I was asked to cover the Northwind Steam demo on my blog. The game isn’t finished yet, so I’ll try not to review it too harshly.
Northwind is just another roguelike deck builder coming to PC this year. The demo doesn’t really do much to divert from the traditional gameplay loop. Players start with a basic deck that they improve throughout a run with new cards and abilities. The player restarts the run after losing, and the grind continues.
The game may feature a fantastic art style and a solid soundtrack, but the gameplay in this demo is lacking. It does very little to inspire any further curiosity. It’s hard to recommend the demo because it doesn’t feel finished, especially when there are better games in the genre you could be playing instead. Unless you like the flavor and style, I would wait for a couple more updates. I might come back for an update because I love the art work, but there wasn’t enough to the demo to have me rushing back.
I was sent Death Trick Double Blind early to test. The game releases in a few days, and while I didn’t receive explicit embargo terms, I won’t be reviewing the game too deeply until after its release just in case. This will only be my honest first impressions of the game.
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Death Trick Double Blind is a mystery visual novel coming to Steam (3/11/24) and Nintendo Switch (3/14/24). I was sent the PC version for early testing.
Morgan’s Traveling Circus has lost its star performer, and it is up to you to figure out what really happened. Take control of a detective and a replacement magical are called in to investigate the disappearance. As you switch between both unique perspectives, you’ll search for clues, interrogate the suspects, and piece together your own conclusion. Can you solve this case and bring peace and justice to the big top?
Gameplay
Players switch between the two investigators and use their turn to gather clues and information. Each turn gives players a limited number of action points to conduct their investigation. You do have to ask questions in the right order or risk angering a suspect and losing your leads. This type of freedom leaves the game open to multiple endings and gives it a lot of replay value. Death Trick Double Blind is a mystery book where you affect the outcome.
Impressions
I was first drawn to this title because the art is fantastic and the concept is interesting. So far, I am impressed. I love the aesthetic and I always appreciate a good visual novel. As far as the writing goes, Death Trick Double Blind is a solid mystery. It has nice pacing and good characters, and I enjoyed reading it. There is no voice acting, so people who don’t like reading should stay away. For everyone else, it’s worth checking out.
You can preorder Death Trick Double Blind on Steam and Nintendo Switch for $15.99. At the very least try the Switch demo, or add it to your wishlist. It is currently on 10% off on the Nintendo eShop until the games launch on the 14th.
The Guardian Games are back for their third year, and it’s a great time to log back in for exclusive rewards. From now until March 26, guardians across the world can come together to fight in a fun and unique event. The event is free to every guardian regardless of level or what expansion they own, so grab your guardian, and prove to the world why Hunters are the best.
The Skimmer
This year’s game introduces Destiny’s first hoverboard, and it looks amazing. By completing this years challenges, players will be able to cruise through the universe on the Skimmer. The Skimmer is themed for the event, so while there will be other skimmers available in the game, this is your only chance to get this one. Assuming they don’t release it for next year’s games.
Rewards
Competing in this year’s games also earns you some exclusive cosmetics and gear that you’ll want in your collection, especially if you’re a new or returning player. The armor is cool, but my hunter needs a few more guns for the rotation. These rewards can be earned for free, so make sure you make some time.
The Witch Queen Free on PlayStation Plus
PlayStation Plus subscribers have now until April 1st to receive Destiny 2’s The Witch Queen DLC for free! Delve into the enigmatic Throne World for a chance to face off against Savathûn and her Lucent Hive to reclaim the light. Get your copy today!
Conclusion
There are Paid tracks and rewards for this season, but I am coming at this event as a poor free to play player. Plus none of the cosmetics really spoke to me, but they are available if they do for you.
I’ll be playing the event and probably bringing down the hunter’s average, but I’ll be getting these rewards and preparing of the upcoming Final Shape DLC releasing June 4th. Make sure you make your preorders if you haven’t done so, be kind to the folks around you, and have some fun. See you there!
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The Drakantos devs just dropped their February Dev log, and I am hyped! We still don’t have a release date, but we get closer every month. There is a lot to be excited about, but make sure you read the official log. Make sure you join the growing community of anticipating on Discord, and show some love to the developers by adding Drakantos to your wishlist on Steam.
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Ojore Teaser
Brawlers rejoice with this heavy-hitting, earth bending, hero. Ojore hits hard, and those dashes are bound to set up some amazing plays in PvP. The voice acting is also pretty spectacular. He is a little too close-quarters for me, but I can see the potential.
Ranked PVP Confirmed
Whatever you may think of PvP, it is important for the health of the game. PVP will be 3v3 arena-style matches which is perfect for a mobile game. The devs intend to make a PvP experience that is more skill-reliant than gear, but we will have to wait for release. We do know there is a ranking system for those of you who need the incentive.
The Preset System
In an interesting bit of news, the developers have worked on implementing a preset system. Players will be able to save four distinct load-outs on each character so they can easily switch to an appropriate build for a desired activity. This is such a cool and generous quality-of-life feature that I welcome with open arms.
Boss Fights!
This month marked the completion of 16 boss fights, with two more coming soon. It is safe to say that every hero will work as a boss for the game, and I can’t wait to see teasers for the actual fights. I’m interested to see how creative they get with the moves and mechanics.
Ozul Boss Fight
Pet Contest Winners
Last month the developers asked the community to submit their ideas for in-game pets, and the winners have been chosen. Congratulations to all the winners, but it is really cool to see such an excited and involved community. I hope the Devs continue this type of engagement with their players.
More Sneak Peaks
Finally, we got a lot more visuals and previews for the game. WE got to see a sneak peak of the Guild Hall, some more mounts and animation, and a better look at the UI. I’ve been following this game for a while now, and I get more excited with each bit of news. I can’t wait for an open beta! Until then, enjoy the last bits of visuals from the Dev Log and don’t forget to add Drakantos to your wishlist!
The Guild HallThe UIThe Donkey!More Mount Animation
In honor of Pokémon Day,the Pokémon Company has released a special Pokémon Presents where they have made a few exciting announcements. While I am sure there are some disappointed fans out there, there is a bit of news that I am very hopeful about. I’m only covering the news that I am most excited about, but you should check out the whole event for anything I skip.
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Pokemon Horizons: The Series
While I was very sad for Ash and Pikachu’s adventure to end, I am very excited for the upcoming anime. Pokémon always makes for comforting anime, and we can always use a little comfort in our lives. Pokémon Horizons: The Series premiers on Netflix on March 7, so let the countdown begin!
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket
The most exciting announcement for me was the Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket coming sometime this year on Android and IOS devices. Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket looks like a gotcha version of the TCG. Players can open two packs a day for free, which suggests you can buy more through either an in-game currency or real money. This does raise some flags as the game can become predatory quickly, but I am not too worried. The game comes from the folks who brought us Masters, and Masters didn’t feel bad when I played it. I don’t think it will be as generous as PTCGL, but I doubt it will be as bad as Unite.
The idea of the game is to have players crack packs, and build a community around it. Players can build their collections, trade with friends and people around the world, and battle others. The idea of building a community around collecting Pokémon cards is always exciting, I just hope they don’t make it impossible to complete a set without spending hundreds of dollars.
The quick battles are what interests me the most about this app. The game promises a more streamlined gameplay with the convenience of being able to play anywhere. While I am worried about the pay-to-win potential of PVP, anything that brings people into the hobby is fine by me.
Pokémon isn’t the most complicated TCG, but I’ve seen people be intimidated by all its moving parts. Having a streamlined version of the game gets people excited about the game without overwhelming them. Depending on the gameplay, Pocket may be able to bring casual collectors into the space and turn them into players.
What makes Pocket unique is that it will introduce new art and animation of cards so that players and collectors can interact with the hobby in a unique way. Pocket introduces “immersive cards” which allow players to leap into the illustration. Again, I hope they make these easy to collect, but as a casual collector, I am excited.
I wonder if this is Pokémon answer to Heartsone? I wonder how much GOTCHA is involved? There are still a lot of questions about the game, and I’ll have to see more before I can form any impressions, but I am excited for now.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
The teaser for Pokémon Legends: Z-A is vague, but I know Lumiose City anywhere. It seems like the next Legends game is taking place entirely in Lumiose City. X and Y are my favorite generation. I put too many hours into the game, and I am excited to go back. All we can do is speculate until the next announcement, but I am excited! The game launches sometimes next year on the Nintendo Switch.
Update: Yon can now preorder the book if you missed the kickstarter.
I’ve been running my Dragonbane campaign for a couple of months now, and have been impressed with the system. With my campaign coming to a close, I’ve written a more detailed review that you should read if you want to know more about the system.
As I was prepared to move on to a different system, I came across an interesting Kickstarter Dragonbane adventure: Shadow Over Gloomshire. The campaign is fully funded, and with ten days left on the campaign, I thought it deserved more exposure.
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What is Shadow Over Gloomshire?
Shadow Over Gloomshireis a Gothic horror prewritten adventure for Dragonbane. It features unique hand drawn art, maps, and it introduces 2 new classes: Paladin and Monster Hunter. There are also role tables, a new location, and descriptions to help get things moving.
Two new professions. Work in progress
I’d love to play a malard kin paladin or a wolf kin monster hunter.
The temple. Once a place of worship, now home to twisted evil. Work in progress
You find yourself stranded in the remote village of Gloomshire. It’s a haunting place full of strange and frightening dangers lurking in the shadows. Travel through a haunted forest, investigate a creepy mansion, and embark on a spooky adventure I’m sure you’ll never forget.
Minerva, Cleric of Light. By FukamiHB
Stygian wolf by John Bilodeau
Demonic artifacts by Melker Holmgren
Impressions
If you like gothic horror, it definitely seems like it has the right flavor. I am a huge fan of the artwork, and for $11, it doesn’t seem like a bad deal. There is always a risk in backing Kickstarters, but Robin Fjärem has a few other projects under his belt, so it seems pretty reputable.
You can pick up a copy of the Shadow Over Gloomshire adventure PDF for $11, or a booklet and PDF for $20 which isn’t bad for an adventure.
I like running my own adventures, but it’s always nice to take a break and build off what other people have come up with. We always end up going off script, but it is always nice to have things like role tables, encounters, and loot at the ready. I think its a pretty cool project, but go check the Shadow Over Gloomshire Kickstarter and see for yourself!
I’ve been excited about Drakantosfor a while now. With the January dev log out, my excitement continues to grow. I can’t wait to finally play Drakantos, but until then, let’s just get hyped about the current progress.
Make sure you check out the official dev log and join Discord if you want to stay up to date. If you enjoy these updates, don’t forget to like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. Most importantly, add Drakantos to your wishlist!
Orbryn Hero Teaser
The community has voted. This month’s hero teaser is Orbry, an Engineer from Garmorli. The dwarf has access to several gadgets and traps to help him fend off enemies. If you like dwarves, traps, and explosions, this is the champ for you.
I was a bit disappointed with the teaser’s slow start, but the more traps and gadgets I saw, the more impressed I became. I don’t think I am smart enough to run this champ, but I can see the potential. With the amount of debuffs and traps, Orbry can help control the battlefield and tempo of battle. It seems like this will be one of the trickier heroes to learn, but one that I am sure will be rewarding in the right hands.
I love how every hero teased so far feels unique and different, and with each release, I have trouble choosing who I want to play.
And Mount Animation!
Cooldowns Changed to Charges
Drakantoswill feature artifacts that will act as interchangeable abilities for further customization. These artifacts were initially intended to be cooldowns, but they were changed to charges based on the event players run. The official explication from the devs:
I have to agree with the devs on this change. From a gameplay perspective, it makes the artifact feel more impactful. Players are now forced to use their charges efficiently instead of mashing buttons. From a flavor perspective, it makes the artifact feel more special and magical. It’s something rare that only a hero can use, and I am all about feeling special in my fantasy.
More Cities!
More of the world has been created, and I gotta say I am a huge fan of the art style. Here are some samples of the major cities. I can’t wait to explore what else they have in store:
Pet Contest
If you’re feeling artistic, head over to the official discord and join the “Create a Pet Contest” for a chance to have your creation featured in the game. I love that the devs are working with their community, I just wish I was at least a little artistic.
Conclusion
There were some other balancing changes for combat and more pets added to the game, but you can always read about it on the official dev log. I am still excited and I hope we get a beta soon. This game looks like a lot of fun, so make sure you go add it to your wishlist!
The GLYDR Kickstarter just launched, and it was fully funded in only 40 minutes. GLYDR is the gaming accessory that aims to revolutionize the way we play games, and promises to save some hands in the process. It is not attempting to replace the traditional controller, but rather supplement the existing ecosystem in the hopes of creating a more ergonomic solution to gaming. As someone who struggles with chronic hand pain, I welcome anything that allows me to enjoy longer gaming sessions.
What is GLYDR
GLYDR is a programable gaming foot pad with 16 programable actions. This allows gamers to offload some of the more extraneous commands to a part of the body that frankly, could use the exercise. GLYDR grants players access to a library of profiles to choose from, and the ability to create their own ensuring you always have a setup that works best for you. As someone who constantly jumps between genres, I need something that I can easily reprogram and adapt. This seems like a solid solution.
Go Back Now
Early backers can get them as cheap as $189. Act quick! As of writing this, there are $50 units left at this price, then it jumps to $249. Shipping and taxes apply when the item is ready to ship. I don’t have the money to buy one of these right now, but I thought it was at least worth the gander. Go back the Kickstarter today!
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The Realm of Ink demo is now live on Steam. If you are looking for a new action roguelike to sink some time into, download this demo today! The demo is only 40 minutes long, but you’re going to want more.
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Hook
Realm of Ink is a short story collection controlled by the Book Spirit. For the most part, characters within its pages live their lives as written. This changes when on a hunt for a cunning Fox Spirit, Red discovers that everything around her is a fabrication. After her awakening, Red makes her journey through this fictional world to find out the truth of the Book Spirit. What secrets will she learn along the way?
Gameplay
Thoughts
The full version of the game will give players access to different characters, spirits, and upgrades, but the demo is limited to one character, chapter, and a limited selection of upgrades and spirits. While I was left wanting more, the provides players with a solid grasp of the gameplay loop.
Real of Inkplays like your traditional Rogulike. Players start each round with a random spirit and earn random upgrades as they move through the levels. Champions have access to a light attack, a heavy attack, and two spirit abilities.
These types of games are repetitive by design, but there is enough RNG in this game to make each run feel different. I ran through the demo version a few times and never had the same build twice. Some builds are better than others, but that is the nature of RNG.
Red is a cool champion with three loadouts. Players start the demo with the single sword but can unlock a duel wield version for faster attacks and a ranged attack after you end your first run. Each loadout plays differently, which keeps the game feeling fresh. I preferred the ranged version of Red because I had a lot of fun kitting in this game.
Realm of Ink is beautiful, and I recommend you check it out to appreciate its art style. The demo also has fun flavor, and an amazing soundtrack. The gameplay was fun. Combat was great, leveling was fast and easy, RNG seemed fair, and the spirits gave fun abilities. I don’t like that you start the game with one spirit and have to find the second through RNG.
The only complaint I have is that in some runs, I only had access to one spirit ability. This felt like a disadvantage, especially when it came to the boss fight. I hope spirits are easier to collect on full release because it is the mechanic that gave the game its unique flavor.
The demo is short, but it was long enough to get me excited. I need a little more story and gameplay before I can form a full opinion. If you’re looking for something new to play, check out the Real of Ink demo. It’s free, it’s fun, and it isn’t a huge commitment.
We don’t have an official release date, but I will be trying to get my hands on a copy when it comes out. Stay tuned for that. If you enjoy my content, please leave a comment, like, follow, and share this with your friends!
The Bungie Foundation is hosting its fifth Game2Give fundraising event. From now until February 2nd, players can earn unique rewards to support children’s hospitals and provide relief to global communities in need. As of writing this, $989,692.90 out of their $1,500,000.00 has been met, and I am pretty sure we can beat that. Head over to the official page to learn more!
There are two ways to support this. Players can either donate on the official website, or they can buy some of the Game2Give merch available for a limited time on the Bungie Store. Supplies are limited, so move fast!
As As an added intensive, Bungie is opening the vault and giving donors access to exclusive emblems. Emblems cost 1 credit, and donors earn 1 credit per $6 donation. This is a great cause, so make sure you gather any spare glimmer and give back! (Check out the official page for more)
