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Despite its slick presentation and period‑piece visuals, Mafia II often feels tedious rather than thrilling. Much of the gameplay devolves into extended drives across town, lengthy cut‑scenes, and repetitive cover‑shooting with little variation. Reviewers noted the open world of Empire Bay is beautifully rendered yet empty of meaningful activity—there are almost no side‐missions, no real freedom, and the city functions more like scenery than a living space. MobyGames +2 TIME +2 One critic declared that the game “gets the last word by destroying the myth that the mafia is interesting at all. It contends that the mob world is a hell of boredom populated by aggressively stupid automatons.” Wikipedia +1 For players seeking high‑energy action, varied gameplay, or open‑ended exploration, Mafia II may feel more like a soporific ride than a thrilling underworld adventure.

Mafia III shows flashes of ambition—its story tackling issues of racism, revenge, and the underbelly of 1960s America is compelling, and it nails the tone, setting, and characters impressively. But those strengths are undermined by a core experience that feels hollow: the open world is lifeless, the mission structure becomes repetitive all too quickly, and the technical issues and dated gameplay design pull the whole thing down. Many players felt the game had great bones but failed to build a consistently fun or polished experience. Because of this, while it has merit in narrative and style, as a game it falls short enough that a 2‑star rating is more reflective of its overall impact.

Mafia: Definitive Edition earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars for its engaging story, immersive atmosphere, and impressive visual remake of the original game. The narrative and setting successfully capture the feel of 1930s organized crime, making the experience compelling for fans of story-driven games. However, the gameplay has some drawbacks: certain mechanics, such as driving and combat, feel a bit dated compared to modern standards, and a few sequences can feel repetitive. Despite these minor issues, the game remains a highly enjoyable experience, balancing nostalgia for the original with modern enhancements, making it well worth playing for both new players and returning fans.

MiSide is an indie psychological horror game developed by AIHASTO that starts as a cute anime-style simulation of caring for a character named Mita, then gradually shifts into intense horror. This contrast between charming visuals and unsettling themes is one of the game’s strongest points, giving it a unique and memorable atmosphere. Players have praised it for its distinct art style, multiple endings, and narrative-driven gameplay, earning overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam. However, the game is not without its drawbacks: the horror content is intense, including blood and dismemberment, which may not be suitable for all players, and some critics note that the story lacks depth compared to top-tier horror titles. MiSide is currently available on PC via Steam, so console or mobile players may be disappointed. Overall, the game is highly recommended for fans of psychological horror who enjoy branching storylines and unusual genre blends, though it may not appeal to those who dislike scary content or are seeking a large open-world experience.

Metro Awakening delivers one of the most immersive VR experiences in the post‑apocalyptic genre. The game plunges you into the dark, claustrophobic tunnels of the Moscow Metro as you play Serdar, a doctor desperately searching for his wife amidst radiation, mutants, and supernatural threats.s

Metro Exodus is a remarkable evolution of the Metro series and easily deserves a 5-star rating. It expands the universe beyond the dark, claustrophobic tunnels of previous games into vast, open, and beautifully detailed environments while retaining the tense, survival-driven gameplay the series is known for. The story is gripping and emotionally engaging, with rich characters and meaningful choices that affect the narrative. Combat, stealth, and exploration are seamlessly integrated, and the crafting and survival mechanics add depth and immersion. Visually and aurally, the game is stunning, with dynamic weather, day-night cycles, and a haunting soundtrack that amplifies the atmosphere. For fans of story-driven, atmospheric shooters with a post-apocalyptic setting, Metro Exodus is an unforgettable experience worthy of five stars.