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video game reviews

White Day: A Labyrinth Named School Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of White Day: A Labyrinth Named School 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.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

Whiteday_20170309102110

What is White Day: A Labyrinth Named School?

The classic Korean horror game is back by popolar demand. Roam the haunted halls of Yeondu High School as you avoid a killer janitor and try to escape a few supernatural horrors. Armed with only your wit and your vague memory of this new school, you will need survive the night and find your way out. Can you survive the night long enough to see White Day? Or will you be another dark spot in Yeondu High School’s even darker history?

Gameplay

Players take control of Hee-Min Lee as he finds himself trapped in school overnight. Players will need to solve puzzles, hide from ghosts and a killer janitor, and find clues about the school’s history. The game offers different difficulties from an easy mode for those who just want to enjoy the story, and a hard more for those who want something a lot more scary. Those who have played the game can enjoy a new character, a bit more story, and a new ending to keep things fresh. There are also some new visuals to bring the game to a more modern audience.

Review

I have mixed feelings about this game. On one hand, I love the story. This game has a fantastic atmosphere, solid pacing, and interesting lore. The puzzles in this game are interesting and provide a good amount of challenge. My issue is that I am still a huge coward when it comes to horror games, and this game knows how to keep my heart rate up. Whether it was the pesky AI that always knows where I am, or the jump scares that forced several needed breaks, I wasn’t as ready as I thought I was. If you are looking for a classic horror game that still feels a little dated, the story is good enough to play through at least once. If you aren’t a fan of old school games, there is some clunkiness to this game that makes it feel dated.

Aesthetic

I hate to admit it, but White day has a fantastic horror vibe. The game has a creepy sound track to get you in the mood, the school looks frightening, and the monsters are very well done. While I did have to take many breaks, I did force myself back because I wanted to see more of the story. The game does look a little dated for those used to modern day horror, but I appreciate the retro horror vibe and the story it tells.

Story

White Day has a solid horror story. It has some cool creative elements, but the running away and sneaking mechanics get in the way. I sort of wish I played on the easy difficulty because I don’t like stealth style games, but I powered through (somehow) because I liked the story enough. I still prefer The Bridge Curse 2, but I definitely would add this to your horror list.

Gameplay

I did not like the gameplay, but it could be a skill issue. The puzzles in this game are fun and creative. Some of the objectives are hard to see, and the times I got stuck was because I couldn’t see the object. I believe this is an age issue, but luckily there are guides available if you get stuck. I hated sneaking in this game. The Janitor seemed to always know where I was and sometimes he wouldn’t leave. This could be a skill issue, but it is really boring to have to sit in hiding as the AI just paces around, giving you no opportunity to progress through the story. People who are better at these style of games may have a better time with this game, but those who don’t like stealth games should look elsewhere for their horror. I think the dated feel of the games the stealth feel worse, but again, I don’t like Stealth games.

Conclusion

So why did I get this game if I don’t like stealth games? As much as I struggle to get through these games, I do enjoy a good horror story. White Day has a solid horror story with interesting lore and very fun flavor. The game has some solid horror elements that create the creepy atmosphere I want in a game like this. The problem with the game is that it does feel dated, and it does feel like the AI cheats to create the game’s tension. If you are good at stealth games, you might have a better time with this game, but I wouldn’t pay full price to play through this game. I would wait for a sale (like the one happening on Steam until May 16, 2026).

You can pick up White Day: A Labyrinth Named School on Steam.

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video game reviews

Panzer Knights Review: Tanks and Anime Girls Unite

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Panzer Knights 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 reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Panzer Knights?

Do you like World War II era tanks and cute anime girls? Panzer Knights combines these loves into one epic campaign through re-imagined history. Do you have what it takes to bring victory to your army?

Hook

Command a mighty panzer platoon of cute anime girls through iconic WW2 battles in an adventure you will never forget. Fight off squads of enemy tanks with your fleet of WW2 tanks and special ammo for every occasion. Can you withstand the pressures of tank warfare and bring victory and honor for the homaland, or will you be another heap of burning scrap metal on the side of the road? Grab your mice and keyboards and find out today!

Gameplay

Players take control of different tanks through iconic historical battles. Use different ammo types, positioning, smoke screen, and crew members to take the advantage. While there is some realism in design, combat leans a bit to the arcade side. Do not expect this to be a full on tank simulator like World of Tanks, but the game requires enough skill to demand its respect. In between missions, players can buy upgrades or recruit new crewmates and tanks. There is a story, but it is a short and manageable campaign for those who don’t want the commitment. Make sure to check out the DLC for additional tank types.

Review

Honestly, if you are looking for a tank sim but don’t want to put in the effort that comes with something more realistic, Panzer Knights is a solid choice. The game has fantastic art, a solid story, and decent combat mechanics. I am not a huge fan of those warfare sims, but I had a lot of fun with the arcade feel of this game.

Aesthetic

I’ll be honest, you put a cute anime girl in your game and it is going into my collection. I will admit I did my time with Azure Lane, and this was giving me a similar vibe (albiet less fan service). I commend the devs for their attention to detail in the tanks as well as the girls. The world and tanks look pretty accurate to my casual historian eyes (I actually do love learning about history). My only issue with the game is that the world does feel a little empty. I don’t like how the world just pops up around you as you move around the maps, and some of the maps are kind of ugly. I think there is just enough detail to apreciate the game for what it is, but don’t expect the realism you get from World of Tanks.

Story

The story for this game is fine. I don’t think it is anything I would rush to, especially because there are bits that feel generic, but it was good enough to fill the game. I just wish there was more. The game is very short. It is worth $20, but I wish there was more to do.

Combat

Combat is where the game wins me over. I am not a fan of the more realistic sims because of how much work they feel. Things like World of Warships or Tanks are fun, but having to adjust to the physics of warfare is a struggle I don’t want to sit through after a long day of work and being a dad. I enjoyed the lack of realism because movement doesn’t feel clunky and combat doesn’t feel so calculated. The game does offer some challenge by forcing players to think about positioning, shell type, and things like that, but to a more casual degree that I found very manageable. The enemy AI is a bit on the easy side, but I still had to try to get by.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a tank sim that is more on the casual side, Panzer Knight is a solid option. The anime girls a cure, the tanks are cool, but you gotta be okay with the world being a little ugly. I enjoyed my time with the game, but I would probably wait for a sale. As much fun as I had, tank sims aren’t really my thing. I don’t think I would have gotten as far as I did if I wasn’t writing this review. That said, if you like WWI era tanks, don’t mind the arcade approach to combat, and want to collect cute waifus, check out Panzer Knights on Steam.

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Reptilian Rising Review: A Unique Tactical RPG Experience

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Reptilian Rising 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 reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Reptilian Rising?

Reptilian Rising is a tactical, turn-based strategy game out now on Steam and the Nintendo Switch. Players take control of their favorite historical figures (and some a bit more fictional) in an epic battle for humanity’s freedom. Make sure you check out the Steam demo, and don’t forget to wishlist!

Hook

The dreaded Dictatorsaur has sent his mighty army through time to threaten humanity. It is up to earths mightiest heroes from every reach of time to stop them. Control miniatures of earths mightiest heroes and keep our timeline reptile free. Make your way through time, recruit new heroes to fight by your side, use your tactical prowess to save humanity, and collect some cool collectibles along the way. Do you have what it takes to save earth, or will fall under the weight of Dictatorsaur’s power?

Gameplay

Players get to assemble their army as they jump around time, keeping the reptilian forces at bay. The game is a turn based tactical RPG where players and enemy AI take turns capturing objectives, finding cool collectibles, and killing anything that gets in their way. Each level has unique objectives like capturing key nodes or killing all of the enemies to progress through the campaign. Each level is themed after a specific point in time, but all with a unique retro vaporwave aesthetic that makes the game a uniquely quirky experience.

The level ends when the player clears all of the objectives, or the player looses all characters. Characters can respawn if the player has enough time points. Players earn time points by killing enemies, collecting items, or capturing objectives. Time points are used for actions like summoning new characters or performing certain actions.

Combat

Combat in Reptilian Rising is turn based. Players spend each run using up a character’s action. During each round, each character can move and perform an action. In classic tabletop rpg fashion, each character has a limited movement range and action economy. Characters can use their action to attack, defend, or capture an objective. Take can also take their turn to collect gold or other collectables scattered across the map. After leveling up, characters have access to additional abilities that can be used if the player has enough time points. If the player takes too long to complete a level, a powerful enemy spawns to up the stakes.

Leveling

In between levels, players can spend ingame currency to level up their abilities. Reptilian Rising features a robust skill tree to give players a variety of playstyles. While I am sure there is a right way to build your army, I had good enough success building what I thought was fun.

Review

Reptilian Rising is a neat little strategy game that has classic tabletop vibes and a very cool theme and aesthetic. While there are bits that feel unfinished and clunky, the game has an undeniable charm that is worth checking out at least once, especially if you like killing time traveling dinosaurs. While I am very bad at strategy games, especially this game, I enjoyed every minute I had with this game.

Aesthetic

Reptilian Rising has a very cool vaporwave aesthetic. It has those bright neon colors that make it look both retro and futuristic that the same time, with some cool character designs to fill the world. Couple this with the fantastic sound track, and I got a sense of nostalgia for an era I didn’t live through. The tabletop feel and aesthetic was an excellent choice, and it gives Reptilian Rising its unique and memorable experience.

Gameplay

I am a little mixed on how I feel about the gameplay. On one hand, it is a solid strategy game with difficulty adjustments to support both casual and hardcore gamers. The mechanics are sound and offer players a ample opportunities to flex their strategy muscles. I am not good at these kinds of games, and had to play at the lowest most casual difficulty. This was still fun for me (I barely made it through each level), and I appreciate that I had the option from the beginning. My issue with the game is that there isn’t an option to reset a level if you are losing (at least not an intuitive one). You kind of have to just wait to fail the mission, which is a little unnecessary. Sure I could speed up the game through the settings, but its not the same.

Another issue I have with the game is that it is a little clunky. The game runs pretty smoothly and I didn’t experience any bugs or crashes, but choosing an action didn’t always work. To choose an action, you have to click on the character, click on the action, click on the object or enemy to target, click the action again. This feels clunky, and sometimes the actions wouldn’t work unless I moved the camera and tried again. I wish it would let me click the action and let me click the target to perform the action.

Loot

One mechanic I found interesting is how the game handles loot. The game will automatically give players XP for killing characters, but not loot. Enemies will sometimes drop additional loot that players have to pick up by landing on the square it drops to. There are also collectables scattered throughout the map the players can collect. This forces the players to either use their movement to collect the loot, often forcing them to move in-optimally, or they can ignore the loot and focus on the objectives. Loot disappears after a number of turns, giving players urgency in their action economy. Do you go out of your way to collect that cool new trading card you’re missing, or do you take over an important node to stop a powerful enemy from showing up?

Conclusion

Reptilian Rising is a fun quirky take on the genre. I am a huge fan of the flavor, aesthetic, and mechanics. While there is some minor jank, I think it gives the game its charm. If you are looking for a fun new strategy game to add to your collection, check out Reptilian Rising on Steam and the Nintendo Switch. At the very least, go check out the demo!

Trailer

video game reviews

What to Expect: Alpha Nomos Demo Impressions

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Disclaimer

I was sent the Alpha Nomos demo to review for my blog. I understand the game is not done yet, so I will be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, this will be my honest impressions of the game.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Alpha Nomos?

Alpha Nomos is an action roguelike rhythm game coming to Steam later this year. Make sure you check out the demo, and don’t forget to wishlist!

Hook

The world has been ravaged by murderous puppets, and it is up to Cello and her friends to bring it back to life. With the power of rhythm and music, fight your way through this broken world and bring peace. Discover new abilities, harness the power of music, and destroy everything that gets in your way. What will your journey uncover? What is Alpha Nomos?

Gameplay

Alpha Nomos is your typical hack and slash. Players run through the world, beating up enemies with the power of music. The game features the roguelike leveling structure where players start at a hub where they can buy and equip upgrades between runs. Players will make their way through a run, grinding for the resources to level up their character. During a run, players can choose the type of encounter or reward. Players can either fight for a powerup, ability, or money. They can also choose to heal or buy items. What makes Alpha Nomos unique is the rhythm game mechanics.

Rhythm

Combat in Alpha Nomos requires players to land the attack, dodge, or block in rhythm with the music’s tempo. Landing an action at the perfect time maximizes its effectiveness. While you can mindlessly button mash your way through the game, Alpha Nomos rewards those who can keep the beat. For those like me who have no rhythm, the game can be calibrated for a more casual experience.

Impressions

Alpha Nemos has some solid bones and interesting ideas, but I personally don’t like the rhythm game elements. The game does a good job at making it as easy and clear as possible to hit the actions in time, but I have no rhythm and I am afraid I never will. If you like rhythm beat-em-ups and don’t mind the roguelike structure, go check out the demo.

Aesthetic

What drew me first to this game is the art. Cello is adorable, with a cool and iconic character design. The attack animations are creative and very fun to watch. Alpha Nemos has a very cool world. I love the monster design and large discarded items scattered across the world. The fact that the world moves to the rhythm of the music is such a cool little detail. The world reminds me of Manairons, which is a cool adventure game you should definitely check out.

Gameplay

If you enjoy rhythm games, the game is fine. The combat mechanics are solid, and the leveling is straight forward. The roguelike structure make the game feel repetitive, but not more repetitive than the norm. The rhythm mechanics make the game feel tedious. This is a very personal problem because I lack the rhythm to make this work (yes even on the easiest setting). The rhythm mechanics do not make this a bad game. The devs do a very good job at incorporating the mechanics into a very unique gaming experience. My issue is strictly a skill issue, and I wasn’t able to mesh with the game.

My real complaint is with the structure. They create a very cool world that I wish were more exploitable. I would have preferred the game be a linear story game so it would feel less repetitive instead of having me grind through a roguelike. My issue with the structure is that I’ve played so many roguelikes, I would rather be playing anything else.

Conclusion

Alpha Nemos seems to be a promising rhythm beat-em-up, if you’re in the mood for another roguelike. It has some fantastic art and flavor, and some sound mechanics. I was never able to mesh well with the mechanics, but I managed to get through enough for a solid impression. I don’t think I would pick this up because it is not my thing, but the demo is available for those of you looking for a new rhythm game to get into. You can check out Alpha Nomos demo on Steam!

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video game reviews

Is Class of Heroes 3 Worth the Grind? Find Out!

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Class of Heroes 3: Remaster 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 reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Class of Heroes 3?

The classic dungeon crawler, Class of Heroes 3 has been remastered for all PC players. The game now supports upgraded graphics, bigger dungeons, and a few quality of life changes to help bring a new generation to the old school RPG.

Hook

Enroll in one of the three district schools as you make friends, delve dungeons, and kill anything that stands in your way. Each school has its unique story, difficulty and most importantly, uniform. With 46 classes to choose from, a large amount of weapons to equip, races to be, and lots of friends to make, you can mix and match for a truly unique gaming experience. When you get tired of school life and dungeon crawling, you can do some alchemy to make the powerful items that will take you through your adventure. What secrets will you uncover? What friends will you take along?

Gameplay

Class of Heroes 3 has 3 gameplay loops: school, dungeon crawling, and alchemy. The game offers a deep, classic RPG experience with a few updates to make the game a bit more palatable for the modern audience, but is it enough?

School

Players will need to attend school where they can have social events, make new friends, rest, and buy or create new items. The schools acts as a home base for players to make crucial improvements before setting off their new adventure. This is where players can recruit new heroes and arrange their parties. Each character has a unique skill set based on their class and race that give players a decent amount of customization. I am sure the game is solvable, but I always appreciate when a game lets me choose what I think is cool.

Dungeon Crawl

Setting off on adventure means crawling through the game’s many dungeons. The crawl is in first person where players explore the world one square at a time. Throughout a crawl, players can find useful items, meet new friends, and fight enemies through randomized encounters. Combat is your classic turn-based rpg where players take turns performing actions. Players choose an action between each round and RNG switches between enemies and player characters to perform them. During a turn, characters can switch formation, perform an attack, cast a spell of ability, use an item, or flee. An encounter ends when the player or monster group’s health drops to zero. It should go without say that killing monsters gives the players the XP they need to level their party. It is important to keep a party well geared and supplied, especially when the difficulty jumps after the introductory stages of the game.

Alchemy

Alchemy is what makes the game unique. While players can loot and buy useful items and weapons from shops in town or at school, upgrading or crafting is more useful in the long run. The game doesn’t do a very good job at describing the importance of this mechanic. Not understanding how to utilize alchemy properly will result in wasting time in a game that is already very grindy.

Review

I have mixed feelings about Class of Heroes 3. On one hand, I love the art, the old school vibes of the game, and the story. On the other, I think I am too old to play a game with this amount of grind. If you miss that era of gaming where you would have to spend hours grinding through a dungeon just to beat that difficult boss, you’ll appreciate this game and the modern treatment it was given. If you don’t have much time to game or remember this era less fondly, you might want to skip this one.

Aesthetics

Class of Heroes 3 is a beautiful game with very cool character designs and a world that is fun to explore. I love the high anime fantasy flavor of this world. This and Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society have very cool flavor, music, and lore, but I wish the games were a little shorter. At least let me auto-battle through some of the more grindy bits.

The Grind

I grew up around this era of RPG, although I missed out on the original release. I have spent more time mindlessly grinding for digital rewards than I would proudly admit, but I used to find comfort in that level of repetition. Now that I am older and have a lot less time to play games, these types of games feel less appealing.

I have noticed the shift in gaming where people want easier games that hold your hand, but this isn’t my complaint. My complaint is that after you get past the early stage of the game, the grind gets so bad, I felt I played for hours without any reward. There is value in games like this for those who enjoy this genre for what it is, but it is a hard sell because not everyone has time for it anymore. The only reason I don’t like this game is because I just don’t have it in me to go through this grind, especially when I have a little one pining for my attention.

Does it Work on the Steam Deck

The game runs great, especially on my Steam Deck. I would argue that the best way to play this game is through the Steam Deck. The words are a little small, but that may be more an issue with age than the Steam Deck port. I have the fondest memories playing these kinds of rpgs on my gameboy, and reliving this through my Steam Deck gave me some comfort, but not enough to recommend. I will say that the grindy nature makes it the perfect travel/couch game because you don’t have to pay too much attention to it.

Gameplay

The game is fine for what it is, but it doesn’t do a very good job at explaining some of the more important mechanics. Combat is pretty strait forward, but I wasted a few turns figuring out the front and back line mechanics. Combat is fine until it gets repetitive.

I still don’t fully understand how to do alchemy, but I figured out enough to get me through my playthrough. I like that there is school events to break up the grind, but there was too much grind to get through. The story is fine, but I took so long with the dungeon delve that it made it hard to keep the events strait. Again, I am old and there may be some skill issue.

Conclusion

Look, if you like the art and need a new dungeon crawler with a retro yet modern vibe, and have the time for the grind, sure. I haven’t played the original game, but it feels like a proper remaster. My only issue with this game is that I just don’t have time for it. For people who don’t have much time to game, the Class of Heroes 3 is too slow of a burn to be worth it. I really wanted to like this game, and even went out of my way to request it, but I just don’t have it in me for a game like this. Honestly, I would rather be playing Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society, a game that is almost as grindy but with more fun mechanics.

For those of you with the time and who like the art, you can pick up Class of Heroes 3: Remaster on Steam.

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video game reviews

Revisiting Celestia Chain of Fate

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Disclaimer

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.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

What is Celestia Chain of Fate?

Celestia Chain of Fate is a romance fantasy visual novel out now for Steam and on the Nintendo Switch.

Hook

You have been enrolled into the prestigious school for Daemons, Angelus, and half breeds where you will learn to harness your magic. There are tensions between the races, and you do your best to navigate through the complex webs of relationships that exist in a school like this. In classic Otome fashion, you find yourself at the center of attention. Handsom boys will pine for your affection, rivals will try to make your life at school miserable, but luckily you have a support system to help you through it all. Make the choices that will affect the ending. Who will you choose in the end? The answer is, all of them.

Gameplay

This is interactive fiction without any voice acting. Players will read through the story, and make the occasional choice that will affect the ending. Playing through the game unlocks additional side stories that help flesh out the world, and add a little flavor to the characters you meet along the way.

Review

I’ve played through Celestia Chain of Fate when the game first came out. I loved it, but was very ready for a second play through. I was happy to find that the game still holds up. If you are looking for a solid Otome game and don’t mind the overall cheesy romance, this is a fantastic add to your collection. The story is very cheesy, and it isn’t going to be for everyone.

Aesthetics

The game’s art is fantastic, and it is what drew me to this game. The characters are all very good looking, and the world is drawn very well. There is some very cool art, with some fantastic music to get you in the right mood for romance. The only issue I have with the game is that the backgrounds are kind of ugly. Some scenes are a little distracting because the contrast between art styles is too much. The game does have  has some spectacular CGs that you are going to want to unlock to make up for it.

Gameplay

There isn’t too much to say about the gameplay. You are clicking through the text boxes with the occasional choice to mix things up. There is no voice acting, but it doesn’t need it. I usually read faster than the voice acting anyways. The game does work on the Steam Deck, but I couldn’t get the cloud save to work. I had to start over, which is fine, but the text is a little too small. I am old with tired eyes, so this might be a personal problem.

Story

The story is where I can feel the divide. I have been going through a romance anime kick lately, so I appreciate the story for what it is. Celestia Chain of Fate is a cheesy teen romance visual novel where handsome men pine for your attention. There are some very cringe moments, but there are also some sweet moments that make this the perfect cozy game in my collection. As a hetero male who is very comfortable with his sexuality, I can proudly admit that I like that handsome, supernatural men went out of their way to make me feel like the princess that I totally am. I don’t expect this game to be the piece of literary genius that will stand the test of time,  but its good enough for a couple hours of entertainment.

Conclusion

Celestia Chain of Fate is a fantastic visual novel for those of you who just want to enjoy fun cheesy romance. The writing isn’t deep or even that original, but it is a fun little journey that is worth playing through at least once. I very much enjoyed my revisit, and will definitely be back for a third as I try to collect all the endings. If you don’t mind the cheesy teen romance or the fact that you have to wait for a book too, it is worth getting into You can pick up Celestia Chain of Fate on Steam and on the Nintendo Switch. If you are looking for something a little more serious, check out Nobody Nowhere or my personal favorite, Urban Myth Dissolution Center.

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video game reviews

One Rotten Oath: A Unique Narrative Game Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of One Rotten Oath 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.

Table of Contents

What is One Rotten Oath?

One Rotten Oath is a unique narrative game that combines FMV visuals with retro shooter gameplay. Check out the Steam demo today.

Hook

Civilization crumbles under the influence of a mysterious chemical leak. People turn into rabid blood thirsty monsters, and survivors do their best to fight them off. You are one of the few survivors who keep watch at one of humanities last outposts. Using you limited resources, you must keep the monsters at bay. Can you survive long enough for help to arrive? Is help ever going to come? You will need to play to find out.

Gameplay

One Rotten Oath is an omage to the the old school FPS in the best possible way. There are two main game loops: limited exploration and base defense. In limited exploration, players move through a small map as they fight off waves of enemies. In base defense, players fight off waves of zombies before they can destroy the barrier. As the player progresses through the story, the game introduces new, harder enemies to fight off. The choices made during a round affects the ending. While the game is short, there are multiple endings a player can try to unlock.

Review

I’ve been reviewing long enough where there are games I play that I’ll forget. Every so often however, there comes a game that tries something weird, and those are the games that tend to stick with me. One Rotten Oath is one of those weird unique gems that comes across my table that helps me appreciate game creation as an art for story telling. This is one of those games I will have to recommend because of how good of an experience it is. This is a game that was made all the way out of the box and tells a captivation story that you need to try at least once. The game does deal with themes of substance abuse and suicide, so this is your content warning.

Aesthetic

Where do I even start? The blend of FMV and old school graphics is a fantastic choice. I love the retro feel of the world. Even though the maps are small, there is enough flavor sprinkled throughout to make it feel larger than it is. I am a huge fan of FMVs, and I appreciate the dev’s unique use of it for story telling and gameplay. The monsters being videos of actors with a filter over is a little silly, but it works. The sounds and music create the perfect horror atmosphere. I really adore the contrast between the FPS bits and the FMV cutscenes. It all comes together to tell an excellent story, and I am 100 percent here for it.

Story

It’s hard to write about the story because I don’t want to spoil anything. The reason the game works so well is because of how well it tells its story. The game is a framed narrative that explores the struggles of game creation and contrasts it against the struggles of surviving the apocalypses. The meta story is well done, and I love how creatively the dev blends the two stories. There are multiple endings, and I’m pretty sure I got the bad one. I am not mad, I will just have to try again.

Gameplay

The game looks simple, and the first level will have you think that it is. As you progress through the story, the game scales nicely. It adds mechanics, new enemies, and choices that affect the ending. This isn’t a game you can sit back and mindlessly click your way through the ending like one of those romance FMVs. The monsters will kill you, and there is a secret ending you need to try for. I appreciate that I am able to relive some of that old school FPS gameplay with a modern story and a modern flare. No notes. 10/10.

Conclusion

One Rotten Oath is one of my favorite games for its unique take on story telling and video game design. This is one of those game you need to try once just to appreciate it as the art form that it truly is. If you have a couple hours to experience a real and relatable story, and don’t mind the horror elements, One Rotten Oath should be in your library.

You can pick up One Rotten Oath on Steam. If you want to try another weird retro FPS, check out El Paso: Nightmare.

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video game reviews

Exploring the Chaos of Goblins of Elderstone Gameplay

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Goblins of Elderstone 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.

Table of Contents

What is Goblins of Elderstone?

Goblins of Elderstone is a challenging new village builder out now on Steam.

Hook

Help build a mighty goblin empire as you brave the elements, gather resources, and build the next great civilization. But this is no easy task. Goblins are a chaotic race that tends to be a bit unruly. While you may set your orders, it won’t always get done. There are also dangers that hunt the goblins down if you aren’t careful. Can you master the chaos, or will the chaos become overwhelming and brick your run?

Gameplay

Players take control of a small group of goblin settlers as they work towards building a mighty goblin empire. Players command goblins to gather materials, build structures, or do combat. This is pretty much your standard village builder, but the Goblins tend to do their own thing from time to time. Some times, goblins will go on their own adventure, eat, fight enemies, or huddle by the fire for warmth. It is a bit of an unpredictable twist to the genre, but one that can find its niche in the genre.

Review

I have mixed feelings about Goblins of Elderstone. One one hand, I appreciate the attempt at rejuvenating the genre with a fresh take. On the other, this game is a little broken.

Aesthetic

Goblins of Elderstone has a quirky, boxy aesthetic that gives it its cozy vibe. The more I played the game, the more bland the setting looked. The RNG for map generation needs work. Some maps look fun to explore, and others feel barren with very little in between. I don’t think there was much visually that drew me to this game, especially when you compare it to games like Steam World Build or The Wandering Village.

Gameplay

The game is a little buggy. Pathing for some of the characters doesn’t always work. There are a few bugs, but the devs seem to be working hard on ironing them out. The main draw for this game is the difficulty. Unlike other village builders, Goblins of Elderstone is meant to be hard. I recommend checking out a guide because being inefficient in this game will brick your run. I usually get a couple into a run before I have to reset and follow a guide, but for this game, it was almost instant. Some of the difficulty can be the poor RNG that seems to pollute some of the seeds. Sometimes you get super unlucky and get stuck with a base that has nothing around it. Some people might enjoy the challenge, but I just want to sit back and watch my little goblins work.

Conclusion

I have a hard time recomending Goblins of Elderstone because of the difficulty. After looking up guides and planning my builds a little better, my experience improved, but I still have a hard time picking this over something like Reus 2. The game isn’t bad, it just isn’t my style. The game is meant for people who like a more realistic and chaotic approach to village building. As calculated as you want to be, sometimes your goblins want to do something else and you have to just work around it. Not to mention that you can brick your run early if you aren’t paying attention. I prefer a cozy village builder that lets me sit back and relax. I don’t want to have to have a city planning degree. While I wouldn’t say it is as realistic as City Skylines, the chaos within its code gives the game its charm. It just wasn’t enough to charm me.

If you fancy yourself a more serious village builder and don’t a bit of RNG to shake things up, Goblin of Elderstone is in a good enough spot to earn its MSRP. There are some bugs, but you’ll apprecaite the challenge. If you are here for the cozier side of village builders, check out Fabledom.

You can pick up Globlins of Elderstone on Steam.

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video game reviews

Konfronto Game Review: Exploring the Quirky Scifi Autobattler

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Konfronto 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.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Konfronto?

Konfronto is a scifi themed auto-battling backpack management rogue like out now on PC via Steam and Epic Games. The game is currently on sale until March 2nd, 2026.

Hook

Build an intergalactic spaceship that will help you conquer the universe. Fill your ship with competent pilots, powerful ships, and useful facilities as you make your way through the dark reaches of space. There are multiple factions to choose from and countless combinations of mechanics, but only one will reign supreme. Will it be you?

Gameplay

The goal of Konfronto is to build a powerful starship. Players spend each turn buying from a pool of randomly generated parts. These parts consist of ships, facilities, upgrades, and pilots. A part can give players abilities, allow them to attack, give buffs to the ship, or unlock more grids. Parts also have factions that can give added bonuses. Finding the right combination of these parts is key to winning combat.

Combat

Players will spend a turn buying and arranging their parts before sending their ships into battle. Combat in Konfronto is done automatically. Players fight random ships other players create, and the game gives you the option to fast forward and skip the animation. A run is over if a player loses five matches or if they win 10. The hard part is finding parts that successfully synergize with one another.

Backpack Management

The main loop of this game is the backpack management. Players have limited amounts of space in a grid that they fill with each part. Parts can be rotated and more inventory slots can be unlocked, but players must learn to work with their limited space in a way that takes advantage of the games different mechanics.

Review

I love bag management games, and Konfronto is a solid addition to the genre. The game has cool aesthetic and solid mechanics that provide a decent amount of challenge. If you like the scifi theme, give the game a try.

Aesthetic

Konfronto has a quirky scifi theme that just works. I love the character design and the cool flavorful ships that fill the starship. The music score is fantastic and got me into the mood for space combat, but I was not ready for how hard this game was going to be. My only complaint is that the font is a little small and I had trouble reading some of the abilities. This could be an issue with my dyslexia, but it did make me miss some of the mechanics.

Gameplay

The game runs smooth, but the game is hard. There are mechanics and interactions that are not very intuitive. They will click eventually, but it still feels likes I am missing some key mechanics that keep me from doing better. You might need to look at guides online if you want to get more serious about your climb, but I had fun trying to figure things out on my own. I appreciate that there are different modes to encourage different playstyles, although I mainly stuck the regular mode because of personal preference. I don’ think I would choose this game over Backpack Hero or even NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters.

Conclusion

Whether or not you should get this game really depends on whether or not you like the theme. The game is small, but it offers a good amount of challenge and customization. The theme is also solid with fun quirky art to make it memorable. Personally, I prefer something on the fantasy side, but I did enjoy the amount of time I played this game. I just wish I could read the words better (although this might be a personal problem). If you are looking for a new and challenging autobattler, go give Konfronto a try.

You can pick up Konfronto on Steam or Epic Games.

video game reviews

Dark Quest: Remastered Review – A Nostalgic Dungeon Crawler

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Disclaimer

I was sent the Dark Quest remastered edition 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 reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Dark Quest?

The classic dungeon crawler, Dark Quest, just got a well deserved remaster. This classic has been adapted for a modern audience with updated graphics, art, systems, and a new shiny engine to make it run smoothly. Owners of the original Dark Quest on Steam and enjoy the remaster edition as a free upgrade.

Hook

An evil sorcerer builds a dungeon deep beneath the village of Darkwood. Its evil leaks onto the surface, spreading death and despair to the neighboring villages. A small band of heroes dares to brave the darkest depths of these dungeons and bring an end to the end of terror. Do these three brave heroes have what it takes to take down the evil sorcerer and his dark army, or will his darkness consume the planet?

Gameplay

This is a very classic feeling dungeon crawler. Players control a party of three unique heroes: Wizard, Dwarf, and Barbarian. Players explore each floor of the dungeon in a turn-based system similar to a board game. During a turn, a character can move, attack, loot, or use an item. Players explore the floor until they complete the objective, or all characters die. Dying takes a player back into town where they can prep for the next delve.

Exploration

Dark Quest is a grid based dungeon crawler. A character’s speed determines how far across the grid a character can move per turn. A character’s speed can be increased with items they buy from town. Dungeons in Dark Quest are hidden behind a fog of war. The fog of war limits a character’s movement. War Fog is lifted as players explore the dungeon.

Dice of Fate

Occasionally, the evil sorcerer will roll the dice of fate against a character. This roll can either deal damage to a character or heal them. This RNG is a gamble that will either save or ruin a run.

Combat

Combat in this game is simple. If a character is in range with an enemy, they can attack. Attacks can miss, and there are death saves. Players can buy items in town that can help skew the numbers in their favor.

Town

Between delves, players can use the gold the earn from the dungeon to buy useful items like potions, weapons, and gear. Money earned during a run is carried out, even if the party wipes. Being strategic with the purchases is key for success.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

The game works great on the Steam Deck, but I would expect it to. The low-poli simple style of the game is ideal for handheld, although there are a few quirks that make the game annoying. I often would lose the mouse over when trying to move a character, and it was annoying to get it back so I could move my character. Otherwise, the game is a solid, chill experience on the Steam Deck.

Review

If you are fan of classic dungeon crawlers, or want the experience of playing a dungeon crawler on Roll20 without a dungeon master, Dark Quest has its appeal. The problem I have with this game is that even as a remaster, the game feels dated. Why would you play this over Dark Quest 4?

Aesthetic

I like the simple UI and concept of the game. The sprites look very cool and I appreciate the fantasy vibe the game successfully captures. You are either going to love the old school feel of this game, or hate it. I would look at the trailer and go from there.

Gameplay

The game is fine if you are looking for a laid back dungeon crawler that is simple and doesn’t demand much resources. It is a very chill game that is easy to master, but one that has a bit of a slow grind. At least it feels slow compared to later installments of the game. I think this was made for those enjoy the nostalgia of this type of dungeon crawler. It feels like playing a board game, but there are a few quirks that make it a little annoying to play. I enjoyed my time with it, and definitely got $5 of fun of it, but it is hard to recommend it over one of the later installments.

Conclusion

Dark Quest is a decent remaster. The game has cool art and solid gameplay. If you are a fan of the old school style dungeon crawlers, you’ll get your fun, but I still recommend you start with Dark Quest 4. Dark Quest 4 improves on so many of the issues I have with this game, and is definitely worth getting into if you haven’t.

You can pick up Dark Quest: Remastered on Switch, Xbox, PlayStation and Steam.

Trailer