Tag Archives: 2024

Whispers of the Eyeless: Unique Cult Management Game Review

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Whisper of the Eyeless 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.

Shameless Plug

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System.

What is Whispers of the Eyeless?

Whispers of the Eyeless is a cult management game with RPG elements out now in Steam Early Access.

You are the voice of the old dead gods, Wrath Desire, and Madness. Little remains of the dead gods, and it is up to you to bring them back. Using the powers of the old god that you slowly awaken, recruit new members, build your temple, and conquer the dungeon. Can you build a deserving following, one that can consume the city, or will you be another delusional cleric?

Gameplay

The main loop for Whispers of the Eyeless is the resource management game. Players will spend their time exploring the city, recruiting new members, fixing up their place of worship, and a little bit of dungeon delving. Exploring the city allows players to recruit new members to the party. Exploration will proct special events where players have a chance of recruiting unique members with special abilities. Players are limited in how much of the city they an explore at first, but will earn access to the more prosperous parts of the city once they gain more influence.

Once members are recruited, players are responsible for keeping them happy. Creating jobs, keeping them fed, and building a nice place of worship are all important tasks for a successful cult leader. Some cultists can be sent on jobs around the city, or on dungeon delves. The dungeon is a dangerous place, but one that can be conquered with the proper party of loyal cultist.

In the dungeon, players will explore its halls with simple point and click movement, and combat is in the classic turn based style.

Players who can manage to stay on top of all these tasks, earn their money, and gain their influence properly will have no problem resurrecting the dead gods.

Review

I enjoyed Whispers of the Eyeless. The game is still in Early Access, and it is hard to give it a proper recommendation. On one hand, the game is the perfect fusion of each genre it covers, on the other, the game doesn’t feel finished. The game works and looks great. The artwork is amazing, and I am a huge fan of the dark storybook vibe the game captures. The soundtrack and voice acting are phenomenal, and do a great job at setting the mood. The story and flavor is solid, but it is a little short. Players will catch up to the content quickly, which can definitely be a problem.

I loved the game since I tried the demo, and the new content made it worth the wait. But while I may be willing for more content, and will be returning to the game at every major update, not everyone will. The biggest reason to get Whispers of the Eyeless at this stage is because you want to support a solid game. The game does enough to help it stand out against the genre, and it is heading towards a promising direction. There really isn’t enough to be worth the price tag at the moment, but there will be if you are patient.

You can pick up Whispers of the Eyeless on Steam Early Access for $19.99.

Wasted my Money on the GameStop Premium Deck Box

I was at Gamestop the other day and decided to treat myself with a new deck box for my Grand Archive deck. The one I was using at the time was ratty and falling apart. I chose to pick up the GameStop Premium Trading Card Deck Box, but this thing was anything but premium.

What I liked

The deck box has a slick black vinyl texture with red stitching along its edges that gives the box its alluring elegant feel. There are strong magnets on the flap for secure storage, and two plastic dividers to keep your cards organized. The inside also has this sleek black for the matching aesthetic. It’s a nice looking box, but those looks fade fast.

Review

The plastic covering the bottom of the deckbox came undone on the second day, exposing my cards to the box’s cheap interior cardboard. I should have taken this moment to get my money back, but I wanted to see what would happen. The red stitching that runs along the edges started to come undone shortly after. After my third locals, I started to notice the inside fold of the flap starting to tear away. I am very careful with my trading card and accessories and was surprised at how rough the box looked after only a few uses. It would have been better if I bought cheap plastic ones instead.

I wasn’t expecting a high quality product that would last me forever, but I did expect it to at least make it through the year. I might have gotten a defective unit, but if Gamestop is truly attempting to make their transition to an LGS, they need to do better. If you only have 20 bucks to spend on a deck box, you can do better.

Exploring the Surreal World of Go Home Annie—Game Review

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.

Deadly Days: Roadtrip Playtest Impressions

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!

Upgrade Your Setup with the Epomaker Galaxy 100 Keyboard

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!

Is the Fifine Ampligame V3 Worth It? A Detailed Review

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.

Aaero2 Review: Unleash Your Rhythm in This Addictive Shooter

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.

Glitch Hero Review: A Fun Adventure for Kids

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.

LocoMotive Review: A Must-Play Murder Mistery Puzzle Game

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.

Epomaker HE75 Mag Keyboard Review: A Gamer’s Delight

Epomaker sent me their HE75 Mag magnetic keyboard for free 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 review for the Epomaker RT65 and P75 if you’re looking for an affordable way to upgrade your aesthetic.

What’s in the box?

  • Epomaker HE75 Keyboard
  • Braided USB-C to USB-A charging cable
  • Keypuller
  • User Manuel
  • 2 Extra Switches
  • Print and Pause Key Caps
  • Wireless Dongle

Features

The HE75 Mag is a stylish 75% form factor gaming keyboard designed by gamers, making it the ultimate upgrade to any setup. Its lightweight and sturdy design makes it ideal for travel and those extra sweaty gaming sessions. The keyboard supports Bluetooth 5 devices, but there is a 2.4 Ghz dongle for those who need it. When the 4000mAh finally decides to die, you won’t have to stop gaming because playing with the included wired connection is just as good if not better.

If media controls are important to you, the keyboard comes preprogrammed with everything you need and an interchangeable dial for the volume. The subtle backlighting is ready to elevate the elegance of this finely crafted keyboard, but it can be toggled off with a push of a button.

If you’re looking for comfort, you will be hard-pressed to find anything more comfortable. The HE75 has a 15-degree natural slant but built-in stands to help users find their ideal comfortable position. The interchangeable hall effect switches not only make this keyboard soft to the touch, but incredibly responsive. With only about 1 ms wireless latency, you’ll be ready for any challenge that comes your way. Best of all, the actuation is customizable for maximum performance.

Sound Test

Review

The Epomaker HE75 Mag has easily become my favorite keyboard. Its beautiful ombre purple scheme drew me in, and the soft RGB effect kept my attention, but the performance is what made me fall in love. I get a repetitive stress disorder easily and have become incredibly picky with the keyboards I use. I have never used a more comfortable keyboard than the HE75 Mag. The default angle is nice but the built-in stands make it perfect for my build. While it may not be strictly ergonomic, I see no reason to stop using it.

I appreciate that this keyboard is light enough for travel, but it will remain firm during the most intense gaming sessions. It definitely feels like it can take a tumble or two.

As far as gaming keyboards go, the HE75 Mag is a solid contender. The hall effect switches are incredibly responsive without putting much strain on the user’s hand. I didn’t notice a difference in latency between the wired and wireless connection, which is always appreciated. Best of all, I was getting about 10 hours of battery life with the RGB on, which translates to the perfect amount of uninterrupted gaming.

If you’re looking for your next gaming keyboard, you need to pick up the Epomakero HE75. Not only is this the prettiest keyboard you’ll own, but its performance won’t disappoint. This is the keyboard you buy when you want to upgrade your setup and do well on your raids for a reasonable price. It also makes for a fantastic present.

You can pick up the Epomaker HE75 Mag on the official site for only $99.99. Get yours today!