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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.

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG: Abyssal Heaven Spoiler Season is Upon Us!

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Introduction

The Abyssal Heaven spoiler season has officially started! As always, I will collect all the spoilers in one convenient spot, and will be updating this post as soon as I can, but new updates should be up by the end of the day. The newest spoilers will always be on top. Make sure you get your preorders in, and don’t forget to support the official creators!

Spoilers

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

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.

video game reviews

Escape Tales: The Awakening Game Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Escape Tales: The Awakening 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 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 Escape Tales: The Awakening?

Escape Tales: Awakening is the video game adaptation of the board game of the same name. This is a escape room game where players need to solve puzzles to complete the narrative. There is a demo available that gives players the perfect snapshot of what to expect.

After his daughter falls into a mysterious coma, Sam is desperate to find the cure. A friend comes to him with a meritorious book and ominous intentions. Sam quickly begins flipping through the book and completing its rituals in hopes that it will mean his daughter’s salvation, but it might have been more than Sam bargained for. Sam must now survive a strange night filled with horrors as he tries to solve various puzzles. Can Sam save his daughter before it is too late?

Gameplay

Escape Tales: The Awakening is a point and click narrative. Players will click through a room collecting clues and trying to solve the various puzzles. There is no time limit to rush players through the game, but there is a stamina system that affects the ending. Players use stamina to explore each room for clues and can meditate to regain stamina. Meditating triggers an event like a memory, but meditating too many times will affect the outcome of the story.

Review

If you enjoy Escape Rooms and puzzles games, Escape Tales might be a good solution. The story is fine, but the puzzles are challenging enough to keep things engaging. There are a few puzzles that feel the same, but there is enough variety and creativity between them that I will let it slide. Puzzle difficulty does vary. Some puzzles are strait forward and easy, others might require a guide or a couple of hints. I do like that the game has built in tools to help players solve the puzzles. There is a note pad and players, but most importantly, players can resize, manipulate, and mark up the clues. Some might prefer pen and paper, but it is a handy feature.

I have mixed feelings about the stamina system. On one hand, I like the events that it triggers. Thematically, it is fantastic flavor to see the affects of the night slowly eating away at Sam, but it also feels punishing to have the outcome tied to this system. It might have been done to add a bit of replayability, but I don’t think I liked the game enough to give it another go. At least not for a while. It is not a deal breaker, but it is something to think about.

Regardless of this fact, Escape Tales: The Awakening is a solid puzzle game and I recommend it to people who enjoy escape rooms. The game offers a nice challenge, has a decent narrative to follow, and it is a pretty laid back experience regardless of the dark themes.

You can pick Escape Tales: The Awakening on Steam for $7.99.

video game reviews

Heroes of the Seven Islands: A Cozy RPG Adventure

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I was asked to cover the Heroes of the Seven Islands demo for my blog. This will be my honest impressions, but I understand the game is still in development and will adjust my criticism accordingly.

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 Heroes of the Seven Islands?

Heroes of the Seven Islands is the point and click RPG you want living in your Wishlist.

Furax the Indestructible has risen from the dead to spread his misery. Only the oracle has the power to stop him, but he has long since retired. It is up to the four bravest heroes of the land to venture across the seven islands of the Emerald Archipelago to find find him. Can they find the keys to Oracle in time to save the world, or has Furax’s reign cemented itself into the darkest part of history?

Gameplay

The game is a point and click game where players move across the archipelago fighting monsters, finding clues, and trying to stay alive. Players start the game by creating a party of unique characters and choosing from a few interesting classes. The game features impactful turn-based combat, and a decent amount of exploration to keep things fresh and interesting.

Impressions

I need a full version of this game because I am hooked. I love the hand-drawn quirky art style. It gives the game its flavor and cozy feel. However, do not let overall silliness of the game fool you, it is unforgiving if you aren’t playing carefully. Combat seems simple, but it takes a bit of strategy to get through it. I am sure there is a correct competition that would have kept me from wiping so much, but I was having too much fun exploring the different classes.

The demo does a fantastic job at giving players a taste of what is to come, and I am excited to experience more. I love the game’s non-linear approach to progression, the art style, and the gameplay. If you’re looking for an RPG that is cozy but offers a bit of a challenge, you need to check out Heroes of the Seven Islands. I’ll be trying to get a full version for its release Q2 2025, but you can always add to your Wishlist for the mean time.

Tech Reviews

Fifine Ampligame D6 Controller Review: A Streamer’s Best Friend

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Fifine sent me their Ampligame D6 Stream Controller to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions of the device. This will be my honest review. Make sure you check my other Fifine product reviews like the M9 lavalier mic set or the AM 8 Streaming mic.

What’s in the box?

  • D6 Stream Controller
  • USB-C to USB-C chord with builtin USB-A adapter
  • user manual

Features

The Ampligame D6 stream controller is the ideally sized to take up the perfect amount of desk real estate without losing any function. Its sleek black design and programmable faces make it compatible with most aesthetics. And if it wasn’t obvious the D6 was designed with gamers in mind, the subtle RGB strip that borders the devices comes with a few preprogrammed profiles that can be toggled off at any time.

The D6 intends to improve the user’s workflow without breaking the bank. With its 15 programmable buttons and compatibility with popular content creation tools, the D6 is ready for any type of workload. Each button can be programed with with media controls, macros, and other useful plugins to take a content creation to the next level. Setup is as easy as drag and drop, and there is a plugin store for additional functionality.

Whether it is gaming, editing, or streaming, the Ampligame D6 Streaming Controller promises to do it all brilliantly.

Review

I was very impressed with the controller out of the box. It has a good weight to it and the construction seems solid. It has good quality rubber at the bottom to keep it firm on your desk which is a nice little detail. Turning on the device left me a bit more impressed. Each button has a small screen with good resolution. All of the icons are easy to read and see, and they can be reprogrammed to fit any aesthetic. I also like how the RGB is subtle and doesn’t turn my desk into a rave, and like it even more that I can turn it off when I don’t want it on.

Setting up the streaming deck was easy through the official ap. The ap gives users a decent amount of programmable functions and there is a ap store with free plugins for program specific functions. I didn’t mess with the store too much since the default settings had enough of what I needed.

The buttons were a bit stiff at first, but they do begin to soften after prolonged use. The functions and keys are very responsive, and I like that I can save multiple profiles with multiple pages of shortcuts if I need to switch between different workflows. I do feel like it has helped improve my productivity. It is OBS compatible and it is nice to have access to the functions without having to switch out of the game. I have also started using it for work, using it for shortcuts for programs and macros that I use regularly. My only complaint is that I won’t ever be able to do my work without it.

If you’re looking for an affordable streaming controller with a good amount of utility, the Ampligame D6 gets the job done. You can pick up the Ampligame D6 on Amazon for $78.99 using my affiliate link.

Tech Reviews, Uncategorized

Rebuff Reality’s BodyLink: The Future of Motion Gaming

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The new generation of gaming is here, and Rebuff Reality seems to be its Shepard. With the launch of the BodyLink Kickstarter campaign, Rebuff reminds gamers what could have been if the Xbox Kinnect had gotten proper attention. With only 18 days left of funding, as of writing this, backing has blown past its initial goals. Early backers will get what seems to be an amazing piece of hardware at a respectable discount. There is always risk when backing a Kickstarter, and it is always good practice to expect delays.

What is it?

The BodyLink is an all-in-one motion gaming device that aims to revolutionize how we interact with games. It features a 4k 90 fps camera for accurate full-body tracking, an 8-core processor for performance, and expandable storage for all your games. The included next-gen controller boasts high-precision tracking and haptic feedback for a completely immersive experience. The device is compatible with your VR devices giving users the ability to record, stream, and cast their sessions at the click of a button.

When you aren’t using the BodyLink for motion gaming, you can enjoy some classic gaming through its expansive Android library or stream media from your favorite media. Whatever you are into, the BodyLink might be the upgrade your living room is looking for.

The Demo

Impresions

I loved the Xbox Kinnect and am very sad it never took off. I was very excited to see how the BodyLink is attempting to revitalize a neglected era in history, and I am here for it. I’ve played Dance Dash and have followed the company’s development since. The game is a lot of fun, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new rhythm game. Check out my full review. The products that Rebuff Reality has released since have all been well received. While this seems to be a very ambitious project, and I am sure there will be a few missing features at launch, the passion is there to get the job done. Just remember that there is always risk in backing a Kickstarter.

I am impressed and will be trying to get my hands on a unit. I know this has the potential for some memorable game nights with the family, and the fitness aspect seems like a great bonus. If you want to enter the next era of gaming before the prices go up, make sure you back the BodyLink on Kickstarter today!

Uncategorized, video game reviews

Ayasa: Shadows of Silence Demo Review

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I was asked to cover the Ayasa: Shadows of Silence demo on my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, 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 Ayasa: Shadows if Silence?

Ayasa is a side scrolling action adventure game coming soon to Steam. The demo is currently available.

The darkness slowly eats away at the inverted world. Those left do what they can to stay alive, but each day grows more bleak. Jump into a surreal and dark world as you uncover what remains of the old world. Solve puzzles, and explore the surreal landscape, and use your powers to stay alive. What will your journey uncover?

Gameplay

Ayasa is a fixed camera action adventure game. Players control Ayasa as she navigates her unforgiving world and tries to survive. Players will need to solve puzzles, avoid traps, and use their resources to keep her alive. The demo takes players through the first level of the game, and acts as a tutorial of what is to come. Hopefully the full release gives players the option to skip the first level if they beat the demo.

Impressions

I understand the game is still in development, so I will try to be a bit more lenient.

Ayasa: Shadows of Silence has some interesting flavor and imagery, but it is a rough demo. While I do enjoy a good side scrolling adventure, there are some bugs that make the game a bit unpleasant. I encountered a couple of soft locks and crashes, and I wasn’t getting the tight performance a game like this requires. There are puzzles in this game I would fail not for lack of skill, but because the walls aren’t coded correctly. I am sure this will be fixed at a later date, but a demo should feel a lot smoother. The roughness of this demo is going to turn away a lot of the more casual gamer who just want to enjoy a platformed with a dark and trippy story.

I will need to see a version of the game with a lot less bugs before I am willing to recommend it. I believe there are some good ideas baked into this game, it just needs a smoother execution. At the moment, I can’t recommend it, but it doesn’t hurt to try it for free.

You can check out the Ayasa: Shadows of SIlence demo on Steam.