Recent reviews by Code_Ghoul

Yes. The actual gameplay of Borderlands 4 makes it a fantastic entry in the series. Gun play has never felt better in the Borderlands franchise (even though reload animations don't always make actual sense. Why does my character have to pull the bolt every time I pull out this fully loaded, ready to go sniper). The feedback on weapons and combat itself is very satisfying.

Hell, the writing is certainly a lot better than it was in 3. Claptrap even made chuckle numerous times.

I'm lucky that my older I-7 CPU (8 years, Randy. The age of the hardware isn't the problem, bub. Coffee Lake is still working just fine) and my 4070 ti combined with DLSS gives me like 100 fps with 1440p on High/Very High settings. I can run most games on High or Maximum graphics at 1440.

This game DOES suffer from weird optimization and technical issues for TONS of people. The Pitchford can bash his head against the internet all he wants, it doesn't change that fact.I still get a lot of frame hiccups. A Ripper will explode on a headshot with a Jakobs weapon and 20% of the time there's a half second frame freeze in my otherwise 100-120 fps experience.

I'm so effing sick of playing Compiling Shaders: The Game. I get wanting to make sure performance is better so I'm not flabbergasted by the rise of compiler shading in general, but why does this game have to compile shaders every single time I launch? Why does it take so dang long when there's a patch? Why does it compile shaders sometimes when i'm just fast traveling and sometimes not? Why does compiling shaders take so friggin long if I just change a couple settings?! I've increased my shader cache and that barely helped!!

The actual GAME is good. Great even. Definitely not without its issues. Let us never forget the worst part about being a Borderlands fan. Randall Steward Pitchford II himself.

I only play single player and consider myself a casual. I like to make thematic armies, not meta ones. I've never played any other entries in this series.

As someone who has dumped tons of hours into all sorts of turn-based or real time strategy games, many of which count as 4X, I reaaaaaaally like Age of Wonders 4. It is not without its bugs here and there, but that could almost go without saying for any title these days.

I think for casuals AoW4 is amazing. The type of person who likes strategy but also isn't trying to crack the code on the most optimal strategies, could get hundreds of hours or more entertainment from this title and its beefy DLCs, of which most I'd say are worth a bit more than sale price.

This game does a neat job at enabling someone to fulfill certain play fantasies, in the way that a good RPG reinforces a good class fantasy. RN I'm playing a shadowy dragon lord raising armies of the dead from the souls of my enemies.

Also the Pantheon system is dope AF. I wish more games had something like this. You can enshrine your victorious custom-created faction lords, and earn points that unlock new cosmetics and new ways to customize cultures.

The vibes are immaculate

This DLC reinvigorated my enjoyment of the game

Arrowhead made the game fun again!

Actual game is great. Weighed down by some shady stuff and early release technical issues.

Hopefully the Operations mode sees enough TLC to have some longevity

If every faction was this good I'd willingly pay more for the base game. No sarcasm.
I hope some semblance of the Chaos Dwarf resource system combines with the Warband system for Medieval 3's recruitment mechanics. Having some more macro besides "Acquire gold, spend gold" makes the Campaign map way more enjoyable, personally.
All the units are awesome and enjoyable to use. The only downside I might say is the Darklands can feel pretty claustrophobic with enemies on most of your sides. That's not a downside for me, but it might be for you.

Stellaris is my favorite 4X galaxy-spanning empire simulator. Many are unhappy with the way Paradox will completely overhaul certain mechanics through major gameplay updates. While I admit it can be mildly obnoxious to relearn a new system, it is at the same time, personally, interesting and has not hampered my enjoyment of it. As time goes on I do believe this game has only gotten better.