All posts by josechurape

video game reviews

Exploring the Surreal World of Go Home Annie—Game Review

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I was sent a free copy of Go Home Annie to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their Galaxy 100 keyboard. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Go Home Annie?

Go Home Annie is a psycological horror walking sim out now on Steam and Epic Games.

Annie works for the SCP Foundation, an organization tasked with keeping the public safe from supernatural anomalies. She and her team are tasked with recreating and summoning a particular anomaly but have seen little success. However, there seem to be ulterior motives surrounding Annie’s involvement in the foundation, and it is about time she finds out what. Move through Annie’s strange and surreal adventure as she attempts to unravel the mystery. Solve puzzles, navigate strange phenomena, and try to survive the night. Can you uncover the truth?

Gameplay

Go Home Annie is a walking sim that takes players through a strange shifting world as they piece together a mystery. The story is a linear railroad with a few manageable puzzles to slow down progression. Players are essentially walking to each bit of the narrative and sitting through excellent voice acting.

Review

Go Home Annie is a surreal narrative with a creepy atmosphere that should be played through at least once. The game has excellent flavor with some interesting and creative bits of world building. The narrative itself is solid, but nothing that hasn’t been done before. It has solid pacing, but predictable twists and beats. That said, the story is enjoyable enough where it won’t matter and the voice acting is fantastic. The story is very linear and although the world is cool, players are limited to walking along the railroad.

The game itself is fun, but there are a few bugs that make progressing annoying. There are a couple of puzzles that soft locked my progression. Although the puzzles are mostly easy, a few didn’t work right and made the experience a bit frustrating. Some of the puzzles are also a bit boring. It isn’t unplayable, but it can be hard to play through in one sitting. The game is only about four hours long, so it shouldn’t be a huge issue.

Go Home Annie is a decent horror narrative for the gamer who wants to sit back and enjoy a decent story and doesn’t mind the few puzzles that pop up. It doesn’t do anything new or exciting, and while I wouldn’t rush to play it, it does scratch the itch for the niche it tries to fill. I would wait for a sale, but there are worse ways to spend $20.

video game reviews

Lords of the Fallen Review: A Casual Souls-like Experience

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I was sent a free copy of Lords of the Fallen to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their Galaxy 100 keyboard. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Lord of the Fallen?

Lords of the Fallen is a souls-like out now on Steam.

The Demon God Adyr is on the verge of resurrection, and it is up to you, as a Dark Crusader, to stop it from happening. Grab your favorite weapon and fight your way through the endless mobs of terrifying monsters as you make your way through this bleak world. Can you get strong enough in time to stop the great god’s resurrection, or will you be another lost soul?

Gameplay

Lords of the Fallen fallen is the closest you will get to a Souls game, but I would argue that this game is on the easier side. Players start by choosing their class, and each class does feel different enough in both flavor and style. The player will then spend time running between campfires, farming xp and searching for better weapons, armor and items. What makes this game unique is the spirit lantern mechanic that allows players to shift into a parallel dimension to solve puzzles. There is co-op and multiplayer support, but I don’t have the friends to try it out.

Review

I enjoyed Lords of the Fallen for the casual souls-like experience that it provides. While the skill required to progress through the game and beat the bosses was enough to keep things engaging, it isn’t the soul-crushing experience you would expect from a souls-like. Combat feels good, although the progression does feel a little slow and the game gets a bit grindy towards the end.

The story is fine, nothing I would rush to play, but something that I am glad I finished. The game does have a good amount of flavor. I appreciate everything that went into the design of the world. The levels were creepy and atmospheric and the parallel realm was cool. I wasn’t too crazy about the spirit lantern mechanics, but it did make for a few interesting puzzles.

Aside from a few stutters and frame drops, the game runs smoothly on PC. On the Steam Deck, the drops are more noticeable and the fan is very loud. That said, it is playable on the Steam Deck. Most of my game time was on the Steam Deck due to personal preference.

If you’re looking for a souls game that isn’t a huge commitment, you’re going to want to pick up Lords of the Fallen. If you enjoy the grueling challenge of the traditional Souls formula, you will be disappointed. I found it a lot more fun than the Souls game because it provided a more appropriate challenge it felt like a more casual experience. It still demands skill and a proper build to beat, but the first boss isn’t going to kill and even though you will die, it won’t be as much.

You can pick up Lords of the Fallen on Steam for $59.99, but now would be the best time to do it because it is $60% off for the Steam Winter Sale. You can also pick it up on PlayStation ($79.99) and Xbox ($69.99) but that feels too expensive.

video game reviews

Review of Sensei! I Like You So Much! – A Cozy Visual Novel

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I was sent a free copy of Sensei! I Like You So Much! to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinion. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their Galaxy 100 keyboard. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Sensei! I Like You So Much!?

Sensei! I Like You So Much! is a slice of life visual novel out now on Steam.

You have always enjoyed writing your fan fiction but never dared to share it with the world. This all changes when a chance encounter with a classmate gives you the push you need to start your writing career. Grow your following as you explore the world for your next story. What stories will your life inspire? Will you find the words that will move the world?

Gameplay

The game is split into a few different parts: customization , exploration, and writing.

Throughout the story, players will unlock new decorations for their room and character’s chibi. Decorations can also be bought with my money they earn from working. These decorations have no impact in the story, but it is a way for players to customize their experience.

The game gives players a finite amount of energy to spend on activities each day. The game does guide players through a few events for the progression of the story, but players can spend their days who they want. Events range from going to work, hanging out with friends, and even going to comicon. These events are slice of life stories that earn players money and materials for their stories.

At the end of the day, players will sit down and write their next fan fiction based on events from that day. Most of the story is prewritten, but players get to choose certain aspects of the story. The story is graded at the end, and the grade impacts the amount of followers gained each day.

Review

The game is still in early access, but it is in a good enough place where I can safely recommend it. Aside from a few translation issues, Sensei! I Like You So Much! is a cute story with fun characters that is worth reading at least once. It has decent pacing with wholesome quirky elements that make it the perfect cozy game for any occasion.

The art in this game is fantastic, especially if you enjoy cute and quirky anime. I was surprised by the amount of customization available. Players can outfit their characters, decorate their room, and even make their own room. The room customization is a lot of fun and I spent way too much time trying to find the right aesthetic that would be conductive to my writing, even though it had no tangible impact on the stories progression.

My favorite aspect of the game is the flavor. I enjoyed the struggle of training to come up with a good story, even though the story is already written, and the stress of planning out my day. Do I want to hang out with my friends or do I want go work to be able to afford that cute thing I want to hang on the wall? This was a constant struggle, but one I was more than happy to have.

Sensei! I Like You So Much! is the cute and cozy game everyone needs in their library. The idea is unique, the story is fun, and the art is fantastic. Check it out on Steam Early Access!

You can pick up Sensei! I Like You So Much! on Steam for $12.99.

Uncategorized, video game reviews

Deadly Days: Roadtrip Playtest Impressions

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I was asked to cover Deadly Days: Roadtrip public playtest. I understand the game is still in development and will be a bit more lenient with my criticism. That said, these will be my honest impressions.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their Galaxy 100 keyboard. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Deadly Days: Roadtrip?

Deadly Days: Roadtrip is a top down auto-battler roguelike dungeon crawler coming to PC.

The world crumbles under the weight of a zombie outbreak. Those left drive from place to place, searching for survival. Gas is finite, and sometimes you have to get out and find some more. Run across procedurally generated dungeons to collect enough gas to fill the tank and do your best to stay alive. Do you have what it takes to make it to the end of this horrible road trip?

Gameplay

All players start in the main hub where they can buy upgrades and customize their character between runs. Players then get to plan their supply runs where they can collect upgrades, weapons, and gas. Players are offered locations with different lootable supplies, so make sure you plan according. The game also features a day and night cycle that not only creates atmosphere, but adds a bit of challenge. The longer a player spends in a level, the more zombies appear. A run ends when the player runs out of health. What makes Deadly Days unique is its inventory management system. Players will always start with a limited amount of bag space, but can upgrade it either through special drops or by leveling up. When a player levels up, they can choose between a random weapon, item, or bag expansion. While the RNG does feel fair, it also means there are a lot of tough choices.

Impressions

I love this genre, and Deadly Days: Roadtrip has earned its spot in my rotation. It has a cute and playful art style, relaxing yet engaging gameplay, and solid flavor. If you want a cute casual game that doesn’t require a huge commitment, you’d be hard pressed to find better. This game is in such a good place in it’s development, and I am excited to see what a full product looks like.

The game runs well, but I couldn’t get it working on the Steam Deck. I hope it gets Steam Deck support in a later release. Combat is a lot of fun. Maneuvering through the maps is active and fun, and all the weapons feel different. Upgrades create a tangible increase in power, which is always nice to see. The procedural generated levels are well done. All the maps felt unique and they were filled with a diverse cast of zombies hungry for brains. My favorite feature of the game was the day and night cycle that made the levels feel more intense. I also love inventory management, so this game had everything I love.

I can see the game feeling a bit repetitive, especially in the early stages, but that is the charm of the genre. I feel like the maps and monsters give the game enough variety to keep things interesting.

If you’re looking for a new game to play, head to the official Deadly Days: Roadtrip Steam page and sign up for the playtest. Don’t forget to wishlist!

Tech Reviews, Uncategorized

Upgrade Your Setup with the Epomaker Galaxy 100 Keyboard

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Epomaker sent me their Galaxy 100 keyboard to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out my latest review for the HE75 Mag.

What’s in the box?

  • Instruction Manuel
  • 2.4 Ghz Wireless Dongle
  • Keypuller Tool
  • Mac Function Keys
  • USB-C to USB-A Charging Cable

Features

If you are looking for a full-sized keyboard that will upgrade your aesthetic, enhance your productivity, and not break the bank, then the Epomaker Galaxy 100 is what you’re looking for.

The keyboard comes in two colors, an elegant black and a gray with some soft pastels that truly pop. The keys, keycaps, and volume dial are easily swappable so that you always have a keyboard that fits your aesthetic. Its soft, south facing RGB back light comes with a few preprogrammed profiles, but it can be toggled off at any time. It sports a heavy aluminum frame that looks great and keeps your keyboard firm and secure.

The Galaxy 100 supports both Bluetooth 5 and 2.5Ghz connections which means you won’t have to clutter your desk with a cable. The keyboard does support a wired connection through the included high quality cable, but you will hardly need it with its boasted 800mAh battery. Moreover, its boasted minimal latency (2.81ms [usb], 4.72ms [wireless], 15ms [bluetooth]) means it is a solid gaming keyboard for those who need it.

Arguably, the Galaxy 100‘s best feature is its QMK/VIA compatibility. All 101 keys can be remapped and programmed so to fit your needs. Whether it is gaming or editing, this thing is ready at a very good price point.

Sound Test

Review

I did not know how badly I needed a full-sized keyboard until I got the Galaxy 100. This keyboard has been a godsend for my workflow, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a full-sized keyboard.

Out of the box, this keyboard looks amazing. Not only is it well constructed, but it is a very pretty keyboard. The RGB is soft but vibrant enough to make the keys pop, and the color scheme is fantastic. I got mine in grey and adore the soft pastels and the coordinated layout of the keys.

Noise-wise, the Galaxy 100 is a little quieter than I am used to. Keypresses make a satisfying pop without filling the room, which the people around me seem to appreciate. It isn’t silent, but you’re going to be disappointed if you’re looking for something with a bit more click-clack.

Functionally, the keyboard is fine. The keys are soft and responsive, and I got about 10 hours of battery life on a single charge. At the very least, it can handle the demands of hours of casual gaming, which is good enough for me.

Unfortunately, comfort is where this keyboard loses me a bit. While it doesn’t destroy my hands like other cheaper brands do, it does trigger my RTS after prolonged use. Note that this is an issue unique to me. I use my keyboard for longer than the average user and require specific ergonomics for prolonged use. This shouldn’t be a problem for the normal consumer, but those looking for an ergonomic setup will need to keep looking. That said, I will continue to use this keyboard for work because the number pad and the ability to program macros are invaluable.

The Galaxy 100 is a fantastic full-sized keyboard for anyone looking for one. It looks great and it reinforces the idea that Epomaker makes a great keyboard. You can pick up your own Epomaker Galaxy 100 in Black or Grey from the official Epomaker store!

Uncategorized, video game reviews

Is Rage of the Dragons NEO Worth Buying? Honest Review

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I was sent a free copy of Rage of of the Dragons Neo to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag Keyboard or the EasySMX X15 controller. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Rage of the Dragons NEO?

The cult classic fighting game, Rage of the Dragons, is now on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch. Grab your fight sticks and enjoy a classic arcade fighting experience with few modern features. Challenge your friends for dominance or prove yourself online on the ranked ladder all from the comfort of your home. How far will your skills take you?

Review

Rage of the Dragons Neo is a fantastic classic feeling fighting game with amazing artwork and engaging gameplay. All the characters are unique and memorable, although some wore more fun to play because of my skill and playstyle. The AI in this game is challenging. As someone who doesn’t play many fighting games, this thing was merciless. I did feel myself get better overtime, but I had my rude awakening.

Luckily there is a very helpful training mode to help players learn the different nuanced mechanics. It has many helpful features to help anyone looking to perfect their technique. It can list inputs and combos, show character hitboxes, and the AI can be customized to help players practice certain skills.

Unfortunately, those trying to prove themselves online will be disappointment. Matchmaking on PC is dead. Unless you have friends to play with, you’re not finding a match unless the game gets a much needed surge of players.

Rage of the Dragons Neo is a fantastic fighting game. It looks cool, the mechanics are solid, and it reminiscent of a bygone era. It also works on the Steam Deck which is a huge plus. Unfortunately, without a player base, there is no real reason to buy this. Sure the AI provides its challenge, but that alone is not enough to justify buying it for $20. I would wait for a sale unless you can convince a group of people to go in on it with you. Maybe the scene is better on console, but I couldn’t tell you.

You can pick up on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch for $19.99.

Tech Reviews, Uncategorized

Is the Fifine Ampligame V3 Worth It? A Detailed Review

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I was sent the Fifine Ampligame V3 capture card to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure to check out my latest review on the Fifine M9 microphone system.

What’s in the box?

  • V3 Capture Card
  • USB-C to USB-A cable
  • Instructions Manual

Features

The Fifine Ampligame V3 capture card is a budget card that promises high-quality capture at a fraction of the cost. Need to capture gameplay from the hottest new console release, the V3 has your back with up to 1080p resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate. If you enjoy your games at a higher resolution, the V3 has a pass-through feature so you can play at your desired resolution with minimal latency.

Streaming console games has never been easier. With its easy-to-read instructions, the V3 can be up and running on OBS in no time. Need to record some dialogue? Put in your mic and headphones to the card and enjoy its crisp clear sound. If the features don’t win you over, its sleek design and subtle RGB most definitely will.

Gameplay Capture

Review

I’ve been very impressed with the Fifine lineup of products, but the Ampligame V3 Capture card falls flat. I was impressed by the V3’s lightweight design, but it does feel a bit cheap. It has a solid construction, but I wouldn’t drop it. The RGB has a nice soft glow, but it is unnecessary.

Setup is incredibly easy. The device only works through OBS. Most streamers and content creators should already have OBS installed, so it is nice to not have to download more third-party software. The latency is noticeable through OBS. I recommend using the passthrough to a monitor for anything competitive.

The capture is fine, but you are getting what you paid for.

Everything looks too dark, and it struggles to capture all the frames. While it should handle most Switch games, I wouldn’t trust it to handle anything too demanding. It isn’t unserviceable, especially if you plan to cover old-school games.

Unfortunately, I could not get the audio to work without a sound mixer. Luckily I had the Fifine S3 mixer on hand, but everyone else will be out of luck. I couldn’t find a workaround, and I found threads where others ran into the same issue. While it works fine with the mixer, other devices are just plug-and-play.

I can’t recommend the Ampligame V3 capture card because it doesn’t offer enough to be worth the money. If you want to barely record at 1080p and don’t care about fps or sound, sure. Everyone else needs a card that is more consistent and reliable. I’d skip this for now.

You can pick up the Fifine Ampligame V3 Capture card on Amazon for $52.99 through my affiliate link.

Uncategorized, video game reviews

Aaero2 Review: Unleash Your Rhythm in This Addictive Shooter

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I was sent a free copy of Aaero2 to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag Keyboard or the EasySMX X15 controller. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Aaero2?

Aaero2 is a high octane rhythm shooter out now on PC and Xbox.

Fly into a vibrant world where everything moves to a certain rhythm. Fight of enemies, monsters, uncover secrets, but make sure you don’t miss a beat. Can you use the power of song to fly through each level, beat every enemy, and get that high score? Load up and find out!

Gameplay

Aaero2 has two main mechanics: flight and combat. A player’s ship flies through a level following a preprogrammed path. Players maneuver the ship within this path to collect energy from rhythm nodes and avoid obstacles. The main way to earn points is to precisely follow the path of the nodes. This not only powers a player’s ship, but also plays the song. The more accurate the path, the higher the points a player earns.

Combat is simple, and at times optional. Players use the ship’s weapons to destroy a myriad of enemies, the trick is to do it in time with the music. Shooting with the rhythm of the song not only does more damage, it gives players a higher score.

If a player takes too much damage or misses too many nodes, the run fails. Completing a track awards stars to a player based on their performance and score. Higher scores earn more stars. These stars are used to unlock more tracks and higher difficulties. Each track also has a global leaderboard for players who want to chase the top spot. There is also couch co-op for those who want to play with their friends.

Review

Aaero2 is a fantastic and unique rhythm game that is worth checking out, even if you don’t have rhythm. I certainly don’t and had a lot of fun struggling to complete the playlist. This game has a fantastic soundtrack that easily elevates the game’s replayability. This game has a fantastic aesthetic. I love the trippy neon sci-fi vibe and appreciate how the world moves at the rhythm of the song. Most importantly, the game is a lot of fun. Combat is manageable, although it does require some rhythm. Maneuvering the ship to the rhythm feels good and the challenge is appropriate. I only played the game at the normal difficulty, but it had enough of a challenge to keep things interesting without ever getting frustrating.

If you enjoy rhythm games, Aaero2 is a solid choice with a fantastic sound track, good flavor, and fun gameplay. This game is addicting, and you can pick up Aaero2 on PC and Xbox for $14.99 There is also a Steam demo available if you want to try it out.

Uncategorized, video game reviews

Glitch Hero Review: A Fun Adventure for Kids

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I was sent a free copy of Glitch Hero to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag Keyboard or the EasySMX X15 controller. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Glitch Hero?

Glitch Hero is a 2D adventure game for kids out now on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch.

A strange glitch has trapped Ada’s father inside Codeland and it is up to Ada to rescue him. Luckily, ada is a bright young girl who knows a thing or two about coding. With the power of the Hammer.exe program and her knowledge of arrhythmical and loops, she will solve puzzles, destroy viruses, fix bugs, and save the day.

Gameplay

Ada can move around the world using her trusty hammer to defend herself against the bugs and viruses that are creating chaos in Codeland. The game plays like a simple top down hack and slash with a few puzzles and an interesting looping mechanic to break up the monotony. Occasionally players will have to create a loop or arrhythmical to solve a puzzle. Players are given a set number of actions (move, turn, attack) and a set number of spaces to move through. Players learn to build a loop as they load up a series of commands to get Ada through a puzzle.

Review

Glitch Hero is an adorable little puzzle game that is fun and wholesome, but it is on the easy side. If you’re looking for a good game for your kids that is inoffensive, fun, and educational, Glitch Hero is a fantastic option. The game has a cute and cozy artstyle, a fun and interesting story, and decent gameplay. The top-down hack-and-slash gameplay is engaging and well-designed. The loop puzzles are interesting and help the game stand out against others in the genre. The game aims to teach kids a fundamental understanding of loops, algorithms, and logic, and I believe it is a successful attempt.

As far as the challenge goes, there are three difficulties geared toward different age groups. While I am sure the intended audience will find the challenge adequate and engaging, veteran gamers will find this game too easy. Veteran players can enjoy the cozy vibe, but the lack of challenge might be the deal breaker. But if you need something for your young kids that is fun and is Steam Deck compatible, check out Glitch Hero.

You can pick up Glitch Hero on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch for $11.99.

video game reviews

LocoMotive Review: A Must-Play Murder Mistery Puzzle Game

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I was sent a free copy of Locomotive to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinion. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag Keyboard or the EasySMX X15 controller. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Locomotive?

Locomotive is a point and click puzzle mystery game available now on the Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam and GOG.

Lacy Uterwald has invited her closest friends and relatives onboard the luxurious Reuss Express for a night of revelry. It is a night full of food, booze, music, and unfortunately, murder. Right as she is getting ready to announce the changes in her will, the light goes out, and so does hers. Now three unsuspecting strangers, a lawyer, a spy, and an amature detective, find themselves in the middle of a crime scene. Play as Arthur, Diana, and Herman as you gather clues, solve puzzles, and find the murderer. Can you figure out who done it?

Gameplay

Locomotive is a simple point and click puzzle narrative game. Players explore the train looking for clues, solving puzzles, and piecing together a narrative. The player will progress through the story and gain access to more of the train by solving the different problems that arise. Picking or crafting items, talking to guests, or interacting with the environment in certain ways will trigger events that will advance the story. The trick is finding the correct order, but there is a helpful hint mechanic available if players get stuck.

Review

2024 has been a very good year for noir games, and Locomotive is easily my favorite. The game has a fun aesthetic, a great mystery, and solid gameplay.

I love the game’s art style. I love the effective use of pixel art and how creative it got with the cut scenes. The soundtrack is fantastic, and it was always setting the perfect mode. Lastly, I appreciate all the attention put into the world-building because this game was such a delight to explore.

Moving away from the aesthetic, Locomotive has a fun and quirky narrative that is worth at least one playthrough. I love the silly tone, I appreciate the humor, and the mystery is solid. People who read a lot of noir can figure out who the killer is early on, but it doesn’t matter because the journey is too much fun. Best of all, the players will be carried through the story by a cast of amazing actors who truly bring the story to life. If you enjoy detective noir dramas, you’re not finding one better.

Most importantly, Locomotive is fun. Exploration can feel a little repetitive, especially if you get stuck, but the story makes it worth it. The puzzles are all creative and manageable. There might be a few that will require hints, but none of them are impossible. I love the casual pace of the mystery, and love even more that I can play Locomotive on my Steam Deck.

If you’re looking for a fun, quirky new bit of interactive fiction, go get LocoMotive. You can pick up Locomotive on the Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam and GOG for $17.99.