Shiren returns to the West in an all-new roguelike dungeon crawler for the Nintendo Switch, Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island. After receiving a vision of a mysterious girl held captive by a terrible monster, Shiren and his ferret companion race fight their way to Serpentcoil Island to find her. Do you have what it takes to rescue her?
The game features procedurally generated, promising hours of gameplay and replayability. The art is so cute! I never played any of the Shiren games, so the mechanics seem unique and interesting. I am definitely adding this to the list of games I need to try.
MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM U.C. ENGAGE comes out on October 17th, and it might be worth checking out if you like Gundam and don’t mind playing another Gotcha game. I’ve talked about this game in a previous post, so make sure you check that out if you want additional context.
MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM U.C. ENGAGE is a strategy game featuring classic characters from the U.C. universe coming to Android and IOS devices. It promises 6v6 3D strategic battles with easy-to-use auto-play features. The game will also include a voice-acted story that looks back on the classic era of Gundam, with a new story added every month. This is a great deal for new and old fans of the franchise looking for more Gundam.
If you are interested in playing the game, I recommend you start at launch to earn some fantastic bonuses. The pre-registration was a success! There were over 200k preregistrations which means users will get a UR Gundam and 4500 Diamonds at the start. For people who don’t play Gotcha games, this means you’ll get a decent character for clearing the campaign and a nice amount of in-game currency to get you started.
The Release Celebration Campaign will also be coming after release. No dates have been announced for the event, but it is sure to allow players to earn some amazing awards. At the very least, participants will earn 5,000 diamonds, which doesn’t sound like a bad deal.
I love Gotcha games and have been looking for a new one since they took Dragalia Lost down. I can only hope that the micro-transactions aren’t predatory and the game is fun. I’ll be posting a review once I get a bit deeper into the game, but you should try it anyway since it’s free. The game doesn’t go live until October 17, but it is already available for download on Android and IOS devices for those of you who need it.
I just saw that Gordian Quest is coming to the Switch on October 26th, and I am excited. I think deck builders might be my favorite genre, and I am always looking for a new one to get into. The game is out now for PC via Steam and GoG for those of you who don’t have a switch or don’t want to wait.
Gordian Quest is a deck builder RPG roguelike. Choose from 10 playable heroes and over 700 cards to make it through the 4-act story. With three different game modes, crafting mechanics, and procedurally generated levels, I can see this game providing hours of gameplay and a lot of replay value.
I am a huge fan of the art, and the gameplay looks like a lot of fun. I know I could grab it now for the PC, but I prefer to play my chill deck builders from the comfort of my couch. You can pick up Gordian Quest for $19.99, but you can preorder it now for $17.99 on the Nintendo eShop.
If you enjoy these updates, don’t forget to like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends!
There are so many games featured in the Steam Next Fest that it can be a bit overwhelming. If you are looking for a game to try, I recommend you check out the Enshrouded demo. Enshrouded is an open-world survival game coming soon to PC. The demo is only available until the 22nd, so I suggest you download it now!
I dabble in survival games from time to time, but I am by no means an expert. I enjoy them as casual experiences, but I am sure there will be guides available for efficient survival. The demo has a multiplayer mode option, but I stuck with solo play because I keep strange hours. My impressions will be on the solo experience. Feel free to try the multiplayer, I hope there isn’t much griefing.
The demo runs great. I rarely encountered bugs, but there is an easy-to-use report feature available if you encounter any. The game plays like any other survival game with a few unique gimmicks. Farming is relaxing, crafting is simple, and combat is fun. I liked that with minimal crafting I was able to test out different weapons and find one that worked best for me. I loved using making the wand and blasting my enemies with magic. The combat is smooth, and dodging was really fun.
The tutorial and starting missions do a fantastic job of getting players set up. New players can learn the game’s fundamentals, but veterans have the freedom to do whatever is within the limitations of the demo. The world feels big with lots to do and explore. This can be overwhelming at times, but there are available quests if you need some direction. I spent a lot of time running around without focus because I was having fun trying out the different systems.
What is unique about this game are the shrouded areas. These are areas on the map that are afflicted by a mysterious curse. Your character can only exist within these zones, so travel carefully. Other than that, it is exactly what I would expect and want from a survival game.
If you are in the market for a new survival game, Enshroudedmight be for you. There is no release date set, but you can try the robust demo in the mean time.
If you enjoy these reviews, make sure you like, comment, subscribe, and share them with your friends.
Fervent Workshop is launching two unique games in their upcoming Kickstarter that you should look at if you like choose-your-own-adventure books, deck builders, dungeon crawlers, or Dungeons & Dragons. The campaign starts on October 16 and will feature the games What Lies Belowand Dungeon Maker Deluxe. This will be a short campaign, so go back early.
I play a lot of One Deck Dungeon, so when I saw the campaign for What Lies Below, I knew I needed to try it. This is a solo game where players dive through an immersive story-driven experience where danger is real, death is permanent, and your decisions matter. All you need to play this game is a pencil, a character sheet, and some luck. The game features unique skill checks, 14-win conditions, and many ways to die. Do you have what it takes to make it through once?
The game comes in two editions: Print-and-Play and bound printed book. The PNP version of What Lies Below includes an interactive PDF and a printable character sheet to get you started. Those who prefer physical media and have shelf space should opt for the book because you get both versions. Early backers will get an exclusive reusable dry-erase character sheet to use on their adventures. Most importantly, the Kickstarter will have a free sample of the game available for download. Make sure you grab your copy and try it out. If you like D&D and dungeon crawlers, you need to look into What Lies Below. I’ve got an early copy of the game and will post my impressions as soon as I get a few runs in. Stay tuned for that.
The second game making its debut is the dry-erase edition of Dungeon Maker Deluxe, which is an update to the existing Print-and-Play edition. Dungeon Maker Deluxe is a dungeon-crawler deck-builder that supports up to six players, with an option for solo play. Players draft from a deck of monsters and use them to fill the rooms and fortify their dungeons to keep out pesky adventurers. With all the possible combinations of dungeons, characters, abilities, and monsters, you are always guaranteed a unique delving experience. Do you have what it takes to stump your friends?
This game looks like a lot of fun, especially in a large group. I don’t have friends to play with, so I appreciate the solo play option. Dungeon Maker Deluxecombines all my favorite formats in one. If you like games like 7 Wonders or Tapestry, then you need to look into this Kickstarter. This update will include 36 unique cards (versus the 18 in the original), streamlined gameplay, new character art, and the dry-erase sheets.
If you want to see how these games are played, Board Games for One made a great video showcasing both. He gives a clear and easy-to-follow explanation of how to play the games and runs through a few scenarios to provide a solid preview of what to expect. Go check it out, and make sure you follow the Kickstarter. The campaign starts on October 16.
If you’ve been enjoying these updates, please make sure you like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends!
The Monolith: Requiem of the AncientsPCdemo is out and part of the Steam Next Fest happening now. This adorable little action RPG is sure to win some hearts over with its fun combat mechanics, and interesting narrative. Dark forces threaten Gliese, and it is up to a lone hero and his sword to rescue it. What secrets will you uncover? What challenges await?
I’ve been excited about this game since it was first announced. It gives off some strong Zelda vibes, which I totally appreciate, and it has an adorable art style I can get behind. Combat is fun and intuitive, and the soundtrack is phenomenal. I love the magic and upgrade system, but need to see more. The demo is a bit rough. The sound mixing needs work, and I encountered some stuttering and frame drops. None of the bugs I encountered were game-breaking, but there were enough of them present that I couldn’t ignore them. That said, the demo is playable. If you’ve been curious about this title or enjoy the Zelda games, it doesn’t hurt to try it out.
It is too early to judge the game harshly, so I’ll wait till I get my hands on a full version to get more in-depth. Monolith: Requiem of the Ancients will be released for PC, PlayStation, Switch, and Xbox sometime next year, but no date has been announced yet. Until then, go try it out and see for yourself!
If you’ve been enjoying these updates, make sure you like, comment, subscribe, and share them with your friends.
The last product I am reviewing for ZyberVR is their USB-A/C Streaming and Charging Cable. I will note that I am an affiliate, and I was sent the cable for free. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions on the product. This will be my honest review.
Make sure you read my reviews for the 2-in-1 multipurpose sticks, and the prescription lenses as well. Please use my discount code CHURAPE at checkout for 15% off your purchase. If you enjoy these reviews, make sure you like, comment, subscribe, and share them with your friends.
There isn’t too much to say about this cable other than it beats paying $80 for the official Quest Link cable. For $33, you are getting a thick durable 16 ft (5m) cable. It has easy-to-see LED indicators to let you know that it is charging, and 16 feet is a good length for play. At least it was for my setup. The port has a convenient 90-degree angle so it doesn’t get in the way when it’s hooked up, and it comes with a built-in USC-A to C adapter that you can cycle through easily. This is incredibly convenient because you don’t need to have a separate dongle for those times you need USB-C.
ZyberVR promises high transfer rates of up to 20 Gbps and 2.2 Gbps streaming speed, but I don’t have a rig to test this. That said, transferring files to and from my headset felt quicker, and I never experienced any lag or stutters while playing games from my PC.
I can’t compare this to the official Meta cable because I am not spending $80 on a cable when cheaper comparable alternatives exist. If you are looking for a cable for your VR setup, check out the Streaming and Charging Cable by Zyber VR. It’s long and sturdy, and it gets the job done. If you buy anything from Zyber VR, make sure you use my discount code CHURAPE at checkout for 15% off.
I got to try the Cowboy 3030 demo, which will be featured in the Steam Next Fest. The Steam Next Fest is a multi-day event where gamers can try new games, chat with devs, and learn about upcoming releases. The Event runs from October 9th to the 16th, so make sure you tune in.
Cowboy 3030 is a rogue-lite Wild West-themed shooter set in the future. Choose your cowboy and fight your way through the endless waves of goons from the evil Nebularos gang.
The demo lets players choose between two cowboys: Calix and Keri. Calix is fantastic at short-range combat with his revolvers, electric lasso, and flash grenade. Kari is your girl for long-range combat with her arsenal of riffles, access to a defensive electro screen, and an exploding bowling bomb. Both have distinct playstyles, and the game has a unique skill tree that ensures each run feels different.
Players will start their runs by choosing a loadout. As you play, you will unlock new weapons and characters to help you hone in on a playstyle that works best for you. The goal is to clear as many of the procedurally generated levels without dying. Throughout each run, you level up your tree and collect money to buy upgrades. The tree is a large grid that gives players the freedom to build their character to their liking. The tree is randomly generated, but I never felt like the RNG ruined any of my runs.
Cowboy 3030has a solid demo. The game looks great and runs well, the mechanics are fun, and players get a nice taste of what is to come. Obviously, there isn’t enough content to judge it too harshly, but I enjoyed the demo enough to recommend it. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the Steam Next Fest catalog, Cowboy 3030is a solid place to start. It is a nice relaxing rogue-lite that will keep you entertained for a couple of hours. The game is planned to be released during Q1 of 2024, but you can try the demo out today!
ZyberVR sent me their Multipurpose 3-in-1 sticks for the Meta Quest to review and made me an affiliate. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review of the product.
The multipurpose sticks are accessories for the Quest 2 motion controllers that provide users with added immersion while gaming. They are usable in three modes: Dual handle, golf handle, and long handle. The dual handle is designed for games with swords, like Beat Saber. The long handle connects the two handles in the middle and is perfect for games like Kayak VR. The golf handle is self-explanatory.
The kit comes with two color-coded handles, two clearly labeled motion controller clips, two thick wrist straps, two clear plastic halo casings, and a tube to connect or extend the handles. The accessories are built from good quality plastic, the foam is comfortable, and there is no way the controllers are slipping off during play. The instructions are in Mandarin, but the pictures are easy to follow. Instantiation and switching between the accessories is fast and simple.
What I appreciated most about this product are the added protective accessories that come with it. The kits come with thick and sturdy wrist straps to replace the ones included with the Quest 2. The straps are easy to install and aren’t coming off. The kit also includes clear silicon casings for the motion control halo. These are easy to install and don’t interfere with tracking. They aren’t going to keep your controllers from breaking after a large impact, but they will keep them from scratching and scuffing from the lighter ones.
The only game I own to test the stick on is Beat Saber, and itworked perfectly. They provided a more immersive experience, a comfortable grip, and slip protection from my overly sweaty hands. Playing with the sticks felt more accurate, and I saw an improvement in my performance. One issue I had was that anything that involved the buttons or triggers became awkward. This might be something you can get used to, but I never did. This accessory is best when you don’t need comfortable access to any of the buttons.
If you spend a lot of time in VR and need the extra emersion, this is a fantastic accessory. Unlike the ZyberVR Prescription Lenses, the Multipurpose 3-in-1 sticks aren’t something you need for your setup, but it is something you will appreciate having once you use them. The kit goes for $34.99 on the Zyber store and is currently $8 off. If you buy anything from the ZyberVR store, don’t forget to use my discount code CHURAPE at checkout for an extra 15% off.
Spasms of Stupidity fell into my inbox, and I thought I would share it because it is a neat concept. Spasms of Stupidity is a roguelike wargame for pc reminiscent of the DragonForce game for the Sega Saturn. The game is still in its early stages, but I can see the potential.
You command a legion of demons on a campaign to take over the world. There are skill trees, item crafting, and a campaign to complete. You will arrange your troops, set your orders, and watch as your army does battle. As you play, you will unlock new characters, skills, and items to help you with future runs, which is to be expected from any roguelike. If you enjoy war simulators, especially ones on a large scale, this project might be worth supporting. There are some complexities and mechanics I am I am brushing over, but the video does a better job of showing them in action.
The game is still in its early stages, and looking for funding on Kickstarter. The Kickstarter launches on November 1st. It isn’t going to be for everyone, but with diligence, I can see it satisfying in its niche. Always be mindful of backing a Kickstarter, but someone has to bid on the little guys.
If you want to stay up to date on the news, check out the Steam and Epic Games Store pages. If you’ve been enjoying these updates, make sure you like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends.
