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video game reviews

Why Reus 2 Expansions Are Worth Your Time

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of both Reus 2 expansions: Ice Age and Everglades. 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 review for the base game. If you enjoy my content, please share this with your friends and 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!

Gaming Accessories

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset.

Table of Contents

What is Reus 2

Reus 2 is a unique village management game where you control the mighty titans and use their powers to terraform and fill the planet while a civilization thrives in response to your actions. The game is currently available on Steam, with a demo that you should definitely try. Make sure you check out the review for the base game. I will be combining my reviews for both expansions because it would feel too repetitive otherwise.

Ice Age Expansion

The Ice Age expansion brings frigid new elements into the world of Reus. This expansion brings the chilling new biome, Ice Age Tundra wich includes over 40 new biotica and the mighty Frost Giant (variation of Aegir) to summon them. This new biome also introduces the new archetypes evolve and extinct for those early level building.

Humanity also receive a couple new features this expansion. They get four new leaders to lead them into greatness:

  • The Painter – Wants to unlock as much as possible
  • The General – Gains bonuses to military
  • The Poet – Improves projects
  • The Villain – Thrives in a hateful world

There are also four new eras to play through for some added variety:

  • Hunter Age – Crops don’t grow easily in this weather so humans must hunt to survive.
  • Enlightenment – Minds brimming with ideas, embrace an age of invention!
  • Nuclear War – Create nuclear weapons and potentially blow up the entire planet.
  • Age of Discovery – A planet full of biomes and adventures, humans love to collect oddities.

Everglades

Reus 2’s latest expansion, Everglades, brings the wetlands biome to your planets. This beautiful biome combines both underwater and land areas for some interesting combination. The expansion introduces over 60 new biotica to mix like reptiles, amphibious biotica, and anything else you associate with the everglades. Everglades also introduces a new titan, Reginald the swamp giant.

Humanity gets three new leaders this expansion: the entomologist, the romantic, and the ranger.

  • The Entomologist specializes in science and Micros. His spirit power boosts Micro Havens. He’s not very impressed by mystery, though!
  • The Romantic likes biotica that have 2 or more base stats. Look at the game through a different lens!
  • The Ranger is all about having animals around – Biotica that do good with animals, do good with the ranger!

There are also three new eras to play through: secret conspiracy, bug age, and great nation.

  • Secret Conspiracy: Help reptilians take over the world with mystery and metals!
  • Bug Age: Spread the micro love, and bring gold and glory to the bug statue.
  • Great Nation: Try to create a nation that has 3 magnificent biomes to enjoy and marvel at!

Which ever expansion you end up choosing, you get a lot more content for a game that already has a lot for you to do.

Review

I love the base game Reus 2, and recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy little village builder that will have them thinking. I don’t think the expansions are necessary, but they are a great way to support the developer and they add some good variety. I did prefer the flavor and mechanics for the Evergrade expansion more if you can only choose one expansion, but I definitely feel like you get your money’s worth if you buy both with through the expansion.

Both expansions introduce ages with interesting win conditions, and allow players a good amount of options to get there. I love that none of the expansions take away from the chill vibe I’ve loved about the game so far, but do change up the strategies enough to give the game a bit more variety in both its aesthetic and gameplay loop.

Conclusion

I have a very casual approach to Reus 2. There are settings to make the game harder for those who like a little more effort in their campaigns, but as a filthy casual, this is one of my favorite games. Reus 2 has an interesting concept, and the base game alone has a ton of content to keep players busy. The expansions are a fantastic addition that only prolongue the game’s longevity. They introduce fun and flavorful variety to a game that is already a ton of fun to play, and I think that is reason enough to buy into it. Both expansions are worth playing, but if you can only buy one, I think Everglade is a little better. It really comes down to the flavor you want in your game. Do you want to manage a swamp or an ice age?

You can pick up Rues 2 and the two expansion, Ice Age and Everglades, on Steam.

Ice Age Trailer

Everglades Trailer

video game reviews

Reus 2: A Cozy Village Builder You Can’t Miss

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Reus 2 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 enjoy my content, please share this with your friends and 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!

Gaming Accessories

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset.

What is Reus 2?

Reus 2 is a unique village management game where you control the mighty titans of a world to help its inhabitants turn into a powerful civilization. The game is currently available on Steam, with a demo that you should definitely try.

Hook

Before man could walk, titans roamed the vast empty rock. Using their mastery over the elements, they will fill the world with the diverse ecosystems that will cause and fall of many civilizations. Everything from the mountains that line the horizon to the fish that fill the oceans must be strategically placed for a mighty civilization to flourish. Will your choices be the catalyst for the greatest group of man to fill the universe, or will they be stunted by your many wrong choices?

Gameplay Loop

Players will take control of three different titans. Each titan controls an aspect of the planet. The earth titan creates minerals and rises deserts, the grass titan creates plants and rises forests, and the water titan fills the oceans and creates animals. Space is limited on the planet, and players must decide how to spread each type of land, resource and tribe. Each tribe will spend time interacting with the environment players construct around them, and grow accordingly. Players will guide the people on their planet through the different ages.

While the game does look cute and simple, Reus 2 has a lot of nuanced mechanics that players will need to master in order to succeed. The game features a very helpful tutorial and an easy to access guide to help players. I recommend reading the guide often or looking up other helpful guides online. I went in blind, and while I had a lot of fun, I definitely bricked my runs.

Review

Reus 2 is a cozy feeling village builder with enough depth and difficulty to keep players engaged. With the recent free Keuger update and a couple of fresh expansions to freshen up the content, now is a fantastic time to pick up the title.

Aesthetic

I love the simple 2.5D artstyle. The game has a very cozy vibe, and simple effective animations that not only make the game run smooth, but give the game its charm. Reus 2 also has a fantastic sound track, and the soundscape is very immersive. I would recommend you check out the game for the art itself, but the gameplay is why you need to try this game at least once.

Gameplay

The game runs very smooth, especially on my Nvidia 3060. It may not be the best card on the market, but it gets the job done.

The gameplay loop itself is the perfect blend of relaxing idle game with enough difficult resource management to keep players engaged. The game can be difficult, especially if you aren’t paying attention or take the time to learn the mechanics. This is very smart game with flavorful mechanics to help it stand out against the rest of the genre. I usually go into village builders blind and learn by trial and error, but I hit a wall very fast because I was clearly not paying attention. Your millage my vary.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

It does, but the font is a little small. Some people will not mind, but I am old and couldn’t read a lot of the text. It became more effort than it was worth, but it does work if you have good eyes. I prefer using a key board and mouse personally though, and having a big scream made the expience a lot more comfortable.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a new village builder, Reus 2 is an incredibly unique option that you shouldn’t sleep on. The game has a very cozy vibe, but offers enough of a challenge to keep you thinking. This game looks good, feels good, and is going to be hard to put down, especially when you get so close to the next age. I recommend you get this even as a first village builder because it is a fantastic example.

You can pick up Reus 2 on Steam, or check out the demo if you don’t believe me. I will be trying out the first expansion soon, so stay tuned for that review. If you’re looking for a fun and quirky village builder, check out SteamWorld, or Fabledom if you want a little fantasy.

video game reviews

Onirism Review: A Whimsical Action Adventure

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Onirism 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 enjoy my content, please share this with your friends and 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.

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. You can also always buy me coffee!

What is Onirism

Onirism is a is an adorable action RPG out now on Steam.

Story

Bunbun has been stolen, and Carol will do anything in her power to get her stuffed rabbit back. Armed with the worlds most unique and powerful weapons, Carol will fight her way through endless waves of enemies to get her bunny back. Jump through the different zones, master the different genres, and get back what’s yours. How long before Carol and Bunbun can be reuinited?

Gameplay Loop

Onirism is a fast paced action adventure game. Carol travels across an open world, fighting off monsters, and collecting different weapons and abilities to help her on her journey. Combat in this game is a third person shooter, where players have access to a vast arsenal of weapons to choose from. Each gun feels different and changes the combat enough to keep things fresh and exciting. Enemies are all fun and unique, providing enough of a challenge to keep players on their toes. Remember, the game does not save automatically. Players will need to find save points to heal Carol and save their progress. Dying before hitting one of these zones will reset the game to the last save on file. Plan accordingly.

Review

Onirism is a cute and fun game with a lot of spirit, but it is not finished. Although there have been daily updates since I’ve downloaded the game, there is is some noticeable roughness. Sometimes the game will break, other times times you will lose a lot of frames. When the game works well, the game is as addicting as it is adorable.

Aesthetics

The game is a flavorful adventure through childish wonder and whimsy. Each zone is unique with a lot of content to explore. The monsters are cute and creative, with frightening bosses controlling them. The artstyle only adds to the stories playful and silly tone in a way that makes the game incredibly wholesome. It is the game’s art and tone that drew me to the game, but it is the gameplay that does it for me.

Gameplay

When the game works, it is a lot of fun. Combat is fast paced and exciting, the boss fights are creative, and the jumping puzzles are manageable. There is also a good amount of exploration to be done. The problem is the game doesn’t feel finished. There are a lot of bugs and noticeable performance issues that do take away from the immersion. Frames will drop, there is a bit of stuttering, and the game crashed once or twice during my playthrough.

Although there is controller support, the tutorial is only for keyboard and mouse. The game isn’t really optimized for controller at this stage of development. You might have to do a bit of tweaking, but aiming feels bad compared to keyboard and mouse. If you are playing with keyboard and mouse, you might need to do some remapping. On my playthrough, left was mapped to the wrong key by default. It is an easy fix, but it means the game isn’t ready to play out of the box.

While Onirism does feel unfinished, there have been daily patches since I’ve downloaded the game. The devs are hard at work on a game they are clearly passionate about. While the game will need a couple of updates before it can be in a good position, I at least have some confidence that they are working on it.

Conclusion

Onirism is a cute adventure game, and I loved every minute of it. Now keep in mind the game is not finished yet. The roughness is the biggest factor of whether or not you buy this game. If you don’t mind the immersion breaking bugs and performance issues, the game has enough substance and heart to keep you engaged. There is a lot of content to explore, and a lot of interesting ideas to keep the game interesting. But if the roughness is going to be a problem, I would wait for a couple of patches. This might be a very ambitious game, and the devs clearly need more time and support. I loved it, but it can definitely be better.

You can pick up Onirism on Steam. If you are in the market for another janky action adventure game, check out Star Overdrive.

video game reviews

EasySMX X05 Pro Review: The Quiet Gaming Controller

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Disclaimer

EasmySMX sent me the the X05Pro controller 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. Make sure you also check out my review for the S10 and X15 controllers. I’ll also be using my Amazon affiliate links where possible. It really helps me out if you use them before buying anything.

Table of Contents

What’s in the Box?

  • EasySMX X05 Pro Contoller
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • 1 x2.4G Receiver
  • User Manual

Features

EasySMX has created the quietest controller you’ll ever get to use without sacrificing any performance. The EasySMX X05 Pro is loaded with the features to bring your game to the next level at a very reasonable price point.

Design

The EasySMX X05 Pro features a clean and comfortable design available in three beautiful color schemes: back, white, and a limited edition purple.

The X05 Pro Wouldn’t be a gaming peripheral without proper RBG. The controller has subtle RBG highlights to give it a bit of flare without it losing any of its elegance. The controller’s smooth design promises ergonomic gaming, while its modern looking features promise the performance. If you’re looking for a good looking controller that performs just as good, check out the X05 pro.

Performance

The X05 Pro is loaded with the essential upgrades to any gamer’s arsenal. The X05 Pro has been redisigned with noise-reducing silicone dampers on all of the buttons for the quietest gaming you’ll ever experience. All buttons on the controller are precise, from the 8-way directional game pad, to the adjustable dual-stage hall effect triggers. The hall effect joysticks reduce give the controllers its ultra precision while eliminating that pesky drift you see in something like the joycons. With the controller’s respectable 7000mAh battery, you’ll never have to worry about losing power during those important team fights. What makes the X05 uniquely pro are the 2 additional programmable buttons on the shoulder.

Review

The EasySMX X05 Pro controller is a fantastic budget option with the features and quality to upgrade any gaming setup.

Quality

Users will be impressed by the quality and weight of the X05 pro. Out of the box, users will appreciate the controller’s clean design and well constructed body. While a little on the lighter side, the controller does not feel or look cheap. The buttons, joysticks, and triggers all have smooth and quality actuation. One issue I have with cheaper controllers is that they can be incredibly stiff, but that is not an issue here.

Comfort

Playing with controllers is incredibly hard for me because of my repetitive stress injury. Most controllers, especially on the cheaper end, destroy my hand. Most of the time, I can’t make it through a session with a controller for more than an hour. This is a huge reason why my switch is often collecting dust. Those joy cons have terrible drift now, but they would destroy my hands almost instantly.

While I wouldn’t call the X05 Pro the ergonomic solution to controllers I’ve been looking for, I can enjoy a more respectable gaming session, especially on the switch. The force required for each imput takes pressure off my hands. The shape puts my hands in a comfortable position, and soft textured bottom just feels good to the touch. Most importantly, the quite profile buttons mean I am not annoying anyone with my button mashing.

My hand still cramps up after a two or three hours of continuous gaming, but that is both respectable and unavoidable. This issue isn’t going to exist for everyone, especially if you are taking care of your hands.

Performance

I had no issue with the X05 Pro‘s performance. The controller was accurate and responsive through all the games I put it through without any noticeable latency. The DPad felt good for 2D platforming, the adjustable triggers were nice for high-action shooting games, and the long lasting battery meant I never had to reach for a wire. The quality of the build give me confidence that I can enjoy this high performing controller for a respectable amount of time. At least longer than the Joy Cons I kept having to replace.

Conclusion

The X05 pro is easily one of my favorite controllers for its sleek and comfortable design and quite profile. The features help put it over the edge with its high performance parts and long lasting battery. My only complaint is that I wish the additional buttons were on the bottom instead of the shoulders. While they aren’t hard to reach, having them on the bottom feels more natural and comfortable. Other than that, if you’re in the market for a good, budget-friendly controller, check out the EasySMX X05 Pro controller.

You can pick up the EasySMX X05 Pro controller on the official Easy SMX website, or on Amazon with through my affiliate link.

video game reviews

Exploring the Dark World of Tormented Souls 2

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Tormented Souls 2 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 latest reviews for the Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee!

Table of Contents

What is Tormented Souls 2?

Tormented Souls 2 on Steam is an old school feeling survival horror game out now on Steam.

Story

The Walker sisters thought they were safe after the events at Wilderberger Hospital, but fate has other plans for them. Thinking they would get to enjoy a peaceful retreat in the mountains, the two sisters make their way to a secluded convent. Unfortunately, what meant to be therapy and relaxation turns into a nightmare. The trip was a setup, and Caroline now finds herself alone in a dark and empty building with creatures lurking in the shadow. With the help of her super natural abilities, and any supplies she finds along the way, she must find her sister and survive what ever darkness chases after her. Can she find her sister and leave this place before it is too late?

Gameplay

Tormented Souls 2 is a 3rd person horror survival game modeled after the classic era of gaming. Players will explore the map looking for clues and supplies while avoiding danger. Tourmented Souls 2 is essentially an unforgiving puzzle game. This is a game where healing and ammo is limited, and being precise, stealthy and efficient is key. The game has combat with enemies that have specific weaknesses. Knowing the weaknesses is key to survival. You can brick your run if you aren’t careful, even on the easier difficulties. If you don’t pick items or do events in a certain order, you are going to have a bad time.

Review

Tormented Souls 2 is a proper nod to the classic horror survival genre. Its horrifying atmosphere kept me completely on edge, while the story and puzzles kept me engaged. The biggest issue with the game is its difficulty. This is a hard and unforgiving game with very little saving. If you want a challenge game with a solid story that will scare you, Tormented Souls 2 is a solid choice.

The Story

The game is a sequel, but you don’t need to play the first game to understand the events of the second. I definitely want to now because I want to know what happens, but I never felt like I lost by the story.

Tormented Souls 2 has an excellent horror story with some great voice acting. As scared as I got with the game, I had trouble putting it down because I needed to know what happened. The pacing is good, and if you can overcome the game’s difficulty, it is long enough to get the job done.

Gameplay

Tourmented Souls 2 will scratch that Resident Evil itch we all get from time to time. The game is a little on the darker side. I think it is intentional, but it does make some parts of the game frustrating. The lack of camera control is also a point of frustration, but it’s fine for telling its story. The game’s difficulty is what makes the game hard to recommend. Tourmented Souls 2 is a dark and twisted puzzle. It is very unforgiving if you aren’t paying attention or if you don’t complete the tasks in order. The game doesn’t offer a lot of save points, so players will have to redo a lot of their progress.

The survival elements add a lot of tension to the game, and if you aren’t careful, a lot of stress. I was constantly low on health struggling to get to the next point, and that is going to turn off a lot of players. If you are new to the game, know that this is done by design. You might need to restart the game if you mess up like I did, so it might be good idea to look up a guide. I don’t like guides because I wanted to be surprised, but having to restart the game because there is literally nothing you can do to progress the game is frustrating.

Conclusion

Tormented Souls 2 isn’t going to be for everyone. This is an unforgiving horror game that can be difficult if you aren’t careful and paying attention. Not being able to save often means there is a lot of repetition, but it also means you can strait up ruin a run. That said, the horror is very well designed. The atmosphere is spooky, the tension is choking, and the monsters are terrifying. I had a lot of trouble finishing this game because it freaked me out, but I also don’t do very well with horror games. Regardless, I liked the story enough to power through. I definitely think I need to check out the first one, but I don’t think it is necisarry. If you are looking for some good survival horror and don’t mind the difficulty, pick up Tormented Souls 2 on Steam.

Tech Reviews

KiiBOOM Cybrix29 Review: A Gamer’s Ultimate Keypad

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Disclaimer

KiiBOOM sent me the Cybrix29 Gaming Keypad to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out Elyxirine Pastel Y2K Keycap Set and the Jade75 mechanical keyboard. I will also be using my Amazon Affiliate link where possible. It really helps me out if you click it before you buy anything.

Save big during KiiBOOM‘s special sale from now until November 12!

Table of Contents

What’s in the box?

  • KiiBOOM Cybrix29
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • User Manual

Features

The Cybrix29 is a 29 key wired gaming keypad that is ready to take on any task. Whether you are looking for tool to upgrade you workflow or just want something pretty to set on your table, the Cybrix29 is a fantastic solution.

Aesthetic

The Cybrix29 has a clean modern design, built to the high quality KiiBOOM standards has set for the industry. The low profile aluminum body not only looks good, but will keep your desk a bit more clutter free. They Cybrix29 is available in three colors: pink, silver and black. I chose to review it in pink, but it was a very tough choice to make.

The three dials give the keypad both its utility and modern flare. The RGB lighting effects helps illuminate your setup. The Cybrix29 features three separate RGB systems that can be easily customized through onboard commands. Each of the 29 keys, the light bar on top, and the acrylic base have separate customizable RGB profiles. Users can change the brightness, lighting effects, speed of the effects, and the color of each profile. As an added bonus, the keycaps and switches are easily swappable for maximum customization.

Comfort

The Cybrix29 promises a comfortable typing experience. The cherry profile keycaps give it its ergonomics, while the duskrise magnetic switches give it that satisfying soft feel. Whether it be a long gaming session or a bit of editing, your hands can rest easy with this powerful keypad.

Performance

The Cybrix29 is KiiBOOM’s ultimate solution for form factor utility. Each of the 29 keys is fully customizable. Each key and dial can be easily remapped or reprogrammed to take on any task. Users can also adjust the sensitivity and actuation of each switch for a more personalized experience. The Cybrix29’s advanced functions like the Snap Key (SOCD) and Dynamic Keystroke (DKS) support give its users a competitive advantage, so long as the game allows it. Don’t get banned.

Most importantly, the keypad’s wired connection give it the high speed, low latency connection needed for competitive gaming. With a very respectable 8KHz polling rate and no battery to slow its users down, the Cybrix29 is ready to master any game or assignment that gets in its way.

Sound Test

Review

If you are looking to upgrade your game, or a tool to help your productivity, the Cybrix29 is the perfect tool for you.

Looks

KiiBOOM is a master of creating aesthetically high-quality keyboards, and the Cybrix29 is no exception. The keypad is very well made with a light weight design that makes it perfect for travel. The colors are all bright and the lettering is clear. The quality of the keycaps gives me confidence that it won’t fade in the near future. The RGB makes the keyboard fun. The colors are vibrant, and the customization options give the keypad its versatility. There is a Cybrix29 configuration for every setup.

My only complaint is that it is a wired connection. I don’t like having too much wire clutter, but it is the price to pay for a high speed low-latency connection. However, it is a price I am willing to pay because this keypad is a beast of a machine.

Performance

If you are looking for a tool to give you a competitive edge or just want a more comfortable gaming experience, the Cybrix29 is a fantastic upgrade. The wire connection gives the keypad its negligible latency. You might need to do a bit of remapping, but the keypad has most of the keys you need for the games you play. I end up remapping a lot of what I play, so it wasn’t a huge deal.

The Cybrix29 features a fantastic out of the box experience, but being able to remap and reprogram the keys is nice to have and easy to do. The adjustable actuation and sensitivity as well as the advanced features (Snap Key (SOCD) and Dynamic Keystroke (DKS) support) make it a very powerful gaming tool. I didn’t feel the need to make any adjustments, but they are available for those who need it. Just make sure the game allows it first.

Although I don’t have a real way to test it, the Cybrix29 has the potential to be a powerful macro pad. The three dials are very handy for editing, and being able to remap everything certainly has its value. If you are looking for a powerful daily driver that looks good and is low profile, check out the Cybrix29.

Comfort

The most important feature of any keyboard is its comfort, and the Cybrix29 is comfortable. The keycaps feel great, and the switches have enough resistance to not only be satisfying, but they don’t create any fatigue. I was able to game for long hours without any hand pain. The sound is loud enough to be satisfying without being overbearing. My wife appreciates that it doesn’t fill the house with the thacking I love so much.

Conclusion

I love the Cybrix29 and it will be my daily driver for my main games. I have it configured just right for Guild Wars 2, and with the new expansion out, I am going to be spending a lot of time in Tyria. A keypad this size is a great option for those who need a macropad to play with, or for those who don’t want to buy a full sized keyboard. The size makes it a functional gaming peripheral, and its design makes it easy to store. It is also a very good for travel, if you don’t want to carry a full sized keyboard. With a bit of tinkering, the Cybrix29 can handle any game and task, making it the perfect tool for those who need it.

You can pick up the Cybrix29 on the official KiiBOOM store. They are currently having a huge sale until November 12, so now is the perfect time to pick up this or any of the other fine KiiBOOM products. You can also pick it up on Amazon through my affiliate link, but it is cheaper on KiiBOOM during the sale.

video game reviews

Experience Dreamout: An Alpaca’s Wacky Journey

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Dreamout 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 latest reviews for the Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee!

Table of Contents

What is Dreamout?

Dreamout is a ridiculous rpg about a drunken alpaca and her wild adventure to find a talking skeleton’s body. The game is out now on Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC via Steam and GoG

Hook

After another night of heavy drinking, you find yourself having to help a talking skull find his body. With the help of your trusty sword and a bit of booze to fend off the hangover, you set off on one of your weirdest adventures yet. Fight off mobs of strange enemies, solve puzzles, do all the side quests you can, and get that skull his body back. With plenty of booze to keep this buzz going, there is nothing that can stand in your way.

Gameplay

In some ways, Dreamout is your typical hack-and-slash adventure. Players take control of their quirky protagonist and travel across the game’s strange world on an even stranger adventure. Players move from quest to quest, unlocking fighting off enemies, completing quests, and solving puzzles. There is a very simple combat system, and a fishing system to break the game up. There is also a hat system for those who want a little customization in their rpgs.

Combat

Combat in Dreamout is very simple and approachable for a hack-and-slash. Players have access to a simple sword attack and dodge. Enemies will telegraph their attacks, range, and target. Although timing can be tricky, dodging attacks is pretty easy. Getting three hits on an an enemy kills them.

A player can die, but death doesn’t have consequences. Death resets players to the last check point without any draw backs, and the game is pretty generous with its checkpoints.

Adventure

The game is short, and the story is a rail road. Players experience linear progression between quests with very little room to deviate or explore the strange world. The game does a lot in the little space that it has, but it is an adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you are looking for a silly game with a lot of spirit, Dreamout is a solid contender.

Review

Dreamout is a very silly take on the RPG genre, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. While the tone and gameplay make a niche title, its quirky spirit gives it enough charm that it is worth some consideration.

Story

The story is ridiculous, full of puns and jokes that don’t always land. The silly tone does make it a refreshing take on the genre, but the humor isn’t going to be for everyone. I love that this game doesn’t take itself serious, and although the game does get cheesy, it was a nice change of pace from what I usually play. That said, the story isn’t anything special and unless you need a silly story like this in your life, it isn’t going to make much of an impression.

Art and Aesthetic

Dreamout‘s whimsical artstyle makes the game delightful. I love the character’s silly design, and I appreciate the amount of detail that went into the world building. The game gets very creative with its weirdness.

Difficulty

Dreamout leans more on the casual side of gaming. Combat is simple and easy to maneuver, and the puzzles aren’t hard. This is the game to play when you want to shut off for a couple hours and do something silly. There isn’t enough depth for a second playthrough, but there is enough of a challenge force some engagement. I enjoyed the games casual nature because it fit with the overall silly tone of the game.

Puzzles

While none of the puzzles require a guide, they were fun and creative. I wouldn’t play this game if you are looking for a real puzzle game, but I do appreciate that the puzzles gave me a break from combat. Some puzzles do feel like buzy work as you work from one quest to the next, but overall, they were fun enough to keep me playing till the end.

Performance

Aside from one game breaking bug, the game plays fine. I only had to reset the game once because I didn’t get the item I needed to move to the next part of the map, but luckily I didn’t have to repeat too much of the game. Best of all, the game works great on the Steam Deck. I prefer these kinds of games on handheld.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a silly game to spend a couple hours on, Dreamout has a solid enough loop to make it worth at least a playthrough. It is a small game with a lot of heart, but not enough to make it replayable. You won’t hate the few hours you spend beating the game, but not all of the jokes are going to land and some people will be turned off by the lack of danger. I say its worth $10, if you are looking for a less serious hack-and-slash.

You can pick up Dreamout on Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC via Steam and GoG. If you are looking for something with a little more depth, check out Sunokuni.

video game reviews

UltraGirl Alters Demo Review: First Impressions and Gameplay

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Disclaimer

I was asked to cover the UltraGirl Alters demo for my blog. I understand this isn’t the full game, and will be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, this will be my honest review of the demo.

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee!

Table of Contents

What is UltraGirl Alters?

Ultragirl Alters is an SRPG out now on Steam, with a demo available for anyone who wants to try it.

You have been hired as the manager for the virtual idol group, Alters. When you aren’t busy helping each girl navigate their hectic social lives, you’ll be guiding through battle against the waves of enemies that threaten the city. Each girl Each girl where’s her unique Tokusatsu-style hero suit that you can upgrade as you gain experience. Can you keep the world safe from monsters while becoming the world’s greatest idol group? What secrets will you uncover along the way?

Gamplay

UltraGirl Alters is a turn based strategy game with a few social mechanics to break up the story.

Social Events

The game has a cute chibi mode where the player can experience the story. During this part of the game, players will build their relationship with each of the girls helping them through the game’s many side missions. Leveling these bonds unlock special events that add a bit of flavor or world building. Players also get to explore a bit of the world, but it is very limited. Mostly, the chibi half of the game is where the player collects the story and learns the dark secrets behind the evil corporation that controls everything.

Combat

Players take control of the girls in their Tokusatsu-style suits as they fight off waves of monsters. Each girl has their unique set of abilities and skill that can be leveled up through experience. Each girl can move and take an action per round. Girls can either make a basic attack or use one of their abilities during their action, if they have enough energy. Basic attacks generate the energy needed to cast an ability. The key to combat is to position effectively while using your resources efficiently.

Impressions

While there are a few aspects of this game that I liked and got me interested, I definitely need to see more. Overall, the game is fine, but I can see it being a niche game made for an intended audience.

Art

If you like anime, then you will appreciate the character design. UltraGirl Alters definitely has its waifu bait, and that isn’t a bad thing. The girls are cute, but there is a bit of fan service. I like when I can play my waifu games in public. For the combat part, I think the level design is too busy. It was hard to make out what was going on most of the time, and the suits don’t look very cool. As for the exploration parts, you are either going to love the chibi design or hate it. I think the chibi art is cute, but found the story a little lacking.

Story

The Demo only plays through the tutorial a bit of the intro. While it isn’t enough to judge the quality of the story, there is nothing in the intro that hooked me. The biggest issue I have with what is available is the writing. It is a little awkward in parts and a little cheesy in others. This might be due to translation issues. Unless the full game leans into the silliness and carries a light-hearted narrative with fun characters I care about, I don’t see me finishing this game. The story isn’t the worst, but considering art, tone, and gameplay, I rather be playing Disgea 7.

Gameplay

Combat is interesting for the first few round before it grows a little stale. Enemies feel a little unfair, and the busy map makes it hard to tell what is going on. You are either going to enjoy this type of combat or hate it, and I certainly wasn’t a fan. Maybe it gets better in later levels, and I am willing to give it a try just in case. Unfortunately, based on the demo alone, when it comes to chibi turn-based combat, I rather be play Disgea 7.

Conclusion

If you like the SRPG style combat and don’t mind the over-the-top (sometimes poorly written) cutesy tones of the story, I still recommend you check out the demo first. I think the combat is a little too simple for what you’re getting. The social chibi bits are cute, but they don’t add enough to the game to make them worth it. I think the game is cute and has its potential, but I need to see more of it before I can recommend it. For now, I recommend you check out the demo and wait for the sale.

You can pick up your copy of UltraGirl Alters on Steam.

Board Games and TCGs

Shadow Puppets: A Dark Twist on Doomlings Gameplay

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Disclaimer

The folks behind Doomlings sent me the Shadow Puppets Bolster Expansion for free 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. Make sure you check out my review for the base game. I’ll also be using my Amazon Affiliate link where possible. It really helps me if you use it before you buy anything.

Table of Contents

Box Opening

What’s in the Box?

Shadow Puppets Bolster expansion is a 40 card expansion that introduces four new species of Doomlings: Deeplings, Glitterings, Moonlings, and Fuzelings. The breakdown:

  • Deeplings (12 Cards)
    • 9 x Traits
    • 2 x Dominant Traits
  • Glitterings (12 Cards)
    • 9 x Traits
    • 2 x Dominant Traits
  • Moonlings (12 Cards)
    • 9 x Traits
    • 2 x Dominant Traits
  • Fuzelings (4 Cards)
    • 4 x Traits
  • Ages x 2
  • Catastrophe x 1
  • Bonus Foil Card x 1

What is Shadow Puppets?

Shadow Puppets is an expansion for the Doomlings deck builder game. You will need the base game to play with these cards. Make sure you check out my full review of the base game.

What is Doomlings

Doomlings is a quirky little card game about the end of the world. Players take turns building a strong gene pool from cards they pull from a collective deck. Each card has a value and some have abilities that interact with other cards or players. For example, a card can allow a player to draw more cards each round, giving them a slight advantage. Each round has its unique set of rules based on the age or catastrophe card in play. For example, a card can force players to only play a certain color card. The game ends when four catastrophe cards are played and the winner is the player with the most points.

How to play

Games with Denver James has a fantastic tutorial that you should watch before you get started. Make sure you give him a like and a follow.

What is Shadow Puppets

Shadow Puppets is a darker themed expansion that essentially allows players to play trap cards. It allows players to disrupt a players turn, swap cards, and even give away cards. It also introduces the subvert mechanic which allows players to sacrifice Doomlings for points. What makes Shadow Puppets unique is is dark edgy flavor of both the abilities and artwork. The set does have a few demonic looking Doomlings. This is your trigger warning.

Review

The Shadow Puppets expansion brings some surprisingly needed dark humor, with interesting mechanics that only make the game more fun. If you like the flavor of the set and need some more trap cards, go get yourself a copy.

Quality

Doomlings is a high quality card game with some very good looking game pieces. The Shadow Puppets Bolster expansion is no exception. The cards are a little thinner than I am used to, but the art and quality of the card stock is as excellent as ever. I still recommend using sleeves. I may be a crazy person that sleeves everything, but it really makes shuffling the cards easier. You will be shuffling this game a lot, and the sleeves will help preserve the game.

Mechanics

I absolutely love the mechanics for this set. Nor only is each new species flavorful, the interactions it creates are so much fun. I love the fact that at any moment, you can just disrupt a persons turn or strait up ruin their whole strategy. There is a card that lets that lets you swap gene pools. You can build a bad pool on purpose to swap with someone who is actively trying to win and ruin their day. It’s like the blue shell in Mario, but with more control. Of course, someone can just swap hands with you and ruin your strategy. That feels pretty balanced to me.

I really like the ages in this expansion. One lets you draw 3 and discard 2. This creates some very tough choices, but it is always fun to draw cards. The other mechanic lets you swap hands, and this can absolutely ruin someone’s day. If you want a set with a lot of disruption, Shadow Puppets is fantastic.

Conclusion

I love Doomlings and recommend to anyone who wants a fun and simple game to pull out at game night. The game is easy to teach, especially for people new to the hobby, and the game is family friendly. Most importantly, it is very easy to set up and take down. Games of Doomlings are pretty quick, but the interactions make it meaningful.

Now if you’re looking for an expansion, Shadow Puppets is awesome. The disruptive nature of the expansion gives the game a layer of fun I didn’t think it needed. It has definitely earned its spot with the rest of my collection.

You can pick up your copy of Shadow Puppets on the official Doomlings website, or on Amazon through my affiliate link.

video game reviews

Forgotten Fragments Review: A Challenging 2D Platformer

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Forgotten Fragments 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 latest reviews for the Epomaker HE68 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee!

Table of Contents

What is Forgotten Fragments?

Forgotten Fragments is a 2D platformer intended for the masochist who loves to struggle through their jumping puzzles. Make sure to check out the demo.

Hook

You wake up in a strange and beautiful world without your memories. Your memories have been scattered across this new landscape in collectable fragments, and it is up to you to collect them all. But this is no simple task. The road is perilous, full of traps and difficult puzzles. Do you have what it takes to conquer this terrain? Do you have what it takes to recover all your memories?

The Game

Brave this challenge alone as you work your way through the campaign, or team up with a friend and share the frustration as you solve unique jumping puzzles. With over 120 puzzles spanning over four unique worlds, Forgotten Fragments has enough content to keep its players busy. Make sure you keep an eye out for hidden collectibles and secret levels. And for those who are a bit more competitive, each level has a time and death counter so you can chase that perfect score. If you like platformers and don’t mind playing through a hard one, check out Forgotten Fragments.

Gameplay

Each world is separated by its collection of uniquely themed jumping puzzles. Puzzles are accessed through doors at a hub, which makes progression manageable. Players must beat all puzzles in a world to progress to the next one. To beat a puzzle, players need to collect all of the available memory fragments within the level. These fragments blow up after a certain amount of time, killing the player. Death resets the level, but it does not reset a run. This means that any progress you make in a level, i.e. collecting memories, will be lost. You will need to do everything again. You can die as many times as it takes to complete the level, but the goal is to die as little as possible and as fast as possible.

Mechanics

To beat a level, players must use the game’s mechanics to not only maneuver the character, but the different objects around them. Sometimes a player needs to throw an object over a pit to use as a platformer. Other times, the player will need to bounce the memory fragment off walls without setting off an explosion. A fragment can blow up if it hits the wrong structure, like a spike. The combination of these mechanics give way for creative solutions to some very interesting puzzles.

Review

Forgotten Fragments is a fantastic platformer, especially if you appreciate a challenge. The game has some very beautiful hand-drawn art that does a good job at catching attention. I am a huge fan of the retro-vibe, but the game’s mechanics create interesting interactions for some very challenging puzzles. There are some seemingly impossible levels, the feeling of satisfaction of finally beating a level is unmatched. If you’re looking for a new platformer, this is the one to try.

Gamplay Loop

The dangerous level design leave the room for some creative solutions. Sometimes you will need to bounce your fragment off walls before it blows up, other times you need to narrowly avoid spike pits to get to collect your fragments. The game starts off hard, but does a good job at slowly adding mechanics over time to make the game feel more manageable. Every time I felt like I mastered the game, it threw something new to complicate things. Mostly, I enjoyed seeing my progress as I moved through the worlds, collecting new skills.

Difficulty

Forgotten Fragments is difficult by design. The game opens up with a disclaimer and the ability to reduce the difficulty. I struggled with the default difficulty, but I never felt a level was impossible. Even though I could have changed the difficulty at any time, I never felt the need. I enjoyed the game enough to keep trying, even at my most frustrated. This is a game where you’re meant to die a lot, so consider that before picking up the controller.

Conclusion

I enjoyed Forgotten Fragments for its unique retro aesthetic and challenging gameplay. Even though I struggled through my playthrough, I appreciate the creativity that went into every level. If you enjoy retro platformers but are looking for a hard one, go check out Forgotten Fragments.

If you enjoy platformers, make sure you also check out Worldless if you’re looking for something more unique and Smurfs, if you need something more cozy to play with your kids.