and armour along their run of Crystal Hunt. From shirtless and armorless enemies from the Wildfolk, to the mysterious cult called “The Eye”, the experience will continue to change as the player progresses through the story including the difficulty. This even includes the use of boss battles. Along with the new update, new environments have been added to the player experience. As the dungeons are set in a seed system, players will almost always get a different labyrinth and experience when attacking a faction outpost. Gameplay Players are allowed to choose between a plethora of different ways to play and progress through their story or fight in the limitless sandbox mode. Blade and Sorcery centres itself around a gorey and bloody combat system, making the game an advisory against younger audiences as dismemberment and extensive violence resides in this title. The choice of weapons are nearly limitless including the encouraged process of modding the game through Modio or Nexus Mods. From bows, spears, shields, swords, daggers, and magic, it is truly up to the player’s imagination on choosing their way of progression through their playthrough. Sandbox The base and once-only game mode of Blade and Sorcery is the Sandbox mode. This mode includes the player’s choice of maps, weapons, gear, and abilities without the need of level progression or experiencing the story. Players can still experience Outpost missions and boss battles within Sandbox mode, even allowing the use of cheats to the player’s content such as godmode, no fall damage, or infinite mana. Mods With the vast selection of Mods and the highly inclusive and engaging modding community of Blade and Sorcery, the sky's the limit in terms of experiences. Blade and Sorcery encourages the player to mod the game, adding iconic weapons such as blasters and lightsabers from star wars, weapons from history such as katanas, wild west revolvers, or even modern-era firearms. There are even inclusions of mods that implement weapons, armour, and enemies from the Halo franchise, allowing the choice of jumping into the boots of a Spartan or Marine. Mods include others as well that are passive, such as increased gore mods, AI improvement mods, or immersive overhaul mods that can make the game more challenging for the player experience. Players can also implement custom maps, many of which can be directly from familiar environments or completely different yet impressive locations such as cyberpunk-esque cities and movie locations. Summary Blade and Sorcery is a very immersive game that most would describe as an essential experience for any mature Virtual Reality gamer. The gameplay is almost never-ending with the use of mods. As versatile as Blade and Sorcery is, it’s not without its own real-world limitations such as processing power. But, on a vanilla playthrough, the game feels immersive, delivering more to the player in terms of lore, combat, and diversity. Truly, as a VR game, Blade and Sorcery is by far one of the best VR fighting games on the market today. Pros • Quality immersive experience • Modding support directly in-game and easy modding capabilities via Nexus mods • Diverse way to play to fit the styles of all players Cons • Requires a decent computer to run base game with mods • Can be repetitive in some aspects, meaning more reliance on mods • The 1.0 Release update for Crystal hunt was not without its faults, having broken the already-limited enemy AI for a short term

KGK Dragon’s Reviews: Naruto x Boruto Ultimate Ninja STORM, the 2023 release from CyberConnect2, BNE LLC, and Namco Bandai Games America Inc. Jump into the 19th installment of the “Naruto: Ultimate Ninja” fighting game series and play as a multitude of different ninja. From fan favorites like the 7th Hokage, Naruto Uzamaki himself, to others such as the notorious Madara Uchiha. Select from a vast collection of costumes for each character that mark specific eras of your choosing. From Naruto’s original attire from “Naruto Shippuden” to his 7th Hokage attire as seen in “Boruto: Next Generation.” Revisit many memorable places in the form of fighting stages such as the different Chunin Exam locations or even Orochimaru’s hideout. For any fan of Naruto, this multi-platformed fighting game is worth a look. Take initiative and play through Naruto x Boruto Ultimate Ninja STORM Connections’ story mode and even partake in memorable battles as seen in the series. Fight as Naruto Uzamaki and Sasuke Uchiha and take on Obito Uchiha in an effort to halt Madara Uchiha’s ultimate plan or take a dive into the early stages of the series as Naruto and Sakura as they square off against Kakashi. Utilize your chakra and perform familiar jutsu, ninja items such as the kunai, or attack using a character’s unique attack animations. But with another note, Naruto x Boruto Ultimate Ninja STORM Connections has been acclaimed by many to be a “filler game” after the 2014 fan favorite “Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja STORM 4.” Some have even gone as far as to call the game a “glorified DLC” in comparison to its previous predecessor within the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja STORM series, highlighting the changes to gameplay mechanics and “dumbed down” controls for a much faster pace match. Many have also pointed out the lack of control in terms of defense, players often complaining about the easily combo hitlock mechanic.While the game has received quite the mixed set of reviews, maintaining a whopping 51% on steam reception.  Summary: Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja STORM Connections, brings back a vast array of familiar characters from the Naruto universe and fight in even more familiar locations. While holding its own criticisms, shows itself as a well-rounded installment to the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja series with a new-player friendly control scheme for the average casual gamer and Naruto fan.  Pros: • Over 100+ characters to choose from • Easy to use controls • New player friendly mechanics Cons: • Lacking in Story Mode content in comparison to Ultimate Ninja predecessor games • Very negative receptions to the game from returning Ultimate Ninja series gamers • History battles and Story battles seem rushed

The world within “The Walking Dead” franchise holds many stories. From Rick Grimes to Clementine to Lee, there are others that exist, such as “The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners.” a 2020 Skydance Interactive and Skybound Entertainment release. Playable exclusively in VR, see firsthand the world where the dead roam the earth and the living trudge their way through the undead world just to survive… “Fight the dead. Fear the living. Story and Environment The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners follows the story of the unnamed player character who simply goes by the title of “The Tourist.” The difference of the Tourist being Masculine or Feminine is up to the player, relaying the implication of allowing players to integrate themselves into the shoes of the Tourist. Travelling into the overrun and flooded city of New Orleans, Louisiana, the player must locate “The Reserve.” A military bunker full of supplies, weapons, and medicine that would surely give an edge to the player in times of the apocalypse. Travel amongst 9 different locations, scavenging, looting, sneaking, and fighting in places across New Orleans, while not completely accurate, are depictions of real world locations. The player may make decisions that pertain to how the story unfolds as they go, such as choosing which characters live or die. To add to the already harrowing hostile environment, the game follows a time and day-based system where time management is crucial. As each day passes, supplies and survivors dwindle, but the number of dead increases. Upon sundown, players may experience the “Tower bell” that chimes, drawing the dead in multiple numbers if the player fails to leave before nightfall. This either forces the player to manoeuvre their way to the exfil boat, or stay and fight the hordes to their content. Although, it should be mentioned that after both, the story, and the “Aftershock” content is completed, the game leaves a large void of direction other than simply looting buildings that the player would have already looted, shooting hostile human NPCs, or fending off the undead. Gameplay The overall feel of The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners really immerses the player, giving them a multitude of factors to consider when surviving. Hunger, thirst, health, and stamina play a vital role in maintaining one’s odds of surviving an expedition. Food and drinks found whilst on an outing retain a “dirty” debuff, making the player “sick” by decreasing the health bar. It isn’t until the player uses medicine that returns the health bar back to its natural state. Weapons, including firearms and two handed melee weapons, have a simulated weight, making them feel clunky and heavy. This is extremely evident when the player attempts to use a firearm, simulating the “tourist’s” inexperience of handling one.  The combat in The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners is definitely noteworthy. Gunfights draw zombies, essentially creating a three-way, sometimes four-way, battle between the living and dead. Weapons each have a durability metre, making the implication of choosing one’s battles all the more crucial. Ammo is limited, the dead are vast in number, and most good weapons and gear are tucked away and safeguarded by rivalling humans. Another thing of note is the stamina mechanic. While a player might have all the strength in the world to fight to their heart’s content, the game invokes a stamina metre, limiting the player’s abilities of combat and movement. Visuals, Graphics, & Immersion Running off of Unreal Engine 4, The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners delivers a great experience in Virtual Reality. The already haunted setting of New Orleans pushes an even more dreadfully spooky environment by invoking overwhelming darkness, zombies that can seemingly appear out of nowhere, and even more dangerous locations such as claustrophobic schools or houses that have long since been abandoned that now remain infested. In many cases, the player will be forced to use a flashlight that must remain tended to. To keep the player on their toes, the developers implemented a timer system on the flashlight which requires the player to grab and shake the device to keep it activated for long periods of time. While the zombies have been masterfully done, humans can seem very “dumb” or unresponsive to situations. This can break immersion regularly as in many cases, entire groups of humans can be overrun by a measly one to two walkers. But beyond that, other immersive aspects include the use of zombie camouflage, lower quality firearms jamming often, and the even the simplicity of applying bandages by having the player manually wrap it around their arm. Summary The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners is quite possibly one of the best VR zombie survival games to this day. With well-rounded mechanics that simulate the stressful and difficult nature of surviving in post-apocalyptic New Orleans. Not for the faint of heart, Saints and Sinners is, within itself, a good zombie survival title, even for those who do not take interest in the story of “The Walking Dead.” While post-main story and Aftershock content, the game may seem repetitive, it does not lack in terms of immersion, even going as far as catching even the most experienced of survivalists off guard at times. Pros • 10-20 hours worth of content to explore and enjoy • Multiple choice route for the main story, each with different outcomes that may affect the player positively or negatively • Immersive and spooky environment with well done mechanics and controls • A better title than the sequel by leagues Cons • Post-Story and Aftershock content makes the game lacklustre  • Human NPCs can mostly feel inhuman with their actions and reactions to situations which can sometimes break immersion • While gunplay can be immersive due to weight, it can, at times, seem to be too much, making weapons seem heavier than they should

The afterlife is one of the biggest mysteries that linger over the world to this very day… Developed by Kinetic Games, Phasmophobia, takes a peek into what goes bump in the night. Rally with three other players or brave it and go solo as you scour through houses, abandoned asylums, even prisons and campsites to uncover the cause of what's been haunting the site. Grab your flashlight and steady your nerves as we go through this award-winning 2020 title. Contracts & Environment Within Phasmophobia, the main concept of progression of any sort is its ranking system. In order to unlock maps and equipment, players must accept or create their own contracts via the planning board. The game has 12 different maps in which to play from. They range from large to small, affecting the payout and xp gained from a successful contract. Each ghost gives subtle clues using the environment. Temperature, orbs only visible through the lens of a night vision camera, and even more activity that are unique to very specific ghosts. Luckily, the game offers custom contracts to make things easier for new players or to push the limits of the most experienced ghost hunters. With custom contracts, players control the entire aspect of how their ghost hunting experience will go. From ghost and player speeds to even making the ghost friendly with the inability to harm players, or force parameters that would otherwise seem rare such as ghost events and activity. Gameplay When ghost hunting, players must deduce the ghost type down to evidence, the ghost’s hunting behaviour, and using whatever clues are present during the investigation. Beware, for when the ghost hunts, the players are most vulnerable as the ghost will begin their search in a deadly game of hide and seek. The only defence the players have are hiding places outside of the ghost’s line of sight, using sage and crucifixes to prevent the ghost from hunting, or running by utilising couches or tables to “loop” the ghost. In all senses, the associated behaviours and evidence of the ghost is always reliable to which ghost is being investigated. For more experienced players, they may even limit the amount of evidence from three, two, one, or even granting zero evidence. This forces them to rely only on the ghost’s hunting behaviour and the chances of unique traits or events the ghost may reveal during the investigation. That being said, Phasmophobia brings almost a new experience every investigation as each ghost has different ways they reveal themselves, whether it’s the ghost’s speed, mannerisms, or even if they react to your electronics or voice, there are a plethora of experiences. It is even playable in VR! Visuals & Graphics Running off of the renowned Unity Engine, Phasmophobia runs smoothly, even with 4 players and max equipment. The graphics bring clarity and comfort at its current state, allowing the eerie environments of a haunted house or abandoned asylum to flourish and bring a deeper sense of immersion to the investigation experience even for an indie game. With the dark atmosphere, a flashlight or at least some form of illumination is almost essential for navigating spacious areas within the dozen maps of Phasmophobia.  Summary  Phasmophobia is truly an edge-of-your-seat indie horror game. It truly captures the essence of what a horror game should be. Sitting as a “ghost hunting simulator,” Phasmophobia is an amazing experience to play with friends or even an eerie thrill to play alone. It should be noted that Phasmophobia is VR compatible, meaning players can choose whether or not to enhance their gameplay through a far more immersive setting. With that in mind, for a ghost hunting experience, Phasmophobia is truly a noteworthy title. Pros • VR compatible • Single-player and Coop compatible • Limitless replayability • Reactive controls and reliable ghost generator Cons • VR comes with few handicaps such as harder door controls and survivability rates • When playing in random lobbies, there are chances of running into a cheater who may ruin the ghost hunting experience • The Mimic (The Most Universally hated ghost type)

The sixteenth instalment to the renowned and beloved Rainbow Six Franchise developed by Ubisoft Montreal, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege brings about another competitive tactical FPS title to the competitive gaming scene. Competitive 5v5 multiplayer skirmishes, seasonal events, ranked play, the returning game mode “terrorist hunt” with co-op capabilities and even more locations to attack or defend. Game Modes & Environment Tom Clancy’s Rainbow SIx Siege has had multiple game modes during its runtime with around 30 being the total amount that Siege has seen and only 4 being base game modes. Bomb, Secure area, Terrorist hunt, and Hostage, yet, only Bomb remains as the sole ranked game mode, leaving the others only playable through custom matches or casual matchmaking. While 30 game modes seems like plenty, most are only playable or have been only playable through seasonal events. Many game modes have only ever made an appearance once, such as the “outbreak” game mode which essentially brought a zombie mode to Rainbow six, but had only been the precedent to the “Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction” title, a game which followed the same concept. The environment to Rainbow Six Siege follows multiple locations across the globe, bringing about a new operator(s) every season along with lore through the use of cinematic videos. Operators from many tier 1 special operations groups from across the globe are present within Rainbow Six Siege’s lineup of playable characters. These include members of the Renowned American Navy SEALs, Russian Spetsnaz, and even the French GIGN Counter terrorism unit. Among the many maps within Rainbow Six Siege, there are multiple locations in which players may find themselves attacking or defending. A service area in the rural territory of Australia, a snow-covered Chalet in Eastern France, even the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Gameplay The gameplay for Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is smooth, with excellent gunplay, but questionable hitscan during its runtime with some hiccups remaining to this day. Although, it should be noted the level of creativity used in developing and designing the concept of special operator gadgets and abilities. From what has been shown by the many players of Rainbow Six Siege, they can be even more creative using said abilities when it comes to creating strategies and methods to offence or defence. Each operator is given a set of weapons, equipment, and unique gadgets to choose from. SMGs, carbines, shotguns, marksman rifles, and assault rifles are among the selection with two or three primary weapons available to each operator during selection, each one having their own impact on the vast environmental destruction present when playing Rainbow Six Siege. Many floors and walls can be destroyed by explosives, gadgets, heavy calibre weapons, or simply punching a hole in the wall. Visuals & Graphics Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege runs off of Ubisoft’s Anvil 2.0 game engine. Other Ubisoft titles, including For Honor, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, and both Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Origins. The graphics are clear and clean, offering clarity and reliability when in an intense skirmish. After its release, Rainbow Six Siege has collected a multitude of cosmetic items for weapons, clothing, and headgear. As of now, there resides over 1,000 cosmetic items in Rainbow Six Siege, including Elite sets and weapon skins. Players can customise their operators’ headgear, uniforms, weapons skins, and even add attachments to each and every weapon the player feels best comfortable with. Summary Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege stands out as a masterclass in tactical gameplay, offering a unique blend of strategy and teamwork. The emphasis on environmental destruction and the diverse roster of operators create a dynamic experience that rewards both skill and communication. With a thriving community and continuous updates, the game evolves, ensuring that each match feels fresh and intense. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to tactical shooters, Rainbow Six Siege delivers a gripping experience that challenges players to think critically and work together, solidifying its place as a staple in the genre. Pros • Competitive and immersive gameplay • Diverse selection of playable operators • Heavily active community even after nearly 10 years post launch • Continuous support from Ubisoft Cons • Heavy learning curve • Finding cooperative teammates when matchmaking as a solo player • Intimidating amount of microtransactions • While active, the community for Rainbow Six Siege is notoriously labelled as “toxic”