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.
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.
I was sent a free copy of The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.
Make sure you 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 The Bridge Curse 2?
The Bridge Curse 2 is a first person survival horror game out now on Steam, Epic Games, Xbox, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch. The game is full of horror, jumps scares, and a couple different endings you can play towards. While the game is a sequel, this is a very stand alone story you can pick up without having played the first game.
Hook
Wen Hua University is infamous for its strange supernatural activity, particularly the events tied to the Da Ren building. The creepy lingering vibes and the building’s dark history make the ideal setting for the film clubs big project. During filming, the film club captures what appears to be a ghost siting. The video goes viral, bringing national attention to this sleepy mountain campus, specifically the attention of the young reporter, Sue Lian. Ms. Lian goes to the school hoping to break a story that will bring her some needed attention, but what she finds within these dark halls is more than just a ghost story.
Make your way through Da Ren’s dark and spooky corridors as you dodge terrifying ghosts, solve puzzles, and look for a way out. What will your investigation uncover? Can you find a way out of this nightmare?
Gameplay
Players take control of one four characters as they explore the haunted Da Ren building, looking for a way out. They use a magical lantern to look for clues, solve puzzles, and defend themselves from ghost attacks. Players can make the game scarier by visual warnings that show players danger. Players die if they get caught by the many monsters, but can leave this nightmare if they can piece together the mystery. There are multiple enemies for those who want to collect it all.
Review
I don’t know why I keep trying to play horror games when I know how hard it is for me to get through them. Part of me hopes that I will one day become desensitized enough to make it through these types of survivor horror games with the lights off. I do not have issues with horror movies and it is honestly my favorite genre, but something about having the control in my hand gives me a lot of anxiety. I had to take a few breaks as I played through this game because of how well the horror is done, but I kept coming back because I was enjoying the story. It may not be the perfect horror game, but it is a solid add to your collection if you enjoy the genre.
Aesthetic
The game has decent graphics. The world looks good, and the monsters are terrifying. There are some awkward moments of animation, but nothing that is game breaking. The music and sound is my favorite part because of how good it was at setting the mood. My only complaint is that there really isn’t a huge reason to explore, and the world seems to be a little too cluttered with small details that don’t add anything to the story. Overall, the game has a creepy atmosphere and I am here for it. Mostly.
Story
The story is fine for a horror. I like that is a standalone story because I never got to play the first one. I might build enough courage one day to go back, but I like that I wasn’t lost with the events of this sequel. The voice acting is a little spotty though. Some of the lines are delivered awkwardly and does take away from the immersion. I watch a lot of bad movies with bad acting for fun, and it could be a lot worse. I think they did good enough, and the story is interesting enough to power through. It has solid pacing, some good twists, and a good mystery. I got the bad ending because I suck at this game, but you should definitely go for both. If you need a solid horror game for the summer, The Bridge Curse 2 is a good place to start.
Gameplay
As far as horror games go, Bridge Curse 2 is fine. I really enjoyed the puzzles and how creative it got, but I had a lot of trouble getting through the monster bits. This is definitely a skill issue. The anxiety this game filled me with made it hard to do any of the stealth bits, but somehow I managed. The only issue I have with the game is how boring exploration can be because there isn’t much you can do outside the story bits, but I didn’t really want to wander too far anyways. The game performs very well and a good place to start if you are looking for solid horror.
Conclusion
I found this game harder than it needed to be because of how well the game created its horror. I am also a weenie who has a hard time with horror games. The game has a cool story full of neat lore and some unique mechanics. If you are looking for a horror game for your collection, go get your copy for your favorite console or pc. I might one day be brave enough to watch the first movie, but I’ll probably just watch the movie instead.
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.
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!
I was sent a free copy of Island of Hearts to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.
Make sure you 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 Island of Hearts?
Island of Hearts is a dating sim FMV out now on Steam. There is a demo available for you to check out. The game deals with some adult themes like alcohol use, sexual innuendos, and girls in revealing clothes. This is your content warning.
Hook
You are at what feels the lowest point in your life. You’ve lost your job and your long time girlfriend has broken up with you. In an effort to cheer you up, your friends teleport you to the Island of Hearts where you will get a renewed chance of love. Suddenly, you find yourself at a beautiful island resort surrounded by beautiful women who are also looking for love. Explore the island, get to know the girls, and try to get all of the endings. Will you find love during your stay, or are you truly destined to be alone?
Gameplay
Island of Hearts is a piece of interactive fiction. You watch scenes play out and occasionally make choices that affects the ending you get. Each choice you make raises the affection level with each girl. There are also a few minigames sprinkled throughout to change up the gameplay, but those are just cookie clicker mechanics. You are playing this game to look at pretty girls doing cute things and to collect all of the endings. The game makes it easy to collect endings by allowing players to redo choices after completing a chapter.
Review
Island of Hearts is fine for what it is. If you are looking for a good FMV, you are better off playing something like Love too Easily or The Fame Game.This game is fun, but the quality is a little too inconsistent. If the goal is to look at pretty girls and enjoy the fan service, fine, but if you’re looking for a good story, you will be disappointed.
Story
There is a story to this game, but it isn’t always good. There are some very poorly acted and produced scenes, and some very boring ones that feel like they drag on for ever. The first part of this game before getting to the island was so boring, I almost gave up on this game. Luckily, it does pick up and not just because of the fan service. There are some legitamately fun scenes where the actors and writers are having fun with the ridiculousness of the game. There are also scenes designed specifically for the fan service which are fine, but there isn’t much plot to it. The endings is where it gets hard to recommend. There are some very fun endings, but there are also some extremely disappointing ones. I collected most of them, but I’ve lost interest in perusing the rest. Once I got the ones I wanted, I saw little interest in going back to try for more.
Quality
The quality of this game is inconstant. Some scenes have good sound, decent acting (for a group of untrained influencers speaking a second language), and are well shot. Others feel out of place because the sound is bad or the acting isn’t great. Most people won’t forgive the bad acting. There are some poorly acted scenes, but there are some very fun moments that saved the experience (and no, not the fan service ones). Are there enough good scenes to make up for the bad ones? Only if you enjoy cheesy bad movies. Also, the transitions are terrible. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it is distracting.
Gameplay
You’re playing this game to look at pretty girls in bikinis and clicking around to get the ending with your favorite girl. There are mini games, but they feel pointless. I failed a couple because the directions aren’t clear and they don’t always work great. Some of the games affect the outcomes, but the impact isn’t very clear. I like that you can go back and change your choices. This makes getting multiple endings fast and easy, but the game does a poor job at letting players know how to achieve certain endings. This is only important if you want to 100 % the whole game, but there really isn’t a reason to. Some of the endings and scenes are just too boring. I do like that collecting endings is easier than Ladies Don’t Tempt my Immortality (a game that really makes you work for all of the unlocks), but I rather be playing that because its a better story.
Conclusion
I enjoyed playing this game more than I thought I would. Although the acting isn’t great and the story is all over the place, there are some fun moments that made the game worth a couple playthroughs. Unfortunately, I don’t think the game is fun enough to recomend. There were enough scenes were I would just zone out and lose interest because nothing happens. I can’t recommend this game, especially when you have games like Love Too Easily. But, if you like the cast of girls and don’t care too much about the plot, there is a good amount of fan service to enjoy. This isn’t a porn game, but there are scenes specifically designed to show off how hot these girls really are. The game isn’t terrible, there are just better examples.
I was sent the Corner Questdemo to review for my blog. I understand the game isn’t finished yet, so I will be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, these will be my honest impressions.
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 Corner Quest?
Corner Questis an idle autobattler coming to Steam at the end of the year. Go check out the demo and don’t forget to wishlist!
Hook
Sit your wizard on the corner of your screen as you watch her blast away at endless waves of enemies. Earn XP, upgrade your spells, and beat as many waves as you can before dying and starting over. How far will the power of your magic take you?
Gameplay
Corner Quest is meant to be a game you let run while you do work or do other things. The loop is simple, you buy spells and upgrades and watch as your mage fights through waves of enemies. Enemies drop currency that can be used to spend on permanent upgrades that stick around after death. Death in Corner Quest is not permanent. Instead, players restart from the last checkpoint retaining all of the purchased upgrades. It is a very low profile game that promises enough depth without being too distracting.
Impressions
Corner Quest is for those players who want to play a game, but not be invested in it. This is an idle game that you can run in the background while you go on with your life. It has a fun retro vibe, but the demo has limited build paths. I would need to see what other spells the mage can learn and how it impacts the grind.
Aesthetic
I have a soft spot for pixel art games, and Corner Quest has a solid artstyle. The animations are neat, the monsters are interesting, and the mage is cool. It reminds me of or the retro RPGs I used to play in my youth many moons ago, but with a lot less effort.
Gameplay
https://store.steampowered.com/app/4254260/Corner_Quest/is fine for what it is, an idle game you set behind your screen while you work. Unlike other idle games I’ve played, the timers don’t feel oppressive or predatory because there is no monetization. This game will be a buy to own game, and it is low profile enough to run in the background for most of your tasks. I like that I could step away for a while and still grind levels, although it does feel slower than actively playing. Occasionally, you will earn enough currency to buy upgrades and adjust your build. The game may be solvable, but I did fine building what I thought was cool. This might have meant that I wasn’t progressing as fast as I could, but it doesn’t matter. I wanted to play the game.
Builds
Players will unlock different spells as they progress through the waves. By default, the mage can have four spells but you can unlock more as you grow. The demo doesn’t have many spells, and it does feel very limited. I would have liked to have a lot more options in the beginning, but it does create some nice flavor. As your mage grows in combat, so should the amount of magic she knows. I would like access to more spells so that I am forced to make some difficult decisions throughout my run. At the moment, there doesn’t feel like there are any consequences and it feels like you can get away with beating the demo by buying random upgrades.
Does it work on the Steam Deck?
Corner Questworks great on the Steam Deck, it you’re using your Steam Deck like a tablet. The controller inputs feel a little too slow and clunky compared to the touch controls. This makes the game feel like a phone game, which isn’t bad, but might not be what people are looking for.
Conclusion
I have always enjoyed a good tower defense, and don’t mind the idle grind. I did enjoy this game a lot more than I thought I would. The game requires enough inputs for there to be some engagement, but ultimately, it feels like the game plays itself. Its fine for what it is, but it isn’t going to be for everyone. Corner Questis for the gamer who doesn’t have time for game, or just needs something to alt tab to and feel like they’re gaming. It isn’t a bad game, but it does have its niche. By the end of the demo, I didn’t really feel like I wanted to play more of the game, but I don’t this game was meant to be your next main game. This is a game that you use as a supplement while you’re waiting on a load screen or just want to feel busy. It will earn its home in some libraries, but it is going to be a hard sell with at least a bit more complexity. Having some sort of consequence or a bigger pool of resources do take away the casual nature of this game, but it also gives it a longer shelf life.
I would like it if there was some sort of leaderboard where players can race to get the farthest. There can even be seasons that introduce new gimmicks or bosses to the game to mix things up. As the game stands, this is a game you play for a couple hours before you shelve it and forget you ever own it. There isn’t enough intensive to keep climbing, or even finish the demo (even though I did). If you don’t believe me, you can check out the Steam demo for yourself.
I was sent a free copy of Diety 2to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.
Make sure you 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 with your friends!
Table of Contents
What is Diety 2
Diety 2is top-down turn-based strategy game out now on Steam. Think Fire Emblem, but with a few unique mechanics to set it apart.
Story
The Eternal Order exists to protect Verroa from all threats. The fragile, fragmented country struggles to find in the world political stage. The neighboring Asverellian empire chooses to take advantage of Verroa’s instability and expand its reach. The order’s strength will be put to the test as 25 powerful warriors push back against the Asverellian siege. Can and Riodian navigate the complicate political landscape of Verroa and keep the country free of Asverellian rule, or will their efforts be in vain?
What allegiances will you make? How ill your choices shape the future of Verroa?
Gameplay
Take control of a your group of heroes in a series of campaigns that will shape the future of nation. This is a game where your decisions in between missions shape the outcome of the story, so choose carefully.
Players will take control of their army as they fight in different battles. Each battle has its unique objective, with a few side objectives available to help players earn more loot. Some games will have players survive a certain number of rounds but push players to complete risky objectives for extra gold or upgrade materials. The difficulty for these campaigns can be adjusted from a very casual play through for those who just want to experience the story, to something more hard core with turn limits to test a players strategic prowess. I went with something in the middle and thought it was challenging enough to keep me engaged without much of the stress.
Players take turns moving their characters across the maps in grid based combat, and use the terrain to gain an advantage. What makes the game unique is the bond system that the characters have with one another. Characters who fight near one another gain a bond over the course of the campaign that unlocks bonuses like money or upgrade materials per each level. What I love most about Diety 2 is that players can save mid battle if you ever need to step away suddenly.
Between missions players can upgrade their heroes. They can buy better gear at the shop with gold they earn in the campaign, upgrade existing weapons with magical runes, craft magic rings for heroes to wear, upgrade a heroes abilities, or upgrade a heroes class. Each hero has a wide selection of upgrade paths for a truly unique army.
Choices Matter
Verroa has a few factions that make up its landscape. Players will often have to choose who to help as they defend against invaders. These choices shape the outcome of the story. Players can either choose the story they like the best, and help out whatever faction they think is right, or choose whatever faction gives them the best loot. Each choice has a different set of rewards, and sometimes the “right” choice isn’t the one that pays the best. What factors will shape your campaign?
Review
Deity 2is a fantastic turn-based strategy game with a solid story and very engaging gameplay. If you like strategy games or want to take your first step into the genre, this is one of the titles that should be in your library.
Story
I did not play the first Deity, but I didn’t feel like I needed to. I might have missed some refrences here and there, but never felt lost by the events in two. The story of Deity 2 is very self contained.
The story may not be the epic campaign of some of the more popular titles like the Fire Emblem series, but it’s good enough to earn a playthrough. The characters are fun and memorable, but they can be a bit too quirky at times. Nothing that ruins the story, but there are a few cringe moments that come to mind. The voice acing is solid and I liked that I didn’t have to sit there and read. This game has long cut scenes, so be prepared to sit back and listen.
I really like that the game offers choices that shape the outcome of the story. It was hard choosing a path because the more lucrative paths weren’t always the most moral. I want to go back and experience what the other options had to offer.
Gameplay Loop
I played a more casual version of the game because I didn’t want to have turn limits. While it was a more casual run, it still provided enough of a challenge to keep me paying attention, especially in runs where I had to keep an NPC alive.
The upgrade system needs a bit of work. The UI is a little clunky and I don’t like the fact that I can’t tell what my upgrades do. I don’t like that I couldn’t compare weapons in the shop to see if it was an upgrade for what I have, and guessing with limited resources is frustrating. I never wasted money, but it was a bit of added work that shouldn’t exist.
Aside from that, the leveling adds some interesting depth to the game. Upgrades you get from runes, elixers, and rings felt impactful, and how you level up a heroes ability becomes important. The limited resources become less of a problem the more you play, and especially if you’re making riskier choices. Not all risks are created equal.
Conclusion
As a casual in the strategy rpg genre, Diety 2 is definitely a favorite. I think the story is good, the world building is solid, the art is fantastic, the music is epic, and the gameplay is good. If you are looking for a game that fills that Fire Emblem itch, Diety 2 is worth it at full price. Just be aware that you have to sit through a lot of dialogue.
You can pick up Diety 2 on steam. If you’re looking for some more turn-based strategy action, make sure you check out Arco.
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.
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 with your friends!
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.
I was asked to cover the UltraGirl Alters demo for my blog. I understand this isn’t the full game, and will be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, this will be my honest review of the demo.
Ultragirl Alters is an SRPG out now on Steam, with a demo available for anyone who wants to try it.
You have been hired as the manager for the virtual idol group, Alters. When you aren’t busy helping each girl navigate their hectic social lives, you’ll be guiding through battle against the waves of enemies that threaten the city. Each girl Each girl where’s her unique Tokusatsu-style hero suit that you can upgrade as you gain experience. Can you keep the world safe from monsters while becoming the world’s greatest idol group? What secrets will you uncover along the way?
Gamplay
UltraGirl Altersis a turn based strategy game with a few social mechanics to break up the story.
Social Events
The game has a cute chibi mode where the player can experience the story. During this part of the game, players will build their relationship with each of the girls helping them through the game’s many side missions. Leveling these bonds unlock special events that add a bit of flavor or world building. Players also get to explore a bit of the world, but it is very limited. Mostly, the chibi half of the game is where the player collects the story and learns the dark secrets behind the evil corporation that controls everything.
Combat
Players take control of the girls in their Tokusatsu-style suits as they fight off waves of monsters. Each girl has their unique set of abilities and skill that can be leveled up through experience. Each girl can move and take an action per round. Girls can either make a basic attack or use one of their abilities during their action, if they have enough energy. Basic attacks generate the energy needed to cast an ability. The key to combat is to position effectively while using your resources efficiently.
Impressions
While there are a few aspects of this game that I liked and got me interested, I definitely need to see more. Overall, the game is fine, but I can see it being a niche game made for an intended audience.
Art
If you like anime, then you will appreciate the character design. UltraGirl Altersdefinitely has its waifu bait, and that isn’t a bad thing. The girls are cute, but there is a bit of fan service. I like when I can play my waifu games in public. For the combat part, I think the level design is too busy. It was hard to make out what was going on most of the time, and the suits don’t look very cool. As for the exploration parts, you are either going to love the chibi design or hate it. I think the chibi art is cute, but found the story a little lacking.
Story
The Demo only plays through the tutorial a bit of the intro. While it isn’t enough to judge the quality of the story, there is nothing in the intro that hooked me. The biggest issue I have with what is available is the writing. It is a little awkward in parts and a little cheesy in others. This might be due to translation issues. Unless the full game leans into the silliness and carries a light-hearted narrative with fun characters I care about, I don’t see me finishing this game. The story isn’t the worst, but considering art, tone, and gameplay, I rather be playing Disgea 7.
Gameplay
Combat is interesting for the first few round before it grows a little stale. Enemies feel a little unfair, and the busy map makes it hard to tell what is going on. You are either going to enjoy this type of combat or hate it, and I certainly wasn’t a fan. Maybe it gets better in later levels, and I am willing to give it a try just in case. Unfortunately, based on the demo alone, when it comes to chibi turn-based combat, I rather be play Disgea 7.
Conclusion
If you like the SRPG style combat and don’t mind the over-the-top (sometimes poorly written) cutesy tones of the story, I still recommend you check out the demo first. I think the combat is a little too simple for what you’re getting. The social chibi bits are cute, but they don’t add enough to the game to make them worth it. I think the game is cute and has its potential, but I need to see more of it before I can recommend it. For now, I recommend you check out the demo and wait for the sale.
Epomaker sent me the RT85 mecchanical keyboard with the Wisteria V2 linear switches to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out my reviews for the Epomaker Galaxy100 Lite and the TH108. I will also be using my Amazon Affiliate link where possible. It really helps me out if you use it before you shop for anything.
Table of Contents
What’s in the box?
Epomaker RT85 Mechanical Keyboard
USB-C to USB-A Braided Cable
2.4Ghz Wireless Dongle
2 Additional Switches
Key/Switch Puller
User Manual
Features
Epomaker has dropped the RT85 mechanical keyboard, and its unique design is ready to upgrade any setup. The RT85 comes in two flavors, Grey and Green, with either the Wisteria V2 Linear switches or Creamy Jade switches. This review will be on the Wisteria switches.
Design
The RT85 is a compact 75% keyboard, which is the perfect size for most workflows. All 82 keys are comfortably supported by one of two patent switches: the wisteria or jades. The difference is the sound, witch wisteria giving off more of a thack while the jades give a smoother creamier sound. The choice is all up to preference. Each switch and high quality keycap is easily swappable for when you are ready for a change in aesthetic.
This compact mechanical keyboard has a respectable 5 degree typing angle, but can be adjusted to 6.7 and 10 degrees. While the native is nice, I do prefer the steeper angler personally. Speaking of comfort, the wisteria switches offer just enough resistance to offer a satisfying amount of feedback with each keystroke. The actuation can be personalized for added comfort.
The Epomaker RT85 sports a unique design. Users will appreciate the retro aesthetic and two impressive color schemes. The green white gives it an army vibe, and the white grey has the splash of color to brighten up any setup. The keyboard also has a few gimmicks that help set it apart from others in the market. The magnetized plate helps hide the 2.4Ghz dongle neatly, the customizable LCD screen shows useful information, and there it uses a dial to switch between connections. My favorite feature is the joystick used for volume and rgb controls. Epomaker got very creative with the RT85, but it has enough function to make it worth some consideration.
Performance
The RT85 has supports a high speed, low latency wireless connection, boating up to 1000HZ polling rate. The 8000mAh offers users with up to 320 hours with everything off, or up to 24 hours with everything on. In addition, everything on this keyboard, including the LCD screen and joystick, can be easily remapped and customized for maximum workflow compatibility. Whatever you need this keyboard to do, you can be sure it will look cool doing it.
Sound Test
The RT85 with the wisteria switches has a very satisfying thock if you enjoy that typing ASMR. However, keep in mind that this keyboard is loud. People around you will hear you typing feriously, and some people will find it annoying.
Review
The Epomaker RT85 is a solid keyboard with a very cool design. If you like the aesthetic, especially the color scheme, the key board should be in your cart. While I did have a few issues with the keyboard, there isn’t much better at the price point.
Performance
I was very satisfied with how the RT85 handled my workflow. I noticed no latency for gaming, and I do a bit of Guild Wars pvp, nor any ghosting. I’ve had issues with budget keyboards being faulty, but there were no issues after a week of heavy use. I test my keyboards for about twelve hours for most of the week between reviews. Although the preprogrammed RGB profiles are limiting, they work.
The connection dial is easily accessible, smooth to operate, and it switches the connections quickly. Both wireless and Bluetooth connections are stable from at about 5 feet away. I used it with my standing desk no issue. Most importantly, the battery is excellent. With everything on, I did get about 24 hours of continuous use. I did not test it without the lights because I saw no point. The keyboard looks so pretty.
Aesthetics
The RT85‘s unique design make it the statement piece of any setup. The keyboard is very well manufactured. The keycaps are all printed nicely on pretty decent keycaps. They aren’t the best, but they are a solid starter option. The LCD is very clear, and I like how they chose a font that reinforces the retro aesthetic. The added information is nice to have, and it sits at the perfect location. While still feels a bit unnecessary, I find myself looking at the screen a lot more than others keyboards with a similar gimick.
The magnetic plate that hides the wireless dongle is a very cool idea. It is not only functional, it keeps the keyboard looking clean. The connection dial is a very nice touch. I love how it looks on the keyboard and that it is easily accessible. I swap between devices a lot during my testing and hate when the switch is on the bottom or in an awkward space in the back because it disrupts my workflow. While the feature isn’t going to save me a life-changing amount of time, it is nice not to have to fidget with my keyboard everytime I want to switch devices.
The joystick is where I am most conflicted. On one hand, it looks very cool. The RGB makes it pop and the controls are useful. That said, I rather have a dial for my volume controls. Flicking the joystick just feels awkward, but that is a personal preference.
Comfort
The RT85 is a solid keyboard, but it isn’t exactly comfortable. If you are only using it for only a few hours and don’t have a repetitive stress injury, you should be fine. If you are looking for a keyboard with a design that will ease up some hand pain, I would keep looking. While the RT85 didn’t leave my hand completely useless as some cheaper options I’ve tried, I do notice the pain after a couple hours. I do have to take breaks frequently, and I am struggling to finish this review. To be clear, this is a personal issue that isn’t going to affect everyone. My injuries are bad, so your mileage will vary. I might just be too big for this keyboard.
Conclusion
If the RT85 didn’t hurt my hands, it would be my daily driver. The keyboard looks very cool and it can handle my workload. With its solid battery life, and interesting gimmicks, it is a very solid option at this price point.
Free League Publishing sent me a free copy of the Mutant: Year Zerocore rulebook to review for my blog. While I am very happy for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. Make sure you also check out my reviews for Dragonbane and The One Ring.
Table of Contents
What is Mutant: Year Zero?
Mutant is a tabletop roleplaying game about mutants at the end of the world. The game runs on the award winning Year Zero system which is a D6 system where things happen on 6s and 1s. Six is good and one is bad. There are no modifiers. Instead, stats and gear tell players how many dice they need to roll. More dice generally means better odds. Finally, Mutant is a survival game where the world is harsh, people have powers, and starvation is always a bad roll away.
Hook
Before the fall of civilization, Earth existed in a constant state of conflict. War broke out across the globe, quickly turning nuclear. Those smart and rich enough quickly found shelter in secure underground bunkers while others fled into the safety of space. Everyone else either died in the first wave, or had to rot away in the fallout. As the Earth became toxic, many began to mutate and develop powers.This was the next stage of evolution of man, but one that also marked its end. Mutants are sterile, and while there are tales of powerful folk that roam the wasteland, the population is aging towards is final days.
Some survivors band together and form flourishing communities known as arcs in an attempt to recapture what they lost, others turned to the harsh wasteland and let it transform. You were fortunate enough to grow in one of these arcs, and spend your days working towards a common goal. As the years go by, resources start to dwindle and the world becomes a harder place to live. Eventually, you and a promising group are tasked with going out farther than the usual patrol in search of anything that will extend your time on this planet. What secrets will you uncover beyond those walls? What will you bring back? Can humanity ever be saved, or are you merely surviving till your final days?
Gameplay
Mutant is a very easy game to pick up, but has enough depth to keep players engaged. The survival mechanics give players agency, without ever feeling like a chore. The mutation mechanic adds fun flavor that players can explore through their character, and it makes for some fun and interersting interactions. If you’ve ever wanted to be Xmen at the end of the world, pick up Mutant Year Zero.
Resources
Resources at the end of the world are limited. Players will need to spend their time constantly hunting for food, water, and other materials to survive the harsh dying world around them. Resources like food and water are expended every day for survival, but they are also used for healing. Rationing this precious resource keeps a high level of tension for the players. Players can choose to be at full health for the next encounter at the risk of starving to death. The system is streamlined so the bulk of the game is focused on the game rather than resource management, but you can make it more hard core if that is fun for you.
In Mutant, bullets are the most valuable resource after food and water. While players don’t need bullets to survive the wasteland, they are useful currency when it comes time to trade for better gear or materials. Bullets are also used for guns, and no one wants to be short a bullet in an important gunfight. Players will constantly need to weigh the benefits of trading away their bullets, and that will make for some difficult decisions.
Rot
The world rots away under the effects of the lingering radiation. While there are a few clean and hospitable areas left on this planet, there are pockets of deadly radiation spread in between. These areas give players rot points that slowly kill them. The only way to get rid of rot is to rest in a clean area, but those may be far in between during an adventure. The best bet is to avoid rot all together, or find some rot protection over time. Unfortunately, sometimes the only way forward is through a puddle of rot, and sometimes the only drinkable water is contaminated. The problem then becomes finding ways to mitigate the rot, and live with it.
Mutations
You can’t have a Mutant’s game without cool mutant powers, and this book has a very good selection of them. The DM can allow players to choose their mutation or roll for them at a table. I prefer rolling because that randomness gives the game its flavor. Survivors in this world wouldn’t have been able to choose their powers, neither should your players. That said, I’ll let a player choose their mutation if they have a fun idea that won’t kill the fun for anyone else.
As you would expect, mutations give players abilities they can use in and out of combat. Every player gets a mutation point per mutation at the start of each session that rolls over to the next if not used. Mutation points are the resource used to power the mutation. Because mutations are so powerful, this limit is used to balance the game. If the player could use their mutation as much as they wanted, things could get out of hand. Mutations can also backfire. They can explode or work as intended. They can also further mutate the user, leaving them weaker but with a cool new power to use.
Combat
Combat does not get any simpler than in Mutants. Attacks succeed on 6s and fail on 1s. Additional 6s give the user extra boons like bonus damage or the ability to disarm. Additional 1s can mean the weapon breaks, leaving its user defenseless. Weapon and gear do break in this game, and players will need a skilled craftsman for repairs, or enough bullets to buy the replacement.
What makes combat deep is the health and cover system. The way health works means that players will need to think carefully before rushing in. They may not have the resources to heal back, or they can get an injury that affects their performance. Learning how to effectively use the environment in combat is extremely important. Effectively finding cover in a gun fight or exploding a barrel can easily mean the difference between life and death.
Leveling
I love the leveling system in Mutant because it is streamlined and accessible. Players will need to answer the following questions:
Did you participate in the session? (You get 1 XP just for being present.)
Did you perform a Day’s Work for a project in the Ark?
Did you explore at least one new sector in the Zone?
Did you sacrifice or risk something for your PC buddy?
Did you sacrifice or risk something for the NPC you want to keep safe?
Did you sacrifice or risk something to mess with the NPC you hate?
Did you sacrifice or risk something to reach your big dream?
Players get 1xp point per yes, and they level up when they earn a total of five. Leveling means players will get put a point into a skill of their choice or pick up a new talent. This system not only eliminates the guess work you would see in something like D&D, and it allows players to customize their character. Personally, it forced my players to act in ways they wouldn’t normally because they wanted an XP point. Where in a D&D campaign they wouldn’t care if the NPC died, they went out of their way to keep them alive and get to know them. I was not ready to RP as much as I have in Mutant, but I am not complaining.
Other Mechanics
There are other very cool mechanics that make this game unique and fun to play, but I don’t want this post to get too long. I pulled out the most notable that set it apart from other systems I’ve played, but also the systems I’ve liked the most. While I do not currently run a hardcore survival campaign, its nice to play something more bleak and I’ve been enjoying the story that has come from it.
Review
Mutant Year Zero is easily one of my favorite TTRPGs. I love how accessible the game is. It is easy to learn, and this is important for table of busy dads. Mutant also has some fantastic flavor with the mechanics that make for a good story.
Quality
I did get a copy of the physical book, and it is beautiful. The printing is high quality with vibrant colors, and the book is very high quality. I love the comic book style art. It gives the game its distinct personality and the book looks fantastic on my table.
The cover is phenomenal. I love how it draws the attention to the survivors combing a burning crumbling city for danger and supplies. Their nonchalant expressions suggest that they’ve grown used to the wreckage, and remain unfazed by the apocalypse. The worn mismatched outfits fit the flavor of the world, and the colors tie it all together. I love that each character has a hint of their ability showing. It is just enough to make a statement about their power, while still evoking curiosity. Are these good guys? Bad guys? You’re going to have to play and decide.
Story
The corebook has a prewritten adventure, and it is a very good place to start if you’re a beginner or just need a little help. The adventure offers a solid mystery with an interesting hook to get things rolling.
The players start at the arc, with an aging leader and dwindling supplies. They are sent out in search of more, but find hints to the fabled Eden. Eden is a place of abundance, populated by the most brilliant minds to find a cure for mutation. Some say the cure exists somewhere within its walls, the trouble is finding it. Others say its all a cruel joke told by those too dumb to realize it is all over. As fate has it, your players find themselves chasing a legend, and what they find isn’t what they expected.
Adventure
What I like most about how the adventure is written is that it gives players to tell their own story around the main goal. The adventure outlines a meta story, fills it with important NPCs and location, and sprinkles enough clues to create agency. The gamemaster players have the freedom to do what they want. I’ve never had my players more invested in the world building, because we were building our world. We had a session where we just talked about the fake mutant animals that existed in the one zone and creating bits of random lore that carried throughout the campaign. I love that I was not tied down by a dungeon crawl because it allowed us to tell some very cool stories.
Most importantly, I love that my players liked the meta story enough to keep playing through it. I’ve ran modules where I stopped using the source material because my players wanted to do something different within that world. I wasn’t ready for them to start asking questions about Eden and actively working towards it because of how much time we spend messing around in character.
Roleplay
This is one of the games where my players got into unique characters. I think the random mutation forced them to play a character they wouldn’t usually which was very cool to see. It might also help that I ran this game with theater of the mind using Alchemy RPG. The official module for Mutant is fantastic. Maybe the lack of math and battle maps gave players the room to get creative with their roleplay. Whatever the answer, it was a lot of fun.
Theater of the Mind
You can get as fancy as you want with Mutant. You can use maps with intricate terrain and figures, or load up your favorite VTT and do it digitally. Run this game in whatever way is most fun for your table. The system will work no matter what. At my table, we run games through theater of the mind. I’ll use maps here and there, but I like the focus to be the story and the current format works for us.
As a theater of mind game, Mutant is a fantastic system. The year one system makes checks and combat easy to manage, and the mechanics give enough depth without needing much outside aid. If all you have is the rulebook, some dice, and a dream, you are ready to run Mutant Year One.
Survival
Do not be intimidated by the survival aspect of this game. Run this game as hardcore as it needs to be for your table. I run a casual table and would frequently forget to manage resources. There wasn’t enough scarcity, and I didn’t deduct enough resources. I did break weapons and give players rot points, but I wasn’t running the game as intended. That said, the game never felt like it lost any of the survival element. Players were still cautious with their decisions, and scavenging when they could. My campaign, as silly as it was, was still a survival campaign. I like that freedom.
Conclusion
If you want to run a survival campaign with cool mutant characters and have a good amount of freedom to tell a cool story, pick up your copy of Mutant Year Zero. This has become our favorite, and it is going to be hard to switch to anything else. You can pick up your copy of the Mutant Year Zero rule book on the official Free League Publishing website, or on DriveThru rpg if you want to go digital.
