Atlas Video Game Review: God of War (2018)

God of War

Kratos and Atreus

 

 

 

 

 

 

I recently finished playing God of War. It’s an action-adventure RPG that was released exclusively for Sony PlayStation. I’ve completed the main story and some side quests. I’ll do a more thorough playthrough because this is a game with gumption. Only playing it once would be a disservice to yourself and the excellent work done by everyone involved. And now, for my breakdown of the elements:

  • Cast: The voice actors are spectacular, with Christopher Judge and Sunny Suljic being my favorites. They were Kratos and Atreus, respectively. The parent/child bond truly pulled at my heart.
  • Combat System: With Kratos and Atreus, there are a multitude of options to deal with enemies. The range of choices is an open invitation to come up with all kinds of clever strategies.
  • Graphics: This is the type of game “photomode” was invented for because the graphics are stunning. Quite a few times, I had to stop and capture the scenery.
  • Music: Bear McCreary composed a soundtrack that summons a cascade of emotions. It’s a bold and vibrant audio tapestry. I love listening to it, as I write my own stories.
  • Story: After Kratos left Greece in shambles, he went to the land of the Norse, to live a quiet life. That was not to be. Ultimately, him and his son reshape their surroundings.

God of War is more than a contender for the game of the year. It threw down the gauntlet and put its stamp on the entire gaming industry. This is one of the best pieces of art in any genre. All of the elements create a compelling and immersive experience. The adventures of Kratos and Atreus will continue in future games. I look forward to how they will impact the Norse world and other realms.

Review: Silver Silence by Nalini Singh

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Nalini Singh’s Silver Silence is a paranormal romance. It continues Singh’s Psy-Changeling Series. If you’re looking to dive into a rich and complex world, this novel is a strong entry point. Read the blurb and an excerpt.

Though this book is mainly about Valentin Nikolaev and Silver Mercant, we also learn what’s happening to others. The Trinity Accord is shaky and different factions, such as the Consortium, are eager to see it crumble. Still, there are those like Bowen Knight, who try to stabilize interactions between Changelings, Humans and Psy. The contrasting goals of those around Valentin and Silver help expand the range and stakes of the overarching conflict.

Valentin is loyal, robust and playful. Silver is also loyal, as well as reserved and precise. Overtime, Valentin charms Silver, getting her to show emotions that she locked away. Not to be outdone by his craftiness, she’s more than capable of handling the intelligent and mischievous leader of the StoneWater Clan. Valentin and Silver’s stubbornness is an advantage and they bring out the best in each other.

While Singh explores the relationships in other Changeling groups, the closeness within Valentin’s bear clan makes it one of my most loved families. I’m an introvert and I’d normally run from such boisterous people. Yet, I absolutely love the StoneWater Clan. Valentin is the central reason for that. He can be straightforward and is comfortable with his power. He uses coarse language but also switches to being a perfect gentleman. Silver is an excellent match for him, with her innate blend of strength and compassion.

General Thoughts: There are several popular couples in this world that Singh created, including Kaleb Krychek and Sahara Kyriakus. I wouldn’t be surprised if Valentin and Silver quickly become a favorite too. It’s beautiful to see Silver open up to Valentin. He keeps within her orbit, while giving her time to see the depth of his genuine affection. If you’re into BioWare’s Dragon Age video games, Valentin may remind you of The Iron Bull. 😉

Favorite Moments: Aside from the beautiful romance, Singh made the tale fuller with other characters. Among my favorite moments are 1) the StoneWater Clan celebrating the birth of a new cub and 2) Valentin and Silver taking the cubs to play in a foam ball pit.

Questions: Will future books mention the blooming romance between Arwen and Pavel? Will Valentin and Silver have cubs?

Rating: 4 out of 5.

I can’t wait to see what happens next…

Mass Effect Andromeda: My Benefactor Fan Theory

BioWare released Mass Effect Andromeda one year ago. I have a fan theory about this wonderful game, which I’ve played multiple times. One of the most intriguing mysteries is about the Benefactor. That person hasn’t been identified. Could it be more than one person acting as an entity? I don’t know if we’ll get that question answered. Even if we find out more, I decided to have some fun and create a fan theory!

  • The Benefactor is a Rogue Reaper, who wanted to save the Milky Way species.
  • The Reaper contacted Liara T’Soni and convinced her to help.
  • Liara, as the Shadow Broker, recruited those who’d lead the Andromeda Initiative.

I’m not sure if there will be a sequel, but MEA has so much potential. I truly hope we get a chance to find out what happens.

My MEA Character

My MEA Character

The Architect’s Guardian: Chapter 48

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Lakeside Cabin

Lakeside Cabin

With the important Gathering approaching, Armando and Izdahl take some time to relax, in The Architect’s Guardian, Chapter 48. Here’s an excerpt:

Izdahl started undressing and Armando smiled.

“Come here.” Armando reached for his lover.

“Not now. You aren’t as aware as I’d like you to be. I have plans, Mr. Medina. And I need you to be fully awake.”

Armando laughed. “Should I be worried?”

Izdahl paused in unbuttoning his pants. “A little. There’s a reason I chose the most secluded cabin.”

 

 

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