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Pokemon TCG

My Experience at the Pokemon Perfect Order Prerelease

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Table of Contents

Intro

Pokemon’s newest set, Perfect Order, releases on March 27. That means you are probably not getting any sealed product unless you have bots ready to scoop up that next Walmart drop. I wouldn’t be too worried however because singles are very available. If you aren’t going after the pumped products, you’re doing just fine. This is how I’ve been rebuilding my collection, and regret nothing. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to crack a pack and be able to go into Target to pick up an ETB at MSRP. I also understand, I am not that lucky and wouldn’t pull the cards I need. Instead of ending up with more bulk than I need, I’ll probably keep buying singles. I will however shell out the money to open packs at a prerelease.

What is Prerelease

Prerelease for the uninitiated is an event that occurs up to two weeks before the official launch of a new Pokemon set that isn’t a special set. The event gives players a chance to play with cards from set, open packs, and even buy product early. These events are very beginner friendly and the best way to wet your feet as a new player. The event runs three rounds of best of one matches where players use decks they build from their Build and Battle box. Prizing varies between stores. The one I went to handed out a pack per round, others might support based on wins.

What is a Build & Battle Box?

Build & Battle Boxes include:

  • 1 of 4 Special Stamped Promo
  • 1 of 4 40-card Themed decks from the current set
  • 4 x Booster packs of the current set

For Perfect Order, the decks are Serperior, Barbacle, Tyrantum, and Douablade. Bulbpedia has the set list for those curious. Tyrantum seems to be the most valuable with four copies of Poke Pad, and Serperior seems the least valuable with none. I would argue since you can open Poke Pads from packs, you’ll be okay with whatever you chose. I don’t think Poke Pad will be that scarce as people start to open more product.

Why I do Prerelease

This is my second ever Prerelease event because the first one I went to was a magical experience I wanted again. I play a lot of Pokemon TCG on PTCG live because I don’t have the time to go play in real life. I’ve actually did build a standard deck I have been so excited to play, but my daughter’s gymnastics class is at the same time, and I rather be there for my daughter. Prerelease however happens around my schedule and I will do my best to make time. Some people will do prerelease to buy product early, others for a chance to crack some packs, but I was there because I wanted to play some Pokemon and make some new friends.

Why you should do prerelease

If you haven’t made it out to locals because you are intimidated misguided expectations, don’t be. Sure there will be a few people who will talk down to you (or not at all), but a majority of the people in the community have been incredibly nice and welcoming. Prerelease is a special beast with a more casual vibe that is better suited for beginners. You don’t even need to know how to play (although it is recommended you at least try to pick up the basics).

Depending on the store and community, someone will sit down and help you build your decks, sort your cards, explain the rules, and even teach you how to play. Because this is a more casual event, players are more understanding and will take the time to teach you the game. Sure there might be a few people that take the game too seriously, but most people are there to have fun and play some Pokemon. Prerelease is a great way to learn the game, get some product, and even make some new friends.

My Perfect Order

I went into this event with the intention of coming out with Serperiour because I love grass pokemon and the promo is so pretty. Everyone around me was so quick to give me their condolences when I pulled my pretty green snake, but I was jumping out of my seat with joy. I even got 2 Poke Pads to sweeten the deal.

All of my opponents were amazing. Friendly and patient as I did my best to keep my ADHD in check. I even won a raffle for a prize pack where I pulled a card I needed for the Sharpedo deck I’ll never get to play. Although I only won 1 of my three matches, I have never had more fun losing. To end an already perfect day, I pulled the IR Clafairy I didn’t know I wanted. I definitely used up all my luck for the rest of the year, but I don’t care because the card is so cute!

Conclusion

If you want to get into Pokemon and have a chance to join a prerelease, head to your LGS and do it. It is one of the best things you can do as a new player, even if you’ve never played the game in your life. If you are reading this after the fact, the next one is in May.

video game reviews

Gameplay Impressions of Corner Quest Demo

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Disclaimer

I was sent the Corner Quest demo to review for my blog. I understand the game isn’t finished yet, so I will be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, these will be my honest impressions.

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 Corner Quest?

Corner Quest is an idle autobattler coming to Steam at the end of the year. Go check out the demo and don’t forget to wishlist!

Hook

Sit your wizard on the corner of your screen as you watch her blast away at endless waves of enemies. Earn XP, upgrade your spells, and beat as many waves as you can before dying and starting over. How far will the power of your magic take you?

Gameplay

Corner Quest is meant to be a game you let run while you do work or do other things. The loop is simple, you buy spells and upgrades and watch as your mage fights through waves of enemies. Enemies drop currency that can be used to spend on permanent upgrades that stick around after death. Death in Corner Quest is not permanent. Instead, players restart from the last checkpoint retaining all of the purchased upgrades. It is a very low profile game that promises enough depth without being too distracting.

Impressions

Corner Quest is for those players who want to play a game, but not be invested in it. This is an idle game that you can run in the background while you go on with your life. It has a fun retro vibe, but the demo has limited build paths. I would need to see what other spells the mage can learn and how it impacts the grind.

Aesthetic

I have a soft spot for pixel art games, and Corner Quest has a solid artstyle. The animations are neat, the monsters are interesting, and the mage is cool. It reminds me of or the retro RPGs I used to play in my youth many moons ago, but with a lot less effort.

Gameplay

https://store.steampowered.com/app/4254260/Corner_Quest/ is fine for what it is, an idle game you set behind your screen while you work. Unlike other idle games I’ve played, the timers don’t feel oppressive or predatory because there is no monetization. This game will be a buy to own game, and it is low profile enough to run in the background for most of your tasks. I like that I could step away for a while and still grind levels, although it does feel slower than actively playing. Occasionally, you will earn enough currency to buy upgrades and adjust your build. The game may be solvable, but I did fine building what I thought was cool. This might have meant that I wasn’t progressing as fast as I could, but it doesn’t matter. I wanted to play the game.

Builds

Players will unlock different spells as they progress through the waves. By default, the mage can have four spells but you can unlock more as you grow. The demo doesn’t have many spells, and it does feel very limited. I would have liked to have a lot more options in the beginning, but it does create some nice flavor. As your mage grows in combat, so should the amount of magic she knows. I would like access to more spells so that I am forced to make some difficult decisions throughout my run. At the moment, there doesn’t feel like there are any consequences and it feels like you can get away with beating the demo by buying random upgrades.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Corner Quest works great on the Steam Deck, it you’re using your Steam Deck like a tablet. The controller inputs feel a little too slow and clunky compared to the touch controls. This makes the game feel like a phone game, which isn’t bad, but might not be what people are looking for.

Conclusion

I have always enjoyed a good tower defense, and don’t mind the idle grind. I did enjoy this game a lot more than I thought I would. The game requires enough inputs for there to be some engagement, but ultimately, it feels like the game plays itself. Its fine for what it is, but it isn’t going to be for everyone. Corner Quest is for the gamer who doesn’t have time for game, or just needs something to alt tab to and feel like they’re gaming. It isn’t a bad game, but it does have its niche. By the end of the demo, I didn’t really feel like I wanted to play more of the game, but I don’t this game was meant to be your next main game. This is a game that you use as a supplement while you’re waiting on a load screen or just want to feel busy. It will earn its home in some libraries, but it is going to be a hard sell with at least a bit more complexity. Having some sort of consequence or a bigger pool of resources do take away the casual nature of this game, but it also gives it a longer shelf life.

I would like it if there was some sort of leaderboard where players can race to get the farthest. There can even be seasons that introduce new gimmicks or bosses to the game to mix things up. As the game stands, this is a game you play for a couple hours before you shelve it and forget you ever own it. There isn’t enough intensive to keep climbing, or even finish the demo (even though I did). If you don’t believe me, you can check out the Steam demo for yourself.

Trailer

video game reviews

Ladies, Don’t Tempt My Immortality Review: A Cheesy Dating Sim

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Ladies, Don’t Tempt My Immortality 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 Ladies, Don’t Tempt My Immortality?

Ladies, Don’t Tempt My Immortality is a dating sim FMV out now on Steam. The game deals with some adult themes, so viewer discretion is advised.

Hook

You are a promising diciple of the Crane sect, destined for immortality. But the path to immortality won’t be easy. You are surrounded by beautiful women and enough temptation to lead you astray. Can you stay focused, master your teqnique and ascend to the heavens, or will temptation keep you on this mortal plane? You will need to play to find out.

Gameplay

The game plays like interactive fiction. Players watch through different scenes and are presented with choices that affect the ending. Take the time to learn about your favorite girl, gain her favor, and maybe even become a god along the way. The game does let players redo choices, go back to completed chapters, and skip through watched scenes. This makes collecting different endings easy. One thing to note, skipping around changes the path of the story and can potentially remove favor you’ve earned with the girls. Make sure are choosing the correct path for the ending you want and not just completing nodes.

Review

Ladies, Don’t Tempt My Immortality is a fun little story with a solid cast of actors and solid production. Now I don’t speak the language, but it seems fine to me. Now this isn’t my favorite FMV, but I had fun playing through the story. The story itself is very cheesy and isn’t going to be for everyone. If you enjoy those cheese harem animes, you’ll have fun with this game. Just note that there is no real gameplay loop aside from a few quicktime events, you are essentially just collecting girlfriends.

Disclaimer

This FMV is not going to be for everyone. There is a good amount of fan service that goes into this game. There is no nudity or explicit scenes (at least from what I was able to unlock), but the jokes and suggestive situations are not subtle. If you find sexual innuendos offensive, this is your content warning.

Gameplay

Aside from a few inconsequencial quicktime events, the gameplay loop is just sitting back and watching the different scenes. This is more of an interactive fiction game where you collect girls and try to unlock all the endings. I do like that you can go back at anytime during your journey to change your choices and affect the ending you get. This makes collecting all the endings easy, as long as you remember to stay on the correct path. I spent five hours unlocking a few of the endings before I lost interest. You’ll get your money’s worth if you find the girls attractive and appreciate the humor.

Performance

Ladies, Don’t Tempt My Immortality works well for the most part. There were scenes that would freeze, but continue to play. The subtitles and audio still plays, but the video would freeze. It was only an issue once where I failed the quicktime event, but I was able to go back and complete it without issue. This bug never made me miss any important information, but I was always able to go back to replay the few seconds lost in this way. Unfortunately, the game does not launch on the Steam Deck for those who prefer the convenience of playing on the console.

Story

The story isn’t going to be for everyone. The game is full of innuendos that are not subtle. A lot of the main plot points revolve around these jokes. While I enjoyed the story for how cheesy and silly it gets about getting the girl, not everyone else is. The meta story is about the main character trying to achieve immortality to fulfill his destiny, but a lot of that plot takes a back seat to the romance. At the end of the day, you are playing a game where you are collecting scenes with cute girls.

Conclusion

I love FMVs, and Ladies, Don’t Tempt My Immortality did little to sway my love away from the genre. I love watching cheesy bad movies, and felt the story was a lot of fun. While it may not be a ground breaking FMV or my favorite while we’re at it, I enjoyed every minute of it. I have a soft spot for cheesy harem stories, and this scratches that itch. If you enjoy the genre, the game will earn its paycheck, but if you’re looking for something more serious, you are better off looking elsewhere.

You can pick up Ladies, Don’t Tempt My Immortality on Steam. If you are looking for other cheesy fun dating sim FMVs, check out Love Too Easily and The Fame Game.

Trailer

Universus

King of Fighters Challenger Deck Review: Casual Insights

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Disclaimer

UVS games sent me the two King of Fighters Challenger Series decks 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 have both team hero and team rival decklists up. I’ll also be using my TCG player affiliate link where possible. Always support your LGS, but it really helps me out if you use it for product your LGS doesn’t carry.

Table of Contents

What is Universus TCG?

I’ve written about Universus in a past post where I go into detail about the game and how to play. The short version: Universus is a fighting game turned into TCG. Players will use thier resources to land powerful attacks, block oncoming damage, and use abilities that will turn the tide in seconds. The game users a unique resource system that is more RNG reliant than your typical TCG, and it uses established IPs like those from fighting games, anime, or my favorite of all time, Heroes of Exandria. It is my favorite TCG that no one seems to be playing, for now.

Challenger Series Decks

Universus releases two types of sealed constructed products: challenger and starter decks. Starter decks are striped down versions of the TCG that are meant for people who have never touched a TCG in their life. The game includes some unique art cards, but the decks are pretty much useless except for giving players the most basic understanding of the game. I don’t follow the competitive scene, but have played enough card games to understand that the starter decks (as of writing this) don’t have the cohesion and percentage to give players a full version of the TCG. Starter decks are not bad products, I love my Heroes of Exandria starter decks, but the challenger series decks are a lot more fun.

Challenger series on the other hand, are a bit more complex. They aren’t going to win you many games at locals or worlds for that matter, but they provide a more honest experience. If you are trying to teach someone who has never played a TCG, the starter decks are cool until you outgrow the decks. If you want to try out the game to see if its for you and have the chance of building into something more competative, pick up a challenger deck from your favorite series.

My Perspective

I am coming at this from a casual perspective. I don’t follow the meta and can’t speak on how the King of Fighter decks match up against it. I have cannibalized some of the other decks I’ve received to build some strange decks I have fun with. I like Universus and am sad there isn’t a local scene. That said, I understand why. The game isn’t fun to collect. Universus has some of the most beautiful secret rare and unique art based on your favorite characters from your favorite IP, but the rest of the cards are screen grabs. Some sets are fine and look fine in the binder, but other sets are just not interesting to collect. For customers going into the store and seeing all these fun shinny unique cards, Universus gets overshadowed.

The art shouldn’t be a problem when the gameplay is good. The game has unique mechanics, a cool resource system, and a solid loop. The problem is that if I am not familiar with a particular IP, the common cards aren’t very memorable. This will change when they drop their newly announced Rebel Frontier. The art for the teasers look sick and I can’t wait to see what goes into it! More on Rebel Frontier when the information becomes available.

Review

I have mixed feelings about the King of Fighter challenger decks. On one hand, I appropriate the new mechanics and the ammount of flavor that goes into them. Universus is very good at making uniquely flavored decks. The problem I have with the decks is the art, I am not a fan. They may not be the worst cards I’ve gotten, but they aren’t very impressive. At least they’re fun to play.

The Art

The art for the heros is fine, but when you compare it to the street fighter decks, they are a little underwhelming. At least you get three heroes. The heroes feel fine with a good amount of power, but I am not crazy about the art. Personally, Shun’ei was my favorite not because of power, but because his abilities vibed better with my playstyle. The common cards that aren’t in the anime style are ugly. It’s not as bad as the Tekken Decks, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to collect them. Luckily the mechanics are fun.

Gameplay

I like how the decks change enough of the game to keep it interesting. Now I only play casualy once in a while so it always feels fresh, but there are decks I like more than others. I don’t think I would pick these over the street fighter decks, but I would pick them up in addition. The art doesn’t matter when the game is fun, and the games I played with the King of Figher challenger decks were fun. I don’t know how they hold up to the rest of the meta, but they seemed pretty balanced to us. I play with TCG veterans who only play Universus when I ask them to help me test.

Conclusion

If you like the King of Fighters games, pick up these challenger decks. The decks are fun, and you might appreciate the art more than I did. I never got into King of Fighters and couldn’t form the same connection I had with a series like Heroes of Exandria. I think the decks are fun and will pull keep pulling them out, but I wouldn’t pick these up as a collector. If you want cards that look good with solid mechanics, get the Street Fighter decks.

video game reviews

Exploring the Chaos of Goblins of Elderstone Gameplay

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Goblins of Elderstone 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.

Table of Contents

What is Goblins of Elderstone?

Goblins of Elderstone is a challenging new village builder out now on Steam.

Hook

Help build a mighty goblin empire as you brave the elements, gather resources, and build the next great civilization. But this is no easy task. Goblins are a chaotic race that tends to be a bit unruly. While you may set your orders, it won’t always get done. There are also dangers that hunt the goblins down if you aren’t careful. Can you master the chaos, or will the chaos become overwhelming and brick your run?

Gameplay

Players take control of a small group of goblin settlers as they work towards building a mighty goblin empire. Players command goblins to gather materials, build structures, or do combat. This is pretty much your standard village builder, but the Goblins tend to do their own thing from time to time. Some times, goblins will go on their own adventure, eat, fight enemies, or huddle by the fire for warmth. It is a bit of an unpredictable twist to the genre, but one that can find its niche in the genre.

Review

I have mixed feelings about Goblins of Elderstone. One one hand, I appreciate the attempt at rejuvenating the genre with a fresh take. On the other, this game is a little broken.

Aesthetic

Goblins of Elderstone has a quirky, boxy aesthetic that gives it its cozy vibe. The more I played the game, the more bland the setting looked. The RNG for map generation needs work. Some maps look fun to explore, and others feel barren with very little in between. I don’t think there was much visually that drew me to this game, especially when you compare it to games like Steam World Build or The Wandering Village.

Gameplay

The game is a little buggy. Pathing for some of the characters doesn’t always work. There are a few bugs, but the devs seem to be working hard on ironing them out. The main draw for this game is the difficulty. Unlike other village builders, Goblins of Elderstone is meant to be hard. I recommend checking out a guide because being inefficient in this game will brick your run. I usually get a couple into a run before I have to reset and follow a guide, but for this game, it was almost instant. Some of the difficulty can be the poor RNG that seems to pollute some of the seeds. Sometimes you get super unlucky and get stuck with a base that has nothing around it. Some people might enjoy the challenge, but I just want to sit back and watch my little goblins work.

Conclusion

I have a hard time recomending Goblins of Elderstone because of the difficulty. After looking up guides and planning my builds a little better, my experience improved, but I still have a hard time picking this over something like Reus 2. The game isn’t bad, it just isn’t my style. The game is meant for people who like a more realistic and chaotic approach to village building. As calculated as you want to be, sometimes your goblins want to do something else and you have to just work around it. Not to mention that you can brick your run early if you aren’t paying attention. I prefer a cozy village builder that lets me sit back and relax. I don’t want to have to have a city planning degree. While I wouldn’t say it is as realistic as City Skylines, the chaos within its code gives the game its charm. It just wasn’t enough to charm me.

If you fancy yourself a more serious village builder and don’t a bit of RNG to shake things up, Goblin of Elderstone is in a good enough spot to earn its MSRP. There are some bugs, but you’ll apprecaite the challenge. If you are here for the cozier side of village builders, check out Fabledom.

You can pick up Globlins of Elderstone on Steam.

Trailer

Tech Reviews

S10 Lite Review: The Ultimate Budget Wireless Gamepad

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Disclaimer

EasySMX sent me the S10Lite 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 reviews for the EasySMX X05 Pro and the S10 controllers.

Table of Contents

What’s in the box?

  • S10 Lite Gamepad
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • User Manual

Unboxing

Features

The S10 Lite is the budget controller you need to pick up for all your wireless needs. Whether you need a new controller for that fresh Pokemon Pokopia playthrough, or something to carry you through your Mobile gaming journey, the S10 Lite has the features you can rely on.

Aesthethic

The S10 Lite has a clean adorable design and is available in three colors that make it ideal for most gaming setups. The gamepad comes in three colors: blue, pink, and black. I got mine in pint and it looks a lot cuter in person.

For added flare, the magnetic faceplate can be removed and personalized to fit your aesthetic. Whether you are slapping stickers on it or getting creative with a sharpie, the S10 Lite gives users the freedom to create a truly unique gaming accessory.

Switch 2

The S10 Lite comes with incredible Switch 2 compatibility. The gamepad supports 9-Axis Gyroscope for impressive motion control capability. It features one button wake up and a dedicated button for voice chat. The gamepad can go between Nintendo and your other gaming consoles with just a flick of a switch. If you are looking for your next Switch 2 accesory, you might want to take advantage of the value that is the EasySMX S10 Lite.

Performance

The S10 Lite promises to be the only controller you need during those crucial, extra sweaty team fights. The hall effect sticks eliminate the risk of pesky stick drift. The low polling rate and high speed on Bluetooth makes it idea for the gamer who wants less cables, but there boasts virtually no latency on a wired connection. The customizable additional buttons on the bottom of the gamepad give it added utility. The 1000mAh battery means you don’t have to worry about S10 Lite when you need it the most. Whether you are just playing a cozy game to unwind or competing for top rank in your favorite shooter, the S10 Lite is here for you.

Review

The S10 Lite is the budget controller that should be in everyone’s arsenal. Whether you are looking for your new main controller or a beater to take on the road, the S10 Lite is a fantastic option and a fantastic price.

Quality

I asked for the pink controller because it is the cutest option. I wasn’t ready for how cute this controller actually is. Pictures do not do it justice. The gamepad is well machined with plastic that doesn’t feel cheap. The controller is light without feeling cheap, which I didn’t realize was ideal for my old crippled hands. I used to prefer a heavier control until I got my hands on the S10 Lite. My box came a little beat up and the parts had shifted around, but there was no damage to the controller (which should speak on the gamepad’s quality). I’ve tested cheap controllers at this price point before, and none of them come close to how good the S10 Lite feels in my hands.

Comfort

I am a big fan of the design of the S10 Lite. It feels like an official Nintendo controller at a more reasonable price point. The bottom of the gamepad is textured to support my grip, especially through those extra sweaty sessions. The sticks feel glide extremely smooth and the texture feels excellent under my thumbs. The buttons are all easy to reach, for a very comfortable session and efficient session. The only issue this controller may have is the clicky buttons. The controller is loud which is wonderful if you like that button mashing ASMR, but it is a sound some might find annoying. Check out the EasySMX X05 Pro if you want a silent controller.

Performance

The gamepad needed an update, but it offered solid performance. I tried across all my devices from my phone to Switch, and it was able to switch between devices without issue. I noticed no latency or imput lag, but I play pretty casual games. It handled some intense platforming in Monairons without issue, and I got a respectable grind in Borderlands 4. I suck at PVP, but I didn’t see a dip in my performance so there is that. I wasn’t able to test out the battery life because I had to plug the gamepad in when playing on my PC. The additional buttons are a nice touch for when I need a little extra support. They are easy to remap and even easier to press.

Conclusion

EasySMX once again proves that it is a strong contender in the gaming accessory space by manufacturing a high quality gamepad with the features you need to level up your gameplay. The S10 Lite is a good looking controller that comes at a very reasonable price with the quality that will carry you through the rest of your gaming adventures. Whether you are playing the new hottest extraction shooter or just messing around in a puzzle game, the S10 Lite should be a staple in all gaming arsenals. I love it, and it will be my main controller moving forward.

You can pick up the S10 Lite from the official EasySMX site.

Tech Reviews

Epomaker Galaxy100 Lite Review: Solid Keyboard or Just Average?

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Disclaimer

MechLands sent me the Epomaker Galaxy100 Lite to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out my reviews for the Mechlands Vibe108 and Vibe99 mechanical key boards.

Table of Contents

What’s in the box?

  • Galaxy 100 Lite
  • Wireless Dongle
  • USB-C to USB-A Braided Cable
  • 2 Additional Switches
  • Mac Keycaps
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • User Guide

Unboxing

Features

The Epomaker Galaxy100 Lite promises to be the only mechanical keyboard you need. Whether you need a work horse to carry you through that 9 to 9 grind or a reliable tool to get you through the next raid, this keyboard is ready for any task.

Aesthetic

The Galaxy100 lite is a full sized keyboard available in two colors: Yellow and Black. I have it in yellow, and it has a classic feel for those that like the aesthetic, but the black is a stylish little upgrade for any aesthetic.

The keyboard has 100 keys and knob. The keys are all lit with dynamic and customizable RGB to make it a true gaming keyboard. Its aluminum frame makes it sturdy, but gives it its classy feel. If you are looking for a keyboard that is simple and gets the job done, the Galaxy100 Lite is a strong contender.

Comfort

The Galaxy100 promises comfort with its ergonomic design and soft mechanical switches. The typing angle is fixed at 7 degrees, but this is fine for most users. The 5 layer gasket mount muffles enough of the noise to keep the neighbors happy without taking away from any of that thacky goodness. Enjoy comfortable typing sessions with a stable, sturdy keyboard that feels good to the touch.,

Performance

The Galaxy100 lite is ready for any workflow. Whether you are looking at high level competitive play or just need something to type out your next novel, the Galaxy100 Lite does it all. With a low latency connection in both wireless and Bluetooth connections, users can enjoy high performance without any of the wire clutter. The impressive 8000mAh battery promises 39 hours of use with all the lights one. That means you don’t have to worry about your keyboard dying when you need it the most. But for those who want enjoy the lowest latency, the high quality braided cable is ready to deliver the performance you need.

Sound Test

Review

The Epomaker Galaxy100 Lite is an average full sized keyboard. While you can definately do worse at this price point, you can certainly do better. If you need a full sized keyboard, you’re better off with the Vibe108.

Quality

The Galaxy100 Lite looks good out of the box. The aluminum frame is well machine and gives it the sturdy heft that will keep the keyboard from sliding all over your desk. The keycaps are clean and feel good to the touch. The lettering is legible and it doesn’t feel like it will wear off. The keyboard looks like a more expensive, albeit retro looking keyboard. However, the aesthetic is a bit of an acquired taste.

Aesthetic

The Galaxy has a classic feel, and the yellow scheme makes it look like a thrifted keyboard with a bit of a modern flare. The problem with the aesthetic, it isn’t going to fit in every setup. The keycaps and switches are easily swapable, but might as well buy a full sized keyboard with a scheme you like. I wasn’t too crazy about the look, and even less crazy about the typing experience.

Comfort

The typing experience is average at best. I got my keyboard with the Marble White switches, and I can honestly say I prefer the Wisteria switches. The switches feel heavy and left a bit of fatigue after each extended use. The sound is also a bit too crunchy. If you are getting this keyboard, I recommend starting with the Wisteria switches. The Wisterias are awesome. Otherwise, the typing angle is fine and I never felt like it destroyed my hands, but I did need to take breaks. Note that I do have a repetitive stress injury that flares when I don’t have the right ergonomics, and this keyboard just didn’t have enough. Get the Vibe108.

Performance

The keyboard’s performance is the only thing saving it from a bad review. The keyboard works as intended. I could handle my casual level of gaming and MMO grind without performance issue. There was some fatigue, but not enough to make me stop. The impressive battery life gave me about the advertised 40 hours of use on a single charge, and that is nothing to scoff at. If you like the aesthetic and want something that will work, the Galaxy100 Lite is a solid choice.

Conclusion

Honestly, if this was the first full sized mechanical keyboard I ever used, I wouldn’t noticed the issues. Having used better keyboards like the Mechlands Vibe108, it gets hard to recommend. It all comes down to whether or not you like the aesthetic. If you like the retro feel of the keyboard and the yellowed color scheme, the keyboard works well enough and is comfortable enough to be worth the price tag. However, if you are looking for a good full sized budget keyboard, you have better options. Check out the Mechlands Vibe108.

You can pick up the Epomaker Galaxy100 Lite from the official Mechlands store, or AliExpress.

video game reviews

Manairons Review: A Whimsical Adventure Game Worth Playing

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Manairons 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 Manairons?

Manairons is a 3D puzzle adventure game out now on on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and coming soon to the Nintendo Switch. The game is Steam Deck verified for those wondering, and it works very well!

Hook

The village of Vilamont is a peaceful one, full of industrious people but also the greedy landlord Llorenç. Llorenç used his influence to find an ancient magical artifact, the “canut”. Using the canut’s magic, Llorenç summons a legion of Manairons to work tireless for him. Almost overnight, the Manairons warp the sleepy town of Vilamont into an overindustrialized machine. One Manairon is able to break free of this spell. With the help from the mysterious witch Nai and a magical flute, our lone Manairon hero must brave Llorenç influence and break his spell. Solve puzzles, fight off possed Manairons, and enjoy a bit of rest here and there. Can our brave hero break the spell and free the Vilamont from Llorenç?

Gameplay

Players control the Manairon through differently themed levels in a wimsical 3D action adventure with fixed cameras. The world of Pyrenees is full of creative puzzles to solve, platforms to clear, and enemies to beat up. Combat in Manairon is simple. You can lock onto enemies, and hit them with your trusty flute. Players get a block and a ranged attack, but the flute is the only thing strong enough to knock out the possessed manairons. All levels build up to creative boss fights. The game also has a collection of scattered items to collect. Can you collect them all before finishing the game?

Review

I absolutely love Manairon, and recommend it to everyone. Manairon is such a cute game with solid mechanics and a great story. If you are a fan of those old school action adventure games, or are just looking for something fun and cute to play, check out Manairon!

Aesthetic

I was first drawn to Manairons because I like the art. I normally don’t play these types of platformers because of how bad I am at them, but the art is so good, I was willing to try. The character design is cute, but I love how the artists go out of their way to create such a cool fantasy. Each level has a unique theme that is more breathtaking than the last, and the attention to detail that goes into the world building is remarkable. It also has a fantastic soundtrack and voice acting that make the experience addicting. I would recommend Manairon for the art alone, but the story is fantastic!

Story

Manairons is a fantastic example of how good video games are at telling stories. This is one of the few times where I couldn’t put the game down because I was so invested in the events that were unfolding. It helps that there is voice acting to help me get swept away by the storytelling. If you like fantasy adventure, Manairons is a fantastic addition to your collection.

Performance

The game has its bugs, and a few of them are gamebreaking. I had a couple of crashes, and there were a few times where the character just gets stuck. Other than that, the performance is fine. Platforming feels good, combat is responsive, and I was able to finish the story without any issue.

Gameplay

When I pick up a platformer, there is always the worry that my lack of skill will keep me from enjoying the game. As far as platformers go, this is very manageable. I wouldn’t say its a kids platformer like Spongebob: The Cosmic Shake or the Smurfs, but I wouldn’t say it is Shovel Knight either. Manairon finds a good balance of challenging puzzles, platforming, and combat without getting frustrating to allow players to enjoy the world and its story. Not that you can’t enjoy a hard platformer if that’s your thing, I just prefer it to be manageable.

What makes this game special is the different worlds that make up the level. Each monster, challenge, and boss is full of flavor. Even though the mechanics are simple and a lot of the loops repeat, the game doesn’t feel repetitive. Every level and stage feels fresh, especially when there are fun and creative puzzles in between.

Conclusion

Manairons is a whimsical fantasy adventure everyone needs to go on once. There are a few bugs I am sure can be fixed, but nothing that will ruin the fun story or the cute world players get to explore. If you are looking for one game to play this year, check out Manairons on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and coming soon to the Nintendo Switch.

If you would your looking for a more challenging kind of plaformer, check out Forgotten Fragments, or check out Worldless for the most unique platformer you’ll ever get to play.

Trailer

video game reviews

Konfronto Game Review: Exploring the Quirky Scifi Autobattler

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Konfronto 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.

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 Konfronto?

Konfronto is a scifi themed auto-battling backpack management rogue like out now on PC via Steam and Epic Games. The game is currently on sale until March 2nd, 2026.

Hook

Build an intergalactic spaceship that will help you conquer the universe. Fill your ship with competent pilots, powerful ships, and useful facilities as you make your way through the dark reaches of space. There are multiple factions to choose from and countless combinations of mechanics, but only one will reign supreme. Will it be you?

Gameplay

The goal of Konfronto is to build a powerful starship. Players spend each turn buying from a pool of randomly generated parts. These parts consist of ships, facilities, upgrades, and pilots. A part can give players abilities, allow them to attack, give buffs to the ship, or unlock more grids. Parts also have factions that can give added bonuses. Finding the right combination of these parts is key to winning combat.

Combat

Players will spend a turn buying and arranging their parts before sending their ships into battle. Combat in Konfronto is done automatically. Players fight random ships other players create, and the game gives you the option to fast forward and skip the animation. A run is over if a player loses five matches or if they win 10. The hard part is finding parts that successfully synergize with one another.

Backpack Management

The main loop of this game is the backpack management. Players have limited amounts of space in a grid that they fill with each part. Parts can be rotated and more inventory slots can be unlocked, but players must learn to work with their limited space in a way that takes advantage of the games different mechanics.

Review

I love bag management games, and Konfronto is a solid addition to the genre. The game has cool aesthetic and solid mechanics that provide a decent amount of challenge. If you like the scifi theme, give the game a try.

Aesthetic

Konfronto has a quirky scifi theme that just works. I love the character design and the cool flavorful ships that fill the starship. The music score is fantastic and got me into the mood for space combat, but I was not ready for how hard this game was going to be. My only complaint is that the font is a little small and I had trouble reading some of the abilities. This could be an issue with my dyslexia, but it did make me miss some of the mechanics.

Gameplay

The game runs smooth, but the game is hard. There are mechanics and interactions that are not very intuitive. They will click eventually, but it still feels likes I am missing some key mechanics that keep me from doing better. You might need to look at guides online if you want to get more serious about your climb, but I had fun trying to figure things out on my own. I appreciate that there are different modes to encourage different playstyles, although I mainly stuck the regular mode because of personal preference. I don’ think I would choose this game over Backpack Hero or even NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters.

Conclusion

Whether or not you should get this game really depends on whether or not you like the theme. The game is small, but it offers a good amount of challenge and customization. The theme is also solid with fun quirky art to make it memorable. Personally, I prefer something on the fantasy side, but I did enjoy the amount of time I played this game. I just wish I could read the words better (although this might be a personal problem). If you are looking for a new and challenging autobattler, go give Konfronto a try.

You can pick up Konfronto on Steam or Epic Games.

video game reviews

Unlock the Fun: Mosaica: Arboreal Puzzle Gameplay

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Mosaica: Arboreal 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. This game uses AI.

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!

What is Mosaica: Arboreal?

Mosaica: Arboreal is a Cookie Cliker like puzzle game out now on Steam. There is a demo available you can try.

Hook

Unwind after a hard day of work with a relaxing game of Mosaica. Unlock beautiful art as you click away at different mosaic puzzles. Collect powerful allies, items, and abilities that will help you unlock puzzles faster. Make sure you recycle any trash you find along the journey. With countless combinations, you are sure to find a combination that will fit your style. What are you waiting for?

Gameplay

Players are given a puzzle of an image that is split into several squares. The higher levels are split into more squares. You solve the puzzle by clicking on a square until it rotates to its proper space. That is the whole loop. Players can level up and unlock abilities and equip items that help them solve the puzzle faster. The images that players unlock can be equipped for useful bonuses. There is also a bag management component that kind of comes into play. This is meant to be a casual, cozy game played when you just want to sit back and relax and collect cute art (if you don’t mind it being edited AI art).

Review

If you are offended by AI art, don’t play Mosaica: Arboreal. The dev does a decent job at fixing up the pictures to look nice, but it still looks like AI. I would have preferred the game have commissioned art, but for what it is, I guess its fine. This is is a causal game that you throw on when you don’t want to get too invested, don’t want to think, and just want to sit back and relax. While there may be strategy somewhere in this game, you are just clicking squares and watching the flashing animations.

Story

There seems to be a story, but it isn’t important. It feels like AI wrote blurbs about saving the forces which are an attempt at adding flavor, but I stopped reading them early on. They don’t really add much to the game except attempt to make it thematic, but this game is fine without the attempt at a story. This is a game about clicking stuff after all.

Art

The art in this game is clearly AI generated, but edited by a human to give it that human touch. As a result, there is a bit of homogeneity that stems across all of the puzzles. There are puzzles in this game that are the same figure and pose with a recolor to match the season. Most people aren’t going to like the fact that this is AI, and that is a valid criticism. I personally think it makes the game feel generic. It lacks soul and a tangible flavor that would help the game stand out against the genre. It makes the game fine for the few minutes I’ll play it, but I will probably forget I ever played it. If you don’t mind the AI art, the game is a solid cozy respite for those who need it.

Gameplay

I think Mosaica attempts to fill a niche in gaming that is needed. The low effort feel of its development is its main detriment, but the need it fills is real. The game works fine and achieves what it is designed to do. If you are looking for a cozy game to unwind with that is low effort and no commitment, Mosiaca is that. Sure there is probably a solvable formula of combinations baked into the game, but I got through this game just fine clicking randomly at my screen and hoping for the best. There is something almost therapeutic about clicking away at these puzzles, but it is a therapy I can only muster once, for 30 minutes. I don’t think I will play this game again because there isn’t anything for me here, but I like that it is there if I ever need it.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a cozy mindless game and don’t mind the use of AI, get Mosaica: Arboreal. You’ll get at least the $5 of fun out of it. For everyone else, keep on looking.

You can pick up Mosaica: Arboreal on Steam. If you are looking for a more challenging puzzle and don’t mind a little horror, check out Bye Sweet Carole.

Trailer