I was asked to cover the Hunger trailer that just dropped. I will be trying to get into any of the playtests because the trailer is really cool and I am very interested. I can’t make any assumptions of the game because I haven’t played it, so this will be more of a report than a review.
The Trailer
Viewer discretion is advised.
What is Hunger?
Hungeris a PvPvE extraction game set in Napolean era Europe. Make sure you check out the Steam page for all the details.
A plague spreads across the European landscape, and its survivors fight for survival. Players can join forces to survive the plagued landscape, fight against other players, and it sounds like they drive the content. The game will launch in early access with three unique maps.
Gameplay will be extraction style matches where players can complete quests to progress through the story. What makes the game unique is its flavor and aesthetic. The weapons, the armor, the world all have such cool flavor and I for one can’t wait to jump in and explore them all. Hunger promises thirty weapons at launch with enough customization options for a good variety of play styles. There are also plans for crafting and gathering mechanics for a little added depth. I just hope there isn’t a way to buy mats and fix the economy with real world money.
I would love to learn more about the progression system. What sets this game apart from other extraction games aside from the story and flavor is its progression system. It says it will follow the traditional RPG path as players level from 1-100. Leveling up will open up more of the game to players by giving them access to dungeons and world bosses, but I wonder if it also gives players access to additional power.
This game sounds great on paper. It has fantastic flavor, an interesting premise, but is it doing too much? I am afraid that the result will be a broken game that will lose too much of its player base by the time it gets good. If Early Access has a good foundation with fun gameplay, even if it doesn’t work properly, this can be a solid PVP game with a lot of potential. I am excited to follow it, and hope that it is good.
I was asked to cover Bygone Dreams: Prophecy, which is the free to play demo of the games initial level. I understand the game is still a demo and will be a bit more lenient. That said, these will still be my honest opinions of the game.
Bygone Dreams is a souls-like that is scheduled to release in June 2025. In preparation, the developers have released the game’s prologue to generate some hype around the game. My review will be on the prologue.
A terrible nightmare threatens the peace known to Lume. One spirit alone hears the call to action and rises against the encroaching darkness. As Wa, travel across Lume’s surreal landscape, solve its many puzzles, collect its many powers, and defeat anything that threatens its peace. Do you wield the power to save Lume from this nightmare?
Gameplay
The demo acts as a tutorial for the game. It introduces a few essential mechanics for combat and exploration, and players get to experience a bit of the story and world. If you’ve played a souls-like, this game doesn’t veer too much from the path. What makes the game unique is the colorful world players get to explore on the rail-road the devs designed for them.
Impressions
Bygone Dreams: Prophesydidn’t do enough to excite me for the full game. The game has an interesting artstyle, but world is far too busy. There is a lot crammed to fill the spaces that become the walls for a rail road. Having a built in track for players to follow isn’t an issue. I understand the limitations of a demo, and I’ve played games where it works. It works here, but everything is so busy it distracts from how unique the world is. I don’t mind invisible walls or railroads if the gameplay is fun.
I found the gameplay in the demo to be a bit lacking. I can see bones with potential, but the game needs a lot more polish to be fun. Combat doesn’t feel smooth enough when compared to other games in the genre, and it was often a little boring. Enemies all felt the same and offered nothing interesting, and the combos weren’t fun to watch. The full version might have the polished combat the game needs and the enemies to make it fun, but I need to see it to get excited. The whole time I played the demo, I wanted to be playing something else and that’s a problem.
In its current state, this is one of those games I’ll play and forget it exists. Unless the full game gets a major performance polish, I think it will be one of those games you forget too. I’ll be trying to get a copy of the full version for an update, so stay tuned for that. In the mean time, check out Bygone Dreams: Prophesy and see for your self.
I was sent Hordes of Hunger for free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, it won’t sway my opinions. This will be my honest review of the game.
Hordes of Hunger is a survivorslike game out now in Steam Early Access.
Control Mirah as you fend off against hordes of blood thirsty creatures. Wield powerful weapons, learn nes skills and abilities, and stop the horde from advancing. Do you have what it takes to survive the onslaught and save the world
Gameplay
The game runs like your typical survivors game. Players start each run with basic abilities. They gain random weapons and abilities throughout the run by killing monsters for XP or completing objectives. The more time a player spends on Hordes of Hunger, the more powers and abilities they unlock. What makes the game unique is the combo system. Unlike most games in the genre, Hordes of Hunger does not have an auto-attack system. Instead, players must use combos, active skills, and dodges to survive the hordes and save the day. There are also a few unique missions to change up the gameplay.
Review
The game isn’t finished yet, and while I see the potential, it isn’t for me. The game has a good looking world with some interesting monster and character design, and the animation is solid. The game performs well enough, but there are some stutters and crashes that are hard to ignore. Once I got past my initial intrigue, the game started feeling repetitive. While I do appreciate the creative take on the genre with the inclusion of the combo system, it feels unnecessary. This is a survivors game with extra steps, and you are either going to love it or hate it. I love survivors game for the casual yet engaging experience they offer. Her it feels like I am doing too much work with every little payoff. The RNG was fine for the most part, but the game feels solvable in the early stages. There are abilities that feel better, and while I am sure all games in the genre are solvable, that do a better job at hiding it.
If you are looking for a survivor game and don’t mind the extra work, the game does a decent job at the price point. The problem I have with this game is that when it comes to survivors game, I simply have better options. After a couple hours of this game, I am going to uninstall it and forget I own it. Unless you really want to mess around with the game’s combo system, there is no real reason to buy this game.
You can pick up Hordes of Hunger on Steam Early Access for $14.99.
I was sent a free copy of Spirit City: Lofi Sessions 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.
I think the Steam page says it best, Spirit City: Lofi Sessions is a gamified focus tool, set to a soothing lofi soundtrack. Players can use the tool to create checklists, create schedules, and use timers to help stay focused. As players use the tool, they earn rewards and levels that they can spend to buy cosmetics for their virtual space. The base game has a decent amount of customization, but there are some cool dlc packs that might fit your aesthetic a little better. Players can also unlock different pets by completing different challenges, and having the game open. All of this is all neatly tied together around a good amount of well curated lofi playlists.
Review
I’ve been trying to get a copy of Spirit City: Lofi Sessions since I found about it. I am very happy I was finally sent a copy to review, and I was not disappointed. Right off the bat, I love the artstyle and aesthetic. Every bit of this world helps foster a cozy virtual space that is pleasing to look at without being too distracting. The game offers a decent amount of customization at the base level without it feeling overwhelming. At least it isn’t an issue at the base level. Gamifying the customization by making players work towards unlocking pets and customization option is a solid motivator. I was definitely logging in every day to try to unlock all the different pets, even though I will only ever use the cat.
The Lofi genre has gotten me through some late nights, long study sessions, and everything I write for this blog. I listen to a lot of Lofi, and this tool has a very good collection. I have yet to find a playlist I don’t like, or song to skip. The game does have YouTube baked into it, so you always have access to the perfect, productivity boosting playlist.
I have mixed feelings about the organizational tools that it offers. The timer is fantastic to have, and the new update made it even better. Looking up and seeing the countdown helps keep me from getting distracting. Having planned scheduled breaks on a timer has definitely boosted my productivity. The checklist/planner settings are a little too basic for my needs. Creating a checklist is easy, and gaining XP once a day for checking something off is awesome, but I wish there was a button to clear the checklist. I can go through it one by one, or uncheck options I am reusing, but I’m crazy and like to start over each time. You can also schedule tasks, but it ads them as a list item. I wish it looked more like a planner or a Calander. I don’t see it replacing my physical planner, but I do like having access to the feature.
The game also offers a journaling features which is cool to have. It is nothing fancy, it is meant to jot down thoughts or notes, but it is there for those who need it. It is definitely a great way to pick up a journaling habit.
I love this tool, and I definitely see an improvement in my productivity. It is not a cure for my ADHD, but the gamification does keep me motivated for longer. This tool only works if leveling and earning small rewards motivates you. After the novelty wears off, you’re either going to keep logging in to listen to some cool lofi, or you’re going to forget you have it. The productivity tools are a little basic, so I don’t see it replacing my physical planner, but it is a good place to start if you are trying to get more organized.
I say, if you like Lofi and those playlists live on your screen while you work, this is a fantastic buy. The customization is nice, the music is fantastic, and there is enough gamification to keep you motivated without it becoming a grind. The devs also seem to be listening to their community and are actively trying to make the tool better. I’m going to keep using it because having the took fill one of my screens does help me stay focused, and I want to unlock everything.
I was sent the Wizard Hand demo to review for my blog. I understand that the game is still in development, so I will try to be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, these are my honest impressions.
Wizard Hand is a roguelike solitaire game coming to Steam. Make sure you check out the demo!
Play solitair using a magical deck and try to get the required score and move to the next level. The goal of the game is to clear the table of cards while beating the required score. All players start with a basic deck that they slowly upgrade with other cards and abilities throughout a run. Finding the best combination and knowing when to use your powerful spell cards is key to success in this game. Do you have what it takes to beat the highest challenge?
Impressions
The Wizard Hand demo is incredibly addicting. I wish this were the full version because I want to see what else there is. Right off the bat, I was drawn by the game’s aesthetic. The card art is simple, but with enough elegance and flare to draw the eye. The gameplay is simple, but requires enough of a strategy to keep players engaged. Figuring out the correct sequence and combinations to maximize a score is a mellow puzzle, and I love puzzles. There does need to be more content, but it looks like the devs are hard at work at making things happen. Regardless of that, this a fantastic demo that is effective at showcasing the game’s key features in a way that is fun, engaging, and addicting. Wizard Hand is very promising, but I wish there was more. I can’t wait for a full version.
Mechlands sent me the Blade 101 keyboard 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 my latest reviews for the Ajazz Alux 68 and the Mechlands M75. I will also be using my affiliate links for Mechlands and Amazon where I can.
What’s in the box?
Blade 101 Keyboard
2.5 G Dongle
USB-C to USB-A Cable
Key/Switch Puller
User Manual
2 Extra Key Switches
Plastic Dust Cover
Features
The MechLands Blade 101 is an aluminum full mechanical keyboard. The keyboard comes in blue and black and while both colors look really good, but the keys and switches are easily swapable to match your aesthetic. If you like the clacking sound, the Blade 101 is gasket mounted with additional sound enhancing material for an extra satisfying tacking. It also wouldn’t be a modern keyboard with RGB, and the Blade 101 has a soft south facing RGB for a little extra flare.
As performance goes, users can enjoy high speed wireless connections through its Bluetooth and 2.5 GHz support, but a high speed wired connection is available when that 8000 mAh battery finally dies. Each 101 key has been prelubbed for maximum performance, and the finely tuned stabilizers promises comfort. The Blade 101 seems like the perfect full sized budget option, but how good is it really?
Sound Check
Review
The Blade 101 is undeniably one of my prettiest keyboards. I love the layout and color scheme, and the clean manufacturing makes it look like a more expensive keyboard. I also like the slightly textured caps. They made typing feel really good at first, but I can’t use the keyboard for too long without it flaring up my repetitive stress injury. People who don’t have this injury and use the keyboard a normal amount shouldn’t have this problem. I hadn’t had this issue with any of the other keyboards they sent me, and I am a little disappointed that this isn’t one of them.
Another issue I have with the keyboard is that it never charged. The keyboard held its initial charge, but I was never able to charge it again no matter what device, port, or cable I plugged it into. It also didn’t work on the USB mode when connected with the cable. I had to be on one of the wireless modes connected with a wire. This isn’t a huge deal, but I assume the wireless feature is baked into the price, and the price is too expensive for a wired keyboard that isn’t very comfortable.
The keyboard also didn’t perform well. I might have gotten unlucky and received my first defective unit, but it is an issue non the less. There was a lot of ghosting, and sometimes the presses wouldn’t register. It wasn’t unusable, but it made some tasks feel a bit tedious. The range for the wireless doesn’t feel very far. If was next to my device, I the ghosting was present, but not as bad as when I extended my standing desk. I did get about 6 hours of use out of the box with the backlight on, but I wasn’t able to test it again.
The MechLands Blade 101 is a very good looking full sized keyboard, but lacks the performance to earn a recommendation. Even if everything worked out of the box, I like the M75 a whole lot better. Go check out my review for that instead.
You can pick up the Blade 101 on the official MechLands online shop, or on Amazon through my affiliate links. It really helps me out if you do.
I was sent a free copy of Best Served Coldto 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.
You are a skilled barkeep in one of the city’s illegal speakeasy’s. There is a general danger around your line of work during prohibition. One that is amplified by the pretense of a serial killer. Someone is hunting down patrons of these establishments, and the race is on to find out who. You have been contracted to help in this investigation. Use your position, charm, and skill as a barkeep to interrogate the patrons and find leads. What mysteries will your investigation uncover? Can you find the killer before its too late?
Gameplay
The loop in Best Served Coldis an interesting twist on the genre. Players will talk to patrons during their shift, and try to find the right combination of answers and questions to unlock the appropriate clues. The twist are the mechanics tied to the bartender position. Players will have to figure out the perfect drink to serve each patron, and mix it perfectly. The mixing mini game is simple. Players trace a pattern thematic to the drink before time runs out. Choosing the perfect drink and making it perfect makes the clients more inclined to talk. There are questions in this game that will only get answers if the customer is drunk enough. This is such a flavorful mechanic, and one that adds a bit of strategy to break up all the reading. Not the reading is bad by any means.
Review
If you are looking for something new to play, check out Best Served Cold. Best Served Cold is a well written visual novel with fantastic characters and a solid mystery. People who read a lot of the genre can figure out the mystery, but it is still worth the read. I had a lot of fun meeting each unique character, figuring out their favorite drink, and the mixing minigame was relaxing. The game also has a fantastic sound track for an unmatched cozy vibe.
My only complaint is that the game is unplayable on the Steam Deck. I might have been doing something wrong, but I couldn’t get the pin-up board to work. Trying to connect everything with yarn felt like more work than it was worth, at least the few times I actually got it work. This isn’t a deal breaker because it works great on PC, but I want to be able to read my mystery visual novels from the comfort of my bed.
Better Served Cold is a great story with amazing flavor that you need to play through once. There is a lot of reading, but the reading is fine and it comes in English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese. I enjoyed every minute of it, and I think you will too.
I was sent a free copy of Synergy 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.
The world is on the brink of collapse. Take charge of a group of survivors as you work together to rebuild one of the last thriving civilization. Can you find a sustainable solution without sacrificing too much of your citizen’s happiness? Will you be the catalyst to this world’s salvation?
Gameplay
Synergy asks players to build a thriving city while being mindful of their citizen’s happiness and the resources around them. The game attempts to break the traditional formula by forcing players to build differently. Players will have to think about how their buildings interact with each other and environment to successfully grow, without destroying the world around them. There is a unique upgrade system that allows players a bit of flexibility on how they want to build their society. It is a refreshing take on the genre, but does it hold up?
Review
Synergy has a very fun and creative artstyle full of flavor and flare. The game provides an interesting twist with some cool ideas, but it wasn’t for me. I like that the game forced me to think about the genre differently. I was building a new kind of city and planning my tech paths, but the game is boring. Even at max speed, it felt like nothing was happening. Maybe its the lack of animation, maybe I’m impatient, but I lost quickly. I think the biggest issue I have with this game is that I’ve played better games with a more unique twist. If I rather be playing those, there is no real reason to recommend Synergy, unless you like the art and need a new village builder.
If this is going to be your first village builder, I don’t think it is user friendly enough to recommend. The tutorial isn’t good enough at onboarding players on the game’s more important mechanics. There isn’t a steep learning curve, it just has some intuitive mechanics that are important for survival. not that it matters because as hard as I tried, I never got to the point of collapse that I get with other games in the genre. If you’re a veteran, Synergy does a few cool things that will keep you busy for a bit, but not at the price. I would wait for a sale.
Synergy is fine, but when you consider it against others in the genre, you simply have better options. You can pick it up on Steam for $24.99, but again, wait for the sale.
Epomaker sent me the Cypher 81 mechanical keyboard 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 my latest reviews for the Epomaker HE65 or TH85.
What’s in the box?
Cypher 81 Mechanical Keyboard
USB-C to USB-A Charging Cable
Key/Switch Puller
3 Extra Switches
Plastic Dust Cover
User Guide
Features
The Cypher 81 is a 75% keyboard with a fun purple, blue, and white color scheme, and small TFT screen for live updates and customization. The South-facing RGB backlight is optional, but it provides the keyboard its soft elegant flare. There is also also third-party software for added customization.
This cute form factor keyboard promises as quiet high quality typing experience through its wireless and wired connections. The keyboard supports 2.4Ghz wire connections with the included dongle, and Bluetooth 5.0. Its impressive 4000 mAh battery gives users less wires to juggle while they work or play their games.
Most importantly, the Cypher 81 won’t sacrifice comfort for design. With its ideal and adjustable typing angle as well as the key placement, users can enjoy a mechanical keyboard that looks good, performs well, and won’t cause fatigue.
Sound Test
Review
The Cypeher 81 is one of the most comfortable keyboards I’ve tried. The height, after a few adjustments was perfect. I need special ergonomics for my repetitive stress that never triggered it. The color and design is great. I love the color scheme, and the RGB creates enough flare to make the whole thing pop against any setup. The small monitor is fun, but I never really used it. It’s nice to to have for things like battery power, but not the reason to get this keyboard.
The reason to get this keyboard is for fantastic typing experience. The sound was loud enough to create that melody we all crave without being obnoxious, and it performs well for just about any task. I was able to complete my long hours of work with very little pain, if any, and it was good enough for my casual levels of gaming. If you’re looking for new keyboard with a fun and cute aesthetic, the Cypher 81 is what you’re looking for. It is a well constructed machine with a satisfying sound and solid performance at a great price point.
Kiwi Ears sent me a free pair of the Aventus bluetooth gaming headphones to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, this will be my honest review.
What’s in the box?
Aventus Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
Carrying Case
USB-C to USB-A charging Cable
USB-C to Coax Cable
Coax to 3.5mm
User Manual
Features
The Aventus Gaming headset promises the ideal budget solution for most audio needs. This sleek black headset offers a well constructed ergonomic design. The high quality padding and adjustable positions promises user comfort for the entirety of its 82 hour battery life. The 40mm Dynamic drivers promise a wide and clear sound stage, and it is tuned to satisfy most gaming and music needs. While users can enjoy the fantastic sound through a wireless connection, the Aventus includes Coaxial drivers for users to take advantage of the included high quality cables. For those looking for a bit of peace and quite, the Aventus features a hybrid ANC designed to reduce outside noise by up to 35dB. That means you aren’t hearing anyone unless you really want to.
Now it wouldn’t be a gaming headset without RGB. The Aventus features optional preprogrammed RGB profiles for a bit of added flare.
Review
Kiwi Ears’ Avantus is a fantastic pair of budget headphones. Out of the box, I was blown away by the quality of not just the heaphones, but the accessories that come with it. The presentation of the packaging gives the Avantus its premium feel. I particularly like the included carying case. It feels high quality, it has a clip for my bag, and it has compartments for the included cables. The included cables are a very nice feature. While I planned to use the headset wireless, it is nice to have the cables to switch between devices without having to repair each time. I wish it would allow me to pair to multiple devices, but it isn’t a deal breaker.
The Headphone itself is very well constructed. The vegan leather and design make it look like a more expensive set of headphones. It has a good amount of flex and it doesn’t feel like it will be breaking anytime soon. The design is also incredibly comfortable. The padding feels incredible, and while my ears do get hot, it never gets uncomfortable. This is definitely my most comfortable pair of headphones. They do feel a little loose on my head. I worked out with them and they didn’t fall off for walks or weightlifting, but I wouldn’t run with them.
The Aventus has a solid soundstage. A lot of gaming headsets overcompensate with the bass, I think the Avantus is properly tuned for most casual use. I don’t know how well they work for DJing, but they are solid gaming and music headphones.
What I was most impressed by was the headphones battery life and noise cancellation. The KiwiEars boasts 82 hours of battery life without noise cancellation or RGB. I got about that out of the box which is an impressive feat. The battery life lasts so long, even with noise cancellation and RBG that I didn’t really get to test the battery life with everything on. I also didn’t feel the need to turn anything on. The RBG profiles are nice, but I don’t see it so there is no point. The headphones also block out a good amount of noise without having to turn on the ANC. The ANC is incredible. I don’t hear anything. I don’t live in a very noisy area, but putting them on left me deaf to the world.
If you are looking for a good, high quality pair of headphones that won’t break the bank, go check out the Kiwi Ears Aventus Headset. These things are a fantastic deal for $89.99. You can pick up your pair of Aventus from the official website.
