Recent reviews by Jerome Castle

Detroit: Become Human was a captivating blend of ethics, philosophy, and rebellion that had me grappling with the uncertainty inherent in each choice; all set against a hauntingly authentic depiction of humanity's response to the rise of androids—marked by fear, hostility, and age-old anthropocentrism.

It was a game that effectively exposed the themes of dehumanization and selfishness that are replete throughout this marred generation; showcasing how the human instinct for self-preservation completely undermines the value of other sentient beings. It's this ability to evoke emotive thought that sparks a pertinent internal conversation, which earns my recommendation and assures me I'll be coming back for another playthrough in the future.

Started playing upon release at midnight and kept playing until dawn—10/10 highly engrossing!

"Not enough available memory" crash with a 24GB GPU and 64GB of RAM… guess Kratos needs even more godly hardware!

Horizon Zero Dawn offered an unforgettable experience with its deeply engaging narrative that, unlike typical formulaic plots found in many games, was both coherent and thoughtfully constructed, free of plot holes, creating a unique paracosm that truly deserves recognition.

As for the characters, they were of considerable interest, with arcs deeply engaging—nothing like the typical video game extras who vanish from memory after handing out a quest. Additionally, the physics and visuals, for a game of this age, are quite exceptional, holding up incredibly well by today’s standards. The music was perfectly suited to each scene, especially in one particular moment near the end. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I am genuinely excited to dive into Forbidden West and continue the storyline where I left off in the near future.

The Quarry was a strange experience full of teenage melodrama and cringe-inducing dialogue that had me rolling my eyes more than once, but I have to admit, it was part of the charm in a weird way. What really kept me hooked was the seamless blend of cinematics and gameplay—it felt like I was part of an interactive movie; a unique aspect that made it both entertaining and memorable.

Haven't played it yet, but while waiting for the download to finish, I thought I'd share my recommended review to pass the time—after all, it's bound to be amazing. Enjoy, everyone!

Ghost of Tsushima is an exceptional work of art, featuring what I consider the most impressive title card drop in the history of creative works—this moment signaled the beginning of a truly memorable adventure.

The graphics, swordplay, and music represent the pinnacle of excellence—visuals that are breathtakingly detailed, a combat system that is incredibly satisfying, and a score that perfectly complements the game's atmosphere. Additionally, despite initial hesitation, I highly recommend opting for Japanese voices with English subtitles for a more immersive experience, as it authentically enhances the cultural setting.

Now, I could nitpick minor aspects of the game, but doing so would be unnecessarily pedantic of me. Instead, I wholeheartedly endorse Ghost of Tsushima and eagerly anticipate a sequel.

Skyrim is undeniably a timeless gem—but not a flawless one. As I ventured back into its world after a decade, the outdated visuals and lackluster mechanics were impossible to ignore. Yet, surprisingly, these shortcomings didn't detract from my experience. I suppose it's because Skyrim's esteemed reputation has never really been about peak visuals or pixel-perfect controls, but rather immersion and storytelling—getting lost in an organic world rich with spontaneous encounters and unique quests, which it accomplishes to the highest caliber. I can only hope I need not wait another decade for the next Elder Scrolls.

Gears 5, much like its predecessors, delivered on several fronts: engaging gameplay, stunning graphics, and an immersive soundtrack. However, where it fell short was in its narrative; while the story was serviceable, it lacked the gripping impact and emotional resonance of the original trilogy, ultimately failing to recapture the essence that made the earlier games memorable to me.

Mass Effect: Legendary Edition is the pinnacle of video game storytelling, distinguishing itself not because of grandiose scale, but due to the meticulous attention given to the individuation of its cosmos. Each planet, species, and character is endowed with a distinct ethos and pathos, contributing to an extremely rich, multi-layered narrative that's accompanied by branching reflective of the finest out there; repercussions of player choices extend far beyond immediate consequences and arise much later on in the trilogy.

Moreover, the series eschews simplistic moral binaries, opting for a game resplendent with dilemmas that are rich in moral complexity and ethical nuance, sure to gratify even the most scholarly of philosophers. With a foundation in philosophical study myself, I was deeply engrossed in the ethical quandaries and choices that permeate the narrative.

Ultimately, within the vast expanse of video game history, no narrative has achieved the depth, intricacy, and emotional resonance I encountered in Mass Effect: Legendary Edition. I consider myself exceedingly privileged to have experienced this magnum opus for the first time at the age of 25.

On a final note, this title is one of only three games that have ever succeeded in moving me to tears—a testament that, I believe, greatly surpasses any accolade I could provide.