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Void Sols Review: A Casual Souls-like Experience

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I was sent a free copy of Void Sols 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 RT65 mechanical 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!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is Void Sols?

Void Sols is a top down minimilistic souls-like out now on PC.

You find yourself imprisoned, about to be slaughtered like a common rat when a powerful light washes over you, granting you the power to fight back. With your newfound gifts and any weapon you pick up along the way, fight your way to freedom. What will be your weapon of choice? Will you ever taste freedom, or are you destined to die in this maze?

Gameplay

Players control a triangle and guide it through a seemingly endless maze. They must effectively use the weapons and skill they find along the way to survive the danger that seems to lurk around every corner. Like most souls-like games, players will need to grind a lot of the same mobs, slowly making their way deeper into the dungeon. The game features campfires where they can rest, level up, and reset the mobs. Most importantly, players have the flexibility to build their character to fit their play style. There is a good amount of customization when it comes to weapon types, buffs, and abilities. I am sure there is a correct way min max a character, but I built what I thought was fun.

Review

Void Sols is fantastically soul-like, and I recommend it to everyone. I am a huge fan of the minimalistic style choice, the amazing soundtrack, and the fun and engaging gameplay. While the minimalism makes the game look like a casual souls-like, the game requires enough strategy to keep things engaging. Mastering combat will take a bit of effort.

Like other games in the genre, it can feel repetitive. Better players will be able to breeze through the game, but the filthy casuals like me will have to grind out the same mobs until they are strong enough to move on. I found the repetition soothing, but it is important to note that this game is repetitive by design. That said, it is not a soul-crushing grind.

Combat in this game feels fantastic. The developers masterfully translate the intricacies of combat into a solid minimalistic package. Combat requires enough skill to be engaging, but it won’t alienate the newcomers. The weapons all feel unique, and it was fun to explore the different styles. Upgrades and leveling felt impactful, and I enjoyed the rate of progression. Enemies all felt unique and were constantly forcing me to adapt to new tactics, and the boss fights were all creative and fun.

Void Sols is a fantastic casual souls-like for the people who want to hop into the genre but without the commitment. The game is fun with some solid flavor and engaging gameplay. Best of all, it is Steam Deck compatible.

You can pick up Void Sols on Steam for only $19.99, but there is a demo available if you don’t believe me.

video game reviews

Is Once Upon a Dungeon: Infinity Worth Playing?

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I was sent a free copy of Once Upon a Dungeon: Infinity 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 RT65 mechanical 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!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is Once Upon a Dungeon Infinity?

Once Upon a Dungeon: Infinity is a turn based roguelike out now on Steam.

The call of adventure sends its siren song across the land, seducing eager adventurers to the mouth of the dungeon. Crawl through the darkness, fight off monsters, avoid traps, and free it from its treasure. The journey will be perilous, but you as an industrious adventurer have potential. Craft the tools of the trade, conquer this delve, and claim your spot in history. Do you have what it takes?

Gameplay

Players move through procedurally generated dungeons a square at a time. Each action is a turn and every creature in range of the player takes a turn at the same time.

Once Upon a Dungeon: Infinity is a cute hack-and-slash that offers enough of a challenge to keep things interesting. Combat is as simple as clicking an enemy, but players still need to move efficiently and find the right gear. I am sure there is an optimal build, but I built whatever was fun.

Players can craft useful items and upgrade existing ones, provided they have the knowledge and materials. For those seeking a challenge, there is a mode where death is permanent and enemies can attack from any direction.

Review

Once Upon a Dungeon: Infinity is an interesting title with a few issues but a lot of heart. First off, the game is a little too dark. I believe the intent was to emulate the darkness of the dungeon, but I think they overdid it. There are also a few bugs that are hard to ignore. I noticed a few stutters and frame drops, but nothing that made the game unplayable. I almost gave up on the game because of the lack of polish and awkwardness, but I am glad I didn’t.

Once Upon a Dungeon: Infinity has a solid core. The game is a casual dungeon-crawling done right. The procedurally generated maps work fine, and they offer enough of a challenge to keep players engaged. I love that there is a perma-death mode that can be toggled because it makes things more intense, and it is the only way I will play this game moving forward.

Once Upon a Dungeon is a cute and simple roguelike with a neat crafting mechanic and a lot of potential. If you don’t the roughness that comes with an early-access game, make sure you add it to your wishlist and check out the demo!

video game reviews

Discover Songs of Silence: The Casual 4X Strategy Game

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I was sent a free copy of Songs of Silence 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 RT65 mechanical 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 during November 29 – December 6 for 30% off your first year!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is Songs of Silence?

Songs of Silence is a casual yet engaging turn-based 4X strategy game out now on steam.

Lead one of three unique factions through victory as you claim land, upgrade settlements, and strengthen your empire. The world is unforgiving, but you are the brilliant strategist that will lead your people to victory. Do you have what it takes to cement your place in history as your people’s greatest hero, or will your story be lost to time?

Gameplay

Players take turns moving their units, conquering camps, building their ranks, and fighting over territory. Combat is automatic, but certain factors like terrain, the placement of units, and types of units affect the outcome. What makes Songs of Silence unique is its deck-building mechanic. Each commander and clan has a unique set of abilities they can cast on a cool down. These cards can cast abilities like healing or attack spells, or send commands to their units for powerful attacks.

Players can enjoy the rich, story-driven campaign at their own pace. The story is well written and does a fantastic job at setting the tone for the game. Players can also enjoy endless amount of fun playing against the well scripted AI as they try to conquer randomly generated maps. There is also an active discord community and online matchmaking for those who prefer to play PVP.

Review

I have been excited about Songs of Silence since I tried the first alpha, and I was not disappointed. This game has some beautiful art and incredible flavor. The story is okay. It was enough to hook me, but not the reason you should be rushing to play this game. Instead, you should be looking at this game for its unique and interesting take on the 4X genre.

Songs of Silence has the most relaxing, engaging, and accessible solo experience of any strategy game I have ever played. Its unique card mechanic keeps the auto battles from being boring, and the game demands enough strategy to be engaging without becoming too sweaty. I enjoyed playing through the campaign, but I loved playing scrimmage. I had a lot of fun exploring the different factions, champions, and units. I didn’t always win, but I had a lot of fun trying.

I did try a couple of online matches, but they aren’t my thing. I always found matches easily, but the game felt too slow sometimes, especially when I was losing. If you’re looking for a strategy game with a good competitive scene, I am not sure Songs of Silence is the place. The game has a growing active community, but I can’t speak on how good of a multiplayer game this is because I didn’t enjoy the experience. I like playing this game at my own pace.

If you’re looking for a strategy game that is unique, fun, and Steam Deck compatible, pick up Songs of Silence on Steam, just make sure you wait for the Steam Fall sale (Nov 27 – Dec 4) just in case, but you can pick up Songs of Silence and its amazing soundtrack on Steam.

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Lord Ambermaze: Prologue – A Glimpse at a Promising RPG

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I received the Lord Ambermaze: Prologue from Keymailer. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, this will be my honest review. I understand that this is only a demo, so I will try to be a bit more lenient with my impressions.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical 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 during November 29 – December 6 for 30% off your first year!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is Lord Ambermaze: Prologue?

The prologue is a demo version of the upcoming turn-based RPG, Lord Ambermaze. The demo is available for download on Steam, but don’t forget to wishlist the full version while you’re at it.

A young adventurer tells the tale of his grand adventure through a deep and perilous dungeon. Listen as he braves the dark, fights its monsters, avoids its traps, and claims all its treasure. What stories will the deep reveal for him? What mysteries has he conquered? You are going to play to find out.

Gameplay

The demo takes players through a small tutorial and has them encounter a boss unique to the demo. Players use these limited tools to fight monsters and solve puzzles. To progress through the dungeon, players must clear each room of all its monsters through some very creative combat.

Players and monsters take their turn at the same time. Players have one action per turn where they can move, attack, or use an item. Players need to move efficiently through the room, killing monsters, disabling any traps, and collecting all the treasure. Do not let the cute aesthetic of this game fool you, there is a decent amount of challenge between these pixels. Finding a way to maneuver efficiently through the room without wasting the character’s limited resources can be challenging if you aren’t paying attention. Memorizing patterns and planning an efficient route is key to success.

Impressions

I will need to try the full game for a full review, but I am impressed with what I got to try. The demo offers about an hour of gameplay, and it has me interested in seeing more. The story is fine. I like the framed narrative style of narration, but it isn’t anything special. What hooked me is the gameplay.

Each room is like a puzzle that needs to be solved. Each room offered a good amount of challenge to be engaging without being frustrating. I do wish there was a way to reset a room. You can run out of items like bombs to blow away obstacles and be stuck in a room. The only solution is to kill yourself, but it would be easier if there were a button to reset and take the penalty.

Lord Ambermaze: Prologue is a cute and solid introduction to this creative RPG, and I can’t wait to see more. I love the art, the music is great, and the gameplay is fun. I’ll be trying to get my hands on a full version to review. Until then, make sure you check out the demo on Steam, and don’t forget to add the full version to your Wishlist!

video game reviews

Is Depths of Endor Worth Your Time? Find Out!

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I was asked to cover Depths of Endor:Dungeon Crawler and received a bit of in-game currency to help me get into the game. 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 RT65 mechanical 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 during November 29 – December 6 for 30% off your first year!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is Depths of Endor: Dungeon Crawler?

Depths of Endor is a retro style dungeon crawler out now on Steam, Apple App Store, and Google Play Store.

Gather your party and delve into the depths of the dungeon as you fight its monsters, plunder its treasure, and uncover its secrets. Be warned! The dungeon is a dangerous place full of unforgiving monsters traps. Can you master your skills in time to conquer this dungeon, or will you be another corpse on the cold stone floor? What secrets will you uncover? What riches will you claim?

Gameplay

Depths of Endor offers players the classic text-based RPG with a few modern updates to keep things moving. Players start the game by recruiting a four member party. This party can be customized at any time. Players can choose the race and class. There are seven races to choose from: Elf, Human, Dwarf, Gnome, Troll, Undead, and Draconian. Each has unique abilities and stats, so choose carefully. All heroes start their journey as no but they can choose other guilds at later levels. There are 8 different guilds: Nomad, Warrior, Thief, Mage, Healer, Paladin, Ninja, and Ranger.

Diving through the dungeon is as simple as choosing a direction. There are 10 expansive levels to the dungeon, with lots of rooms, monsters, and treasures. Combat is a classic turn-based system that gets more complicated as the party gains more spells and abilities. Leveling can be a bit of a grind, especially when you have to keep going back to town to heal, but not unmanageable.

If you’re playing this game on Mobile, you can watch adds for special buffs that lessen the grind or free gold. This feature is optional, but it does make the grind a little easier.

Review

I liked Depths of Endor more than I thought I would. It has a simple retro aesthetic that is done very well, and the gameplay is solid. There is a bit of of grind, but it didn’t feel worse than the usual grind these games tend to have. It is a little hard to tell how bad the grind is for free-to-play players since I always seemed to have the money for what I needed in the early levels, but I also never seemed to touch any of the money I was sent as a reward. It is possible to play this game for free with a little patience, but it doesn’t hurt to support the developer by buying one of the bundles.

I can see the grind being an issue at later levels if there are cash flow issues. If playing casually, it shouldn’t be as noticeable, especially if you’re watching the ads. I do like that watching the ads is optional, and it isn’t spammy like other free-to-play games. I also didn’t notice any scam or inappropriate ads which is always a plus.

If you like old school dungeon crawlers, Dungeons and Dragons, or need a chill game to play while you’re waiting for the bus, Depths of Endor is a fantastic mobile game. The game has great flavor, simple yet engaging mechanics, and a chill atmosphere.

Note that the game does use AI assets for its art, keep that in mind if you have issues with the use of AI Art.

You can pick up Depths of Endor: Dungeon Crawl for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play, or for $5.99 on Steam.

video game reviews

The Smurfs is the Coziest 3D Platformer to Play with Your Kids

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I was sent a free copy of The Smurfs: Dreams 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 RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link during November 29 – December 6 for 30% off your first year!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is The Smurfs: Dreams?

The Smurfs: Dreams is a an adorable 3D platformer out now on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC via Steam and Epic Games.

Gilgamesh is at it again. He’s put the entire Smurf village into a deep magical sleep, and it is up to you to get them out. Dive into unique themed worlds, fight creative bosses, and solve some basic jumping puzzles. Can you save the village before it is too late?

Gameplay

Players dive into the dreamscape and visit unique worlds themed after different Smurfs. The goal is to collect all the power crystals, beat the final boss, and bring the Smurf back to reality. Players will have to fight monsters, solve jumping puzzles, and gather a few collectables along the way. The game also supports couch co-op for those with friends who wish to not brave it alone!

Does it run on the Steam Deck?

This looks a little small on the Steam Deck, but otherwise works great. The controls are responsive, the words are legible, and the game looks great. This game offers a solid handheld experience, especially if you have little ones to entertain on the road. If you’re looking for a cute, harmless platformer for your Steam Deck, The Smurfs: Dreams is a great place to start.

Review

I had a lot of fun with The Smurfs: Dream. As an old person, I enjoyed the nostalgia and flavor of the game. This game features a fun an imaginative world full of life and color, and I would love to see more. The game runs well, but it is on the easier side. Platforming in this game is basic at best, with a few abilities that make things even easier. Most of the encounters are avoidable. Boss fights are creative, but the stages do not reset after death. You can pick up where you left off at full health. With a bit of effort, you can 100% this game.

That said, this game is a fun and wholesome good time. The Smurfs: Dreams is a game you pick up to play with your kids, or something you get for them to get them started with the genre. Its cute, its safe, its a smurfin good time!

You can pick up The Smurfs: Dreams on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC via Steam and Epic Games.

video game reviews

You Need to Try CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL-

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I was asked to cover the CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- demo on my blog. Since the game isn’t finished yet, I will be more lenient with my review. That said, these will be my honest impressions of the game.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL-?

CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- is an action RPG coming soon to Steam.

Socrates is a combat robot ready to fend off an invasion from the Hateful Fruit Company. Just as Socrates is about to go online, Coneru appears, fusing with the android. Both beings must now join forces and fight together to defend Shinjuku City from destruction. Will their power be enough to drive away the hostile alien threat?

Gameplay

CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- is an action roguelike with a flashy arcade feel. Players move through the city fighting off enemies and searching for check points. Occasionally, players will find new weapons that completely change the combat dynamic. There are four weapons in the demo, and each feels different in both aesthetic and playstyle.

Players have a melee attack and access to Coneru’s ranged attack. The ranged attack changes with the type of weapon Socrates carries. Occasionally, players will find find the RunRun mode, which is like the power star in Mario. Players not only become invisible for the duration of the buff, but gain increased mobility and and destroy anything Coneru touches.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, and it made me wish I had the OLED version of the Steam Deck. Everything looks great at the native resolution, and the performance is solid. I am planning to only play CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- on the Steam Deck because of how good it feels. There is nothing wrong with the performance on PC, but something about the colors, gameplay, and art style makes it feel better on handheld. This is a very good game to take on the go, or just when you want to chill and play something casual on the couch.

Impressions

I can’t wait for the full release of CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL–. This game has cute vibrant art, a fantastic soundtrack, and great mechanics. I love the world, the flavor, and the wacky arcade vibe it captures flawlessly. My only complaint is that the demo isn’t the full version. The simple beat-em-up style makes this game the perfect casual experience, but it offers enough of a challenge to keep things engaging. The RURRUN mode mechanic not only sets this game apart from others in the genre, it gives the game its life. If you’re looking for a new action roguelike platformer, go check out CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL-.

You can check out the CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- Demo on Steam now. Don’t forget to add it to your wishlist!

video game reviews

Souno’s Curse is a cute Metroidvania, but not Very Good

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I was sent a free copy of Souno’s Curse 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 of the game.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is Souno’s Cures?

Souno must travel through a cursed cave and uncover its secrets. But his journey is full of perils and powerful creatures that want Souno Dead. Avoid traps, fight monsters, find treasures, and uncover the mysteries behind Souno’s curse. Do you have what it takes?

Gameplay

Souno is a classic 2D platformer. Players move from checkpoint to checkpoint fighting monsters, avoiding obstacles, and collecting experience for upgrades. Occasionally, players will fight powerful and creative as they piece together the truth behind Souno’s curse.

Does it Work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, but the experience isn’t much better than the PC version, but it is playable. Everything is visible and works good enough, but the game has flaws that make it difficult to recommend.

Review

Souno’s Curse is a beautiful game with a unique art style and world. Unfortunately, it isn’t a good Metroidvania. The biggest issue I have with the game feels too clunky. Movement feels okay for the most part, but the dodge mechanic is a bit too cumbersome. It never felt like it worked right, but that could also be an issue with the hitboxes.

The hitboxes make Souno’s Curse feel like a luck-based game rather than a skill-based one. If the enemy begins to move away from you, you’re going to miss. If it starts moving towards you, you’re taking damage. If you try to dodge and end up near an enemy hitbox, you’re taking damage. Even if you grind, upgrade efficiently, and play cautiously, you’re taking damage for no reason.

Combat itself is too simple. Souno has two attacks, a kick and a magic attack that seems too expensive to upgrade. Players can upgrade Souno to learn a third attack, but there isn’t enough variety to make combat stand out against other titles in the genre. It isn’t the worst combat system I’ve played through, but it is too clunky and boring to recommend.

Unless this game gets a few performance fixes for smoother and tighter gameplay, there is no reason to choose Souno’s Curse over other Metroidvania games that have just hit the market. Unfortunately, the art, flavor, and story are not enough to save this game from obscurity. I would skip it for now.

You can pick up Souno’s Curse on Steam for $12.99.

video game reviews

Awaken: Astral Blade is the best Metroidvania of the Year

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I was sent a free copy of Awaken: Astral Blade 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 RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Awaken: Astral Blade?

Awaken: Astral Blade is a beautiful Metroidvania out now on Steam and PS5.

Tania is a bionic girl sent to rescue a missing investigation team deep in the rainforest of the Horace Islands. This won’t be an easy task. A strange energy seems to be warping the wildlife, mutating it into aggressive, blood-thirsty mutations. Using her various abilities and any upgrades she earns along the way, Tania must fight her way through this hostile forest and find the truth behind the disappearance. What will she uncover?

Gameplay

Awaken: Astral Blade is an incredibly stylized Metroidvania. Players must fight through a dungeon, moving from save point to save point. Players will unlock and find new upgrades for Tania’s mobilities and attacks. The skill tree, upgrades, and customization are vast enough for players to find a build that works with their playstyle. While I am sure there is a correct way to build Tania, I found something that made the game fun for me.

Players will fight through monsters with creative flavor and readable attacks. Occasionally, a giant snake will chase Tania to create some intense platforming. Eventually, Tania will fight the various creative bosses scattered throughout the dungeon. These fights are tough, but leave a rewarding feeling after completion.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Awaken: Astral Blade is a fantastic Steam Deck game. Everything is visible at the native aspect ration, the native control scheme is comfortable, and the game is responsive without any tinkering. These types of games to play on the go, but I enjoyed being able to fight my way through the forest while sitting on my couch. While there is nothing wrong with the PC experience, I preferred playing this game on the Steam Deck.

Review

I’ve been on my Metroidvania kick lately, and Awaken: Astral Blade is my favorite. The game looks amazing with a solid story and flavor to keep things interesting. Most importantly, the mechanics are tight and responsive. Nothing is worse than playing an unfinished Metroidvania where poor coding kills you more than a lack of skill. I am happy to say that every time I died in Awaken, it was because I wasn’t good enough.

As far as skill level goes, it is adjustable but normally offers enough of a challenge to keep things interesting. I am speaking of course as a filthy casual, but the difficulty can always be adjusted. I particularly enjoyed the creative boss fights and how rewarding it felt when I finally beat them. None of the big fights felt like a slog because I was always busy trying to memorize actions and master the required mechanics.

Awaken: Astral Blade is a fantastic entry into the Metroidvania genre. Whether you’re trying to find a good place to start or looking for a new title to add to your collection, you can’t go wrong with Awaken.

You can pick up Awaken: Astral Blade on Steam for $19.99 and $24.99 on PS5. There is also a Steam Demo if you don’t believe me.

video game reviews

Why you Should Be Playing Alterium Shift

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I was sent a free copy of Alterium Shift 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 of the game.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Alterium Shift?

Alterium Shift is a classic feeling JRPG available now on Steam Early Access, but with plans to release on Xbox, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch in the future.

The world of Alteria is in danger, and it is up to one brave hero to save it. Choose from one of three unique heroes as you embark on an unforgettable adventure. Together with allies you make along the way, fight monsters, discover treasure, and uncover the mysteries of this world and the parallel world beside it. What will your journey uncover? Can you become strong enough in time to save the world?

Gameplay

Alterium Shift plays like your classic turn-based JRPG with the occasional fishing to mix things up. The game also includes creative puzzles, challenging yet memorable boss fights, and an unavoidable grind. The grind isn’t soul-crushing by any means. What sets this game apart is the choices it offers players. The bits of dialogue you chose throughout the adventure do impact the outcome of the story. Each character feels unique, and the options give the game some solid replayability.

Does it Work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, and it is a fantastic game to play on the Steam Deck. If you enjoy classic JRPGs, this is a fantastic game to pull out when you can’t be in front of your computer. The game isn’t too demanding so you don’t have to worry about your Steam Deck turning into a jet, and everything looks and works great. I am a huge fan of being able to do some of the grinds while I am chilling on the couch. If you’re looking to beef up your Steam Deck library, you can’t go wrong with Alterium Shift.

Review

Alterium Shift is a fantastic game that should be in everyone’s library, especially if you’re a fan of JRPGs. While the game is still in Early Access, the experience is good enough to earn a recommendation.

What first drew me into the game was its art style. Alterium Shift has a fantastic character design and a beautiful world to explore. I particularly like how equipped items change the look of the character. I like being able to see the progress of looking cooler as my character levels, even if it is in pixel art.

The gameplay is fantastic, offering enough of a challenge to keep things engaging but with a welcomed cozy casual vibe for when you just want to chill. The game does have its grind, but it doesn’t feel too bad.

The story is what kept me playing the game. I love that each character has their own story and that each story can be played differently based on the choices a player makes. This will make the game incredibly replayable, especially if you don’t have to skip through the same cutscenes every time you want to switch characters. Best of all, each character feels good. I tried all three and they all felt equal in power level.

If you’re looking for a new JRPG to get into and don’t mind waiting for the game to move through Early Access, get this game. I recommend it even in Early Access because it plays great, and there is enough available content to have you hooked for more.

You can pick up Alterium Shift for $19.99 on Steam Early Access.