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video game reviews

GoobnBalloonsDX Review: A Fun Arcade Adventure

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

Shameless Self-Promotions

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

What is GoobnBalloonsDX?

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

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

Gameplay

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

Review

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

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

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

video game reviews

Microtopia: A Unique Village Builder Experience

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

Shameless Self-Promotions

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

What is Microtopia?

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

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

Gameplay

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

Review

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

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

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

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

video game reviews

Genso Manège: A Captivating Visual Novel Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Genso Manège 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 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 Genso Manège?

Genso Manège is an interactive visual novel out now on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

Emma is a witch who has lost her memory and her powers, but fate has other plans for her. She finds herself back in a familiar amusement part with the people she had long since forgotten. Emma is determined to regain her powers and memories, and free those she trapped long ago. As Emma, players will explore a fresh and magical world, harness their powers over magic, and maybe even fall in love. With 6 romantic interesting, a wonderfully voice acted story, and some quirky little mini games, its going to be hard to pass up on this adventure.

Review

Genso Manège is a fantastic visual novel with great art, amazing voice acting, and a solid story. The story has decent pacing with interesting themes, fun characters, and mini games to keep players engaged. That said, the story is very much on the cheesy side of romance novels, but it fits the niche well. The hardest part will be choosing only one of leads, but that gives the game its replayability. I am definitely ready for another go.

I particularly like the use of minigames throughout the story. It gives the game an appropriate change of pace, and they have a good amount of flavor. The don’t feel distracting or overbearing, which can be a problem with interactive fiction.

Overall, if you’re looking for a new romantic visual novel with well flavored fantasy, you need to be playing Genso Manège. Pick it up on Steam and Nintendo Switch

Tech Reviews

Experience Exciting Action Roguelike FPS Revenge of the Mage

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Revenge of the Mage 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 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 Revenge of the Mage?

Revenge of the Mage is a first-person, bullet hell roguelike out now on Steam.

Learn to harness your power over the elements as you fend off against endless waves of monsters. Travel through the realms, unlock new abilities, and become the most powerful mage. Do you have what it takes to become the hero the realm needs, or will you be another casualty?

Gameplay

Players dive into unique worlds and use their magic to fight off waves of enemies, complete quests, and defeat the boss at the end of the level. Players level up by killing monsters, and earn a random power-up or ability at level-up. The RNG feels fair, and players can enjoy a unique build every single run. Random buffs and items appear randomly across the map to give players a small advantage against the onslaught. Between levels, players can buy upgrades for their mage or unlock a new archetypes with currency they unlock during a run. If a player dies without killing the boss, they return to the hub with only a portion of their earnings.

Review

Revenge of the Mage isn’t your typical roguelike, it is the first person shooter you didn’t know you needed. The game has great flavor, solid mechanics, and a lot of potential. I wasn’t ready for how much I enjoyed this game. While there is a little wonkiness to combat and movement, it feels good. Weaving through enemies and managing cooldowns keeps the game exciting, and the unlockables gives me goals to work towards. That said, movement could use a bit more polish. The dash doesn’t always work, and when things get crowded, it feels a little stiff. It is playable, but it could be smoother.

Like most roguelikes, expect a grind. It isn’t soul crushing, but you will die a lot before you start making an impact. Players lose a good chunk of their gold at death, and earning enough for meaningful powerups or a new archetype is going to take some time. The game does let you recover your gold each run, just make sure you move quickly. That said, I enjoyed the grind because I enjoyed the game. I am a little bummed it doesn’t run well on the Steam Deck, but I preferred using a keyboard and mouse anyways.

If you’re looking for a fun and casual game to pick up, check out Revenge of the Mage. The mages are fun and flavorful, the RNG is fair, and the combat system is solid.

You can pick up Revenge of the Mage on Steam for $5.99. There is also a demo available if you don’t believe me.

video game reviews

Is League of Angels: Pact Worth Playing?

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Disclaimer

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

Some Self Promotion

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

What is League of Angels: Pact

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

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

Gameplay

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

Review

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

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

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

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

video game reviews

Click Mage: The Perfect Chill Resource Management Game

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I was sent a free copy of Click Mage 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 Click Mage?

Click Mage is a minimalistic cozy resource management game out now on Steam.

You are a wizard on the verge of greatness, but your experiments send you to a strange world with noway of going back. You must use the islands resources to find build your way back. Use your magic to farm the resources you need, upgrade your skills, and build the tech to make it all work. Do you have what it takes to get home?

Gameplay

The gameplay loop can’t get any more simpler. Players move around the map collecting and refining the resources they need to build new structures, and unlock new abilities and power ups. It is a very laid back and relaxing loop, with a bit of a grind, but nothing unmanageable.

Review

If you are looking for a cozy and chill game to fill your time, it does not get better than Click Mage. I was had my doubts when I first saw how simple the gameplay seemed, but it is engaging enough to be entertaining.

It is a clicker game, so a lot of the systems will feel a bit repetitive. Things like harvesting and refining take a bit of management, and you will be constantly repeating the same type of tasks. There is a bit of a puzzle as you figure out what you need to evolve to the next stage of crafting, but you don’t need a guide to do it efficiently. I found the repetition relaxing and enjoyed the pace and challenge. Other resource management games can feel stressful, so I appreciate the change of pace that is Click Mage.

It is Steam Deck compatible, but I preferred using the keyboard and mouse. It is not unplayable, but it does feel a little awkward.

If you are looking for some chill resource management and don’t mind the repetition, Click Mage is a fantastic addition to any library. It is simple, runs great, and it is not a huge commitment. You can pick up Click Mage for $4.99 on Steam.

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.

video game reviews

EDYN: The Interesting MMO Strategy Game With Potential

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I got to play in the EDYN Alpha this weekend and have some thoughts on the game. I will be slightly lenient with my review because the game is still in development. That said, these will be my honest impressions.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is EDYN?

EDYN is a unique MMO strategy game coming to Steam.

Build your empire against the ever changing backdrop as you compete for land and resources. Make your alliances, build your army, fortify your defenses, and do what ever you can to stay alive. How strong will your empire become?

Gameplay

EDYN is a massive strategy game where content is player driven. While there are NPCs to farm and expand against, the real fun is surviving against other player driven empires. The full game will allow players to build and upgrade bases, expand and colonize neighboring areas, make key alliances, and go to war with anyone who gets in your way. The alpha was missing a few key features like science and colonization, so I only go a taste of base building and combat.

Everything in EDYN works on a timer. Building, recruiting, and raiding all take time to do. The full game may have more animation, but the main loops seems to be waiting on timers as you try to build efficiently. Depending on the state of the world, it is beneficial and encouraged to make alliances to survive what could be an unforgiving landscape. The full version of the game will have challenges to complete and rankings to change as something for players to work towards.

Impressions

EDYN is an interesting take on the genre, but I fear it might be a bit too ambitious. Having player driven content, especially in a game as PVP reliant as EDYN, is a great idea, if there are players. Of all the times I logged into this game, I only saw people once. Granted, I keep weird gaming hours, but that shouldn’t matter for a game like this.

When people were online, I had fun talking to strangers and most of the community seemed friendly and eager to help newcomers. There was urgency to build my defenses, invade others, and attempt to forge alliances. When there were no people online, it felt like I was just waiting on timers.

The game does have potential, especially with some of the promised missing features, but I’d have to see their implementation first. The game might still be too niche since it only seems to cater to fans of a more IDLE form of RTS. Even then, unless it can pull in a decent population of players dedicated to driving the content, I don’t see this game seeing much success. I would check it out if you’re a fan of RTS and try to get into the alpha, otherwise I would wait for a more complete version of the game.

I enjoyed bits of the game, but lost interest when it seemed like I was the only one playing. I’ll have to see a more complete version for a more detailed review, but I am interested. The game does seem to have a few friendly and passionate players, a growing Discord channel, and dedicated devolpers tirelessly working on improving the game. Make sure you check out EDYN on Steam, and don’t forget to Wishlist!

video game reviews

Bandit Knight: The Cute and Creative Game You Need to Try Once

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I was asked to check out the Bandit Knight demo for my blog. I understand the game isn’t finished, so I will be more lenient with my review. That said, these will be my honest first impressions.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is Bandit Knight

Bandit Knight is an arcade beat-em-up stealth game coming soon to Steam, but a Demo is available in the meantime.

Take on the role of the world-renowned Bandit Knight as you steal, pickpocket, and pillage anything that has value. Earn coin to buy upgrades, weapons, and anything you need to become an even better thief. Whether you sneak through your jobs or raise hell, that loot is yours for the taking. Do you have what it takes?

Gameplay

Players use their thieving skills to move through areas stealing anything that isn’t bolted down. But this won’t be an easy task. Guards will want to catch the legendary Bandit Knight, and creative bosses will want it done quickly. Combat is cartoonishly chaotic in the best possible way, and the boss fights have interesting mechanics that will keep players engaged. Players can sneak, stealth is encouraged, but there is nothing wrong with raising a little hell here and there.

Impressions

Bandit Knight is a lot of fun, and I can’t wait for a full version. This game is a cute and fun casual game you can pull out anytime you want to have fun. The art is adorable, the mechanics are simple but will require some mastery, and the gameplay is unique and memorable. The game also features an incredible soundtrack. I can’t wait to hear the whole thing. Best of all, the game works great on the Steam Deck. While there is nothing wrong with the PC version, I prefer the handheld experience for a game like this. Nothing is going to beat being able to sit on my couch as I try to beat my high score.

The Demo is only available for a short time, so make sure you try this game out today. The demo is only the tutorial, which is short, but is more than enough to get you hooked. If you want a wacky and fun game that is different and action-packed, go check out Bandit Knight today!