Tag Archives: indie game

Drakantos March Devlog: Iris Teasers, Challenges, & Mounts!

March 29, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

The March Devlog just went up for Drakantos, and I am hyped for what is to come. Each update brings us closer to a release date, I just hope I can get into a beta soon. If you’re looking for a game with a classic MMO vibe, a cool pixel art aesthetic, and the portability to play it anywhere, you’re going to want to look into Drakantos.

Make sure you check out the Devlog for all the juicy details and don’t forget to add Drakantos to your wishlist. If you enjoy my comment, please give this a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!

Iris Teaser

The community has voted, and this month’s teaser is Iris gameplay. Make sure you join the official Discord to stay up to date on all the updates and to get hyped with the growing population of fans. Iris is a sorceress who uses illusion magic. She can create illusions of herself that can also attack, portals to teleport, and a magical shield. She definitely seems to be one of the flashier heroes I’ve seen gameplay for.

Challenges

Nil’varix is a demon clown who will appear to characters and offer them special challenges on their missions. Accepting these challenges will add new mechanics to a mission for added difficulty. One example is a giant demonic hand that follows the players and tries to smash them. Completing these challenges increases the rewards received by the players at the end.

This sounds like such a cool feature because it gives some added diversity to the grind. Players may learn and memorize the mechanics for a certain mission, but you can never really be ready for the randomly generated challenges Nil’varix. I can see this being an issue if the game loops through the same type of challenge, but we’ll have to see the implementation.

There are currently 15 challenges programmed at the moment, with more planned for the future. Some examples given are:

Chain the players together, requiring them to move within the chain’s limited range.
The players swap places every X seconds.
Every enemy you kill drops a bomb that explodes after a while.
Randomize a card for each player, and some enemies will have this card displayed on their heads. The corresponding player must remove this mark. If the wrong player hits it, he will receive damage as punishment.
A giant hand follows your team for the entire mission, trying to smash you.

Traps

You can’t have a fantasy game or a dungeon without traps. Having environmental challenges and traps adds some depth and flavor to the world. I’ll have to see how random the traps are. It be cool if there were characters who could disarm traps in dungeons or use them against enemies.

More Mounts!

Adventurer’s Guild Tavern

The Adventurer’s Guild Tavern will be one of the main player hubs where players can buy supplies and accept missions. I love the flavor and aesthetic that went into this design. I love all the art that has been coming out for this game, and I can’t wait to see more.

Weiss Schwarz

Spy x Family is coming to Weiss Schwarz January 26th

January 10, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

If you haven’t seen the Spy x Family (the x is silent) anime, you need to because it is adorable. For fans of the series, you are going to want to pick up the Spy x Family set that is hitting Weiss Schwarz on January 26th! The set will feature art from the anime and will include a special promo card for store events, a trial deck, a booster box, and a Meister set. The set will bring

Make sure you always check with your LGS to see if they carry Weiss Schwarz or if they’ll be running events. If that isn’t an option, you pick up Spy x Family or any other Weiss Schwarz product from TCG player.

If you enjoy these updates, make sure you leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. Please use my affiliate links where applicable.

Promo Cards

In an effort to promote the game, stores will be relieving special promo packs to give out at events. Make sure you check with your LGS for details! There are six unique promo cards you can receive, and each pack contains one of the following:

Booster Box

Booster Boxes come with 16 9-card booster packs. You can pick them up now:

Meister Set

Now if you want some swag, you might want to spring for the Meister set. The set includes:

1 Special Promo Card (Looks like Anya)
1 Storage box for your cards
10 Booster packs
1 Rubber playmat

The Anya card is cute, and if you like the set, you might want to pick one up. You can up a set from TCG Player for $85 (including shipping), or from your favorite card shop!

Trial Deck

You get a 50 card deck, a paper playmat, and a deck manual to get you starter. You can pick up the Spy x Family trial deck for $26 (including shipping) or from your favorite card shop.

gaming news

Discover Realm of Ink: A Cool Stylized Roguelike

January 8, 2024 josechurape Leave a comment

Realm of Ink is an action roguelike coming to PC and consoles this year. The game features a unique brushed artwork, a neat isometric design, and promising gameplay. The art is what initially drew me to this game, but the story has me interested.

Red discovers she is a fictional character within the Realm of Ink short story collection. She must now travel through the depths of her story to discover the truth of her existence. Is her fate prewritten by some faceless author, or does she have the power and free will to write her own?

I am curious to see how Red’s story pans out. Players will also get to play as other characters as they are unlocked, and I am a huge fan of the spoiled character designs. I did get an early copy of the demo and will be posting my impressions as soon as the embargo is lifted. Until then, I recommend you watch the trailer and add Realm of Ink to your Wishlist.

video game reviews

Loot River is the Souls-like Tetris Game You May Need to Try Once

December 16, 2023 josechurape Leave a comment

I was sent Loot River for free to review. 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 reviews, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. You can also always buy me coffee.

Loot River is a unique roguelike that combines the bleak and unforgiving grind of a Dark Souls game with Tetris. Players must fight through endless and dangerous catacombs where they fight monsters, find treasure, and defeat bosses. With the power of the Relic, players can move the ground to travel through its darkness, solve puzzles, and manipulate enemies. Can you find the end before you meet yours?

The game does a fantastic job of blending the two genres to create a unique and memorable experience. The souls-like elements are simple but unforgiving. The Tetris part creates the game’s unique movement and adds dimension to the combat. The combat is simple but with enough strategy to make it engaging.

Players start each run with a simple weapon and have access to a basic attack, thrust, parry, and dodge. You can move your character, but you can also move the platform you’re standing on independently. You must use a combination of these actions to defeat your enemies and clear each level. These elements come together to create Loot River’s creative combat system.

Throughout a run, you will pick up weapons and gear. This gear is randomly generated, and you lose it when you die. I felt like the RNG was fair enough, but some runs were easier than others. You can also find and buy permanent upgrades to make runs easier. The more you play, the more upgrades you’ll have access to.

Like most games in the genre, Loot River’s gameplay is repetitive. The RNG and procedurally generated levels help mitigate some of the monotony, but you’re still repeating the same actions. I find comfort in the repetition, but it isn’t going to be for everyone. There is also a leaderboard and level editor coming on December 19 with the PlayStation release.

My favorite aspect of the game is the aesthetic. I love the minimalistic pixel art, and the soundtrack is amazing. Most importantly, the game is fun. If you’re looking for a new roguelike to fill some time, check out Loot River. The game is $25, which I find a little high, but the devs continue to release updates so take that as you will. I’d wait for a sale personally.

Loot River is available now on Xbox and Steam for $24.99. It’s free if you have Game Pass.

gaming news

Nintendo’s Indie World Showcase Review: My Top 5 Picks

November 15, 2023 josechurape Leave a comment

Nintendo just had its Indie World Showcase, and there are a few titles to be excited for. I’ll be going over the five that stood out to me the most, not necessarily the best. Make sure you check out the full Showcase because there might be some hidden gems waiting for you.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends.

Howl

A curse has fallen onto the land, turning all who hear into blood-thirsty beasts. The world’s salvation falls on the hands of a deaf girl. Does she have what it takes to rid the world of this curse?

Howl is a turn-based strategy game coming to all major consoles. I fell in love with Howl the instant I saw it. Its art style has a classic fairy tale vibe that I adore, and the gameplay looks interesting. I recommend you check out the trailer to appreciate the concept.

You can pick up Howl now on Steam and Switch for $14.99. There is a demo available for both systems for those interested. Howl will release on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Epic Games on January 23rd, 2024. Don’t forget to add it to your wishlist.

I did receive my review copy, so make sure you stick around for that. I was honestly going to pick it up regardless because this game gives me Child of Light vibes, and I love that game.

Planet of Lana

A strange force of alien robots has invaded the planet and has begun taking its inhabitants. It is up to Lana and her small cat companion Mui to brave the dangers of the wilderness and get her back. What secrets will this adventure unlock? Will Lana ever see her sister again?

I’ve reviewed Planet of Lana on my blog before, and I can’t stress how badly you need to play this game. It has beautiful art, a solid story, an amazing soundtrack, and some chill puzzle action. If you like puzzle adventure games, you need this game. Go read my full review if you want to know more.

Planet of Lana is coming to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 in the spring of next year, and trust me, it’s worth the wait. Make sure you wishlist it till then, or try the Steam demo in the meantime.

Backpack Hero

Backpack Hero is a unique inventory management roguelike that has finally come to the switch. Brave the perilous procedurally generated dungeons with only what fits in your backpack. The road is dangerous, and you will die a lot, but it will be a heck of a ride.

I’ve reviewed Backpack Hero before and loved every minute of it. The art is cute, but the gameplay is addicting. You’ll never have more fun managing your inventory. Check out my full review if you want to know more.

Backpack Hero is out now for the Switch, and it is about time. This is the perfect game to play on the handheld. It’s fun, relaxing, and not a huge commitment. Although it might become one once you get hooked. You can pick Backpack Hero on the Switch for $19.99, but it is on sale now for $16.99 until November 21. Backpack Hero is also available on Steam.

Death Trick: Double Blind

Morgan’s circus has come to town, but their star magician has gone missing, and it is up to you to find out what happened. What secrets will you uncover beneath the big top?

Death Trick: Double Blind is a unique visual novel that lets you embark on an intricate investigation and experience it from two perspectives. Choices matter, and you’ll have to come to your own conclusions, but it looks like it’s going to be a hell of a ride. The art is amazing, and I enjoy the concept. I’ve written about the game before, so make sure to check out the original post if you want to know more.

Death Trick: Double Blind comes to Steam and Switch sometime next year. Don’t forget to add it to your wishlist!

Blade Chimera

Last but not least we have Blade Chimera. Monsters and spirits have flooded the city, and it is up to Shin and the Missa Association to stop keeping humanity safe. Fight your way through this cyberpunk-themed 2D metroidvania game you aren’t going to want to miss. Use your demon sword to kill enemies, solve puzzles, and save humanity.

This game looks amazing, and I feel like I am due for another Metroidvania game. The art and aesthetic are awesome, and the gameplay looks fun. I am interested to see how creative they get with the sword’s magic. I know for a fact I am not good enough to beat this game, but I’d still like to try. Blade Chimera comes to Steam and Switch Spring 2024. Make sure you add it to your wishlist.

Board Games and TCGs, gaming news

Two unique dungeon-crawlers from Fervent Workshop are hitting Kickstarter on October 16

October 11, 2023 josechurape Leave a comment

Fervent Workshop is launching two unique games in their upcoming Kickstarter that you should look at if you like choose-your-own-adventure books, deck builders, dungeon crawlers, or Dungeons & Dragons. The campaign starts on October 16 and will feature the games What Lies Below and Dungeon Maker Deluxe. This will be a short campaign, so go back early.

I play a lot of One Deck Dungeon, so when I saw the campaign for What Lies Below, I knew I needed to try it. This is a solo game where players dive through an immersive story-driven experience where danger is real, death is permanent, and your decisions matter. All you need to play this game is a pencil, a character sheet, and some luck. The game features unique skill checks, 14-win conditions, and many ways to die. Do you have what it takes to make it through once?

The game comes in two editions: Print-and-Play and bound printed book. The PNP version of What Lies Below includes an interactive PDF and a printable character sheet to get you started. Those who prefer physical media and have shelf space should opt for the book because you get both versions. Early backers will get an exclusive reusable dry-erase character sheet to use on their adventures. Most importantly, the Kickstarter will have a free sample of the game available for download. Make sure you grab your copy and try it out. If you like D&D and dungeon crawlers, you need to look into What Lies Below. I’ve got an early copy of the game and will post my impressions as soon as I get a few runs in. Stay tuned for that.

The second game making its debut is the dry-erase edition of Dungeon Maker Deluxe, which is an update to the existing Print-and-Play edition. Dungeon Maker Deluxe is a dungeon-crawler deck-builder that supports up to six players, with an option for solo play. Players draft from a deck of monsters and use them to fill the rooms and fortify their dungeons to keep out pesky adventurers. With all the possible combinations of dungeons, characters, abilities, and monsters, you are always guaranteed a unique delving experience. Do you have what it takes to stump your friends?

This game looks like a lot of fun, especially in a large group. I don’t have friends to play with, so I appreciate the solo play option. Dungeon Maker Deluxe combines all my favorite formats in one. If you like games like 7 Wonders or Tapestry, then you need to look into this Kickstarter. This update will include 36 unique cards (versus the 18 in the original), streamlined gameplay, new character art, and the dry-erase sheets.

If you want to see how these games are played, Board Games for One made a great video showcasing both. He gives a clear and easy-to-follow explanation of how to play the games and runs through a few scenarios to provide a solid preview of what to expect. Go check it out, and make sure you follow the Kickstarter. The campaign starts on October 16.

If you’ve been enjoying these updates, please make sure you like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends!

gaming news

El Paso, Elsewhere coming soon to Xbox and PC

August 23, 2023 josechurape Leave a comment

I just saw the trailer for El Paso, Elsewhere, and I can’t help but feel excited. I’ve played the previous title, El Paso, Nightmare, and loved every minute of it. Make sure you check out my full review.

El Paso, Nightmare is a fun little Doom clone that you should pick up if you want something fun that isn’t a huge commitment. Battle against endless waves of monsters and demons as you make your way through a nightmare of a labyrinth. My only complaint is that it can feel a little repetitive, but it earns its $5 price tag.

El Paso Elsewhere is bringing a story to this delightful indie title, and I am here for it. The trailer gives off some fun Noir vibes, and the new bullet time mechanics look like a blast. It looks like Blade meets The Matrix, and that seems like a good time. If this game is anything like its predecessor, El Paso, Nowhere is going to be a fun quirky game with a fantastic soundtrack. I’ll be following its development closely and will do my best to play it as soon as it becomes available.

El Paso Elsewhere comes out sometime this fall on PC and Xbox. A demo is available on Steam if you want to try it first. Don’t forget to add it to your wishlist, and make sure you try out El Paso, Nightmare while you’re at it!

video game reviews

I was wrong about Krzyżacy: The Knights of the Cross, the game was rather disappointing

July 29, 2023 josechurape Leave a comment

If you have been enjoying my content and want to support what I do make sure you like, comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends. You can also buy me a coffee

I was sent Krzyżacy – The Knights of the Cross as a review code. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I will not let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

Krzyżacy – The Knights of the Cross is a pixel art deck builder based on a book of the same name. Unfortunately, the English localization is bad. I stopped reading the story early on because the effort isn’t worth it. The source material might be worth reading, but this adaptation isn’t. With only gameplay left, there wasn’t much reason for me to keep playing once the novelty wore off. Krzyżacy – The Knights of the Cross becomes a boring grind with cute pixel art, but you can find a better game elsewhere.

Like most deck builders, you start the game with a basic deck and slowly build a stronger one as you progress through the campaign. What makes this deck builder unique is that you can recruit units to help you in battles. These units will perform actions based on the combination of cards you play during a turn. This creates an interesting dynamic where you are trying to create combos from your hand that synergizes with your companions. The problem I have with this system is that if you don’t meet the basic requirements for an action, the unit sits idle. This game is not forgiving when it comes to the action economy, and wasted turns result in more unnecessary grind.

I recommend you look up guides or build toward a two-color deck early on to make sure you play efficiently. The amount of gold and xp you earn and the global healing you can do is limited. These limits are standard in the genre. The problem is that you can get stuck in the campaign if you haven’t been using your gold wisely. Most deck builders let you easily redo the run, but Krzyżacy forces you to sit through the cut scenes and restart from zero. This is great if you are good at these games and love the strategy, but bad for the casual players. There are global perks you can earn by playing the game that alleviate some of this grind, but it stops being worth the trouble. The game is short enough that the reset isn’t a huge issue, but I couldn’t find the motivation for a second one.

Don’t get me wrong. I like that this game offers difficult choices to its players and rewards efficiency, but I wish the story was better and it was easier to reset the run. I kept hitting a point where I didn’t have money to buy companions, cards, or heals, and my deck wasn’t strong enough to get through the story, and I couldn’t justify going through the grind.

If you are looking for a fun deck builder, there are better options. The art is cool and it introduces interesting mechanics, but as is, this game isn’t worth buying into. The localization of the story isn’t good, and the gameplay isn’t fun enough to justify the price. You can get it on Steam for $14.99, but I suggest you hold off for a sale or some major updates.