The reviewer discusses the challenges of reviewing Europa Universalis V due to its evolving nature, extensive systems, and ongoing updates, but highlights that the game offers a rich, complex experience that feels authentic and engaging despite its unfinished state at launch.
Europa Universalis 5 is a highly detailed and complex grand strategy game that offers an extensive simulation of historical geopolitics, requiring patience and deep engagement, with a steep learning curve but rewarding depth for dedicated players.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2, despite a tumultuous development history and delays, is now officially on sale, though its production was marred by internal conflicts and changes in development teams.
Developers of Cities: Skylines 2, Colossal Order and Paradox Interactive, issue an apology for the game's poor state and recent DLC, Beach Properties, acknowledging unrealistic timelines and rushed releases. Refunds will be issued for the DLC, and it will be changed to free content. The game has faced criticism for performance issues, with players noting struggles even on high-spec PCs. The developers pledge to focus on free patches and updates before working on new paid content, and announce a delay for the Bridge and Ports expansion to 2025, as well as a further delay for console editions to October 2024.
The launch of Cities Skylines II has been marred by performance and functionality issues, leading to a public apology from Paradox Interactive and Colossal Order. The recent Beach Properties DLC received overwhelmingly negative reviews, prompting the companies to make it free for all players and offer compensation to Ultimate Edition holders. They also announced a shift in focus towards improving the base game and modding tools, delaying new paid content to 2025. The console version's release has been postponed due to optimization issues, with a target release date of October 2024. Regaining the trust of players is a top priority for both companies moving forward.
Paradox Interactive and developer Colossal Order issue a public apology for the state of Cities Skylines 2 and its recent DLC, Beach Properties, admitting to letting down fans and announcing refunds for DLC purchasers. Future paid DLC has been postponed indefinitely, and the Beach Properties DLC will be made free with additional content for Ultimate Edition owners. The game's next expansion, Bridges and Ports, is now set for release in 2025, and an advisory meeting with the community is planned for full transparency. The console launch is now targeted for October 2022, following struggles with optimization.
Paradox's grand strategy game Star Trek Infinite, released last year, will not receive further updates despite player frustration, leading to overwhelmingly negative reviews on Steam. The game, set in the Star Trek universe, was praised for its low-stress gameplay and familiar setting, but players are disappointed by the lack of ongoing support and updates.
Paradox Interactive will delist Hearts of Iron 4 from the Microsoft Store on March 1, 2024, due to the game having a record number of unobtainable Xbox achievements, with 60 unobtainable achievements on its list. The developer plans to provide free Steam keys to players who have already purchased the game or its DLC packs through the Microsoft Store.
Paradox Interactive has released the first look at the revamped Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 gameplay, now developed by The Chinese Room after the removal of Hardsuit Labs. The gameplay trailer showcases the Brujah Kindred in Seattle, with each clan having its own playstyle and Disciplines. The extended gameplay reveal delves into the game's mechanics and setting, emphasizing the impact of player choices on relationships with in-game characters. The game will feature four clans for the protagonist, and more details on each clan's Disciplines will be released later this year.
Paradox Interactive has released a 14-minute gameplay trailer for Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2, showcasing the game's shift towards action RPG elements with a mix of stealth and magical violence reminiscent of Dishonored. The trailer features the protagonist, a 17th century Elder named Phyre, as a member of the rebellious Brujah clan, with options to customize gender, outfits, and clan. While the game's departure from its predecessor's focus on roleplaying is noted, the trailer still offers a glimpse of the game's mood and combat mechanics. Bloodlines 2 is set to launch this autumn on various platforms.
Prison Architect 2, the sequel to the popular prison management simulator, is set to release on March 26, 2024, on PC, Xbox Series X and S, and PlayStation 5, featuring 3D graphics, multiple floors, sandbox construction, Career mode, and an inmate connection system. Priced at $39.99 / £34.99 / €39.99, the game promises advanced simulation systems and deeper player control, marking a significant evolution from its predecessor.
Prison Architect 2, the 3D sequel to the popular jail management sim, is set to release on March 26th, featuring multi-floor prisons, a new inmate behavior system impacting gang warfare and escapes, and cross-platform support for sharing prisons. While some fans are unsure about the shift to 3D visuals, the game promises new tools for designing facilities and both sandbox and career modes for players to enjoy.
Publisher Paradox Interactive and developer The Chinese Room have announced that Ventrue will be the fourth playable clan in the upcoming game Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2. Ventrue vampires are known for their leadership qualities and ability to mesmerize and dominate others. The game is set to release in fall 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC.
Paradox Interactive has revealed that Phyre, an elder vampire from the 17th century, will be the protagonist in the highly anticipated RPG, Vampire: The Masquerade Bloodlines 2. Players will have the ability to customize Phyre's gender, clan, outfits, and behavior, while navigating the dark and immersive world of Seattle. The game, which has experienced delays and a change in development studios, is set to offer a deeply immersive experience with a compelling narrative.
Paradox Interactive's space strategy game Stellaris is set to release its new expansion, Astral Planes, later this year. The DLC will introduce "reality-breaking" technology, allowing players to explore parallel dimensions and encounter new creatures and secrets. With 30 Astral Rifts and branching narratives, players will make choices that shape their empire's destiny. The expansion also includes new features such as Riftworld Origin, Relics, Civics, and music tracks. The release date is yet to be announced, and it will coincide with the 3.10 'Pyxis' update.