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ELEX 2 Game Review – The Gift and Curse of Gothic

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"ELEX 2 Game Review"

ELEX 2 Game Review – The Gift and Curse of Gothic

More than twenty years have passed since the release of the original Gothic – a real eternity by the standards of video games. During this period, entire genres were born and died, but Gothic is still remembered and loved. After so many years, they still return to it, they still quote it and make it an example.

The creators of the series from the Piranha Bytes studio have been trying to release new games for a long time, but no matter what they undertake, the result is still Gothic. Over the past few years, players have received a string of good, but very similar projects: Gothic with Inquisitors, Gothic with pirates, and ELEX – Gothic with jetpacks. Now the list of games has been supplemented by ELEX 2. Still the same “Gothic with jetpacks”, but this time the jetpacks can fly horizontally.

"ELEX 2 Game Review"

ELEX 2 Game Review

Not even a citizen

The sequel takes place a couple of years after the end of the plot of the previous part. Before Jax, the hero of the first ELEX, had time to stop the war with the Albs, a new threat literally loomed over his head – a giant wormhole right in the sky. Feeling something was wrong, the protagonist tried to draw public attention to the anomaly, but for some reason, no one took his words seriously. The leaders of the powerful factions decided to simply ignore both the obvious threat and the hero’s sound fears, shrugging off his outstanding achievements.

Frustrated, Jax moves away from everyone and becomes a hermit, but the forced rest does not last long. Soon, hordes of bloodthirsty monsters land on Magellan through a mysterious portal in the sky, the mere presence of which poisons the planet. To stop the alien invasion, yesterday’s savior of the world will have to reconcile the warring factions, gather his own army, study new opponents and become a legendary hero again.

"ELEX 2 Game Review"

ELEX 2 Game Review

The task is not easy, but it must be done by painfully familiar methods. The player will again have to look for allies, prove his loyalty, argue with the gatekeepers, and go through a career growth from a beet harvester to a guru of a swamp camp … In fairness, this time there are five faction camps, and joining one of them is not at all necessary. However, independence in ELEX II does not pay off too much: a lone player will miss both good equipment and many interesting tasks.

Not a single conversation about Piranha Bytes games is complete without complaints about the constant self-repetitions of the authors – this text will not be an exception. ELEX II is played in exactly the same way as the previous part. A lively rich world, a balance between long dialogues and the dangers of the wild, a characteristic feeling of complete freedom of action – if you miss the studio’s signature game design, then you will feel at home here. There are almost no major changes in the sequel, but there are enough minor fixes, and all the strengths of the original remain intact.

"ELEX 2 Game Review"

ELEX 2 Game Review

ELEX II’s most notable innovations are in flight and the combat system. The frankly boring jetpack from the original now (after a series of upgrades) feels exactly like jetpacks should in video games – you can fly horizontally and use any weapon in the air. Needless to say, it noticeably benefits the game. From now on, flying does not look like just an imposed gimmick: acrobatics finally brings at least some pleasure. And the special air battles that appear in the second half of the passage bring the gameplay to a new plane in time.

Battles on the ground have also been updated. The authors tried to slightly bring the unbearable action of the original in order, and partly even succeeded. Jax responds better to control commands, and the rate of stamina consumption is much more adequate than before. Enemies are now able to lose balance, and their attacks are finally read normally. However, the combat system is still difficult to call at least acceptable: the key problems of the first part could not be fixed. Broken hitboxes, catastrophically bad artificial intelligence of opponents, the weightlessness of animations, and no firearms – all this is still in place. And if the battles in the air turned out to be at least dynamic, then you just have to endure fights on your own two feet, gritting your teeth.

"ELEX 2 Game Review"

ELEX 2 Game Review

Action not only feels bad – it also looks so-so. Animations of ELEX II give out the venerable age of the engine and in some places refer back to Gothic 3 . Somewhere the movements are too jerky, somewhere too long, and almost always completely wooden. The graphics in general are seriously lagging behind modern standards, but the situation is again saved by the excellent visual design of the environment. Traditionally for Piranha Bytes, the game world is created by hand – this has a positive effect on the impressions. Huge cliffs and green meadows, deserts and waterfalls, ivy-covered abandoned factories, and wire-wrapped fortresses: picturesque views well distract attention from the weak technical component.

But only until something on the screen starts to move. It is doubly painful to look at the faces of the characters during the dialogues since every conversation proceeds the same way: lifeless models stand in pillars and look at the interlocutor somewhere in the mouth area. The camera lazily alternates between two angles, and at least some gestures are found only in cutscenes. And this is a shame because if you close your eyes and focus on the texts, the lines are written just fine. Heroes have bright characters: they willingly share stories from life and various news, ask questions, and joke. Companions of the protagonist are felt by living people, and the protagonist himself is not far behind. After the first game, Jax definitely became more sarcastic – this trait definitely suits him.

"ELEX 2 Game Review"

ELEX 2 Game Review

Very old camp

In all other aspects, ELEX II remains true to the gameplay foundations laid down already in the first Gothic. They worked twenty years ago and work great today. Despite all the complaints, numerous technical problems, and the obvious lack of budget, the game design of ELEX II proves that the talent of Piranha Bytes has not aged one bit. As always, the author’s handwriting of the German studio is best seen in the development of the game world. The exploration of the expanses of Magellan is addictive, even if the developers use the same tricks for the eighth time. Really valuable treasures, real dangers, little stories, secrets, and tasks – as soon as you get off the beaten path, you are sure to stumble upon something interesting.

"ELEX 2 Game Review"

ELEX 2 Game Review

The first half of ELEX II’s timing is all about trying to get decent gear and not die in the process. Any oncoming monster will be a problem for a long time, every second ragamuffin will want to rob. The path up the food chain will be difficult, but an attentive player will not be left without a reward. And where brute force does not work, cunning will help. Stealth and theft, interactive objects, ambushes, pitting enemies against each other – all means are good on Magellan, including those not provided by the developers themselves.

The same can be said for assignments. Most of the quests offer non-linearity, interesting context, and long-term consequences. And as a nice bonus, some tasks can be completed in non-obvious or creative ways: for example, in an old-fashioned way, lure strong monsters closer to opponents. At the same time, there were also more fairly passing orders. Delivery of all kinds of parcels and cleaning up the territories have to be done more often than before, including during important events for the plot.

"ELEX 2 Game Review"

ELEX 2 Game Review

But the story is more or less unremarkable. The beginning of the game consists almost entirely of small independent stories, but the second half places much more emphasis on the global plot. There are not enough stars from the sky, but the narrative copes with its task: the lore is revealed, the characters develop – even the story of the Jax family received screen time. There are enough stupidities in the script, but it’s still interesting to follow what is happening. You quickly become attached to the original universe, and charismatic characters become indifferent. In many ways, this is the merit of the setting: the combination of fantasy, space technology, and the post-apocalyptic Mad Max creates such an unusual world that you can easily forgive some weak points and plot holes in the story.

"ELEX 2 Game Review"

ELEX 2 Game Review

Although fans of the work of Piranha Bytes are not the first to forgive various rough edges for the sake of a brilliant role-playing component, living worlds, a sense of adventure and real danger. If you are one of those who at one time appreciated the first part and did not regret the time spent, then you will definitely like the sequel.

On the other hand, I really want the next Piranha Bytes game to be truly loved without any “buts”. So that the old problems are finally in the past so that the studio breaks into the big leagues again. The team has earned recognition, and this goal is within its power. Moreover, the ideal is not so far away: all you need to do is tighten up the technical points and discard the desire to repeat your own ideas. After all, no matter how much the players love Gothic, even the most devoted fans will not be able to endlessly forgive the same mistakes.

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Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 3 Brings Transformers to Battle Pass

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Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 3 Brings Transformers to Battle Pass

Fortnite, the immensely popular battle royale game, never fails to surprise its millions of players worldwide. With the launch of Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 3, the game has taken an exciting turn, introducing two thrilling elements: Transformers and the return of Raptors. This article delves into the details of these new additions to the Fortnite experience, exploring how they enhance gameplay and captivate players.

"Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 3"

GameSpot: Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 3

Transformers in the Battle Pass:

One of the major highlights of Chapter 4 Season 3 is the incorporation of the iconic Transformers franchise into the game’s Battle Pass. Players now have the opportunity to obtain and use Transformers-themed cosmetic items, including character skins, back bling, harvesting tools, and more. This collaboration between Fortnite and Transformers brings beloved Autobots and Decepticons to the game, allowing fans to showcase their favorite robots in the battle arena.

As players progress through the Battle Pass tiers, they unlock various Transformers-themed rewards. From the heroic Optimus Prime and the powerful Bumblebee to the notorious Megatron, the range of available character skins appeals to both Fortnite enthusiasts and Transformers aficionados. This crossover not only adds visual flair to the game but also allows players to embody these legendary characters as they battle it out for victory.

Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 3: The Return of Raptors:

In addition to the Transformers extravaganza, Chapter 4 Season 3 marks the return of a fan-favorite element—Raptors. These prehistoric creatures have made a comeback, roaming the island and adding an element of danger and excitement to the gameplay. Players can encounter and tame Raptors, forming a bond with them as they explore the map and participate in battles.

Taming a Raptor offers several advantages in Fortnite. Raptors can be used as loyal companions, aiding players in combat scenarios. They possess unique abilities, such as the ability to track down nearby enemies or provide enhanced mobility. Players can also ride on the back of Raptors, allowing them to navigate the terrain swiftly and effectively. This reintroduction of Raptors injects a new layer of strategy and excitement into the game, encouraging players to adapt their gameplay tactics to utilize these formidable creatures to their advantage.

Impacts on Gameplay and Community:

"Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 3"

GameSpot: Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 3

The introduction of Transformers and the return of Raptors significantly impact the gameplay experience and the Fortnite community as a whole. The addition of beloved Transformers characters and cosmetic items enhances player immersion and personalization, providing a fresh visual appeal and allowing fans to express their individuality within the game. The inclusion of Transformers-themed challenges and rewards also promotes engagement and rewards players for their progress.

Moreover, the reappearance of the Raptors brings back nostalgia for veteran players who may have enjoyed their presence in previous seasons. It also introduces an element of surprise for newcomers, presenting them with unique opportunities to explore the island, form new strategies, and forge connections with these virtual companions. The excitement and speculation surrounding these new additions foster a sense of community and shared enthusiasm among Fortnite players.

Conclusion:

Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 3 continues to captivate players with its innovative and exciting updates. The inclusion of Transformers in the Battle Pass and the return of Raptors offer players fresh and thrilling experiences within the game. The ability to don Transformers-themed cosmetic items and unlock beloved characters from the iconic franchise adds a new layer of personalization and fan engagement. Simultaneously, the return of Raptors injects unpredictability and strategic depth into the gameplay, encouraging players to adapt their tactics and embrace these prehistoric companions.

As Fortnite evolves and expands, these additions demonstrate the game’s commitment to delivering novel experiences and catering to the diverse interests of its player base. Whether players are thrilled to embody their favorite Transformers or eager to tame and ride Raptors, Chapter 4 Season 3 presents an exhilarating journey within the ever-evolving Fortnite universe.

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Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 9 Release Anticipated in December

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"Baldur's Gate 3 Patch 9 Release"

Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 9 Release Anticipated in December

Larian Studios will be releasing Patch 9 for Baldur’s Gate 3 in December along with a long overdue release date announcement.

Larian Studios has announced that Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 9 will be released in December, coinciding with the game’s highly anticipated release date. Baldur’s Gate 3 is still in early access and is receiving regular content updates, adding playable races, and new character classes, and expanding the game’s first-act content. It is not yet clear if all of the Dungeons & Dragons 5e Player’s Handbook content will be added before release, or if some of it will be retained for the full game.

"Baldur's Gate 3 Patch 9 Release"

Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 9 Release

The latest Baldur’s Gate 3 update added dwarves and bards to the game, with additional content planned for the end of the year. It was announced on Baldur’s Gate 3 Steam page that a holiday panel from hell is scheduled for December, and that this will happen at the same time as the launch of Patch 9 for the game. The Panel from Hell will also announce a release date for Baldur’s Gate 3, which is still slated for 2023.

"Baldur's Gate 3 Patch 9 Release"

Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 9 Release

Baldur’s Gate 3 may be leaving Early Access soon

It’s unclear what will be added in Update 9, but there is still some content from the Dungeons & Dragons Player’s Handbook that is not included yet. The current version of Baldur’s Gate 3 is missing some DnD races and classes, as well as subclasses for existing classes. It is likely that there will be two more patch updates before the game leaves Early Access: one will add the Dragonborn race and the paladin class, and the other will add the half-orc race and the monk class. Dataminers found evidence of Dragonborn in the files of Baldur’s Gate 3, so they must be on their way.

"Baldur's Gate 3 Patch 9 Release"

Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 9 Release

The release date for Baldur’s Gate 3 has been set for a long time. Baldur’s Gate 3 was officially announced in 2019 at the same time as the Google Stadia streaming service. Baldur’s Gate 3 has been in development for so long that it has outlasted Google Stadia, which closes in January. Larian has hinted that Baldur’s Gate 3 will release in 2023, and it looks like the studio is ready to announce the game’s release date or window. Another question is whether Baldur’s Gate 3 will actually be released on that date.

Baldur’s Gate 3 has come a long way since its Early Access release, and Larian has been responding to fan feedback and tweaking the content in the game. The next update is a full patch, so there is every reason to believe that it will have a significant amount of content in the form of playable races or classes. The long wait is almost over and fans may finally be able to pack up and head to Baldur’s Gate 3 next year.

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FORSPOKEN 2022 Game Review, a Project Athia

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"FORSPOKEN 2022 Game Review"

FORSPOKEN 2022 Game Review, a Project Athia, Action-Adventure

Forspoken (formerly known as Project Athia) is a third-person action-adventure RPG set in an open fantasy world. The project is being created by a team from Luminous Productions (Final Fantasy XV), which is owned by publisher Square Enix.

"FORSPOKEN 2022 Game Review"

FORSPOKEN 2022 Game Review

Forspoken Plot

Events take players to a fantasy land called Atia. It used to be a beautiful place ruled by kings known as Tantas. But, because of the plague, the country was on the verge of collapse and chaos. Animals turned into bloodthirsty monsters, and people into monsters. Add problems and tantas, gracious rulers who began to oppress their people in ruthless and hateful ways.

Frey Holland, the heroine of the project, is mysteriously transported from New York to an amazing country. She understands that the plague does not affect her, and thanks to the magic bracelet on her arm, she received magical abilities. Soon the girl learns that the rulers of Atia rebelled against her. But in order to find a way out, she will have to stop the plague and snatch Atia from the hands of the cruel rulers of Tantas. Note that the storyline was written by Gary Whitta and Amy Hennig. The role of Frey was played by actress Ella Balinska.

"FORSPOKEN 2022 Game Review"

FORSPOKEN 2022 Game Review

Forspoken Gameplay

During the passage, we freely move around the vast world and visit the sandy desert, the canyon, the picturesque meadow, and the city of Chipal. The authors called the method of moving the heroine “magic parkour”. Thanks to the supernatural features of the decoration, she can run at great speed, overcome obstacles and climb high cliffs.

Agility and reflexes will come in handy in dynamic fights. It is also important to combine magical strikes with which we can carry out area attacks, keep opponents at a distance or eliminate them. With a wide range of skills to choose from, Frey quickly adapts to his individual style. Along the way, we will encounter a variety of enemies, including monsters that live in Atia. There are also powerful bosses, among which Tantas is in the lead.

In the course of passing, we get the opportunity to develop the heroine thanks to the accumulated mana. With it, players unlock new skills, and necklaces help increase the level of health, stamina, and protection. Thanks to various patterns on the hands, special skills, and various buffs are opened.

"FORSPOKEN 2022 Game Review"

FORSPOKEN 2022 Game Review

Forspoken Technical Aspects

Forspoken is powered by the Luminous Engine and takes full advantage of its full potential. The game has detailed locations and animated character models. In addition to Ella Balinsky, the cast also includes Pollyanna McIntosh, who plays the role of Tanta. This actress appeared in the TV series The Walking Dead. In turn, Janina Gavankar gave Tanta her appearance and voice.

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