Fran J. Ruiz
76
Avg Score

Fran J. Ruiz

Game industry critic and reviewer

Writing For

Latest Reviews

The more focused second half saves Eriksholm from oblivion. For a game clocking around 10 hours, it takes too long to get going and put all its cards on the table.

GameWatcherGameWatcher·July 15, 2025
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Besides some remaining rough edges, Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition is a near-perfect RTS package for old and new players alike.

GameWatcherGameWatcher·July 14, 2025
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Dune: Awakening finds its Voice in the strengths of the universe it adapts and the weirder elements that can’t be found elsewhere even if its early hours and melee combat need more work.

GameWatcherGameWatcher·June 10, 2025
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Doom: The Dark Ages is a notable new entry in the long-running FPS series with a flavor and gameplay ideas of its own, but it can feel oddly unfocused at times, plus not every change is for the better.

GameWatcherGameWatcher·May 9, 2025
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Tempest Rising wears its C&C influence proudly, and while this overreliance on tradition limits its full potential, Slipgate Ironworks’ overall effort is remarkable and must be celebrated.

GameWatcherGameWatcher·April 21, 2025
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While a bit too rigid and buggy at times, Commandos: Origins is a worthy enough return to nerve-wracking tactical WWII scenarios that are a blast to figure out.

GameWatcherGameWatcher·April 15, 2025
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South of Midnight’s strong story and presentation make the most of its overlooked mythology and oft-forgotten setting, but don’t embark on this journey looking for top-tier action-adventure game design.

GameWatcherGameWatcher·April 3, 2025
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There’s a great ‘town defense’ RTS at the center of Age of Darkness, but the lack of polish even after its 1.0 launch is disappointing and the campaign lacks punch.

GameWatcherGameWatcher·February 25, 2025
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Avowed nails its priorities and delivers a fun adventure full of charm, intrigue, and weighty decisions, but its RPG muscles could’ve used more work.

GameWatcherGameWatcher·February 13, 2025
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Warcraft 1 & 2 remain RTS classics that any fan of the genre should try at least once, but Blizzard’s remastering efforts feel as barebones and often ill-advised as Warcraft 3: Reforged’s 2020 launch.

GameWatcherGameWatcher·December 11, 2024
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Warcraft 1 & 2 remain RTS classics that any fan of the genre should try at least once, but Blizzard’s remastering efforts feel as barebones and often ill-advised as Warcraft 3: Reforged’s 2020 launch.

GameWatcherGameWatcher·December 11, 2024
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Indiana Jones’ triumphant return to video games is a memorable adventure that gives fans everything they wanted while concocting a delightful mix of systems and design philosophies that no one had anticipated.

GameWatcherGameWatcher·December 10, 2024
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