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video game reviews

Pay 2 Win: The World is Mine Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Pay 2 Win: The World is Mine 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 Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Pay 2 Win: The World is Mine?

Pay 2 Win: The World is mine is an incremental game where you try to build the most lucrative game studio on the planet. Make sure you check out the demo.

Hook

You are destined to run the most epic game studio, but first you have to build it. With the help of two cute assistants, you must build out different facilities and make the money to expand into infinity. Open up packs to unlock better facilities, arrange them to earn special combos, and sit back as you watch that profit grow. Can you find the perfect build that will maximize profits and create the studio you’ve always dreamed of running, or will you flop into obscurity like some kickstarter scam project.

Gameplay

Pay 2 Win is an incrimental game, which means you sit back as you watch the numbers grow. The game starts players off with a booster pack of basic facilities and an empty grid. Players buy spaces on the grid with their profits to place their facilities. A facility on this grid will generate profits automatically. Players can increase this yield by placing certain facilities next to each other to create lucrative combos, or unlocking useful abilities. As the player progresses, so do the numbers. The goal is to show infinite growth, and possibly unlock all of the achievements.

Review

I like Pay 2 Win for the first few hours until it was clear that there was nothing else to do but wait for the numbers to keep going. The game does have a story, cool animation, but when it slows down, there really isn’t a reason to keep playing. It may not be as bad as Humans vs Orks, but there are better titles that deserve more of your time.

Aesthetic

The art for this game is simple, but it works. There are a few flavorful sprites, but the game tries to bait you with the cute waifu assistants. The character art is fine, and I appreciate the animation. I won’t be commissioning any fan art, but it was a nice break from staring at the same batch of icons all day. Outside of the two anime girls, there really isn’t much to make the game memorable.

Story

The game has a story, but it isn’t the reason you buy this game. It is a very basic, generic story that works as the game’s tutorial rather than to provide any tangible world building. I don’t expect deep worldbuilding from my incremental games, but I do expect there to content. Once you finish the story, there really isn’t any reason to play the game. Sure you can achievement hunt or unlock the more skills on the massive tree, but why bother?

Gameplay

As far as incremental games go, Pay 2 Win is pretty forgetable. Once I beat the tutorial, I really had no reason to keep playing. Sure I could have tried for all the achievements or try to unlock more of the skill tree, but there is no reason to. If you are throwing this on the second monitor to forget, you could be running Trees Inc instead. They are about the same lenghth, but Trees Inc is a little cheaper.

One thing I don’t like about Pay 2 Win is that the game doesn’t do a good job at explaining its mechanics. You are supposed to maximize profits by creating efficient combos, but there is nothing to show you what combos work well. You can easily build wrong and waste your time, and it isn’t worth finding a guide because there isn’t enough content. This game starts off slow and once you hit the wall where the game slows down a lot more, there really isn’t a reason to keep playing unless you want to chase meaningless achievements.

Conclusion

I don’t think Pay 2 Win is a bad game, Humans vs Orks is a lot worse, but it is forgettable. Where games like NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters and Konfronto have cool flavor, interesting interactions, and pvp, Pay 2 Win has cuteish anime girls. I did enjoy the two or three hours it took for the novelty to wear off, but that isn’t enough to justify the price tag. Honestly, if you like incremental games, check out NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters and Konfronto instead. They do this a whole lot better, and you get to compete with other people. If you don’t believe me, at least check out the Steam demo.

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video game reviews

B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA: A Wholesome Visual Novel Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA

B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA is a visual novel based on an ambitious, multi-media experience. B-Project is a male jpop group with anime, music, and now a visual novel to round out the lore. Note that this is not an otome game, but rather a wholesome slice of life narrative with a solid jpop soundtrack (if you’re into that sort of thing. The game is out now on Steam and on the Nintendo Switch, with a demo available for both platforms.

Hook

You have been hired to be the A&R for the up and coming jpop boy band, B-Project. Get to know each of the boys, influence the music, and help them become the next global sensation. What will you learn from your time as their A&R? How close will you get their dream? You may not romance the hot, anime boys, but you are guaranteed a bunch of cute scenarios that is almost just as good.

Gameplay

B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA is a visual novel with fantastic voice acting and terrific animation. You aren’t getting an anime, but I respect the high quality production put into making the story come to life. Players will make a few choices that affect the ending, but you can sit back and enjoy the ride.

Review

I’ll be the first to admit that I was a little disappointed that B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA is not an Otome game. I have really been enjoying the magic that is the Otome genre, and was quite ready to get wooed in a cheesy romance novel. While the game does lack the romance I was looking for, it gave me a cute fuzzy story that I enjoyed sitting through. B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA has fantastic production value with great art, solid voice acting, and very good sound track. If you like jpop or the series, this book should be in your library. If you don’t really care for either genre, you can skip this for now. The game isn’t bad, but it a little niche to recommend to everyone.

Aesthetic

If you are getting this game, its for the hot anime guys who sing exceptionally. There is a lot of care put into crafting this narrative, and it pays off. You get a story with great character art, solid animation, and voice acting that will melt your heart. If you like jpop, you’ll appreciate the solid soundtrack. As far as visual novels go, the quality doesn’t get much better than B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA.

Story

The story is where I take some issue with the game. The story isn’t bad. It is very wholesome, but very cheesy. I love cheesy stories, and its probably the reason why I stuck around as long as I did, but it isn’t going to be for everyone. I don’t care enough jpop or the boy band to ever read this again. Not because it isn’t well written, it is good enough, but because it isn’t what I was looking for. I was looking for a sappy love story like something Genso Manège or Celestia Chain of Fate. B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA has better writing and music, but it wasn’t what I wanted. If you like jpop, or care about B-Project, you’ll have a better time.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a good visual novel, then check out Harmony: The Fall of Reverie. That is one of my favorite visual novels, and I will die on that hill. If you are looking for a wholesome story with cute anime guys and a fantastic soundtrack, B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA is a solid visual novel. I did not hate this game. The overall experience is solid and I really did enjoy reading the book. You have a cool cast of characters with interesting enough stories, but I wouldn’t have picked this up if it wasn’t given to me because it isn’t what I am in to. I feel like if you don’t have some kind of attachment to jpop boybands, it isn’t going to be as good of experience. At least not one that is good enough at full price. I’ would wait for a sale. I’m honestly going to forget I read this novel because I don’t have that attachment, but for those who do, its already in your library.

You can pick up B-PROJECT RYUSEI*FANTASIA on Steam and on the Nintendo Switch.

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video game reviews

Death end re;Quest Review: A Unique JRPG Experience

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Death end re;Quest 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 Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Death end re;Quest

Death end re;Quest is a horror JRPG with very unique combat mechanics out now on Steam, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch. The game does deal with a few mature themes, so viewer discretion is advised.

Hook

Arata Mizunashi is a talented video game programmer working on World’s Odyssey. Production abruptly ends when a strange bug causes the disappearance of his colleague, Shina Ninomiya. A year goes by when Arata suddenly receives a mysterious email from Shina. Arata discovers that Shina has been trapped inside World’s Odyssey this whole time, and now it is up to him to get her out. But this will not be easy. World Odyssey is riddled with bugs and while the only way to get the true ending and free Shina from this world might not be possible. Band together with helpful NPCs, fight against the bugs and enemies, and try to fix the game enough to get to the end. Will Shina ever be free, or will she be doomed to die in the game she helped create?

Gameplay

Death end re;Quest has four different loops: the visual novel, dungeon crawl, combat, and real world investigation. It is the combination of these four elements that create a unique gaming experience.

Visual Novel

This game has a lot of reading. Some of it is voice acted in English and Japanese, but there are bits where you will have to read. The story is pretty linear, but players have the occasional choice that affects the ending. Save often because you will get a few of the band endings during your run (unless you cheat and use a guide). Luckily, the game allows players to save during some dialogue, so you can come back to the game when you need to. Or play it on the Steam Deck for those longer bits a dialogue where you can’t save.

Dungeon Crawl

Players will eventually take control of Shino who will delve unique and intricate dungeons. Like other games from Idea Factory, there are no random encounters. You can see the monsters roam the dungeon, and plan your attacks accordingly. Dungeons do not let you save freely. You will need to make your way to campsite where you can heal up, buy items, or talk to the NPCs. You can cheat and play this game on handheld and suspend the game to pick up where you left off later. One mechanic that makes this dungeon crawl unique is that players will need to switch from the dungeon to the overworld to progress through the game. More on this below.

Combat

Combat for Death end re;Quest is almost your typical turn-based RPG. There is an initiative that is affected by successfully ambushing enemies in the overworld, and players will take turns with the NPCs to perform actions. A player can perform three actions per turn. Actions include: attack, block, using an item, or casting a spell. If you cast three attack spells or attacks in a row, your character performs a knockback attack that sends enemies flying backwards. The game is kind of like pool, where you can aim enemies to bounce off the edges of the battlefield, other enemies, or allies for added damage. There are a few other mechanics that affect combat like corruption, but those make more sense when playing the game.

Overworld

There are two worlds to Death end re;Quest: the video game and the real world. Shino may be trapped in the game world, but Arata is outside in the real world and can affect the game with his coding. Occasionally, you will get stuck during a dungeon delve and will need to switch over to Arata who can do real world investigation, pick up clues, and fix the bugs. Most of the overworld exists through a visual novel, and there are choices that can lead to a bad ending. Make sure you save often.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Yes! The Steam Deck is the perfect way to play this game. While the performance is fine on PC, I just prefer to play JRPGs on handheld. I am old in this way. This game looks great, runs well, and I can read all the font. I personally like that I can suspend the game at a moments notice (like when I have to tend to my child), especially when I’m at a point where I can’t save. I would have lost so much progress if this wasn’t possible. But that is the life of a busy dad.

Review

As my collection of Idea Factory games dwindles to the last few I received for this collaboration, I can’t help but to feel sad that the journey is almost over. I am a little relieved that I can get back to reviewing new games and become somewhat relevant in the magical algorithm, but I can confidently say that I have enjoyed the journey. I wish I had played Death end re;Quest last because I absolutely adore this game. The game has cool art, a solid story, and an interesting combat system. It may not be perfect, but it is exactly what I need from my JRPGs. I fear it might be a little niche due to some of its choices, but I would argue that it is one of those games you should try once.

Aesthetic

There are two parts to the game art: the visual novel and dungeon crawling. The visual novel has some interesting art. If you compare it to other games like the mainline Neptunia games or even Dragon Star Varnir, its not as good but fine enough to get the point across. There are few interesting character designs, and some tastefully placed fan service, but nothing I’d run to make fan art for. But my issue with the art (and I assume a lot of people’s as well) is with the dungeon crawl. Everything in the dungeon looks the same. As a result, I spent too much time lost in this game. Granted, I have the worst sense of direction, but it doesn’t help that the dungeon looks so plain and homogeneous.The monsters also look ugly.

I understand that the design choices for the dungeon crawl were probably made to create a stable game. I had no issue with it because the combat is fun and I enjoyed the story, but there are people who will not like that this looks like a much older cheaper game.

Combat

Combat in this game is the most fun I’ve had with a JRPG. It does get a little repetative, these games typically are, but it isn’t so bad. You automate a lot of the actions for the easier fights, and the pool mechanics made for some fun interactions. I like that you can position yourself to perform a multi-kill by knocking enemies on an optimal tragectory. As someone who spent a lot of my highschool years playing the pool minigame on Yahoo messenger, I understood the assignment. I even went out of my way to do extra grinding because, combat is just that fun.

Death end re;Quest offers enough challenge when it needs to, creative boss fights when it has to, and running through the world as an overleveled god doesn’t make the encounters any less fun. I loved being overleveld and trying to finish the encounter in the least ammount of turns possible.

Story

I enjoyed the story a lot. I approaced it a little hesatantly at first because it felt like a isakai, and I have a bit of isakai fatigue. This all changed when it turned into a proper bland of cheesy adventure anime and horror mystery. I wouldn’t the horror is terrifying, i was able to play this with the lights off after all, but it does deal with some dark themes. Overall, the writing is solid. There are bits that are a little slow and scenes that drag on for a little too long, but overall, it is enjoyable anime and I could always use more of that in my life. If you are looking for a decent read, and don’t mind a little roughness, give Death end re;Quest a try.

Conclusion

I enjoyed Death end re;Quest a little too much. Sure I started skipping through some of the dialogue, especially the camp stuff, but I did read through enough of it to be invested. I had a hard time putting it down, but I had to for this article. My only complaint is that I didn’t get the true ending. Sure I can google a guide or look up the video, but I kind of want to try to do it on my own. This was a very fun ride, one that I recomend for those of you who like niche anime games and don’t mind the turn-based system with a few extra steps. If you are looking for a game to add to your Steam Deck, or just something to do this summer, the game is on sale for $6 unti July 7th, and that is the perfect entry point.

You can pick up Death end re;Quest on Steam, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch

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video game reviews

Why DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation is a Must-Play

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation 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 Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation?

Idea Factory brings the DATE A LIVE series to Steam and PS4 in one fantastic package. DATE A LIVE is a romance visual novel never before localized. Gamers will get access to three novels: Rinne-Utopia, Rio-Reincarnated, and Arusu install (played in that order). If your in the mood for some cheesy harem anime to read this summer, here is where you need to start.

Hook

Our story starts thirty years after the spacequakes. These are cosmic disaster that brought with it powerful beings known as Spirits. Spirits posses great power, but they are unstable. Left unchecked, they can cause great harm to the world. Shido Itsuka is an average high school student, but the only one in this world with the power to save everyone. Forced in the middle of all this chaos, Shido must date the Spirits and use the power of love to save them. Get ready to collect some waifus as you use your powers of romance to create the perfect dates that will save the world. How long will it take you to collect all the endings?

Gameplay

The game is a dating sim/visual novel. Players can date 11 different characters with unique personalities, choose from 150 dating events, and your choices matter. Once you are done with this game, there are light novels, anime, and a movie you help you get even more waifus.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation is a fantastic title for your Steam Deck. The resolution is perfect and most importantly, the text is legible. I have old eyes and have a hard time with visual novels on my Steam Deck (especially since my daughter hid my glasses), but this felt like reading a book. I prefer the experience on the Steam Deck because I can read in bed or on the couch, and any time I can spend away from my computer is a plus to me. Especially since I couldn’t put this game down.

Review

DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation is a visual novel I’ll recommend to everyone. While it is a little on the cheesy side, and the fan service might turn some folks off, it is the fun and quirky story you need right now. It has great art, and enough content to be worth the full price. It is currently on sale for $10 on Steam until July 9th 2026, which is a steal!

Aesthetic

As a huge anime fan, I have no notes. I love the character design, and I appreciate that they don’-t get too lazy with with backgrounds. Waifu hunters will appreciate the fan service, and the features that let you screenshot. Casual anime fans will appreciate the cute anime girls and dates you get to go on. I don’t speak much Japanese, but the voice acting seems solid, although I started reading faster than the characters would talk so my sample size is a little limited.

Story

I have a soft spot for cheesy harem anime, and I have a history of snapping up these types of games. I was incredibly excited when this game was sent to me, but I was not ready for how good this visual novel would be. The writing is solid, the pacing is great, and there is enough unique scenarios that make me want to 100% this game. The supernatural elements are well done, but I love me some cute anime girls and here I am, trying to appease them all. If you enjoy cheesy harems as much as I do, you probably already have this game in your library. If you don’t, it needs to be. Especially now that it is on sale. If you already have this game in your library, Celestia: Chain of Fate is a cheesy reverse-harem visual novel that isn’t as good, but might be up your alley.

Conclusion

My collaboration with Idea Factory has been a difficult one because I can’t put the games down. Regrettably, I have slowed down my posting schedule because I would rather be playing the games. This was probably the hardest title to put down because of how much fun I had with the dating sim. The hardest part about this game is choosing a waifu, especially since I don’t have the time to collect all of them. I’ll settle for Tohka for now. I have never read the novel or watch the anime, but I think its time to start. While the game does make a few references I didn’t quite understand, I was a fan Fans of the series already have this game in their library, and new fans need to have it soon. Honestly, if you are looking for something to read and don’t mind the fan service or over the top-cheesy anime antics, this is the book for you. Best of all, it plays on your Steam Deck so you can read this from anywhere.

You can pick up DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation on Steam and PS4. If you are looking for more visual novels, check out After Love Ep if you want something more serious, and Harmony: The Fall if you want something beautiful.

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video game reviews

Explore the Quirky Charm of Hyperdimension Neptunia

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 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 Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1?

Idea Factory brings the fun, quirky JRPG to PC in a solid port that might be worth trying if you miss that grindy golden age of PSP gaming. If you are looking for a fun game that doesn’t take itself too seriously and don’t mind the grind, you might want to get your hard on Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1

Hook

Welcome to the world of Gaminudstri where four CPU’s are locked in a long standing battle for dominance. The battle seemed neverending until one day, Neptune was deafeated. In a strange turn of events, Neptune’s fall brings her crashing onto one of Gamindustri’s four nations, Planeptune. She awakes without her memories to a stranger who is willing to help her get them back. Now with the help of her new friend, a magical book that talks to her, and the friends she meets along the way, she must fight back the mestirious forces that keep the CPU’s locked in conflict. Will she be able to recover enough of her memories and power in time to save the world? Of course she will. She’s the main character!

Gameplay

Hyperdimension Neptunia has your traditinal JRPG elements. You have a steep grind that feeds into your crafting system and team building. You have quests that both affect the story and feed into the grind. What sets this game apart is its meta-humor and an over-the-top tone that gives the game its charm. The main loop for this game is grinding through the dungeons to earn enough XP, loot, and credits for the upgrades needed to beat the boss. The main draw to this game is the cute anime girls and quirky story around them.

Combat

The combat is turn-based with some minor movement mechanics. Each character in your party has a set movement speed that can be manipulated with gear. Positioning does matter for both gaining an advantage and targeting. What makes Hyperdimension Neptunia unique is that players need to move the players to gain line of sight. This means walking up to the different mobs to target and setting off the actions. You can target multiple units at once. As an action, characters and cast spells, perform attacks, and perform EXE drives. Knowing when to use each type of action is key to an efficient grind.

Dungeons

Dugeons are the main way to progress through the story and grind for everything you need. Each dungeon has a special theme and are filled with unique monsters. Mobs are visible throughout the dungeon (no random encounters), which means you can plan your grind and avoid encounters. You can attack a mob to gain advantage on initiative. There are also nodes spread across the map that you’ll need for crafting.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 works great on the Steam Deck. I only ever played this game on my PSP, so having a bigger screen and console is a blessing. While the game plays great on the PC, the experience is better on handheld. As a busy dad, I love that I can put the game down and not risk losing my progress because I didn’t get to save point before my toddler asks for my attention. The only issue I have with the port is that if you use touch controls, even accidentally, the game switches to mouse and keyboard controls. To fix this, you need get a keyboard, scroll through settings, and change the default controls back to controller. I only had to do this once, and only because I fat fingered the screen on accident.

Review

I played a lot of Hyperdimension Neptunia on my PS vita. Sadly, someone stole my vita and my life has never been the same, until I lucked out and started partnering with Idea Factory. This has been one of my favorite collaborations I’ve done because these games have a special place in my heart. While the game is old, and feels a little dated by modern JRPG standards, the game is still a gem worth playing. Fans of the series already have this game on there Steam Deck, but new fans should at least give this game a chance. This is one of the most unique games in both gameplay and story that you should try at least once. Provided you don’t mind the steep grind that comes with games from this era of gaming.

Aesthetic

Neptunia draws people in with its adorable cast of waifus you can collect and dress up. Admittedly, it is what drew me to the game. You also get a fantastic cast of voice actors and music that will get you in the mood for epic battles (even when the battles start to get repetitive). Some folks might find the dungeon crawl bits to feel a little dated both in looks and function, but keep in mind that this is a port of an older game made for an older audience. I love the touch of nostolgia and the simplicity of the world and have no notes, only love. There is also a tad bit of fan service for those who need it.

Combat

I enjoy Hyperdimension Neptunia’s combat, but the grind makes the game feel repetitive. I enjoy the repetition and find comfort in it, but others won’t have time for it. This is the type of game where you can grind while catching up on some anime. I like that it gives you the option to progress the story at your own pace so you never have to choose between either activity. While some of the grind can be mindless, the game demands respect. You will need to learn the mechanics to progress efficiently, or risk wiping to negligence. Overall, Hyperdimension Neptunia is a solid example of 2010’s JRP combat that is worth checking out at least for its historical impact on the genre.

Story

As hard as it may be to believe, I play the Neptunia games for the plot. These games are a refreshing take on a genre that sometimes feels homogeneous. This is a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it pays off. The story is full of on-the-nose meta humor that both makes valid criticism about the state of the game industry, but also makes you laugh.The cast is fun and colorful, the beats are well paced and quirky, and the voice acting is amazing. If you are looking for a fun cozy title to shut off to, you don’t find better options.

Concusion

I played a lot of Hyperdimension Neptunia back in the day. While I was excited to relive some nostolgia, there was a part of me that was afraid that it wasn’t going to hold up. Maybe my memory was jaded by the waifus and in reality, the game was never good. To my relief, the game holds up. Sure the game does have its grind and there are bits that feel dated, but the game is fun and perfect for an on the go adventure. If you’ve never played a Neptunia game, this is your place to start. If you like cute anime girls doing cute quirky things and don’t mind the jrpg grind, Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth1 needs to be in your collection.

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video game reviews

Mary Skelter Finale: Is it the Best RPG for Old School Fans?

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Mary Skeleter Finale 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 Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is May Skelter Finale?

Mary Skelter Finale is a dungeon crawling RPG out now on Steam, PS4 and the Nintendo Switch. If you like anime and dark fantasy, this might be the game for you.

Hook

Deep within an ancient prison, a group of fairy tale heroes make their daring escape. Surrounded by monsters known as Marchen and madness-inducing monsters, they must fight their way through to freedom. But this will not be easy, and their latest obsticale seems almost impossible. The group finds themselves surrounded by pools of blood and piles of dead bodies. Even more powerful monsters fight back the blood maidens, forcing a retreat that leaves them scattered throughout the tower. They must use their special abilities and any loot they find along the way to get out of this prison. Will they ever know freedom, or are they doomed to become part of the piles of dead bodies?

Gameplay

This game plays like an old school dungeon crawler. The game is split into two parts, exploration and combat. Players will explore the dungeon in a unique first person view, in search of loot and a way out. Random encounters will keep players on their toes as they are forced into traditional turn based combat. Each character and team has unique skills and abilities that they can use to keep enemies at bay, with options for further customization through a unique skill crafting system. You can essentially buy the skills you want each character to have.

What makes this game truly unique is its swapping mechanic. All of the characters have been scattered throughout the tower in teams. Players must switch between each team to progress through the story. This shift in perspective helps give the narrative its complexity, but it also makes the grind feel a bit more tedious. Either way, if you like these old school feeling dungeon crawlers, it might be worth checking out the Mary Skelter series.

Review

I have mixed feelings about this title. On one hand, this game has fantastic art and solid story, but starting at the end left me a little confused. I wish I would have started from the start. The gameplay loop is fine, but it does suffer from being a port of a game from a grindier generation. There are a few noticeable bugs, but I didn’t encounter anything game braking, and the combat feels a bit repetitive. The game is also hard if you try to play it mindlessly. This game demands respect for its mechanics, and the mechanics aren’t always clear. (This might be a skill issue). All in all, I think the game is fine, but start at the beginning.

Aesthetic

What drew me, and I am sure a lot of people, to this game is the art. The character design in this game is peak, especially if you are fan of anime. The world feels a little bare, but I’ll chalk that up to resource restrictions. The game does have a fantastic sound track and even better voice actors to bring this story to life. If you like anime, you’ll enjoy the dark and gritty world and cool anime characters that fill it.

Gameplay

Here is where I can see there being a split. If you like old school dungeon crawlers, the game has enough of a modern flare to be appealing to the modern gamer, but the game feels dated and the grind is a little steep. You really get sense of how grindy this game is when you switch between teams and it feels like you are starting over. I love these kinds of games and found the repetition soothing, but as a busy dad, it felt like I never accomplished enough.

The problem I have with this title is that you can only save at certain points. This is well in good for building tension, but not good when you have to step away for dadly duties. This game was clearly made to be played on a handheld where you can put the device to sleep, and not lose any progress. I had to start my save over a few times (often losing hours of progress) because I never got to the save point in time. I am so glad this game works on the Steam Deck, or else I would still be playing through the prologue.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

This game is great on the Steam Deck, at least during my testing. The words are a little small, but that could just be a simptom of these old eyes. Otherwise, I was able to perform the core gameplay loop and most importantly, progress through enough of the story to write this review.

Story

The story is fine, but I felt a little lost. The game does a good enough job at being a stand alone adventure, but I felt like I was missing key plot points that would help me care more about the story. Moreover, I didn’t feel as attached as I should be to the characters because I didn’t get to spend enough time with them. While I like the story for the dark and gory fantasy that it is, I am not getting enough of the story to care. Without having read any of the other installments, I can kind of tell that this might be the weakest of the trilogy. That said, I liked the story enough, and will try to go back to the beginning to learn more. If you like dark fantasy anime, this is a solid tittle, but start at the beginning.

Conclusion

If you like visual novels and don’t mind the old school drungeon-crawl grind, Mary Skelter is an interesting series that is worth looking into. You get a world with cool art, solid lore, and interesting gameplay. The biggest determining factor seems to be the grind. If you don’t mind this era of rpg grind, start at the beginning. $40 seems a little too steep for this title because of how dated it feels, but if you’ve been enjoying the story, you get a solid conclusion. Check it out, but start from the beginning. You can pick up your copy on Steam, PS4 and the Nintendo Switch.

If you enjoy these types of old school Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society

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video game reviews

Explore Neptunia’s Quirky Zombie Adventure

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune VS Zombies (Neptunia) 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 Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune VS Zombies (Neptunia)

MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune VS Zombies (Neptunia) brings your favorite Neptunia characters (and two new characters) in a fun new zombie adventure. Take control of your favorite girls in this quirky little hack and slash that is sure to leave you smiling. If you want to collect some waifus as you fight off waves of zombies, keep reading.

Hook

Enrollment to the prestigious Gamicademi has fallen to the point where it will soon shut its doors for good. In an effort to save the school they love, Blanc, Neptune, and all of their friends band together to shoot a movie to attract new students. Luckily, a zombie outbreak is just what they need to put together the perfect film. Team up with your favorite waifus as you fight against waves of zombies and get the shots you need to save the school. Level up your girls, build strong bonds between them, and earn some cute accessories for a quirky adventure you will never forget. Will your efforts be enough to save the school, or will the Gamicadeemi’s doors shut for good? You will need to play to find out!

Gameplay

The game almost plays like a visual novel, where the focus of the game is its fun and quirky story. Fans of the series will enjoy watching their favorite characters in story full of meta humor, fantastic voice acting, and the artstyle that brings you to the Neptunia series in the first place. The gameplay loop is a simple hack-and-slash round where players fight off waves of zombies as they try to complete the level’s objectives.

Combat

Players choose from a roster of girls, each with a unique set of skills and abilities. Characters are unlocked by playing through the story, and leveled up through use. As a character levels, they learn more combos and abilities. Players can customize a character’s stats to best fit their playstyle by buying stat points, accessories, and unlocking new costumes. A round is over when the player completes the objectives or their teams HP falls to zero.

Customization

The game lets players customize a character’s stats and appearance by grinding the different encounters. Each encounter drops items that can be used to heal, buff, and debuff but they can also be used to unlock new costumes and skins. The grind for these unlocks can be a little steep, but I like that it is an optional grind. The main focus of the game is the story, but there is enough fan service for the completionists.

Review

I have been making my way through the Idea Factory collection and it has been a huge mistake. Not because the games are bad, but because I keep finding it hard to step away long enough to write the review. I absolutely love this series, and this Zombies game has been the highlight of this little escapade. If you are a fan of the series, you will appreciate watching your favorite girl in this fun, zany adventure. If you’ve never played a Neptunia game, I recommend starting with the main series games and supplement this after you’re formally addicted. While MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune VS Zombies is a relatively standalone adventure, it is meant to be another story with your favorite characters. Meaning, you have to play the mainline games that will help you find your favorites.

Aesthetic

I am always going to praise these games for the art because the character design is peek waifu bait. The girls are all cute, and the story takes full advantage of its cast of talented artists. You also get a rocking soundtrack to get you in the mood for combat and the grind that comes with trying to unlock the costumes for your favorite girl. As is tradition with all the Neptunia games, you will also get a cast of amazing voice actors that are ready to transport you to this incredible story. My only complaint is that the graphics for the combat portion of the game feels a little dated. The characters look a little bland and the levels feel a little dated. Because the focus of these games is the story, It’s not a huge deal. It feels like playing a PSP game, and I miss my PSP dearly.

Combat

The combat in this game is simple. You are hacking and slashing until the game says the round is over as you try and learn to master all of the combos. You can certainly button mash (and lord knows I did) but the game does punish you for not dodging and setting off combos efficiently. I like that the game gives players the option to min-max and go through the game like a real gamer, but if you’re like me, you can brute force most fights without issue. The game is from 2016 so there are some bits of it that feel dated, and the grind does feel a little slow, but its fun enough to pick up when you want to unwind and enjoy a good enough story.

Story

The story is why I played so much of this game. I have mentioned before that I love Neptunia for its meta humor and general silly tone, and MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune VS Zombies (Neptunia) is a perfect example of why I love this series. The story is about a group of friends who come together to make a bad zombie movie, and it doesn’t get more wholesome, funny, and cute. If you like your cheesy anime where girls do cute things for the sake of being cute, this is your bread and butter. Sure, it may not be the award winning serious story that goes viral each year, but it is the type of story you need when you are just looking for a pick me up and don’t want to become too invested in a game.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

This game works very well on the Steam Deck and I absolutely love that for it. The game does take me back to my handheld gaming days, and those are days are desperately want back. Back when my hands didn’t hurt from too much gaming, and my back didn’t hurt from being alive this long. The game looks great, the controls are smooth without any editing, and it runs great. If you are looking for a solid steam deck game, here you go!

Conclusion

If you want a game where you can make a silly zombie movie, collect cute waifus, and watch them be cute, check out MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune VS Zombies (Neptunia). The game has great art, a fun story, and a solid (albiet a little repetative) gameplay loop to break things up. If you haven’t played any of the Neptunia games, I recommend starting with the main series to get the full effect of this quirky little title. If you’re a fan of the series, this is a must, but you already have it in your collection. Go check it out on Steam!

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video game reviews

Monster Monpiece Review: A Casual Card Battler

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Monster Monpiece 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.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Monster Monpiece?

Monster Monpiece is a card battler out now on Steam but ported from the PS Vita game back from 2014. If you like collecting cute anime girls and don’t mind the chibbi action combat, this game might be for you.

Hook

In the world of Yafaniel, humans live along side a race of Monster girls. Monster girls have magical abilities, can be stored as cards, and can be used for battle. Play as May Esperio who is a student at one of the nation’s academies trying as she tries to become a master of monster girls. The problem is, a horrible attack has left her meek and a bit reserved in combat. This all changes when one of her friends becomes lost, possessed by a greater spirit, and it is up to her to save her. Team up with powerful monster girls, fight your way through countless enemies, and get her back to normal. Do you have what it takes to save one of your friends and the world, or will everything come crumbling down around you? Build your deck and find out!

Gameplay

The gameplay loop is simple. You build your deck of monster girls and face off against your opponents. This is a turn based game where you can summon one monster girl per turn onto the gridded map. The monster girls will attack and move automatically, but you can influence a summon’s powers by creating combos and upgrading units. You can perform combos by chaining the same color cards up to three times. This will increase the stats of that color for the the rest of combat. You can also stack the same creature type cards to upgrade them. An upgraded unit adds the fodder’s stats which not only make them more powerful, but can heal them in a pinch. Between combat nodes, players can change up their deck, upgrade existing cards through the rub mechanic, or buy new cards from a shop. It is sort of like a deck building roguelike, but there is a bit more plot and fan service.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Sadly, this game does not work on the Steam Deck. This deck was clearly meant to be a handheld game, but I never got it to launch natively on the Steam Deck. I am sure with a bit of tinkering I can get it to work, but most people don’t have time for that. The game works fine on PC, but I would have loved to play this on the go, in bed, or on the couch. I will take any excuse to not be at my computer all day.

Review

I love card games, and this Monster Monpiece hits a sweat spot for what I am looking for in the genre. Monster Monpiece has great art for those waifu fans out there, solid game mechanics, but it does feel a little dated. While I will admit the grind is a little steep for the modern gamer, I appreciate the change of pace the game offers when most of the card games we get now are some variation of the same kind of deck building roguelike. If you want a game that is cute, casual, and with a whole mess of waifus, Monster Monpiece might be right for you.

Aesthetic

What drew me to this game, and really any game that comes from our friends over at Idea Factory, is the art. The game is full of cute anime girls that you can collect, and enough fan service to keep them happy. This is a trigger warning for those of you out there who don’t want to be caught looking at anime girls in risque outfits and poses. The game has a fantastic score and some solid voice acting. I don’t speak Japanese, but it sounds good enough to me. I don’t know how I feel about the chibbi animations. On one hand, they are cute and it is an easy way to handle the auto-battles without making the game too resource hungry. On the other, it is chibi art. A lot more work went into the cards and art you can earn by grinding through the game, so I guess it will have to do.

The Grind

This game is from an era where games were a little more grindy. I can see it being a very steep grind, especially in later parts of the game, to unlock more better cards, but I’ve also played a lot of Runescape growing up. This grind doesn’t feel bad at all. That said, it will feel a little slow and repetitive for those of you who skipped through the golden age of JRPGs. I find the repetition soothing, and didn’t mind the grind at all. Sure I might not have played this game optimally, but I had fun.

Gameplay

The card game mechanics in this game are great. The game introduces fresh mechanics I haven’t seen much in modern titles, and combat was engaging enough to keep playing. If you play enough card games, it does feel a little on the easier side. I got to the point where I could outsmart the AI, but I never saw it as much of a problem. This is definitely one of those cozy titles I’ll pop on when I want to chill after a long day of work and not have to worry about min maxing or existing in the relevant meta. The game scratches that card game itch without being too sweaty which is always a win in my honest opinion.

Story

The story is fine. I wouldn’t pick this game up just to play the story, but you won’t mind sitting through it. It is the generic, cutesy anime that I’ve always found comfort in. When friendship is the most important thing in the world, you can kind of figure out where the story is going and even what the characters are going to say. The game is more about collecting the cute anime girls anyways.

Rubbing

Monster Monpiece has a mechanic where you can rub the monster girls to unlock new art and abilities. Using different gestures and inputs, you can rub, poke, pinch, and touch your Monster girl to get her to crush on you. Those who are here for the fan service will appreciate the uncensored art you get to unlock for each character, but I wouldn’t play this in public.

My problem is not with the fan service. My problem is that this mechanic doesn’t work very well (at least not on Steam) and the whole process is more work than it is worth. You are supposed to find each monster girls sweet spot and work it till she falls in love with you, but I could never get it to work properly and it took too much time. The game was clearly meant to be played with a touch screen, but the mechanics didn’t translate well.

The Cash Shop

This game used to be a multiplayer game. There is even dialogue in this game that suggests it. The Steam port is a single player game that still has a cash shop. I didn’t mind this feature too much because I was able to do just fine with what I was given. I am sure the cash shop cards would have made the grind a little easier, but it was fine for what it is. If you like to min-max, its a problem, but doesn’t really affect the casual deck building experience. Especially when the game is only $10.

Conclusion

I honestly like Monster Monpiece. The game was the perfect casual card builder, although the fan service might be a bit too much for some folks. Viewer discretion is advised. The game does feel a little dated, but so am I and here I am, enjoying every minute of it. If you want deck builder that isn’t your typical roguelike, grab yourself a copy. It is only $10 and worth every penny.

You can pick up Monster Monpiece on Steam.

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video game reviews

Panzer Knights Review: Tanks and Anime Girls Unite

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Panzer Knights 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 Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Panzer Knights?

Do you like World War II era tanks and cute anime girls? Panzer Knights combines these loves into one epic campaign through re-imagined history. Do you have what it takes to bring victory to your army?

Hook

Command a mighty panzer platoon of cute anime girls through iconic WW2 battles in an adventure you will never forget. Fight off squads of enemy tanks with your fleet of WW2 tanks and special ammo for every occasion. Can you withstand the pressures of tank warfare and bring victory and honor for the homaland, or will you be another heap of burning scrap metal on the side of the road? Grab your mice and keyboards and find out today!

Gameplay

Players take control of different tanks through iconic historical battles. Use different ammo types, positioning, smoke screen, and crew members to take the advantage. While there is some realism in design, combat leans a bit to the arcade side. Do not expect this to be a full on tank simulator like World of Tanks, but the game requires enough skill to demand its respect. In between missions, players can buy upgrades or recruit new crewmates and tanks. There is a story, but it is a short and manageable campaign for those who don’t want the commitment. Make sure to check out the DLC for additional tank types.

Review

Honestly, if you are looking for a tank sim but don’t want to put in the effort that comes with something more realistic, Panzer Knights is a solid choice. The game has fantastic art, a solid story, and decent combat mechanics. I am not a huge fan of those warfare sims, but I had a lot of fun with the arcade feel of this game.

Aesthetic

I’ll be honest, you put a cute anime girl in your game and it is going into my collection. I will admit I did my time with Azure Lane, and this was giving me a similar vibe (albiet less fan service). I commend the devs for their attention to detail in the tanks as well as the girls. The world and tanks look pretty accurate to my casual historian eyes (I actually do love learning about history). My only issue with the game is that the world does feel a little empty. I don’t like how the world just pops up around you as you move around the maps, and some of the maps are kind of ugly. I think there is just enough detail to apreciate the game for what it is, but don’t expect the realism you get from World of Tanks.

Story

The story for this game is fine. I don’t think it is anything I would rush to, especially because there are bits that feel generic, but it was good enough to fill the game. I just wish there was more. The game is very short. It is worth $20, but I wish there was more to do.

Combat

Combat is where the game wins me over. I am not a fan of the more realistic sims because of how much work they feel. Things like World of Warships or Tanks are fun, but having to adjust to the physics of warfare is a struggle I don’t want to sit through after a long day of work and being a dad. I enjoyed the lack of realism because movement doesn’t feel clunky and combat doesn’t feel so calculated. The game does offer some challenge by forcing players to think about positioning, shell type, and things like that, but to a more casual degree that I found very manageable. The enemy AI is a bit on the easy side, but I still had to try to get by.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a tank sim that is more on the casual side, Panzer Knight is a solid option. The anime girls a cure, the tanks are cool, but you gotta be okay with the world being a little ugly. I enjoyed my time with the game, but I would probably wait for a sale. As much fun as I had, tank sims aren’t really my thing. I don’t think I would have gotten as far as I did if I wasn’t writing this review. That said, if you like WWI era tanks, don’t mind the arcade approach to combat, and want to collect cute waifus, check out Panzer Knights on Steam.

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video game reviews

Is Super Alloy Crush Worth Playing on Steam Deck?

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Super Alloy Crush to review for my blog. The game is currently on Steam Early Access, so I will try to be a bit more lenient than usual. That said, this will be my honest review.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Super Alloy Crush?

Super Alloy Crush is a 2D roguelike side-scrolling beat/shott-em up out now on Steam Early Access. The game has clear OG Megaman vibes with a modern flare and cool anime style art. There is a demo you should definitely check out. Don’t forget to wishlist.

Hook

You are a treasure hunter, flying through the deepest reaches of the galaxy in search for the ultimate treasure. Your journey takes you several planets full of robots after the same thing. Play as Kelly, an enhanced fighter with a powerful gun, or Muu, a combat robot with sharp energy claws, as they fight their way through enemies. Find useful items, buy powerful upgrades, and make your way to the most important place in all of the universe. Will you be the ones to find the fabled treasure?

Gameplay

The game is a clear nod to the old school Megaman games, but I would argue that it is a little easier. Players can choose between the two playable characters, Muu and Kelly, at anytime, giving the game very easy refresh throughout a playthrough. Each character plays differently. Players will make their way through each unique map, fighting off waves of enemies and some light platforming. All stages lead up to a boss fight with unique and memorable mechanics. Between stages, players can buy upgrades and customize their character’s loadout. Throughout a stage, players will pick up upgrades and new abilities. Each character has over a hundred customization options for a truly unique playthrough experience.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

This game works fantastic on the Steam Deck, and it is my prefered way to play the game. The game works great on my PC, I am running a RTX 3060, but I prefer the handheld experience. I’ve only ever played the Megaman games on handheld devices, and appreciate the nostalgia that playing on the Steam Deck allows me. Super Alloy Crush is a fantastic Steam Deck game because it doesn’t drain the battery, kick up the fan, or require too much memory. As someone who bought the lowest tier Steam Deck, I am very limited on storage space. I will one day upgrade it to fit more, but I don’t have a problem moving things around. That said, Super Alloy Crush has found its permanent home on my Steam Deck.

Review

If you are a fan of the old Megaman games, Super Alloy Crush is a fantastic addition to your library. The game has very cool art and solid mechanics, but the difficulty is a bit on the easier side. I enjoy it for the chill platforming and combat. Most importantly, the game is in a very good place in its Early Access. The game works well, and definitely earns its price tag.

Aesthetic

Super Alloy Crush has some fantastic art. I love the vibrant world, the cool character design, and epic animation. I am a huge fan of pixel art games, and the artists go above and beyond to make a fantastic scifi world that is a pleasure to play through. If you like cute anime girls, fun colorful worlds, and an old school retro vibe to round things out, this is an excellent game to get into.

Story

The story is okay, but nothing that stands out against other games of a similar genre. Honestly, I’ve already forgotten what this game is about because the story feels a little generic. My issue with the story is that the dialogue is so long winded. Everyone drones for too long and I lost interest in the story early on. Luckily, the game is fun enough to overlook this issue.

Difficulty

This game is a fun, casual brawler with enough depth to be engaging and without the elements that made Megaman frustraiting. The game feels a lot easier than old Megaman games I used to struggle through. I loved Megaman, but I was never really good at them. Maybe I am getting better at these types of games with age and practice, but I felt like I didn’t have to struggle as much to get through this game. In my old age, I prefer a game that doesn’t make me struggle and grind because I don’t have the time for it like I used to. That said, the game requires enough thought that it isn’t something you can play passively.

Gameplay

Super Alloy Crush is a solid brawler game. It runs fantastic for a game still in development, and it offers a good amount of content to be worth the price tag. While I preferred playing as Muu (the melee character), I love that I can switch up the characters at any time to refresh my playthrough. Everytime I would start getting board, I would switch and felt like I was playing a different game. The game also offers a good amount of customization for each character, and I was able to play around with builds to find something I truly liked. I still prefer a game like Noctornal over this because it has a better story, but I enjoy it for the low stakes adventure I get to unwind to.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a fun Megaman-like game to round out your collection, Super Alloy Crush is a solid contender. The game has a cool world, solid mechanics, and a casual vibe that makes it perfect for all you busy gamers out there. Don’t expect a good story. While there are hints of good flavor, I started skipping through a lot of dialogue because it adds nothing to the game. If you don’t mind supporting an Early Access game (even one that is in a very goo place in its development), get yourself a copy. At the very least, go check out the demo.

You can pick up Super Alloy Crush on Steam.

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