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video game reviews

Frozen Ship Alpha Gameplay: My First Impressions

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Disclaimer

I was sent an early alpha build of Frozen Ship to review for my blog. I understand the game isn’t done yet, so I will be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, these will still be my honest first impressions.

Shameless Self-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update every two weeks.

What is Frozen Ship?

Frozen Ship is a survival game with village management elements coming soon to Steam Early Access.

An eternal tundra has devastated humanity. Some were fortunate to find refuge near the warmth of a volcano, but that warmth was only temporary. In their efforts to continue surviving, they have built a giant ship that will take them to their new home. Navigate the deadly tundra as you captain your colony of survivors, gather resources, upgrade your facilities, and find the last remaining hope for salvation. What will you find against this frozen landscape?

Gameplay

There are two parts to this game, village management and exploration.

As captain of this frozen ship, players will need to command their colony to gather and process materials or build upgrades. Resources are scares, so efficiently utilizing what is available is key for humanities survival. Most importantly, players must keep hope alive to keep the colony from collapsing. As players traverse the tundra, the colony will grow, and this growth will bring its challenges as it puts a strain on systems players put in place.

The other part of this game is exploration. Players can get off the ship throughout the warmer parts of the day to scavenge the remains of the old world. Players can build tools to gather resources or scavenge from buildings. The cold is brutal and staying out in the elements for too long means death. To add to the difficulty, the ship does not stop moving. Players must navigate the cold, but also make sure they can always find their way back to the ship.

The main game will have a story, but the demo only allowed a limited free build mode with a good amount of direction.

Impressions

In its current state, Frozen Ship doesn’t have enough to it to keep me excited. The village management aspect is more of a text based game. Its not a bad way to do things, especially since the main game is exploration, but I like to watch my villagers do things. The exploration is fine, but the world feels too empty. I do like that the game lets players adjust the difficulty for the ideal experience. I get lost easily so I appreciate that there is a mode that guides me back to the ship. I also appreciate the options for a more hardcore play through for the times I’m feeling more sadistic.

Graphics-wise, the world makes sense but it isn’t anything special. You’re either going to appreciate the low-poly style or you are going to play a more realistic looking game. I am sure this is a choice to ensure good performance, but also makes the world a little less fun to explore.

The cold mechanic is fine. Eventually players will have the ability to extend the amount of time they can spend in the tundra, but those early levels feel tedious. Having to return every time you clear a single house is boring. I can see the intention. The game is supposed to be a hard journey and resources are meant to be scares, but when the art style is boring and the world feels too empty, it just feels like a chore.

I also don’t recommend playing this game on the Steam Deck. At the moment, some of the tasks feel very tedious with a controller. You will need to remap, and even then it is just better to play with a keyboard and mouse.

I need to see more of the game before I can feel confident in recommending it. If you are looking for some hardcore survival and don’t mind the village builder elements, I would wait for the demo. I’ll try to get a different build and will return with my update. Until then, you can wishlist Frozen Ship on Steam.

video game reviews

Asgard’s Fall: A Viking Survival Game Worth Your Time

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Asgard’s Fall — Viking Survivors to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This game is still in Early access, so I will try to be a bit more lenient than normal.

Shameless Self-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update every two weeks.

What is Asgard’s Fall — Viking Survivors?

Asgard’s Fall — Viking Survivors is a 2D pixel art vampire survival game out now in Steam Early Access.

Choose your hero as you wage war against the gods. Harnes your strength as you take on endless hordes of enemies. How far will you wrath take you? Will you be the fall of Asgard?

Gameplay

Players start each run by choosing a hero. There is only one option at the start of each game, but more can be unlocked by playing the game, with more characters planed for a later release. Players will start the game with the same basic attack and a dodge, but will unlock random passive and active abilities as they play. The RNG feels very fair, and each round felt unique. There is also special Twitch integration that allows a streamer’s audience influence the blessings received throughout a game for an extra level of craziness.

The goal of the game is to survive until the final boss fight. Beating the boss means unlocking more areas, and dying during a run means starting over. It is simple game with enough depth to keep things interesting, and in a very good place in its early access.

Review

If you are looking for a new survival game, Asgard’s Fall is a very strong contender. The art is cute without sacrificing on any of its Nordic flavor. I am a huge fan of how much flavor has gone into the spells and abilities. Most importantly, Asgard’s Fall is a fun game that you won’t regret supporting. A lot of the survival game’s I’ve played will start slow and ramp up to the insanity. This initial lull can make or break the game, but Asgard’s Fall doesn’t have that. The game starts at a great pace, and it has a solid ramp to keep things interesting.

Building my hero is what makes this game for me. Like most games of the genre, players will unlock random abilities and buffs throughout a run. What makes Asgard’s Fall unique is how you can build a skill tree by filling a web of nodes. The nodes can interact with each other and generate more power. I have never sat to consider my build as much as I did with this game, and that is a very good thing.

I hadn’t realized how long I had been playing this game until I pulled from my trance. I had so much fun with this game that I will have a hard time setting it down. If you’re weary about the Early Access status, don’t be. This game is in a very good place with enough content to make it worth the price tag. There is also a good amount of content on the horizon.

If you haven’t done so, go check out Asgard’s Fall. This is a great addition to any collection. You can pick up Asgard’s Fall — Viking Survivors on Steam Early Access for only $6.99. There is also a demo available if you don’t believe me. The full game releases next year.

video game reviews

Why Sonokuni Is My Favorite Game Ever

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Sonokuni 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-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update every two weeks.

What is Sonokuni?

Sonokuni is a surreal biopunk top-down hack-and-slash out now on Steam.

One lone assassin stands in the way of large biotech and their quest to assimilate the worlds genetics into one homogeneous legion of obedient monsters. Takeru guards her people against the mutant super power that wants to wipe her people from the landscape. Venture into a trippy explosion of color, mayhem, and possibly the best soundtrack you’ll ever hear in a video game. Is Takeru strong enough to keep her people safe, or will she be assimilated with the rest of them?

Gameplay

Players move through visually striking 2D maps, fighting scores of enemies with their abilities. Each room acts like a puzzle of enemies. Each monster will perform the same type of actions, and it is up to the player to find the ideal combination to of attacks to clear the room successfully. Players can adjust the difficulty, but know that dying a lot is part of the gameplay loop. There are no check points, campfires, or lives. Dying only resets the room. Even the music keeps playing on reset, giving players the freedom to explore solutions through death without the repetitive slog of moving between checkpoints. Combat is a lot of fun, even if you die a lot. Using your blocks, attacks, and slowdown abilities in the right combination always kept things engaging, and the music helped me keep my tempo.

Review

Sonokuni is without a doubt, my favorite game of all time. Never have experience such a unique and fun experience as this, and I recommend anyone who hasn’t done so already to play this game. The worst part about playing Sonokuni is that every game after will be held to this standard of excellence.

First off, Sonokuni has an amazing aesthetic full of striking visuals and creative design. I love the 2D retro style, but what they do with the pixel art is incredibly impressive. The art alone should be reason enough to try this game, but the game does so much more right.

If you like Japanese Hip-Hop, Sonokuni has an amazing collection for its soundtrack. Each track helps create the game’s fantastic atmosphere, and fans of hip-hop will enjoy the journey. I particularly like that the song doesn’t restart on death. Players are going to die quickly and often, having the game loop every few seconds (maybe more if you’re actually good at the game) would get old quickly. This was a solid choice, and I like that I can listen to the whole song.

Moving past the aesthetics, the gameplay is amazing. This is the most fun I’ve had with a game in a while, and I will definitely keep it in my rotation. I need to try it at a higher difficulty. I didn’t mind dying so much or repeating the same room because every room feels different, and every room felt like a puzzle I was trying to solve. Most importantly , the boss fights are amazing. This is one of the few games where beating the boss felt incredible. There are a few games that leave me with such a great sense of accomplishment, and Sonokuni is one of them.

If you haven’t played Sonokuni, it needs to be in your library. This game is fantastic, and it gets better the more you play it. You can pick up Sonokuni on steam for $14.99 or check out the demo if you don’t believe me.

Tech Reviews

Epomaker HE65 Mag Review: A Compact Gaming Keyboard

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Disclaimer

Epomaker sent me the TH65 Mag 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 latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85 and HE68.

What’s in the box?

  • HE65 Magnetic Keyboard
  • 2.4 GHz Wireless Dongle
  • USB-C to USB-A Braided Cable
  • 2 Extra Switches
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • Plastic Dust Cover
  • User Manual

Features

The Epomaker HE65 Mag is the companies compact 65% hall effect gaming keyboard. It only comes in black, with a splash of blue and grey keys to help it stand out. It wouldn’t be a gaming keyboard without RBG, and the keyboard comes with a few preset profiles to make the HE65 shine against any aesthetic. Personally, I appreciate the dongle cubby in the back an the volume control on the side. What makes the HE65 unique is the onboard screen that displays the date, time, and battery life.

But the HE65 is more than just its looks. The keyboard boasts low latency on its wired and wireless connections, making it the ideal choice for the competitive gamer who needs a smaller keyboard. The keys utilize its soft magnetic switches, which can be programed for the perfect gaming experience through the official app. Most importantly, this keyboard boasts up to 600 hours of use (without the RBG or screen) so you never have to reach for a cable unless you really want to.

Sound Test

Review

If you are looking for a keyboard this size, the Epomaker HE65 Mag works well enough. The keys feel good under my fingers, and the sound isn’t loud but satisfying all the same. The volume dial on the side looks a little weird at first, but I ended up loving it the more I used it. Aesthetically, the color scheme is fine, but you might want to buy a different set of keys if you want it to match your setup. The screen is an interesting gimmick, but I hardly used it. Its fine, but it sort of messes up the aesthetic.

As far as performance goes, its a solid keyboard for the most part. The keyboard was a little too small for my hands, and that is a personal issue. If you have big hands, you need a bigger keyboard. My thumbs were always rubbing up against each other, and it made typing uncomfortable. It worked well enough for my day to day, but I will be switching to something bigger to ease up on some of the strain.

One thing to note is that the keyboard was that the wireless connection was a little bugged. The bluetooth randomly stopped working, and I couldn’t reconnect, even with the dongle. Hard resetting seemed to solve the issue, but it is a little concerning. I don’t think this has the potential to be a lifelong keyboard, but it might be a good budget option for now.

Aside from that, the keyboard was fine. It was responsive, and it had a long battery life. Epomaker boasts a 30 hour battery life with all the lights on, and I got just about that. If you like the aesthetic and are looking for a hall effect keyboard, check out the Epomaker HE65.

You can pick up the HE 65 Mag on the official website for $89.99.

video game reviews

Is Inaya – Life After Gods Worth Playing?

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I was sent a free copy of Inaya – Life after Gods 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-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update every two weeks.

What is Inaya – Life after Gods?

Inaya – Life after Gods is a metroidvania out now on Steam.

Inaya was orphaned at a young age. She was raised by an old monk who taught her to use her how to defend herself. Now, years later, she must find what is left of her tribe and fight anyone that stands in her way. Travel across the remnants of civilization the gods left behind, fight unique monster and bosses, and unlock the power of your father’s gauntlet. What secrets will you uncover? Will Inaya ever find her tribe?

Review

I typically have a gameplay section, but if you’ve played a metroidvania game, you’ve probably played a better one. Let me start with the good, because the game isn’t horrible or unplayable. Inayah has some very beautiful hand drawn art with a unique world and cool looking monsters. The skill tree system is expansive, giving players access to a wide variety of play-styles. I personally like how it has three distinct weapons that feel different, and each has a good amount of customization. That said, you have better options.

One issue I have with the game is with the voice acting. The voice acting is bad, and it distracts from the story. There is a clear attempt at creating a compelling story, but I didn’t have it in me to sit through any of the dialogue. I recommend you play the game with the volume off.

As for the gameplay, its okay, but there is nothing that you should be rushing to play. Especially at this price. It feels smooth, and there is a good amount of jumping puzzles, but its boring. Even when I bought upgrades, there were no abilities or skills that had me excited, and everything feels slow. There was also some noticeable stuttering that never killed me, but made me not want to play the game.

If you love the genre and are looking for a new game for your collection, I would try out the demo first. I think Inaya is one of those games you’ll forget because of the gameplay isn’t interesting enough. Even if you are the type of person that plays every metroidvania, I would wait for the sale. The devs are still working on the game and releasing updates, so there is hope that game will get better. Unfortunately, in its current state, it is hard to recommend because there are simply better options.

You can pick up Inaya – Life after Gods for $24.99 on Steam.

Board Games and TCGs, Uncategorized

Why Alchemy RPG is the Best Virtual Tabletop for Storytelling

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Introduction

I have been running my recent campaign with Alchemy RPG, and I have a few opinions that might prove helpful if you are in the market for a new TTRPG. I have run a DND module and am currently running Mutant RPG. I also bought both modules I’ve used to run my games, but the books were given to me by the publisher to review for my blog. That said, this will be my honest review of the virtual table top.

What is Alchemy RPG

Alchemy RPG is a VTT that aims to enhance games played through theater of the mind. It provides players with not just the rules they need to run their games, but modules with striking visuals and powerful soundscapes to set the mood. The platform has an expanding library of sounds, visuals, and systems to explore, but players have the freedom to run their games with their own media. If you only run your games online, Alchemy does have voice, text, and video chat function. This is great for those who don’t want to have another program open. There are also some nifty features for content creators who like to stream their games online.

Running a game on Alchemy RPG is free. A GM can host up to three games for free, and players can create/import up to three characters. There is a paid subscription service. $8 a month or $88 a year gets you unlimited characters, campaigns and universes. Games can be run from the many available modules that can be purchased in the shop, but there is nothing stopping a game master from programing everything by hand. While GMs can make due without modules, they grant access to resource books, pre-programmed functions and items, and tailored visuals and sounds. It also saves a lot of time.

Review

Alchemy RPG has interesting functions and unique offerings that should be considered when choosing a VTT, especially when running games through theater of the mind. While the game does offer options for battle maps and quick combat, other VTT’s handle combat and battle maps better.

It took me a couple of sessions to start enjoying Alchemy, but it was mostly because I was set in my ways. I have used a few different VTTs trying to find the right home for our games. I look for something that is easy to use, even easier to teach, and has cool features for combat. At least it was at first. As we’ve grown together, combat on a map became less and less important. I enjoy the story telling part of the hobby, and my campaigns saw the shift to theater of the mind.

I made my shift to Alchemy because I wanted a VTT that let me focus on the story telling, gave me access to the rules, but was easy for my players to learn. Alchemy does all of that, and I have the option of running combat on a map if I really want to.

Setting up a campaign in Alchemy is incredibly easy. If you use the modules, you just need the funds to do so. If you have the time, inputting all the rules, creatures, items, and visuals is easy but time consuming.

Onboarding players is incredibly easy. Not everyone at my table is tech savvy, so I always try to find solutions that is the least work. The last thing I want to do is frustrate my players before the game even starts. Character creation is both systems was very easy, especially for my less savvy players. I do like that I can edit character sheets from my end if they ever gets stuck tho.

Running the actual game is great. The moving visuals create a striking backdrop, and the UI is clean and easy to navigate. Clicking through the different menues, switching between characters, and most importantly, rolling is all easy to do. The audio is a little hard to hear, but you can always add your own and at least it isn’t distracting. Most importantly, I love how easy things are to set up, like on the fly encounters, or creating new units or items.

My only complaint is that you still need a rulebook even if you buy the module. I found some of the bock of texts hard to read and navigate, especially when running a prewritten adventure. This might be the font and my dyslexia, but it is a problem I have. It is not undoable, but searching a PDF or flipping through a book is a better experience.

Overall, I love Alchemy because it doesn’t distract from the narrative. Being easy to learns means we can start quickly. Everything being preprogrammed and working properly not only cuts my prep time, it means we spend more time playing the game. If you play tabletop RPGs to create a collective story with your friends, I don’t think there is anything better than Alchemy RPG.

video game reviews

Nif Nif Review: A Family-Friendly Deckbuilding Adventure

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Nif Nif 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-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update every two weeks.

What is Nif Nif?

Nif Nif is the wholesome deckbuidling roguelike you need to buy for your kids.

A mysterious spreads through the forest, contaminating its animals and turning them into monsters. Luckily, Nif Nif knows the cleaning techniques to fight the corruption and save its friends. Build your deck with powerful deck, fight powerful monsters and their bosses, and eat a few tasty snacks along the way. Do you have what it takes to clean up this mess?

Gameplay

The game starts at character selection, which is hard. Players can either play as Nif Nif or Cat. Both characters are unreasonably cute, and the decks play unique with some fun flavor. Players then choose their path to the big boss, building their deck along the way. Like most games of the genre, players choose a node on their path where they can proct combat, a random event, a rest, or shop at the store. Players earn new cards, abilities, and items throughout the run as they build their deck for the final encounter. The card pool for each run is random, so players will never run the same deck twice. A run is over when they run out of health. The run is complete when a player beats the final boss. Players are incentivized to complete multiple runs by chasing unshockable like new cards, abilities, and cosmetics. What makes Nif Nif unique is that the player doesn’t kill enemies. Nif Nif cleans monsters, returning them to their original form and that is both cute and wholesome.

Review

I am so glad Nif Nif was funded when because this game is fantastic, especially if you want to get your kids into deck builders. The art is adorable, the concept is inoffensive, and the gameplay is engaging. It is designed for kids, so the strategy is on the easier side. I like that the difficulty can be adjusted for younger kids, but adults will find the hardest difficulty easy. That sad, I didn’t mind the lack of difficulty. There was still strategy involved, and the cozy vibe made the each run a pleasant and relaxing experience.

I don’t have anything bad to say about this game because it is a solid game, especially if you’re looking for something to play with your kids. I think the difficulty is going to be the deciding factor. If you like something like Slay the Spire, you will appreciate how cute and creative the game gets, but its never going to scratch that need for strategy. That said, the game is engaging enough to earn its attention, and the vibes make it the perfect game for those who want to game, but don’t want a huge commitment.

You can pick up Nif Nif on Steam for $19.99.

Tech Reviews

Is the KiiBoom Phantom98 Worth It? Honest Insights

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Disclaimer

KiiBoom sent me the Phantom98 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 Moonshadow V2 and the Breeze75 if you’re looking for other great Kiiboom Product.

What’s in the Box?

  • Phantom98
  • USB-C to USB-A Braided Cable
  • 2.4 GHz Wireless Dongle
  • Key/Switch Puller Tools
  • Mini Screw Drive
  • 2 Extra Screws
  • 2 Extra Switches
  • User Manual

Sound Test

Features

The Phantom98 is Kiiboom’s stylish full-sized keyboard. The keyboard has 98 keys, which include a function bar and number pad. That means users have access to everything they need in one unique package. The Phantom98 comes in 5 colors: clear, pink, black, blue, and purple. I chose purple, but every color looks good!

The clear keys and case its futuristic design. The design truly comes alive with any of the preset RGB profiles. The RGB can be switched off for those who don’t want the light show, but the presets are so pretty, it’s going to be hard to.

But the Phantom98 is more than just its looks. Its has Bluetooth 5.0 support to eliminate the need for pesky cables, and a 2.5 GHz cable for those who need it. It has a solid wireless connection, but nothing will beat the speed of the included high quality cable. The Ghasket design is adjustable, but the default gives it the satisfying typing sound enthusiasts crave.

The keyboard can switch between Mac and Windows presets, but Mac users will need to buy new caps if they care about that kind of stuff. There is also a nifty volume control dial which is always nice to have. Now the typing angle isn’t adjustable, but the default angle and height is good enough for most cases. If you’re looking for a unique keyboard with a lot of function, you might need the Phantom98.

Review

The Phantom98 is one of the coolest looking keyboards you’ll set on your table. The clear design is so clean and seeing the inner components is very cool. It reminds of the clear gameboy colors from back in the day. Now the keys did take a bit of getting used to. The letters were a little hard to see without the backlight, and they keys felt too smooth. Once I got used to them however, it is really hard using anything else. Something about the smooth feel of the keys just feels right in a way I didn’t know was possible. It also has one of the best typing sounds around. This keyboard made typing a true joy.

As far as performance goes, I didn’t see any issues. The default typing angle was comfortable enough for the very long sessions I tend to have. The wireless and wired connections were all fast and responsive. I don’t play very competitive games, but it handled my Guild Wars 2 grind perfectly. As far as battery life goes, I was getting about 8 hours with the RGB profiles on a single charge.

My only complaint is that the lighting is a little overbearing. The thing glows up like a Christmas tree on your desk. I didn’t mind it, but people are either going to hate or love it based on personal taste. Make sure to check out my sound test video to see what it looks like with the backlight on. Other than that, the Phantom98 is a fantastic keyboard, and perfect for anyone looking for a full-sized keyboard who doesn’t mind the aesthetic. Trust me, this thing looks a lot cooler in person.

You can pick up the Phantom98 on the official KiiBoom website.

Tech Reviews, Uncategorized

Unboxing the KM300: A Hands-On Karaoke Experience

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Disclaimer

Sudotack sent me the KM300 Karaoke machine and the KM03 wired microphone 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’ll be leaving my Amazon Affiliate links where possible. It really helps me out if you use them.

KM300 Unboxing

  • KM300
  • USB-C to USB-A cable
  • User Manual
  • Strap

KM03 Unboxing

Features

The KM300 is a wireless PA speaker system for those who want the Karaoke experience on the go. It features a stylish durable design and comes in three colors: white, black, pink. I got it in white, but all three colors look great.

But it doesn’t just look good. Its 30W subwoofer, 15W tweeters, and 45W speakers promises a loud, clear sound that will fill any room. The two included wireless mics are always at the ready in their built in holders. The speaker has a variety of features to adjust the sound like pitch and reverb control, so you are always sounding your best. Best of all, the KM300 supports a number of different connections to make a versatile media machine.

All of the features on the KM 300 can be enjoyed wirelessly, but users can attached two additional wired mics for those quartets. Media can be played through its easy to link Bluetooth connection, but the KM300 supports HDMI and coax connections. You can also store your music on a USB drive or SD card. Whatever you end up using, media and volume controls are easily accessible on the device for so you aren’t spending the whole party, looking at your phone.

Now it wouldn’t be a proper party without flashing lights. The KM300 has nine preset lighting profiles with adjustable brightness. You can turn this off to extend battery life, but its so pretty, you aren’t going to want to. It’s got a decent enough battery where it shouldn’t matter anyways.

Review

The KM300 is a solid budget speaker. The sound is good enough for most music, especially if you’re outdoors. You aren’t getting deep rich concert sound, but its loud enough for what you need. Trust me, you can do a lot worse at this price range.

The sleek design is clean and well manufactured, and it is light enough for travel with is a huge plus. The strap it comes with feels a little flimsy. While it will do the job, I would swap it out for something sturdier if you’re going to use it a lot. The RBG is a nice touch. The preprogramed profiles are fun, but I like that it can be turned off when needed.

My unit arrived completely dead. This isn’t a deal breaker, but users should note that the device may require an initial charge. One issue that came up is that the device wouldn’t charge no matter what I used. The KM300 does not like fast charging, so make sure you are using chargers that give 9V = 2A / 5V = 2A. Its a bit of a bummer that a charger isn’t included with the device, but its not a deal breaker either. As for the battery life, I was able to get about 6 hours on a single charge, and I didn’t charge it to full. Charging it from completely empty to about 80/90% took about 2 hours though, but you can use the speaker plugged in.

I was not expecting to use much of the Karaoke part, but it is surprisingly a fun little speaker. At least my family enjoyed using it to sing. The sound can be easily adjusted with the on board controls, and the mics have additional features for further customization. It took no tinkering to get a quality sound, and the mics are pretty good. They do feel a little flimsy, but they are light and sound great. They have a good amount of sensitive that can be adjusted. The voice changing is a fun little touch, but we didn’t use that feature much. I also like the built in stand for holding phones or tables. Its subtle and effective.

The wired KM03 microphone is just as good. The cable is a good length, and includes an adapter for versatility. I do prefer the freedom the wireless mics give, but it is nice to have a wired mic if they die or if you have more people who want to sing. You aren’t getting a studio mic at this price, but you are getting a decent and compatible mic for a fun night of karaoke.

If you’re looking for a budget PA Speaker system, this is a solid machine that will get the job done. The KM300 has a clean and simple design, and it gives a descent sound for $50.

You can pick up the KM300 and the KM03 on Amazon using my affiliate link.

Uncategorized, video game reviews

StarVaders: A Unique Deckbuilder Worth Your Wishlist

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Disclaimer

I was sent an early copy of StarVaders to preview for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, this will be my honest impressions. I also understand the game isn’t finished, so I’ll be a bit more lenient with my criticism.

Shameless Self-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update every two weeks.

What is StarVaders?

StarVaders is a scifi-themed roguelike deckbuilder coming to steam on April 30th. There is a demo available if you don’t want to wait.

Aliens have invaded Earth, and you are the only one that stands in their way. Take up arms in your mech as you fend off against endless waves of alien invaders and their powerful bosses. Travel the world to collect new attacks and abilities to build the most powerful deck. Earn upgrades and abilities that will make you the hero the world needs. Can you save the world, or will you become another pile of burning scrap heap?

Gameplay

Players will choose their mech ad pilot, and fly to the parts of the world that needs them most. Like most games in the genre, players choose between nodes of encounters that help them build up their decks for an epic final battle. What makes StarVaders unique is its movement mechanics.

StarVaders is played is played on a grid. Players must use their decks to maneuver across the grid, and complete the objectives. Players have access to attack and ability cards like other games in the genre, but they also have movement cards. Finding the right balance between the types is key. Having too many attack attack or movement cards means players are wasting a turn doing nothing.

To play a card, players have access to a limited resource system, known as heat. Cards are played by paying its heat cost. What makes this system unique is that players can spend more than their available heat resistance. Doing so ends the turn immediately and burns up the card. Burned up cards go back into the deck, and clog up the hand. This creates such a cool interaction where players need to efficiently burn up cards to maximize damage while also increasing the chances of drawing into a dead hand.

Most importantly, the game features unlockables to work towards, and a couple different pilots to change up the gameplay. If you enjoy deck builders, this StarVaders should be in your Wishlist.

Impressions

If this game out today in its current state, I would still recommend it to everyone. StarVaders is the most fun you’ll have with a deck builder this year. If it isn’t already on your Wishlist, it should be. StarVaders is a day one game, and it deserves all the attention.

The game looks great. It has a fun cartoon aesthetic and cool scifi flavor. The cards and interactions are creative, and a lot of fun. I particularly like how each deck feels unique and changes up the gameplay enough to give it variety. Best of all, it is the perfect steam deck game. The controls are works well, the aspect ration is perfect, and the game is chill enough to be enjoyed anywhere.

If you need a bit more convincing, make sure you check out the demo and get hyped for April 30. Don’t forget to Wishlist!