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video game reviews

Gameplay Impressions of Corner Quest Demo

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Disclaimer

I was sent the Corner Quest demo to review for my blog. I understand the game isn’t finished yet, so I will be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, these will be my honest impressions.

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 Corner Quest?

Corner Quest is an idle autobattler coming to Steam at the end of the year. Go check out the demo and don’t forget to wishlist!

Hook

Sit your wizard on the corner of your screen as you watch her blast away at endless waves of enemies. Earn XP, upgrade your spells, and beat as many waves as you can before dying and starting over. How far will the power of your magic take you?

Gameplay

Corner Quest is meant to be a game you let run while you do work or do other things. The loop is simple, you buy spells and upgrades and watch as your mage fights through waves of enemies. Enemies drop currency that can be used to spend on permanent upgrades that stick around after death. Death in Corner Quest is not permanent. Instead, players restart from the last checkpoint retaining all of the purchased upgrades. It is a very low profile game that promises enough depth without being too distracting.

Impressions

Corner Quest is for those players who want to play a game, but not be invested in it. This is an idle game that you can run in the background while you go on with your life. It has a fun retro vibe, but the demo has limited build paths. I would need to see what other spells the mage can learn and how it impacts the grind.

Aesthetic

I have a soft spot for pixel art games, and Corner Quest has a solid artstyle. The animations are neat, the monsters are interesting, and the mage is cool. It reminds me of or the retro RPGs I used to play in my youth many moons ago, but with a lot less effort.

Gameplay

https://store.steampowered.com/app/4254260/Corner_Quest/ is fine for what it is, an idle game you set behind your screen while you work. Unlike other idle games I’ve played, the timers don’t feel oppressive or predatory because there is no monetization. This game will be a buy to own game, and it is low profile enough to run in the background for most of your tasks. I like that I could step away for a while and still grind levels, although it does feel slower than actively playing. Occasionally, you will earn enough currency to buy upgrades and adjust your build. The game may be solvable, but I did fine building what I thought was cool. This might have meant that I wasn’t progressing as fast as I could, but it doesn’t matter. I wanted to play the game.

Builds

Players will unlock different spells as they progress through the waves. By default, the mage can have four spells but you can unlock more as you grow. The demo doesn’t have many spells, and it does feel very limited. I would have liked to have a lot more options in the beginning, but it does create some nice flavor. As your mage grows in combat, so should the amount of magic she knows. I would like access to more spells so that I am forced to make some difficult decisions throughout my run. At the moment, there doesn’t feel like there are any consequences and it feels like you can get away with beating the demo by buying random upgrades.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Corner Quest works great on the Steam Deck, it you’re using your Steam Deck like a tablet. The controller inputs feel a little too slow and clunky compared to the touch controls. This makes the game feel like a phone game, which isn’t bad, but might not be what people are looking for.

Conclusion

I have always enjoyed a good tower defense, and don’t mind the idle grind. I did enjoy this game a lot more than I thought I would. The game requires enough inputs for there to be some engagement, but ultimately, it feels like the game plays itself. Its fine for what it is, but it isn’t going to be for everyone. Corner Quest is for the gamer who doesn’t have time for game, or just needs something to alt tab to and feel like they’re gaming. It isn’t a bad game, but it does have its niche. By the end of the demo, I didn’t really feel like I wanted to play more of the game, but I don’t this game was meant to be your next main game. This is a game that you use as a supplement while you’re waiting on a load screen or just want to feel busy. It will earn its home in some libraries, but it is going to be a hard sell with at least a bit more complexity. Having some sort of consequence or a bigger pool of resources do take away the casual nature of this game, but it also gives it a longer shelf life.

I would like it if there was some sort of leaderboard where players can race to get the farthest. There can even be seasons that introduce new gimmicks or bosses to the game to mix things up. As the game stands, this is a game you play for a couple hours before you shelve it and forget you ever own it. There isn’t enough intensive to keep climbing, or even finish the demo (even though I did). If you don’t believe me, you can check out the Steam demo for yourself.

Trailer

video game reviews

Ladies, Don’t Tempt My Immortality Review: A Cheesy Dating Sim

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Ladies, Don’t Tempt My Immortality 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 Ladies, Don’t Tempt My Immortality?

Ladies, Don’t Tempt My Immortality is a dating sim FMV out now on Steam. The game deals with some adult themes, so viewer discretion is advised.

Hook

You are a promising diciple of the Crane sect, destined for immortality. But the path to immortality won’t be easy. You are surrounded by beautiful women and enough temptation to lead you astray. Can you stay focused, master your teqnique and ascend to the heavens, or will temptation keep you on this mortal plane? You will need to play to find out.

Gameplay

The game plays like interactive fiction. Players watch through different scenes and are presented with choices that affect the ending. Take the time to learn about your favorite girl, gain her favor, and maybe even become a god along the way. The game does let players redo choices, go back to completed chapters, and skip through watched scenes. This makes collecting different endings easy. One thing to note, skipping around changes the path of the story and can potentially remove favor you’ve earned with the girls. Make sure are choosing the correct path for the ending you want and not just completing nodes.

Review

Ladies, Don’t Tempt My Immortality is a fun little story with a solid cast of actors and solid production. Now I don’t speak the language, but it seems fine to me. Now this isn’t my favorite FMV, but I had fun playing through the story. The story itself is very cheesy and isn’t going to be for everyone. If you enjoy those cheese harem animes, you’ll have fun with this game. Just note that there is no real gameplay loop aside from a few quicktime events, you are essentially just collecting girlfriends.

Disclaimer

This FMV is not going to be for everyone. There is a good amount of fan service that goes into this game. There is no nudity or explicit scenes (at least from what I was able to unlock), but the jokes and suggestive situations are not subtle. If you find sexual innuendos offensive, this is your content warning.

Gameplay

Aside from a few inconsequencial quicktime events, the gameplay loop is just sitting back and watching the different scenes. This is more of an interactive fiction game where you collect girls and try to unlock all the endings. I do like that you can go back at anytime during your journey to change your choices and affect the ending you get. This makes collecting all the endings easy, as long as you remember to stay on the correct path. I spent five hours unlocking a few of the endings before I lost interest. You’ll get your money’s worth if you find the girls attractive and appreciate the humor.

Performance

Ladies, Don’t Tempt My Immortality works well for the most part. There were scenes that would freeze, but continue to play. The subtitles and audio still plays, but the video would freeze. It was only an issue once where I failed the quicktime event, but I was able to go back and complete it without issue. This bug never made me miss any important information, but I was always able to go back to replay the few seconds lost in this way. Unfortunately, the game does not launch on the Steam Deck for those who prefer the convenience of playing on the console.

Story

The story isn’t going to be for everyone. The game is full of innuendos that are not subtle. A lot of the main plot points revolve around these jokes. While I enjoyed the story for how cheesy and silly it gets about getting the girl, not everyone else is. The meta story is about the main character trying to achieve immortality to fulfill his destiny, but a lot of that plot takes a back seat to the romance. At the end of the day, you are playing a game where you are collecting scenes with cute girls.

Conclusion

I love FMVs, and Ladies, Don’t Tempt My Immortality did little to sway my love away from the genre. I love watching cheesy bad movies, and felt the story was a lot of fun. While it may not be a ground breaking FMV or my favorite while we’re at it, I enjoyed every minute of it. I have a soft spot for cheesy harem stories, and this scratches that itch. If you enjoy the genre, the game will earn its paycheck, but if you’re looking for something more serious, you are better off looking elsewhere.

You can pick up Ladies, Don’t Tempt My Immortality on Steam. If you are looking for other cheesy fun dating sim FMVs, check out Love Too Easily and The Fame Game.

Trailer

Tech Reviews, Uncategorized

Unboxing the RK C98 Magnetic Gaming Keyboard: An Honest Review

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Disclaimer

RK Gaming sent me the Royal Kludge C98 Hall Effect Magnetic switch keyboard to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. I will also be using my Amazon Affiliate link where possible. It really helps me out if you click it before buying anything!

Table of contents

What’s in the Box?

  • C98 HE Magnetic Keyboard
  • 4 Additional Switches
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • Keycap/Swtich Puller
  • Dust Cover
  • USer Manual

Unboxing

Features

The RK C98 HE Magnetic Keyboard promises to be the only option for serious gamers. If you are delving into the deepest dungeons for the rarest of loot or trying to top the leader board with your unrivaled KD ratio, you are going to want to keep the C98 on your radar.

Aesthetic

The C98 is a 96% keyboard. That means you’re getting a numbpad and a function row to maximize your workflow. The cherry profile switches give it that classic clean feel, but the well machined gasket give its modern flare. All 98 keys are lit with soft, customizable RGB to emphasize the fact that the C98 is made for gaming. The keyboard comes in a green and white color scheme that is ready to pop against any modern setup.

Comfort

The C98 features a three layer, sound dampening gasket. It dampens the sound just enough to give players that satisfying imput sound without getting too distracting. The layout has been designed to fit most hands for comfortable, long gaming sessions. The switch sensitivity can be easily customized to reduce that dreaded finger strain.

Performance

The C98 comes with the features all gamers need in their arsenal. This is a wired keyboard that promises to deliver the lowest latency experience. All switches are customizable and remapable with some cool added features to take your game to the next level. The C98 has a rapid fire trigger, DKS, MPT, Mt, TGL, and SOCD functions. Note that some games don’t allow these features, so use them wisely. As an added bonus, you can customize the imput sensitivity for a truly personalized experience. All these features can be easily managed through the web-based software.

Sound Test

Review

As far as magnetic keyboards go, the RK C98 is pretty mid. The keyboard isn’t terrible, but when you compare to something like the Epomaker HE75, it falls a little flat. The keyboard looks cool and has solid performance, but there is a cheapness that ultimately makes it hard to recommend.

Aesthetic

The C98 is a very cool looking keyboard. The colors cheme is fun, withe the perfect spash of color to make it pop. The machining looks clean, and the key caps look like they will survive some intense gaming. If you are looking for a cool looking keyboard, you might want to consider the C98, but it isn’t the best feeling keyboard you’ll get at this price point.

Comfort

It took me a bit of time to get used to the keyboard. The keycaps are cheap, and they feel it. Every press felt like I was tapping against cheap brittle plastic. They keyboard triggered my repetitive stress injury almost instantly, but I powered through and it eventually went away. This is a personal issue and your milage will vary. I need special ergonomics to function, and the C98 just didn’t have enough of it. If you are looking for an ergonomic gaming keyboard, this is a hard sell. I also have issues with the typing sound. This is one of the ugliest sounding keyboards I’ve tested. I was eventually able to tune it out, but my wife is not a fan. You aren’t getting this keyboard for the sound of the comfort though, you are getting it for its gaming performance.

Performance

The C98 performed a lot better than I expected. After getting used to the keyboard, I was impressed by how snappy the inputs felt without any customization. I am sure those who like to tinker can draw out the keyboard’s full potential, but it improved my MMO grind just a little. I wouldn’t go out of my way to pick this up if you are trying to go pro, but it is a nice tool to have when you just want something that works. While I don’t like the wire clutter or the fact that I can’t switch between all my devices, its nice to have something that won’t die mid team fight. The keyboard also comes with some very helpful shortcuts for my workflow, but you can easily customize it for your own.

Conclusion

You get the C98 if you like the aesthetic and don’t mind the cheap crunchy typing sound. I personally would swap out the keycaps as well because they feel awful. The keyboard does what it says, and does it well, but I can’t speak on how long it will last. I didn’t get the impression that this would be a buy it for life situations. I was not a fan. I’ve seen a lot worse at this price point, but you can definitely do better.

You can pick up the RK C98 HE magnetic keyboard on the official RK Gaming site, or on Amazon using my Affiliate link.

Universus

King of Fighters Challenger Deck Review: Casual Insights

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Disclaimer

UVS games sent me the two King of Fighters Challenger Series decks 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. I have both team hero and team rival decklists up. I’ll also be using my TCG player affiliate link where possible. Always support your LGS, but it really helps me out if you use it for product your LGS doesn’t carry.

Table of Contents

What is Universus TCG?

I’ve written about Universus in a past post where I go into detail about the game and how to play. The short version: Universus is a fighting game turned into TCG. Players will use thier resources to land powerful attacks, block oncoming damage, and use abilities that will turn the tide in seconds. The game users a unique resource system that is more RNG reliant than your typical TCG, and it uses established IPs like those from fighting games, anime, or my favorite of all time, Heroes of Exandria. It is my favorite TCG that no one seems to be playing, for now.

Challenger Series Decks

Universus releases two types of sealed constructed products: challenger and starter decks. Starter decks are striped down versions of the TCG that are meant for people who have never touched a TCG in their life. The game includes some unique art cards, but the decks are pretty much useless except for giving players the most basic understanding of the game. I don’t follow the competitive scene, but have played enough card games to understand that the starter decks (as of writing this) don’t have the cohesion and percentage to give players a full version of the TCG. Starter decks are not bad products, I love my Heroes of Exandria starter decks, but the challenger series decks are a lot more fun.

Challenger series on the other hand, are a bit more complex. They aren’t going to win you many games at locals or worlds for that matter, but they provide a more honest experience. If you are trying to teach someone who has never played a TCG, the starter decks are cool until you outgrow the decks. If you want to try out the game to see if its for you and have the chance of building into something more competative, pick up a challenger deck from your favorite series.

My Perspective

I am coming at this from a casual perspective. I don’t follow the meta and can’t speak on how the King of Fighter decks match up against it. I have cannibalized some of the other decks I’ve received to build some strange decks I have fun with. I like Universus and am sad there isn’t a local scene. That said, I understand why. The game isn’t fun to collect. Universus has some of the most beautiful secret rare and unique art based on your favorite characters from your favorite IP, but the rest of the cards are screen grabs. Some sets are fine and look fine in the binder, but other sets are just not interesting to collect. For customers going into the store and seeing all these fun shinny unique cards, Universus gets overshadowed.

The art shouldn’t be a problem when the gameplay is good. The game has unique mechanics, a cool resource system, and a solid loop. The problem is that if I am not familiar with a particular IP, the common cards aren’t very memorable. This will change when they drop their newly announced Rebel Frontier. The art for the teasers look sick and I can’t wait to see what goes into it! More on Rebel Frontier when the information becomes available.

Review

I have mixed feelings about the King of Fighter challenger decks. On one hand, I appropriate the new mechanics and the ammount of flavor that goes into them. Universus is very good at making uniquely flavored decks. The problem I have with the decks is the art, I am not a fan. They may not be the worst cards I’ve gotten, but they aren’t very impressive. At least they’re fun to play.

The Art

The art for the heros is fine, but when you compare it to the street fighter decks, they are a little underwhelming. At least you get three heroes. The heroes feel fine with a good amount of power, but I am not crazy about the art. Personally, Shun’ei was my favorite not because of power, but because his abilities vibed better with my playstyle. The common cards that aren’t in the anime style are ugly. It’s not as bad as the Tekken Decks, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to collect them. Luckily the mechanics are fun.

Gameplay

I like how the decks change enough of the game to keep it interesting. Now I only play casualy once in a while so it always feels fresh, but there are decks I like more than others. I don’t think I would pick these over the street fighter decks, but I would pick them up in addition. The art doesn’t matter when the game is fun, and the games I played with the King of Figher challenger decks were fun. I don’t know how they hold up to the rest of the meta, but they seemed pretty balanced to us. I play with TCG veterans who only play Universus when I ask them to help me test.

Conclusion

If you like the King of Fighters games, pick up these challenger decks. The decks are fun, and you might appreciate the art more than I did. I never got into King of Fighters and couldn’t form the same connection I had with a series like Heroes of Exandria. I think the decks are fun and will pull keep pulling them out, but I wouldn’t pick these up as a collector. If you want cards that look good with solid mechanics, get the Street Fighter decks.

video game reviews

Exploring the Chaos of Goblins of Elderstone Gameplay

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Goblins of Elderstone 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.

Table of Contents

What is Goblins of Elderstone?

Goblins of Elderstone is a challenging new village builder out now on Steam.

Hook

Help build a mighty goblin empire as you brave the elements, gather resources, and build the next great civilization. But this is no easy task. Goblins are a chaotic race that tends to be a bit unruly. While you may set your orders, it won’t always get done. There are also dangers that hunt the goblins down if you aren’t careful. Can you master the chaos, or will the chaos become overwhelming and brick your run?

Gameplay

Players take control of a small group of goblin settlers as they work towards building a mighty goblin empire. Players command goblins to gather materials, build structures, or do combat. This is pretty much your standard village builder, but the Goblins tend to do their own thing from time to time. Some times, goblins will go on their own adventure, eat, fight enemies, or huddle by the fire for warmth. It is a bit of an unpredictable twist to the genre, but one that can find its niche in the genre.

Review

I have mixed feelings about Goblins of Elderstone. One one hand, I appreciate the attempt at rejuvenating the genre with a fresh take. On the other, this game is a little broken.

Aesthetic

Goblins of Elderstone has a quirky, boxy aesthetic that gives it its cozy vibe. The more I played the game, the more bland the setting looked. The RNG for map generation needs work. Some maps look fun to explore, and others feel barren with very little in between. I don’t think there was much visually that drew me to this game, especially when you compare it to games like Steam World Build or The Wandering Village.

Gameplay

The game is a little buggy. Pathing for some of the characters doesn’t always work. There are a few bugs, but the devs seem to be working hard on ironing them out. The main draw for this game is the difficulty. Unlike other village builders, Goblins of Elderstone is meant to be hard. I recommend checking out a guide because being inefficient in this game will brick your run. I usually get a couple into a run before I have to reset and follow a guide, but for this game, it was almost instant. Some of the difficulty can be the poor RNG that seems to pollute some of the seeds. Sometimes you get super unlucky and get stuck with a base that has nothing around it. Some people might enjoy the challenge, but I just want to sit back and watch my little goblins work.

Conclusion

I have a hard time recomending Goblins of Elderstone because of the difficulty. After looking up guides and planning my builds a little better, my experience improved, but I still have a hard time picking this over something like Reus 2. The game isn’t bad, it just isn’t my style. The game is meant for people who like a more realistic and chaotic approach to village building. As calculated as you want to be, sometimes your goblins want to do something else and you have to just work around it. Not to mention that you can brick your run early if you aren’t paying attention. I prefer a cozy village builder that lets me sit back and relax. I don’t want to have to have a city planning degree. While I wouldn’t say it is as realistic as City Skylines, the chaos within its code gives the game its charm. It just wasn’t enough to charm me.

If you fancy yourself a more serious village builder and don’t a bit of RNG to shake things up, Goblin of Elderstone is in a good enough spot to earn its MSRP. There are some bugs, but you’ll apprecaite the challenge. If you are here for the cozier side of village builders, check out Fabledom.

You can pick up Globlins of Elderstone on Steam.

Trailer

Tech Reviews

S10 Lite Review: The Ultimate Budget Wireless Gamepad

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Disclaimer

EasySMX sent me the S10Lite to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you check out my reviews for the EasySMX X05 Pro and the S10 controllers.

Table of Contents

What’s in the box?

  • S10 Lite Gamepad
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • User Manual

Unboxing

Features

The S10 Lite is the budget controller you need to pick up for all your wireless needs. Whether you need a new controller for that fresh Pokemon Pokopia playthrough, or something to carry you through your Mobile gaming journey, the S10 Lite has the features you can rely on.

Aesthethic

The S10 Lite has a clean adorable design and is available in three colors that make it ideal for most gaming setups. The gamepad comes in three colors: blue, pink, and black. I got mine in pint and it looks a lot cuter in person.

For added flare, the magnetic faceplate can be removed and personalized to fit your aesthetic. Whether you are slapping stickers on it or getting creative with a sharpie, the S10 Lite gives users the freedom to create a truly unique gaming accessory.

Switch 2

The S10 Lite comes with incredible Switch 2 compatibility. The gamepad supports 9-Axis Gyroscope for impressive motion control capability. It features one button wake up and a dedicated button for voice chat. The gamepad can go between Nintendo and your other gaming consoles with just a flick of a switch. If you are looking for your next Switch 2 accesory, you might want to take advantage of the value that is the EasySMX S10 Lite.

Performance

The S10 Lite promises to be the only controller you need during those crucial, extra sweaty team fights. The hall effect sticks eliminate the risk of pesky stick drift. The low polling rate and high speed on Bluetooth makes it idea for the gamer who wants less cables, but there boasts virtually no latency on a wired connection. The customizable additional buttons on the bottom of the gamepad give it added utility. The 1000mAh battery means you don’t have to worry about S10 Lite when you need it the most. Whether you are just playing a cozy game to unwind or competing for top rank in your favorite shooter, the S10 Lite is here for you.

Review

The S10 Lite is the budget controller that should be in everyone’s arsenal. Whether you are looking for your new main controller or a beater to take on the road, the S10 Lite is a fantastic option and a fantastic price.

Quality

I asked for the pink controller because it is the cutest option. I wasn’t ready for how cute this controller actually is. Pictures do not do it justice. The gamepad is well machined with plastic that doesn’t feel cheap. The controller is light without feeling cheap, which I didn’t realize was ideal for my old crippled hands. I used to prefer a heavier control until I got my hands on the S10 Lite. My box came a little beat up and the parts had shifted around, but there was no damage to the controller (which should speak on the gamepad’s quality). I’ve tested cheap controllers at this price point before, and none of them come close to how good the S10 Lite feels in my hands.

Comfort

I am a big fan of the design of the S10 Lite. It feels like an official Nintendo controller at a more reasonable price point. The bottom of the gamepad is textured to support my grip, especially through those extra sweaty sessions. The sticks feel glide extremely smooth and the texture feels excellent under my thumbs. The buttons are all easy to reach, for a very comfortable session and efficient session. The only issue this controller may have is the clicky buttons. The controller is loud which is wonderful if you like that button mashing ASMR, but it is a sound some might find annoying. Check out the EasySMX X05 Pro if you want a silent controller.

Performance

The gamepad needed an update, but it offered solid performance. I tried across all my devices from my phone to Switch, and it was able to switch between devices without issue. I noticed no latency or imput lag, but I play pretty casual games. It handled some intense platforming in Monairons without issue, and I got a respectable grind in Borderlands 4. I suck at PVP, but I didn’t see a dip in my performance so there is that. I wasn’t able to test out the battery life because I had to plug the gamepad in when playing on my PC. The additional buttons are a nice touch for when I need a little extra support. They are easy to remap and even easier to press.

Conclusion

EasySMX once again proves that it is a strong contender in the gaming accessory space by manufacturing a high quality gamepad with the features you need to level up your gameplay. The S10 Lite is a good looking controller that comes at a very reasonable price with the quality that will carry you through the rest of your gaming adventures. Whether you are playing the new hottest extraction shooter or just messing around in a puzzle game, the S10 Lite should be a staple in all gaming arsenals. I love it, and it will be my main controller moving forward.

You can pick up the S10 Lite from the official EasySMX site.

Tech Reviews

Epomaker Galaxy100 Lite Review: Solid Keyboard or Just Average?

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Disclaimer

MechLands sent me the Epomaker Galaxy100 Lite to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out my reviews for the Mechlands Vibe108 and Vibe99 mechanical key boards.

Table of Contents

What’s in the box?

  • Galaxy 100 Lite
  • Wireless Dongle
  • USB-C to USB-A Braided Cable
  • 2 Additional Switches
  • Mac Keycaps
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • User Guide

Unboxing

Features

The Epomaker Galaxy100 Lite promises to be the only mechanical keyboard you need. Whether you need a work horse to carry you through that 9 to 9 grind or a reliable tool to get you through the next raid, this keyboard is ready for any task.

Aesthetic

The Galaxy100 lite is a full sized keyboard available in two colors: Yellow and Black. I have it in yellow, and it has a classic feel for those that like the aesthetic, but the black is a stylish little upgrade for any aesthetic.

The keyboard has 100 keys and knob. The keys are all lit with dynamic and customizable RGB to make it a true gaming keyboard. Its aluminum frame makes it sturdy, but gives it its classy feel. If you are looking for a keyboard that is simple and gets the job done, the Galaxy100 Lite is a strong contender.

Comfort

The Galaxy100 promises comfort with its ergonomic design and soft mechanical switches. The typing angle is fixed at 7 degrees, but this is fine for most users. The 5 layer gasket mount muffles enough of the noise to keep the neighbors happy without taking away from any of that thacky goodness. Enjoy comfortable typing sessions with a stable, sturdy keyboard that feels good to the touch.,

Performance

The Galaxy100 lite is ready for any workflow. Whether you are looking at high level competitive play or just need something to type out your next novel, the Galaxy100 Lite does it all. With a low latency connection in both wireless and Bluetooth connections, users can enjoy high performance without any of the wire clutter. The impressive 8000mAh battery promises 39 hours of use with all the lights one. That means you don’t have to worry about your keyboard dying when you need it the most. But for those who want enjoy the lowest latency, the high quality braided cable is ready to deliver the performance you need.

Sound Test

Review

The Epomaker Galaxy100 Lite is an average full sized keyboard. While you can definately do worse at this price point, you can certainly do better. If you need a full sized keyboard, you’re better off with the Vibe108.

Quality

The Galaxy100 Lite looks good out of the box. The aluminum frame is well machine and gives it the sturdy heft that will keep the keyboard from sliding all over your desk. The keycaps are clean and feel good to the touch. The lettering is legible and it doesn’t feel like it will wear off. The keyboard looks like a more expensive, albeit retro looking keyboard. However, the aesthetic is a bit of an acquired taste.

Aesthetic

The Galaxy has a classic feel, and the yellow scheme makes it look like a thrifted keyboard with a bit of a modern flare. The problem with the aesthetic, it isn’t going to fit in every setup. The keycaps and switches are easily swapable, but might as well buy a full sized keyboard with a scheme you like. I wasn’t too crazy about the look, and even less crazy about the typing experience.

Comfort

The typing experience is average at best. I got my keyboard with the Marble White switches, and I can honestly say I prefer the Wisteria switches. The switches feel heavy and left a bit of fatigue after each extended use. The sound is also a bit too crunchy. If you are getting this keyboard, I recommend starting with the Wisteria switches. The Wisterias are awesome. Otherwise, the typing angle is fine and I never felt like it destroyed my hands, but I did need to take breaks. Note that I do have a repetitive stress injury that flares when I don’t have the right ergonomics, and this keyboard just didn’t have enough. Get the Vibe108.

Performance

The keyboard’s performance is the only thing saving it from a bad review. The keyboard works as intended. I could handle my casual level of gaming and MMO grind without performance issue. There was some fatigue, but not enough to make me stop. The impressive battery life gave me about the advertised 40 hours of use on a single charge, and that is nothing to scoff at. If you like the aesthetic and want something that will work, the Galaxy100 Lite is a solid choice.

Conclusion

Honestly, if this was the first full sized mechanical keyboard I ever used, I wouldn’t noticed the issues. Having used better keyboards like the Mechlands Vibe108, it gets hard to recommend. It all comes down to whether or not you like the aesthetic. If you like the retro feel of the keyboard and the yellowed color scheme, the keyboard works well enough and is comfortable enough to be worth the price tag. However, if you are looking for a good full sized budget keyboard, you have better options. Check out the Mechlands Vibe108.

You can pick up the Epomaker Galaxy100 Lite from the official Mechlands store, or AliExpress.

video game reviews

Planet of Lana II Review: A Stunning Puzzle Adventure

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I will not 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 Planet of Lana II?

Planet of Lana is the most beautiful and creative puzzle game you’ll ever get to play. You can pick up Planet of Lana II on Xbox, Steam, PlayStation, and Switch.

Hook

Mew technology spreads across the world, bringing with it much needed innovation but also greed. Tension between the tribes grows as the race for power and dominance shifts into the public agenda. This shift in idealogy thrusts Lana and Mui into another unforgettable adventure. Follow Lana and her companion as they make their way across a beautiful alien planet in search of secrets long forgotten. What will their adventure uncover? Can they bring the world together in the name of progress?

Gameplay

Planet of Lana is a side scrolling puzzle adventure game with a beautiful landscape to explore and a solid story to follow. Players take control of Lana and her companions and use their various abilities to solve some very creative puzzles. Mui, for example, can interact with the different parts of the world. It can use its powers to shut down old technology, take control of local wildlife, or help Lana push buttons she can’t get to. The puzzles in this game scale, getting harder and more complex the deeper a player gets into the story. The story is told in an alien language, but it doesn’t need subtitles or context to tell the beautiful adventure you are going are about to embark on.

Review

I absolutely love Planet of Lana, and this sequel is the perfect continuation. I can tell the devs have learned and made improvements to the original (not that the original needed much improvement). If you are looking to sit back and enjoy a cozy puzzle game with a great story, check out Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf.

Artwork

Planet of Lana is one of the most beautiful games I have ever played. I still remember the feeling of amazement I felt the first time I played the original demo. Years later, this world continues to amaze. I love everything about the art style from the creepy creature design to the breath taking scenery. I recommend you play this game just so you can appreciate how beautiful the art in each biome and level is.

Soundtrack

Planet of Lana has one of the best sound tracks in gaming, and the sequel gets even better. The music score give the adventure its epic feel, but it also creates a lot of the tension. There are moments I was at the edge of my seat because of how intense the music was even if the monsters or solutions weren’t that challenging. If you’re looking for some solid study music, check out the OST for the first game:

Story

Planet of Lana 2 is a stand alone adventure. The game does a good job at catching players up on the events of the first game, and players who start with the sequel will not feel lost. I highly recommend you play the games in order because the story is fantastic. Planet of Lana II is just as good at telling a powerful narrative as the first game, if not better. The game uses a fake language to allow its art and actions, and it is extremely successful in achieving its goal. If you have six to eight hours to spend on unraveling the story of Planet of Lana, spend them.

Gameplay

Planet of Lana is one of my favorite puzzle games. The puzzles in this game are all very creative that offer enough of a challenge to keep players engage. Some of the game does feel clunky and there is some weird stuttering here and there, but nothing that I would consider a deal breaker. That said, Planet of Lana II does feel like an improvement on the first game, although the first game is pretty fantastic on its own. The puzzles feel more creative, and the mechanics feel tighter. Best of all, the game is Steam Deck compatible!

Conclusion

Planet of Lana II continues to prove why this series should be a staple in all puzzle game libraries. It features a beautiful world with a fantastic sound track to set the mood. If you are looking for a fantastic example of good story telling and a whimsical world full of fun puzzles, go get Planet of Lana. Planet of Lana continues to be my favorite game, and I will fight anyone who tries to tell me otherwise.

You can pick up Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf on on Xbox, Steam, PlayStation, and Switch

Trailer

video game reviews

Manairons Review: A Whimsical Adventure Game Worth Playing

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Manairons 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 Manairons?

Manairons is a 3D puzzle adventure game out now on on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and coming soon to the Nintendo Switch. The game is Steam Deck verified for those wondering, and it works very well!

Hook

The village of Vilamont is a peaceful one, full of industrious people but also the greedy landlord Llorenç. Llorenç used his influence to find an ancient magical artifact, the “canut”. Using the canut’s magic, Llorenç summons a legion of Manairons to work tireless for him. Almost overnight, the Manairons warp the sleepy town of Vilamont into an overindustrialized machine. One Manairon is able to break free of this spell. With the help from the mysterious witch Nai and a magical flute, our lone Manairon hero must brave Llorenç influence and break his spell. Solve puzzles, fight off possed Manairons, and enjoy a bit of rest here and there. Can our brave hero break the spell and free the Vilamont from Llorenç?

Gameplay

Players control the Manairon through differently themed levels in a wimsical 3D action adventure with fixed cameras. The world of Pyrenees is full of creative puzzles to solve, platforms to clear, and enemies to beat up. Combat in Manairon is simple. You can lock onto enemies, and hit them with your trusty flute. Players get a block and a ranged attack, but the flute is the only thing strong enough to knock out the possessed manairons. All levels build up to creative boss fights. The game also has a collection of scattered items to collect. Can you collect them all before finishing the game?

Review

I absolutely love Manairon, and recommend it to everyone. Manairon is such a cute game with solid mechanics and a great story. If you are a fan of those old school action adventure games, or are just looking for something fun and cute to play, check out Manairon!

Aesthetic

I was first drawn to Manairons because I like the art. I normally don’t play these types of platformers because of how bad I am at them, but the art is so good, I was willing to try. The character design is cute, but I love how the artists go out of their way to create such a cool fantasy. Each level has a unique theme that is more breathtaking than the last, and the attention to detail that goes into the world building is remarkable. It also has a fantastic soundtrack and voice acting that make the experience addicting. I would recommend Manairon for the art alone, but the story is fantastic!

Story

Manairons is a fantastic example of how good video games are at telling stories. This is one of the few times where I couldn’t put the game down because I was so invested in the events that were unfolding. It helps that there is voice acting to help me get swept away by the storytelling. If you like fantasy adventure, Manairons is a fantastic addition to your collection.

Performance

The game has its bugs, and a few of them are gamebreaking. I had a couple of crashes, and there were a few times where the character just gets stuck. Other than that, the performance is fine. Platforming feels good, combat is responsive, and I was able to finish the story without any issue.

Gameplay

When I pick up a platformer, there is always the worry that my lack of skill will keep me from enjoying the game. As far as platformers go, this is very manageable. I wouldn’t say its a kids platformer like Spongebob: The Cosmic Shake or the Smurfs, but I wouldn’t say it is Shovel Knight either. Manairon finds a good balance of challenging puzzles, platforming, and combat without getting frustrating to allow players to enjoy the world and its story. Not that you can’t enjoy a hard platformer if that’s your thing, I just prefer it to be manageable.

What makes this game special is the different worlds that make up the level. Each monster, challenge, and boss is full of flavor. Even though the mechanics are simple and a lot of the loops repeat, the game doesn’t feel repetitive. Every level and stage feels fresh, especially when there are fun and creative puzzles in between.

Conclusion

Manairons is a whimsical fantasy adventure everyone needs to go on once. There are a few bugs I am sure can be fixed, but nothing that will ruin the fun story or the cute world players get to explore. If you are looking for one game to play this year, check out Manairons on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and coming soon to the Nintendo Switch.

If you would your looking for a more challenging kind of plaformer, check out Forgotten Fragments, or check out Worldless for the most unique platformer you’ll ever get to play.

Trailer

Tech Reviews

Is the TH108 Pro Worth It? An Honest Review

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Disclaimer

Mechlands sent me the TH108 Pro mechanical keyboard to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out my reviews for the Mechlands Vibe 108 and Vibe 99 Mechanical Keyboards.

Table of Contents

What’s in the box?

  • TH108 Mechanical Keyboard
  • USB-C to USB-A Braided Cable
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • 2.4 Ghz Wireless Dongle
  • 2 Extra Switches
  • Manual

Unboxing

Features

The Epomaker TH108 promises to be the last full-sized keyboard gamers need. This stylish keyboard will not only upgrade your aesthetic, but has the features and performance to upgrade that young productivity.

Style

The TH108 Pro comes in three fantastic colors: Black, Blue/White, and Pink. I got mine in pink, but I wouldn’t mind collecting all of the colors.

This fullsized keyboard has 104 keys of swapable cherry profile switches. Each key is lit with customizable RGB, but you can always turn if off if for longer battery life. The TH108 comes with either the Creamy Jade or Sea Salt Silent switches. You’ll want the creamy switches for that disarable typing ASMR, and the Sea Salts if you prefer to sit with your own thoughts. The clean machining give the keyboard its classic feel, but the customizable LED screen and unique volume dial placement give it a modern flare. The fun schemes make it stand out against any setup.

Comfort

Epomaker strives for ergonomic design with a TH108 Pro‘s ideal typing angle. This keyboard does have kickstands for those of us who prefer something a little steeper. The five layer gasket design helps dampen some of the sound without completely eliminating it (unless you get the Sea Salts). Both switches promise a soft and satisfying typing feel that is ready to perform when you need it.

Performance

The TH108 Pro is an easy upgrade for any gamer in need of a full sized keyboard. The 104 switches are designed for low latency performance, with a bit of anti-ghosting protection for when you need it. You have additional switches if any ever fail. The fast wireless connections are perfect for the gamer who wants to reduce wire clutter, but the unbeatable wired connection is always ready for your next raid. Most importantly, the 4000mAh battery boasts a 40 hour life with everything on (200 with everything off) so you don’t have to worry about your keyboard dying mid raid. The handy, customizable LED screen will keep you on top of your battery life so it is never a surprise.

Gimmicks

What makes this keyboard Pro is the customizable LED screen. The screen shows users useful information like date, time, and battery life, but it can be customized with a GIF for some added personality. The side facing volume dial is in the perfect position for easy use.

Sound Test

Review

The TH108 Pro is a solid keyboard for those who need a full sized key board and want the LED screen. Otherwise, you can make do with just the TH108.

Aesthetic

I received my TH108 Pro keyboard in black, and I love the color scheme. The black makes it look like a classic keyboard, but it has a bit of color accents to make it pop. All the colors look cool though, and I wouldn’t mind it getting the other colors. Looking at you pink. The side facing dial is my favorite feature of this keyboard. It not only looks good, but it feels a lot more natural when tuning my volume. It has definitely ruined normal dials for me. The LED screen make the keyboard look very modern. It will definitely stand out and get you some compliments.

Quality

Out of the box, the keyboard is fine. The machining is solid, and everything looks clean. It is a little on the lighter side so there is a bit of flex, but if you aren’t traveling with it or throwing it around, it’s fine. It looks high quality, and feels good for the price.

Gimmicks

The main selling point for this keyboard is the LED screen. The LED screen is useful, especially for staying on top of your battery life, but I always forget I have it. I don’t even bother customizing the screen with a GIF because I never look at it. For those who want to have that flare and quick access to that information, it works and it is easy to customize. I personally don’t care for keyboards with screens, but I don’t mind having them.

Performance

The keyboard works great. I didn’t notice any ghosting or latency in my testing. The keyboard also has a respectable battery. I got about 40 hours on a single charge with everything on. It did good enough with my MMO grind, and a lot of the indie games I review for this blog. If you need an affordable full sized keyboard that just works, the TH108 Pro can handle whatever you throw at it.

Comfort

The TH108 Pro took some getting used to. The switches feel a little heavy, which caused a bit of fatigue. Not enough to force me to stop typing, but enough to notice some discomfort. I have some hand injuries that require special ergonomics so your mileage may vary. If you need special ergonomics in your full sized keyboard, I would get something like the Redragon Wyvern. The function bar is also not lined up with the number row which made it a little awkward to use in gaming. I never got used to it, and it made the size a little useless. I get the full-sized keyboard for gaming because I need the function bar for Guild Wars. I am sure if I stick with it I can get used to it, but it just feels more efficient to rebind my actions to not use the function bar.

Conclusion

The TH108 Pro is a solid keyboard. It isn’t anything I would rush to, but if this is our budget and you want an LED screen, you aren’t doing much better. This is a keyboard that does just enough. It is comfortable enough to get those long sessions of gaming in, and it works fast enough to keep you competitive. I wouldn’t get this over the TH108 as a matter of taste, but there is nothing wrong if you want a little GIF to spice up your day.

You can pick up the Epomaker TH108 Pro, and other keyboards like it, on the official Mechlands store.