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video game reviews

Uncovering Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping 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.

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Table of Contents

What is Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping

Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping is a piece of interactive fiction about a duck detective out now on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

Hook

The great Duck Detective Eugene McQuacklin finds himself on vacation at a haunted campsite. But instead of a relaxing weekend by the haunted lake, Duck Detective finds himself at the center of an unraveling mystery. There are strange events unfolding around the Eugene, each with a trail of clues to find and connect. Items go missing, a break-in ruffles some feathers, and strange symbols start showing up in the sand. Is it really ghosts that roam this camground, or something most sinister?

Can Duck Detective get to the bottom of the everything? Can he get over his messy divorce? Will his bread addiction get in the way of his investigation? You will need to play to find out?

Gameplay Loop

Duck Detective is a piece of interactive fiction with isometric exploration. Players explore the campsite in search for clues. They will need to talk to the other guests to conduct investigations. Clues are collected in a the Duck Detective’s notebook where they then need to piece together to solve the many mysteries in an adlib style minigame. Essentially, players discover words that they can use to fill in each theory. Successfully completing a theory will unlock the next part of the mystery, which means more areas to explore and lot more mystery to solve.

Review

Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping is a fantastic and hilarious take on the detective noire genre. It features fun thematic puzzles, solid world building, and a humorous short story that you need to play through at least once. If you only buy one game this year, it should be Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping.

Puzzles

Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping offers the cozy puzzle experience you have been looking for. Puzzles are creative and offer enough of a deduction skills to be engaging without the need of a guide. The game does offer hints for those who need them, and the option to turn off wrong answers for those who just want to enjoy the story. While I did burn through a few of my hints, I really didn’t need to. If I had sat and thought a little harder, I could have solved the whole case on my own. The game is a very casual entry to the genre, and one with a fun story to keep you invested.

Story

Even if you don’t like puzzle games, Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping has a fantastic story that you need to enjoy once. The game is full of fun puns and jokes that will earn its chuckles, with a fun lighthearted tone that is perfect for any season. It is full of colorful memorable characters that are voiced by some terrific actors. I love that it does not go the usual murder mystery route, and I appreciate the attention to detail that goes into the world building.

World Building

Duck Detective is a short game with a small map and a few characters. That said, the devs efficiently use every inch of their game to tell their fun and compelling story. There is so much care and attention to detail put into this game, and it pays off in effective world building.

During an investigation, players will uncover emails, pictures, and other details that not only piece together the overarching mystery, but gives each character their personality. For example, there is a character with a shopping addiction. When you read through her emails, all her bill past due emails are unread, but she reads through an email about a sale. Hilarious little details like these is what had me clicking and reading everything.

Conclusion

I loved this game so much, I finished it in one sitting. It is a short game that takes about 3 hours to complete, and it is worth every minute. I love the cozy atmosphere, the fun humor, and the solid mystery that drove me through the story. Make sure you stay for the end credits scene.

If you’re looking for a fun and cozy puzzle game that doesn’t try to stump you, Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping needs to be in your library. The game looks good, feels great, and has a solid story. This is a game that everyone needs to play through at least once.

If if you like these style of detective games, check out Broke the Investigator for more animal themed goodness or LocoMotive if you want a fun murder mystery. Best Served Cold is a personal favorite about solving a mystery as a bartender.

The Last Apprentice

The Last Apprentice – Chapter 2: Final Instruction

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The door closes, leaving the two women alone. “Grandma?” Mila asks, but there is no response. A metallic hum fills the room as Doña Guille stares blankly at the door. Tears swell behind her ancient eyes but are replaced with a sudden look of urgency.

She moves towards the bookshelf. “Mija, grab your bag and pack whatever you need. Essentials only. Apurate!” There is desperation in her voice.

“What’s going on?”

“They found me mija. You have to leave. Hurry!” The old woman begins pulling books off the shelf. They fall with a deafening crash.

“What…what’s going on?” Mila repeats.

Doña Guille sighs and turns to her granddaughter. There is sadness in her eyes. “They know I am a witch. That man is here to pick me up. I don’t have time to explain. You need to get your stuff and leave.” Her tone was stern and demanding. Mila opens her mouth to protest but turns to her room instead. “Pack light. Just what you can carry.” the old woman adds as Mila disappears into the room. Books continue to fall to the ground. Drawers open and shut in the other room.

This goes on for minutes before Doña Guille stands up with an old shoe box and runs to the room. There are two beds crammed into this room with a few dressers. Mila is zipping up her bag when the old woman enters the room.

“Estas lista?” Doña Guille asks in a shaky voice.

“Yea…” she looks over at her grandmother with a worried expression. “You need to tell me what’s going on,” she pleads.

A tear slips from the corner of Doña Guille as she moves towards her granddaughter. Her hand shakes as it lands gently on the young girl’s cheek. “In a few minutes, they’re going to barge through that door and take us and lock us away in a prison built for witches like us. If that happens, there is no escape. They’ll do horrible things to us…” her voice breaks as the words become too hard to say.

“But…but witches aren’t real…” Mila protests.

“They are real mija, and I wish I had more time to explain to you. Pero you need to leave.” The old woman opens the box. Inside is an envelope thick with a bill and an old leather-bound notebook. She hands her the envelope. The bills are worn and dirty and fill the room with a strange musk. “This is all the money I have. It’s not much, but it should get you a few meals. And this,” she says as she picks up the old leather book, “this is our spellbook. Guard it with your life.”

Mila grabs the book it is about the size of a small notebook, but a thick two or three hundred pages. The cover is worn without any distinguishable writing on its face and the pages are worn and yellowed. “This is all we have left of our people. Learn as much as you can from it.”

“Magic isn’t real…”

Footsteps echo down the hall. “We’re out of time mija. You have to be brave. I’m sorry I didn’t teach you enough.” She hugs her granddaughter tightly and fights the tears.

“You’re not coming with me?”

Doña Guille grabs Mila by the shoulders and looks into her eyes. Her eyes swell with the tears she holds back. “This next part, you have to do on your own. I’ll hold them back as much as I can, pero you have to run.”

“Come with me. We can figure this out. We can…”

“No mija. I’m too old. I’m too tired of running.” The footsteps get closer. “I know you’re scared, but you can do this. I know you can. Don’t use your real name. Don’t let anyone know you’re a witch.”

“But..”

“There’s a man named Bones somewhere in the 13th district who knows how to do the old shaman tattoos. Find him. Show him this book.” The footsteps go silent. “I love you mija. Good luck. Jakata!” Doña Guille shouts as she shoves Mila back. A bright white portal of light appears suddenly behind her. It swallows her as she reaches out to grab her grandmother. Mila falls onto the cold hard ground. She sends metal cans rolling against the wall behind her. She looks up to see a final glimpse of her grandmother as the portal shuts. She watches as her grandmother turns to the door. She can hear a loud crash somewhere in the distance. Suddenly, darkness.

Mila remains frozen as the loud noises of the city dance around her. The buzzing of the railcar above, people shouting in the distance, and a bus making its stop somewhere behind her. There is a light at the end of the alley. For the first time since landing, she begins to notice her surroundings. Two long buildings stretch up endlessly on both sides. The alley is wide but thick with trash. It piles up around her. Her bag sits in front of her. A dog barks and it snaps her from her trance. A foul stench fills her nose and she bends over to vomit.

Mila sits there a bit longer as tears fall from her eyes. For the first time in her life, she feels alone as the world continues to move around her.

The Last Apprentice

The Last Apprentice – Chapter 2: A Short Conversation

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Doña stares at the well-dressed man. A brief hint of shock and fear washes across her face. Regaining her composure she lets out, “No. You have the wrong place.” Mila is shocked by her grandmother’s response. It isn’t like her to turn anyone away.

The man leans back to examine the old dirty numbers over the door frame. “No, this is the place.” He smiles at the woman, taking a bold step into the threshold. “Please señora, I’ve come such a long way, I don’t think I can come any other time.” He pulls out a thick wad of cash from his coat pocket. “I promise, I’ll pay you for the inconvenience.”

Mila’s jaw drops. She has never seen so much money. “Abuela, thats so much money.”

The old woman watches the man suspiciously as he takes another bold step into the small dank apartment. “It’s late. Why don’t you come back tomorrow.”

“Disculepe, but it has to be know. I can’t come back tomorrow.”

The old woman lets out a sad sigh. She reaches into her purse and pulls out a few bills. “Mija, why don’t you go down to the 15th and get some refrescos and snacks. The best you can find.”

“Pero,” Mila starts to protest but her grandmother shoots her a stern look. “Okay, I’ll be right back.” She grabs the money and disappears down the hallway.

“Please take a seat,” she points to the empty chair across from her.

“Gracias,” the man smiles as he sits. He pulls a cigar from his coat pocket and cuts it over the table. Crumbs of tobacco fall over the old wooden table. He raises the cigar to his lips but pauses inches from his mouth. Offering the cigar to this host, “Where are my manners?” His voice slick and confident fills the room. “Would you like one?”

The robust tobacco aroma makes her salivate. She takes it and reaches for the lighter.

“No no no, you can’t ruin a fine cigar like this with lighter fluid!” He snaps, quickly lighting a match. He leans over the table, extending the small flickering flame towards her. She hesitates, watching the man carefully before leaning in. She fills her mouth with its sweet relaxing smoke. Her eyes involuntarily close as she savors the taste.

“It’s a good cigar,” the man says, breaking her trance. She opens her eyes to find the man already puffing at his own. “Its because it was made with real tobacco. None of the synthetic stuff they sell in stores. The guy who grows it…”

“Why are you here?” Doña Guille interupts.

The man pauses for a second. Cigar smoke rises around him slowly. He clears his throat. “Right, straight to business.” He takes a slow drag from the cigar before letting the smoke slowly leave his lips. “My name is Gonzalo Molina. I am the head enforcer at the Ministry of Magic, and you Mrs. Cardenas, are a hard witch to find. You are hereby under arrest for the practice of witchcraft. Please come peacefully as any resistance will result in death.”

Doña Guille freezes for a moment. She almost drops her cigar. “You have the wrong person…” Her voice shakes.

The man chuckles. “You’ve been doing this dance long enough to understand that once I come, it’s over. Whether you say you are or aren’t doesn’t matter because I know you’re a witch. I didn’t get to where I am by knocking on the wrong house at the middle of the night, and I am sure as hell not starting today.”

The old woman remains frozen. The cigar burns slowly in her hand. “You shouldn’t waste that. Those are hard to come by.” The man says, taking a long deep inhale from his. She lifts the cigar and takes a nervous puff. It no longer had any flavor.

She lets out a sad exhale. “Leave her out of this. She doesn’t have any magic.”

“It doesn’t work like that.” He ashes the cigar on the table where a small mound has begun to build.

“Then…” she chokes. “Let me be the one to tell her. Let me prepare her.”

“Sure!” The cigar had almost reached his fingers. He smashes the nub onto the table, extinguishing its flame. Smoke rises from it furiously as it leaves behind a trail of soot. The man smiles. “If you promise to come peacefully, I’ll be waiting by the entrance tomorrow morning at 8.” He stands abruptly. The chair scrapes against the metal floor. “Just remember, its over señora. There is nowhere left to run. You can either come peacefully, or we’re hunting you down.” The man drops a wad of cash on the table. “Thank you for the reading.” He turns to leave.

Just then, Mila walks into the room with two bags full of snacks and drinks. “Oh,” she lets out in surprise as she is greeted by Gonzalo’s departure. “Are you already done?”

Gonzalo smiles and pats her head lightly. “Si mija. Your grandmother is remarkable.” The man disappears down the corridor. Mila turns to her grandmother puzzled.

Doña Guille remains frozen in place. She has gone pale. “Abuela?” Mila lets out, realizing her grandmother’s condition.

The old woman snaps back to life, “Close the door!”

The Last Apprentice

The Last Apprentice – Chapter 1: A Knock at the Door

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From the Author

I’ve finally sat down to start writing a fantasy novel I’ve been kicking around for years. I’ll be posting it every two weeks if time allows, and I’d be very open to feedback. Thank you for reading, I hope you like it!

Chapter 1

Mila and her grandmother live in a corner unit on the 71st floor of the 200-floor Beuna Vista Luxury Apartments. The name is a misnomer, and anyone living in the apartments knows they are not luxurious.

The Buena Vista Luxury Apartments is a large rundown and broken stone and iron tower. Every inch of the building is covered in an unwashable layer of filth, and there exists an ever-present rotting odor that sticks to the skin. Some believe that the building was built intentionally faulty, smell and all. There is also the belief that the blackouts and leaks are planned and the appliances were designed to stay broken. Despite its many faults, it is widely accepted that living at the Buena Vista Luxury Apartments is better than living in the slums on the outskirts of the mega city.

Its residents, crammed as close together as the laws and regulations allow, may spend the rest of their lives not knowing their neighbor, but everyone in Buena Vista knows Doña Guille.

Doña Guille is an 80-year-old small brown woman with soft brown wrinkled skin. She keeps her hair short she dyes a regal shade of red regularly. Although her clothes are never new, they are always clean and well-maintained. She looks like a proper lady of society, and people treat her as such because Doña Guille is the tower’s bruja, their witch doctor.

There isn’t a baby in the building she hadn’t delivered, an illness she hasn’t cured, a fortune she hasn’t read. There isn’t a person in this building who hasn’t made their trek to floor 71 at least once. Whether or not they believe in witchcraft, there isn’t a person in the building who wouldn’t go to her at the first sign of illness.

Doña Guille lives humbly in the one bedroom she shares with her granddaughter. Those who enter find themselves in a room with a small plastic table and a wall of planters surrounding it. The purple light from their lamps spills over strange and exotic-looking herbs. Their sweet and minty scent fills the room and mixes with the strong incense that constantly burns. The scent masks the rotting smells and soothes the soul. The purple glow spills onto the plastic, reflecting off the dulling cardboard of the deck of Tarot cards that sits permanently at its center.

On the opposite wall is a wall of vials and jars filled with strangely colored liquids. Potions in miscolored glass that are constantly cycled. At the end of the room, there is a metal desk shoved against the wall. Spread across it are old broken appliances whose guts spill across every inch of the table. Wires and random parts almost spill onto the floor. There is an impressive collection of salvaged vintage tools that hang neatly across the face of the wall. A spotlight hangs recklessly over the center of the workspace.

Mila sits on a small worn stool behind the lamp light. Her gloved hand turns at a screwdriver. Her brown hair sits in a messy bun. There are splotches of oil and grease across her clothes and dark brown skin. Her almost golden eyes peer through the dirty off-colored goggles as she slowly takes apart the dented metal toaster.

A small wrinkled hand grabs at her shoulder and breaks her concentration. “Tienes habre mija?” Doña Guille asks with a smile.

Mila turns and removes her headphones. A low buzzing leaks into the room, turning into a barely audible rumble. Mila looks down at the old watch wrapped around her wrist. It was almost midnight. Her stomach starts to growl. “I guess I should eat.”

The table was already set. A plat of brown mush sits next to a glass of milk. “I made the oatmeal like you like it,” Doña Guille says as she sits in the empty seat across from Mila. She had eaten her dinner earlier that evening. Mila begins shoveling the oatmeal into her mouth. “Have you been practicing the spells I’ve taught you?”

Mila stops eating. Her eyes dark around the room nervously. “Um..” she begins, searching for an excuse. “Just a bit.”

A glimpse of sorrow seeps into Doña Guille’s eyes. She sighs. “I know its silly, pero es importante. You’re the only one left I can teach the old language.”

Gilt washes over Mila. “I know Ama, pero I’ve been busy with work orders. I’ll find some time, I promise.”

“I’m not going to be here forever you know. You need to take advantage that I’m here.” There was clear nervous urgency in her voice.

Mila puts down her spoon and looks over her old grandmother. At that moment, the wrinkles seemed deeper. There were new dark blotches on her skin and a few white hairs were beginning their defiant peer through all the red. Mila grabs her grandmother’s hand. Her warm soft skin feels good to Mila’s touch. “I’ll start tomorrow, I promise. Besides,” she smiles “I already know the word for fire.”

I knock at the door startling the two women. They stare at each other for a moment. “It must be more work,” Mila says as she gets up from the table.

There is a well-dressed man at the other end of the knock. He wears a new and fitted suit and his hair is slicked back with a product that doesn’t exist in this part of the megacity. His dark brown skin seems to glow even in the dim flashing light of the hallway. “Hola,” the man says as he removes his gloves. “I hear you can tell fortunes.” He smiles, flashing his white teeth.

“Ama…” Mila says, still processing the situation. “I think it’s for you.”

video game reviews

Once Alive Review: A Narrative Adventure Worth Playing

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I was sent a free copy of Once Alive 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.

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What is Once Alive?

After a deadly virus nearly wipes out humanity, the remaining survivors struggle with adapting to the new unforgiving world. Survivors must hunt for limited resources, fend off against increasingly hostile wildlife, and cope with the loneliness of survival. James and his brother lived in isolation until they received a message about a settlement. James is weary of the invitation, but his brother rushes ahead without him, hoping this settlement means a fresh start for humanity.

Play as James as he ventures into the lonely world in search of his brother. What secrets will he uncover in the ruins of the old world? Will he be able to find his brother, or will they become another casualty in this cruel apocalypse?

Gameplay

Once Alive is effectively a first person simulator. As James, players explore the abandoned village of HaustVille, looking for clues about what happened to its citizens. As players explore the village, they collect written notes, sit through memories of past residents, and piece together the strange and ominous narrative. The game does have a few quick time events to keep players on their toes. The game also offers enough bread crumbs to keep players on track. It takes about two hours to complete Once Alive, but you can do it quicker if you don’t explore every nook and cranny like I did.

Review

Once Alive is the most impressive narrative game I’ve played all year, but it does have its issues. The animation in this game can be wonky at times. I noticed a few stutters during some pans and the talking animation looks scary. The writing has a few grammatical issues and a few times where the wrong word is used. There are also bits of exposition that are too on the nose. That said, this game is fantastic, and you should play through it at least once.

While there are issues with the animation at times, you’re mostly walking through a very cool isolated village. The developer does a phenomenal job of building a world worth exploring full of fantastic flavor. While the writing isn’t perfect, I love the attention to detail and general story beats that had me at the edge of my seat. I loved reading some random note in a house and then having it pop up in a natural way later in the story.

Once Alive is a fantastic horror game that effectively uses its world-building to create an ominous atmosphere. It is the sense of isolation and mystery that propels the player through the story, and it is powerful storytelling that makes this a great game. If you’re looking for a good horror game, Once Alive is a short one you need to have in your library. It is an impressive project by a clearly passionate developer that deserves a lot more attention.

You can pick up Once Alive on Steam for $11.99.

video game reviews

Celestia: Chain of Fate is a Cozy Story of Magic, Power, and Love

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I was sent a free copy of Celestia: Chain of Fate 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.

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What is Celestia: Chain of Fate?

Celestia: Chain of Fate is a romance visual novel coming to Steam and Swtich on September 12.

Aria lived her perfect life with her loving and devoted family. This all changes when she comes of age and is invited to attend the prestigious Academy of Celestia to learn how to harness her innate magical abilities. But fate has plans for Aria. The days leading up to the first day of classes seem to be filled with catastrophes, some even life-threatening. These days are also filled with chance encounters. She meets her rivals who are determined to make the rest of the year miserable, but she also meets the three boys determined to make it better. As the school year progresses, her relationship with one of these boys will develop into something deeper. Can she survive the year long enough to choose?

Gameplay

Celestia: Chain of Fate presents a compelling narrative with the occasional choice to make. These choices affect the narrative, and some will end the story early. Make sure you save often. The game allows you to save at any point in the story, and it allows you three separate save profiles. Most importantly, there is no voice acting, so be prepared to read. This game is like reading a cheesy romance novel, and that isn’t a bad thing.

Review

I am addicted to Celestia: Chain of Fate, and I am not embarrassed to admit it. This is one of the first visual novels where I felt the need to get all the endings. This was also the hardest because I didn’t know which character to choose as my romantic interest. They were all so cool.

The writing is cheesy and often predictable, but that doesn’t matter because the story is cute. I am not one for romantic novels, but this one hit the spot. I didn’t know how badly I needed to get swooned by a half daemon, but here we are on my 2nd play-through.

If you’re looking for a new visual novel and don’t mind it being a sappy romance novel, you need Celestia: Chain of Fate. The art is cute, the soundtrack is solid, and the story is comforting. It has a very cheesy tone with a predictable plot, but it doesn’t matter because it provides the coziest experience. I loved this game and recommend it to anyone looking for a new visual novel. Just make sure you save often. Magic school is dangerous, and I kept getting the bad endings. While it leans heavily on the cute tone, there is enough drama, conflict and danger in this story to keep things interesting.

Celestia: Chain of Fate releases on September 12 on Steam and Nintendo eShop for $29.99 ($39.99 for Physical), make sure its on your Wishlist. There is also a Steam demo available if you want to try it out first. I know it is not for everyone, but as a very old strait dude, I liked it a lot.

video game reviews

The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty is Fantastic!

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I was sent a free copy of The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty 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 enjoy my review, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!

What is The Hungry Lamb?

The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty is a terrific visual novel out now on Steam.

A human trafficker has hired you to escort four girls to a lord looking to adopt an heir. Compared to the usual jobs you take, this promises to be the easiest and most ethical. As you get to know the girls on your journey, you discover there is a sinister motive behind these adoptions. The lord is actually a demon in disguise looking to feed on these girls. What will you do with this knowledge? How will your story play out?

Impressions

The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty is your typical visual novel. Players read through a story, listen to some voice acting, and occasionally make a choice that impacts the story. The story has some voice acting for the other characters, but you will read through most of the events. There are a few grammar mistakes, but it’s not a huge deal. Some of it even feels intentional in context.  If you’re trying to find a game where you can sit back and enjoy the narrative, this is a great place to start. 

The main draw to this game should be its art. This game is filled with beautiful art that helps capture the flavor of the story. The story is fantastic, and one of the most compelling things I’ve sat through. The pacing is great, the themes are serious but well-developed, and the characters are interesting. It does get dark, and you might cry. This is your warning. It’s going to be hard to pull away, but you can save at any time if you need a break. The game allows for multiple saves, so you can test out all the endings, and backtrack if you need to. 

There are little things this game does with sound effects and ambient music that help bring this story alive. If you’ve never played a visual novel, or are looking for a new one, you need to play through The Hungry Lamb at least once. I’ve only played a few visual novels in my short time as a reviewer, but it is easily my favorite so far. 

You can pick up your copy of The Hungry Lamb: Traveling in the Late Ming Dynasty on Steam for $9.99. At this price, it is more than worth it!

Board Games and TCGs

Building Better Worlds is a Nifty Little Expansion: Alien RPG

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I was sent a free copy of the Building Better Worlds expansion for the Alien Roleplaying Game to review for my blog. I haven’t had a chance to run the system yet, but I have read through the books. This will be my honest impressions. If you’re thinking of running Alien RPG at your table, you need to start with the core rulebook, Building Better Worlds is meant to be a supplement. I have detailed write-ups for the core rulebook and the Heart of Darkness module you should also check out. 

If you enjoy my content, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials. 

The Book

Quality

Free League Publishing continues its streak of high-quality rulebooks with this beautifully printed expansion. While the pdf won’t be printer-friendly, fans new and old of the Alien franchise will appreciate the beautiful artwork that lines its pages. Even if you don’t like physical media, you might want to make an exception. Feeling the pages between your fingers, and smelling that new book smell makes the experience hit different. Don’t get me wrong, the PDF is enough, but if you have space on your shelf, the book is pretty sweet.

What is it?

Building Better Worlds is meant to be an aid for the Game Mother who needs it. The book includes:

  • Rules for Colonization
  • New Feats and Personal Agendas for existing classes
  • Two new classes: Entertainer and Wildcatter
  • New Weapons
  • New Vehicles and Ships
  • New Planets and Systems
  • New Aliens to fear
  • 7 Expeditions to run
  • Lots of flavor and backstory. 

If you need ideas on what to run, new creatures to fill your adventures, or gear for your players, you might want to look into this expansion. It is by no means a necessity, but it is a great resource. 

Impressions

I didn’t have much interest in the Alien universe prior to picking up the RPG. It wasn’t until I started reading the lore and timeline that I decided that I needed a better understanding. I’ve started making my way through the novels and movies, and it’s given me a better appreciation for how much flavor and care is put into these books.

I appreciate that the book includes timelines of important dates because it makes it easier to keep track of everything that is going on. If you don’t know anything about the alien universe, you will before you run your session zero. The book does a great job of laying out the lore and history in a way that makes sense but also fits its dark sci-fi theme. It gets deep, and I would almost recommend it as reading material.

If you need something to spice up your next campaign, the monsters in this book are pretty spicy. There are some brutal creatures that can end an adventure. I don’t think my playgroup would care too much about the colony mechanics, but the expeditions seem fun and there are some vehicles and weapons I’m sure they’ll want to work towards.

If you’re looking for a brutal and unforgiving system to run at your table, you run Alien RPG. If you need ideas for your next campaign, Building Better Worlds seems like a nifty little expansion.

gaming news

Preorder Interactive Mystery Novel: Death Trick Double Blind

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I was sent Death Trick Double Blind early to test. The game releases in a few days, and while I didn’t receive explicit embargo terms, I won’t be reviewing the game too deeply until after its release just in case. This will only be my honest first impressions of the game. 

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What is Death Trick Double Blind?

Death Trick Double Blind is a mystery visual novel coming to Steam (3/11/24) and Nintendo Switch (3/14/24). I was sent the PC version for early testing.

Morgan’s Traveling Circus has lost its star performer, and it is up to you to figure out what really happened. Take control of a detective and a replacement magical are called in to investigate the disappearance. As you switch between both unique perspectives, you’ll search for clues, interrogate the suspects, and piece together your own conclusion. Can you solve this case and bring peace and justice to the big top?

Gameplay

Players switch between the two investigators and use their turn to gather clues and information. Each turn gives players a limited number of action points to conduct their investigation. You do have to ask questions in the right order or risk angering a suspect and losing your leads. This type of freedom leaves the game open to multiple endings and gives it a lot of replay value. Death Trick Double Blind is a mystery book where you affect the outcome. 

Impressions

I was first drawn to this title because the art is fantastic and the concept is interesting. So far, I am impressed. I love the aesthetic and I always appreciate a good visual novel. As far as the writing goes, Death Trick Double Blind is a solid mystery. It has nice pacing and good characters, and I enjoyed reading it. There is no voice acting, so people who don’t like reading should stay away. For everyone else, it’s worth checking out.

You can preorder Death Trick Double Blind on Steam and Nintendo Switch for $15.99. At the very least try the Switch demo, or add it to your wishlist. It is currently on 10% off on the Nintendo eShop until the games launch on the 14th. 

Chapter 4

Digimon Seekers Chapter 4-11: Fenriloogamon Appears

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I know I am very late, but it’s been a busy season for me. I’ll try to finish this up as soon as I can. Make sure you always read the original. If you enjoy this project, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends.

Fenriloogamon

Fenriloogamon drops from the Digivolution light onto all fours. The atmosphere around its body burns from its heat. Each mighty paw leaves behind a molten print as it sparks into an unextinguishable blue flame. Bright blue fur spills Brom between its platinum armor that rattles elegantly with each step. Fenriloogamon’s tail wags as it turns its attention to the professor. 

“Here I am, Professor. I’m finally part of the club,” Eiji and Fenriloogamon taunt in unison. They stare down at the professor with a hungry determination. 

“Remarkable,” the professor lets out. “I never thought your desire to save Leon would be enough to trigger your mega Digivolution. You are full of surprises Mr. Nagasumi.” He chuckles. 

“Aren’t friends important to you?”

“I don’t see a need. People are either useful or they aren’t. Why complicate things further?”

“So that’s all we were to you? Useful?”

“Very,” the professor says with a smirk. “Which reminds me. I still owe you a fat bonus.”

“How fat?”

“Don’t tell me you’re reconsidering my offer?” Ryusenji jests. 

“Nah, there’s nothing to consider. I already know the type of person you are.” Inside Fenriloogamon’s Digicore, Eiji looks over his monitors. He examines the readouts before cracking his knuckles. “We’re going all out bud,” he says to Fenriloogamon. 

Fenriloogamon leaps into the air, unleashing a mighty roar that shakes the Source Domain.

RAGNAROK HOWLING!

Yulin watches Fenriloogamon charge toward the professor. She felt safe behind the pillars and slabs that surrounded her. The Tyrannomon that brought her here stands nearby with an unconscious Ryudamon at its feet. A second Tyrannomon carefully lowers Pulsemon and Black Agumon on the ground nearby.

Kosuke rides in on the third liming Tyrannomon. He gives it a gentle pat on the head as he gets off and begins limping towards Black Agumon.

“Kosuke…” Yulin lets out.

Kosuke limps past her and drops in front of Black Agumon. “Forgive me,” he makes out weakly. “Your warning wasn’t about the Source Domain. It was about Ryusenji.” Kosuke clutches his fist tightly.

“What’s in your hand?”

“I’m here to put an end to it,” he says as he reaches towards the Black Agumon. Yulin can make out the syringe in his hand. Black Agumon stares back with an unchanging blank expression.

“I can’t hear Dorumon anymore…he took everything from me..If only..” his voice trails.

“Snap out of it Kosuke!” Yulin says sternly. “At least wait to see what the kid can do.”

Fenriloogamon burns a pale blue in the distance.

Fenriloogamon releases a searing shockwave towards Dorugoramon. The attack sends Dorugoramon skidding several meters back. Fernriloogamon readies its next attack, leaping through the air until it was directly overhead. It rains down fiery beams from its limbs. 

JOTUNHEIMR GALE!

Kosuke turns towards the battle for the first time since it started. “I don’t believe it.” Kosuke watches in amazement. “The kid actually did it.”

“It’s easy when you’ve got nothing to lose.” Yulin interjects.

“He’s fighting for his friend. That’s not nothing.” Kosuke follows the fight carefully. “He’s always been determined to be on the winning team.”

“You used to be like that, once,” Yulin says as she moves closer to Kosuke.

“Maybe I was,” he says quietly.

“We were all like that once. Now, we just have to do what we can.” Yulin places her hand gently on his shoulder.

Kosuke looks over to her and smiles. “Thank you. I needed to hear that.” He lets out a sigh as he tightens his grip around the syringe.

A blinding pillar of light shoots up from the center of the stone pillar, pulling Durogramon and Fenriloogamon’s attention from the battle.

“What was that?” the professor asks.

“Eiji,” Fenriloogamon calls out. “It’s them!”

The light begins to pulse.

“Did he?” Eiji looks down to search for Kosuke, but there was no sign of him or the Tyrannomon. “He must have administered the Medicine.” The beam turns a familiar warm yellow hue. “LEON! PULSEMON! COME BACK!” They shout.

Leon lays lifelessly in his bed. Wires and tubes run from various machines into his body. A sudden jolt wakes one of the monitors as it fills with unusual activity as the Digimon Linker on Leon’s wrist flickers to life.

The pillar of light fades. Suddenly a bolt of lightning jumps from the center of the stone circle.

“Pulsemon!” Eiji cries with joy.

“Sorry we’re late.” Pulsemon and Leon say at once. “You look…different.”

“Leon? Is it really you?”

“Who else would it be?” they answer.

“Isn’t this sweet?” Ryusenji interjects.

“Professor?” they turn to the silver dragon now staring down at them. “Why are you inside Dorugoramon?”

“I’m here to stop Eiji and the rest of the Sons of Chaos,” the professor explains sheepishly.

“You’re fighting Eiji?”

“He betrayed us Leon. He’s siding with the enemy. They’re trying to destroy the Digital World.”

“Don’t listen to him Leon! He’s the bad guy, not us.”

Leon and Pulsmon look around them. They take in the strange new scenery. Their talon scratches at their chin as they continue to process. They nod suddenly and let off a snap. A spark flashes and consumes their body as they Digivolve.

When the sparks fizzle out, Kazuchimon stands between the Eiji and the Professor.

Kazuchimon

“How..how is that possible?” Yulin asks, watching the new Kazuchimon spring to life. “He was DMIA.”

“The recovery medication was originally designed to extend the amount of time someone can be mindlinked.” Kosuke watches in amazement. “The drug worked.” He had done all he could do.

“Remember Leon. Remember what he did to you. He’s made his choice. Now join me and help me defeat him.”

“Don’t listen to him, Leon. He’s using you!” Eiji yells as he watches Kazuchimon swing around to stand beside Dorugoramon. Kazuchimon begins collecting electrical energy in its fists.

SHINDEN SHOURAIKO!

Kazuchimon releases the energy in a powerful strike, exploding with powerful force against its unsuspecting target. 

Kosuke lets out an anguished scream as he falls to the ground in pain. 

Dorugoramon’s arm smolders. Black fumes rise from the wounds. “Leon?” Ryusenji lets out. “Why?”

“You didn’t bring me back professor,” they respond. “Tartarus did.” They release a flurry of blows, each one connecting violently against the silver dragon. Dorugarmon falls to the ground and the attacks stop. “And it was Eiji who came after us.

“Leon!” Eiji exclaims. 

Kazuchimon rushes to Fenriloogamon’s side. “It’s hard to explain…but we heard the whole thing.” 

Eiji smiles. “So you’re saying you’re siding with us Code Crackers?”

“Kazuchimon smiles. “Never.” It draws its lightning blade and points it at the professor. 

“You’re making a huge mistake Leon!” The professor shouts. 

“So be it.”

“We’ve got your back,” Eiji and Fenriloogamon say as they move next to Kazuchimon. The two Digimon ready for their next attack. 

Character design/illustration illustrator: malo

Kazuchimon and Fenriloogamon open up a private channel.

“Hey Leon…” Eiji says sadly.

“Don’t worry about it.” they reply before Eiji can apologize.

“Give up quietly professor,” Kazuchimon commands.

The professor cackles. “This is my domain now. You don’t stand a chance!” A tree diagram splits the sky above them.

“What’s going on?” Leon shouts.

“Something’s happening to the alter!” Eiji yells.

“Did you already forget that I cracked the Source domain?” the professor gloats. “I’ve run out of patience.”

Dorugoramon’s body begins to bend and stretch suddenly.

“Kosuke!” Yulin shouts as she watches her old friend fall to the ground unconscious.

Dorugoramon continues to contort violently. A strange force pushes against its insides, trying to burst from within.

“It’s downloading data directly from the source Digimon. He’s going to kill them if he keeps this up!”

“This is bad!”

“Lets go Kazuchimon!” Fenrilogamon barks. The two Digimon charge at their terrifying new foe.

DEATH-X-EVOLUTION