Stalxer
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Beyond my professional work, I’m passionate about technology, games, and personal projects. My interests often overlap with my lifestyle: I enjoy diving into details, whether it’s tweaking a system, testing an idea, or analyzing how things could be improved. My long-term goal is to create and publish projects of my own, combining creativity with technical skills.
Name: Marat Usupov
Location: .www
Registration: May 5, 2012
Last visit: May 15, 2026
Posts 58
Mortal Kombat II Movie Review
Mortal Kombat II is the long-awaited film adaptation of the cult fighting game, starring Karl Urban as Johnny Cage. Fatalities, arenas, Shao Kahn, and a real Tournament—this is what fans have been waiting for since 2021. We saw it in IMAX and are here to tell you whether they managed to make a video game movie that does justice to the original.
Articles
May 10, 2026
Michael (2026) Movie Review
Antoine Fuqua’s new biopic Michael (2026) hadn’t even hit the screens before it defied expectations: critics tore the film to shreds (38/100 on Metacritic), while the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes hovers around 96%. Let’s figure out who’s right. Spoiler: both sides are right—they just watched different movies.
Articles
May 9, 2026
Lee Cronin's The Mummy Review: Stylish and Atmospheric, but It's Still The Exorcist Movie
«Lee Cronin's The Mummy» is a horror film that shattered audience expectations. Not a reboot, not a sequel — a fundamentally different kind of movie. Where there used to be action-adventure, there's now domestic nightmare. Where there was exotic spectacle — there's home invasion horror. The film deliberately terrifies you with something that should have been a miracle: a missing child came back. Alive. Here's what the director of Evil Dead Rise pulled off.
Articles
April 27, 2026
Best Free PC Games in 2026
50+ of the best free PC games to play in 2026 — from big online hits to small indie projects and browser games that launch in a couple of clicks. This list focuses only on free-to-play PC games people actually play right now: with stable player counts, fair monetization, and fresh updates, not dead servers and temporary giveaways. Inside you’ll find shooters, MMOs, strategy games, RPGs, survival sandboxes, co-op titles, and browser hits, so there’s something here both for competitive PvP fans and for anyone who just wants a relaxed evening at the PC.
Articles
April 23, 2026
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie Review — Is It Worth Seeing in Theaters?
The Super Mario franchise needs no introduction. Over 40 years, the Italian plumber from Brooklyn has become one of the most recognizable figures in pop culture and Nintendo's flagship showcase. To mark the franchise's anniversary, the Big N rolled out The Super Mario Galaxy Movie — the second feature film and a direct sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which grossed over a billion dollars. Three years in development, a hefty budget, and a cosmic setting — is that enough for the next step? We caught The Super Mario Galaxy Movie in IMAX 3D and are here to break down what came of it.
Articles
April 11, 2026
Scream 7 Movie Review: The Best Entry in a Decade — and That's Not Really a Compliment
Thirty years ago, Wes Craven knocked on horror's door and asked, "What's your favorite scary movie?" The genre answered — and slashers were never the same. Now Scream itself has become that call: you pick up and you're not sure whether you're in for a warm nostalgia trip or a slow, painful death by familiarity. By the seventh installment, this isn't just a movie about running from a guy in a mask. It's a film about what happens when tragedy becomes a tourist attraction — and when a killer starts using AI as a weapon. We caught the premiere and we're ready to deliver a verdict.
Articles
March 4, 2026
Pax Historia: First Impressions. An AI-powered grand strategy where victory depends on your prompting skills
Pax Historia — a browser-based sandbox strategy where the interface is replaced by a text field and the game engine by a language model. There are no familiar tax sliders or army caps here. Just you, a set of nations, and an AI on the other end of the line. No micromanagement in the classical sense: open the game, pick a scenario, and start reshaping history. Or don't. Let's break down what Grand Strategy becomes when a neural network writes it.
Articles
February 26, 2026
Europa Universalis 5 Review: I spent 20 hours in the 14th century and still haven't truly started playing
Europa Universalis 5 is Paradox's most ambitious strategy game — and almost certainly their most unfinished at launch. You can see the scale of what it wants to become. You just can't feel it yet. After dozens of hours trying to save Castile from the Plague — and ourselves from boredom — here's how the same game can be both a breakthrough and a letdown.
Articles
February 25, 2026
Pixar at 40: From Scrappy Rebels to Disney's Golden Cage
February 3, 1986, is generally considered the starting point of Pixar's history. Approaching its fortieth anniversary, the studio finds itself in a strange position: everyone acknowledges its greatness, but no one expects breakthroughs from it anymore. So what happened? A natural depletion of creative resources, the pressure of "corporate efficiency," or a systemic crisis of ideas? Let's trace Pixar's journey and try to figure it out.
Articles
February 3, 2026
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Review. A Story DLC, Not a Movie
Hollywood today is a strange place. It eagerly churns out expensive, trendy films, but rarely takes risks or embraces an auteur vision. The symbol of this era is the Marvel Cinematic Universe: recognizable, predictable, with no sharp edges. 28 Years Later, which we saw in summer 2025, proved to be an exception: the film didn't just continue a familiar story but developed it thematically, visually, and dramatically. In January 2026, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple was released — and that feeling evaporated. It's no coincidence that Nia DaCosta handled directing duties, having made history with the failure of The Marvels. For her, this film represented a second chance at her career. How did she use it? Let's find out.
Articles
January 26, 2026
TOP-10 most optimized PC games of 2025
For the past few years, we've been anxiously comparing the system requirements of major blockbusters with our PC capabilities. However, 2025 suddenly went against the established trend. While some developers continue to rely exclusively on the magic wand of upscalers, others have proven that the real magic lies in skilled hands and proprietary engines. Frostbite, id Tech 8, and CryEngine delivered a true masterclass in performance this year. In this TOP list, we've compiled a dozen games that not only look stunning but also run excellently even on hardware you might have already been planning to retire.
Articles
January 5, 2026
From Heartwarming Fairy Tales to Icy Noir: 15 Films and Series for the Perfect New Year's Holidays
Tired of the same old classics like Home Alone and It's a Wonderful Life? Spent an hour scrolling through streaming services searching for "the one" film or series to brighten up your holiday break? Stop right there! Our guide will help you find a worthy alternative! This list features stories for every taste: from heartwarming fairy tales and comedies to stylish detective stories and chilling thrillers. Scroll, choose, and hit Play. Your holidays deserve a new scenario.
Articles
December 30, 2025
Welcoming 2026 in Games: The Most Exciting Holiday Events in Popular Titles
Late December is the best time for online gaming: developers traditionally create the most generous and packed events of the year for the holidays. Holiday events aren't just cosmetics and decorations, but full-fledged modes, quests, accelerated farming, and rare rewards that may not return for years afterward. We've compiled the most interesting and genuinely worthwhile holiday events in popular games that are live right now — so you know where it's worth spending your time and where the celebration was limited to a token giveaway of hats.
Articles
December 29, 2025
Anno 117: Pax Romana Review — Anno in a Roman Toga
When Ubisoft Mainz announced Anno set in Ancient Rome, expectations went far beyond the series' fanbase. Finally, the developers were taking on a radically different, iconic era that we remember from Caesar and Pharaoh: legionaries, great campaigns, rigid social hierarchy, and a state existing for conquest. In the first hours of gameplay, the aesthetics are genuinely captivating: majestic aqueducts, ancient gods, triremes in the harbors. But dig deeper, and you realize: this is the classic Anno formula, neatly packaged in Roman decorations. Is that bad? Let's find out.
Articles
December 26, 2025
Avatar: Fire and Ash Review — A Visual Triumph That's Running in Circles
In 2010, James Cameron brought his dream of Pandora to life — a world you genuinely want to live in. The second installment, released 13 years later, maintained audience attention. In December 2025, the third film with the subtitle Fire and Ash hit theaters — a powerful winter blockbuster: 3.5 hours of spectacle that's hard to look away from. But is there a big idea behind it, or are we watching an impeccably shot series that forgot why it even started — aside from, of course, the desire to immerse viewers once again in Pandora's reverie? Let's dive into the review.
Articles
December 21, 2025
VGTimes Interview with Steel Ark Representative — Train Survival, Handcrafted Levels, and Buggy as Main Feature
During Comic Con IgroMir 2025, VGTimes editor-in-chief Rodion Ilin spoke with Alexander Zizyulin, representative of 4Tale Production studio, which brought a demo of their new game Steel Ark to the exhibition — a survival shooter about surviving on a train in an abandoned world. The project has already been showcased at gamescom and ChinaJoy, and is now being presented to the Russian audience for the first time. We discussed the genre, inspiration, development on Unreal Engine 5, and player reactions.
Articles
December 18, 2025
Best City-Building Simulators
City-building simulators have long evolved beyond conventional metropolises à la SimCity. Today, players can manage island economies, settle snowy wastelands, or develop civilizations on the back of a cosmic whale. Our selection features modern titles that test strategic thinking, offer unique development conditions, fantastical settings, or unconventional approaches to the genre.
Articles
December 2, 2025
Best Classic Comedies: TOP 15 Films That Can Make Anyone Laugh
Back when the grass was greener, comedies knew how to make people laugh without bathroom humor and crass vulgarity. The humor was honest, the plots were wild, and the characters became beloved icons. Audiences weren't afraid to laugh at sharp jokes, and screenwriters didn't fear being crushed by cancel culture. We've dove into those times — dangerous by today's standards — and selected fifteen of the best old comedies that still work better than any antidepressant.
Articles
November 21, 2025
Tron: Ares Review. A Visual Triumph with Profound Meaning
The Tron franchise has had a complicated fate. Once it paved the way for computer graphics in cinema, becoming a symbol of technological revolution. Then it faded into obscurity for years. 15 years ago, Tron: Legacy delivered stunning visuals but ended up with a storyline lacking substance. And now, after a series of rumors, cancellations, and anticipation, Tron: Ares hits theaters — a reboot of the iconic universe. But has this new film managed to avoid old mistakes? Yes — Ares is not just a visual masterpiece perfectly crafted for IMAX 3D, but also the first film in a long time that genuinely takes artificial intelligence seriously — on the level of ideas, not just effects.
Articles
November 17, 2025
Predator: Badlands Review: Drifting Far from the Original Predator Spirit
Predator: Badlands has hit theaters, and even the trailers raised concerns within the fan community. A PG-13 rating; a Yautja resembling a barista more than the famous human hunter; plus a clingy Weyland-Yutani android. Did it work out? Oh boy, yes! On screen is a spectacular attraction of special effects and monsters tearing each other apart. But don't celebrate too soon. If you were hoping to see a continuation of the legend, you're expecting too much from Prey director Dan Trachtenberg. Why? We answer in this article!
Articles
November 12, 2025
Gabe Newell and the Future of Steam: From Visionary to System
Gabe Newell — a man who defined an entire era of digital distribution. He created Steam, turned it into a near-monopoly in PC gaming — but a benevolent one. Still, time moves on, and Gabe is now 63. What risks does his possible departure from the company bring? Spoiler: don't expect anything good. In this piece, we'll break down why.
Articles
November 9, 2025
The Best Space Movies: TOP 15 Films Everyone Should Watch
Space isn't just a backdrop for adventures. It's a place where humanity confronts itself: its fears, dreams, and limitations. This top list gathers films that use space as a philosophical touchstone — some inspire, others terrify, and still others force us to contemplate humanity's place in the Universe. Some of them changed cinema forever.
Articles
November 3, 2025
I've Played 400 Hours of Dyson Sphere Program — and Realized That Building Is a Form of Zen
My first launch of Dyson Sphere Program seemed like harmless evening entertainment: unpacked it, poked around with the mechanics — and logged out. Came back the next day and... got completely hooked for years! Now I've completed the game twice, and the main discovery wasn't about how to build a Dyson sphere in minimal time, but in the hypnotic calm of the process: precise logistics, optimizing production chains, rearranging conveyor belts against a backdrop of starry skies. For this, I'm willing to tolerate the gameplay's rough edges.
Articles
October 31, 2025
Best Tactical Games
Forget button mashing and quick reflexes — the games in this top list will require you to think, plan, minimize risks, and sometimes even scheme. From classic turn-based battles to dynamic RTT with pause — we've gathered 21 games, current releases and time-tested hits, each with its own approach to strategic thinking.
Articles
September 12, 2025
A Unique Mix: How ShapeHero Factory Blends Tower Defense and Roguelite — Developer Interview
ShapeHero Factory — an unusual genre hybrid that combines factory building, tower defense elements, and roguelike mechanics. The game has already launched in early access and is preparing for release on several platforms. We spoke with the game director of the project — known by the nickname Mamiya — to learn how this system of chaos and order was created, why there's no direct hero control in the game, and how the developers balance randomness with deep strategy.
Articles
August 29, 2025
I've played 350 hours of Wartales and still flinch when a hero is 'near death'
This whole story started by accident. The editorial assignment looked like a simple formality: I needed to write a couple of articles about the new tactical RPG Wartales. But after spending just a few hours in the game, it turned out this wasn't just another 'turn-based tactics' clone. This is a world where every squad movement feels like a fight for survival, and any mistake can cost you the entire campaign. And for two years now, what was supposed to be a 'one-time assignment' has become a long journey for me.
Articles
August 26, 2025
Not Cavill, Not Elba, and Not Even Taylor-Johnson. Who Will Be the New James Bond and Why Amazon Is Looking for a Dark Horse
After 15 years with Daniel Craig and years of franchise silence, Bond is finally moving forward. Rumor has it that Amazon Studios has set strict conditions for the new James Bond actor — British accent, under 30 years old, 15-year contract for five films. But there's a catch: these requirements have eliminated most obvious candidates and created an unexpected casting situation. What's the problem? Find out in this article!
Articles
August 17, 2025
Liam Neeson vs. Leslie Nielsen's Legacy — The Naked Gun (2025) Review
The reboot of the cult comedy franchise The Naked Gun starring Liam Neeson, known for his action-hero-in-retirement persona, generated considerable buzz among audiences. However, the film leaves mixed impressions: despite some amusing moments, it feels incomplete and lacks cohesion. The modest production values and noticeable budget constraints only emphasize that the series' potential hasn't been fully realized.
Articles
August 14, 2025
Review of Fantastic Four: First Steps — Superheroics Are Dead. Long Live Family Drama!
The latest reincarnation of the Fantastic Four has finally hit screens — this time from Marvel Studios. The film was supposed to be a fresh start for the iconic team and the entire Phase Six of the MCU. Instead, what we got wasn't a superhero action flick, but an unexpectedly serious (for a comic book movie format) drama about pregnancy, childbirth, and the life of newly-minted parents. Space is just wallpaper in the background. And Galactus? Hold on, we'll get to him.
Articles
July 30, 2025
The creators of Alan Wake and Control have released FBC: Firebreak — examining how Remedy built their own universe from chaos
Remedy once simply made cool games. Now they're building their own mythology. The released FBC: Firebreak is not just a cooperative action game from the creators of Alan Wake and Control, but a new chapter in Remedy's overall narrative project called the Remedy Connected Universe (RCU). It already includes Alan Wake, Control, Alan Wake 2 — and now Firebreak. What is this universe? How did it emerge? And why is this not just marketing, but a carefully assembled world where horror, paranormal phenomena, and the collective unconscious intertwine? We've prepared a structured analysis so anyone can understand the franchise's origins and current status.
Articles
July 24, 2025
Review of the New Jurassic World Film — Did Rebirth Fail to Meet Revival Expectations?
On paper, everything looked like a triumphant return: the iconic music, the T-Rex logo, Universal Studios' promises to bring Jurassic Park back to its roots. Rebirth was marketed as something more than just another sequel — as an event. However, reality proved more mundane. Critics were divided, audiences too. Why didn't a film about dinosaurs with a decent budget become the summer's biggest premiere? Is the movie itself to blame, or did it simply fail to bear the weight of viewers' inflated expectations? Let's try to figure it out in our review!
Articles
July 22, 2025
F1 Film Review Starring Brad Pitt: A Spectacular Sports Action Film That Could Change Your Perception of Formula 1
Ready to dive into a world of high speeds and sharp turns? F1 starring Brad Pitt is already revving at the starting line like a supercharged racing machine. But has this racing drama, created with the participation of Formula 1 itself and Lewis Hamilton, managed to set a new standard for sports cinema and show the inner workings of the "royal races" like no one has done before? Or is this just another loud blockbuster — technically perfect but hollow inside?
Articles
July 2, 2025
28 Years Later Review: How Danny Boyle and Alex Garland Reimagined the Legendary Film Franchise
Zombie apocalypse fans, rejoice: 28 Years Later is finally here! Danny Boyle and Alex Garland didn't return without purpose — they've managed to craft a gripping survival story that fully immerses viewers in the transformed world of the twenty-eight universe. Or is it just another mindless zombie shooting gallery packed with cringe-worthy scenes? We watched the film and shared our impressions!
Articles
June 29, 2025
How to Train Your Dragon Remake Review: Did They Successfully Transform Animation into Live-Action Cinema?
Some stories make you want to return to them again and again. And when they don't just come alive, but do so in 3D on the big screen, it's always an event. The How to Train Your Dragon remake is exactly that kind of case. Director Dean DeBlois, who helmed the entire animated trilogy, has carefully transferred his own creation into a new format, enriching it with real actors' performances and excellent special effects. In this article, we'll discuss what delights about the film and whether it could have been even better.
Articles
June 13, 2025
Clockwork Revolution Details: When the Past Rewrites the Future
During Xbox Games Showcase 2025, inXile studio, known for their elaborate RPGs, presented a new trailer for Clockwork Revolution. The highly anticipated role-playing shooter takes players to the dark yet visually impressive city of Avalon. The game's main feature will be a unique time manipulation mechanic that allows changing the past and observing future transformations, set in a steampunk universe. In this article, we discuss what the new trailer revealed and how inXile plans to implement their ambitious ideas.
Articles
June 10, 2025
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