Bogdan Robert Mateș

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Bogdan Robert Mateș

Freelance content writer, critic, and editor currently based in Romania, specializing in video game coverage. Words at GameWatcher, Twinfinite, and NoobFeed.

I have been playing video games since before I could grow a beard, familiarizing myself with a multitude of genres. Over the past 6+ years, I have written professionally about strategy games, (A)RPGs, FPS, platformers, MMOs, and a variety of strange, cute, or hearftelt indie games, among others.

I thrive when I can dig into titles new or old, big or small, for a review, preview, or impressions piece, but you'll find me equally handy covering news,  researching and updating evergreen articles (such as roadmap or patch-centric pieces), or putting together the odd guide-style piece.

I'm also eager to learn and try out new things. If your website, magazine, or project needs words, reach out via:

  • Email: bogdanrobertmates@gmail.com
  • Twitter

You can find more of my reviews on OpenCritic and CriticDB.

    GameWatcher •

    Disciples: Domination Is A Shorter Sequel that Prioritizes “quality over quantity”, Promising “more impactful and deadly” Turn-Based Battles | GameWatcher

    As Disciples: Domination gears up for its February 12 release, I got the opportunity to check out one final demo as well as pick developer Artefacts Studio’s brain regarding the strategy RPG sequel’s length, turn-based battles, and more.

    Set 15 years after its predecessor, Disciples: Domination continues to chronicle the journey of Avyanna, a Nephilim born from the union between a demon and an angel. After freeing the people of Nevendaar from the oppression of the gods, she became the queen of t...

    Path of Exile 2 "could survive with 10 classes as opposed to 12" for Its 1.0 Release, But Swords "need to be there," According to Its Game Director | GameWatcher

    As Path of Exile 2’s early access journey continues with this month’s 0.4.0 update, which introduces the Druid as a playable class among many other features, developer Grinding Gear Games has confirmed that the action RPG may reach its 1.0 release without all of its 12 planned classes.

    Once the Druid enters the fray, PoE2 will have seven playable classes, each with at least two ascendancies that further evolve gameplay. Given how the developer has repeatedly said it wants to avoid the action RPG...
    GameWatcher •

    Anno 117: Pax Romana Hands-On Preview - Peering Further Into the Past | GameWatcher

    Throughout its lengthy history, Ubisoft’s Anno series has never peered as far into the past as Anno 117: Pax Romana does. Yet, for all the ancient architecture gradually taking over lush, green islands and the promise of aqueducts hiding behind one of the many building buttons on its slick UI, a strong sense of familiarity pervades my effort of setting roots in the province of Latium.

    Being given a trading post and some starting resources, I secure a steady supply of vital wood before building...
    GameWatcher •

    Diablo 4 PC Review | GameWatcher

    50 years have passed since the events of its predecessor, yet Diablo 4 makes it clear from its very first moments that Sanctuary still hasn’t quite bloomed into the idyllic refuge its creators – the demon Lilith and the angel Inarius – intended it to be. Worse yet, they’re now opposing parties, rekindling the conflict they once sought to escape.

    As always, this means that people are bound to suffer while we get to collect shiny loot and save the world (or delay its further descent into chaos).
    GameWatcher •

    Cities: Skylines 2 Performance Has "not achieved the benchmark we targeted," Paradox Interactive Says | GameWatcher

    UPDATE October 24, 2023: A member of the development team provides more insight into how Cities: Skylines 2's performance issues are being addressed.

    As Cities: Skylines 2's PC launch approaches, Publisher Paradox Interactive has issued a statement on the game's performance, in an effort to address growing concerns from its fanbase.

    Cities: Skylines 2's performance became hot a topic among players after the sequel's system requirements were raised relatively close to launch. Unfortunately, whi
    GameWatcher •

    Thronefall's Minimalist Take on Kingdom Defense Offers Fun In Short Bursts As it Enters Early Access | GameWatcher

    Minimalism permeates Thronefall's core gameplay loop which is split into two parts that, although completely separate, play an important role in achieving victory. During the day, you build up your kingdom by approaching predefined plots, holding the Spacebar, and watching miniature renditions of castles, houses, barracks, and walls pop rather satisfyingly into existence.

    During the night, you have to fend off waves of attackers by putting your towers, walls, soldiers, and kingly avatar to good
    GameWatcher •

    Creative Assembly Admits Failing "to meet your expectations of what a DLC should be" with Total War: Warhammer III: Shadows of Change | GameWatcher

    In a lengthy blog post published on the series' official website, Creative Assembly Vice President Roger Collum described the last couple of months as "difficult," while acknowledging that the Total War leadership sees "the confusion, the frustration, and the distrust of us across the community and honestly, it breaks our hearts."

    "We have listened to your feedback on Shadows of Change and we know that we failed to meet your expectations of what a DLC should be," the blog post reads. "To addres
    GameWatcher •

    Crusader Kings III PC Review | GameWatcher

    Sigurd Snake-in-the-eye’s reign began with bloodshed and conquest. An alliance with Opplond’s King Björn Ironside proved instrumental in forming both the kingdoms of Denmark and Sweden, Scandinavia’s powerhouses. But while our first steps in Crusader Kings 3’s rich medieval world were showered in glory, the age of 45 brought leprosy upon the mighty Sigurd. Using the last bit of gold in our coffers to hire an experienced court physician, we held hope that the king would recover; and recover he di
    GameWatcher •

    Company of Heroes 3 Hands-On Preview - The Deutsches Afrika Korps Rolls In | GameWatcher

    Developer Relic Entertainment has big plans for Company of Heroes 3. The upcoming real-time strategy game is slated to launch with what it describes as the biggest content offering in series history, comprised of four playable factions, two campaigns, alongside co-op and multiplayer modes.

    It also turns its attention towards two parts of the world that are less represented in World War II strategy games. The title explores the Mediterranean theater in a dynamic campaign inspired by CoH 2’s Arde
    GameWatcher •

    Warhammer 40,000: Darktide PC Review | GameWatcher

    In a month or five or twelve, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide may reach the state it should have launched in. In a month or five or twelve, it may become a co-op game that’s easy to recommend. But while I undoubtedly had fun during the missions I completed over 40+ hours playing both the pre-order beta and full versions, it’s clear that we’re dealing with yet another title whose potential isn’t allowed to fully shine through at launch.