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video game reviews

Rhya’s Crusade Review: Retro Action Meets Hentai

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Rhya’s Crusade: The Aradia’s Reavers 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. This is an adult game with adult themes and nudity. You’ve been warned.

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag, Cypher81 or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. If you’re looking for a VPN for some added protection, check out NordVPN through my affiliate link. You can also always buy me coffee!

What is Rhya’s Crusade: The Aradia’s Reavers?

Rhya’s Crusade is a faithful nod to the classic action packed platformers like Contra or Megaman, but with a bit more nudity and sex.

The evil Demon Princess Aradia wants to take over the Galaxy, and it is up to one quirky archeologist to stop her. Equipped with the most advanced weapons and tech, Rhya must travel across an alien land, and fighting off the endless waves of her demon army. There are over six levels to explore, 7 bosses to defeat, and a bit of hentai in between. Can you master the weapons and unlock everything that needs to be unlocked, or will you be doomed to repeat the same levels without the sweet satisfaction?

Gameplay

Rhya is a love letter to the retro action platformer of the day. Players will travel across interesting lands, fighting off waves of enemies, and fighting their bosses with limited resources and health. Players will unlock new weapons and skills as they explore, and there is a fair amount of lore hidden throughout the levels. If you enjoy the art, and don’t mind the hentai, there is a bit of saucy content to unlock through gameplay. Dying however does mean starting the level over, and players will die a lot by design.

Review

Rhya’s Crusade: The Aradia’s Reavers is an incredibly niche game with a certain audience in mind. If you enjoy the difficulty of classic retro action platformers, and don’t mind all the hentai, you will enjoy this game.

Aesthetically, this game is great. The pixel art is solid, the monster design is interesting, and the world is vibrant and alien. There is also a great sound track to take you through the adventure. As far as gameplay goes, Rhya is the perfect love letter an important era in gaming history. The movement is snappy and responsive, the attacks are interesting, and the difficulty keeps things engaging. The difficulty will feel unfair to those uninitiated, but it isn’t impossible. You can lower the difficulty, but that means losing out on some saucy content. Unlocking things in this game feel like an achievement, but it also isn’t going to be for everyone.

The biggest issue I have with the game is that the hentai bits make it impossible to play in public. the death scene is very pornographic, and you are going to die a lot. All the unlockable content is also porn, so I wouldn’t play this around kids (or let your kids play this either). If you don’t mind the hentai, and some of it will be triggering, the gameplay isn’t bad. I wasn’t good at it, and it wasn’t for me, but it fills its niche well.

You can pick up Rhya’s Crusade: The Aradia’s Reavers on Steam for $14.99, but make sure you check out the Demo first.

Other TCGs

I Tried the CookieRun Braverse TCG and Loved it!

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Intro

CookieRun: Braverse has officially dropped, and while it may not be too widespread, I was fortunate to have a store that carries it nearby. CookieRun: Braverse for those who don’t know is a TCG based on the adorable mobile IP now owned by Kakao games. It features adorable gingerbread cookie characters and a simple yet engaging gameplay loop. I picked up a bit of product because the art is very cute, and I had someone to play with.

How to Play

The game is very simple to pick up. The onboarding is easier than a lot of other TCGs out there because the intention is to get kids to play. That should not discourage older players from picking up Braverse TCG. To learn learn, the official website has a fantastic interactive tutorial that teaches people the fundamentals. You can also check out the official tutorial video.

Review

I want to give a shoutout the LGS that let us break our box and play our games even though they don’t carry Braverse (yet). Always support your LGS, especially if you have cool folks like the ones who let me test out the game and made me feel at home even when I was only visiting.

I bought a booster box and picked up a couple of the starter decks. As far as sealed product goes, Brave Beginning is a fantastic product to rip open. Full disclosure, ALWAYS buy the singles you want or need. You will never make money gambling on packs. That said, we had a lot of fun breaking packs. The art is so cute, and getting the special art was satisfying. As a collector, I am happy with my pulls and now I want more. The card quality is fantastic. The cardstock does feel a little on the thinner side, and there is some slight warping, but it was nothing too concerning. All the cards were properly cut with very well printed images and legible type. The art is incredibly cute. The foil effects are great, and the special full arts are very cool in person. If you are trying to collect an adorable game, it doesn’t get better.

We tried the purple and yellow starter decks, and both felt pretty even. Out of the box, they offer a great onboarding experience. It is simple enough for players to grasp the gameplay loop and fundamental mechanics, but you are going to want to upgrade the decks. I recommend picking up at least two copies of the color you want to run so you can run 4 of some of the rarer cards. I think the colors are pretty even. If you want to try out, the decks are cheap and are the best place to start.

As far as the gameplay goes, I love CookieRun Braverse. This is one of my favorite games, and I really hope that it catches on. First of all, this is one of the easiest TCGs to get into. Learning the mechanics is easy to teach and learn, and the interactions do not get too complicated. They nailed the new user experience with Brave Beginning. The hardest part about getting other people into the TCGs I like is the complexity. Most of my friends don’t play many board games, and there is always the risk of losing them when the rules get too complicated. With Braverse, once the game starts flowing, it is only matter of memorizing the flow and reading the cards.

The game itself is incredibly fun and engaging. While the game is clearly targeting kids, there is enough depth to it to make it fun and engaging. I was having so much fun that I didn’t realize I had been sitting at that store for three hours playing starter decks. We did spice up our decks with the packs we opened after a couple of games, but the game is fun with out of the box starter decks. The same can’t be said for every TCG.

My only problem with this game is that it is new and niche. Not many stores run it. There isn’t really a local scene at the store I got the product from. I have this product, but no where to take it too and that is a huge problem.

If you want to play a fun cute TCG, CookieRun Braverse is a fantastic game that deserves a lot more attention. You have cute cookies battling for dominance, and it doesn’t get better than that. If you are still on the fence, pick up a couple of the starter decks and get ready to spend all your money on the game. This is a great game to get your kids into the space, and an even better game to get those who have little interest in TCGs. There is no fan service, no complicated mechanics or long paragraphs of text. Braverse is just cute clean fun that you need to try at least once.

Check with your LGS to see if they can get you some CookieRun, otherwise you’ll have to settle for Ebay.

Tech Reviews

Why the Mechlands Vibe 99 is a Great Budget Mechanical Keyboard

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Disclaimer

Mechlands sent me the Vibe 99 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 Vibe 75 V2 and the Blade 101. I will also be using my Amazon and Mechlands affiliate link where possible. It really helps me out if you use either.

What’s in the box?

  • Vibe 99 Mechanical Keyboard
  • USB-C to USB-A Braided Cable
  • 2.4G Dongle
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • User Manual

Features

The Vibe 99 is a 98% Gasket mounted mechanical keyboard. It has 100 keys supported by the hotswapable cream mint switches. The keyboard comes in black and white, with a vibrant south facing RGB profile to make it pop against any backdrop.

The Vibe 99’s gimick is the small LCD display that shows the date, time, connection and battery life. It can also be customized with a Gif or image for added flare. The gasket mounted design not only gives the keyboard its clacky sound, but it gives users a comfortable experience. The typing angle is adjustable for the ideal typing angle. Most importantly, it supports fast wireless connections through its Bluetooth and wireless connections. With its 4000mAh battery, users will hardly need to reach for the included high quality braided wire.

Soundtest

Review

If you are looking for a good full-sized keyboard, the Mechlands Vibe 99 is a fantastic option. Out of the box, users can appreciate a well manufactured keyboard with a clean and modern design. I got the white/blue version and love the soft-toned aesthetic. The keyboard is lite, and while there is a little flex, it looks sturdy enough to survive normal workloads.

As the typing experience goes, users are getting a solid mechanical keyboard with soft creamy sounding keys and a comfortable fit for most frames. The switches are very soft, yet give off the satisfying clack that I long for in my mechanical keyboard. Most importantly, they didn’t destroy my hands. I could power through long typing sessions without triggering my repetitive stress injury of feeling much fatigue. It may not be a strictly ergonomic keyboard, but it is as close as you’ll get for the price point.

The Vibe 99 performed well for my workflow. I was able to get about 10 hours of continuous use from a single charge with all the lights and effects on. I can only assume I can get a lot longer with everything off, but this thing is too pretty to keep off. None of the keys failed during my testing, nor did I experience any ghosting. I don’t play very competitive games, and fine with my casual collection.

The only thing I would change is the Vibe 99 is the LCD screen. I would have preferred volume/media controls. Having a screen with the date and time is fun for the first few minutes, but then I sort of forgot about it. If you are someone who likes to customize keyboards with gifs for bit of fun, then it becomes a bit more worth it. Customizing the screen is easy, it just wasn’t for me. That said, I would still buy this keyboard because it is a very solid budget keyboard.

If you are looking for a full sized good looking keyboard that is comfortable and performs well, check out the Mechlands Vibe 99. You can pick it up from the official Mechlands shop, or an Amazon with my affiliate links.

video game reviews

Is Bullet: Surge Worth Your Time? Gameplay Insights

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Bullet: Surge 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 latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag, Cypher81 or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. If you’re looking for a VPN for some added protection, check out NordVPN through my affiliate link.

What is Bullet: Surge?

If you are familiar with the board game of the same name, now you can enjoy an automated experience with a neat animation, a fantastic soundtrack, and beautiful art. This fast paced puzzle game allows players to wield the unique powers as they build combos, explore the different heroines, and climb that leaderboard. Play solo as you try to get the high score in endless, or try to beat powerful bosses in boss mode. There is also an online PvP mode where you can battle it out against other fans of the game. What mode will you master?

Gameplay

The game offers a really good tutorial for people unfamiliar with the board game. Those familiar with the board game will appreciate the automation, and enjoy the faster pace. This is a game that you need to see and play for yourself to understand, but I will do my best. Players shoot different colored bullets randomly on a grid to generate action points. They use those action points to rearrange the bullets on a grid to perform abilities. Each heroine has a unique set of abilities that come in a form of a template, shapes that fit onto the grid. These templates will have specific requirements that need to be filled in order to activate. Once a player arranges the bullets to fit the requirements of template, it sets off the ability and sometimes removes bullets from the grid. If the gird fills, the player looses life until they hit zero and the game is over. It is a very simple looking game that will take some time to master, but it is such a rush when you figure things out.

Review

This game is an addition I did not plan on having. It took me a couple of tries to grasp the mechanics (I’ve never played the board game), but I am so glad I did. Right off the bat, the artwork is amazing. I love the vibrant colors and the character design. The soundtrack is amazing, and kept me hyped even when I was losing. As far as gameplay goes, everything runs smooth on PC. It does feel a little awkward on the Steam Deck, but nothing a couple of updates can’t fix.

Overall, Bullet: Surge is a fantastic puzzle game. The amount of strategy required kept me engaged, and the timer kept the intensity. I enjoyed both of the Solo modes, but I wasn’t good enough to try multiplayer. I enjoyed Endless mode because there was nothing to attack me and I could chill, even though I had to mind a timer. I enjoyed Boss mode because of the unique combat mechanics it implements. If you are enjoy puzzle games, this game is worth it for just the solo modes, but the PvP side is a nice bonus for the more competitive gamer.

There are some rules and mechanics that aren’t as nuanced. The tutorial does a good job at teaching players the mechanics, but game will take some time to get used to. If you try this game and don’t like because you don’t get it, take a break, watch a video tutorial, and try again. Once you start grasping even the fundamentals of this game, it becomes more than worth it.

Make sure you pick up Bullet: Surge on Steam for $15.99, and check out the demo if you need a bit more convincing.

video game reviews

Striving for Light Review: A Unique Blend ARPG You Need to Try

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Striving for Light 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 latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag, Cypher81 or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. If you’re looking for a VPN for some added protection, check out NordVPN through my affiliate link.

What is Striving for Light?

Striving for light is a roguelike RPG that lets you build your own skill tree.

Travel through stylized dungeons as you fight off monsters and their bosses, collect loot and upgrades, and unlock new powers and characters. With an endless amount of possibilities, players are promised a build that fits their playstyle. What secrets will you uncover? What upgrades will you unlock? Jump in and find out!

Gameplay

Striving for Light is a like if Diablo had a baby with Vampire Survivor, and it kind of works. Players fight through different dungeons, grinding for XP and mats for upgrades, and occasionally finding rare loot. The twin stick shooter mechanics for combat give the game its casual feel, but its deep and customizable skill tree give the game its depth. As players level, they can start buying nodes on a skill tree to customize their character. Nodes can be changed and added with gems found as random drops. Players can easily get lost in the intricacies of the skill tree, but there is definitely enough room for fun.

Review

I almost gave up on this game, but I am glad I stuck with it. While the artstyle is fantastic and flavorful, the game feels very clunky. Combat also feels stiff at first. The problem was that I was treating it like a survivorlike instead of the ARPG that it actually is. Once I started being smarter about my grind, and found a weapon I liked, the game became a lot of fun. It became harder to put the game down once I started customizing my skill tree and finding a build that fit with my play style. There is probably a way to min-max and find the perfect build, but the fun comes from exploring the different weapons and builds.

I personally like the simple combat system because it gave me a casual experience when grinding XP, but I appreciate the depth of the skill tree system because it keeps me engaged. Even though I found a build that I really enjoyed, there is so much more I want to try and explore. It is going to be very hard to put this game down.

I like that the game has different types of activities to mix up the grind. I also like that there are different challenges for added diversity in the maps. The scaling for the monsters kept me on my toes, and the boss fights were unique. There are points where the game does get a tad bit repetitive, but there is something soothing about the repetition that keeps me logging back in. There is an online multiplayer mode, but I only stuck to solo mode because I am a filthy casual.

If you like the art, want something similar to Diablo or Path of Exile, this game is a fantastic option. The game has great art and music, the mechanics are chill, and the skill tree is fantastic. It does need a bit more work, but I am willing to stick around to see where the devs take this game.

You can pick up Striving for Light on Steam for $17.99.

Uncategorized

Altruva Headset Review: Top Budget Headphones

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Disclaimer

KiwiEars sent me the Altruva headset for free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opporutunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure to check out the my reviews for the Ardor and Aventus if you’re looking for something wireless. I will also be using my Amazon Affiliate link. It really helps me out if you use it!

What’s in the box?

  • Altruva Headphones
  • Aditional Padding
  • 3.5mm Chord
  • 6.35mm adapter
  • User Guide

Features

The Altruva headphones high quality headphones who want close to studio quality without breaking the bank. This open back headset features 50mm dynamic drives that deliver a full calibrated soundscape with a tight bass and solid mids for a more professional sounding experience. The high quality materials for both the headset and the 3m cable make it feel and look like a more expensive headset. The headset comes in a classic gray and a very stylish blackwood.

Review

I love the Altruva Headset. These are easily my favorite pair of headphones, and have become my daily drivers. If you are looking for high quality budget headphones, these are a solid pair.

I was a little disappointed with the packaging, but everything came in great condition so it isn’t an issue. Out of the box, the headphones have a stylish clean design. The material looks like it is high quality, although I wouldn’t drop it to much unless you want to risk bending or scraping. The frame does have a good amount of flex, so I don’t think these will break any time soon. The cushion is plush enough to create a solid comfortable seal without making my ears too hot, even in the summer. They do get sweaty, but I never feel the need to take them off. The additional cushion will come in handy.

If you are looking for a comfortable headset, you aren’t finding much better. The cushion is great, but the head frame automatically adjusts to the perfect fit. I feel like the elasticity for this system will fail eventually, but you will probably need a new pair then anyways. Until that happens, you can enjoy a fantastic sound stage.

For this price, you aren’t getting a better sound stage. Most budget headphones overcompensate their low quality drivers with too much bass. Not only is the bass perfect, the drivers do work. They handle a wide range of genres with a crisp and clean sound. I am not an audiophile by any means, but for the casual, the sound is an upgrade. I like the these better than my airpods.

The only issue I have with the headphones is that they are wired. You want a wired connection for fidelity, but I also don’t want the wire clutter. That said, the sound is good enough where I don’t care. It has a good length high quality wire that allows me close to the freedom of a wireless without the need of recharging.

If you want a good pair of budget openback heaphones, pick up a pair of Altruva. You can pick up the Altruva headphones from the official Kiwi Ears site, or on Amazon through my affiliate link.

Tech Reviews

Is the Mechlands Vibe 75 V2 Worth It? Honest Review

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Disclaimer

Mechlands sent me a the Vibe 75 V2 mechanical keyboard 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. I will be using affiliate links. Using those really helps me out. Check out my reviews for the Blade 101 and M75.

What’s in the box?

  • Vibe 75 Mechanical Keyboard
  • USB-C to USB-A Charging Cable
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • User Manual

Features

The Mechlands 75 V2 is a 75% gasket-mounted mechanical keyboard with a modern design and a customizable LCD screen. With 79 Keys powered with the hotswappable Mechlands Mint Switches, the keyboard offers a responsive satisfying typing experience. With its high speed support for Bluetooth and 2.4Ghz wire connections and a 4000mAh battery, users can enjoy high performance for the most demanding workflow.

Sound Test

Review

Out of the box, the Vibe 75 V2 is a very aesthetically pleasing line. The manufacturing is clean, with a very modern design at pops with the well placed RGB. If you don’t like RGB, the Vibe 75 looks great without any of the lights. I love that the wireless dongle is hidden under the keyboard for nice clean storage. The LCD screen is nice. It produced a clear image and useful information, but I would have preferred a nob for volume controls for my workflow. It is nice to see the batter life, but I don’t know how often I would look at the screen. Customizing the screen with a cool GIF is fun, but again, I don’t look down enough for it to be the selling feature.

The Vibe 75 has enough keys for my workflow, and the switches are very comfortable. The angle is perfect, but there is additional adjustments for those who need it. The switches themselves have a very satisfying sound, but they are a little loud if that matters to your neighbors. The switches are mostly pretty responsive. My space bar came a little defective and I would add a random space enough to be annoying. I tried resetting it, but switching out the switch seems to be the solution. It is a little troubling that the switch is defective out of the box.

As far as budget mechanical keyboards, you can definitely do worse than the Vibe 75. Aside from the switch failing, the keyboard looks good and is comfortable. Switches can be easily swapped out. If you don’t mind risk of failing. I can’t really recommend it myself because I don’t trust the switches will last long enough for it to be worth the investment. For the money you would spend on replacement switches, you might as well buy something at a higher range.

You can pick up the Vibe 75 on the official Mechlands store or on Amazon through my affiliate links.

video game reviews

Unlock New Adventures with Secrets of the Eastern Sea DLC

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of the Wandering Sword: Secrets of the Eastern Sea. 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 review for the base game.

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag, Cypher81 or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. If you’re looking for a VPN for some added protection, check out NordVPN through my affiliate link.

What is Secrets of the Eastern Sea

Secrets of the Eastern Sea unlocks a new area to explore, new martial arts (Quingyun Fan Technique) to explore, and a new character to unlock. You will need the base game to play this game. This is midgame content that will unlock a series of new quests and story which is great for those replaying the game, or just getting into it. Those who enjoy cosmetics can collect two new mounts (white and gray seals), and a few new outfits for some added flare. Players can also create their own island retreat where they can gather resources and trade with visitors, for those who enjoy that type of management game.

Review

I really enjoyed the Secrets of the Eastern Sea DLC. The DLC takes full advantage of its beautiful art and creates a unique and interesting island adventure. I love the vibe, music, and flavor of the new area, and I had a lot of fun exploring as much of it as I could. The new characters and martial arts are strong, and a lot of fun to use. The quest and story are worth playing through. It does a good amount of world building, and a must buy if you want to know more about the world. It is a little short, but for $7, it is not a problem. Especially since it is mid-game content.

You don’t need to buy the Secrets of the Eastern Sea DLC to enjoy Wandering Sword. The base game is fantastic and worth your time on its own, but the flavor, characters, and settings the DLC adds are worth visiting at least once. If you’re looking to buy into Wandering Sword, or want to support a very good game, go pick up Secrets of the Eastern Sea on Steam.

video game reviews

Wandering Sword: A Must-Play Turn-Based RPG Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Wandering Sword 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 latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag, Cypher81 or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. If you’re looking for a VPN for some added protection, check out NordVPN through my affiliate link.

What is Wandering Sword?

Wandering Sword is a martial arts turn-based RPG out now on Steam.

This beautiful game takes players back to an ancient world where political feuds and martial arts pave the landscape. A young swordsman finds himself caught up in one of these feuds, losing his friends and almost losing his life. Determined to reach the highest levels of martial arts, he trains hard and searches the word for strong allies and his powerful technique. Dive into this vast and immersive pixel art world as you fight enemies, learn new skills, and enjoy one of the many boasted endings. How far will your journey take you?

Gameplay

The game offers a good amount of exploration through its world as players move between story beats. There are a lot of side quests, and some can be missed, so make sure you look carefully. Throughout the game, players are able to recruit new units to their team. Recruiting new members are based on a friendship mechanic, so make sure you do side quests. Some characters won’t unlock unless you gather enough favor. The game also has an interesting crafting and gathering system for those who enjoy the soothing feeling the repetition offers.

The combat in this game is very creative. Combat is turn-based with grid-based movement. Units get advantage based on positioning, so make sure you move with purpose. Units can learn new techniques and ability through the game’s creative skill tree system. Players have access to a good amount of diversity in their team composition and creation and a scaling difficultly for added replay-ability. It is defiantly an ecosystem of mechanics that needs to be experienced first-hand.

Review

Wandering Sword is easily one of my favorite strategy games, and I recommend to everyone. Even if you don’t like turn-based strategy, you need to give Wandering Sword once. The initial draw to this game is its art style. The 2.5 pixel art world truly pops, and I appreciate the amount of cultural flare that goes into the flavor. If you are a fan of Chinese martial-arts movies, you will love the aesthetic.

The story is solid, and one that I had a hard time putting down. There is also a good amount of side-quests to keep players busy. I got very side-tracked early on, but I was enjoying the world-building too much to notice.

Ultimately, you are playing Wandering Sword for its gameplay. This game is fun, and it features one of the most creative combat systems I’ve experienced in a game. The positioning mechanic made kept me engaged with the game and the animations are fun to watch. I liked exploring the different units and their abilities even when I found a team I liked. I also love that there is an auto-battle system in place for when I needed to grind. There is a grind, as there is tradition in the genre, but it doesn’t feel too bad. I usually put it on auto and intervened whenever I wanted to play the game. I fought all the bosses on my own, and the bosses were fun and creative.

If you enjoy turn-based strategy with a good amount of replayability, I don’t think you can do better than Wandering Sword. The game plays fine on the Steam Deck, looks great, and it is a ton of fun. You can pick up your copy of Wandering Sword on Steam for $24.99.

Board Games and TCGs

Exploring the Galaxy Guide: Helpful Tips for Space Adventures

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Disclaimer

Paizo sent me a free copy of the Starfinder 2e: Galaxy Guide to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinion. This will be my honest review. Always support your LGS if they carry Starfinder, but you can grab your copy of the guide on Amazon through my afilliate link. Make sure you also check out my newest sponsor, NordVPN.

What is the Galaxy Guide?

The universe is an endless space of adventure, mystery, and treasure. The Galaxy is shaken by the awakening of the newborn. Some flock to its side with zealot hunger. Others take to space to profit off its ever reaching effects. Gather your crew, load your ships, and find your adventure amongst the stars. What kind of stories will you find?

The Galaxy Guide is a helpful resource for the Game Master that needs a bit of inspiration for their next pathfinder campaign. The guide gives GMs ideas for running different genre’s of space themed adventures. I personally love the ideas for a horror themed adventure, but there is a good mix of ideas that can adapt to any table. The Guide is a good place to find planets, cities, factions, and other world building tools to fill your Galaxy. On the player side, the guide introduces new archetypes, backgrounds, and ancestress for some fun and fresh new characters. It might not be mandatory, but it is a nice resource to have when needed.

What do I think?

The Galaxy Guide is a very good looking book. I am always impressed with the high quality of the Paizo resource books, and the Galaxy Guide is no exception. The illustrations are colorful, vibrant, and inspiring. I loved looking at the different races, planets, and ships. The guide includes a galaxy map for a bit of added immersion.

As far as lore goes, the book is so much fun to read. It is a little bare, but I think the point is to inspire and guide rather than be the definitive source of an adventure. Remember, you can always make things up, but it is always nice to have some lore at the ready. Especially when you have inquisitive players who are hungry for lore. The different locations are neat, and I got some cool ideas for my own adventure. Looking forward to running a horror-themed, escape from a prison planet campaign. As far as player content goes, I saw a few cool ideas for character’s I’d love to run, if I ever get to play.

As far as resources go, the Galaxy Guide is an optional luxury. While the book has some cool flavor and ideas, it isn’t needed to run a good campaign. All you need is the core rulebook, some dice, and your vivid imagination. That said, this is a very cool book to have, even if you only end up reading through it. I loved reading the different bits of lore and flavor, but I definitely wish there were more. As someone who can get too busy for any proper planning, it is nice to have lore I can easily sprinkle when needed.

You can pick up your copy of the Galaxy Guide from the official Paizo store, or through Amazon using my Affiliate link.