I was sent PopSlinger 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 of the game. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!
PopSlinger is a retro style shoot ’em up side scroller out now for Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC. I got to play the Xbox version. You are a magical girl on a quest so save the world with your magic soda-pop powers. Fight your way through sinister invaders in a colorful and vibrant adventure. Do you have what it takes to get save the world and get the high score?
Gameplay
The game is a simple and colorful 2D shooter. You move through a mob-infested city and clear the world of its invaders. What gives the game its complexity is its combo system. The game rewards players for shooting four creatures of the same color by granting them temporary power-ups. Players can get a shield, a double shot, or summon Gin to shoot at enemies randomly. Shooting eight of the same color grants players a heal, but healing comes with a point penalty.
Unless you’re trying to earn the highest scores and perfect rank, powerups are useless. Gin would often break my combo, and the other powerups didn’t affect the gameplay enough to be worth the trouble. I stopped chasing combos pretty early on, but I also got the worst scores in the game. You should play the game as intended.
Thoughts
I enjoyed PopSlinger a lot more than I thought I would. It has a loud colorful aesthetic, a fun quirky story, a fantastic soundtrack, a solid cast of voice actors, and a fun gameplay loop.
I am a huge fan of the game’s colorful retro vibe. It is a clear nostalgic callback, and I am here for it. It has a cute and fun art style that makes it impossible to hate the game. The story isn’t filled with expansive lore, but it is fun and quirky. I loved the tone, and its cast of voice actors made listening to the cutscenes enjoyable.
The gameplay loop is incredibly relaxing and fun. Despite how cute the game looks, there was enough of a challenge to keep me engaged. Enemies had a decent variety, and boss fights were creative and challenging. I definitely wasn’t good enough to keep the combos alive or get close to a high score, but I had a lot of fun playing through the chill side-scroller this game became.
The game does get repetitive after a while, and trying for the combos can feel tedious after a while. This isn’t a game I could play until completion, but it is a game I’ll be returning to from time to time for its cozy change of pace and fun aesthetic.
If you are a fan of retro arcade side scroller, PopSlinger is a solid title to add to your collection. It is a cute, fun, and relaxing time with options to make it more competitive. You can pick up your copy of PopSlinger for Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC for $14.99.
Savior of Chaos just dropped for Battle Spirits Saga, and the set looks amazing. I love the flavor of some of these monsters. I bet they look even better in person. Check with your LGS for events and product. If that isn’t an option, you can get your Savior of Chaos booster boxes, singles, or any other Battle Spirits product on TCG Player using my affiliate links. If you need something to keep your cards safe like bags, sleeves, or deck boxes, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount code churapereviews10 for 10% off your purchase.
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Grand Archive regionals were this weekend, and it was a good time. The casters were fun to watch, and it was a good way to keep up with the meta. If you’re trying to pick up Grand Archive or just enjoy the competitive TCG scene, I recommend you watch the VOD or catch it live next time.
I know not everyone is excited about the competitive scene, but we did get some spoilers for the upcoming set, Mercurial Heart. The art for this set is incredible, and I for one can’t wait to see what these cards can do. We got four artworks teased during the event, and I’ve gathered them for your convenience.
Spoilers
Mercurial Hearts releases on May 17, so lets start getting hyped! Make sure you check my other posts for additional product announcements!
If you’re interested in Grand Archive, join the official Discord for all the news, and to find some new friends to play with. Don’t forget to check with your LGS for a local scene and product. You can also pick up shop for Grand Archive, like the new Alchemical Revolutionset, on TCG Player by using my affiliate link. And if you need accessories, get them over at Gem Tech. Use discount code churapereviews10 for 10% off your order. It really helps me out.
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The official Tales From The Loop Alchemy module is live on the marketplace, and in celebration, StartPlaying is hosting A Weekend in the Loop! Players from around the world wanting to join a game run by experienced and vetted game masters should take advantage of the event. StartPlaying is a site that connects players with professional Gamemasters. Sessions are paid, but steps have been taken to eliminate any guesswork that would go into finding some random on the internet. The event runs from March 7 – 10. There are seats available as of writing this.
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Alchemy RPG is a VTT that aims to enhance the focus on the story rather than combat through ambient sounds, music, visuals, and easy-to-use system integration. While DMs and players can upload their content to the platform to use freely, Alchemy RPG sells specially designed modules for its systems. Alchemy works closely with publishers to produce high-quality animated images and immersive soundscapes for these modules that are sure to bring your next story to the next level.
The platform also has an integrated voice chat function, end-user customization, and most importantly, it is easy to use.
The Alchemy Module
The emphasis on storytelling makes Alchemy RPG an excellent VTT for running a Tales From the Loop Campaign. There is no combat in the system. The focus of the RPG is to create this collaborative adventure with your friends. I’ve messed around a bit with the module, and am impressed with what it can do. Full disclosure, I did receive a copy of the module for free, but that doesn’t affect my options.
The VTT is easy to learn, which is important when you’re bringing people from different backgrounds to the table. I run games for a table of busy dads, and they don’t have the time to learn anything complicated. Simplicity is crucial for my pitch, and Alchemy RPG does it beautifully. I appreciate that moving parts like images and soundscapes are cool and impressive, but they aren’t distracting.
Most importantly, I like the convenience of the module. All the core rules and mechanics are preprogrammed, and I can easily pull and reference rules as needed. If you’re running a prewritten adventure, everything you need to run it is ready and neatly organized. Programing homebrew or anything outside of the modules doesn’t seem too tricky, but as a busy Dad myself, I appreciate not having to do it.
What is Tales From the Loop
I’ve done a post on the Tales From the Loop where I go into more detail that you should read if you have time. Tales From the Loop is essentially Stranger Things. In this alternate 80 timeline, technology has advanced unprecedently. Governments around the world race for supremacy, but there is a cost. In the small towns near these research facilities, strange things start to spring up. Only the kids in these sleepy boring towns seem to notice, and it is up to them to uncover what is going on. Gather your friends on a mystery adventure you’ll never forget.
The game doesn’t have combat or death, and the focus of the system is to create this collaborative narrative together. This means it can be a bit more roleplay-heavy than the typical RPG, but that isn’t always a bad thing. I’ve been playing with my current group for a couple of years now, and we’ve come a long way from the murder hobos we used to be. While I don’t think we’re ready for Tales From the Loop, we’re getting there. I recommend you check it out, it might surprise you how much you want it at your table.
I was sent Slave Zero X for free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions of the game. This will be my honest review. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!
Our friends at Ziggurat Interactive have brought back the 1999 classic in a modern format that fans will appreciate. Slave Zero X is a cyberpunk hack-n-slash game out now for Xbox, Playstation, and PC via Steam and GoG. The Switch version comes out sometime this year.
In the bowls of the Megacity, Shou plots his revenge against the false god that runs it. He fuses with the Prototype Biomech Embryo X who shares his sentiment. Now they must fight their way through the city to extinguish the rot that plagues it. Will they see their retribution realized?
Gameplay
Slave Zero X is a fantastic retro-style hack-n-slash side scroller made modern. The controls feel great, the combat is challenging enough to be engaging, and the boss fights are creative. This is a game that rewards players for mastering its mechanics. Being efficient in your combos, dodges, and parries not only gets you a better score, but it means you’ll die a lot less. I never mastered the mechanics, but I had a lot of fun trying.
Review
Slave Zero X is an awesome retro experience without the clunkiness and limitations of retro gaming. This game is beautiful, and I almost want to urge you to try it to appreciate its aesthetic. The game has a beautiful and brutal pixel art style, and the way the city comes to life in the game is simply breathtaking. I appreciate everything that went into making the Megacity feel so large such as its effective use of space and scale, the loud ambient sounds of a busy city, and the movement that made the city feel alive.
The character design is marvelous and builds a unique and memorable world. Its soundtrack will keep you hyped, even when you’re losing to the same boss. Most importantly, Slave Zero X has a solid story with memorable characters, a solid pacing, and fantastic voice actors.
Gameplay is where the game will earn most of its love because the game is fun, but it is challenging. If you aren’t good at your combos, you’re going to have a rough time. I’m sure it’s possible to button-mash through most of this game, but it’s a lot better if you know what you’re doing. There is a practice mode available for players who need it.
The only real issue I had with this game was its performance. I experienced a few crashes through my runs, and the game became unstable when recording. It never got to the point where I couldn’t finish the game, but you might need to mess with the settings to avoid some of the more game-breaking issues. Other than that, I enjoyed the retro ride, and hope I can get more chances to play these kinds of games in the future.
If you’re a fan of the original Slave Zero or the retro hack-n-slash era, this is a solid addition to your library. You can pick up your digital copy of Slave Zero X on Xbox, PlayStation 5, Steam, and GoG for $24.99. If you want a hard copy of the game, you can preorder copies for PlayStation, and Switch on Amazon using my affiliate links. They also have copies of the Calamety edition for PS5 and Switch if you want the extra goodies. The physical release is May 17.
I finally caught up. Work got crazy, but I finally found some time to catch up. I want to thank everyone who’s been reading my version. I hope I did okay. Make sure you always read the original. I am done for now, but we’ll see what they announce on Digimon Day.
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Fenriloogamon and Kazuchimon watch as Dorugoramon’s body breaks and melts into an unrecognizable blob of liquid. It wriggles painfully as it continues to download the massive amounts of data from the Source Digimon.
They jump into the air. Fenril readies his hellfire blades, and Kazuchimon’s lighting blades release hot static as they watch what is left of Dorugoramon disappear below them.
“It’s like the time we Digivolved into Helloogarmon,” Eiji says.
They continue to watch in silence as the blob continues to mutate, rebuilding and reforming itself into something entirely alien. Into a new type of Digimon.
Character design/illustration illustrator: malo
A menacing metallic dragon rises from the corpse of Dorugoramon. Thick black and purple metal plates cover its body. Its sharp claws dig into the earth as it makes its first stretch in life, testing its limits. It straitens its body and expands its wings to reveal its entire gargantuan form. Its massive tail crashes behind it, leaving behind a deep impression of the impact. The Digimon turns its head towards the Digimon above it and gives a sinister smile of fangs that glisten brighter than its armor.
“Impressed?” the professor asks mischievously. “I’ve used data from the Source Digimon to force one last digivolution. What you see is a product of Death-X-Evolution. This is DexDorugoramon, the DigiCore Predator!”
“Death-X? Predator?” Eiji asks, trying to piece it all together.
“It eats other Digimon?” Leon adds.
Before they could say another word, DexDorugoramon flaps all ten of its wings, creating a torrent of damp, sickly air that swirls around the Source Domain.
Eiji studies the strange new Digimon below him and notices its pained movements. Something was off. This was no longer Kosuke’s partner.
“What did you do to Dorumon?!” Eiji shouts.
“Fascinating! Do you notice something special about this Digimon Mr. Nagasumi?”
Eiji struggles to formulate an answer. None of the reports on his screen produce any helpful information. “Are..are those multiple Digicores?” he finally blurts out.
“Exactly!” You’ve got keen Eyes. Now why would a Digimon have multiple Digicores?” the professor continues as if giving a lecture.
“You didn’t answer my question!” Eiji demands.
The professor sighs. “Dorumon is safe. All its major functions have been paused, but it’s in there. Death-X-evolution offers DexDorugoramon new life as an Undead type, a Digimon that survives by making use of the Digicores of others.”
“Like a zombie?” Eiji lets out.
“More like the perfect zombie. This creature has consumed and stored the data of countless others, and it is bursting at the seams. The only thing holding it together is the armor, and can hardly keep up. Isn’t it marvelous?” The professor explains gleefully. “Death-X-evolution is a digivolution en route to death.”
“Dorumon is dying?”
“You’re missing the point! DexDorugoramon is now the closest to the Source Digimon. This is the purest expression of digivolution!” The professor cackles as he admires his discovery. “This is my masterpiece!”
METAL IMPULSE
Fenriloogamon and Kazuchimon attempt to jump out of the way, but the attack is too swift. It connects with Fenriloogamon. Eiji feels the shockwave of agony run down his body. He almost passes out from the pain. Around him, the monitors flash with errors and warnings.
“So this is just a third of the Source Digimon’s power?” Eiji mutters in despair.
Hellfire clings to the earth surrounding Fenriloogamon. It slowly loses its vigor. Fenriloogamon had erected a wall of fire in a futile attempt to stop the attack, but the flames had no effect. This creature before them was too powerful.
“If he manages to fully decrypt the source code, it’s game over,” Eiji manages to say.
“No kidding,” Loen responds. Both friends brace for the next attack.
“I should mention that the creature isn’t even under my control anymore,” the professor says smugly as he raises his hands over his head. “DexDorugoramon is completely autonomous, acting on its own insticts. Isn’t it phenomenal! Now all I need is your Loogamon and Ryudamon to make it complete.”
DORU-Din
The attack makes no sound as it erases a piece of the source domain. Eiji turns to find a section of the stone circle missing and begins to panic. “This is real bad!”
“How..?” Leon tries to find words to respond but can’t. The Digimon’s quick reflexes allowed them to dodge the attack, but there was no guarantee they could do it again.
“You have to get out of here Eiji,” Leon says sternly.
“What are you talking about?” Eiji snaps.
“If DexDorugoramon Eats you and Fenriloogamon, it’s all over.”
Eiji knew Loen was right, but he wasn’t ready to let himself sacrifice himself again.
“You’re afraid too Leon, I can hear it in your voice.”
Leon flashes a nervous smile. “This whole thing is scary.”
“Leon..”
“I’ve made up my mind. You searched for me until you found me, so I’m going to fight to protect you.”
“No!” Eiji shouts. Fenriloogamon’s fur begins to stand.
“What?”
“I’m not waiting around helplessly while I lose you again.”
Fenriloogamon lets out a howl that shakes the entire Source Domain. DexDorugoramon’s wings perk up at the sound.
“You ready Leon?” Fenriloogamon turns to Kazuchimon. Leon hesitates for a moment as good memories of the professor hit him suddenly. He lets out a sad sigh as he shakes them away. “I guess there’s no talking you out it.”
Kazuchimon transforms into a massive blade of lightning.
FUSION
Character design/illustration illustrator: malo
Fenriloogamon: Takemikazuchi stares down DexDorugoramon. Blue flames and green sparks jump from its body, scorching at the world around it. It clutches at its magical sword as it braces for its final battle.
So this is how much you’ve come to despise me?” the professor asks in a last-ditch effort to earn sympathy.
“You’ve gone too far. I cannot hold my head high and live with pride until I’ve bested you,” they reply.
Warning lights begin to flash around Eiji. There was nothing they could do. It was all or nothing now.
“So be it,” the professor bellows. “I’ll consume you all. Your efforts, your dreams, your future, its all going to be meaningless!”
DexDorugoramon’s wings open and form a massive maw, ready to consume Fenriloogamon. “I will crush you!”
“Shut up!” the shout as Fenriloogamon redies its blade for one final strike. In a flash that was faster than light, they disappeared.
I started opening packs of Akora on a series I am doing on my TikTok and YouTube. I wanted to open a booster pack of a random TCG as motivation and a way to catalog my progress. I started with Akora because I found a booster box of Spellbound Wings1st edition for cheap. The more I opened the box, the more I wanted to learn about it.
I’ve sat through the learn-to-play event on their official Discord and have even started reading through the Manga. I enjoy the art and I think the gameplay loop is interesting. If you want to learn how to play Akora, check out the instructional video on the Akora TCG Youtube:
There’s also a booklet you can read on the official website, but I’ll leave it here for your convenience:
Last night, more spoilers for the upcoming World Beyond were posted and I am hyped for the set. The art looks so good, and I thought I’d share to muster up more excitement! Purple is still my favorite color, but the other colors have some interesting stuff going on. I just hope I’m not broke and can make it to a prerelease. These seem to be special full arts that you are going to have to chase, but I’m about ready to throw some money I don’t have at this problem.
Conclusion
I’m impressed so far and can’t wait to see more. Check your LGS if they carry Akora or run events. If that’s not an option, the official Discord is pretty active with passionate fans ready for a game. If you want to pick up any Akora, like their latest set Eternal Echoes, pick it up on TCG Player. And if you’re need a place to store your cards like deck boxes, back packs, or other accessories, get it over at GemTech. Use my discount code churapereviews10 for 10% off your purchase.
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In a bit of a nostalgic shock, I’ve discovered that there is a Runescape ttrpg and board game available now! Runescape was my first MMO and a very influential phase in my gaming history. I still go back to Runescape from time to time to relive some of that nostalgia, but nothing will ever beat being a poor kid in the library, grinding levels with my friends. Now it is time to take this nostalgia to the tabletop in a pair of games you’re going to want to add to your collection.
The games come to us from the good folks over at Steamforged Games, who have steadily been building their repertoire of excellent licensed games over the years. They’ve got well-known titles such as DARK SOULS, Monster Hunter, and Resident Evil, but have also seen success in their own IPs like Bardsung, Epic Encounters, and Animal Adventures. With a catalog this good, I have faith in their Runescape line of products.
RuneScape the Roleplaying Game
RuneScape Kingdoms: The Roleplaying Game promises to capture the spirit of the source material in a streamlined 1-5 player experience. The book takes players and GMs to the world of Gielinor and gives them the tools they need to run a successful campaign. There is a crafting, magic, and prayer system as you see with the MMO and a bestiary full of enemies and bosses to fill your next adventure.
The game uses a 3d6 system, which is always a nice change of pace. The game seems pretty easy to learn, but to put it simply, you roll your dice and pray. You can check out the official Steamworks video for a more detailed dive into the book.
The corebook is 200 pages and comes in a standard hardcover edition and a beautiful collectors edition. If you’re looking for a new fantasy RPG with a detailed mechanic and a whole lot of nostalgia, you might want to pick up RuneScape Kingdoms
RuneScape the Board Game
In RuneScape Kingdoms: The Shadow of Elvarg is a 1-5 cooperative narrative game where players work together on iconic quests from the video game. Fight monsters, complete side quests, and do a lot of crafting. This unique board game experience allows players to build their characters however they want, regardless of the miniature you choose. That means you aren’t tied down by the preconstructed archetypes you see in other games and only limited by your imagination. The game looks fun, the minis look like they’re good quality, and there seems gaming included in the box. Check out the official Steamforge dive for more, and pick up your copy today!
The Drakantos devs just dropped their February Dev log, and I am hyped! We still don’t have a release date, but we get closer every month. There is a lot to be excited about, but make sure you read the official log. Make sure you join the growing community of anticipating on Discord, and show some love to the developers by adding Drakantos to your wishlist on Steam.
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Ojore Teaser
Brawlers rejoice with this heavy-hitting, earth bending, hero. Ojore hits hard, and those dashes are bound to set up some amazing plays in PvP. The voice acting is also pretty spectacular. He is a little too close-quarters for me, but I can see the potential.
Ranked PVP Confirmed
Whatever you may think of PvP, it is important for the health of the game. PVP will be 3v3 arena-style matches which is perfect for a mobile game. The devs intend to make a PvP experience that is more skill-reliant than gear, but we will have to wait for release. We do know there is a ranking system for those of you who need the incentive.
The Preset System
In an interesting bit of news, the developers have worked on implementing a preset system. Players will be able to save four distinct load-outs on each character so they can easily switch to an appropriate build for a desired activity. This is such a cool and generous quality-of-life feature that I welcome with open arms.
Boss Fights!
This month marked the completion of 16 boss fights, with two more coming soon. It is safe to say that every hero will work as a boss for the game, and I can’t wait to see teasers for the actual fights. I’m interested to see how creative they get with the moves and mechanics.
Ozul Boss Fight
Pet Contest Winners
Last month the developers asked the community to submit their ideas for in-game pets, and the winners have been chosen. Congratulations to all the winners, but it is really cool to see such an excited and involved community. I hope the Devs continue this type of engagement with their players.
More Sneak Peaks
Finally, we got a lot more visuals and previews for the game. WE got to see a sneak peak of the Guild Hall, some more mounts and animation, and a better look at the UI. I’ve been following this game for a while now, and I get more excited with each bit of news. I can’t wait for an open beta! Until then, enjoy the last bits of visuals from the Dev Log and don’t forget to add Drakantos to your wishlist!
The Guild HallThe UIThe Donkey!More Mount Animation
In honor of Pokémon Day,the Pokémon Company has released a special Pokémon Presents where they have made a few exciting announcements. While I am sure there are some disappointed fans out there, there is a bit of news that I am very hopeful about. I’m only covering the news that I am most excited about, but you should check out the whole event for anything I skip.
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Pokemon Horizons: The Series
While I was very sad for Ash and Pikachu’s adventure to end, I am very excited for the upcoming anime. Pokémon always makes for comforting anime, and we can always use a little comfort in our lives. Pokémon Horizons: The Series premiers on Netflix on March 7, so let the countdown begin!
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket
The most exciting announcement for me was the Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket coming sometime this year on Android and IOS devices. Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket looks like a gotcha version of the TCG. Players can open two packs a day for free, which suggests you can buy more through either an in-game currency or real money. This does raise some flags as the game can become predatory quickly, but I am not too worried. The game comes from the folks who brought us Masters, and Masters didn’t feel bad when I played it. I don’t think it will be as generous as PTCGL, but I doubt it will be as bad as Unite.
The idea of the game is to have players crack packs, and build a community around it. Players can build their collections, trade with friends and people around the world, and battle others. The idea of building a community around collecting Pokémon cards is always exciting, I just hope they don’t make it impossible to complete a set without spending hundreds of dollars.
The quick battles are what interests me the most about this app. The game promises a more streamlined gameplay with the convenience of being able to play anywhere. While I am worried about the pay-to-win potential of PVP, anything that brings people into the hobby is fine by me.
Pokémon isn’t the most complicated TCG, but I’ve seen people be intimidated by all its moving parts. Having a streamlined version of the game gets people excited about the game without overwhelming them. Depending on the gameplay, Pocket may be able to bring casual collectors into the space and turn them into players.
What makes Pocket unique is that it will introduce new art and animation of cards so that players and collectors can interact with the hobby in a unique way. Pocket introduces “immersive cards” which allow players to leap into the illustration. Again, I hope they make these easy to collect, but as a casual collector, I am excited.
I wonder if this is Pokémon answer to Heartsone? I wonder how much GOTCHA is involved? There are still a lot of questions about the game, and I’ll have to see more before I can form any impressions, but I am excited for now.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
The teaser for Pokémon Legends: Z-A is vague, but I know Lumiose City anywhere. It seems like the next Legends game is taking place entirely in Lumiose City. X and Y are my favorite generation. I put too many hours into the game, and I am excited to go back. All we can do is speculate until the next announcement, but I am excited! The game launches sometimes next year on the Nintendo Switch.
