Recent reviews by ¤ βℓооđч ¤ Nico-Kun!

I'm updating my review, as it was based on the vanilla version of the game, though I'll leave the original review at the end of this one.

Civilization V is, without a doubt, one of my favourite games of all time, ever since I got it for my birthday back in 2011. While I might not have as many hours as other players, it's a game I have some fond memories of (also, if offline hours counted, I'd probably have a lot more). Anyway, onto the review, in which I'll mention things from the DLCs and expansions (consider this a review of the Complete Edition, rather than of the base game itself).

Civilization V is a turn-based strategy game, of the 4X variety (Explore, Expand, Exploit, Exterminate), in which you play as one of many real world civilizations, some modern, some ancient. You start out by founding your civilization's capital, and from then, it's time for expansion, as you try to build a civilization to stand the test of time. Of course, you'll find many different civilizations on your journey, and it's up to you to decide how you'll approach victory, whether it be through the power of your culture, by diplomacy, by the wonders of technology, or by a show of force. With the expansions, you can even use the power of faith, or even ideology, to influence your friends and enemies as you strive for domination.

With the Complete Edition, you get a game that'll provide hundreds, if not thousands of hours of entertainment. The gameplay itself is pretty good, as you several things to take into account; your empire's happiness, your economy, and even when going for a peaceful route, military strenght should not be ignored, as your enemies might take the chance to strike. Of course, you can always try to gain favours through the use of diplomacy, making deals with the different civilizations you encounter, or even becoming allies with different City-States that don't play for victory.

Each civilization you can play as feels unique in its own way. Beyond "cosmetic" stuff like city names or colours, each civilization has its own leader (based in a historical or mythological figure from said civilization), as well as unique abilities, buildings and units. A fact that might also get overlooked is the soundtrack; each civ gets its own music tracks both for war and peace, and some are, in my humble opinion, excellent.

The game is also highly moddable, with a healthy number of mods on the Steam Workshop. From simple stuff like maps and custom civs, to almost complete conversions that rework the gameplay, adding entirely new mechanics. And even without the Workshop, the game includes several different scenarios, each with its own rules and victory conditions, plus some good modding tools to help you create your own maps and civs.

Well, I think that's all I can say for now. As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, Civ V remains one of my favourite games of all time, and even if sometimes I get a bit tired of it, and abandon it for months, I always find myself coming back, for Just. One. More. Turn.

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Sid Meier's Civilization V might be one of my top favourite strategy games. It provides a great experience, going from establishing your first city, defending it from barbarians, and exploring new territories, expanding your frontiers.

Not to mention your encounters with different civilizations, which allow for diplomatic treaties, or, if needed, acts of war. And then there's the fact of how will you shape your own; the game allows for different branches of policies, each one with their own benefits.

All in all, this game provides a great turn-based strategy experience. Highly recommended.

Just. One. More. Turn.

Moonbase Alpha provides a fascinating simulation of the regular activities that the first colonizators of the Moon would face. From simple tasks such as exploring the surface of the Moon, to critical duties like repairing the life support systems. You'll feel as if you were there, what's with all the astronauts shouting "JOHN MADDEN", just like they would in real life.

A fun, free racing game with lots of interesting tracks, which allows a good level of customization for your cars. Good enough to kill some time.

Peggle Extreme is a short game with the same mechanics as the original Peggle, but with all its levels based around Valve's games. It's a pretty good time killer, although very short.

Half-Life 2: Deathmatch is the multiplayer component of Half-Life 2. It comes packed with all the classic weapons from Half-Life 2, and it includes two weapons that were cut from the main game: the Combine Stunstick, and the SLAM. Great multiplayer game, really action packed; and the fact that you can either play a full deathmatch game, or recreate the game battles with the Team Deathmatch mode (which puts the Rebels against the Combine) makes it a complete experience.

Half-Life 2: Lost Coast is a short map placed in the Half-Life universe. Even though it got cut from the final game, it still offers a good short story, like a small chapter of Gordon's journey.

The graphics are stunning, making full use of the Source engine's HDR, and the map design is really good as well. The final moments give a true sense of the "calm before the storm".

Highly recommendable, and, in fact, I'd suggest you, imaginary gamer reading this review, to play it every time you feel like replaying the HL franchise. In my personal canon, the events of this game actually take place between the events of Half-Life 2 and Episode One, while Gordon is supposedly beneath all that rubble.

Half-Life 2: Episode Two is the second part of the episodic "trilogy" following Gordon's adventures after the events of Half-Life 2. Just like the previous episode, it's packed with the action that's classical to Half-Life games.

The environments are really well made, offering amazing views; the destroyed, menacing Citadel in the distance, the White Forest Peak...

And the story is as good as always, with some really good character development; but that ending... I'm speechless.

I highly recommend it, although you'll end up like the rest of us, crazy HL lunatics, waiting for a conclusion.

Half-Life 2: Episode One continues the story of the Half-Life franchise exactly where Half-Life 2 left it. It keeps everything that made Half-Life 2 good, although in a much shorter game.

It's basically a continuation of the Half-Life 2 story, and it does a great job at it. However, this game has you travelling through the ruins of City 17 along with Alyx, with opens the doors to new gameplay mechanics.

I don't know what more could I say, except that you should get it.

Half-Life 2. What more is there to say? The sequel to one of the best games of all time only manages to take what made the original so great even further. Great gameplay, great weapons, and an excellent story.

For its time, the Source engine was great, and even to this day, Half-Life 2 is, in my opinion, one of the best looking games out there. The attention to detail Valve put into it is excellent, with lots of interesting details that might go unnoticed to most players.

The atmosphere is great and immersive. You'll find yourself thinking a lot about this game after you've played it. You can either rush through the game, or take your time and explore, which will give you a wider idea of the world you're in. And the mysteries it conceals. Only questions arise as you progress through the game, and even though you get some answers, more questions appear.

There aren't words to describe this game. Just get it. Play it. Experience it. You won't regret it.

Sam & Max 104: Abe Lincoln Must Die! is a really good graphical adventure, full of hilarious dialogue between the main characters. It's free, so you can try it for yourself and see if you like it.