Tag Archives: fantasy

video game reviews

Looking for a new Metroidvania? Why not PROJECT TACHYON?

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I was asked to cover PROJECT TACHYON on my blog. I’ve been on a Metroidvania kick lately, so I figured, why not? Since the game is still a demo, I will be a bit more lenient. Regardless, these will be my honest impressions of the demo.

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What is PROJECT TACHYON?

PROJECT TACHYON is a cyberpunk action roguelike coming to Steam.

Project OMEGA was created as was designed to be the Tamageria Republic’s ultimate defense against their enemies. Unfortunately, the advanced AI has other plans for the republic. A massive uprising led by OMEGA spreads across the planet, and the only solution seems to be to nuke the planet.

A few of the smartest minds left believe they have an alternative, Project Tachyon. Project Tachyon allows select users to return to a single point in time after deft, undoing any mistakes they’ve made along the way. Through this technology, they hope to learn all they can about Project OMEGA and defeat the AI without sacrificing innocent people. Only one member is compatible with the Project Tachyon technology. Will she be enough of the world for annihilation?

Gameplay

PROJECT TACHYON is a 2D action platformer where players fight their way through a dungeon filled with enemies using an advanced arsenal of weapons. These weapons can be changed and upgraded throughout the run.

Players start their run at Project Tachyon headquarters where they can use resources they gather during their runs to buy upgrades. Sigma will then run through the same level to shut down OMEGA. Because Sigma can reset the timeline after death and remember its details, all maps, and encounters will be the same between runs. Memorizing maps and encounters along with the upgrades players purchase throughout their run help her get farther each time.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Yes it does, and I can’t wait for the full version. Everything is visible at the aspect ratio, and although there is some roughness to the DEMO, it works well enough to get me interested in a full version. Aiming is a little awkward, but that might be more of a personal issue than an issue with the game. I will need the full version for further testing.

Impressions

The Demo is a little rough. The game has a few missing elements and a few mechanics that don’t always work, but it is a solid demo regardless. My biggest issue was with the aiming. It felt awkward and made some encounters harder than they needed. The game does offer an auto-aim feature that seems good enough for casual play, but I found it lacked the efficient accuracy needed for the harder fights. Regardless of these issues, the demo works well enough to have me curious about a full version.

If you enjoy the Metroidvania genre, you might want to consider looking into PROJECT TACHYON. The game has cool art, a solid story and flavor, fantastic voice acting, and interesting gameplay. Until we get news on a more complete version, I recommend you at least try the Steam Demo. Don’t forget to add it to your WISHLIST!

I’ll be working on getting a full version. Stay tuned for that.

video game reviews

Voidwrought is a Beautiful Game, but It didn’t Leave an Impression

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I was sent a free copy of Voidwrought 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.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Voidwrought?

Voidwrought is a beautiful 2D hand-drawn Metroidvania out now on Steam and Nintendo Switch

You have been tasked with collecting the blood of the gods. Fight your way through the depths and fend off against Eldritch horrors. Uncover secrets, learn new techniques, and find the playstyle that works best for you. How deep can you make it before the darkness consumes you? What secrets will you uncover?

Gameplay

Players crawl through a large 2D dungeon, fighting monsters and bosses and collecting resources. Players start with a limited selection of skills but can unlock more through exploration and an extensive skill tree. There is some freedom in how a player can approach this game, but there is an optimal build. At the end of the day, Voidwrought is just another Metroidvania. If you enjoy the genre, it might be worth considering.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

You can’t go wrong with Metroidvania games on the Steam Deck, and Voidwrought is no exception. Everyhthing looks good at native, and the game runs well enough. Whether or not it is worth getting depends on how much you enjoy the genre. Please read blow.

Review

Voidwrought is a beautiful game with a fantastic hand-drawn art style. Unfortunately, the game does little do leave an impression. It isn’t a bad game, but I am going to forget I ever played it.

My biggest issue with the game is with the performance. The game feels clunky. Combat and platforming look cool, but it isn’t as smooth as it needs to be. While the game demands a good amount of skill, I felt the difficulty came from the game’s lack of polish. It isn’t a bad game, but when compared to other games in the genre, it doesn’t do enough to set itself apart. Unless you love the genre and want to collect all of them, there is no real reason to choose Voidwrought over other better titles in the genre.

You can pick up Voidwrought on Steam and Nintendo Switch for $19.99, but I would wait for a sale.

video game reviews

PRIM is a Great Point and Click Narrative, but I have my Issues

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I was sent a free copy of PRIM 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’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is PRIM?

Prim is a point and click narrative game out now on Steam.

After her mother’s sudden death, PRIM learns her father is the god of Death. Death agrees to take her in and teach her how to use her inherited powers. But Death is not a natural father. His rules are too strict and he seems a little too cold. PRIM makes her escape but finds herself in the underworld. She must now venture through this unfamiliar land, control her newly awakened powers, and find her place in the world. What will her journey uncover?

Gameplay

Players click through PRIM’s interactive narrative to solve puzzles and move forward. Players will combine items, explore the world, and slowly unlock the narrative. The game features creative puzzles to solve, and enough hints for those who get stuck.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

PRIM works great on the Steam Deck. The story is easy to read at Steam Deck’s native aspect ratio, and I the touch controls were a fantastic bonus. If you enjoy relaxing puzzle games with a decent amount of challenge, you might want to give PRIM a chance.

Review

PRIM is a solid point-and-click narrative game. The puzzles are challenging and creative, and I am a huge fan of the art style. The story is fine, but nothing to rush to play. My issue with the game is the voice acting. Most characters are fine, but I found the main character’s voice grating and annoying. I needed to play the game on mute to enjoy the gameplay. This is definitely a personal issue, but I recommend checking out the demo before committing to a purchase.

If you’re looking for a point-and-click narrative game, there are better options, but PRIM is a solid choice. I would personally wait for a sale, but you can those who don’t mind the voice acting can get $20 worth of enjoyment. I honestly would have enjoyed the game more if I hadn’t just finished better narrative games.

You can pick up PRIM on Steam for $19.99.

video game reviews

I Enjoyed My Time During the Infinity Nikki Playtest. Can’t Wait for Release

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I got to play in the Infinity Nikki playtest. I understand the game isn’t fully released and will be a bit more lenient yet honest with my impressions.

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What is Infinity Nikki?

Infinity Nikki is a wholesome fantasy adventure Gotcha game coming to PC, Epic Games, PlayStation, Android, and iOS devices. Make sure you Preregister today!

Nikki finds herself in a magical world where clothes grant its users magical powers. Using the powers of her outfits, she must find whimstars to unlock the power she needs to save this new world. But this journey won’t be easy. Nikki must fight the spreading corruption, solve puzzles, and gather the supplies she needs to make better outfits. Can she fulfill the prophecy written in stone long ago, or will this challenge be too much for Nikki?

Gameplay


Infinity Nikki is a 3D open-world Mario game with a crafting, gathering, and dress-up mechanic. Nikki gets her powers from different outfits players unlock as they play through the story. Based on the playtest, all essential powers can be unlocked without spending any money and with minimal grind. Upgrading Nikki’s powers will take some grinding and any additional skins will cost money.

Players have the freedom to explore the world at their own pace as they play through the story, complete side quests, and farm materials. The world is full of jumping puzzles, monsters to fight, bosses to beat, and things to discover. In the very short week I got to play the game, I felt like I still had more to discover.

The Gotcha mechanic seems to only be tied to fashion. Players can unlock additional outfits by playing the game, but the game will offer seasonal outfits players can pull from. Pulling from these tickets gets players a random item to dress up Nikki like hairstyles, makeup, accessories, and clothes. If you’re someone who wants to keep Nikki dressed in the cutest clothes, be prepared to spend a lot of money.

Impressions

Infinity Nikki was an incredibly cozy experience that I will continue to play on release. The playtest had so much to do, and the grind didn’t feel so bad. I like that the power level isn’t locked behind the gotcha mechanic, but looking cute is going to cost you. You can pull for outfits with the currency you earn for playing the game, but it doesn’t feel like it will be enough to get everything you want from a particular ticket. My issue with the Gotcha mechanic is that there is no option to recolor the items you pull from a ticket without first completing the ticket. This means that getting a particular look can potentially cost hundreds of dollars. I guess Gotcha game has to Gotcha.

Other than that, the game is really enjoyable, even if you don’t put any money into it. Crafting and gathering are soothing, the platforming and puzzles are challenging and rewarding, and the world is fun to explore. The game has very good graphics with a beautiful world, great character design, and some very cute outfits to chase. The story is very cheesy, but I enjoyed it enough to keep playing. The tone and flavor all mesh together to make a very cozy experience that I recommend you try at least once.

Preregistration is still open, so make sure you sign up to unlock some fantastic prizes. Infinity Nikki is planned to released on December 31st, 2024 but no official announcement has been made.

video game reviews

SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is a Solid Slice of Life Visual Novel

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I was sent a free copy of SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky 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.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky?

SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is a visual novel coming to Steam, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch on October 23, 2024. This is the first time a memories game comes out in English, but you don’t need to play any of the other games to understand what is going on. The narrative is pretty self contained.

Follow Junya as he struggles with the grief of losing his brother. As Junya tries to lose himself in his work, the women around him don’t let him. Whether helping his childhood friend turn an old mansion into a cafe, supporting a new friend with research, or trying to uncover the mysteries surrounding his brother’s death, there is always something to keep Junya moving on his journey to self-discovery. What truths will he learn about himself and the women around him? What secrets will be revealed through his investigations? You will need to read to find out.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, but I couldn’t get the save sync to work. It sucked having to start the story over, but I found the Steam Deck experience enjoyable. The words are legible at the native Steam Deck resolution, and the portability of the console makes it ideal for visual novels. Some may like reading their visual novels on a full-sized monitor, but I enjoyed reading in bed or on the couch after spending the day in front of my computer.

Review

SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is a solid visual novel with fantastic art, cool character design, and a solid story. That said, I did have my issues.

The translation is fine for the most part, but some bits don’t translate culturally. There are a few idioms that translate a bit awkwardly. There are also sections of this narrative that feel like filler, like when they are talking to the cafe owner about how to run the business when I just wanted to keep investigating the mystery. My biggest issue with the story was with the main character. He is frustratingly clueless, which makes sense in context, but makes the character seem less interesting. Every girl in this game flirts with him but he’s too dumb to pick up on the cues. I get that he is mourning and sees the women as friends, but some of the girls aren’t subtle.

Despite my issues, I found the story enjoyable. I enjoyed learning about each girl and unraveling their narrative, and I enjoyed the mystery. It isn’t the best visual novel I’ve had the pleasure of reading, but it was good enough for me to stick with it.

The biggest thing to consider when looking into SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is how much you enjoy the slice-of-life genre. There are whole sections of this story where the characters talk about everyday things like work or relationships. There are also sections of this book you are going to skip. If you enjoy reading about people going about their everyday lives, don’t mind dipping into topics about grief, and enjoy anime, this is a solid addition to any library.

I found the characters unique and interesting, the relationships cute, the art fantastic, and the story good enough to make it to the end. I recommend it to anyone looking for a new visual novel. I don’t know how it compares to any of the others in the series, but I enjoyed SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky as my entry to the series.

You can pick up SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky on Steam, PlayStation and Switch on October 23, 2024. Make sure you add it to your wishlist.

video game reviews

Beloved Rapture is a Fantastic Modern Nod to Classic JRPGs

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I was sent a free copy of Beloved Rapture 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.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Beloved Rapture?

Beloved Rapture is an indie JRPG out now on Steam.

Johan has come to the age where he must decide whether he wants to leave his sleepy life in his quiet mountain town or go on his own adventure. Unfortunately for Johan, the choice is made for him and he finds himself at the center of an escalating conflict. With a fanatic militia at his heels, Jonah and his newfound allies must find a way to achieve peace. What truths will Jonah discover on this journey? Is he destined for greatness, or will he become another casualty of war?

Gameplay

Beloved Rapture is a classic RPG with a few modern mechanics that set it apart from the rest of the genre. The game introduces a unique dynamic system where players can be attacked while choosing their actions. As a result, combat feels more intense. Combat can also be enjoyed in the traditional turn-based system for those of us who prefer a more casual experience.

What sets Beloved Rapture apart from other games in the genre is the lack of forced encounters. While there is a grind, it isn’t steep. Leveling in this game is pretty straightforward. Players can spend skill points at level up to build their units in whatever way they want. While I am sure there is a way to min-max each ally, I had a lot of fun building my play style.

Does it Work on the Steam Deck?

Beloved Rapture is a fantastic Steam Deck game. The game is in an aspect ratio where everything is clearly visible, the game performs perfectly, and it is a great travel game. I’ve only ever played JRPGs on handheld consoles, and it only feels right to play it on the Steam Deck. If you’re looking for a new game to play on the go, check out Beloved Rapture.

Review

While I love Beloved Rapture, it is not without its flaws. The story is solid, but some of the writing is awkward or bad. It isn’t terrible, but there is some cheesy dialogue that keeps it from being the serious story it is trying to be. I was also not a fan of the dynamic combat system. It never seemed to work right for me. There might be a way to configure combat, but I enjoyed the classic version too much.

Regardless of these issues, Beloved Rapture is a solid JRPG that deserves some attention. The story was good enough to keep my attention, the combat felt good, and the art was fantastic. It is clear that a lot of love and passion went into this project, and it paid off.

If you enjoy classic JRPGs and are looking for a new one for your collection, you can’t go wrong with Beloved Rapture. This is one of those games that you should try at least once.

You can pick up Beloved Rapture on Steam for only $19.99.

video game reviews

Royal Revolt Warriors was Okay, but it Still Needs Work

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I was sent the Royal Revolt Warriors demo to review for my blog. I understand the game isn’t finished yet, so I will be a bit more lenient with my impressions.

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard and the Uhuru Gaming mouse for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you’re thinking of hosting your own blog on WordPress, make sure you sign up using my Affiliate link!

What is Royal Revolt Warriors?

Royal Revolt Warriors is an action roguelike fantasy bullet hell coming to early access on Steam.

Players take control of powerful warriors and defend against an endless onslaught of powerful monsters. The demo only supports single-player at the moment, but the full version will let you team up with your friends for a quirky good time. Choose the right weapons, buy permanent buffs, and be the hero the realm needs. Do you have what it takes?

Gameplay

Royal Revolt Warriors is a top-down isometric roguelike that fuses bullet hell twin stick mechanics with the arcade hack and slash mechanics. The demo only features three classes (the warrior, hunter, and mage) with more planned for the official release.

Players start each run with a basic attack and can choose a random buff or ability after gaining a level. These buffs and abilities are random, and the RNG isn’t great. All players start with the same limited pool of spells and abilities, but unlock more as they complete challenges. Players can also buy permanent stat increases from gold they earn from a run. This is a game that rewards the player the more time they spend playing the game. A player either clears a level by completing all the objectives, or dying.

Does it Work on the Steam Deck?

The demo works fine on the Steam Deck. The aspect ratio is easy to see, the controls are intuitive without any tweaking, and the gameplay is casual enough for on-the-go gaming. It is not the best twin-stick bullet-hell game you can be playing on the Steam Deck, but it is free. It doesn’t hurt to try.

Impressions

Royal Revolt Warriors feels slow in the beginning, but it starts to pick up when the player starts unlocking new buffs and abilities. The problem with the game is the grind to get to that point feels a bit too steep. I almost gave up on the demo because the grind didn’t feel worth it. The problem with the initial grind is that it makes all the runs feel the same. The limited pool makes it so there are really only a few valid answers when leveling. As a result, bad RNG ruins runs and makes the game feel repetitive. A larger pool of choices initially will make the grind feel less repetitive, even if it only offers an illusion of choice.

The class system feels a bit underwhelming. While I do like the attempt at giving players an option to customize their experience, there really isn’t a reason to choose anything but the mage. The other classes might get better after unlocking stats, but most players won’t make it that far.

The biggest issue with the demo is that it takes too long to get interesting. There still seem to be updates coming, but I will have to wait to see if it makes a difference. It isn’t the worst game you can play in the genre, but it needs a bit more work before it is worth buying. I will be following the game and seeing if it gets any better.

You can check out the demo on Steam.

video game reviews

Realm of Ink is a Fantastic and Beautiful Roguelike

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I was sent a free copy of Realm of Ink 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’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard and the Uhuru Gaming mouse for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you’re thinking of hosting your own blog on WordPress, make sure you sign up using my Affiliate link!

What is Realm of Ink?

Red is a talented swords woman who finds herself traversing through the pages of books in her search for the elusive Fox Demon. Her path is not an easy one. Creatures hunt her relentlessly, and although she has help from powerful spirits, it might not always be enough. Make your way through the worlds, collect new abilities, weapons, and characters, and unveil the truth about your existence. Do you have what it takes?

Gameplay

Red must fight her way through the different stages of a world to clear it. Players start each run with a random ink. Inks give Red special abilities to help her on her run. There are 22 inks that can be enhanced or swapped at random intervals of a run. In typical roguelike fashion, players will unlock random passive buffs. Runs in Realm of Ink are very RNG-reliant, but it seemed pretty fair for the most part.

Eventually, players will unlock new forms and weapons to swap between future runs. These forms and weapons are selected before a run, and each has a unique playstyle. These forms combined with the game’s RNG ensure that no two runs are ever the same, and give the game its replayability.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Realm of Ink has a fantastic Steam Deck port. I actually preferred the Steam Deck experience because of how good it felt to play on the couch. It doesn’t need any tinkering to get it to work, the game looks great at the aspect ratio, the words are easy to read, and the game is responsive. While playing Realm of Ink gives players a deeper appreciation for the art, they aren’t losing much playing on the Steam Deck. If you’re looking for a solid game to play on the go with good mechanics, a decent story, and fantastic flavor, check out Realm of Ink!

Review

I’ve been excited for Realm of Ink since I played the initial demo. I had my issues the first time around, but the developers have been hard at work to make it all better. The game has been so much fun, and I can tell there is work being put into it for future updates.

I was first drawn to this game because the art is phenomenal. The art only got better the deeper I got into the game. I love the game’s flavor and style. When it comes to the mechanics, the game is solid. The game is easy to learn, but there are enough nuances to keep things technical and interesting. While there were a few runs where the RNG wasn’t in my favor, it was relatively fair. What I liked most about Realm of Ink is that the grind doesn’t feel so bad. Most games in the genre have a grind that starts to feel repetitive and stale. Progression in those games feels slowed by a soul-crushing level grind. The progression in Realm of Ink felt like it was limited by my skill. The better I got at the combat mechanics, even with the less ideal inks, the less the grind became. Even when there was a grind, it didn’t feel bad because I was having fun.

The game is still in early access, and there will be some roughness, but not enough to discourage new players from jumping right in. The developers have been working tirelessly and listening actively to the community, I am sure Realm of Ink will only get better moving forward.

If you enjoy action roguelikes or are looking for a new game to sink some time into, check out Realm of Ink. It is a beautiful game with fun mechanics that is worth every cent at full price.

You can pick up your copy of Realm of Ink on Steam for only $16.99. There is a fantastic demo available if you don’t believe me.

video game reviews

The Nameless: Slay Dragon is My Favorite Fantasy RPG

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I was sent a free copy of The Nameless: Slay Dragon 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.

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard and the Uhuru Gaming mouse for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you’re thinking of hosting your own blog on WordPress, make sure you sign up using my Affiliate link!

What is The Nameless: Slay Dragon

The Nameless: Slay Dragon is a choose your own adventure style RPG game out now on Steam.

You watched your village burn after a vicious dragon attack when you were too young to defend yourself. You spent the rest of your time training, preparing for the day when you can take your revenge. Now with a few years of training under your belt, you set off to become a royal knight and slay some dragons. This is no easy task. The road is full of bloodthirsty monsters who will tear you down mercilessly if you aren’t prepared. Gather your party, buy the best gear, and set off on an unforgettable adventure. Do you have what it takes to defeat a dragon?

Gameplay

The Nameless: Slay Dragon is a unique choose-your-own adventure game with interesting exploration, combat, and skill check mechanics. Players progress through the story through a series of nodes. Nodes let players mine for resources and progress the story, but they can also trigger skill checks and combat. The player can and should plan how to approach their adventure, but some events will be unavoidable. Players are always a bad skill check away from a total party kill.

The Nameless features an interesting crafting mechanic. Players can farm nodes for materials for potions, weapons, and gear, but farming increases a character’s fatigue. The more fatigued a character is, the higher the chances are they will fail a skill check. This creates an interesting dynamic where players have to balance between crafting and exploring or risk burning out early.

Combat in this game is what you would expect from your typical RPG. Players choose the party actions at the start of each round, but the party always acts together. The initiative is determined by passing skill checks. I liked this system because it made planning my turns easy and it felt less RNG reliant.

Combat can be unforgiving if players aren’t prepared. While the player does have some freedom in how they approach the story, there is always a chance of running into an impossible enemy or scenario. This game will kill its players at early levels for choosing the wrong node or failing a skill check. Choose wisely.

Does it Work on the Steam Deck?

The Nameless: Slay Dragon is my favorite game for the Steam Deck. It not only runs great, but it is also the perfect portable experience. This is a chill game you can play anywhere, especially on the couch when you’re just trying to relax. The text is legible on the aspect ratio, and the gameplay is involved enough to be engaging without requiring too much skill and precision. If you’re looking for a unique and fun RPG for your Steam Deck collection, you can’t got wrong with this one.

Review

I love this unique RPG. It has great art, a good story, and interesting mechanics. I love the choose-your-own-adventure feel of the game and the challenge of the dungeons. Exploring the dungeon was fun because there was always that lingering fear that the next turn would spell the end of the party.

The Nameless: Slay Dragon does have a grind that can get a little repetitive at times. The combat system does a good enough job of keeping things moving, but there will be some times when you will have to repeat encounters to level up skills and abilities mindlessly. I found the grind therapeutic, but it isn’t going to be for everyone.

The Nameless: Slay Dragon is a fantastic addition to any collection. It is a great RPG with a fun twist and some solid replayability. This is easily one of my favorite games of the year, and it can easily become one of yours too.

You can pick up The Nameless: Slay Dragon on Steam for $17.99.

video game reviews

Viel of Shadows is a Fantastic Roguelike!

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I was sent a free copy of Viel of Shadows 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.

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard and the Uhuru Gaming mouse for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you’re thinking of hosting your own blog on WordPress, make sure you sign up using my Affiliate link!

What is Viel of Shadows

Viel of Shadows is a top-down, action-adventure out now on Steam.

Sirene wakes up in a strange forest without her memories. As she tries to make sense of her situation, she is attacked savagely by monsters. Luckily, she is handy with a bow. Now Sirene must fight her way through the forest, collect her memories, and hopefully find a way out. What will her journey uncover? Will she ever get out?

Gameplay

Players control Sirene on her journey to collect her memories. To do so, players must fight their way through seemingly endless waves of monsters. Combat in this game is a top-down twin-stick shooter where death isn’t permanent. As a result, players will grind out the same encounters for levels until they are strong enough to venture deeper into the forest.

When a player levels, they get an experience point to spend on permanent stat boosts, buffs, and abilities. Players can choose from three paths: Damage, Agility, and Precision. Each path feels unique, and players have the freedom to find a path that works best for their playstyle. I am sure there is a correct way to build Sirene, but I liked throwing everything into precision. I’ll definitely be trying the other paths in future playthroughs.

What makes Viel of Shadows is the ever encroaching darkness that follows Sirene. As time passes, the edges of the screen will close in on a player until Sirene is consumed by darkness. The darkness limits a payers field of vision and hinders their effectiveness in combat. A player can mitigate this effect through potions or orbs from random drops. While there is no real time limit to a run, this effect creates the right amount of pressure to keep things tense and exciting.

Does it Work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, and it is a fantastic port. The game runs great, looks fine, and the controls feel good. While the aim with my Uhuru Gaming Mouse (or any mouse) was far superior, it was nice to be able to sit back and play something casually. I did notice dying more on the Steam Deck than on PC, but that felt like a skill issue. If you’re looking for games for your Steam Deck, Viel of Shadows is a great option.

Review

I got to try an early demo of Viel of Shadows, and I’ve been excited about the game ever since. The game has a great aesthetic with fantastic pixel art and flavor. The gameplay is repetitive by design, but it doesn’t matter because the game is so much fun. Combat in this game feels smooth, and the leveling system is satisfying. There is a bit of a grind, but it isn’t soul-crushing. I found the repetition soothing and enjoyed watching my progress through the forest. The game is a great casual title with engaging enough gameplay to be worth the money.

You can pick up Viel of Shadows on Steam for only $7.99, and there is a demo available if you don’t believe me.