Vlad Mazanko
Senior Author
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495articles
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3Features
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450Lists
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42Guides
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
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.
6 Long Action RPGs That Take Forever To Complete, Ranked
From classic combat-focused narrative-driven RPGs to ARPGs that you can play endlessly, every title here is merciless with your free time.
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 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!
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.
5 Biggest RPGs With Major Expansions Announced
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
This guide covers all the possible offering bonuses and effects, as well as which crafting materials to use in the Ascension Altar!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.