Recent reviews by punksroach®™

My Journey in Eterra: Last Epoch (December 2025 Review)
As someone who has put hundreds of hours into ARPGs, I’ve spent the last month deep in Last Epoch Season 3: Beneath Ancient Skies. With the holidays here, it’s been the perfect time to grind, but the experience is... complicated. Here is exactly what it feels like to be a player right now.

1. The Season 3 Loop: Primal Hunts & Rift Beasts
The current seasonal mechanic, Primal Hunts, is probably the best one they’ve done yet.

The Experience: I love the "evolve your boss" mechanic. Tracking down a Rift Beast and choosing how to mutate it for specific loot feels much more engaging than the older "run in a circle" mechanics.

The Loot: Primordial Items have changed my endgame entirely. Getting that extra affix slot feels like a massive power spike, but man, the RNG to get the right base can be brutal.

2. Why I Keep Coming Back: The "Build Freedom"
Even with all the drama lately, the core of the game is still king.

The Skill Trees: I’m currently playing a Lich using the new Flay skill. Being able to completely rework my skill tree on the fly without a "PhD in Spreadsheets" is why I prefer this over Path of Exile.

Circle of Fortune (CoF): I’m a CoF player through and through. In 2025, the faction improvements make target-farming feel fair. When I see a "Prophecy" for a unique helmet and it actually drops, that dopamine hit is still there.

3. The "Krafton" Drama & The Paid Class Controversy
I can't write this review without mentioning the mood in global chat right now.

The Sentiment: Ever since the acquisition and the announcement of Paradox Classes (paid DLC classes), the community has been on edge. It feels weird to be asked to pay for new classes when the main story still technically ends on a cliffhanger.

The Reality: While I'm worried about the "pay-to-win" potential of these new classes, the game we have right now is still incredible. But as a player, I’m definitely holding my breath to see how they handle the Season 4 launch in early 2026.

4. Combat Feel: Getting Better, But Not "Diablo" Yet
The 2025 animation updates have helped a lot.

The Feedback: Enemies actually react to being hit now (the new "hit-reaction" animations are a game-changer).

The Jank: You still run into the occasional "Unity-engine stutter" when the screen gets filled with 50 minions and 100 spells, especially in high-corruption Monoliths.

Why I’m Still Diving: My 2025 Helldivers 2 Experience
I’ve been on the front lines of the Galactic War for nearly two years now, and honestly? Helldivers 2 is better than ever. As we wrap up 2025, the game has evolved from a fun co-op shooter into a massive, living universe. Whether you're on PC, PS5, or the new Xbox recruits joining us on the Series X|S, there is no better time to spread Managed Democracy.

1. The War Has Changed (And It’s Brutal)
The arrival of The Illuminate completely flipped my playstyle. I used to just "spray and pray" against the bugs, but these high-tech shields and mind-control tricks forced me to actually think.

My Trip into the "Gloom": The September update introduced "Gloom" worlds, and let me tell you—fighting in those dark, labyrinthine caves without orbital support is nightmare fuel. Hearing a Burrowing Charger digging underneath me in total darkness is the most intense horror-action I’ve ever experienced in a game.

Sky Terror: Just when I thought I was safe, the Dragonroach appeared. Having flying bugs rain burning bile on my squad makes every mission feel like a desperate fight for survival. Anti-air stratagems are now my best friend.

2. The Dream Gear: Halo & Killzone
2025 was the year my childhood dreams came true. Seeing Arrowhead partner with other sci-fi legends felt so natural.

Rocking the ODST look: Since the August 26 update, I haven’t taken off my "Helljumper" armor. Using the silenced SMG while looking like a Halo ODST is exactly what I always wanted.

The Helghast Vibe: The recent "Festival of Reckoning" brought in Killzone-inspired gear, and the aesthetic fits the Helldivers world perfectly. It’s not just "skins"—it feels like part of the lore.

3. My SSD Finally Has Room!
I have to shout out the tech team for the collab with Nixxes. Seeing the game file shrink from 154GB down to just 23GB was a literal miracle for my storage space. Not only is it smaller, but I’m dropping into missions twice as fast. No more waiting around—just straight into the pods and down to the planet.

4. Living the "Super Helldive" Life
If you want the real experience, you have to try Difficulty 10 (Super Helldive). It’s my new standard. It requires near-perfect coordination with my squad, and we’ve become obsessed with perfecting our Automated Defense Station (ADS) placements.

The grind for Super Credits is still there, but because the Warbonds never expire, I never feel stressed. I play when I want, how I want, and I’m always making progress.


What I Love Why You Should Join Me
Pure Chaos: No other game captures this level of cinematic madness. Fair Play: You can earn everything just by playing the game.
Legendary Vibes: Halo and Killzone gear make you feel like a badass. Constant Updates: There is always a new threat or a new toy to play with.
The Community: Whether we're winning or losing a planet, we're doing it together. Optimized: Runs like a dream and doesn't eat your entire hard drive.

I Finally Became the Shadow Monarch: My Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE ExperienceI’ve been grinding Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE since it dropped in late November, and after a month of playing, I can finally say: this is the Solo Leveling game we actually deserved. Moving away from the mobile gacha style into a full-package, premium PC experience has changed everything.Here is why I’m obsessed with this game and why I very highly recommend it.1. Combat That Actually Rewards SkillThe biggest change I felt immediately was the weight of the combat. It’s not just about tapping buttons anymore; the Overdrive System makes every fight feel like a high-stakes duel.The Perfect Parry: There is no better feeling than landing a perfect parry on a boss and triggering a cinematic Chain Smash. It makes me feel like I actually have Jinwoo’s reflexes.Job Advancements: I’ve been experimenting with the 8 different job advancements. I started as a high-speed Assassin, but switching to a "Ruler" build with the Monarch’s Awakening transformation makes me feel absolutely untouchable.2. The "No Gacha" Freedom is RealThe best part of my experience? Zero gacha. I spent so much time in the old mobile version just hoping for a lucky pull, but here, I actually earned my hunters.Recruitment: I recruited Cha Hae-In by completing her specific story missions and paying her "recruitment fee" with in-game gold I earned from raids.Crafting: I finally crafted Kasaka’s Venom Fang using materials I farmed from the subway boss. Knowing that my power comes from my effort and not my credit card makes the progression so much more satisfying.3. Commanding the Shadow ArmyWatching my Shadow Army rise during a 4-player co-op raid is pure eye candy next-gen graphics.Multiplayer Raids: Doing the Igris Raid with three other players was chaotic in the best way. Coordinating our "Overdrive" ultimates to break the boss’s guard is a level of strategy I didn't expect.Yaruru: My little shadow companion, Yaruru, is a life-saver. Having him run around collecting loot while I focus on the fight is a "quality of life" feature I can’t live without now.4. Immersion and CustomizationI’ve spent way too much time in the customization menu. I gave my Jinwoo a custom hairstyle and even tweaked the hair colors of my hunter squad to give my party a unique "team" look. The world looks like the webtoon came to life—it's vibrant, sharp, and runs butter-smooth on my SSD.My Personal Rating: 9/10 (S-Rank Experience)Why I Love ItMy Quick TipsPure Power Fantasy: Becoming the Monarch feels epic every time.Master the Parry: It’s the difference between an E-rank and an S-rank player.No RNG Progression: Everything is earned through skill and grit.Craft Early: Don't hoard materials; build your weapons as soon as you can.Shadow Army: The visuals of the shadows are the best I've seen in any game.Try Co-op: The raids are the best way to get high-tier crafting mats.Final Verdict: If you are a fan of the manhwa or the anime, this is a must-play. It’s a skill-based, gorgeous, and fair action RPG that finally respects the player's time. I'm already looking forward to the 2026 console release so more people can join the hunt!

I’ve been playing FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE a lot lately, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most enjoyable and breathtaking games I’ve ever experienced. Every part of the game — from the story, combat, visuals, and music — is crafted with so much care and detail that it keeps me completely immersed.

The combat system is fast, smooth, and incredibly fun, blending real-time action with strategic elements perfectly. Each character feels unique and powerful, and every battle is exciting and satisfying. The upgraded graphics and additional INTERGRADE content make the experience even more stunning and memorable.

What I really love is how the game stays true to the classic Final Fantasy VII while adding modern depth and emotion. Exploring Midgar feels amazing, and every moment feels alive and cinematic.

Overall, this game is pure joy — packed with epic moments, heartfelt storytelling, and fun gameplay. If you’re a Final Fantasy fan or just love great RPGs, this is an absolute must-play! ❤️

Among Us is such a delightful and clever game that my daughter and I can’t get enough of! The concept is simple yet incredibly engaging — working together as Crewmates to complete tasks while trying to figure out who the Impostor is. It’s a perfect mix of teamwork, deduction, and a bit of chaos that always keeps us laughing and guessing.

What makes it even more special for us is how easy it is to play together. The colorful visuals, fun character customization, and lighthearted gameplay make it enjoyable for players of all ages. Whether we’re teaming up or playfully accusing each other (with plenty of laughs), every session turns into a memorable experience.

It’s amazing how such a simple concept can bring so much fun and bonding time. Definitely one of our favorite games to play as a family! ❤️

Highly recommended for anyone looking for a game that’s both entertaining and perfect for spending quality time with loved ones.

I started playing this game in Season 9, and even though I might be late to the party, I’m absolutely blown away by how amazing it is! The gameplay is so engaging and fun—it may not be ‘perfect’ by some standards, but to me, it’s an incredible experience. The developers have clearly put a lot of effort into improving the game since its first release, and all the changes and updates make it even more exciting to play.

I’ve been having so much fun exploring the new features, mechanics, and content. The progression feels rewarding, and there’s always something fresh to enjoy. Even as a newer player, I never felt left behind—the game does a great job of keeping things enjoyable for everyone.

The graphics, sound design, and overall immersion are top-notch, making every session a blast. Whether playing solo or with friends, the excitement never fades. This is definitely one of the best games I’ve played in a long time, and I can’t wait to see what else the developers have in store! 10/10—highly recommend!

This version keeps your original sentiment while adding more enthusiasm, detail, and a stronger recommendation. Hope this helps! Let me know if you'd like any tweaks. 😊

As someone who has spent time in both Diablo and now Path of Exile 2, I can confidently say that PoE2 offers a superior and truly refreshing gameplay experience, even in its early access state. Despite the extensive revamps, patches, and changes that come with early development, I see this as a natural part of the process. The game is already delivering something extraordinary, with its deep mechanics, challenging gameplay, and sheer scope setting it apart on a different level.

The fluid combat, intricate skill system, and overall design feel polished and rewarding, providing a level of complexity that long-time ARPG players can appreciate. While I still hold a lot of love for Diablo, Path of Exile 2 has managed to carve out its own identity and raise the bar for the genre. The number of players currently engaged speaks volumes about its potential and the excitement surrounding it.

Of course, as with any early access title, there’s room for refinement, and I’m hopeful that Grinding Gear Games will take player feedback and suggestions seriously. With continuous improvements and balancing, Path of Exile 2 has the potential to become a masterpiece in the ARPG world. For now, the experience is already awesome, and I can’t wait to see how it evolves by the time of its full release.

Chronicles was like stepping directly into the anime’s beautifully crafted world. From the very beginning, the game pulls you in with its stunning visuals that perfectly replicate the anime’s vibrant art style. It felt like reliving the journey of Tanjiro, Nezuko, and the rest of the cast, but with the added excitement of being in control of their epic battles.

The gameplay is where this title truly shines. The combat system is smooth and accessible, yet nuanced enough to reward skill and strategy. Each character feels unique, with their own signature breathing techniques and special moves brought to life with jaw-dropping animations. Executing Tanjiro's Water Breathing techniques or Zenitsu’s Thunderclap and Flash felt as exhilarating as watching them in the anime. The boss fights, in particular, stood out, blending intense action with cinematic storytelling, making every encounter feel significant and emotional.

The story mode faithfully follows the anime’s plot, retelling key arcs with a level of care that does justice to the source material. Revisiting iconic moments, from Tanjiro's training to the battles with Rui and Enmu, felt like experiencing the anime all over again, but with added layers of interactivity and immersion. The game even includes touching flashbacks and character interactions that deepen the emotional connection to the story.

Outside of the story mode, the Versus Mode is a blast, allowing you to pit your favorite characters against each other in dynamic one-on-one battles. The roster is filled with fan-favorite characters, each designed with immense attention to detail.

Overall, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles is a dream come true for fans of the anime. Its gameplay, mechanics, and storytelling are all superb, making it one of the most enjoyable anime-based games I’ve played. Whether you’re a fan of the series or just looking for an amazing action-fighting game, this title delivers an unforgettable experience.

Monster Hunter: World is an epic action RPG that immerses players in a vast, living ecosystem filled with awe-inspiring monsters. As a hunter, players embark on thrilling quests to track, battle, and capture or slay various creatures, each with unique behaviors and attack patterns. The game emphasizes strategy and preparation, requiring players to study their prey, craft specialized gear, and choose the right weapons to succeed.

The open-world design is rich with detail, featuring diverse biomes teeming with life, dynamic weather, and day-night cycles. With seamless multiplayer integration, players can team up with friends for cooperative hunts, adding a layer of camaraderie to the exhilarating combat. Its expansive progression system, deep customization options, and a constant flow of challenging content make Monster Hunter: World a must-play for fans of action-packed, skill-driven adventures.

The Last of Us Part I is a masterpiece of storytelling and gameplay, delivering an intense and emotionally charged experience. The game masterfully blends action, survival, and exploration, all while immersing players in a post-apocalyptic world full of danger and heartbreak. Its compelling narrative, deeply human characters, and stunning visuals make it a standout title. With moments of tension, emotional depth, and unforgettable storytelling, The Last of Us Part I is a truly remarkable game that leaves a lasting impression.