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Reviews
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (2007)
Great opening game for a pioneer franchise but really flawed
I would just like to say that I really liked Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. It's a very interesting and an epic opening game for a legendary franchise. But with that said I got to say it's very outdated unfortunately. Respawns of the same enemies over and over again whether it's pirates or the military. Frustrating to play on the higher difficulties because you will be grinding through each section and dying a lot. Patience is key.
Boring two main antagonists and some odd species enters the plot. The main stars are Nathan Drake, Victor Sullivan and Elena Fisher. No other side characters come into play. Gameplay definitely feels sometimes like a chore to get through. Boat motorcycle sequences are going to drive you nuts. You can definitely see the age of this game pour through your playing experience. Puzzles are pretty easy but collectibles are hard to find.
Cliché brainwashing business man villain controls the story along with his hot-headed sidekick Navarro who's a complete thorn in your side. I'm playing on Crushing and it's a pain to go through considering how crazy difficult it is. Beautiful graphics, lush jungle life and unique environments. Cover is kind of janky you will find yourself screaming internally at your controller to move out of it.
I loved Nate's witty persona Nolan North does a fantastic job as the protagonist. Emily Rose and Richard McGonagle provide solid voice acting as the sidekicks for the hero. Pretty fast-paced game although a pretty lengthy one as well 22 chapters. If you love adventure titles this one is going to be of your liking.
Overall I felt the game was really good not without its issues but definitely a heartwarming story and nothing that you are going to regret playing. If you like heart-pumping action and solid journey of an adventure you are in for a treat. If you want to know Nathan's origin story well this would be the game for you start with.
7/10.
Amnesia: The Dark Descent (2010)
By far the scariest game you are ever going to experience
Amnesia: The Dark Descent is not only the spookiest title I've ever had the pleasure to experience but it's also an absolute nostalgic masterpiece. The game is 13 years old some might say it has outdated gameplay and graphics but the raw looking graphics & gameplay are part of what makes this journey so special.
You play as Daniel who's had amnesia after trying to forget about his past. What happened previously to this character is completely unknown but the only goal he has is to kill this baron that convinced him to work at a castle in Brennenburg in England. From there he's piecing his mind together by getting flashbacks of what has happened and what also happens is extremely intense psychological horror that plays with your mind, soul and heart.
Frictional Games built up such an incredible atmosphere for this title that the players won't forget what a chilling feeling they get when they are trying to survive as Daniel through this mysterious Castle that causes him to hallucinate all the time and drains his sanity. I would also like to point out that there are almost zero jump scares. Don't want to get into spoilers because when you play you immediately get a sense of what's going on and purpose it has.
In Outlast for example the whole game relies on you to be scared over boo type of old school cliché writing which frustrates me more than anything instead of just having this unsettling atmosphere like Amnesia perfectly masters. The soundtrack is extremely memorable it gives you a thought of terror, fear, silence, peace and cosmic.
One of the soundtrack that's called Back Hall is most likely the most beautiful piece I've ever heard in a video game. It's basically this choir like it's from Heaven. It feels as if it is this otherworldly setting.
What makes Amnesia such an amazing ride is that it never loses its appeal. The whole story keeps you invested and makes you want to learn more about the history of this Castle and just overall what happened previously to Daniel working with Alexander it leaves a lot mystery to the player.
The voice acting is so fantastic and believable mostly from Daniel & Alexander they feel like real people. The sound design is terrific too it keeps you on the edge. Storytelling is very good usually collectibles all over the place that gives you an idea & knowledge of this haunting place.
There's also a lot of puzzles in this so if you are not a fan of those maybe this isn't the game for you, you might find it boring because there's hardly a lot of gun shooting action, melee or anything in terms of combat you are pretty defenseless against the enemies of this game. All you have to do is run and hide if you get spotted. The chase sequences are some of the scariest ever.
Overall I think Amnesia: The Dark Descent is best horror game ever created simply because it creates such a vast memorable deep lore along with tons of anxiety inducing moments. This game has been criticized for being "too disturbing" but I don't know any solid horror game that hasn't been a little bit disturbing on the surface. There's going to be blood like in most other horror games.
I feel like Amnesia: The Dark Descent caved way for future horror games like Outlast copies Amnesia a lot the mechanics of it and just gameplay structure. Alien: Isolation is another title that's similar to this. I remember playing this when I was only 14 but it was damn spooky that I was mind blown how scary it was. I couldn't sleep through the night when I had school the day after.
If you haven't played this you have to. It's so good and well made. I wouldn't recommend the other Amnesia titles that's been out there none of them have had the same level of excellence and I only count this one as canon. I think anyone who enjoys a well told story who's not super reliant on gameplay or graphics is going to appreciate this game for what it is because I sure as hell did. The art design is beautiful it creates such a poignant feeling for the areas. Of all of the areas I found Storage & Prison the scariest ones.
Playing with headphones is a must in dark light and have brightness setting correct just have it in the middle otherwise it will be way too bright or way too dark and ruins the scare the factor. Amnesia: The Dark Descent is the most interesting cosmic horror experience I've ever had. It's spooky, claustrophobic, terrifying, beautiful, scary, peaceful and just everything you could wish in a masterpiece of a game. It's got many different connected elements to it.
Absolutely legendary title that influenced and changed the genre for a lot of future horror games. 13 years old but still easily the GOAT of the horror video game genre. Simply unforgettable. Just make sure you have taken your heart pills so you won't have a heart attack while playing it though. It can have very stressful encounters.
10/10.
Fahrenheit (2005)
David Cage's underrated PS2 nostalgic masterpiece
I got to say I was heavily impressed when I first played Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy. It's an older game made 18 years ago so for some it might be "outdated" or clunky which is kind of is but I felt nothing but short of greatness when I experienced the story that is Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy.
There are tiny complaints mostly to the whole clunky gameplay where you have to press the controller into the right direction of the thumbstick it has four different colors and can be pretty damn frustrating doing it over and over again especially if you are trying to 100% game getting that platinum trophy (I'm having struggling issues and stuck on certain parts involving Lucas's character it's so damn difficult on hard mode).
Also I have to say I didn't really appreciate some of the racial slurs that are used in the game it gets a little bit racist in some parts so those who are easily offended or pick easily upon those things are maybe going to have a hard time with this title because it gets pretty prejudiced several times (not many just a few instances of it). But with all those concerns and negatives out of the way wow what a stunning drama, mystery, sci-fi, thriller, fantasy, crime and murder game. It's true testament to David Cage's ambitious and incredible writing he has developed for this.
All of the voice acting especially for the pivotal and main characters are extremely well done and believable. The plot is simply amazing you feel so invested in it and how it's going to end. The graphics are maybe a little on the rougher side but still spectacular considering it was made a long time ago. I loved how well flowed each chapter in the game was always something interesting or something worth to be invested in.
The cold atmosphere for New York brings so much life and depth to it. It's so unique seeing New York under all this snowstorm and all the crazy things happening in the game at that time (happens in January). Lucas Kane, Carla Valenti and Tyler Miles are my three favorite people in it. Lucas Kane is definitely the best character feels the most human and sympathetic of them all. Some of the details are a little bit odd and vague especially how cold the supposed is I don't think it's that detailed but never mind it's such a tiny nitpick.
You can tell everybody had massive fun making this title you can just sense the good atmosphere between the voice actors and the scenes. It really does it justice because when the development team is having fun while making it you are too also when you are playing and experiencing it. The music from the late Angelo Badalamenti (RIP) is absolutely beautiful and breathtaking.
Some of the side characters are very richly written like the mysterious girl who never speaks but shows up in Lucas's vision. Tiffany is a cool ex who develops a very natural chemistry with him throughout game. The Oracle is an extremely intriguing and and a complex antagonist who's motives are completely unknown until the end. Some of the police characters have great voice acting too.
Agatha is a very captivating crippled grandmother character who aids Lucas in his investigation into his crime. Even the artificial intelligence caught me heavily off guard when it showed up later on in the game and feels like a character of its own. Just overall a bunch of different people who all have some value to their name and do a lot for the outstanding plot to work which it already does.
Extremely nostalgic game that caved way for future titles especially decision making games (kind of like how Heavy Rain did as well) and I recommend all who enjoy David Cage's stories to test this out it's so good. In my opinion David Cage's second best title next to Heavy Rain. If you haven't experienced this you must. An absolute masterpiece worthy of all the love from gamers around the globe. Very original.
10/10.
The Shining (1980)
Half good and half bad
The novel The Shining by Stephen King is one of the most amazing horror stories ever written on a piece of paper. When I read it like 14 years ago I was literally anxious and panicked from the incredible detailed and vivid storytelling that King wrote it kept me on the edge of my bed the entire time I had it in my hands it was so scary.
This was also a difficult period in the time of my life so King distracted me heavily from all of that, dealing with childhood trauma, anxiety and abuse in reality by making this perfectly exciting tragic horror novel. I was mesmerized by how good and well told this book was. I was scared to complete each chapter because the build-up was so smooth and intriguing.
Kubrick decided to convert it into a live action film. Well if I'm being honest I did not like this movie that much. It was disappointing. Has good stuff in it, amazing acting from all of the actors/actresses and their dedication into making this work in some way, great cinematography and outstanding sound design. Also some of the design was cool like the enormous maze and the massive claustrophobic hotel that looked more like a giant school with a lot doors and floors those were excellent. The Shining movie might be a classic for many but for me it is very peculiar.
But all of the plot, story, direction, characters and literal meaning of the book is missing here. All of scenes feels like a set-up. Danny is cycling through the hallway oh he bumps into the creepy twins and sees them massacred be scared. Dick comes back to the Hotel to check if everything's okay and investigates for way too long oh he gets axed by Jack.
Wendy bumps into some strange bear furry having sex with a man and then sees the bloody elevator and some random party guest. And all out of sudden spider-webs in the sitting room. I can only imagine how much that scarred the poor actress who was already under a considerable amount of stress from the egregious demands of Stanley Kubrick.
Jack goes to room 237 even though it was 217 in the book to check if there was indeed someone there oh he has delusions about a beautiful girl and starts making out with an old creepy dead corpse of an ugly naked woman who happened to be in the creepiest room and bathtub ever with a completely greenly painted walls and has a horrific laugh over Jack kissing her.
Jack has illusions about being in a party and then gets manipulated by some old caretaker and former butler to massacre his family. It's just nonsense to me and not very well portrayed there are no supernatural aspects to it other than some weird flashbacks that don't really need to be in this movie. Again nothing explained in any of this the viewer is just supposed "to know" and catch up but to me it's just meaningless like all of Kubrick's writing.
The direction is very flawed it doesn't explain anything what's going on and is extremely confusing, graphic and just disturbing in not a terribly good way. Very hard to watch as well it's very depressing and some of the scenes feels like they go on forever (no pun intended) without having too much importance or value to them. I will give credit to some of the scares they were effective but in kind of a shock factor way it wasn't very genuine or upfront.
Jack Nicholson plays a good role here very convincing although very manic from the first scene. His alcoholism was explained much better in the book and his descent into madness as well. Here he doesn't feel very nuanced as a character he's just crazy and abusive throughout the whole film.
Shelley Duvall was bullied a lot on the set but puts in a stellar performance and is one of the most memorable parts about this. The kid is great too Danny makes a believable presence and is one of the more shining lights in this. Guy who played Dick was interesting and likable even though he didn't really seem all that well mentally but he was trying to help.
Kubrick's style of directing is very questionable. His working conditions and overall tyranny "to bring the best out of the actors" by making them do multiple takes every time is unacceptable. Shelley noticeably had to do infamously amount of 148 takes which must be some kind of record in a staircase sequence with Jack chasing her you can see how much she's sweating in the very next shot which is awful. The guy who played Dick was forced to do over 40 takes of his death scene as well until he broke down crying.
Kubrick's also an atheist doesn't believe in ghosts, afterlife or hell so him making this and being at the helm is odd. You can tell the actors felt so drained after the development of this exhausting process was finally over. The hotel feels very dull, spiritless, grim and bleak despite having some kind of "demonic" and "haunted" presence within it. I guess you could say there are ghosts as well in it but it's just some actors rather than unique supernatural or visual effect element added to it. Nope nothing like that.
Very opposite of what the book was trying to describe. Kubrick looked at himself as "a great writer" but King is the one who made this work not him and for me that's the difference between a perfect storyteller and a novelist vs. A pretentious hack who imitates the original poorly. Kubrick lacks imagination and is ruthless about getting every take "perfectly". Like some dictator.
Kubrick might have been a great filmmaker according to some but he put people through so much hardship and misery in his movies and was generally a very pessimistic person always tending to see the worst aspects in everything. Probably very hard to work with because of the unpleasant atmosphere he built around his staff.
I feel Stephen King's complaints about this movie are completely valid. It does half of the things right. It's creepy and disturbing but in a distasteful way like more shocking and disgusting than actual horror, drama and thriller done well. Like it's just meant to unnerve the audience in a sinister manner which is not cool in my humble opinion. I wish the movie had a better foundation because although there is a lot of ambition in it, it just feels lifeless. Some of the slower takes were giving me a headache and nausea especially since they go on way longer then needed.
Very mixed bag for me a lot of positives and a lot of negatives. I would recommend you read the book because it's incredible and keep the option available if you want to experience it in television. For me the movie is controversial because it doesn't stay faithful and truthful to the novel and Kubrick almost sabotaged King's work by going his own ways.
As an adaptation it's a pretty half-assed weak effort but admirable in the technical department but not story wise. I was never a fan of Kubrick's films or his way of "directing" but if you are a legitimate Kubrick sucker you are probably going to love this and think this is the best movie ever. Unfortunately for me, it's not. It did a lot of things wrongly.
5/10.
The Last of Us: Part II (2020)
Most controversial game ever
Ugh where do I even start? First of all it feels way different from the first title. If you loved the original you are probably going to be letdown by this sequel it's so polarizing. So many glaring issues, mistakes, nonsense and flaws in the writing department. You can tell a lot of newcomers were working on this. Neil Druckmann doesn't work with Bruce anymore so he gets unfortunately full creative direction.
The visuals are amazing, the soundtrack is beautiful, the combat is great, the sound design is nice and the cinematography is incredible. On a technical level it's spectacular it couldn't have been made better there. In the story department, the characters, the plot, the pacing, the storytelling and the writing it all feels off it's very bleak-toned, depressing, emotionally depriving and just miserable to play through.
Uncomfortable and disturbing sex scenes out of nowhere. Odd romances and weak chemistry between the characters. Abby even makes a person cheat on his girlfriend and takes advantage of Owen while he's drunk. Ellie forgets to be on watch to have sex with Dina in the frozen forest in some cabin. It's like high school drama. You feel pretty angry with people making stupid decisions like that and not being responsible.
Neil Druckmann was pushing massive agendas while making this almost every male gets shot or brutally murdered (Joel gets done by far the worst of all). A lot of feminism, misandry and sexism. The main two leads Abby and Ellie feel like the same character just two different sides to the coin and Ellie ends up forgiving Abby for everything like they are previous best friends.
Ellie gets super reckless, careless and idiotic without Joel and kills anyone in her way immediately even uses people as baits just to reach her own goals and destinations. Tommy is on a warpath and Abby is a sadistic killer, vicious bully and a control freak who you are supposed to sympathize with. It gives me so many red flags it's baffling. A lot of the side characters were just filler and not that interesting. Abby's friends are particularly dishonorable and vile.
What happened in the beginning ruined the whole experience for me. It set the tone for what was a miserable, tedious, torturous, brutal and a grinding journey. Shock factor value plays in as wel not effectively if I do say so. Just more of frustrating stuff that shouldn't be in this series. It's basically "Oh this character died!" "Oh look this character died! You didn't except that did you?".
Overall a massively disappointing sequel to its perfectly done predecessor. I'm not excited for the third part if they ever decide to make it but I just hope that developers become more careful with their work and products in the future. Look at how Kratos is treated like a God and as a King in the newer God Of War games and compare it to Joel's mistreatment and abuse here. It's not fair or justice. Santa Monica is actually respecting their protagonists.
Naughty Dog did perfectly with their technical aspects in making this game but they should of had more detailed and a sensible story instead of just throwing everyone under the bus except for Abby & Ellie. After you have finished like the 20+ hour journey you are set on you just feel more empty on the inside after what tragedy happened in the first two hours. Play it and you will see why it's heavily controversial.
5/10.
Heavy Rain (2010)
Best David Cage game by a mile
Wow. This game isn't even considered like your standard video game. It's an interactive movie where your choices all matter and determine the outcomes later on in the story. The plot is so incredible and deep. The mystery is amazing not knowing who the Origami Killer is until the very final moments. People complaining about tiny aspects of this title and nitpick it to pieces are usually incredibly insecure and overbearing and should not be playing it.
Four lead characters Ethan Mars, Madison Paige, Scott Shelby and Norman Jayden. Out of all of them I found it most entertaining as playing the FBI agent. He was so cool, epic, relaxed and charismatic. Amazing person there. Madison & Ethan are incredible protagonists too. Scott is a very old school by the book type of character but still has his input and fits well in the game.
Some of the side characters frustrated me a lot especially a crooked cop called Lieutenant Carter Blake. His abusive work methods and beating up suspects and witnesses was very cruel and hard to watch. Mad Jack is another violent character who becomes a thorn in one of Norman's chapters. A mafia family is also in it who have some guilt involving the case. Scott is trying to link them especially a wealthy son to one of the murders.
A creepy old doctor attempts to drug Madison and kill her if you don't leave the house immediately after waiting for a prescription (the actor is a very nice talented man and played a role in a previous title Indigo Prophecy as the Oracle). David Gasman plays a sleazy nightclub owner called Paco but he's been involved with Cage since the beginning voice acting some great characters like Lucas Kane for example.
The plot is basically that there's a serial killer on the loose hunting down young boys (6-10 year old at most) and murdering them by drowning them in rainwater underneath a sewer well pretty grim. Ethan is trying to find his lost son but is interrupted and chased by the police after his former divorced wife accuses him of being The Origami Killer. So in the end Ethan tries desperately to avoid and escape the cops to the best of his abilities for as long as he can.
The romance is beautiful and very tastefully done. Nudity isn't overly gratuitous or perverse and extremely normal (Ethan & Madison get naked when entering the shower), flows great with the plot. A well needed distraction from the bleak tone of the direction and writing. Didn't feel uncomfortable even if the game gets overly criticized and slandered for its tame sexual content which is absurd and wrong. It was not even close to be too much to handle or gross. Opposite of that.
A lot of the dialogue is very good and the conversations are meaningful and feel like they serve a purpose to the story. The major themes in it are drama, thriller, mystery, crime and sci-fi. The visual effects are outstandingly good for 2010 and breath so much life and vividness to it. Soundtrack is epic and powerful like is expected of Quantic Dream. Normand Cobeil makes some of the most heroic soundtrack ever here.
All in all an absolute masterpiece by David Cage I was so invested in it and felt like such a good journey (and a destination if you get the good endings). Million of different outcomes through it, makes Detroit: Become Human look like some cheap package considering that it doesn't have that many different paths it's very scripted. Here everything always feels on the line the suspense is so much.
Only game I feel like comes close to this is Fahrenheit: Indigo Prophecy which is another excellent game by David Cage. Unforgettable experience this ride a bit depressing but so memorable and emotional. A must play for any hardcore gaming fan who enjoys the best storytelling. Legendary work by a master. Recommend it to everyone because it is that engaging and captivating.
Seeing it having a 8.8 rating on IMDB is really satisfying but I remember it having 8.9 at one point and it deserves to have at least 9 or over for being such an iconic and a pioneer game within the game industry. It feels like a perfectly written and crafted crime novel only in video game form.
The fact that overrated games like TLOU2 despite being heavily controversial and having questionable themes, overly disturbing & graphic (with its violence) and hated for its constant misandry & brutal mistreatment of a vital character, sacrificing a lot of male people left and right just for Abby's and Ellie's stories to continue and bleak storytelling discourtesy of Neil Druckmann has the same rating and more votes than this masterpiece is just insulting to Quantic Dream and David Cage especially knowing that Heavy Rain is so, so much better, has more quality and value to its name and has a much more sophisticated plot than just hateful vengeful revenge kind of storytelling. I would arguably say that Heavy Rain is about desperation, loss, hope and despair. Very mature tones. TLOU2 relies only on shock factor, graphic imagery and treats the player base like idiots with its direction.
Heavy Rain is one of those games that put narrative driven and decision making games on the map and we should all be thankful for that. Easily one of the most impactful and relatable titles ever created so good. Multiple scenarios and intense sequences with great writing and solid direction. There are plot holes & inconsistencies here and there but they are so minor you are completely willing to forgive them. Can't wait for Star Wars: Eclipse. I love that David Cage leaves the game open to interpretation to the player and keeps mystery so solid and interesting. For me that's creativity done masterfully.
10/10.
[Rec] (2007)
Extremely intense, spooky, nostalgic and amazing but too short
As for survival horror this movie is extremely good. The Spanish crew who worked on it have done an incredible job to make a terrifying experience. It follows a young woman reporter who visits the fireteam and has to investigate with them a residential building who's under the suspicion of receiving a virus that has spread egregiously.
The storyline is that they are trying to keep the virus under control but all mayhem cuts loose within the residential building and they are not allowed to even leave the area because the authorities and the governments are trying to "contain" the situation by having them locked in it. Feels super claustrophobic and you feel bad for each character.
The main actress is fantastic and charismatic Manuela Velasco she plays the role of a terrified and frightened reporter perfectly. All of the other actors and actresses are also very believable and convincing. They feel like normal people with the worst luck possible. The only con I had with the film it's way too short (only 1 hour and 15 minutes) when they could of expanded on the plot at least for a half an hour.
If you want to avoid spoilers then don't read what I'm about to describe. The main premise of this film is that it's in question whether it's a zombie virus that's been infecting everyone or whether there are some forces at work that cannot be simply explained by science. So it's in question whether people are being infected or simply possessed. Maybe it's both that's at work here but all of the creatures in this film can be seen as demons or something unnatural.
All in all an absolute classic and an incredible ride that you have. If you want see this type of film done poorly then watch Quarantine but this is a prime example on how to do a fast paced intense film.
As I said before the movie is probably the shortest full length in existence but goddamn if it didn't creep me out and make me feel uncomfortable and excited all at the same time. Masterpiece. As for found footage it doesn't get much better than this. Blair Witch Project pales in comparison.
9/10.
Life Is Strange (2015)
Decent
A little bit disappointed with this game I excepted it to be way different when it was launched. The hype was overwhelming and I feel like the game didn't reach the standards that people say it did. You are basically in a school for the most part of the game meeting weird kids (main character is weird too) and questionable adults. The whole adventure isn't all that great even if it's meant to be like that.
The main protagonist is not that cool neither is her friend Chloe. A lot of drama inducing plot with no real meaning to it. Very predictable storyline you can technically guess almost immediately who's the corrupted and the bad person. You have to have extreme amount patience while playing because the gameplay is so slow it will almost feel like a drag and has the generic point and click type of playing like the company Telltale is known for with not that good of a choice system.
Little bit overrated and tedious but if you have patience to complete it you might feel satisfied with some of the aspects of the title. Some of the conversations can be interesting even though it's just like average teenage high school and "friendship" story that isn't necessarily told so well. If you are into these type of walking games however I definitely recommend TWD if you enjoyed this. I just wish it was a little bit more creative.
When you make role playing games it's vital to have something to keep you invested but here it doesn't even exists other than just go from point A to point B to point C and then to point D rinse and repeat for the entire journey. The writing feels extremely feminists and misandrists for the most part and I can already tell that the other titles are very likely that way too with how much female propaganda is portrayed in this. Chemistry between the main characters is not very compelling or captivating it's forgettable in my opinion.
Fine even a great game with lots of potential but if you haven't played it you are not missing out on much. Play rather The Dark Anthology Pictures series, Mass Effect, Witcher, Deus Ex, Dragon Age, Fallout, Skyrim and David Cage games all way better and deeper RPG's with a lot more exciting gameplay, combat and better dialogue. But for an indie studio with a limited and a tight budget it was a good shot and a fair attempt. Nice enough.
7/10.
The Walking Dead: The Game - Season 2 (2013)
Near perfect season
Warning potential spoilers for season 2.
By far the best season of The Walking Dead. So many things are happening in it. Amazing new characters introduced to the plot especially Luke. He was so incredible with his trusting leadership. Some old faces show up again (I was never even a fan of Kenny and his destructive and grumpy behavior but I did like, enjoy and loved seeing Omid & Christa again even if it was only in episode 1 unfortunately).
The cabin group people were interesting Luke, Nick and Pete particularly they had great chemistry and all had a part in saving Clem's life in the beginning. Clementine is even about to pass out and get eaten by walkers when Luke picks her up. Nick showed heroic deeds as well. Rebecca seemed a bit villainous with her nasty attitude reminded me of Michelle and Alvin, Sarah and Carlos weren't the sharpest tool in the shed.
Some frustrating new boring and hateful characters in this season brought to light like Bonnie, Mike and Jane. Jane reminded me of Lilly a lot just a little bit more competent but very pessimistic and Bonnie was kind of like Molly just gave zero care about anyone.
Most brutal antagonist ever in this season voiced by no other than Michael Madsen who does a perfect job of being intimidating and threatening. Tyrannical leader kind of like Negan from the tv series. He lacked all moral compass but goddamn if he wasn't disciplined and a terrifying dictator.
Atmosphere is very good in it for the most part. Not a huge fan of Clementine being the protagonist she's always been a little bit childish as a main character but here she's sometimes annoying to play as because it's pretty obvious who she wants to side with all the time (Kenny and no one else which is weird).
I'm kind of disappointed they didn't go with a different script that was ready for the game originally but instead gave a lot of characters stupid scripted death scenes that they did not in any way deserve. In fact this was a pattern to in season 1. If they had just fixed some of the plot holes and the writing this could of been a potential 10/10 for me.
Kenny is more dangerous and unstable than he was in season 1 which is not saying much because he already had a very dark side to him and recklessness. His beard has even grown much more and he gives good persons in the plot the cold shoulder just because they don't know where or what Wellington is and acts rude as a host to them. So for me he's the most controversial character in the series and definitely someone who let his short fuse get the better of him most of the time.
Confused to why 400 Days was made because the characters not only have an extremely limited screen time (except for Bonnie) here but also just show up to say hi and then dip out in Carver's camp. It's very lackluster felt because I was excited to know their stories better from the DLC instead of just throwing them under the bus.
The Russian group was an odd and a misplaced "antagonist" for the second half of this season. I think Telltale planned to make Eddie kind of a vague character because he was on the front of the episode 4 logo along with a shadowy Wyatt in the background when you start it but that idea got ditched like so many others unfortunately. It was hinted at in 400 Days that he would start some kind of religious cult and you would have to decide whether to join him or stay with the people you're with.
Overall hugely impressed by this season. In my opinion this is the best one, then the 4th, then the 1st and then the 3rd. I really wanted some of these legendary individuals they brought in this to live throughout the journey but Telltale were pretty cruel with their fates. Amazing game though recommend it to everyone who like tremendous storytelling. The script was excellent but it could of been an absolute groundbreaking flawless masterpiece with a little more attention to detail and meticulousness.
9/10.
The Walking Dead: 400 Days (2013)
Interesting, mysterious and a nice tie-in to season 2
Warning potentially massive spoilers for both 400 Days and 2 season are included in this review. Please do not read if you haven't finished those games.
I got to say I was massively impressed by the DLC called 400 Days. It's very satisfactory to play through and makes you think carefully about your choices. All brand new characters that you haven't met or played as before, all dealing with life and their own traumas and different hardships in the zombie apocalypse.
Personally my favorite story was Wyatt's because he had an interesting partner with him and it seemed like the 400 Days characters were originally supposed to play a much larger role in season 2 than they did (unfortunately just small cameos for them except for Bonnie). You can see that on the cover for the fourth episode.
About season 2. The Russian group weren't even a thing until "the final script" was chosen to be portrayed for it. And although season 2 is by far my favorite in this franchise I still found flaws within the writing of it and how it threw most of the newcomers under the bus both in the main game and here. Eddie was supposed to be heavily involved in the fourth episode but that idea unfortunately got scrapped like so many others.
In 400 Days you go through 5 troubled individuals and try to figure out their stories. If you don't want any spoilers about this then I recommend you do not read any further. In the end when you are finished with each stories all of the survivors have tented in the woods until a person called Tavia finds them.
She offers them to join Carver's camp and depending on your decisions they may or might not join it. Bonnie joins regardless considering she's a main character in season 2 but the rest are completely left to interpretation and ambiguity. Vince seemed like someone who was going to play in season 2 a lot but doesn't eventually. Just says hi once at Carver's camp. Same with Dee and Becca, Russell, and also Wyatt.
I really enjoyed this story a lot thought it was a well welcomed addition and I wish the characters here played a bigger role in season 2 than just "hi cameos". One of the most disliked and deceitful characters (Jane) gets a way more prominent role in season 2 than what was initially teased as and promised. She reminded me a lot of Lilly and was very arrogant too. Mike had the same personality as Lee and built like him as well.
Amazing and incredible characters like Luke and most of the cabin group people get a scripted and a pitiful death scene. Arvo gets constantly abused and beaten up by Kenny for no reason other than "being a Russian in America" even though he's underaged and most of the time kept as a hostage even though all of his friends are dead and he has no one left to talk to. I didn't even expect Clementine to be a protagonist in season 2 and she was kind of boring as one. The chemistry is so weird, odd and all over the place despite being extremely captivating too.
Great and an impressive DLC but a lot of lost potential. Builds your hype up a lot for season 2 and delivers in some ways but not in all of them. But very nice content added to the Walking Dead series. I recommend it highly for anyone who's yet to test it out. Just don't get your hopes and except it to tie into season 2 perfectly. It does not. But all in all had a fantastic time playing this. Very underrated. It would have been awesome if the choices had more impact into season 2 though. The shortcomings were there but it was still nice.
8/10.
Sunshine (2007)
Absolutely an incredible film!
This is the most underrated gem in sci-fi history. Everything is so well made, it's hard to watch at times (because it's sad and depressing) but the acting, direction, the visual effects, the cinematography, the sound design, the writing, the psychological aspects, the soundtrack (John Murphy with the most iconic and memorable songs ever) is just so incredible.
Everyone says that they didn't like the second half or the third part of this movie but I completely disagree. The writing made perfect sense to show what happened with the first crew of Icarus 1. They didn't explain it fully but it was well needed and did not take away anything in it. In fact it made it better.
All of the actors are so good and talented in their roles, Cillian Murphy, Mark Strong, Chris Evans, Rose Byrne, Cliff Curtis, Michelle Yeoh, Hiroyuki Sanada, Benedict Wong and Troy Garity all do a fantastic job of keeping the atmosphere intense and mysterious. There's also the philosophical aspects of it that are done extremely superbly (science vs. Religion).
In the end this is by far my favorite sci-fi movie just because it captures the loneliness and darkness so intensely and beauty and the radiation of the sun. Danny Boyle made a masterpiece with this title and I can't believe it has gone under the radar by so many people. It deserves more recognition.
10/10.