Happytown Applesauce

Links to the game reviews are provided in the "GAME NAME" cells. When you are just a dude with a family and a skin care business to run you tend to play it safe with games but I'm trying to be a bit more adventurous. Also, it's tough to write about bad games or games I abandon.. Review Date SCORE GAME NAME STORY OBJECTIVE IN-GAME ART / DESIGN MUSIC AND SOUND GAMEPLAY EMOTIONAL IMPACT LONGEVITY HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE X-FACTOR PROMOTIONAL ART AND DESIGN 8/8/2023 96 GTA San Andreas PS2 10 8 10 10 10 10 10 10 8 10 4/2/2025 95 The Last of Us 10 10 10 10 10 8 10 10 10 7 6/11/2023 94 LA Noire 10 7 10 9 10 10 10 10 10 8 6/18/2020 91 RoboCop: Rogue City 7 9 10 10 9 7 10 10 10 9 9/19/2015 86 Until Dawn 10 10 10 10 7 10 7 7 10 5 8/10/2025 84 Battlefield 1 10 8 10 10 7 8 10 10 10 1 1/28/2024 82 Max Payne 2 10 8 6 8 10 7 10 10 8 5 12/2/2015 80 Sleeping Dogs 7 7 7 10 7 10 7 5 10 10 4/22/2025 80 Ducktales Remastered 8 10 10 8 8 8 5 5 8 10 9/24/2016 77 No Man's Virginia 10 10 3...

[REVIEW] Captain Blood

A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a game that, by all accounts, shouldn't exist: "Captain Blood." This title, originally slated for release years ago, finally saw the light of day in May 2025 after a near 25-year development journey. I first heard about it on YouTube, where most people quickly dismissed it as a relic, a simple hack-and-slash game from the PS3 era. But the story behind its belated release captivated me. Intrigued, I decided to dive in, shelling out $20 to download it. I spent about a week (which for me translates to roughly 5-15 hours) exploring its world. And honestly? The game is great. While you could technically label it a "hack and slash," I think that description misses the mark. "Captain Blood" has a surprising amount of heart and feels more like an early entry adventure game, reminiscent of the genre that dominated console exclusives for a decade. It offers quick, fast-paced, and genuinely fun action within an unexpectedly beauti...

[REVIEW] RoboCop: Rogue City

There are millions of words written about video games every day, but one of the best things you can say about a game is simply, "I wanted to start it up again after finishing it." RoboCop: Rogue City is that kind of game for me. Here's my review, based on my personal 10-category, 10-point scoring system. I'll add up the points at the end for a final score. Let's dive in! STORY: 7/10 Crafting a compelling narrative from an established IP like RoboCop is no easy feat. As someone turning 50 this year, I'm probably predisposed to enjoy anything RoboCop-related, but even so, the story here feels solidly above average. You've got a good mix of street-level gangs, multiple villains, a looming Big Bad, and, of course, the ever-present evil corporation. It truly captures that quintessential 80s vibe, which is a fantastic foundation, but the game eventually develops its own identity, standing on its own narrative merits. OBJECTIVES: 9/10 The objectives are neat and ...

Battlefield 1 [REVIEW]

With Battlefield 6 on the horizon, it's a great time to revisit Battlefield 1, a game fondly remembered and approached with fresh eyes after a nine-year hiatus from the series. This review offers a clean look at the first game in the revised Battlefield series, distinguishing itself from earlier titles in the series. Storytelling and Setting Battlefield 1 truly stands out for its storytelling, with the decision to delve into World War I proving to be an inspired and refreshing choice. The campaign missions collectively offer a strong experience, with two particular chapters shining brightly. Standout Missions 1. Friends in High Places This mission is a highlight, especially for those who appreciate high-flying action. Players step into the shoes of Clyde Blackburn, an unlikely pilot who finds his calling in the skies. The flight mechanics are enjoyable, complemented by the absolutely gorgeous scenery that serves as a dynamic playground. The narrative cleverly builds towards absurd ...

Is Xbox Retreating from Physical Retail? Local Observations Point to a National Trend

Local retail shelf space is often the first indicator of a shift in a company's strategy, and the Xbox presence in Front Royal, Virginia, suggests Microsoft is significantly de-emphasizing physical stores. In Front Royal, which is approximately 50 miles outside of Washington, D.C., both the recently remodeled Target and Walmart stores across the street from one another appear to be abandoning the Xbox area entirely. While the electronics sections remain fully stocked with Nintendo and Sony PlayStation products , as they have been for the past five years, the dedicated Xbox sections are not being restocked. The empty shelves and lack of display focus are a stark contrast to the sustained retail commitment by their competitors. This local observation echoes a major national trend. Earlier reports have confirmed that the wholesale club Costco has quietly stopped selling Xbox consoles and games both in-store and online as a "business decision." Meanwhile, other clubs like Sa...

Twitter (Soccer Viewership)

Follow @HelltownBeer

Powered by Blogger