Lorenzo Vodani

"Destruction’s Our Delight" Technical analysis summary Graphics: 8.5 Sound: 7.5 Playability: 8.0 Longevity: 7.5 Impact: 8.0 Pro + A splendid digital London with a beautiful atmosphere and an amazing OST. + The first AC with two protagonists. Both unique in a very immersive story. + Captivating and frenetic,yet less technical, combat system + Lots of things to do in a more classic AC experience... Cons - ...but the last one of the Desmond Arc - Bugs and glitches here and there. - It can be repetitive to certain players - Despite trying for something new, it goes back to well know dynamics of the series. Overall Verdict 7.9: The last true classic AC game of the series. Full of fanservice but in an overall well-designed game with an interesting story, for most of the fans of the saga this will not be a burden but rather a value. It deserves to be tried even just for the historical period in which it is set. The music and atmosphere manage to make the player live a unique experience. Absolutely recommended if on sale. _______________ Steam Optimization as of 21/03/2021 [tested at 3840x2160 with Win 10 Pro - 64 bit - Version 20H2 - OS Build 19042.868, MoBo MSI Z170A Gaming Pro - FW Build 1.G0, Intel i7 6700k, Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 Windforce OC - Driver Version 461.92, Kingston Hyper X Fury 32 (8x4) GB 2666 MHz, game installed on Western Digital Blue 4TB model WD40EZRZ-00GXCB0 and steam client installed on Samsung SSD 860 EVO 500GB - FW Build RVT04B6Q] At the time of the release, the game was full of bugs and glitches. Now there are just a few. It runs well at 4K with minor adjustments. UI scales well. It doesn't receive updates anymore. A moderately optimized game.

"A great Legacy" Technical analysis summary Graphics: 7.5 Sound: 7.5 Playability: 8.5 Longevity: 7.5 Impact: 8.0 Pro + Good game mechanics in classic roguelike style + Quickly addictive and suitable for fleeting gaming sessions + Simple yet enjoyable story with funny and stylish touches + The love of the developers in the creation of this game is tangible in every single pixel and musical note Cons - Lack of enemy variety - A few visual glitches here and there - The music tracks, despite being good, are not so many - Not so many game/graphics settings Overall Verdict 7.8: A pleasant roguelike with a more than valid technical sector. The captivating and entertaining gameplay will push most of the players to proceed with the runs to enhance the character and dissect the details of the story. It could be repetitive for non-lovers of the genre. The graphic style and music of the game exude all the passion of the developers. A little gem. _______________ Steam Optimization, support and updates as of 03/03/2021 [tested with Win 10 Pro - 64 bit - Version 20H2 - OS Build 19042.685, MoBo MSI Z170A Gaming Pro - FW Build 1.G0, Intel i7 6700k, Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 Windforce OC - Driver Version 460.89, Kingston Hyper X Fury 32 (8x4) GB 2666 MHz, game installed on Western Digital Blue 4TB model WD40EZRZ-00GXCB0 and steam client installed on Samsung SSD 860 EVO 500GB - FW Build RVT04B6Q] The game runs flawlessly at 1080p but, even if not fundamental at all, it lacks 4K support. A mod has been released, and supported to this date, by the developers. All in all a well optimized and supported game.

"A short leap" Technical analysis summary Graphics: 8.5 Sound: 6.5 Playability: 8.0 Longevity: 7.5 Impact: 8.0 Pro + A splendid digital Paris and beautiful character models + Solid parkour mechanics and animations + Improved combat system + A lot of content and side missions... Cons - ...but not really enthralling - Bugs and Freezes - Sound effects are good, music is acceptable but... british voice actors for French characters?! - Poor story despite the interesting protagonists Overall Verdict 7.5: AC Unity is a shy step forward in the AC series, full of interesting ideas but also with none of them fully realized. Half single player and half multiplayer, doesn't convince in any of them. Most of the players won't even try all of the aspects of the character customization nor the side activities of a big ,and we have to admit beautiful, computerized Paris. Fans will miss the atmosphere of the old AC games but is admirable that Ubisoft actually tried to add something new to the formula, and true AC lovers will absolutely appreciate some new concepts. With a more engaging story it could have been a better game. All in all, an enjoyable game. _______________ Steam Optimization as of 19/09/2016 [tested with Win 10 Pro - 64 bit - Version 1607 - OS Build 14393.187, MoBo MSI Z170A Gaming Pro - FW Build 1.B0, Intel i7 6700k, Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 Xtreme Gaming Edition - Driver Version 372.70, Kingston Hyper X 8x2 GB 2666 MHz, game and steam client installed on Western Digital Blue 3TB model WD30EZRZ-00Z5HB0] At the time of the release, the game was full of game-crashing bugs. After a year of updates the game is more than playable but still needs some tuning to avoid certain unsolved bugs. The multiplayer never really worked properly (cutting what could have been a huge positive aspect of the game). Not a well optimized game.

"An almost perfect release" Technical analysis summary Graphics: 8.5 Sound: 8.5 Playability: 8.5 Longevity: 9.0 Impact: 8.0 Pro + All the charm of the NBA world, faithfully recreated + Several game modes to suit all tastes + Interesting story mode with a superb cast + Meeting other online players and see their styles in the park is funny... Cons - ...but meeting tons of cheaters is absolutely not! - Still need some improvements when is about physical contact between players and animations - Needs better roster management: some historic teams don't have their key players and the Euroleague receives way delayed updates - Sometimes shots and passes look "predetermined" despite the timing of the player Overall Verdict 8.5: Technically solid and with plenty of game modes, for both single and multi player, the 2016 version of NBA 2K is confirmed as the best basketball simulation game available on the market. An excellent title that basketball fans will fully appreciate, suitable for both veterans of the series, who will be amazed by the improvements, and newbies who want to approach the series, thanks to the satisfying learning curve that the game offers. Not totally optimized for competitive online games on PC. _______________ Steam Optimization as of 18/09/2016 [tested with Win 10 Pro - 64 bit - Version 1607- OS Build 14393.187, MoBo MSI Z170A Gaming Pro - FW Build 1.B0, Intel i7 6700k, Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 Xtreme Gaming Edition - Driver Version 372.70, Kingston Hyper X 8x2 GB 2666 MHz, game and steam client installed on Western Digital Blue 3TB model WD30EZRZ-00Z5HB0] As usual when talking about NBA 2K games, the title faced technical issues throughout the year. Some issues were promptly repaired, others required a longer period to be fixed (remarkable was an online-breaking bug following the Windows 10 anniversary update which impeded almost all the players to connect to the servers for more than one week) while others were never totally resolved (such as the above mentioned online cheaters issue). All in all a well optimized and supported game which, however, didn't really favor the players who wanted to participate in competitive gaming.

"Rome won't fall" Technical analysis summary Graphics: 9.5 Sound: 7.5 Playability: 7.0 Longevity: 6.0 Impact: 7.5 Pro + Astonishing graphics + Gore and adrenaline + Evocative music and beautiful sceneries + Interesting character development system for both Single and Multi player + Collectibles, Multiplayer items and Achievements lengthen the gaming experience... Cons - ... but the whole experience is quite short and the replayability is, however, not so high - The plot, despite the good narration, is not particularly deep or original and also has some holes - The main characters are poorly deepened during the story, notwithstanding the optimal individual design and the good voice acting - Gameplay repetitiveness and little variety in almost any aspect of the game - Alternates epic moments and situations to almost banal ones Overall Verdict 7.5: Technically solid and with a few game modes, for both single and multi player, Ryse: Son of Rome is a good and absolutely entertaining game. Even though not advisable at full price given the overall experience, the game is capable of giving great satisfaction and excitement to all action games lovers thanks to its pace, its immediacy and its visuals. With a thicker plot it could have been a small gem. Interesting online component (it does remind me of Spartacus Legends) but already poor of players. Worthy in Co-op with a friend. _______________ Steam Optimization as of 25/11/2016 [tested with Win 10 Pro - 64 bit - Version 1607 - OS Build 14393.447, MoBo MSI Z170A Gaming Pro - FW Build 1.B0, Intel i7 6700k, Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 Xtreme Gaming Edition - Driver Version 375.95, Kingston Hyper X Fury 8x2 GB 2666 MHz, Xbox One Wireless Controller - FW Version 2.3.2385.0, game and steam client installed on Western Digital Blue 3TB model WD30EZRZ-00Z5HB0] The game is absolutely playable and, despite the demanding requirements, is totally solid in the whole structure. The multiplayer works properly but it should have more online options. All in all a well optimized game.

"I Said Something Nice, not expensive!" Technical analysis summary Graphics: 8.5 Sound: 9.0 Playability: 8.5 Longevity: 9.0 Impact: 8.5 Pro + A beautiful, frenetic and engaging story. A unique cast. Dynamic and engaging gameplay. + Graphically amazing and the audio sector is one of a kind. A unique and big explorable world. + The online adds dozens of hours of gameplay with modes for all tastes. Rockstar releases new content every 2 or 3 months. + An enduring game that has been going strong since the PS3 days... Cons - ...and it is precisely for this reason that the technical and structural limits can be seen today. - Although it is very fun, online is unbalanced due to the players who have accumulated large sums of ingame money over time. - Less interiors and jobs for single player. - Some people may find the narrative irritating and immature. Overall Verdict 8.7: There isn't much to say. A videogame masterpiece that will go down in history. Technically excellent. A vast world that can be freely explored via sky, land and seas. Between single player and online it gives hundreds of hours of gameplay to most players. Now obtainable at a low price. A must have. _______________ Steam Optimization, support and updates as of 21/03/2021 [tested at 3840x2160 with Win 10 Pro - 64 bit - Version 20H2 - OS Build 19042.868, MoBo MSI Z170A Gaming Pro - FW Build 1.G0, Intel i7 6700k, Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 Windforce OC - Driver Version 461.92, Kingston Hyper X Fury 32 (8x4) GB 2666 MHz, game installed on Western Digital Blue 4TB model WD40EZRZ-00GXCB0 and steam client installed on Samsung SSD 860 EVO 500GB - FW Build RVT04B6Q] The game runs great at 4K but the UI, despite scaling well, is not perfect for higher resolutions. A few bugs or glitches sometimes. Low resolution textures and average anti-aliasing for today standards. It receives frequent updates that mostly improve/expand the Online. A well optimized game.

"(1) Credit to the story" Technical analysis summary Graphics: 7.5 Sound: 8.5 Playability: 8.0 Longevity: 4 Impact: 8.0 Pro + Original and well-designed levels with captivating gameplay that pay homage to all the 80's gaming classics + Audiovisual sector of excellent workmanship, all very suggestive and well rendered + An introspective and melancholy story, masterfully told by excellently directed films in original style + A short, yet intense, experience which shows that not every game must last ages to be memorable... Cons - ...although 2-4 hours only of gameplay could be very little in the eyes of some players - Lacks replayability value, a single run is enough to fully appreciate the story and will not encourage a second approach to the game - Some levels are very easy, almost an interactive clip, while others are significantly more tedious and break the pace of the story - There is no gallery/theater mode to review one of the strongest points of the game, which is the narrative Overall Verdict 7.2: A little gem that winks at those who lived the 80s and tells a story that proves the strength and the importance that video games can have in the growth of a person. Technically excellent. Suggested to anyone who loves a good tale. Maybe better if on sale. _______________ Steam Optimization, support and updates as of 21/03/2021 [tested at 3840x2160 with Win 10 Pro - 64 bit - Version 20H2 - OS Build 19042.868, MoBo MSI Z170A Gaming Pro - FW Build 1.G0, Intel i7 6700k, Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 Windforce OC - Driver Version 461.92, Kingston Hyper X Fury 32 (8x4) GB 2666 MHz, game installed on Western Digital Blue 4TB model WD40EZRZ-00GXCB0 and steam client installed on Samsung SSD 860 EVO 500GB - FW Build RVT04B6Q] The game runs flawlessly at 4K, all scales well and the UI is fine. No bugs or glitches. It still receives sporadic updates but no important features (like the before mentioned gallery mode) were ever added. A greatly optimized game.