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video game reviews

Fine Work: Act I Review – A Unique Rhythm Adventure

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Disclaimer

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

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Fine Work: Act I

Fine Work is a beautiful and unique game that combines an imaginative world and all the cozy vibes to create a story you will never forget. Players get to enjoy the breath taking visuals while they weave dreams in a relaxing rhythm game. Fine work is out now on Steam, with a free demo you can try at your discretion.

Hook

You are a shaper, a person who can weave sendshapes: artifacts made from someone’s memories. You have opened your new shop, and already the clients that walk through your door bring with them stories you will never forget. Sit down with your clients, listen to their tales, and weave the sendshapes of their dreams. This is a game where your choices matter, so make sure you choose wisely (or according to your personality). Each play through promises to be different. Can you collect all the endings?

Gameplay

There are two parts to Fine Work: the story and the rhythm game. The story is a creative piece of fantasy that creates its own dialect. I appreciate that there is a glossary to define the vernacular that is easily accessible. There is no voice acting, so expect to read a lot. Along the way, the game will offer dialogue choices that affect the course of the game. Players can chose a personality trait at the beginning of the game, like being insightful. Occasionally, the game will offer the player suggestions on what choice to make based on this trait. These choices do affect the outcome of each encounter, and the game’s ending. This gives the game a good amount of replay ability.

After an interview with a client, players get to play a rhythm game where they weave together the sendshape. The game works like most rhythm games, but I would argue that this is a more relaxed entry to the genre. The game is hard if you are like me and don’t have rhythm, but a lot more manageable at the same time. If you don’t want to sit through the story, you can chose to only play through the songs from the start menu.

Review

Fine Work: Act 1 isn’t a bad game. The game has an imaginative world that is unique and deep. The story is just as imaginative, and I appreciate how it plays with language. The gameplay is solid, with the cozy vibes that you might need after a stressful day of work. The only real problem I have with this game is that I don’t think I’m the target audience. While the story and gameplay are solid, the game never really clicked for me. I think if you like this quirky style of fantasy and appreciate the pretty explosion of art, the game is worth a playthrough. Otherwise, you might want to wait for a sale. Let me explain

Aesthetics

There is no denying that Fine Work has some fantastic art. I must commend the artist for creating such a surreal and alien world that is both vibrant and mysterious. I was first drawn to the game by how beautiful all of the imagery, and I was continually amazed by how inventive the world got with each page. When it came to the rhythm game, I enjoyed the minimistic start of each song that quickly turned into a vibrant explosion of the different dreams. The artists did fine work in creating a game that looks and feels like a dream, and catered the music to elevate the experience. Not that I was able to focus much on the visuals when I was trying desperately to keep time.

Gameplay

As far as rhythm games go, the game is fine. I do appreciate the more casual and relaxing approach to the genre, while still offering a challenge with its different mechanics. I don’t have any rhythm and found it challenging enough, but not frustrating like I do with other games in the genre. I also appreciate that I can just play the rhythm game without having to sit through the dialogue. Sometimes I just want to sit back and weave some artifacts. The real problem I have with this game is that I rather be playing Aaero2. The rhythm mechanics are more engaging, and the music is better. Fine Work isn’t a bad rhythm game, but it really depends on what mood your in when you’re booting up your rhythm game. Do you want to chill and watch something pretty? Or do you want mash buttons and get high scores?

Story

The story is where the game kind of loses me. I might just be getting old. Don’t get me wrong, the story is fine. The game has fun and memorable characters and a creative world, but it takes too long to get its traction. This might be my adhd talking, but by the time things started to get rolling I was already checked out. This isn’t a fault with the story. The pacing is fine. My issue is that the quirks that give this game all of its charm didn’t vibe with me. I think Fine Work is worth exploring if you like quirky fiction based on that mirrors the modern trends.

I also find it hard to like this game when Afterlove EP has a better slice of life story, and Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is more imaginative.

Conclusion

Honestly, as much as I don’t want to admit it, I think I am too old for this one. The reason I didn’t like the game is because it just isn’t for me. That doesn’t make it a bad game. Feelings aside, Fine Work: Act I does a few interesting things that I commend the devs for. I respect the successful attempt at creating a unique and deep world. I also appreciate how they weave their narrative. Blending both the visual novel and the rhythm game is masterfully done, and worth at least trying the demo. If you are the target audience and think the story is interesting, you will love this game. If not, you probably won’t finish it. I urge you to check out the demo and do a proper vibe check before spending any money.

Trailer

Tech Reviews

Unboxing Redragon’s Anime Headset: Zeus H510

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Disclaimer

Redragon sent me the Zeus H510 Customizable Anime Edition Headset for free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out my reviews for the Artemis K719 pro anime keyboard and Aatrox M811 Pro Wireless Mouse. You can also use my Amazon Affiliate link before you buying anything. It really helps me out if you do.

Table of Contents

What’s in the box?

  • Redragon Zues SP h510 Anime Edition
  • 2 sets of Anime hell replacements
  • User Manual

Unboxing

Features

Anime lovers will love the freshest pair of headphones coming from our friends over at Redragon. The sleek clean design can go from work casual to waifu formal with a simple plate swap. But these headphones are not just a meer gimick to pull in anime fans. The H510s are backed by the high quality engineering that Redragon has been flooding the market with. If you are looking for a fresh new pair of headphones and don’t mind a bit of cute waifu action, you might want to pick up a pair of the Redragon Zeus H510s.

Aesthetic

Redragon has productively spent its time crafting towards the gaming aesthetic, and the H510s are proof. The headphones have that Esport flare you know you want for your next stream. The interchangeable faceplates make it perfect for those indecisive folks who like to change up their look, but its also nice to switch to the normal plates when I need to take them into the office. Most importantly, you can’t have gaming peripherals without that RGB. The Zues H510s have soft RGB that shines around the edges of the plates to give your waifu a little added flare. And for those of you who don’t want the lightshow, it can be easily turned off with the press of a button.

Controller

The Zues H510 comes with a controller on the high-quality and sturdy braided cable. The controller allows gamers to adjust the volume, mute the mic, and control (turn off) the rgb. Very handy for the gamer who doesn’t want to bother with keybinds.

Performance

Redragon promises clear, lossless audio with its 7.1 surround-sound for some precise and immersive gameplay. The 53mm drivers deliver a full range of sound for a fuller sound stage. The wired connection means you don’t have to worry about losing battery, or any loss in quality that comes from wireless. Most importantly, the noise cancellation mic is ready to deliver your crisp and clear voice the next time you team up with your friends. When you need a headset that works when you need it, you might want to reach for the Redragon Zeus H510.

Comfort

The Zeus H510 is more than just its anime gimmick and clear sound stage. Redragon promises a comfortable headset that is built to last. The headset features an adjustable headband so it fits even my giant head. The fabric memory foam on the ear pieces and headband not only give users that cozy comfortable hug you want for long gaming sessions, it wont start looking ugly like the fake leather other headphones use.

Mic Check

https://churapereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/redragonzuessp.mp3

Review

I was ready to discount the Zues H510 headset as a cheap trap for anime fans. I was thrown off by how light the headset was and it didn’t help that it was flexible. After using the headset for a couple weeks, I was surprised by how wrong I was. These headphones may not deliver the audiophile soundstage you think you crave, but they deliver a good enough sound to earn their daily driver status. The mic is surprisingly fantastic, and might be the only reason you should consider these headphones (aside from the cute anime girls). Most importantly, these are a very comfortable pair. If you are looking for a new pair of headphones, you should grab yourself a pair of the Zeus H510s in any edition (but the Anime edition is the best).

Quality

After the initial shock of how light these headphones were, the quality was pretty impressive. Everything is cleanly machined and the headset seem to be built with quality materials. The flex in the band is a little worrying, but I have a huge head and had no issues. The printing of the anime girls on the plates is beautiful! The images are clear, the colors are vibrant, and there there is a slight texture that feels so good to the touch. It doesn’t feel like these are rubbing off anytime soon.

Aesthetic

I got the Zues H510 in the anime edition because they match my Artemis K719. After using two very cool looking anime themed products, I think I can say that Redragon does right by its anime fans. The design is very modern, and they remind me of the headsets I see on esports. The RGB effect is very subtle, and I like that it goes around the anime plates instead of shinning through it. Its an effect I won’t ever notice, but its nice to think about when I am playing games.

Sound Quality

The sound isn’t audiophile level, but its good enough for normal use cases. Unless you’re paying for that tidal subscription for lossless audio, it doesn’t really matter what you use. I can tell the difference between these and something like the Kiwi Eclipse, but the difference isn’t enough to turn me off. The sound is full enough for most of my needs. There was enough base for my hiphop, there was enough surround sound for my asmr, and they are really good at blocking out a lot of the external noise. I know my wife hates these because I can never hear when she is calling for me.

The surround sound is pretty impressive. It isn’t complete immersion, but it isn’t a marketing gimick either. I remember jumping a few times because I could hear noises around me. Mostly, I really like how useful it is for my ASMR videos. If you are looking for an affordable headset with solid sound, the H510s are here for you.

The Mic

I saved the best for last because the mic is possibly the most important feature in a gaming headset. I was not ready at how clear and crisp the audio would be out of the box, but here I am impressed. It isn’t a studio mic, but it is a very good starting point for those of you trying to get into content creation but are on a budget. I am sure with a bit of editing and proper gates you can get very close to studio quality, but you honestly don’t really need to tinker too much. It has fantastic noise cancellation so it only picks up your beautiful voice, and it may even make it even more beautiful. I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful my voice is, and I have a very ugly one.

Conclusion

Honestly, if you like anime and want more anime gear to fill up your room, Redragon knocked it out of the park with the Zues H510s. This headset not only looks cool, it has the sound and quality you want in a gaming headset. I am currently testing another pair of headphones as we speak, but I will be coming back to my babies when that review is done. 10 out of 10, no complaints.

video game reviews

Discover Verde: The Cozy Village Builder You Need

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Disclaimer

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

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Verde?

Verde is a cozy village builder where you build a village of magical seed beings known as seedlets. The game is out now on Steam, with demo you need to try.

Hook

You are now a proud member of the magical gardening club. You have all year to build and grow a town of seedlets. Build and customize the many buildings that from cafes to flower shops to attract the many seedlets that will help grow your town. How big will your village be?

Verde doesn’t have a correct build path or an optimal strategy. Instead, the game encourages creativity and allows the players discover their city at their own pace. Don’t like your original design? Change it and do it better. If you want a village management game without the stress of actually playing one, boot up Verde and watch the cute little seedlets enjoy their new life.

Gameplay

Players can do a story mode or sandbox mode. The story is more of a flavored tutorial that takes players through the games mechanics while tying the actions to the gardening club. Sandbox mode lets players build at their own pace and enjoy the calm relaxing vibes of the Verde universe.

In some ways, Verde is your typical village management game. Players build structures to attract villagers who earn currency to buy more buildings. What makes the game unique is that you don’t have manage the villagers. Villagers live their life and will note their demands. It is the player’s job as the all powerful architect to deliver on these needs. The game lets players customize their buildings, and even reorganize their village with a few button presses. There is also incentive to decorate the town and make it look pretty. This is great for those who enjoy decorating for fun, bad for people like me without vision.

What makes the game so casual is that you can’t really brick a run. I’ve played a lot of village builders where you kind of need a guide to get far in the game or risk bricking the game. Games like Goblins of Elderstone are fine, but sometimes I don’t want to worry about ruining a run because I wasn’t playing optimally. If you want a game to sit back and relax to, this might be your game.

Review

I’ve played a good amount of village builders since starting this whole journey, and Verde is one of my favorites. I don’t like it as much as Steam World: Build or Wandering Village, but I do appreciate the cozy experience the game offers. As I get older, I find that I am developing a deeper appreciation for games that let me sit down and relax for a bit. Games where I don’t have to worry about winning, losing, or dying. With Verde I just got to enjoy a cute adorable world for a lot longer than I realized.

Aesthetic

What first drew me to Verde was the art. The game is incredibly cute with a fun and vibrant world you won’t be able to step away from. I love that you can customize each building so you aren’t bound by the same archetypes, I just wish I was more creative. The game offers lots of options to customize and create a unique city and sets the mood with a cozy music to keep you engaged, but in the least stressful way possible. If you fall in love with the game’s cutesy artstyle, you have to at least try the demo.

Gameplay

I was ready to use all my years of city planning in City Skylines to create the most efficient magical metropolis this game has ever seen, I was sort of relieved it wasn’t as realistic. The game does offer obstacles like spaces with water or cold to work around, but the game gives you free reign to do what you want. If I was more creative, my village wouldn’t look like the random collection of buildings I am too ashamed to share with anymore. That said, I really enjoy that I didn’t have to stress about properly planning my village so long as my seedlets were happy.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the strategy required in city planning. I play a lot of these games, and always without guides. I love figuring things out but always hate that all my effort is wasted when I get stuck. Either I build too fast, I don’t generate enough resources, or the freaking wolves eat my goblins. I will keep playing these games, even if they require the strategy, but there is something so perfect with a game that lets me build a village without stressing me out. I have enough stress in my life as it is.

All this is to say that Verde is fantastic for the gamer who doesn’t want to have a guide open or look up tutorials. It is a game where you can sit back and be creative, and that has a lot of value.

Conclusion

Verde is the cozy game you have been looking for. The game has a cute aesthetic with a very relaxing soundtrack to help you unwind. If you’ve ever wanted to design a city where the only limit is your imagination, Verde is your home. If you are looking for something harder and darker, maybe check out New Cycle.

Trailer

video game reviews

Kusan: City of Wolves had me sweating, in the best possible way

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Kusan: City of Wolves 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 hones review.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Kusan City of Wolves

Kusan: City of Wolves is a a fast-paced, gritty shoot ’em up out now on Steam, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch. The game features beautiful hand drawn comic book style art, a dark engaging story, and mechanics that will keep you at the edge of your seat. I wasn’t ready for what I was getting into, no was I good enough, but what a ride it was! Make sure you get your first hit of the action with the free Steam demo. This game is dark, violent, and with a lot of blood and gore. This is your content warning.

Hook

The city of Kusan is rotting. The streets run with blood, corruption makes up its core, and violence is the only truth that exists. Many former soldier flock to the city in search for work as another goon for hire. Jin is one of these goons, but his latest job might prove too difficult even for him. A girl with immense and uncontrollable power has been kidnapped by a gang who plans to change things for the worse. It is up to Jin to use his mastery of weapons, combats, and other upgrades he finds along the way to take down his enemies and save the girl. But in a city where any mistake can be your last, it won’t be so easy. Do you have what it takes to tame this city of wolves, or will you be just another meaningless blood splatter?

Gameplay

Kusan is a game where you will die a lot. This top down game not only tests a gamer’s reflexes, but their ability to memorize maps and enemy actions. All enemies have predictable movements and attack patters that are clearly telegraphed. Players will use Jins attacks (punch, knife, or gun) to take them out. As the player progresses through the story, they earn cash to upgrade Jin with new skills and abilities. The upgrade system is a limited inventory space where you will need to get a little creative with your placement if you want a truly powerful build. For a little added challenge, you are scored after every encounter for those who enjoy setting records. If you like high energy games where everything goes brr, you might want to have Kusan: City of Wolves in your library.

Review

Kusan: City of wolves is a beautifully explosion of action, noir, and everything I need in a game right now. I may not be good at the game, but that did not stop me from trying as hard as I did. As I get older, games like these stop being fun because my reflexes have dulled with age. They usually either destroy my hands or leave me frustrated, and that my friends is a skill issue. I didn’t get any hand pain because I was using my Redragon Artemis Pro, but my wife did not appreciate the intense button mashing ASMR I put her through. I would have played through the pain anyway because I needed to play through the story.

Kusan is a beautiful game with some of the coolest art I’ve seen in modern gaming. The game also has a fantastic story that will keep you invested, I just wish I had it as a comic. Sucking at this game really slowed me down and I wanted to know everything. Most importantly, the gameplay is incredibly addicting, especially for those adrenaline junkies out there that don’t want to leave the house to get that heart rate up.

Aesthetic

Comic book fans will appreciate both the art style and narrative style. I love the vibrant use of color, and the amount of detail that went into the world building and character design. The contrast between the detailed comic panels and the retro feel of the pixel world you fight through come together spectacularly. If that isn’t enough to grab you, the fantastic soundtrack to get you in the perfect mood for carnage will. This is a fantastic looking game that needs to be appreciate for its art and aesthetic, but the story is what you should be after.

Story

I have always been a huge fan of noir style narratives. Games like Duck Detective and Loco Motive have a special place in my hard drive. Although this isn’t really a detective game (or nowhere as silly), the game perfectly captures what I loved about those dark gritty stories I used to watch in black and white. The story is as action-packed as the gameplay, with a cool hero to get behind and an adventure I will never forget. The only complaint I have with the story is that it took me too long to get through it. Again, this is is a skill issue. If you are looking for a game with a strong enough narrative that will earn it a couple of playthroughs, pick up Kusan: City of Wolves.

Gameplay

I will preface this by saying that I am probably the worst player this game has seen. As awful as I am at this game, I still love this game. Players will appreciate the fast-paced combat as they make their way through one of the most memorable cities I’ve played through this year. They will appreciate the skill required to clear each room and earn high score. Combat is extremely tight with very little room for errors, and the performance makes it the perfect action-packed adventure you didn’t know you needed. I love the feeling of finally being able to clear a room I kept dying. Loved it even more when it was a boss fight.

The upgrade system isn’t anything unique, but it is one that it is well implemented. I know I probably ended with the wrong build, but it was a build that got me through the story so I have no complaints. There are guides out there with the right answer, but it is always fun to figure it out on your own. I am a huge fan of inventory management games, so the upgrade system was a nice treat when I needed a break from losing.

Conclusion

I don’t know what I can say that playing the demo won’t tell you. Kusan: City of Wolves is a fantastic game that deserves all of the attention. The game has everything you need from a dark action-packed story to the violent fast-paced combat the body craves. If you don’t have this game in your library already, what are you doing with your life?

You can pick up Kusan: City of Wolves on Steam, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch. If you enjoy these fast paced combat noir inspired games, check out Mouse P.I. for Hire. It is a bit of different genre, but with all that noir goodness you’ve been missing. Or check out Mullet Jack for a more retro approach with even faster combat.

Trailer

video game reviews

Discover the Dark Fantasy World of HellSlave II

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of HellSlave II: Judgement of the Archon 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 opinion.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is HellSlave II?

HellSlave II is a dark fantasty, turn-based dungeon crawler out now for Steam with a demo for those who need a bit of extra convincing.

Hook

The world crumbles beneath the ongoing clash between six warring demon loads. The heavens tire of this endless war and send down the Archon of judgement, an unstoppable force that will destroy everything. But before everything can be destroyed, you have been given one final chance to save everything. Fight your way through the endless hordes of demons and gain the power you need to save the world. Can you do it time to avoid final judgement, or will it all end with you?

Game

You take up arms as one of the six classes: Unleash Hate, The Wild Tracker, Art of Combat, Nature’s Rage, Mind-Bending, and Black Death. Each class has unique abilities and skill trees that you build freely by leveling up. Throughout your delve, you will also pick up weapons or money to spend on upgrades at the blacksmith. What makes HellSlave unque is that it allows players to hold up to three build templates on a character. This means you can have different skill tree’s and equipment that you can swap between. This is great for the moment you get stuck on an enemy that negates your entire strategy.

Exploration

The game has a decent sized map with a good amount of exploration. Players start with a small area and slowly venture into areas with more powerful monsters. Each zone feels unique and flavorful enough to stand out against other games of the similar genre. Exploration can be sped up which is awesome because this game felt slow before this feature.

Combat

Players take turns casting spells or performing actions. Each action costs the traditional resources like rage or mana, but they also cost time. Time affects the initiative order. For example, casting a spell will cost 2 seconds, and you get to see the enemy move 2 seconds up. I appreciate this format change to the traditional turn-based mechanics because of how time as a resource affects the game. Now I have to think about how much time I want to take setting up before dealing my major damage. The game also gives players a lot of build potential with the hundreds of weapons of items and abilities tied to them. Items can have passive abilities that deal damage before combat even starts. This makes grinding the easier mobs a breeze, if you’ve got the right build.

Classes

The game gives players lots of freedom on how to approach the game with its six unique classes. There are two groups of classes: Warrior and Sorcerer.

Warrior:

  • Unleash Hate – This is basically the barbarian. Get mad and do big damage
  • The Wild Tracker – This is a rogue that does a lot of condition damage. Poisons, bleeds, and you slip into the shadows
  • Art of Combat – This is for those who like to tank but don’t want the pressure of actually tanking

Sorcerer:

  • Nature’s Rage – You are like the avatar, bending all elements to your whim to freeze, stun, and burn all of your enemies.
  • Mind-Bending – You use time to destroy your foes in one trippy combo after another
  • Black Death – You bring an incurable plague on your foes, poisoning and rotting them away

Review

I got to try out the HellSlave II demo, and liked it enough to try the full version. The game is a nice change of pace from the traditional turn-based formula with its chaotic combat sequencing, almost infinite build combinations, and unique artstyle. The game is still a little rough. There are a few bugs that are a little too noticeable, and make the strategy bits of this game not as smooth. That said, the devs seem to be hard at work, fixing a lot of the issues. If you want a new turn based and don’t mind the lack of polish, the game is worth the price.

Aesthetic

If you like games like the Darkest Dungeon, you will appreciate the unique dark artstyle of this world. I am a big fan of the comic book style for things like the enemies, characters, and some of the visuals. The world however, feels a little bland and empty. I get that the focus is on the combat and all the numbers and stats that go into that part of the game, but there isn’t anything memorable about the exploration. I didn’t really like exploration much because everything felt the same. Luckily they fixed it so exploration goes a little faster, but it still a little boring.

Story

The story is fine, and I enjoyed reading it. The quests are fine with enough flavor to make them feel worth it. My issue with the story is that you have to collect all of these extra bits of lore that are scattered throughout the world. These bits of lore are long and if you like reading and enjoy the world, you’ll get some use for them. If you don’t pick these up, you aren’t missing too much context from the main story, but you are missing out on the world building that gives the game its flavor. The flavor is fine, but I wasn’t going out of my way to collect them all.

Combat

Combat in this game is what I enjoyed most about this game. I had a notebook out to write down and keep track of all the stats, at least as passives go. The game does a good job at displaying the stats in a way that is easy to read, but not all of the passive abilities worked and I needed something to keep track. It is very easy to miss when the game isn’t working properly because of all of the flashy effects, but I caught a few items in my build that did absolutely nothing.

Another issue I have with this game is that there will be enemies that strait up counter your build. You can either grind until you’re overleveled and squeak by like I did, or you can be smart and walk around with multiple builds. I really like that the game allows for players to have multiple builds, I’m just stuburn and didn’t want to.

Overall, if you want combat that will leave you overstimulated with the ability to build whatever you want and still have fun, HellSlave II has what you need. The game may already be solvable, but I really enjoyed putting everything into poison damage.

Conclusion

Look this game isn’t perfect, but the devs are working on it. I enjoyed the grim dark aesthetic, and the overwhelming choices I had on how I should play the game. If you are looking for a new dungeon crawler that is unique, and don’t mind there being a few updates before it becomes perfect, go get your copy today.

You can pick up HellSlave II: Judgement of the Archon on Steam.

Trailer

video game reviews

Discover Lunarium: A Beautiful RPG Adventure

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Disclaimer

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

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Lunarium?

Lunarium is a beautiful top down, isometric action RPG that you can play now on Steam.

Hook

Lunarium is on the verge of the collapse. It crumbles under the weight of blood thirsty monsters. Two girls, Ave and Lune, set of on the perilous adventure to save it. Ave marches forth with her sword, and Lune stands behind her with her supportive magic. Their adventures will take them across strange and magical worlds full of mystery and danger. What will their adventure reveal? Can they find the power to save their dying world?

Gameplay

Lunarium is pretty strait forward. Ave has a three combo attack, she can parry, and she can doge. Lune can heal Ave or help with a powerful magic attack, but her abilities are on charges. Meaning you can only heal so many times before a rest, or recharge a charge through combat. These skills and abilities can be customized through a fairly expansive skill tree. While I was able to get through the game buying into skills I thought were fun, it does feel like there is a right answer. I am sure there is a guide out there if you look hard enough.

Combat in this game is straight forward. All attacks are telegraphed. Enemies turn red when you need to dodge, and the animation is easy to read for when you need to parry. Timing is everything in this game, and learning how to time your button presses means you can blow past even the toughest enemies. You can eventually brute force your way through most of the game, but it does reward players who take the time to master the timing.

Does it work on the Steam Deck

Lunarium technically runs on the steam deck, but it is a little clunky. It is playable, but I didn’t like it. It felt like a chore trying to get the timing right, and I went back to playing on my PC. There might be a future update that will optimize the gameplay or a workaround I am missing, but for now, I am not using the Steam deck. Even though I really want to. The cloud sync doesn’t work properly, and I lost all of my progress and had to start over. Luckily I didn’t lose much, but you’ve been warned.

Review

I was first drawn to Lunarium because it is a good looking game. When I played the game, I knew I found a new addiction. Lunarium is a fantastic action RPG with a solid story, but fantastic gameplay. It is a little clunky, but I am willing to look past the roughness because I had a lot of fun with the title.

Aesthetic

I love the world of Lunarium. The character design is fantastic, and I love how the main characters both look minimilistic and iconic. The monsters you fight are creative and flavorful. Most unimportant, the world of Lunarium is beatiful. Each zone is unique and full of fantastic fantasy that was so much fun to explore. I will say that some of the perfomance issues do distract from the overall beauty, but not enough to skip this title. There needs to be more eyeballs exploring this beautiful world.

Gameplay

I am not very good at these games, but I tried very hard to be for Lunarium. The gameplay does feel simple at first, but when it ramps, you really need to be paying attention. Nothing is more satisfying than absolutely destroying an enemy because you were able to time all your button presses perfectly. I could have certainly played more optimally, but I had a blast picking the abilities that I though were fun. Honestly, if you like action RPGs and don’t mind the roughness that come with lower budget titles like Lunarium, the game needs to be in your library. I had so much fun with this game, and I am very sad I have to move on…for now.

Conclusion

I can’t stress how much you need to play this game. It is such a unique title with a beautiful world to explore, memorable characters to play as, and some solid mechanics. The performance is a bit of an issue, especially in the beginning, but it the game is playable. I am sure with a bit more money, they can optimize it enough. My only real complaint is that I can’t play it on the Steam Deck. I would have loved to be chilling on the couch playing this game, but sitting at my desk was good too. Since that isn’t a real problem, do you yourself a favor and get Lunarium today!

Trailer

video game reviews

Dystopicon Review: A Unique Time Management Game

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Disclaimer

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

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Dystopicon?

Dystopicon is a dark, political satire time management game where you watch TV to earn money to live. The game is out now on Steam, and there is a demo available to get you hooked.

Hook

You have been promoted to a second class citizen, and benefit from the perks that come with it. You get assigned a small apartment with a few luxuries you’ll need to pay for throughout your life here. Earn money by watching the different government approved programs, and use that money to make sure you are comfortable, fed, and an outstanding citizen. The more you prove yourself for to the nation, the more luxuries you get to enjoy. But there is something darker lurking in the shadows. This life is not as perfect as it may seem.

Will you do your part and be a good citizen, or will you let your curiosity take the better of you? You can always end it all early when you’ve had enough. This is your content warning.

Gameplay

Dystopicon is a unique take on the time management sim genre that has become popular in recent years. You sit in a room and try to manage the different meters. What makes the game unique is the narrative that builds around it, and how it forces players to make different choices to unlock the whole thing.

Watching TV

Players watch TV to earn money that they spend to use different amnesties, like buying food or turning on the heat. There are different channels a players can watch, and each channel earns money at a different rate. The TV can only be on for certain activities, and it becomes a game of flipping between the channels while you juggle the rest of your vitals. Each channel also has its drawback. The religion channel may earn you the most money, but it will bore you to death. The porn channel may keep you the most entertained, but you won’t be making any money. The way your prioritize each channel depends on the type of ending you want to get.

Vitals

There are four vitals you need to manage (five if you count money): health, hunger, comfort, and fun. Each meter slowly drains as you sit in your room, and certain activities manipulate their level. If you’re hungry, you eat. When you’re uncomfortable you turn on the heat. If you’re heath deteriorates take a shower. When you’re bored, watch porn. The more you play the game, the more you have to manage your vitals. How you go about it depends on the ending you want to get.

Your Apartment

Everything in this apartment costs money, from the shower to the sink and everything in between. As you play through the game, the game will distract you with different events. The police will come to ask you questions. There will be the occasional uprising outside your window. Your floor will become cluttered with your discarded food packages. You also have rats. Not only are you expected to watch TV to earn money, you have to be a good citizen and keep your apartment in working order. If you like management games, Dystopicon has a lot for you to manage.

Story

The story is what sets this game apart from other games in the genre. While other games have you build the best type of shop or some sort of village, this game asks you to optimize different activities to complete a story. The story is a solid piece of satire with some valid political commentary about a very scary yet possible future. It does not get preachy with its message, but it does get a little dark and one of the routes is suicide. There is a bit of drug use, so this is your second content warning.

Review

I didn’t know what to expect when I first received Dystopicon. I’ve a few management games before, and they are usually fun until the novelty wears off. I had to force myself away from Dystopicon because it was just too good. This game will make you forget time as you try click away at pixels trying to unlock more of the mystery. There is just so much going on, it is going to be hard to stick to only one playthrough. Check out the demo and see for yourself.

Aesthetic

The aesthetic isn’t anything too crazy. It looks like every other sim game that seems to be in vogue at the moment. However, the more you sit with this title, the more the art choice fits the tone of the game. The game is able to capture enough of the dark, dystopian tone without it becoming distracting. The cartoonish style makes some of the darker aspects of the game feel even more so.

Gameplay

The gameplay loop is addicting. The game starts slow, slowly adding new mechanics for the players to explore. There is a well paced ramp that slowly adds the chaos that makes a game like this as addicting as it is. What makes the game unique is how it doesn’t want you to optimize your actions to be the best at watching TV and falling in line, unless that is the type of ending you are working towards. Dystopicon is a game that lets players explore all choices in order to unlock the whole narrative. It is a unique take on the genre that I welcome, and a choice I really think pays off.

Narrative

I really like the dystopian satire that exists around this management sim. The more I got to explore, the more of the world I got to enjoy. I wouldn’t call it an award winning story, but it is a story that is relevant. Dystopicon is a story about choices, and how those choices affect how you fall in line within this society at the verge of something big. You will need to discover what that big thing is.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a management game and don’t feel like opening another store (not that there is anything wrong with those types of games), Dystopicon is exactly what you need. The game is simple with a neat story. The game does get a little dark, so you’ve been warned. All in all, I enjoyed it and I will be trying to collect a few more endings. You can pick up Dystopicon on Steam.

Trailer

Tech Reviews

Epomaker Carbonis Mouse Review: Performance Meets Style

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Disclaimer

Epomaker sent me the Carbonis wireless gaming mouse for free to review on my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out my reviews for the TH80 V2 mechanical keyboard and the Galaxy Y100 Lite. I’ll also be using my Amazon Affiliate link where possible. It really helps me out if you click on it before buying anything.

Table of Contents

What’s in the box?

  • Carbonis Wireless Gaming Mouse
  • 2.4 Wireless Dongle
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • User Manual
  • Brand Card

Unboxing

Features

Epomaker comes to gamers brings gamers the only mouse they will ever need with the the launch of the Carbonis mouse. This elegant mouse not only looks good, but it feels good and gives gamers the performance they need for high level play. If you are looking for a new mouse to get you out of your current elo, the Epomaker Carbonis might just be what you’ve been looking for.

Design

The Epomaker Carbonis dazzles with its unique modern design. This high quality gaming mouse comes in two colors: Black/Gold and Black Purple. I got mine in Black/Gold, but it was a very hard decision.

The Carbonis‘ unique pattern not only gives it its elegance, but makes the mouse sweat and fingerprint resistant. That means no more gross plastic after raid night! The composite carbon fiber shell is light weight and durable for that added peace of mind. The shell has been designed to perfectly fit most right-handed people for long comfortable sessions. To finalize the modern look, the Carbonis comes with a small LED screen to show readers the battery remaining as well as the current DPI setting.

Functionality

The Carbonis boasts fast speed and low latency with its wireless and wired connections. Users can easily switch between connections with a flick of the switch. You can also enjoy the fast wired connection when the 300mAh hour runs out of battery. The DPI can be easily adjusted with the onboard buttons so you always have the perfect speed for your workflow. For those of you who need a little added utility, the buttons, polling rate, DPI, and other useful features can all be easily adjusted through the official software (no download required).

Review

I am not going to lie, I was a little disappointed when I opened up the box. At first glance, the mouse is kind of ugly. I am not a fan of the wavy pattern, and a prefer a much heavier mouse. After using for as long as I did, this has replaced the ergonomic mouse I was daily driving. I don’t even know where my old mouse is anymore. The Carbonis is a fantastic mouse and an easy upgrade for any gamer or professional looking for a high quality mouse that works great and feels good in your hand.

Quality

The light weight design at first had me worried, but I think I am just used to a heavier mouse. I might have been a little biased. Out of the box, the mouse is fine. The pattern is very well done, the shape has been carefully crafted, and I didn’t notice any fabrication errors. Everything on this mouse is printed clearly and boldly, so I don’t think it will be rubbing off anytime soon. Most importantly, the buttons feel good and have a very addicting sound. I trust this mouse with my most sweaty team fights.

Aesthetic

The aesthetic is where the mouse loses me a bit. I am not a fan of the pattern, but I do appreciate the function. As a sweaty gamer, I understand when a cheap mouse is not up to the task. I never felt like my grip was in jeopardy. Most importantly, the mouse doesn’t feel gross after the those long gaming sessions. I got the Black and Gold version, so maybe it looks better in purple, but this is definitely a case where the utility outweighs the aesthetic.

Performance

I had no issues with my two weeks of testing the mouse. I used it for both gaming (I play a lot of Guild Wars 2) and all of my data entry work. This mouse performed very well under my very heavy hand. There was no latency on any of the three connections, with a speed I can always rely on. I love that I can change the DPI with the push of a button. The default setting were good enough for my workflow and gaming needs, but you can adjust it easily with software if needed.

The battery life is fine. I kept charging it when ever LED screen showed it was getting low so I can’t tell you how much use I got, but I was definitely able to get through the full eight hours on a single charge. Best of all, the charging port is in a convenient spot so you don’t ever have to break your stride (unlike the the Apple Mouse I wasted my money on).

Comfort

I wouldn’t call the Carbonis mouse exclusively ergonomic. If you suffer from hand pain and need an ergonomic solution, get a mouse with a ball and thank me later. For normal people however, the mouse has a comfortable grip.

In my journey to save my hands, I find that a lot of the advertising is a little misleading. Mice that have been designed to fit the hand don’t generally fit my hand, but the Carbonis fits wonderfully. (I have big hands). I did not understand how good the design for the Carbonis was until I had to use one of the loaner mice at work and it destroyed my hand in minutes. The Carbonis doesn’t destroy my hands, and I am able to get a healthy amount of use before my hands start cramping. Now I do have a repetitive stress injury that flares up with the wrong ergonomics, but the Carbonis is good enough and reliable enough to become a daily driver. I do have to take the occasional break, but I also have my backup roller mouse for the bad days.

I know I do not like the design, but man is the function cool. As a gamer with very sweaty hands, I like that my mouse isn’t a gross mess after I am done with it. This is a very comfy mouse for those gamers that spend a little too much time in online, team based games.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a good gaming mouse, the Epomaker Carbonis is king. This is a very comfy mouse with the functionality to back it up. Sure it might look ugly, but how often are you really looking at your mouse? The only problem I have with the Carbonis is with the wireless Dongle. Instead of a traditional usb that you plug into a slot, you get small rechtagle that you have to plug into your computer using the only USB-C to USB-A cable included in the kit. This not only looks ugly, but I am pretty sure I am breaking the dongle before the year is done because it will fall on the ground and I won’t notice it. People who use Bluetooth can rest easy. Other than that, this is a fantastic mouse that I will be daily driving. Get yours today!

You can pick up the Carbonis Wireless Gaming Mouse on the official Epomaker store or on Amazon through my affiliate link.

Tech Reviews

Unboxing the Redragon Artemis K719 Pro

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Disclaimer

Redragon sent me the Artemis K719 Pro mechanical keyboard for free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out my reviews for the Redragon Aatrox MMO mouse and the BS8773 mouse and keyboard bundle. I’ll also be using my Amazon Affiliate link where possible. It really helps me out if you click on it before you buy anything.

Table of Contents

What’s in the box?

  • Artemis K719 Pro Keyboard
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • Wireless Dongle
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • 4 Spare Switches
  • Redragon Stickers
  • User Manual

Unboxing

Features

If you are looking for an affordable mechanical keyboard that performs well, gives you that clacking that you need, but also looks good, Redragon might have solved your problem with the Artemis K719 pro and its many flavors. The Artemis pro promises to be the only keyboard you need at a reasonable price point, it is just a matter of choosing the right color for your aesthetic.

Aesthetic

The Artemis K719 pro is a modern looking, fullsized keyboard available in five unique flavors: essential black, graffiti, anime, jade cloud, and ice blue. I got mine in the anime themed and feel like I made the right choice, but there is a flavor out there for everyone.

Each of the five designs is backed by the high quality Redragon standards for a keyboard that not only looks and feels good, but will stay looking good for those long sweaty game sessions. The Artemis Pro is a full-sized keyboard with 95 keys, all backlit with fun preprogamed RGB effects. For those who want to truly shine, the display screen is not only useful, but it customizable for a the ultimate personalized experience. But this keyboard is more than just its fun themes, it is ready to perform when you need it the most.

Performance

The keyboard comes with Redragons linear Hi-Fi switches for a soft typing experience that still provides users with that sweet asmr. The switches and keycaps can be easily swapped for longevity, or for those who like to keep things fresh and exciting. Each of the 95 keys can be programmed through the official Redragon software for added utility, perfect for those of you who need a few extra macros to maximize their workflow.

While users can always enjoy a high speed wired connection, those who prefer less wire clutter can enjoy comparable wireless speeds through the Bluetooth and wireless dongle. The added peace of mind the impressive 5000mAh batter and the handy LED display give its users the peace of mind they need when entering that next important dungeon. But a keyboard is only as good as the comfort it provides.

Comfort

The Artemis Pro is designed for comfortable long sessions of work and play. Its padded gasket design provides users with enough sound to be soothing without annoying the whole neighborhood. The contoured dye-sub PBT keycaps not only look good, but promise to give users a comfortable typing feel. Most importantly, the hi-fi switches are here to perform when you need them, but give you the comfort you need to keep going. Couple all this with an excellent typing angle that can customized with the onboard kickstands, and you have a keyboard that will get you through most of your team fights with out any of the unnecessary fatigue.

Sound Test

Review

I’ll be honest, it took me a bit of time to understand my love for the Redragon Artemis Pro. While I am a huge fan of the cute anime girl that decorates the plating, there was some initial disappointment. They keyboard feels cheap, and the sound is cheaper. Once I kept using the keyboard, it became the keyboard I’ll keep on my desk even as I move on to other keyboards. This is a great feeling keyboard with an excellent aesthetic and it exists at a consumer friendly price point. If you are looking for a gaming keyboard that will perform and has enough quality to get you through those next few important games, you’ll be hard pressed to find something better than the Redragon Artemis K719 Pro.

Aesthetic

It is no secret that I picked the Artemis pro for the waifu design. Upon opening the box, I was surprised by the detail. The keycaps are clear and legible, and they haven’t faded yet. I am a huge fan of cute anime girl that sits on the underside. The theming is excellent. I love the small fun details that replace the traditional lettering, like the use of daggers instead of arrows or the hot waifu on the spacebar. The sleek modern design makes the keyboard a conversation piece on any table. I am sure the other colors are cool as well, but I am more than happy with my anime themed keyboard.

Quality

Out of the box, users might be a little concerned about the quality. Don’t get me wrong, the keyboard looks cool. I got the anime themed one and everything is clean. The manufacturing is solid and the printing is clear. Taking the keyboard out of the box, users might be a little concerned by the light-weight keyboard and the amount of flex it has. You don’t notice the flex when you type, but you do notice the cheapness of the keycaps. They aren’t the worst keycaps I’ve typed with, but they did take some getting used to. However, after two weeks of use, I have no issues with the quality.

Gimmick

The K719 comes with knob for volume and media controls as well as an LED screen. The knob is invaluable for my keyboards. I need the ease of adjusting the volume on the fly, especially since not every video I watch exists at the same volume. Media controls are a fun bonus because sometimes I need to pause the video to listen to the cutscene, and its nice to not have to tab out the game. The LED screen is nice, but it isn’t the reason to buy the keyboard. Having information like battery level, date, and time is nice, but I rarely look at it. Customizing the screen with a gif is fun, but I quickly forget that I did it. It is a cool gimmick for those who like to customize everything, but there isn’t much utility to it.

Performance

The keyboard worked as intended. I didn’t notice any ghosting or latency. I was able to type through all those work emails, write all these blog posts, and put a respectable amount of hours in Guild Wars 2. t. The battery life is fine. I was able to get about 10 hours of work on a charge, which is fine for most users. I didn’t really try to program any macros except for the few I need for data entry, but the process was simple enough. If you are looking for a keyboard that works great out of the box, the K719 is one such keyboard.

Comfort

The comfort is where this keyboard really surprised me. I was ready for the K719 to destroy my hands as many similar feeling, cheap keyboards before it. I am happy to report that this keyboard has been delightful. While I am not a huge fan of the sound it makes, I am a fan of the comfortable typing experience it provides. I can put in a full day’s work, a couple hours of gaming, and the time it takes me to write these blog posts out without issues. Today, I had to use a coworkers mouse for an hour and it left my hand unusable with the worst pain I’ve felt in a while. While the K719 may not be strictly ergonomic, it is ergonomic enough to not destroy my hands in the process.

Conclusion

The more Redragon product I receive, the more I fall in love with the brand. The K719 further verifies this love with its affordability, comfort, and design. If you want an easy way to give your setup some flare while also investing in a quality gaming peripheral, pick up the Artemis Pro. The hardest part is picking the right color. You can pick yours up from the official Redragon store, or on Amazon using my Affiliate link.

video game reviews

Explore Super Bullet Break: Cute Waifus and Unique Gameplay

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Disclaimer

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

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Super Bullet Break?

Super Bullet Break is a deckbuilding roguelike where you get to collect cute anime girls while you try to fix corrupted video games. The game is available for Steam and on the Nintendo Switch. There is also a Steam demo you can try.

Hook

All of the online multiplayer games have been rendered unplayable by rogue AI that have infected them. Collect your deck of cute anime girls as you fight against the rogue data that have made your favorite games unplayable. Build a powerful deck from over 160 cute anime girls in a unique gotcha system that won’t cost you any money (aside from the $20 it costs to buy the game). Play through seven unique worlds in a unique roguelike experience that will have you trapped for hours. Can you build the deck that will save the world, or will the AI prove too powerful?

Gameplay

Players start with a basic deck and make their way in roguelike fashion through each of the seven unique game game genre themed worlds. Players choose their path through a series of nodes, each with a unique encounter: combat, harder combat, shop, rest, random encounter. This pattern is repeated until hitting the final boss, collecting a valuable ally and moving onto the next world.

Combat

Combat is pretty unique for this deck builder. Each card has a cost that affects the initiative. You can either cast a series of weaker spells or a powerful spell before the enemy’s turn. Initiative is easily seen through an easy to read tracker at the top of the UI. You take turns chipping away at your enemies using your collection of anime girls until either you or the enemy dies. You earn gold and a card at the end of combat. There are better rewards for harder encounters, but they also leave you drained of resources. Plan your routes accordingly. The characters you get at any point of your run will have random abilities that can either make or break your run. For the most part, the RNG feels fair.

Shop

Shops are pretty self explanatory. Over the course of your run, you are earning gold or tickets. Gold is used to buy helpful items that can be used during combat like healing potions or items that buff your abilities. Tickets are used to pull for a random card to add to your deck in the truest, non-predatory form of gotcha on this planet. The trick to this game is generating enough income and using that income efficiently to build a powerful enough deck of anime girls to save the world.

Rest

At certain points of the map, you are allowed a coffee break. At these points you can either heal 30% of your total health for free, 50% for gold, or reroll one of your cards abilities for free. There is always a coffee break before the boss, so plan accordingly.

Random Encounters

If you don’t want to engage in combat, there are random social encounters scattered across the map. These encounters sometimes give players a choice, but mostly offer buffs and debuffs for their run. You can find a special item that will give you an edge in your next combat, or you could get robbed. They are a gamble. Speaking of gambles, there are also nodes that let you choose from three boxes. These boxes contain buffs, items, gold, or cards you can use during your run.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Super Bullet Break works great on the Steam Deck. If you are looking for a good Steam Deck game, you have it here. The game runs great on PC, but if I am using a controller, I prefer playing on the Steam Deck. I love that the game is pretty low profile so it won’t use up all of my memory (I have the lowest memory unit), or get that fan whirling, or kill the battery. Any game I can sit back and play in bed or on the couch is a huge blessing because I stay at my computer all day.

Review

If you like collecting cute anime girls and need a new deckbuilding roguelike, then Super Bullet Break is for you. It does lean a little heavy on the fan service, but it is expected from a game where you’re collecting cute waifus. The combat system is fine, and there seems to be enough content to be worth the price point.

Aesthetic

I will shamelessly admit that I am a huge fan of the art for this game. You get to choose from a wide selection of cute wifus and each world’s theme is unique and fresh. If you like anime girls, you’ll find your waifu somewhere within this game. I’d go as far as to commission some fan art (if I had the money).

Gameplay

I’ll admit that at this point of this career, I am a little burnt out on deck building roguelikes. Super Bullet Break is a solid deck builder with unique mechanics that help it stand out against the rest of the genre, but it does feel repetitive at this point. I think the gotcha mechanics are a good way of keeping each run feeling fresh and new. The game does a good enough job at giving players the tools to get through a run, but it really comes down to being lucky enough to get the right cards and abilities to get through each world. Whether this game is worth it really depends on how much you like waifus and how okay you are with the randomness of it all.

Conclusion

I like this game enough to keep it on my Steam Deck. It is a game I’ll pull out when I just want to play a game, but don’t want to get too invested in its lore or mechanics. The turn based system makes the game a very casual game, but there is enough complexity in the mechanics to keep you engaged. Even if there is enough luck based nonsense to sway your run, you still have to try and plot your route efficiently. If you are looking for a waifu game with solid mechanics that you can play anywhere, Super Bullet Break is a solid title worth your attention. If you aren’t, you should at least try the demo.

You can pick up Super Bullet Break on for Steam and on the Nintendo Switch.

Trailer