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video game reviews

Fledgling Manor Might Just be Your Next Visual Novel

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I was asked to cover Fledgling Manor on my blog. I understand the game is still in development and I will try not to be as critical with my initial impressions. These will be my honest impressions of the demo available now on Steam.

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!

What is Fledgling Manor?

Fledgling Manor is a visual novel coming soon to Steam.

It started as a normal delivery night for Rocky, until something strange lept out of the shadows. He wakes up in a strange house, but not quite his old self. Rocky has been turned into a vampire and is forced to participate in America’s hottest reality show, Fledgling Manor. Eight new vampires are forced to live in a remote house where they compete to stay alive. Will Rocky survive the manor, or will he be one of its many casualties?

Impressions

Fledgling Manor has a stunning art style that will rightfully earn its attention. I love the use of black and white and the overall character design. While the writing can be a bit cringe at times, the writer successfully captures the reality show vibe it aims to achieve. Each character feels unique, the stakes feel real, and the story is interesting enough to keep me invested. Although the demo is limited, the full version will have multiple endings for added replayability. This is a game where the choices made by the player matter and impact the outcome of the story. What characters die, what romances you make, and characters Rocky gets to know, and even Rocky’s fate are all tied to the player’s choices. Choose carefully.

I just finished reading The Long Walk, and this gives me similar vibes. Although the writing isn’t perfect, I need to know what happens at the end. I will be getting the full version on release, stay tuned for that. Until then, make sure you add Fledgling Manor to your wishlist, and don’t forget to check out the Demo.

video game reviews

Awaken: Astral Blade is the best Metroidvania of the Year

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I was sent a free copy of Awaken: Astral Blade 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 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!

What is Awaken: Astral Blade?

Awaken: Astral Blade is a beautiful Metroidvania out now on Steam and PS5.

Tania is a bionic girl sent to rescue a missing investigation team deep in the rainforest of the Horace Islands. This won’t be an easy task. A strange energy seems to be warping the wildlife, mutating it into aggressive, blood-thirsty mutations. Using her various abilities and any upgrades she earns along the way, Tania must fight her way through this hostile forest and find the truth behind the disappearance. What will she uncover?

Gameplay

Awaken: Astral Blade is an incredibly stylized Metroidvania. Players must fight through a dungeon, moving from save point to save point. Players will unlock and find new upgrades for Tania’s mobilities and attacks. The skill tree, upgrades, and customization are vast enough for players to find a build that works with their playstyle. While I am sure there is a correct way to build Tania, I found something that made the game fun for me.

Players will fight through monsters with creative flavor and readable attacks. Occasionally, a giant snake will chase Tania to create some intense platforming. Eventually, Tania will fight the various creative bosses scattered throughout the dungeon. These fights are tough, but leave a rewarding feeling after completion.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Awaken: Astral Blade is a fantastic Steam Deck game. Everything is visible at the native aspect ration, the native control scheme is comfortable, and the game is responsive without any tinkering. These types of games to play on the go, but I enjoyed being able to fight my way through the forest while sitting on my couch. While there is nothing wrong with the PC experience, I preferred playing this game on the Steam Deck.

Review

I’ve been on my Metroidvania kick lately, and Awaken: Astral Blade is my favorite. The game looks amazing with a solid story and flavor to keep things interesting. Most importantly, the mechanics are tight and responsive. Nothing is worse than playing an unfinished Metroidvania where poor coding kills you more than a lack of skill. I am happy to say that every time I died in Awaken, it was because I wasn’t good enough.

As far as skill level goes, it is adjustable but normally offers enough of a challenge to keep things interesting. I am speaking of course as a filthy casual, but the difficulty can always be adjusted. I particularly enjoyed the creative boss fights and how rewarding it felt when I finally beat them. None of the big fights felt like a slog because I was always busy trying to memorize actions and master the required mechanics.

Awaken: Astral Blade is a fantastic entry into the Metroidvania genre. Whether you’re trying to find a good place to start or looking for a new title to add to your collection, you can’t go wrong with Awaken.

You can pick up Awaken: Astral Blade on Steam for $19.99 and $24.99 on PS5. There is also a Steam Demo if you don’t believe me.

video game reviews

Looking for a new Metroidvania? Why not PROJECT TACHYON?

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I was asked to cover PROJECT TACHYON on my blog. I’ve been on a Metroidvania kick lately, so I figured, why not? Since the game is still a demo, I will be a bit more lenient. Regardless, these will be my honest impressions of the demo.

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!

What is PROJECT TACHYON?

PROJECT TACHYON is a cyberpunk action roguelike coming to Steam.

Project OMEGA was created as was designed to be the Tamageria Republic’s ultimate defense against their enemies. Unfortunately, the advanced AI has other plans for the republic. A massive uprising led by OMEGA spreads across the planet, and the only solution seems to be to nuke the planet.

A few of the smartest minds left believe they have an alternative, Project Tachyon. Project Tachyon allows select users to return to a single point in time after deft, undoing any mistakes they’ve made along the way. Through this technology, they hope to learn all they can about Project OMEGA and defeat the AI without sacrificing innocent people. Only one member is compatible with the Project Tachyon technology. Will she be enough of the world for annihilation?

Gameplay

PROJECT TACHYON is a 2D action platformer where players fight their way through a dungeon filled with enemies using an advanced arsenal of weapons. These weapons can be changed and upgraded throughout the run.

Players start their run at Project Tachyon headquarters where they can use resources they gather during their runs to buy upgrades. Sigma will then run through the same level to shut down OMEGA. Because Sigma can reset the timeline after death and remember its details, all maps, and encounters will be the same between runs. Memorizing maps and encounters along with the upgrades players purchase throughout their run help her get farther each time.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Yes it does, and I can’t wait for the full version. Everything is visible at the aspect ratio, and although there is some roughness to the DEMO, it works well enough to get me interested in a full version. Aiming is a little awkward, but that might be more of a personal issue than an issue with the game. I will need the full version for further testing.

Impressions

The Demo is a little rough. The game has a few missing elements and a few mechanics that don’t always work, but it is a solid demo regardless. My biggest issue was with the aiming. It felt awkward and made some encounters harder than they needed. The game does offer an auto-aim feature that seems good enough for casual play, but I found it lacked the efficient accuracy needed for the harder fights. Regardless of these issues, the demo works well enough to have me curious about a full version.

If you enjoy the Metroidvania genre, you might want to consider looking into PROJECT TACHYON. The game has cool art, a solid story and flavor, fantastic voice acting, and interesting gameplay. Until we get news on a more complete version, I recommend you at least try the Steam Demo. Don’t forget to add it to your WISHLIST!

I’ll be working on getting a full version. Stay tuned for that.

video game reviews

Voidwrought is a Beautiful Game, but It didn’t Leave an Impression

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I was sent a free copy of Voidwrought 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 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!

What is Voidwrought?

Voidwrought is a beautiful 2D hand-drawn Metroidvania out now on Steam and Nintendo Switch

You have been tasked with collecting the blood of the gods. Fight your way through the depths and fend off against Eldritch horrors. Uncover secrets, learn new techniques, and find the playstyle that works best for you. How deep can you make it before the darkness consumes you? What secrets will you uncover?

Gameplay

Players crawl through a large 2D dungeon, fighting monsters and bosses and collecting resources. Players start with a limited selection of skills but can unlock more through exploration and an extensive skill tree. There is some freedom in how a player can approach this game, but there is an optimal build. At the end of the day, Voidwrought is just another Metroidvania. If you enjoy the genre, it might be worth considering.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

You can’t go wrong with Metroidvania games on the Steam Deck, and Voidwrought is no exception. Everyhthing looks good at native, and the game runs well enough. Whether or not it is worth getting depends on how much you enjoy the genre. Please read blow.

Review

Voidwrought is a beautiful game with a fantastic hand-drawn art style. Unfortunately, the game does little do leave an impression. It isn’t a bad game, but I am going to forget I ever played it.

My biggest issue with the game is with the performance. The game feels clunky. Combat and platforming look cool, but it isn’t as smooth as it needs to be. While the game demands a good amount of skill, I felt the difficulty came from the game’s lack of polish. It isn’t a bad game, but when compared to other games in the genre, it doesn’t do enough to set itself apart. Unless you love the genre and want to collect all of them, there is no real reason to choose Voidwrought over other better titles in the genre.

You can pick up Voidwrought on Steam and Nintendo Switch for $19.99, but I would wait for a sale.

Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive: New Set Announced at Ascent Toronto

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Grand Archive’s newest set has been announced! While not much was revealed, we do have a name and the new RE:Collection decks.

Changes to the Proxia Vault

I think the most important announcement this time around is the change to the Proxia Vault policy. All Proxia Vault cards can be proxied indefinitely! Originally, the rule was that these cards could be proxied for the first year of release before having to use official cards. The problem with this rule is that official Proxia Vault cards aren’t accessible to everyone. Now players are free to print their own proxies and even commission their custom versions!

Kongming Deckbox

New Mortal Ambition Draft Format!

Mortal Ambition was meant to be draftable. Special draft packs will be released for events where player will get packs of world themed relics and three packs of Mortal Ambition. Santa Clara will be the first event to host Mortal Ambition drafts, so make sure you get your tickets while they are still available.

Alchemical Revolution Altered Edition

Abyssal Heaven Announced

The newest set, Abyssal Heaven, has been announced for March 7th 2025. This will be an expansion set featuring eight-card packs and a continuation of the Mortal Ambition world.

New RE:Collection Decks!

Two new RE:Collection decks were just announced, and I am extremely hyped. The last RE:Collection decks were incredible products, so make sure you have yours preordered as soon as they become available. These new decks will release with Abyssal Heaven so make sure you load up!

video game reviews

PRIM is a Great Point and Click Narrative, but I have my Issues

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

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!

What is PRIM?

Prim is a point and click narrative game out now on Steam.

After her mother’s sudden death, PRIM learns her father is the god of Death. Death agrees to take her in and teach her how to use her inherited powers. But Death is not a natural father. His rules are too strict and he seems a little too cold. PRIM makes her escape but finds herself in the underworld. She must now venture through this unfamiliar land, control her newly awakened powers, and find her place in the world. What will her journey uncover?

Gameplay

Players click through PRIM’s interactive narrative to solve puzzles and move forward. Players will combine items, explore the world, and slowly unlock the narrative. The game features creative puzzles to solve, and enough hints for those who get stuck.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

PRIM works great on the Steam Deck. The story is easy to read at Steam Deck’s native aspect ratio, and I the touch controls were a fantastic bonus. If you enjoy relaxing puzzle games with a decent amount of challenge, you might want to give PRIM a chance.

Review

PRIM is a solid point-and-click narrative game. The puzzles are challenging and creative, and I am a huge fan of the art style. The story is fine, but nothing to rush to play. My issue with the game is the voice acting. Most characters are fine, but I found the main character’s voice grating and annoying. I needed to play the game on mute to enjoy the gameplay. This is definitely a personal issue, but I recommend checking out the demo before committing to a purchase.

If you’re looking for a point-and-click narrative game, there are better options, but PRIM is a solid choice. I would personally wait for a sale, but you can those who don’t mind the voice acting can get $20 worth of enjoyment. I honestly would have enjoyed the game more if I hadn’t just finished better narrative games.

You can pick up PRIM on Steam for $19.99.

video game reviews

Why you Should Be Playing Alterium Shift

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I was sent a free copy of Alterium Shift 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.

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!

What is Alterium Shift?

Alterium Shift is a classic feeling JRPG available now on Steam Early Access, but with plans to release on Xbox, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch in the future.

The world of Alteria is in danger, and it is up to one brave hero to save it. Choose from one of three unique heroes as you embark on an unforgettable adventure. Together with allies you make along the way, fight monsters, discover treasure, and uncover the mysteries of this world and the parallel world beside it. What will your journey uncover? Can you become strong enough in time to save the world?

Gameplay

Alterium Shift plays like your classic turn-based JRPG with the occasional fishing to mix things up. The game also includes creative puzzles, challenging yet memorable boss fights, and an unavoidable grind. The grind isn’t soul-crushing by any means. What sets this game apart is the choices it offers players. The bits of dialogue you chose throughout the adventure do impact the outcome of the story. Each character feels unique, and the options give the game some solid replayability.

Does it Work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, and it is a fantastic game to play on the Steam Deck. If you enjoy classic JRPGs, this is a fantastic game to pull out when you can’t be in front of your computer. The game isn’t too demanding so you don’t have to worry about your Steam Deck turning into a jet, and everything looks and works great. I am a huge fan of being able to do some of the grinds while I am chilling on the couch. If you’re looking to beef up your Steam Deck library, you can’t go wrong with Alterium Shift.

Review

Alterium Shift is a fantastic game that should be in everyone’s library, especially if you’re a fan of JRPGs. While the game is still in Early Access, the experience is good enough to earn a recommendation.

What first drew me into the game was its art style. Alterium Shift has a fantastic character design and a beautiful world to explore. I particularly like how equipped items change the look of the character. I like being able to see the progress of looking cooler as my character levels, even if it is in pixel art.

The gameplay is fantastic, offering enough of a challenge to keep things engaging but with a welcomed cozy casual vibe for when you just want to chill. The game does have its grind, but it doesn’t feel too bad.

The story is what kept me playing the game. I love that each character has their own story and that each story can be played differently based on the choices a player makes. This will make the game incredibly replayable, especially if you don’t have to skip through the same cutscenes every time you want to switch characters. Best of all, each character feels good. I tried all three and they all felt equal in power level.

If you’re looking for a new JRPG to get into and don’t mind waiting for the game to move through Early Access, get this game. I recommend it even in Early Access because it plays great, and there is enough available content to have you hooked for more.

You can pick up Alterium Shift for $19.99 on Steam Early Access.

video game reviews

SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is a Solid Slice of Life Visual Novel

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I was sent a free copy of SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky 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 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!

What is SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky?

SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is a visual novel coming to Steam, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch on October 23, 2024. This is the first time a memories game comes out in English, but you don’t need to play any of the other games to understand what is going on. The narrative is pretty self contained.

Follow Junya as he struggles with the grief of losing his brother. As Junya tries to lose himself in his work, the women around him don’t let him. Whether helping his childhood friend turn an old mansion into a cafe, supporting a new friend with research, or trying to uncover the mysteries surrounding his brother’s death, there is always something to keep Junya moving on his journey to self-discovery. What truths will he learn about himself and the women around him? What secrets will be revealed through his investigations? You will need to read to find out.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, but I couldn’t get the save sync to work. It sucked having to start the story over, but I found the Steam Deck experience enjoyable. The words are legible at the native Steam Deck resolution, and the portability of the console makes it ideal for visual novels. Some may like reading their visual novels on a full-sized monitor, but I enjoyed reading in bed or on the couch after spending the day in front of my computer.

Review

SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is a solid visual novel with fantastic art, cool character design, and a solid story. That said, I did have my issues.

The translation is fine for the most part, but some bits don’t translate culturally. There are a few idioms that translate a bit awkwardly. There are also sections of this narrative that feel like filler, like when they are talking to the cafe owner about how to run the business when I just wanted to keep investigating the mystery. My biggest issue with the story was with the main character. He is frustratingly clueless, which makes sense in context, but makes the character seem less interesting. Every girl in this game flirts with him but he’s too dumb to pick up on the cues. I get that he is mourning and sees the women as friends, but some of the girls aren’t subtle.

Despite my issues, I found the story enjoyable. I enjoyed learning about each girl and unraveling their narrative, and I enjoyed the mystery. It isn’t the best visual novel I’ve had the pleasure of reading, but it was good enough for me to stick with it.

The biggest thing to consider when looking into SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is how much you enjoy the slice-of-life genre. There are whole sections of this story where the characters talk about everyday things like work or relationships. There are also sections of this book you are going to skip. If you enjoy reading about people going about their everyday lives, don’t mind dipping into topics about grief, and enjoy anime, this is a solid addition to any library.

I found the characters unique and interesting, the relationships cute, the art fantastic, and the story good enough to make it to the end. I recommend it to anyone looking for a new visual novel. I don’t know how it compares to any of the others in the series, but I enjoyed SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky as my entry to the series.

You can pick up SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky on Steam, PlayStation and Switch on October 23, 2024. Make sure you add it to your wishlist.

video game reviews

Beloved Rapture is a Fantastic Modern Nod to Classic JRPGs

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I was sent a free copy of Beloved Rapture 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 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!

What is Beloved Rapture?

Beloved Rapture is an indie JRPG out now on Steam.

Johan has come to the age where he must decide whether he wants to leave his sleepy life in his quiet mountain town or go on his own adventure. Unfortunately for Johan, the choice is made for him and he finds himself at the center of an escalating conflict. With a fanatic militia at his heels, Jonah and his newfound allies must find a way to achieve peace. What truths will Jonah discover on this journey? Is he destined for greatness, or will he become another casualty of war?

Gameplay

Beloved Rapture is a classic RPG with a few modern mechanics that set it apart from the rest of the genre. The game introduces a unique dynamic system where players can be attacked while choosing their actions. As a result, combat feels more intense. Combat can also be enjoyed in the traditional turn-based system for those of us who prefer a more casual experience.

What sets Beloved Rapture apart from other games in the genre is the lack of forced encounters. While there is a grind, it isn’t steep. Leveling in this game is pretty straightforward. Players can spend skill points at level up to build their units in whatever way they want. While I am sure there is a way to min-max each ally, I had a lot of fun building my play style.

Does it Work on the Steam Deck?

Beloved Rapture is a fantastic Steam Deck game. The game is in an aspect ratio where everything is clearly visible, the game performs perfectly, and it is a great travel game. I’ve only ever played JRPGs on handheld consoles, and it only feels right to play it on the Steam Deck. If you’re looking for a new game to play on the go, check out Beloved Rapture.

Review

While I love Beloved Rapture, it is not without its flaws. The story is solid, but some of the writing is awkward or bad. It isn’t terrible, but there is some cheesy dialogue that keeps it from being the serious story it is trying to be. I was also not a fan of the dynamic combat system. It never seemed to work right for me. There might be a way to configure combat, but I enjoyed the classic version too much.

Regardless of these issues, Beloved Rapture is a solid JRPG that deserves some attention. The story was good enough to keep my attention, the combat felt good, and the art was fantastic. It is clear that a lot of love and passion went into this project, and it paid off.

If you enjoy classic JRPGs and are looking for a new one for your collection, you can’t go wrong with Beloved Rapture. This is one of those games that you should try at least once.

You can pick up Beloved Rapture on Steam for only $19.99.

Tech Reviews

The EasySMX X15: The Prettiest Budget Controller on the Market

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I was sent a free EasySMX X15 controller 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.

Whats in the box?

The controller comes with:

  • 1 USB-C to USB-A braided charging cable
  • 1 2.4G Wireless dongle
  • 1 instructions manel

Features

The X15 is a stylish budget controller for the gamer who wants to upgrade their aesthetic but doesn’t want to go broke. Its beautiful RGB accents help it stand out against other controllers in the market, but they can also be toggled off for those who prefer a more subtle aesthetic. The controller comes in Mecha (black) or StarfieldI chose the Starfield version because I preferred the design, but it was not an easy choice.

The X15 supports wired, wireless, and Bluetooth connections, boasting up to 20 hours of gaming on a single charge. That said, the included braided cable is long enough to keep you gaming while charging your controller.

Most impotanlty, the EasySMX X15 features:

  • Hall effect joy stick to eliminate the risk of stick drift
  • Hall Triggers for smother inputs
  • Tactile face buttons
  • 2 additional programmable triggers on the bottom
  • Textured grip

For only $39.99, the x15 is sounding like a very good deal.

Review

The EasySMX X15 is a beautiful controller, but one that will initially feel cheap. I was not a fan of how light this controller is compared to what I am used to. The face buttons also make a cheap plastic click when pressed which made me uneasy about the build quality. The more I used the controller, the less these issues became a problem.

The controller feels wonderful in my hands. The textured face buttons give the controller a hint of elegance, but it makes the buttons feel good to press. The controller is textured exactly where it needs to be, and the design fits comfortably in my hands. Most controllers, especially budget ones, tend to destroy my hands and leave me unable to play after only a few minutes. While the controller is not explicitly ergonomic, it is ergonomic enough to allow me to enjoy gaming with a controller.

As far as function, it works better than most budget controllers in its price range. The Hall effect triggers and joysticks don’t feel any better than a 1st party Xbox controller, but it feels a lot better than a cheap controller. Inputs seemed fine for the most part, but I did notice some games needed additional remapping. The additional triggers are easy to program and fantastic. They are in a good spot, easy to press, and responsive enough to make an impact. I can’t speak on how good the controller is for competitive play, but it was good enough for my Destiny 2 grind on PC, and some casual Genshin Impact on my iPad. Switching between devices is a pain, so you will probably want to keep this tied to one device.

I was pleasantly surprised by the controller’s battery life. I got pretty close to the boasted 20 hours of gaming with the RGB on. I didn’t test the life without the RGB because it looks so pretty, but I can only assume you get more.  

As far as budget controllers go, the EasySMX X15 should be at the top of the list. Even with its flaws, you aren’t getting anything better at this price range.

You can pick up the EasySMX X15 for only $39.99 on the official website, or Amazon through my affiliate links.