About Vlad Mazanko
Ukraine-based gaming enthusiast. One who enjoys not-so-great games like Anthem, Mafia 3, Mass Effect Andromeda, Marvel's Avengers, The Callisto Protocol, Outriders, etc.
Industry Focus
Writing about games since 2013, with years of experience in gaming news and a wide range of factual knowledge about the industry. Occasionally do lists and guides as well, but my newest passion is opinion pieces about my favorite games here at DualShockers.
Favorite Games and Genres
Primarily focus on single-player, non-live-service titles, including action-adventure, open-world, RPGs, shooters, survival horror, turn-based strategy and tactics, arcade racing.
Some of my favorites of recent years include Alan Wake 2, Resident Evil 4, Marvel Snap, Forza Horizon 4, Cyberpunk 2077, Ghost of Tsushima, The Last of Us 2, Red Dead Redemption 2, Gwent, God of War, Hellblade, Grim Dawn, and The Witcher 3.
First Game Console and Preferred Platforms
I didn't own a console until the PS4 in 2013, proudly being a PC gamer until that glorious day. However, over the years, I expanded my device range, and now I own a PS5, an Xbox Series S, and a Nintendo Switch, covering all the actual modern platforms.
Latest Articles
Elden Ring Was Way Too Long, So Its DLC Should Be Just Right
The Elden Ring DLC needs to fix issues like artificial difficulty and reused optional bosses.
The God Of War, Horizon, And Marvel’s Spider-Man Sequels All Have The Same Problem
Good games getting overshadowed by their groundbreaking first entries.
2024’s Samurai Games Have A Tough Task Matching Ghost Of Tsushima
Rise of the Ronin and Assassin’s Creed Red seem promising, but can they really top Ghost Of Tsushima?
The Xbox Version Of Baldur’s Gate 3 Tarnishes 2023’s GOTY
Xbox players are better off not touching it for a while.
Sony Adding Roguelike Modes Should Serve As A Blueprint For Future Remasters
We need more reasons to revisit older games than just a minor facelift.
All These Cyberpunk 2077 Patches Are Starting To Get A Bit Silly
Sorry, CDPR, but I won't be replaying Cyberpunk 2077 after the 2.1 update.
I Still Hope That BioWare Will One Day Return To Anthem's Unique World
Anthem was a great concept poorly executed, and it deserves a second chance.
Remnant 2's Unique Structure Is A Great Fit For Even More DLC
With worlds as rich and mysterious as those in Remnant 2, I can't wait to see the next piece of the puzzle.
Sony's ‘We Believe In Generations’ Pledge Remains Unfulfilled
There still aren't enough reasons to own a PS5.
I Hope Hellblade 2 Can Match Alan Wake 2's Mastery Of FMV
Remedy's just raised the bar in blending in-engine graphics with FMV, so now it's up to Ninja Theory to embrace it.
I Seriously Hope This Trend Of Shorter Triple-A Games Continues
Shorter games simply means I can beat more of them.
Let's Just Slow Down And Stop Complaining About Alan Wake 2’s Slow Pace
If you think about checking your phone while playing Alan Wake 2, perhaps you’re playing the wrong game.
XCOM 2 Immersed Me In Decision-Making Like No Other Strategy Game
Failures and mistakes are nothing but stepping stones to your victory.
Not Having A New Dark Pictures Game This Halloween Feels Wrong
The anthology series has been my Halloween tradition since 2019, and the absence of Directive 8020 this year feels strange.
Final Fantasy 16 Needs More Than Just Good Fighting
Even the most robust combat can't compensate for the lack of other essential elements.
Why Can't Other Marvel Games Offer As Many Villains As Spider-Man 2?
Insomniac did a really great job of packing so many varied iconic villains in Spider-Man games, and I wish other studios would follow.
The First Lords Of The Fallen Actually Made Me Care Enough To Win
Surprisingly, the original game remains one of the few soulslikes I ever managed to beat.