Vlad Mazanko-Senior Author

Vlad Mazanko

Senior Author

April, 2024
Master's Degree in Computer Networks and Telecommunications, National Technical University "Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute"
Open-World, Action RPG, Racing
  • 495
    articles
  • 3
    Features
  • 450
    Lists
  • 42
    Guides

About Vlad Mazanko

Vlad Mazanko is Ukraine-based gaming enthusiast, writing about the industry since 2013 and covering everything from games and studios to movies and TV shows. He joined the Valnet family back in 2021, with past works featured at TheGamer and DualShockers. Over the years, he has worked on news, guides, lists, and reviews, always aiming to ensure a combination of factual accuracy and an engaging overall read.

Industry Focus

With years of experience in gaming news and a wide range of factual knowledge about the industry, his newest passion is doing lists. These allow to deliver brief squeezes of his favorite games, genres, and their creators. Mostly covering open-world action and RPG titles, soulslikes, and racing games, he also strives to complete every game before covering it to share a full picture with the readers.

Favorite Games

Some of his favorites of past years include Elden Ring, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Alan Wake 2, Resident Evil 4, Marvel Snap, Balatro, Cyberpunk 2077, The Last of Us Part 2, Red Dead Redemption 2, God of War, Black Myth: Wukong, Grim Dawn, and The Witcher 3. He's also able to find joy even in not-as-universally-beloved games like Anthem, Mafia 3, Mass Effect: Andromeda, Marvel's Avengers, The Callisto Protocol, Outriders, or Suicide Squad.

Favorite TV Shows

With a recent renaissance in video game adaptations, he greatly enjoyed Arcane, The Last of Us, and the Fallout series. Other notable TV shows and miniseries he'd recommend to anyone are Legion, Watchmen, Euphoria, Undone, True Detective, Sugar, and Fargo. He enjoys distinct visual storytelling coupled with a strong emotional core, as well as entangled stories with plenty of mind-blowing twists.

Latest

Open-World RPGs With Legit Perfect Loot Systems
6 Open-World RPGs With Legit Perfect Loot Systems

These open-world RPGs aren’t necessarily loot-focused, but they absolutely nail everything about itemization and the satisfaction of finding new gear.

Long Action RPGs That Can Take Forever To Complete, Ranked
6 Long Action RPGs That Take Forever To Complete, Ranked
RPG

From classic combat-focused narrative-driven RPGs to ARPGs that you can play endlessly, every title here is merciless with your free time.

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FH6 Edamame Time Attack Track Location
Forza Horizon 6: Edamame Time Attack Track Location (#CultClassic Photo Challenge)

Here's where to find the Edamame Time Attack Circuit in FH6 and complete the Cult Classic photo challenge for the Winter playlist.

Ohtani Region Winter Treasure Hunt FH6
Ohtani Region Treasure Hunt Guide - Forza Horizon 6

This quick guide to the winter season's Ohtani Region treasure in Forza Horizon 6 shows the exact map spot to fast travel and claim 100,000 Credits!

Best Open-World RPGs Officially Confirmed For 2027
8 New Open-World RPGs Officially Confirmed For Next Year

As the open-world RPG genre continues to be bigger than ever, these massive games are slated for 2027.

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5 Major RPG Expansions You Need to Know About
5 Biggest RPGs With Major Expansions Announced
RPG

Buckle up. You might have a reason to return to your favorite RPG pretty soon. Here’s everything currently announced for the genre’s major releases.

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Open-World RPGs With Perfect Skill Tree Systems
6 Open-World RPGs With Perfect Skill Tree Systems

Skill trees can be a vital long-term layer for your hero's progression, and these open-world RPGs do it best.

Near-Perfect Soulslikes No One Remembers
5 Near-Perfect Soulslike Games No One Remembers

Even if they're mostly forgotten, these soulslikes might be worth going back to rediscover or experience for the first time.

14
All Upcoming Open-World Games Releasing In September 2026
Top Upcoming Open-World Games Releasing In September 2026

Fans of open-world games will be truly feasting in the coming weeks, and everyone can find something to suit their taste with these upcoming releases.

Open-World RPGs With Great Replayability That You Can Play For Months
5 Open-World RPGs You Can Play For Months

These games might not be the longest in the traditional sense, but they can absolutely hook you for months on end in their own ways.

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Open-World RPGs With Perfect Weapon and Progression Mechanics
7 Open-World RPGs With Virtually Perfect Weapon Systems

These open-world RPGs have lots of strengths, but their deep and complex weapon systems are definitely among the biggest draws.

2
Everything You Want To Know About The Blood of Dawnwalker
Everything Officially Confirmed About The Blood Of Dawnwalker

From story, setting, and combat to map size and post-launch plans, here's everything confirmed about this upcoming medieval vampire RPG.

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Open-World RPGs With The Most Unusual Leveling Systems
6 Open-World RPGs With The Most Unique Leveling Systems

The games below might not have the best leveling systems in the genre, but they certainly try to do things in their own way.

5
How to Get Ashes of Awakening in Grim Dawn Fangs of Asterkarn
How to Farm and Use Ashes of Awakening in Grim Dawn Fangs of Asterkarn

Ashes of Awakening is one of the most valuable new crafting materials, but it isn't always easy to come by. Here's the best way to get it.

All Ascension Altar Bonuses in Grim Dawn Fangs of Asterkarn
All Ascension Altar Bonuses in Grim Dawn Fangs of Asterkarn

This guide covers all the possible offering bonuses and effects, as well as which crafting materials to use in the Ascension Altar!

Open-World RPGs With The Most Perfect Openings
7 Open-World RPGs That Grab You In The First 5 Minutes

Open-world RPGs can take quite some time to really get going, yet starting these titles, you’ll be hooked in a flash.

2
Dragon Age Origins Remastered Remake
If Dragon Age: Origins Can't Be Remastered, It Still Deserves a Remake

In a post-Baldur's Gate 3 world, Dragon Age: Origins deserves a chance to revive the franchise.

20 Most Beatuiful Open-World Games Ever, Ranked
The 23 Most Gorgeous Open-World Games Of All Time, Ranked

With great graphics and beautiful visual design, these open-world games are so gorgeous that they will leave you speechless.

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Open-World RPGs for Amazing Storytelling, Ranked
6 Best Open-World RPGs With Superb Stories, Ranked

Central narratives aren't always the biggest strength in the open-world genre, but these RPGs excel in every regard, including their storylines.

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How to Reach Kruu’Sul Crags and Drang’Gal Fortress in Grim Dawn Fangs of Asterkarn
What to Do With Tainted Meat in Grim Dawn Fangs of Asterkarn

Tainted Meat in Fangs of Asterkarn can be used to unlock the passage to new optional areas, but it's a bit tricky — here's how to do it.

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