Tag Archives: games

video game reviews

Why DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation is a Must-Play

Leave a comment

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation 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 DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation?

Idea Factory brings the DATE A LIVE series to Steam and PS4 in one fantastic package. DATE A LIVE is a romance visual novel never before localized. Gamers will get access to three novels: Rinne-Utopia, Rio-Reincarnated, and Arusu install (played in that order). If your in the mood for some cheesy harem anime to read this summer, here is where you need to start.

Hook

Our story starts thirty years after the spacequakes. These are cosmic disaster that brought with it powerful beings known as Spirits. Spirits posses great power, but they are unstable. Left unchecked, they can cause great harm to the world. Shido Itsuka is an average high school student, but the only one in this world with the power to save everyone. Forced in the middle of all this chaos, Shido must date the Spirits and use the power of love to save them. Get ready to collect some waifus as you use your powers of romance to create the perfect dates that will save the world. How long will it take you to collect all the endings?

Gameplay

The game is a dating sim/visual novel. Players can date 11 different characters with unique personalities, choose from 150 dating events, and your choices matter. Once you are done with this game, there are light novels, anime, and a movie you help you get even more waifus.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation is a fantastic title for your Steam Deck. The resolution is perfect and most importantly, the text is legible. I have old eyes and have a hard time with visual novels on my Steam Deck (especially since my daughter hid my glasses), but this felt like reading a book. I prefer the experience on the Steam Deck because I can read in bed or on the couch, and any time I can spend away from my computer is a plus to me. Especially since I couldn’t put this game down.

Review

DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation is a visual novel I’ll recommend to everyone. While it is a little on the cheesy side, and the fan service might turn some folks off, it is the fun and quirky story you need right now. It has great art, and enough content to be worth the full price. It is currently on sale for $10 on Steam until July 9th 2026, which is a steal!

Aesthetic

As a huge anime fan, I have no notes. I love the character design, and I appreciate that they don’-t get too lazy with with backgrounds. Waifu hunters will appreciate the fan service, and the features that let you screenshot. Casual anime fans will appreciate the cute anime girls and dates you get to go on. I don’t speak much Japanese, but the voice acting seems solid, although I started reading faster than the characters would talk so my sample size is a little limited.

Story

I have a soft spot for cheesy harem anime, and I have a history of snapping up these types of games. I was incredibly excited when this game was sent to me, but I was not ready for how good this visual novel would be. The writing is solid, the pacing is great, and there is enough unique scenarios that make me want to 100% this game. The supernatural elements are well done, but I love me some cute anime girls and here I am, trying to appease them all. If you enjoy cheesy harems as much as I do, you probably already have this game in your library. If you don’t, it needs to be. Especially now that it is on sale. If you already have this game in your library, Celestia: Chain of Fate is a cheesy reverse-harem visual novel that isn’t as good, but might be up your alley.

Conclusion

My collaboration with Idea Factory has been a difficult one because I can’t put the games down. Regrettably, I have slowed down my posting schedule because I would rather be playing the games. This was probably the hardest title to put down because of how much fun I had with the dating sim. The hardest part about this game is choosing a waifu, especially since I don’t have the time to collect all of them. I’ll settle for Tohka for now. I have never read the novel or watch the anime, but I think its time to start. While the game does make a few references I didn’t quite understand, I was a fan Fans of the series already have this game in their library, and new fans need to have it soon. Honestly, if you are looking for something to read and don’t mind the fan service or over the top-cheesy anime antics, this is the book for you. Best of all, it plays on your Steam Deck so you can read this from anywhere.

You can pick up DATE A LIVE: Rio Reincarnation on Steam and PS4. If you are looking for more visual novels, check out After Love Ep if you want something more serious, and Harmony: The Fall if you want something beautiful.

Trailer

Other TCGs

Kryptic TCG Returns Under New Management and Motivation!

Leave a comment

Last week, the people behind Kryptic announced the end of the TCG and their plans to move to the LCG model. After a bit of feedback and a weekend to ruminate, Kryptic TCG isn’t dead! Fans of the TCG now wait as the company takes the steps to continue the TCG.

The Announcement

Tanner has announced on the official Kryptic Discord that he will be stepping down as CEO of the company and handing the company over to Chris Tesorio. The message reads:

The loyal Kryptic comunnity came together in full force for the game that they loved and now with a new name and newly found motivaition, Kryptic Studios LLC will work continue making the TCG.

The new CEO, Chris Tesorio, also made a statement:

It makes me happy to see Kryptic getting its second life. I can’t wait to see what is to come. Congradulations to Chris Tesorio on his new role, I wish him the best in his endevours.

What this Means for Kryptic

We are still waiting for more news from the new company, but plans for Kryptic as a LCG have been cancelled and new plans for the TCG are in the works. While I am a little sad about not seeing what an LCG in the the Kryptic universe would look like, I am happy to see that fans will get to continue to enjoy the game they love. I am hopeful for the future of this game and can’t wait to see what this new leadership and motivation will produce in the future.

Attonement

As a reminder for anyone who missed it, 100 boxes of Attonement Wave Zero will release on July 4th 12AM CST. Attonment was Kryptics cancelled set before the name change. The box will include single copies of the entire set, with a few random foils to mix things up. Sales will be limited to hopefully prevent scalping. It be nice to buy a box and have the complete set. I’ll be trying to get a box, I hope the fans who want one can get theirs too.

You can pick up your box of Attonement Year Zero on the Speedprobogames website for $119.99. Good luck!

gaming news

Escape Tales: Awakening is Coming to Steam and it Looks Good

Leave a comment

Bluekey Games is making the Escape Tales: The Awakening board game into a video game, and it looks promising. If you’re a fan of escape rooms, puzzle games, and narrative driven games where your choices matter, you want Escape Tales: The Awakening on your Steam Wishlist.

Hook

Sam’s daughter has inexplicitly fallen into a coma. Without any other family left in this world, Sam is willing to do anything to get her back. Fate drops “The book of Rituals” into Sam’s life, and now he finds himself in an unprecedented battle against unknown forces. Sam now fights to keep his sanity in the hopes of finding the power to wake his child from her eternal slumber. Do you have what it takes?

What is Escape Tales: The Awakening?

Escape Tales is a popular series of escape room board games. The video game adaptation promises the spirit of the series with features only achievable through video games. Gamers will collect clues, enjoy open exploration, solve puzzles, and enjoy an engaging narrative. The choices the player will matter and result in multiple endings, giving The Awakening some significant replay value. There is no time limit, and each puzzle will have various solutions. The Awakening promises to test a player’s problem-solving skills, moral compass, and decision-making. Seems like a solid deal for fans of the genre.

Impressions

I love puzzle games, and Escape Tales: The Awakening has me excited. What I’ve seen of the gameplay so far has me interested, and the story has me hooked. I am not familiar with board games, but I feel like it’s better to go into a puzzle game blind. I’ll be working on getting my review copy, so stay tuned for that.

Escape Tales: The Awakening is expected to release on Steam later this year, so make sure you add it your Wishlist.

Board Games and TCGs

Blade Runner RPG: Replicant Rebellion Kickstarter Live & Fully Funded

1 Comment

The Replicant Rebellion expansion is officially live on Kickstarter! If you’ve been enjoying the Blade Runner Roleplaying game, or are looking for something to spice up your next campaign, you’re going to want to back this project.

Replicant Rebellion is already fully funded, and if history is anything to go by, this is going to be a spectacular book. I am already a huge fan of the revealed art. Let’s dive into the expansion and get excited!

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

What is Replicant Rebellion

In Replicant Rebellion, players run their crews in secret operations in the name of the cause. They can help fugitive Replicants hide, sabotage the Replicant trade, fight against enemy crews, and much much more. This 200+ page book is sure to have something for your table. Players must be careful to keep their intentions concealed from the Blade Runners and their records clean. How much are you willing to give up for the cause?

Art

I was sent a few of the Blade Runner books to review for my blog, and they are so pretty. The art in these books is just too good to overlook, especially if you’re a fan of the source material. What I’ve seen so far from Replicant Rebellion is no exception:

Thoughts

If you are thinking of picking up this book, please keep in mind that you will need the core rulebook to run it. The Blade Runner RPG has a solid system that is easy to learn and pick up, and the book is so pretty.

As for the expansion, I think the concept is great. Flipping the roles so that a player can experience both sides of society is such a cool way to refresh a campaign. I’ve been running TTRPGs for a few years now and understand the pain that comes with burnout. Sometimes you need to take a break to recharge. Other times you need to switch systems and experience something different. Having to play the same system from a different angle is fantastic because no one has to learn new rules, and you don’t need to stop playing.

Sure you can make up your own world with and homebrew your lore and rules to keep things fresh, but some of us don’t have the time. It’s also nice to have a reference ready in case it is ever needed.

The book looks great, the concept is fantastic, and as a fan of the base material, I am all in. I will probably be getting my copy for review, so make sure you stay tuned for that. Until then, make sure you back that Kickstarter!

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG: Fresh Batch of Mercurial Heart Spoilers – 5/2

Leave a comment

Mercurial Heart releases on May 17, so make sure you put in your preorders. Since we’re officially in spoiler season, here are a few more since my last update. This is a very good looking set and I can’t wait to see what else Weebs of the Shore have in store.

May 17th is also May’s Mayhem celebration on TCG Player. People buying Grand Archive, or any other TCG product on May 17 from 9 AM ET – 11 PM ET will earn store credit on their purchase. This will be a great time to load up on anything you might be missing for your collection. A percent hasn’t been announced yet, stay tuned to learn more.

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

I’ll start off with the signed full arts because they are so cool:

Now in no particular order

Board Games and TCGs

Pokémon Paradox Rift Spoilers: Steel Type Card List, Translations, and where to Preorder

Leave a comment

We’re getting close to the end, so let’s keep things going with the metal types. Paradox Rift comes out on November 3rd. I’ll leave links at the bottom for those of you who want to preorder. Please use my affiliate links where possible. If you’ve been enjoying these updates, don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends.

Ferroseed

Ferroseed

[M][C] Spike Sting: 30 damage.

Ferrothorn

Ferrothorn

Ability: Exoskeleton
This Pokémon takes 30 less damage from attacks (after applying Weakness and Resistance).

[M][C] Pinning Needle: 50 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon’s Pinning Needle attack does 100 more damage (before applying Weakness and Resistance).

Jirachi

Jirachi

Ability: Stellar Veil
Attacks from your opponent’s Basic Pokémon can’t put damage counters on your Benched Pokémon.

[C] Charge Energy: Search your deck for up to 2 Basic Energy cards, reveal them, and put them into your hand. Then, shuffle your deck.

Honedge

Honedge

[M] Cut Up: 20 damage.

Doublade

Doublade

[C] Slash: 20 damage.

[M][C] Slashing Strike: 80 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t use Slashing Strike.

Aegislash

Aegislash

Ability: Sacred Shield
Prevent all damage done to this Pokémon by attacks from your opponent’s Pokémon ex and Pokémon V.

[M][C] Hard Bash: 120 damage. This attack’s damage isn’t affected by any effects on your opponent’s Active Pokémon.

Zacian

Zacian

[M] Iron Howl: 30 damage. Attach a Basic [M] Energy from your discard pile to 1 of your Benched Pokémon.

[M][M][C] Brave Blade: 130 damage. During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t attack.

Skeledirge ex

Skeledirge ex

Ability: Explosive Song
Once during your turn, you may discard a [R] Energy card from your hand in order to use this Ability. During this turn, your Pokémon’s attacks do 60 more damage to your opponent’s Active Pokémon (before applying Weakness and Resistance).

[R][R] Raster Burn: 160 damage. This attack’s damage isn’t affected by any effects on your opponent’s Active Pokémon.

Orthworm

Orthworm

[M] Punch and Draw: 20 damage. Draw 2 cards.

[M][C][C] Eleventh Hour Rush: If there are 3 or fewer cards in your deck, this attack does 150 more damage.

Gholdengo ex

Gholdengo ex

Ability: Bonus Coin
Once during your turn, you may draw a card. If this Pokémon is in the Active Spot, you may draw 2 cards instead.

[C] Gold Rush: 50x damage. Discard any number of Basic Energy cards from your hand. This attack does 50 damage for each card you discarded in this way.

Bombirdier ex

Bombirdier ex

[C] Fast Carry: If you go first, you can use this attack on your first turn. Search your deck for up to 3 Basic Pokémon and put them onto your Bench. Then, shuffle your deck.

[C][C][C] Shadow Wind: 130 damage. You may shuffle this Pokémon and all attached cards into your deck.

Cyclizar

Cyclizar

[C] Ram: 30 damage.

[C][C][C] Buddy Drive: 70+ damage. If you played a Supporter card from your hand during this turn, this attack does 70 more damage.

Iron Jugulis

Iron Jugulis

[C}[C][C] Homing Heads: This attack does 50 damage to 3 of your opponent’s Pokémon that have any damage counters on them. (Don’t apply Weakness and Resistance for Benched Pokémon.)

[C][C][C][C][C] Baryon Beam: 150 damage. If this Pokémon has Future Booster Energy Capsule attached, this attack can be used for [C][C][C].

Where to Buy

If you’d like to preorder any Paradox Rift product, always check with your LGS, but I’ve collected a few options in case that isn’t an option. Use my TCG Player affiliate links when possible. Everything is in stock as of making this post, but I’ll do my best to keep them updated. And remember, with how much Pokémon overprints, it is never a good idea to pay scalper prices, especially on preorders.

Elite Trainer Boxes: Random ($49.99)

Best Buy
Gamestop

Elite Trainer Box: Roaring Moon ($39)

TCG Player (Affiliate)

Elite Trainer Box: Iron Valian ($39)

TCG Player (Affiliate)

Elite Trainer Box [set of 2] ($78)

TCG Player (Affiliate)

6 Pack Bundle ($26.94)

Best Buy
Game Stop
Pokemon Center
TCG Player ($24)

Blister Pack ($13.99)

Best Buy

Build and Battle Stadium ($59.99)

Game Stop
TCG Player ($53)
gaming news

Songs of Silence closed beta sign ups are now open

Leave a comment

Signups for the Songs of Silence closed beta for PC, which goes live on August 14th, are now open. Sign up to test out what looks to be a beautiful and unique strategy game for PC and console. Song of Silence promises to be a story-rich game, with a fantastic soundtrack, and competitive multiplayer.

Play as a young queen in search of a safe place for her people in story mode, or fight online in a competitive multiplayer mode.

Combat is turn-based. It looks like you can summon units or cast spells using cards. It reminds me a bit of a game like a clash royal, but with a bigger field to play with. Players will have control of a hero who will have unique abilities to help their armies earn their victories. They will also have access to 1000’s units, spells, and unique heroes for almost limitless combinations.

The closed beta will have three biomes available: The Light Side, The Dark Side, and the Silence. Each biome comes with a unique landscape, factions, and units. It is a great time to try the game out if you are interested in the game. Keep in mind, the beta will be rough and unfinished, so don’t judge it too harshly if you get in. The beta exists to test the game so that the devs can make it better at release, not as a demo for the actual product. I’ve already signed up and am now waiting to see if I get in. Make sure you join the official discord to stay up to date on all the news, and don’t forget to add it to your wishlist.

Songs of Silence is a very pretty game , and with Hitoshi Sakimoto as a composer, the soundtrack is going to be amazing! I am warming up to strategy games, and this one looked manageable enough for my skill level. I will be receiving my review copy when the game comes out, so stay tuned for that!

Don’t forget to like, follow, and share this with your friends. 

video game reviews

Viewfinder is One of the best puzzle games you need to play

2 Comments
If you have been enjoying my content and want to support what I do make sure you like, comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends. You can also buy me a coffee

I was sent Viewfinder as a review code. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I will not let it sway my opinions.

Viewfinder is a first-person puzzle game for PC and PS5 where you solve puzzles using pictures to manipulate the world around you. A group of scientists created a virtual world where they worked on solving the world’s problems. It is believed that hidden somewhere in this world is a machine that can solve the negative effects of climate change. You are sent into this world to find this machine and any other secrets that can benefit humanity. What secrets will you uncover within this virtual labyrinth?

I got to play Viewfinder at this year’s GDC and have been excited for its release since. This game is as fun as I remembered and surpassed all of my expectations. If you are in the market for a relaxing and fun puzzle game, Viewfinder is your answer. The game has an interesting story, unique mechanics, a fantastic soundtrack, and a beautiful world to explore. This is one of the few games where I went out of my way to collect every bit of story I could from the notes, recordings, and journal entries.

The puzzles in this game are manageable and extremely creative. I had a ton of fun solving the puzzles because of how much flexibility there is for each solution. To solve a puzzle in Viewfinder, you use photos to manipulate the room around you. For example, you can use a picture of a side of a building to make a ramp to get you somewhere high, or you can use the same picture to make a bridge. How you use these pictures and solve the puzzles is up to you. Each puzzle feels open to multiple solutions, and watching the world change as I solved the puzzles was really cool to see. I am blown away by how creative the puzzles and mechanics are. You need to play this game to appreciate how much love and hard work was put into it.

My main complaint with this game is that it felt a little short. I was either having too much fun, or I am really good at puzzles because I felt like I breezed through this game. My other complaint is that some of the filters make pictures harder to see when placing them. The filters are optional, and therefore not a deal breaker.

Viewfinder is a fantastic puzzle game for players who are looking for something with a beautiful atmosphere, a solid story, and innovative mechanics. You can grab your copy of Viewfinder on Steam or PlayStation for $24.99. There is also a demo on Steam if you’d like to try it out first. This is one of the best games I’ve played this year, and I would argue that you will think the same.

video game reviews

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless

Leave a comment

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless was just announced, and I am interested in keeping up with my newfound interest in strategy games. I haven’t played any of the games in this series either, but I have always heard good things. The game looks adorable and the little gameplay I saw looks manageable for my skill level. This SRPG is promising a bunch of new features like a Hell Mode, an auto-battle feature, and online ranked play for those competitive folks out there. I will be watching for more news and gameplay.

The game is set to release in the fall of 2023 on the Nintendo Switch, Steam, and PlayStation. As of writing this, you can only preorder the different collection bundles and plushies directly from the NIS store, and the swag looks pretty neat if you are a fan of the series.  

Limited Edition with Plush Set

Nintendo Switch Bundle $158.99 USD

PlayStation 4 Bundle $158.99 USD

PlayStation 5 Bundle $158.99 USD

Limited Edition Without the Plush Set

Nintendo Switch Bundle $99.99 USD

PlayStation 4 Bundle $99.99 USD

PlayStation 5 Bundle $99.99 USD

Just The Plushies

Lil’ Pirilika $36.99 USD

Lil’ Fuji $36.99 USD

“Netherworld Warriors” Acrylic Print $299.99

The Desk Mat $23.99 usd

Uncategorized

Persona 3 Portable & Persona 4 Golden Bundle

2 Comments

This year is looking pretty good for the Nintendo Switch and console gaming in general. I am definitely going to struggle to keep up with my ever-growing backlog of games. I just saw the ad for the Persona 3 Portable & Persona 4 Golden Bundle and I am very excited. I am still busy with Fire Emblem Engage. but I will try to finish it up quickly to attempt to squeeze it in. If you are a fan of these classic titles, you can now get them on each modern console. It looks like they have upgraded the graphics and it looks pretty sick. I haven’t had a chance to play any of the persona games, but this looks like it’s a nice place to start. Grab your copy for the Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch today!