jiverson2010 Reviews

Days Gone (2019 Video Game)

The Critics Got This One Wrong

[9/10 · 25 April 2021]

I want to start off by saying, I absolutely love this game!

However, I almost didn't check it out. Shortly after it was released I saw some reviews float my way that were less than ideal for a game I was interested in and followed decently close.

I was a bit sad to see game critics rate it things like, "Just Okay." And "Wait for a sale."

So I did just that. I waited for a sale.

I am a big advocate for supporting releases at launch. Especially if they are from a franchise I love.

Days Gone wasn't a franchise (yet) but I knew it had potential.

After spending 80+ hours it it's world, with its characters I was sad that I let the critics steer me away from supporting a game I was absolutely in love with. Days Gone is title I have returned to time and time again, because what it gets right, it absolutely nails.

The world building is incredible. Everything feels like it was lived in, offering an immersive experience that similar titles can't always accomplish. The characters are interesting and perfect for the world of days gone. No one is really good, but some are definitely bad. A lot of people are just doing what they can to get by. Which is realistic given the circumstances.

I will say, the mission structure can get a bit repetitive and boring and certain stretches of the map do feel a bit dry, but the excitement of discovering a new horde or finding a nice view or area, more than make up for it.

The combat is a ton of fun! Takes me back to the old CoD Zombies days. Setting traps, running circle routes and knowing when to turn and face a group of enemy's shakes up the way combat situations generally play out in most third person action adventure titles. The guns feel good and the melee combat is weighty and satisfying.

The resource management can be somewhat frustrating at times, but overall adds a fun mechanic to the game, that does feel decently balanced. It never really got in my way or felt too cumbersome.

The bike is a great feature that lets you put your own personality and flare into the world of Days Gone. I was worried that the gas management mechanic would be annoying but I never had an issue!

I'm conclusion, Days Gone is a game that grabs you in if you let it, and keeps you thinking about it long after it ends. Great world building, characters and combat mechanics make this one a must play for gamers that enjoy open world action adventure titles.

I guarantee you'll enjoy it.

Thank you!

Run (I) (2020)

They didn't play the song.

[1/10 · 16 April 2021]

0/10 They didn't play "Run" by Awolnation once. Watched the whole movie to see if they would do it. Nope. Not once. Not even a sound bite. Not even a snippet. Too bad! Some spots where the song would have fit perfectly. Like when she is on the run, that would have been good. But nope. Not even then.

Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun (2020)

We Need More of This

[8/10 · 30 November 2020]

This show was a blast to watch. I threw it on, not knowing anything about Aunty Donna and I finished the whole thing in one sitting.

It's goofy, weird, brilliant, and so many other things all balled into one hilarious package! If you're a fan of sketch comedy and enjoy shorter shows that allow you to turn off your brain and relax, then this is the perfect show for you.

Reading some of the negative reviews makes me think that people went into this thinking the show had a lot more structure. Though each episode does have a plot, they dance around it with clever sketches and fun side stories that tie back into the central theme of the episode, without taking anything very seriously. And to be honest, that's the fun of it.

There are some jokes that don't really hit and there is the odd bit that goes a little long but overall it's an insane show that I hope a lot of people get to enjoy! Fingers crossed we get more.

Airplane Mode (II) (2019)

I wish I could give this a negative score.

[1/10 · 8 September 2020]

I'm pretty sure I'm going to die now. It's like that tape from the ring movies but worse.

Death Stranding (2019 Video Game)

Normally, I Can't Stand These Games

[10/10 · 29 August 2020]

I have never been a fan of HUGE open world games that leave you feeling overwhelmed right from the get go.

When I picked up Death Stranding for a great price, I thought "what the hell. If I hate it, I just won't play it."

Thank God I stuck with this title.

The game is huge and feels lived in, despite it being about the apocalypse.

The game offers player freedom but gives you very clear direction as to which missions are main story related and which are side quests.

The satisfaction I got from building roads and structures that helped other players, was like nothing else I have ever experienced in a game.

Yes, the story is pretty strange and out there and might need more attention than other games in the genre, but it is SO original. It is Truly unique and something that I hope more people get to experience.

I love Death Stranding.

The gameplay mechanics are a lot of fun and it is absolutely breathtaking at times.

I hope they do a sequel.

Brews Brothers (2020)

Yikes...

[2/10 · 10 June 2020]

This has potential. Unfortunately bad over acting and boring characters are dragging this show through the mud. I love the concept, and I'm a big fan of The League so this seemed like a very promising comedy series! But I couldn't have been more let down. It just doesn't work. This show was built on low hanging fruit. They see the most obvious joke and triple down on it. The whole show is grasping at everything and anything just to get some traction, but it never happens.

Too bad.

Ugly Delicious (2018– )

A Neat Show With Nowhere to Go.

[2/10 · 16 April 2020]

I didn't hate this show. But I can't recommend it to anyone. It started out really cool, showcasing different foods and the people behind the plate. After a while however, it got political and I felt like it kind of turned into a way for Chang to use this show as his personal diary. He always seems to find a way to blame another culture for "ruining" or "overworking" a traditional dish. By the end of the series he was completely unlikeable to me.

I see a lot of positive reviews praising the simplicity of the show and I totally agree with them. There are a decent amount of things that the show gets right. However over time David makes the whole thing about him and his politics, and the show completely loses any and all direction. Too bad. There are a ton of other great chefs that could have totally nailed this series.

I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson (2019– )

This is what SNL wishes it could be.

[10/10 · 12 July 2019]

This is some of the most creative writing I have ever seen. The first episode caught me completely off guard. I didn't know what to expect. By episode 2 I was pausing the episode so that I wouldn't miss anything through my laughter filling the room. This is brilliant! The negative reviews on this attack unfair aspects of the show. I feel like they are written by people that didn't know it was sketch comedy. Check it out and let your hair down! Allow the show to just be what it is. Don't have expectations and enjoy the ride! I love this show.