Tag Archives: indie

video game reviews

The Viel of Shadows Demo is a Fun Retro Experience

Leave a comment

I was asked to cover the Viel of Shadows demo for my blog. I’ll refrain from review it too harshly because the game isn’t finished yet. That said, everyone reading this should add this demo to their rotation.  

What is Veil of Shadows?

Viel of Shadows is a retro-style action adventure roguelike coming to Steam.

Sirene wakes up in a mysterious forest without her memories. She must now venture through this strange new world and reclaim her memories. Bloodthirsty creatures lurk in the shadows, and Sirene must fight to stay alive. Can she uncover the truth and escape this nightmare?

Gameplay

Players will move between checkpoints shooting, dodging, and kiting enemies with a bow and arrow. Enemies will occasionally drop loot like potions and gear, but they are sparse so use them carefully. The biggest challenge of the game is moving efficiently to avoid attacks to stay alive. Death isn’t permanent, nor does it have a significant penalty other than resetting the level. I think the game is hard enough as it is, but maybe they’ll add harder game modes if there is demand for it.

There is a leveling system that allows players to put points into three categories: Damage, Agility, and Precision. Each level into a category provides a stat boost, but you also get a special ability for every five levels you invest in a category. This allows players to build towards their playstyle without it being overly complicated.

One thing to keep in mind is that this game, like many others in the genre, will be repetitive. You will die a lot and run through the same mobs of enemies by design. I always find this repetition soothing, but it is something to note for people unfamiliar with the genre. That said, based on the demo, Viel of Shadows doesn’t feel as grindy as other games in the genre. 

Thoughts

I’ve been enjoying the retro resurgence I’ve been going through, and Viels of Shadows is no exception. The game has a great art style, some nice flavor, and fun gameplay. The demo runs great, and while I do wish I got a boss fight, I had a lot of fun trying to get through the mobs. I like that the game offers enough of a challenge to keep things engaging without being impossible. 

Viels of Shadows supports keyboard and mouse and controller configurations, but I recommend using the controller. While neither option is objectively better, playing a retro-style game like this with a controller just feels right. 

If you’re looking for a new game, you need to check out the demo. It is a fun retro game with a lot of heart and flavor. It has a promising story hook, cool art, and a chill yet challenging gameplay loop. Whether or not you enjoy roguelikes, there is no harm in trying the demo. 

No release date has been announced yet, but they are pretty active on their Twitter and Discord. Make sure you follow to stay up to date, and make sure you add Viel of Shadows to your Wishlist!

I will be getting my review copy at launch, so stay tuned for a more detailed review. So far I am excited. If you enjoy my content, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!

Board Games and TCGs, Other TCGs

Check out the New World Beyond Spoilers: Akora TCG

Leave a comment

I started opening packs of Akora on a series I am doing on my TikTok and YouTube. I wanted to open a booster pack of a random TCG as motivation and a way to catalog my progress. I started with Akora because I found a booster box of Spellbound Wings 1st edition for cheap. The more I opened the box, the more I wanted to learn about it. 

I’ve sat through the learn-to-play event on their official Discord and have even started reading through the Manga. I enjoy the art and I think the gameplay loop is interesting. If you want to learn how to play Akora, check out the instructional video on the Akora TCG Youtube:

There’s also a booklet you can read on the official website, but I’ll leave it here for your convenience:

TI-Codex-CompressedDownload

Spoilers

Last night, more spoilers for the upcoming World Beyond were posted and I am hyped for the set. The art looks so good, and I thought I’d share to muster up more excitement! Purple is still my favorite color, but the other colors have some interesting stuff going on. I just hope I’m not broke and can make it to a prerelease. These seem to be special full arts that you are going to have to chase, but I’m about ready to throw some money I don’t have at this problem.

Conclusion

I’m impressed so far and can’t wait to see more. Check your LGS if they carry Akora or run events. If that’s not an option, the official Discord is pretty active with passionate fans ready for a game. If you want to pick up any Akora, like their latest set Eternal Echoes, pick it up on TCG Player. And if you’re need a place to store your cards like deck boxes, back packs, or other accessories, get it over at GemTech. Use my discount code churapereviews10 for 10% off your purchase.

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!

Board Games and TCGs, Other TCGs

Check Out the Upcoming Indie TCG, Chronicles of Arcane

Leave a comment

I just came by the nifty indie TCG, Chronicles of Arcane, and thought I would share. The game has such a beautiful art style, and I love the fantasy vibe. The first set is getting ready to ship, so make sure you join the official Discord to stay on top of all the news. Until then, let’s look at some of the art featured in the first set of Chronicles of Arcane. 

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

Board Games and TCGs, gaming news

Check out the Shadow Over Gloomshire Kickstarter – Dragonbane

1 Comment

Update: Yon can now preorder the book if you missed the kickstarter.

I’ve been running my Dragonbane campaign for a couple of months now, and have been impressed with the system. With my campaign coming to a close, I’ve written a more detailed review that you should read if you want to know more about the system.

As I was prepared to move on to a different system, I came across an interesting Kickstarter Dragonbane adventure: Shadow Over Gloomshire. The campaign is fully funded, and with ten days left on the campaign, I thought it deserved more exposure. 

If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to back the Kickstarter!

What is Shadow Over Gloomshire?

Shadow Over Gloomshire is a Gothic horror prewritten adventure for Dragonbane. It features unique hand drawn art, maps, and it introduces 2 new classes: Paladin and Monster Hunter. There are also role tables, a new location, and descriptions to help get things moving.

Two new professions. Work in progress

I’d love to play a malard kin paladin or a wolf kin monster hunter.

The temple. Once a place of worship, now home to twisted evil. Work in progress

You find yourself stranded in the remote village of Gloomshire. It’s a haunting place full of strange and frightening dangers lurking in the shadows. Travel through a haunted forest, investigate a creepy mansion, and embark on a spooky adventure I’m sure you’ll never forget.

Minerva, Cleric of Light. By FukamiHB
Stygian wolf by John Bilodeau
Demonic artifacts by Melker Holmgren

Impressions

If you like gothic horror, it definitely seems like it has the right flavor. I am a huge fan of the artwork, and for $11, it doesn’t seem like a bad deal. There is always a risk in backing Kickstarters, but Robin Fjärem has a few other projects under his belt, so it seems pretty reputable.

You can pick up a copy of the Shadow Over Gloomshire adventure PDF for $11, or a booklet and PDF for $20 which isn’t bad for an adventure.

I like running my own adventures, but it’s always nice to take a break and build off what other people have come up with. We always end up going off script, but it is always nice to have things like role tables, encounters, and loot at the ready. I think its a pretty cool project, but go check the Shadow Over Gloomshire Kickstarter and see for yourself!

Altered TCG

Check out the Yzmir Starter Deck List: Altered TCG

Leave a comment

The Altered TCG Kickstarter launched recently, and it was fully funded in two minutes. The campaign has blown well past its goals, and continues to gain traction. Altered attempts to redefine the TCG space with its creative gameplay and expansive world-building. I’m a huge fan of the art, and am curious to see how it plays. Check out my previous post for more details.

The Kickstarter introduces six distinct starter decks based on the factions that exist within the Asgartha peninsula. Let’s kick things off by looking at the Ordis starter deck! Note that you’ll only be able to get Adventure cards from the starter decks at launch, so its a good idea to nab a couple.

If you want to try out the Axiom starter deck, take advantage of the generous print-and-play feature on the official website. Join the Discord to stay up to date, and even make some friends. The campaign ends on February 28th, so don’t forget to back the Kickstarter!

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

Deck List

  • 1 x Akesha & Taru
  • 1 x Beauty Sleep
  • 1 x Monolith Archivist
  • 3 x Studious Disciple
  • 1 x Tooth Fairy
  • 3 x Yzmir Stargazer
  • 3 x Lady of the Lake
  • 2 x Baba Yaga
  • 1 x Baba Yaga (Alt)
  • 2 x Kadigiran Alchemist
  • 1 x Kadigiran Alchemist (Alt)
  • 2 x Alice
  • 1 x Alice (Alt)
  • 2 x Dorothy Gale
  • 1 x Dorothy Gale (Alt)
  • 2 x Sakarabru
  • 1 x Sakarabru (Alt)
  • 3 x Off you go!
  • 3 x Spy Craft
  • 3 x Banishing Gate
  • 3 x Kraken’s Wrath

Print and Play

If you want to try out the Muna deck, you can download the PnP from the official site in both A4 and Letter format. I’ll also leave the files below for your convenience:

A4

2024_Altered_TCG_Deck_Yzmir_PRINT_PLAY_A4Download

Letter

2024_Altered_TCG_Deck_Yzmir_PRINT_PLAY_LETTERDownload
Altered TCG

Check out the Ordis Starter Deck List: Altered TCG

Leave a comment

The Altered TCG Kickstarter launched recently, and it was fully funded in two minutes. The campaign has blown well past its goals, and continues to gain traction. Altered attempts to redefine the TCG space with its creative gameplay and expansive world-building. I’m a huge fan of the art, and am curious to see how it plays. Check out my previous post for more details.

The Kickstarter introduces six distinct starter decks based on the factions that exist within the Asgartha peninsula. Let’s kick things off by looking at the Ordis starter deck! Note that you’ll only be able to get Adventure cards from the starter deck at launch, so it be a good idea to grab a couple.

If you want to try out the Axiom starter deck, take advantage of the generous print-and-play feature on the official website. Join the Discord to stay up to date, and even make some friends. The campaign ends on February 28th, so don’t forget to back the Kickstarter!

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

Deck List

  • 1 x Sigismar & Wingspan
  • 1 x Foundry Mechanic
  • 1 x Ratatoskr
  • 2 x Ordis Trooper
  • 1 x Ordis Trooper (Alt)
  • 3 x Ordis Cadets
  • 2 x Monolith Rune-Scribe
  • 1 x Monolith Rune-Scribe (Alt)
  • 3 x The Frog Prince
  • 3 x Ordis Gatekeeper
  • 2 x Ordis Spy
  • 1 x Ordis Spy (Alt)
  • 2 x Kokoba, Legion Commander
  • 1 x Kokoba, Legion Commander (Alt)
  • 2 x Jeanne d’Arc
  • 1 x Jeanne d’Arc (Alt)
  • 3 x Charge
  • 3 x Sticky Note Seals
  • 1 x Open Gates
  • 3 x The Monolith, Ordis Bastion
  • 3 x Ordis Carrier
  • 3 x Ordis Recruit (Token)
  • 3 x Ordis Recruit (Alt – Token)

Print and Play

If you want to try out the Ordis deck, you can download the PnP file from the official website in A4 and Letter format. I’ll also leave the files here for your convenience.

A4

2024_Altered_TCG_Deck_Ordis_PRINT_PLAY_A4Download

Letter

2024_Altered_TCG_Deck_Ordis_PRINT_PLAY_LETTERDownload
video game reviews

Cookie Cutter was a Decent Metroidvania, but you can do better

Leave a comment

I was sent Cookie Cutter for free to review on my site. 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.

What is Cookie Cutter

Cookie Cutter is a chaotic cyberpunk Metroidvania out now on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC via Steam and Epic Games.  

Left for dead, Cherry watches as her lover and creator is torn away from her, and dragged into the dark depths of the megastructure. But Cherry’s will is too strong. With help from the renegade mechanic Raz, Cherry gets her chance at revenge. Filled with rage, Cherry chases after those who stole her peace through a dystopian, fighting the mindless masses that follow INFONET blindly. She will get Shinji back. The question is, what secrets will she find along the way?

Gameplay

Cookie Cutter is a chaotic Metroidvania game, with lots of explosions, blood, and gore. Combat feels fine, but the lack of diversity in enemies makes it nothing exciting. The weapons, attacks, and animations are incredibly creative. I appreciate the amount of work that went into making this theme work.

I will say that this is one of easier and least grindy games in the genre, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. While the gameplay is nothing revolutionary, it is a solid entry to the genre.

Thoughts

This game has a fantastic aesthetic and flavor. I love the Gorollaz-esq art style, the epic soundtrack, and the explosive and chaotic feel of combat. I am also a huge fan of its dark overtones and appreciate its attempt at narrative. The voice acting is bad in parts, but it’s not the worst. Overall, this is a game that feels good and looks cool, but its level design and lack of diversity in enemies made the game feel bland in parts.  

This is a game you play to appreciate the art and world-building, but maybe at a discount. If you love the cyberpunk aesthetic and are in the mood for something loud and explosive, pick this game up. This is a solid Metroidvania, but one that didn’t do enough to leave me too excited. You can get $20 of fun from this game, but you also have better options at this price point.

You can pick up Cookie Cutter on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC via Steam and Epic Games.  

gaming news

Drakantos: January Dev Log Brings us the Orbryn Teaser!

Leave a comment

I’ve been excited about Drakantos for a while now. With the January dev log out, my excitement continues to grow. I can’t wait to finally play Drakantos, but until then, let’s just get hyped about the current progress. 

Make sure you check out the official dev log and join Discord if you want to stay up to date. If you enjoy these updates, don’t forget to like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. Most importantly, add Drakantos to your wishlist!

Orbryn Hero Teaser

The community has voted. This month’s hero teaser is Orbry, an Engineer from Garmorli. The dwarf has access to several gadgets and traps to help him fend off enemies. If you like dwarves, traps, and explosions, this is the champ for you.

I was a bit disappointed with the teaser’s slow start, but the more traps and gadgets I saw, the more impressed I became. I don’t think I am smart enough to run this champ, but I can see the potential. With the amount of debuffs and traps, Orbry can help control the battlefield and tempo of battle. It seems like this will be one of the trickier heroes to learn, but one that I am sure will be rewarding in the right hands.

I love how every hero teased so far feels unique and different, and with each release, I have trouble choosing who I want to play.

And Mount Animation!

Cooldowns Changed to Charges

Drakantos will feature artifacts that will act as interchangeable abilities for further customization. These artifacts were initially intended to be cooldowns, but they were changed to charges based on the event players run. The official explication from the devs:

I have to agree with the devs on this change. From a gameplay perspective, it makes the artifact feel more impactful. Players are now forced to use their charges efficiently instead of mashing buttons. From a flavor perspective, it makes the artifact feel more special and magical. It’s something rare that only a hero can use, and I am all about feeling special in my fantasy.

More Cities!

More of the world has been created, and I gotta say I am a huge fan of the art style. Here are some samples of the major cities. I can’t wait to explore what else they have in store:

Pet Contest

If you’re feeling artistic, head over to the official discord and join the “Create a Pet Contest” for a chance to have your creation featured in the game. I love that the devs are working with their community, I just wish I was at least a little artistic.

Conclusion

There were some other balancing changes for combat and more pets added to the game, but you can always read about it on the official dev log. I am still excited and I hope we get a beta soon. This game looks like a lot of fun, so make sure you go add it to your wishlist!

Grand Archive TCG

Alchemical Revolution: Arisanna Start Deck Revealed

Leave a comment

Alchemical Revolution releases on January 26. It is bringing three new classes, elements, and some new elements you’re going to want to try. The card list has been released, so make sure you check out the post to get hyped! Make sure you check with your LGS for product and events, but there is always TCG Player if that isn’t an option.

The Arisanna starter deck is introducing some cool new mechanics that I am very interested in trying. I am still looking for a deck list, but lets look at some of the cards until then. If you enjoy these updates please follow, comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends!

video game reviews

Crumbling: The Unique VR Hack and Slash

Leave a comment

I was sent Crumbling for free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I will not 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. If you’re looking for accessories for your VR headset, like magnetic prescription lenses or a high-quality charging cable, get it at ZyberVR. Use discount code CHURAPE for 15% off. You can also always buy me coffee. 

What is Crumbling

Crumbling is a cute 3rd person hack and slash action roguelike available now on the Meta Quest and Steam VR. Take control of your favorite adorable Crumbling and fight through a unique fantasy adventure. Can you collect them all? 

Gameplay

Like any roguelike, players will repeat each run fighting against unique enemies and earning randomly generated powerups and new crumbles to play with. What makes Crumbling unique is its combat. Players move their crumbling around like one would an action figure. Crumblings have access to a light attack, a heavy attack, and a dodge. The game gets incredibly creative with its spatial mechanics. Players can move the crumbling anywhere within the map space. 

While the game is adorable from top to bottom, the game is harder than it appears. Players have to think about attacks and positioning in a 3D stage, taking players back to a nostalgic era when we fought with our action figures. 

Thoughts

The game is cute and has a surprising amount of depth. I am impressed by how they can use 3D effectively to create its unique combat system. That said, my issue with Crumbling is with the gameplay. Moving through the toy shop to set up between each run feels cumbersome, and combat is tiring. My reach felt insufficient, and it put me in awkward and uncomfortable positions during combat. I couldn’t play this game for long because of the discomfort it caused, but I might be an odd example. 

This game isn’t for me, but I can appreciate the unique attempt at the genre. The combat has enough depth to be engaging, and it runs well. Dodging enemies from every direction is such an interesting concept. If you don’t mind waving around your Crumbling wildly through combat, the game isn’t bad. 

Conclusion

The game is cute, and the combat is interesting, but it felt like too much work. It is a bit too complicated for a kid’s game, but the neat nostalgic gimmick might be enough to satisfy the small niche it is meant to fill. I don’t think it’s a game that will get much play after the novelty wears away, so I can’t recommend it. Try the demo first before making your decision.

You can pick up Crumbling for $19.99 on Meta Quest and Steam VR.