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video game reviews

GoobnBalloonsDX Review: A Fun Arcade Adventure

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I was sent a free copy of GoobnBalloonsDX to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review of the game.

Shameless Self-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update weekly.

What is GoobnBalloonsDX?

GoobnBalloonsDX is a cute, hand-drawn arcade shoot ’em up game out now on Xbox, Switch, PlayStation, and PC via Steam, Epic Games, and itch.io.

Travel between worlds, fighting off against different foes, save your friends, and try to get the high score. Each level has unique challenges as players can brave the adventure alone or with friends and pop all the balloons that get in the way. Do you have what it takes to save the world and break the leaderboard in what promises to be a quirky good time?

Gameplay

Players must use their powers to pop balloons and complete different challenges. Players can either explore new worlds and challenges through the story mode, or load into arcade mode and try to claim their spot on the leaderboard. There are unlockable characters with unique ablilities that players can customize, unique boss fights, and a co-op mode.

Review

GoobnBalloonsDX is a cute and creative arcade game with a fun gameplay loop that earns the game’s price tag. There is a solid sound track to set the mood, a cute aesthetic to enjoy, and fun and simple mechanics to master. This is the perfect game to play if you’re looking for a goofy good time without much commitment, and it is an excellent game to play with your friends. Best of all, it makes for a fantastic Steam deck game.

If you’re looking for a fun arcade game, you’d be hard pressed to find better. This game is fun, inoffensive, and it provides enough of a challenge to keep things interesting without becoming work. I like that players can either choose to chase high scores, or sit back and relax as they pop bubbles and unlock accessories. Whatever you en up doing in GoobnBalloonsDX, you’re going to have a lot of fun.

You can pick up your copy of GoobnBalloonsDX on Xbox, Switch, PlayStation, and PC via Steam, Epic Games, and itch.io for only $9.99.

video game reviews

Microtopia: A Unique Village Builder Experience

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I was sent a free copy of Microtopia 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-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update weekly.

What is Microtopia?

Microtopia is an ant-colony village builder out now on Steam.

You are in charge of building the mightiest mechanical ant empire this world has ever seen. Program your drones, upgrade your units, build your empire, and protect your queen. Build efficiently, plan accordingly, and get ready to lose a few days of sleep. Do you have what it takes to make the perfect colony?

Gameplay

The game walks through the games important mechanics and a well designed tutorial that can skipped on later playthroughs. Players all start with a queen and a few drones, and slowly build that into the mighty ant empire it turns into. Players will command their ants to gather resource, build structures, and upgrade their empire. What makes the game unique is that the automation is programed by the players. The bulk of the game is designing the many intertwining routes ants take to perform their tasks. These routes are constantly changing as resources run out and more structures start to to populate the map. The trick to this game is efficiently weaving every moving part of the colony so that everything runs smoothly. There are tech trees and upgrades to keep the game engaging. If you run out of tasks and the game feels like you are waiting on timers, you are playing this game wrong.

Review

Microtopia is one of the best village builders I have ever played. I had my doubts during the first boot because the graphics and art style are a little plain. The more I played the game, the less of a problem I had with the art direction. The style is not only very thematic and flavorful, it also means it can run on anything. It does run fine on the steam deck, but it is a little small and you’re going to have to use the touchscreen.

The village/factory building mechanics are the main reason for buying the game. They are easy to grasp with the excellent opening tutorial, and they give the player enough to do to keep the game engaging. Most of village builders I’ve played autopath tasks like farming materials, but Microtopia has players design the paths first, and assign the units to travel them second. While I do appreciate the more laid back approach of the autopathing, I did now know how much I wanted to design my own routs and paths. This does mean players need to be a bit more active in their planning stages, but I never felt like it was unnecessary busy work. I also love the fact that structures can be moved at any time, and they can be destroyed for a full refund. I make a lot of mistakes and appreciate the extra flexibility. That said, I did restart my playthrough after the tutorial because I was not happy with my pathing and some of my earlier decisions.

Microtopia is the most engaging relaxing game you will get to play. I found the village building soothing, and the mechanics had me obsessing about every little detail. If you’re looking for a new village builder, Microtopia is a strong contender. It’s unique mechanics are worth trying once, and the art style will grow on you. This is a fantastic game that deserves a lot more attention.

You can pick up Microtopia on Steam for only $19.99.

video game reviews

Urban Myth Dissolution Center Review: A Must-Play Visual Novel

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Urban Myth Dissolution Center 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 Plugs and Self-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update weekly.

What is the Urban Myth Dissolution Center?

Urban Myth Dissolution Center is a horror mystery visual novel out now on Steam, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch.

Azani has a supernatural gift she doesn’t want. In an attempt to become normal, she seeks the help of Ayumu Meguria, a level S psychic and the director of the Urban Myth Dissolution Center. In a strange turn of events, she finds herself under his employ. She must now use her powers to help the Center investigate Myths, and put an end to anything supernatural. What truths will she uncover? Will she ever get rid of this power and be a normal girl?

Gameplay

Players explore a 2D pixel art world, collecting clues, solving cases, and piecing together the overarching narrative. Players start by combing social media for leads on a new case. They follow up by interrogating the people involved, and looking for signs of supernatural activity. As they collect clues and details, players begin filling out a field journal with useful information. Azumi will periodically stop to piece the clues together. Players must be able to piece the clues together to progress through the story. When enough clues are gathered, Meguria will use his psychic abilities to guide the players towards a truth.

Review

If you can only buy one visual novel this year, it should be Urban Myth Dissolution Center. This is by far my favorite visual novel, and I have played some award winning games. Players will fall in love with the retro pixel art aesthetic and the breath taking visuals. I love how creative this game gets with its style, and it is able to successfully create the ideal atmosphere for its mystery. The game also has an amazing sound track ready to complete the mood.

The gameplay is simple, yet relaxing. The fact that the game takes the time to quiz players on key elements of the mystery keep the game engaging. There didn’t seem to be any real drawback from guessing wrong other than the inability to progress the story, but it is a good idea to keep notes if necessary. It makes things go by faster.

The best part of this game is its story. I haven’t been this intrigued by a mystery in a while, and I whole heartily recommend this to anyone in need of a good read. This is a well paced story with a fun quirky tone, memorable characters, and interesting mysteries. Best of all, the experience is pretty solid on the Steam Deck.

If you are looking for a good visual novel, it doesn’t get much better than Urban Myth Dissolution Center. Pick it up today on Steam, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch. There is a Steam demo if you don’t believe me.

video game reviews

Whispers of the Eyeless: Unique Cult Management Game Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Whisper of the Eyeless 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 Plug

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System.

What is Whispers of the Eyeless?

Whispers of the Eyeless is a cult management game with RPG elements out now in Steam Early Access.

You are the voice of the old dead gods, Wrath Desire, and Madness. Little remains of the dead gods, and it is up to you to bring them back. Using the powers of the old god that you slowly awaken, recruit new members, build your temple, and conquer the dungeon. Can you build a deserving following, one that can consume the city, or will you be another delusional cleric?

Gameplay

The main loop for Whispers of the Eyeless is the resource management game. Players will spend their time exploring the city, recruiting new members, fixing up their place of worship, and a little bit of dungeon delving. Exploring the city allows players to recruit new members to the party. Exploration will proct special events where players have a chance of recruiting unique members with special abilities. Players are limited in how much of the city they an explore at first, but will earn access to the more prosperous parts of the city once they gain more influence.

Once members are recruited, players are responsible for keeping them happy. Creating jobs, keeping them fed, and building a nice place of worship are all important tasks for a successful cult leader. Some cultists can be sent on jobs around the city, or on dungeon delves. The dungeon is a dangerous place, but one that can be conquered with the proper party of loyal cultist.

In the dungeon, players will explore its halls with simple point and click movement, and combat is in the classic turn based style.

Players who can manage to stay on top of all these tasks, earn their money, and gain their influence properly will have no problem resurrecting the dead gods.

Review

I enjoyed Whispers of the Eyeless. The game is still in Early Access, and it is hard to give it a proper recommendation. On one hand, the game is the perfect fusion of each genre it covers, on the other, the game doesn’t feel finished. The game works and looks great. The artwork is amazing, and I am a huge fan of the dark storybook vibe the game captures. The soundtrack and voice acting are phenomenal, and do a great job at setting the mood. The story and flavor is solid, but it is a little short. Players will catch up to the content quickly, which can definitely be a problem.

I loved the game since I tried the demo, and the new content made it worth the wait. But while I may be willing for more content, and will be returning to the game at every major update, not everyone will. The biggest reason to get Whispers of the Eyeless at this stage is because you want to support a solid game. The game does enough to help it stand out against the genre, and it is heading towards a promising direction. There really isn’t enough to be worth the price tag at the moment, but there will be if you are patient.

You can pick up Whispers of the Eyeless on Steam Early Access for $19.99.

video game reviews

Aarik & the Ruined Kingdom: A Unique Puzzle Adventure Game

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Aarik & the Ruined Kingdom 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.

Some Self Promotion & Affiliates

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Aarik & the Ruined Kingdom?

Aarik & the Ruined Kingdom is an adorable and creative puzzle adventure game out now on Steam.

The Kingdom is in disrepair, your father is bed ridden, and your mother is missing. Travel to the farthest reaches, through the thickest forests, the coldest tundras, and the strangest castles to put everything back together. Using your the power of your father’s crown, you must move objects and shift perspectives to solve the kingdom’s many puzzles. Do you have what it takes?

Gameplay

Aarik is a puzzle game with a unique mechanic. Every level in this game is out or whack, and it is up to the player to put it back together before they can move to the next one. Using the power of the crown, players will play with the camera perspective to create new paths, move objects, and collect treasure. Players clear a level when they have successfully made it to the level’s endpoint.

Review

Aarik & the Ruined Kingdom is the relaxing and cozy puzzler that needs to be in your library, especially if you enjoy puzzle games. The story is nice, the art is cute, and the puzzles are creative. The game runs smoothly, and each puzzle is both flavorful and unique. What I loved most about the game is having to turn the camera to solve puzzles. Shifting the perspective would create new paths, and using the different available powers made for some interesting and memorable problem solving.

Aarik & the Ruined Kingdom is the cutest puzzle game you’ll play this year with some fun and creative puzzles and solid flavor. It is a little wonky on the Steam Deck, but once you get used to the control scheme, it is not so bad. It isn’t unplayable, it just feels better with a keyboard and mouse.

You can pick up Aarik & the Ruined Kingdom on Steam for only $7.99. There is also a demo available if you don’t believe me.

video game reviews

Is Threefold Recital Worth Your Time? An Honest Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Threefold Recital 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.

Some Self Promotion & Affiliates

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Threefold Recital?

Threefold Recital is an interactive title out now on Steam.

in the city of Bluscales, magic and technology blend into a new normal. Humans and beastkin roam its streets, but there are secrets within this bustling metropolis. Dive into a unique fantasy adventure and play as a snake who can swim through paintings, a wolf who can manipulate Karma lines, and a fox who can brew just about any concoction. What secrets will they uncover? What truths will they reveal? You are going to have to to play to find out.

Gameplay

This game is interactive fiction which means there is a lot of reading, but no voice acting. In between the story bits, players will need to solve puzzles and engage in different mini-games. Players are essentially walking between story beats and jumping between shifting perspectives that come together at the end.

Review

Threefold Recital left me conflicted. On one hand, I enjoyed the artstyle and some of the quirky writing, but the pacing is bad. The first couple of chapters are meant to hook the reader, but they are so bloated that it was hard to keep going. It isn’t the worst story you’ll read through, but you’re either going exist within the target audience, or you’re not going to care.

The mini games were unique, but the novelty wears off and they become a chore. Puzzles are a little too simple and felt like padding for the story, and the exploration is a little pointless. It doesn’t add anything to the game except to create busy work, and I believe the story would be better without it. Some people might appreciate the small break these tasks may give them, but when the story isn’t good enough to hook the reader, it makes it harder to keep caring about the game.

This isn’t a bad game. Threefold Recital is cute and has some fun moments, but you can do a lot better for $15. I would wait for a sale, but at least it is Steam Deck compatible (although I found the font a little too small for my liking.)

You can pick up Threefold Recital on Steam for $14.99.

video game reviews

Takara Cards Review: A Sci-Fi Deck Builder You Can’t Miss

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Takara Cards to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review of the game.

Some Self Promotion & Affiliates

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Takara Cards?

Takara Cards is a unique sci-fi deck builder out now on Steam.

The Space Dragons have stolen from the Federation and it is your job to bring them to justice. Pick from four unique classes, maneuver through the most dangerous parts of the universe, and build the strongest deck in the universe. Do you have what it takes to avoid the hazards of space and defeat anyone who gets in your way?

Gameplay

Players start their run with a simple deck that gets upgraded over time. Players will eventually unlock new races, weapons and other perks that make adventuring the far reaches of space easier. Players will drop into a randoms zone after each level where they must avoid hazards and defeat enemies on a 3×3 map. Combat is a turn based system where players have a limited amount of action points they can spend on attacks and abilities. Enemies and hazards act on their own turn. What makes the game unique is that he enemies actions are telegraphed to the player. Players must use this knowledge to maneuver through each level without dying.

Review

Takara Cards is a fantastic deck builder with a fun and you unique gimmick that everyone should have in their collection. I was not ready for how much I loved this game, but here I am, playing it as regularly as my schedule allows me.

Right off the bat, players will be drawn to the simple yet attractive art. I am a huge fan of the cartoonist style, and the amount of effort that went into building the game’s flavor. Couple this with the game’s fantastic soundtrack and you have a scifi game that leaves an impression. The story is fine. I like that choices matter and affect the ending, and the story gave the game a bit of added flavor that I enjoyed.

But the game has its substance. The game play is unique, and extremely addicting. The movement mechanics help set it apart from other games in the genre, and the strategy required keeps the game engaging. I found the challenge level high enough to keep things engaging without ever feeling sweaty.

If you are looking for a new deckbuilder, Takara Cards is a fantastic addition to any library. You can pick it up on Steam for only $14.99.

video game reviews

Is League of Angels: Pact Worth Playing?

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Disclaimer

I was asked to cover League of Angels: Pact. The game is free to play, but I got a bit of in game currency and items to help with leveling and progression. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

Some Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is League of Angels: Pact

League of Angels: Pact is an action-idle MMORPG out now on PC and mobile.

Call powerful angles to fight along side you as you fight your way through endless swarms of monsters and demons. Build your character with powerful loot, upgrade your abilities, and become the hero this world needs. Do you have what it takes? Will fortune favor your many rolls? Its free, so it doesn’t hurt to find out.

Gameplay

The game is an idle game with options to actively cast abilities. Players will let their character make their way through the adventure, farming xp, completing quests, and earning currency and loot for upgrades. This game is a more casual take on the old-school Diablo style of gaming, with a lot more collectibles and a steeper grind, even if it is a more passive one. Ultimately, the player is trying to farm resources to upgrade armor, abilities, and to summon more powerful angels. It is very RNG reliant, with a few skill-based roadblocks to keep players engaged.

Review

While League of Angels: Pact has that old school Diablo vibe that had me curious. The art style and flavor are fantastic, the animation is solid, and the world is interesting. That interest started to dry up quickly when it turned out to not be the truest definition of an AFK game.

Early levels of this game are guided by a competent AI. Players can sit back and enjoy a simple passive grind and a lot of flashing lights. Occasionally, the game requires player input to continue progression. The problem is that it happens too often to be considered a true AFK MMO. Other games in the genre allow players to log off and continue a very passive grind without any player input. There comes a time in League of Angels where you need to actively be playing and spending money to be competitive. Calling it an action-idle MMO sort of feels like a misnomer because you’re eventually going to have to play. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it isn’t what I signed up for.

The biggest issue with this game is the gameplay. Players are either going to enjoy the semi-passive grind, or it is going to be more trouble that it is worth. I wasn’t a fan of the semi-idle gameplay. The game became too much work, and the work wasn’t fun. I loved the art and flavor, but there wasn’t enough substance for me to stick with it. If you like old school Diablo and don’t mind eventually having to spend money, its free to try. You should definitely support the game if you like it, but it wasn’t for me. My search for a new mobile game continues.

League of Angels: Pact is free to play on Steam and on Android and IOS devices.

video game reviews

Why You Should Try Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hell Now

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hell to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Juntunnslayer: Hordes of Hell?

Juntunnslayer is a roguelike bullet hell out now on Steam early access. There is also a demo available that you need to try out.

The hordes of hell have broken loose, and it is up to you to save the realm. Prove your worth as you fend off endless waves of enemies with your fighting prowess, and earn the blessings from the Gods that will carry you to victory. Do you have what it takes to keep the hordes of hell at bay?

Gameplay

All players load into a central hub where they can choose a load out and buy upgrades. Players can chose from a few available classes, but can unlock new perks, buffs, maps, and characters by completing challenges in game. Each map has unique objectives that must be cleared within the time limit, and any currency earned throughout a run can be used to upgrade a desired character. Players repeat this loop, slowly unlocking new challenges, difficulties, and maps to keep things fresh.

Combat can be as casual. Players have the options to allow the game to perform the various attacks automatically on a cool down, but there are settings that give players control over the aim and timing if they prefer a more hands-on experience. How good this system is really depends on a players preference. I loved the casual experience of auto casting while I maneuvered around the hordes of enemies.

During a level, players must complete quests to eventually summon the Jotunn before the timer runs out. During the run, players will unlock random buffs and abilities from either their class or different gods. The RNG is pretty fair, and each god and class has interesting and unique flavor.

Review

Juntunnslayer may still be in Early Access, but I recommend it to anyone looking for a cool new casual game to add to their collection. I love the viking aesthetic, and the attention to detail that went into the flavor and world building. Each class and god feels unique, and I had a lot of fun exploring every single combination the RNG presented me. The RNG in this game is fair. I never felt like a run was ruined because I didn’t have access to the right power-up and abilities, and I never got a load-out I didn’t like.

The game can feel a bit repetitive, but the game has enough unlockable content to earn its $8 price tag. Unlocking a new map, difficulty, or character gives players goals and creates a little variance. I like feeling more powerful as I unlock new nodes on a skill tree. I like trying out a new character and exploring different builds. And I love that I can explore different regions and earn harder difficulties. There are enough unlockables to keep the completion happy, and enough content for the casual who just want to play a fun game.

If you’re looking for a new game, pick up Jutunnnslayer: Hordes of Hell. This game is fun, looks great, runs well, and is Steam Deck compatible. You can pick it up on Steam for $9.99, but there is a free demo available if you don’t believe me.

video game reviews

Super Puzzled Cat Review: A Cozy Puzzle Adventure

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Super Puzzled Cat to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinion. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their Galaxy 100 keyboard. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

What is Super Puzzled Cat?

Super Puzzled Cat is an adorable jumping puzzle game out now on Steam. Players must make their way through the games 150 creative levels, trying not to die. Players can use items like jet packs, bombs, and even bubble gum to navigate around a levels many hazards. These puzzles may look cute, but they will test the most seasoned veteran. Aside from the adorable skin and creative use of items, the game features a unique save state mechanic. Players can create as many save states through out a level, and recall between them at will. This means players don’t have to start a level over after dying, they can take it section by section.

Review

Super Puzzled Cat is the cutest game in my collection, and easily one of my favorites. The game has some adorable art, a fun world to explore, and some very creative and challenging puzzles. I am not the biggest fan of jumping puzzle games, but Super Puzzled Cat has earned a soft spot in my heart. I like that the puzzles don’t feel frustratingly impossible like others in the genre, and the save state mechanic made things a lot more manageable. While the game does feel like a casual puzzle game, there is enough of a challenge to keep things engaging. I love it for the cozy vibe, and will continue to play it even after the review.

If you are looking for a new puzzle game that isn’t a huge commitment, or in the mood for some cozy engaging gameplay, check out Super Puzzled Cat. It works great on the Steam Deck.

You can pick up Super Puzzled Cat on Steam for $16.99.