Recent reviews by Arka Singha Roy

**Recommended**

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is a visual feast with stunning graphics that elevate the ancient Greek setting to new heights. The story is immersive and well-crafted, taking you on an epic journey filled with memorable characters and impactful choices. While the combat is just okay, the rich narrative and breathtaking environments more than make up for it. And let's not forget Socrates—his philosophical dialogues are a highlight, adding depth and humor to the experience. If you enjoy open-world adventures with a strong storyline, this game is a must-play.

Absolutely fantastic.
I didn't play the first three games before this one, but I didn't feel like I was missing out by playing the fourth instalment first.
Although, I still hope they bring the rest to PC somewhere down the line.

Title: A Magical Journey with a Few Bumps Along the Way

Rating: 4/5

Hogwarts Legacy offers a magical and immersive experience that fans of the Harry Potter universe will absolutely adore. The game excels with its breathtaking graphics and stunning cloth physics, making the world of Hogwarts feel incredibly vibrant and alive. Every corner of the castle and its surroundings is meticulously detailed, capturing the essence of the Wizarding World perfectly.

However, despite its visual splendour, some of the RPG mechanics feel a bit dated. While functional, they lack the modern innovations that could have made gameplay more dynamic and engaging. The story, while enjoyable and true to the Harry Potter spirit, doesn’t quite reach the narrative depth one might hope for in an expansive RPG.

Overall, Hogwarts Legacy is a captivating adventure that successfully brings the magic of Hogwarts to life, even if it doesn’t completely revolutionise RPG gameplay. It’s a must-play for any Potterhead, offering a visually stunning and enchanting journey through the Wizarding World.

Pros:

• Gorgeous graphics
• Impressive cloth physics
• Immersive Hogwarts atmosphere

Cons:

• Outdated RPG mechanics
• Story is just okay

An Unforgettable Masterpiece

The Last of Us Part I is nothing short of a masterpiece. Having finally arrived on PC, this game brings its legendary storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and emotional depth to a whole new audience, and it does not disappoint.

Story: The narrative is the heart and soul of The Last of Us. It’s a harrowing tale of survival, love, and loss set in a post-apocalyptic world. The character development of Joel and Ellie is incredibly deep, making you care deeply about their journey and the choices they make. It’s rare to find a game that can evoke such a wide range of emotions so effectively.

Graphics: The game is stunning. The attention to detail in the environments, character models, and animations is top-notch. The PC version takes full advantage of high-end hardware, delivering crisp, detailed visuals and smooth performance. Whether you’re exploring the ruins of a city or the overgrown wilderness, the game’s world is immersive and beautifully crafted.

Gameplay: The gameplay strikes a perfect balance between intense combat, stealth, and exploration. The crafting system is intuitive and adds a layer of strategy to encounters. Every confrontation feels tense and meaningful, and the AI is smart and challenging. The addition of new gameplay mechanics and enhancements in the PC version only adds to the depth and replayability.

Sound: The sound design is phenomenal. The voice acting, led by Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson, is some of the best in the industry. The music, composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, perfectly complements the game’s tone and enhances the emotional impact of the story.

Performance: On PC, the game runs beautifully. With a range of settings to tweak, it’s accessible to a wide variety of rigs, and the optimization is excellent. I encountered very few technical issues, and the overall experience was smooth and enjoyable.

In conclusion, The Last of Us Part I on PC is a must-play for any fan of story-driven games. It’s a shining example of what video games can achieve as a storytelling medium. Whether you’re a returning fan or a newcomer, this game will leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss out on this incredible journey.

Title: Hades: A Blinding 10/10 Gem

Graphics: Utterly lush.

Gameplay: Properly addictive.

Audio: Eargasmic, mate.

Audience: Suits everyone, innit?

PC Requirements: Dead easy setup.

Game Size: Compact but jam-packed.

Difficulty: Properly challenging, like.

Grind: Just enough to keep ya keen.

Story: Gripping as a good yarn.

Game Time: Infinite fun, no lie.

Price: Worth every bob.

Bugs: Only tiny ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥, yeah?

Overall: Hades is a top-notch gem, scoring a proper 10/10 with its lush graphics, addictive gameplay, and gripping story.

Title: A Glorious Blueprint Yet to Be Fully Realised

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Manor Lords stands as a testament to ambition, offering a tantalising glimpse into what could be the next great strategy epic.

Graphics: Stunning
Prepare to be transported to the medieval era through meticulously crafted visuals that breathe life into every corner of the game world.

Gameplay: Immersive Excellence
With its deep and nuanced mechanics, Manor Lords delivers a strategic experience that demands both cunning and foresight. From city planning to battlefield tactics, every decision feels weighty and meaningful.

Audio: Serene Ambience
Whilst the soothing soundscape enhances immersion, it's entirely optional for those who prefer to create their own soundtrack of conquest.

Difficulty: A Thinking Person's Challenge
Manor Lords isn't for the faint of heart. It's a game that rewards careful planning and strategic prowess, offering a satisfying challenge that will keep you coming back for more.

Game Size: Just Right
Balancing content and performance with finesse, Manor Lords offers a substantial experience without overwhelming your hard drive.

Story: Serviceable Background
While not the main focus, the game's narrative provides a solid foundation for your conquests, adding depth to the world you inhabit.

Price: A Worthy Investment
Despite its Early Access status, Manor Lords delivers enough content and potential to justify its price tag, offering countless hours of strategic enjoyment.

However, it's worth noting that Manor Lords, in its current iteration, feels more like a tantalising glimpse of what's to come rather than a fully realised experience. While the framework is undeniably strong, there's still polishing needed to bring out its full brilliance. Yet, even in its nascent state, Manor Lords shines as a beacon of promise in the realm of strategy gaming, leaving players eagerly anticipating its evolution.

Title: Soaring Through Tranquility: A Norman Sky Odyssey

Review:
Norman Sky isn’t just a game; it’s a transformative experience that seamlessly blends the thrill of flight with the serenity of exploration. From the moment you spread your wings and take to the skies, you’re enveloped in a world of boundless beauty and endless possibilities.

Visually, Norman Sky is a masterpiece. The handcrafted world is a vibrant tapestry of color and detail, with every landscape, from lush forests to towering mountains, meticulously designed to evoke a sense of awe and wonder. Dynamic weather effects further enhance the immersion, with storms rolling in and sunlight dancing across the horizon in a mesmerizing display.

But it’s not just eye candy; Norman Sky’s gameplay is equally captivating. The controls are intuitive and responsive, allowing for both graceful gliding and adrenaline-fueled aerial maneuvers. Whether you’re swooping through narrow canyons or soaring to dizzying heights, every moment feels exhilarating and alive.

What truly sets Norman Sky apart, however, is its sense of tranquility. Amidst the thrill of flight, there are moments of quiet contemplation where you can simply glide and soak in the beauty of your surroundings. It’s a rare balance that few games achieve, and it’s what makes Norman Sky such a deeply immersive experience.

Beyond the main story, Norman Sky offers a wealth of content to explore and discover. From hidden secrets tucked away in remote corners of the world to customizable wingsuits that allow you to tailor your flying experience to your liking, there’s always something new to uncover.

In summary, Norman Sky is a triumph of game design that excels on every level. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or simply looking for a serene escape, this game offers an unforgettable journey through the boundless skies of its breathtaking world. So spread your wings, take a deep breath, and prepare to embark on an odyssey unlike any other. Highly recommended.

Mafia: Definitive Edition offers a truly captivating mob story that's expertly complemented by its stunning visuals and an immersive, period-accurate soundtrack. What pleasantly surprised me was the remarkably competent AI, which adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the game's shooting sections. Driving through the beautifully recreated 1930s cityscape is an absolute treat.

However, it's important to note that a significant portion of the game revolves around driving, which might be a point of contention for some players. Nonetheless, if you can overlook that, you'll find yourself engrossed in a solid, authentic mob experience that's well worth your time.

I must say, I absolutely enjoy this game! It's akin to "Papers Please," but in a splendid 3D world. You're not just tasked with maintaining border control, but you also contend with a myriad of random events in the surrounding area. While the expanse of land isn't vast, I must admit, I wasn't anticipating the ability to traverse it by vehicle, which is rather cool, I must say.

The developers have been diligently addressing bugs since its release, a commendable effort on their part.

All in all, it's a jolly good game! Tremendously entertaining, I dare say!

Well, I must say, I have quite a lot of thoughts swirling in me noggin' about this here game, but I'll try to keep it brief and to the point, old chap. When I refer to "this game," I mean none other than the three marvelous Hitman games that grace us with their presence. The overall story, my dear friend, is nothing short of top-notch! Though, I must admit, I did stumble upon a wee slip-up in one of the missions in Hitman 3, but let's not dwell on that.

Now, what truly sets these games apart is the freedom they grant you in approaching each level. One can tackle 'em in various ways, although I must confess I didn't explore all the possibilities myself, being a tad too eager to move on to the next challenge, you see. The sounds and musical scores are utterly delightful, and the voice acting? Ah, truly splendid, it is! The game mechanics, oh, they have truly outdone themselves, surpassing the previous Hitman games with flair and finesse.

In sum, the presentation and storytelling of this latest trilogy are near perfection, if you ask me. However, I do have one tiny grievance, and that's with IOI's tendency to be a mite too greedy when it comes to their DLCs. Deceiving players with cheap tricks is not the path to admiration, I must say. A gentler approach would surely be more commendable.