Recent reviews by Akabane101

Put 90 hours into the original on PS5 (pre-DLC) and obtained the platinum trophy. Happy I waited for the PC release to grab the game and the DLC. The Ultrawide mod fixes any issues I had with this port and it runs smooth as can be on my 4080. Unforgettable adventure with high stakes and epic action. I hope more get the opportunity to enjoy it.

Might be the best evolution of the Command & Conquer formula I've seen. I would certainly appreciate an optional modern interface along the bottom of the screen (although that's achievable somewhat with mods), but, overall it's a really enjoyable experience with a great campaign to boot. Looking forward to seeing the two other campaigns when they release.

Although it's quite jank in multiplayer, the pacing of this game is the best I've seen in the genre. Pure dopamine drip feed directly into my veins. Phenomenal world to explore. Exciting upgrades. Clear and obvious visual progression. Simple yet effective in every way. Brilliant.

Fantastic team-focused co-op based game where every person on the ship feels valued and important, each with distinct roles and responsibilities.

Certainly needs a few tweaks here and there (FOV for one could use an improvement), but overall a solid-start and can't wait to play more with my mates.

Yes.

[Edit: 2024/08/18]
Patch 1.001.100

The latest balance patch has released and it reinvigorated me to come back for more. I never expected Helldivers 2 to be a game that I would put more than 50 hours into it, and it's clear that the passion and dedication from the development team has proven once more that they are capable of delivering a product that is tailored towards a fun playstyle that keeps bringing me back.

Although I didn't mind the challenge that was brought with the heavy down-tuning of weapons, I will admit there was serious issues with some gear getting balanced down to the point of where I would never see an opportunity to bring it on a mission. Now, with everything brought back up to a more leveled playing field, any weapon is viable, and it's down to player preference and style. Beam weapons have never been better, and I couldn't be happier.

If you're debating coming back, give it a shot. Pubs are a lot easier to get into as well, so just have fun with it. Elitist builds will hopefully fall to the wayside as more uplifting balance changes come into the fray like this one.

[Edit: 2024/May/06]

Please note there was a review bomb on not only Helldivers 2, but Helldivers, Magicka and all Arrowhead Studios related video games due to Sony opting to force mandatory logins for customers by May 30th. This has been rescinded and it remains optional. However, I doubt the majority of review bombs will be removed as they now wholly do not reflect any aspect of the game what-so-ever.

I stand by my original review, it's a fantastic game, worth your time.

[Original Review]
Incredible co-op experience. Huge amount of variety in terms of builds to carry out a wide range of missions against two vastly different and challenging enemy factions. This is the type of game where you'll be telling tales of your exploits and war stories to your friends and co-workers. Get a group together and dive in.

Truly everything I could've hoped for in an Armored Core game. Unparalleled levels of customization down to the tiniest custom-made decal. Fast-paced missions with infinite possibilities on how you can go about taking them on. Accessible 3v3 and 1v1 PvP with simple custom lobbies. Three full playthroughs to attain a whole story that builds on itself with new missions, levels, and gear to unlock through battle logs and treasure chests. It all works really cohesively and runs quite well. Ultra-wide support out of the gate too, with 120 FPS cap.

If you find a build that's OP, great! Have fun with it. When it comes time, consider trying other builds, you might just find something else just as strong or more enjoyable to use. Experiment, have fun, try something new, or don't -- it's your choice, and that's what makes From Software games so great. The game can be as easy or as difficult as the player wants to make it.

Good luck out there, Raven.

Although performance leaves something to be desired, the sheer joy of killing humanity's greatest threat with everyone shouting movie quotes whilst building make-shift base defenses makes for an exhilarating and captivating experience worth your time.

It's hidden, but it's still an active community. One of the best tutorials and on-boarding experiences of any online multiplayer games to date.

They have something good going on over here.

Great, easy to understand diplomacy involving you casting your votes and influence to decide benefits and losses upon each election for various roles.

Simplistic yet meaningful army production and upgrades, including the leveling of surviving units, deadly environments, and supply limitations keeping you from venturing too far from your own territory.

Generous worker placement in the form of Agents that gain your resources and allow you to create active schemes to use to sabotage, steal, encourage or negate conflicts.

Authority / Water / Influence system is straight from Northgard, although the game is much more generous in your production of these resources, allowing for a much larger area of influence across all factions.

Scouts are safe from attack, allowing them to simply survey the map at an upkeep cost.

Trade is also very simple and easy to navigate. I just wish we could enter a numerical value rather than move left or right as if it were a slider to finely tune amounts traded.

The four factions feel unique, yet similar. Some favor political warfare, others espionage or even military might. But each faction can attain any victory in their own way upon the tech trees and district building choices.

District Buildings also provide a incredible system that allows a faction to go all in on one style of play, or to broaden their horizons and become a jack of all trades.

Multiplayer is not currently in this build, so for those looking to play alongside their friends, I would hold off for now.

Framerate dips quite significantly below 60fps by the end game, with significant stutters upon switching between the overview (fully zoomed out) map, and the isometric camera view.

Overall, Dune: Spice Wars Early Access (April 27, 2022) is engaging, incredibly re-playable and offers a unique experience that feels different enough from Northgard and unique enough in the 4X / Real Time Strategy hybrid genre that it stands on it's own as a great foundation for what's to come. Once multiplayer is available and when the framerate becomes ironed out for late game, I believe it will usurp it's predecessor, Northgard, and stand tall.