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video game reviews

Why Mouse P.I. for Hire is a Must-Play Game

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Mouse P.I. for Hire 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 Mouse P.I. for Hire?

Mouse P.I. for Hire is the best game you will play all year. Don’t waste your time reading this review. Go buy this game and thank me later. Mouse PI is a first person shooter with a fantastic noir story and a unique old timy cartoon aesthetic that leaves it an incredibly memorable gaming experience. You can pick up the game on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch 2.

Hook

Jack Pepper remembers the old world, and continues his fight in the new one. Jack is a hero converted into a detective who is on a case that might be more than he bargained for. His old nemesis has gone missing, and it is up to him to find him. But the more he digs into the disappearance, the more danger seems to be lurking behind every corner. Dive into a world full of guns, explosions, and a lot of mystery as he uncovers a deep seeded corruption that has been baked into the foundation of the city of Mouseburg. What secrets await Jack? Can he solve the case, or will he be counted as one of the cities many unsolved accidents?

Gameplay

Mouse PI is your classic boomer shooter with an oldtimey filter and design. Players race around the city of Mouseburg, collecting clues, weapons, and killing any thing hostile. The game feels like Bioshock if it was animated and drawn by Walt Disney. In classic survival game fashion, players will need to manage their inventory of bullets and health pots to make sure the case is solved. The difficulty can be adjusted in the beginning which I assume affects the availabilty of the items. Normal felt a little easy, but I played a lot of Bioshock back in the day. I was pretty much ready.

Combat in this game is your basic shooter. Aim assist is on by default and can be adjusted to fit your playstyle. The default setting is fine if you want to enjoy the story but still feel like you are playing a shooter. During combat, players can switch between weapons they pick up along the way. Typing is important enough to pay attention, but I did just fine with shooting whatever was cool. I like that the game pauses when switching between weapons and that you can pause the game when you need to take a break.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Mouse P.I. is fantastic on the Steam Deck, and it has earned a permanent space in my limited drive. The game works very well. I didn’t experience any crashes or glitches, although there were random moments when the character would just drift in one direction. I don’t know if this is a hardware issue because it doesn’t always happen, nor was I able to recreate it. It isn’t game breaking, but it happened enough to notice. If you are looking for a good game to try on your Steam Deck, pick up Mouse P.I. and thank me later. I will say, there are elements of this game that are a little hard to see, but that might just be an age issue or the fact that I’ve lost my glasses.

Review

I’ve already made my stance on this game, but I will make it again. Mouse P.I. for Hire is by far one of my favorite games that I’ve tried since starting my journey as a game reviewer, and I will recommend it to everyone. The game has a fantastic vibe, a solid story, and most importantly, fun gameplay.

Aesthetic

The game’s main draw is its unique, yet familiar aesthetic. The 1930’s inspired art is not only a unique take on the genre, but a fun contrast to the dark and gritty story the game tells. I for one welcome any cool disney-esque dark game that comes my way. The art reminds me of the dark puzzle game, By Sweet Carole. The game also uses cute Disney-like art to explore its dark themes, and I absolutely loved that game as well. Go check it out.

The game also has a fantastic soundtrack. One of my favorite parts about the Bioshock and Falloutseries is the amazing old school soundtrack, and this game has a simlar vibe. It also allows players to customize their experience by adjusting the filters. You can make Mouse P.I. look and sound like a modern game, or adjust the filters to sound like the 1930s. I will say that the filters do make some things hard to see, but again, this might be an age issue.

Story

As a huge fan of detective noir stories, Mouse P.I. is a delightful adventure that I implore everyone to embark on. The well paced mystery is told through some incredible voice acting and some very well placed humor. I love the twists and turns this story took me on. While the game does look cute and adorable, the dark themes it touches make it a very adult yet enjoyable experience. Go check it out for yourself.

Gameplay

The game plays very smooth. It has solid boomer shooter mechanics with memorable boss fights and manageable survival mechanics. It is a little easier than Bioshock, but I also may just be better at games. I loved Bioshock, and the fact that I was unexpectedly taken back to such a nostalgic era of my gaming history but got to explore a new world is why this game instantly topped my list of favorites. If you are ready to replay Bioshock, but would rather experience something new, pick up Mouse P.I. for hire. Combat is tight, the weapons are interesting, and the filter makes everything fun. I will say that not all of the weapons seem useful or relevant, but I could argue the same for Bioshock. Just choose whatever is fun, and start blasting.

Conclusion

I can’t stress enough how badly you need to be playing Mouse P.I. for hire. This game is a fantastic treat for these dark times, and money well spent at full price. The game has cool hand drawn art that make for a unique world to explore, fun mechanics that will leave you wanting more, and a solid story to get you through it all. If you need a game to play this summer, go pick up Mouse P.I. for hire today!

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video game reviews

Kitaria Fables: An Honest Review of the Cozy RPG

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Kitaria Fables 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 Kitaria Fables?

Kitaria fables is a cozy action RPG out now on Steam, GoG, Switch, and PlayStation. There is a Steam demo available, and it works great on the Steam Deck! If you ever wished your Zelda games had a little more farming, this might be the game for you.

Hook

Your grandfather has left you with his old farm and a bit of magic in a Kingdom that no longer wants magic. Armed with your sword, a bow, and a few magic spells you learn along the way you make your way through the deepest dungeons in search of treasure. Use your gifts to help those in need and don’t forget to do a little farming in between. In classic cozy game fashion, you will need to farm for more powerful items. What will this cozy adventure have in store for you?

Gameplay

Kitaria Fables is a simple hack and slash adventure game that encourages players to farm supplies and build their gear. Combat is very simple. Players will target a mob and spam their abilities. By default, players get a basic attack and sword ability and unlock magic abilities as they play the game. Abilities are on a cool down and use mana to cast. Mana is generated by hitting auto attacks. Players will learn patterns and beat down enemies to collect materials for loot or gold.

An arguably smaller part of this game is the farming mechanics. Players inherit a farm from their grandfather that they can use to cultivate ingredients for food. Food heals players but also grants them small buffs. In typical cozy game fashion, players can organize their plot of land however they want.

Review

As far as cozy games go, the game is fine but I found that after a couple of hours of play, I was done with it. The game is cute and runs well, but it gets representative to the point where it doesn’t seem worth it. The story isn’t anything special and I honestly already forgot what happens. You are special and powerful and will save the world, but who cares when nothing feels like it matters.

Aesthetic

The main draw for this game is the art. This an adorable game with with a cute world to explore. I love the character art! The animals are cute and the main character is even cuter. There is some clear bias because I am cat guy, but it was the cute cozy aesthetic that first drew me to the game. The game has very cool attack animations. The magic spells feel impactful and there is some creativity that went into the monster design, but that quickly falls flat as the game becomes more repetitive.

The Grind

The grind in the game isn’t soul crushing, but it is a little too steep for a cozy game. Crafting in this game seems neat at first until you start working towards unlocking more powerful items. I am not asking for the game to hand me my progression, but the balance needs to be adjusted. I don’t mind a repetitive grind, I have done more than my fair share, but it starts to feel like busy work. In games like Core Keeper or Gaucho and the Grassland, you can see your farm becoming nicer and feel your gear becoming stronger. Here, it just feels like they are just dragging out a short story. I can see the grind being worth it if you like the aesthetic, but it is really hard to recommend unless you get this game at a heavy discount.

Farming

The farming in this game is kind of pointless. While farming gives players access to useful buffs, the buffs are short and don’t feel very impactful. After doing the mandatory farming quest, I saw no real point to continue to build my farm except to break up the monotony of fighting monsters. What I like least about this system is how you have to keep switching your main item to do any task. Other games let you fill a bar you can switch between, but Kitaria Fables has you open up your inventory and equip each item. I somehow kept deleting my tools. While this is a skill issue, it took away from the cozy experience. I honestly wish the game just focused on the adventure side of the game, but I am also getting burnt out on cozy farming sims.

Combat

Combat in this game is fine. It is a basic hack and slash and that has its place in the world. I typically enjoy these types of games because it lets me sit back and relax without having to memorize a bunch of keybinds. The problem I have with combat is how quickly it becomes repetitive. Enemies in this game will respawn if you reenter an area. This means you are fighting the same enemies every time any time you want to go anywhere. You can easily skip these encounters, but it makes travel a chore. There is quick travel to help with some of this repetition, but it all starts to blend together after a couple of hours. I can’t remember an encounter that particularly stands out because the game increases difficulty by making enemies reflavored damage sponges. It isn’t the worst system I’ve seen, but why would I get this over Core Keeper?

Conclusion

Kitaria Fables is a cute cozy farm sim. If you can get this game at a heavy discount (like $4 or $5), sure, the game will be that fun. You’ve got cute character, and a decent enough loop to keep you busy. If you see it at full price, you can do better. The sequel is coming out and if they fix some of the issues with the first, I would just wait for that game instead. I didn’t find anything objectively bad with this game, it just didn’t have enough to it to stand out aside from the cute cat character. I didn’t hate playing this game, but I will forget ever playing it. But hey, at least its Steam Deck compatible.

You can pick up Kitaria Fables on Steam, GoG, Switch, and PlayStation.

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video game reviews

White Day: A Labyrinth Named School Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of White Day: A Labyrinth Named School to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinion. This will be my honest review.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my 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

Whiteday_20170309102110

What is White Day: A Labyrinth Named School?

The classic Korean horror game is back by popolar demand. Roam the haunted halls of Yeondu High School as you avoid a killer janitor and try to escape a few supernatural horrors. Armed with only your wit and your vague memory of this new school, you will need survive the night and find your way out. Can you survive the night long enough to see White Day? Or will you be another dark spot in Yeondu High School’s even darker history?

Gameplay

Players take control of Hee-Min Lee as he finds himself trapped in school overnight. Players will need to solve puzzles, hide from ghosts and a killer janitor, and find clues about the school’s history. The game offers different difficulties from an easy mode for those who just want to enjoy the story, and a hard more for those who want something a lot more scary. Those who have played the game can enjoy a new character, a bit more story, and a new ending to keep things fresh. There are also some new visuals to bring the game to a more modern audience.

Review

I have mixed feelings about this game. On one hand, I love the story. This game has a fantastic atmosphere, solid pacing, and interesting lore. The puzzles in this game are interesting and provide a good amount of challenge. My issue is that I am still a huge coward when it comes to horror games, and this game knows how to keep my heart rate up. Whether it was the pesky AI that always knows where I am, or the jump scares that forced several needed breaks, I wasn’t as ready as I thought I was. If you are looking for a classic horror game that still feels a little dated, the story is good enough to play through at least once. If you aren’t a fan of old school games, there is some clunkiness to this game that makes it feel dated.

Aesthetic

I hate to admit it, but White day has a fantastic horror vibe. The game has a creepy sound track to get you in the mood, the school looks frightening, and the monsters are very well done. While I did have to take many breaks, I did force myself back because I wanted to see more of the story. The game does look a little dated for those used to modern day horror, but I appreciate the retro horror vibe and the story it tells.

Story

White Day has a solid horror story. It has some cool creative elements, but the running away and sneaking mechanics get in the way. I sort of wish I played on the easy difficulty because I don’t like stealth style games, but I powered through (somehow) because I liked the story enough. I still prefer The Bridge Curse 2, but I definitely would add this to your horror list.

Gameplay

I did not like the gameplay, but it could be a skill issue. The puzzles in this game are fun and creative. Some of the objectives are hard to see, and the times I got stuck was because I couldn’t see the object. I believe this is an age issue, but luckily there are guides available if you get stuck. I hated sneaking in this game. The Janitor seemed to always know where I was and sometimes he wouldn’t leave. This could be a skill issue, but it is really boring to have to sit in hiding as the AI just paces around, giving you no opportunity to progress through the story. People who are better at these style of games may have a better time with this game, but those who don’t like stealth games should look elsewhere for their horror. I think the dated feel of the games the stealth feel worse, but again, I don’t like Stealth games.

Conclusion

So why did I get this game if I don’t like stealth games? As much as I struggle to get through these games, I do enjoy a good horror story. White Day has a solid horror story with interesting lore and very fun flavor. The game has some solid horror elements that create the creepy atmosphere I want in a game like this. The problem with the game is that it does feel dated, and it does feel like the AI cheats to create the game’s tension. If you are good at stealth games, you might have a better time with this game, but I wouldn’t pay full price to play through this game. I would wait for a sale (like the one happening on Steam until May 16, 2026).

You can pick up White Day: A Labyrinth Named School on Steam.

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video game reviews

Panzer Knights Review: Tanks and Anime Girls Unite

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Panzer Knights 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 Panzer Knights?

Do you like World War II era tanks and cute anime girls? Panzer Knights combines these loves into one epic campaign through re-imagined history. Do you have what it takes to bring victory to your army?

Hook

Command a mighty panzer platoon of cute anime girls through iconic WW2 battles in an adventure you will never forget. Fight off squads of enemy tanks with your fleet of WW2 tanks and special ammo for every occasion. Can you withstand the pressures of tank warfare and bring victory and honor for the homaland, or will you be another heap of burning scrap metal on the side of the road? Grab your mice and keyboards and find out today!

Gameplay

Players take control of different tanks through iconic historical battles. Use different ammo types, positioning, smoke screen, and crew members to take the advantage. While there is some realism in design, combat leans a bit to the arcade side. Do not expect this to be a full on tank simulator like World of Tanks, but the game requires enough skill to demand its respect. In between missions, players can buy upgrades or recruit new crewmates and tanks. There is a story, but it is a short and manageable campaign for those who don’t want the commitment. Make sure to check out the DLC for additional tank types.

Review

Honestly, if you are looking for a tank sim but don’t want to put in the effort that comes with something more realistic, Panzer Knights is a solid choice. The game has fantastic art, a solid story, and decent combat mechanics. I am not a huge fan of those warfare sims, but I had a lot of fun with the arcade feel of this game.

Aesthetic

I’ll be honest, you put a cute anime girl in your game and it is going into my collection. I will admit I did my time with Azure Lane, and this was giving me a similar vibe (albiet less fan service). I commend the devs for their attention to detail in the tanks as well as the girls. The world and tanks look pretty accurate to my casual historian eyes (I actually do love learning about history). My only issue with the game is that the world does feel a little empty. I don’t like how the world just pops up around you as you move around the maps, and some of the maps are kind of ugly. I think there is just enough detail to apreciate the game for what it is, but don’t expect the realism you get from World of Tanks.

Story

The story for this game is fine. I don’t think it is anything I would rush to, especially because there are bits that feel generic, but it was good enough to fill the game. I just wish there was more. The game is very short. It is worth $20, but I wish there was more to do.

Combat

Combat is where the game wins me over. I am not a fan of the more realistic sims because of how much work they feel. Things like World of Warships or Tanks are fun, but having to adjust to the physics of warfare is a struggle I don’t want to sit through after a long day of work and being a dad. I enjoyed the lack of realism because movement doesn’t feel clunky and combat doesn’t feel so calculated. The game does offer some challenge by forcing players to think about positioning, shell type, and things like that, but to a more casual degree that I found very manageable. The enemy AI is a bit on the easy side, but I still had to try to get by.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a tank sim that is more on the casual side, Panzer Knight is a solid option. The anime girls a cure, the tanks are cool, but you gotta be okay with the world being a little ugly. I enjoyed my time with the game, but I would probably wait for a sale. As much fun as I had, tank sims aren’t really my thing. I don’t think I would have gotten as far as I did if I wasn’t writing this review. That said, if you like WWI era tanks, don’t mind the arcade approach to combat, and want to collect cute waifus, check out Panzer Knights on Steam.

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video game reviews

The Bridge Curse 2: An Honest Review of the Horror Experience

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of The Bridge Curse 2: The Extrication 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 The Bridge Curse 2?

The Bridge Curse 2 is a first person survival horror game out now on Steam, Epic Games, Xbox, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch. The game is full of horror, jumps scares, and a couple different endings you can play towards. While the game is a sequel, this is a very stand alone story you can pick up without having played the first game.

Hook

Wen Hua University is infamous for its strange supernatural activity, particularly the events tied to the Da Ren building. The creepy lingering vibes and the building’s dark history make the ideal setting for the film clubs big project. During filming, the film club captures what appears to be a ghost siting. The video goes viral, bringing national attention to this sleepy mountain campus, specifically the attention of the young reporter, Sue Lian. Ms. Lian goes to the school hoping to break a story that will bring her some needed attention, but what she finds within these dark halls is more than just a ghost story.

Make your way through Da Ren’s dark and spooky corridors as you dodge terrifying ghosts, solve puzzles, and look for a way out. What will your investigation uncover? Can you find a way out of this nightmare?

Gameplay

Players take control of one four characters as they explore the haunted Da Ren building, looking for a way out. They use a magical lantern to look for clues, solve puzzles, and defend themselves from ghost attacks. Players can make the game scarier by visual warnings that show players danger. Players die if they get caught by the many monsters, but can leave this nightmare if they can piece together the mystery. There are multiple enemies for those who want to collect it all.

Review

I don’t know why I keep trying to play horror games when I know how hard it is for me to get through them. Part of me hopes that I will one day become desensitized enough to make it through these types of survivor horror games with the lights off. I do not have issues with horror movies and it is honestly my favorite genre, but something about having the control in my hand gives me a lot of anxiety. I had to take a few breaks as I played through this game because of how well the horror is done, but I kept coming back because I was enjoying the story. It may not be the perfect horror game, but it is a solid add to your collection if you enjoy the genre.

Aesthetic

The game has decent graphics. The world looks good, and the monsters are terrifying. There are some awkward moments of animation, but nothing that is game breaking. The music and sound is my favorite part because of how good it was at setting the mood. My only complaint is that there really isn’t a huge reason to explore, and the world seems to be a little too cluttered with small details that don’t add anything to the story. Overall, the game has a creepy atmosphere and I am here for it. Mostly.

Story

The story is fine for a horror. I like that is a standalone story because I never got to play the first one. I might build enough courage one day to go back, but I like that I wasn’t lost with the events of this sequel. The voice acting is a little spotty though. Some of the lines are delivered awkwardly and does take away from the immersion. I watch a lot of bad movies with bad acting for fun, and it could be a lot worse. I think they did good enough, and the story is interesting enough to power through. It has solid pacing, some good twists, and a good mystery. I got the bad ending because I suck at this game, but you should definitely go for both. If you need a solid horror game for the summer, The Bridge Curse 2 is a good place to start.

Gameplay

As far as horror games go, Bridge Curse 2 is fine. I really enjoyed the puzzles and how creative it got, but I had a lot of trouble getting through the monster bits. This is definitely a skill issue. The anxiety this game filled me with made it hard to do any of the stealth bits, but somehow I managed. The only issue I have with the game is how boring exploration can be because there isn’t much you can do outside the story bits, but I didn’t really want to wander too far anyways. The game performs very well and a good place to start if you are looking for solid horror.

Conclusion

I found this game harder than it needed to be because of how well the game created its horror. I am also a weenie who has a hard time with horror games. The game has a cool story full of neat lore and some unique mechanics. If you are looking for a horror game for your collection, go get your copy for your favorite console or pc. I might one day be brave enough to watch the first movie, but I’ll probably just watch the movie instead.

You can pick up The Bridge Curse 2 on Steam, Epic Games, Xbox, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch.

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video game reviews

Ink Inside Review: A Whimsical Adventure Awaits

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Ink Inside 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 Ink Inside?

Ink Inside is a unique dogball beat-em-up out now on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch. There is a Steam demo available, and the saves transfer to the full game. This is only the first part of a story that was meant to be a cartoon, and I can’t wait for the rest to be released.

Hook

Stick is an unfinished doodle that wakes up in a strange and whismical world full of drawings. But danger looms as the Sog warps the world and currupts its inhabitants. Those affected by the Sog turn into mindless monsters that attack the once peacful world. Forces have risen to fight against the Sog, but its spread doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Fortunately, Stick has the power to fight against the Sog. Will his power be enough to rid the world of the Sog and bring everything back to normal? Will he regain his memories? What will his journey uncover?

Gameplay

Players take control of Stick and friends and fight against Sogged doodles in epic dodgeball combat. Players can equip different cores and items that give characters unique abilities. Balls (cores) can be bounced off objects and walls, which becomes useful as the stages becomes more complex. The game offers players a good amount of customization for an almost unlimited amount of of playstyles. Earn enough cool points to fill the bar and the rules can be broken and players can cross into the enemy’s side for more damage.

Ink Inside would not be an RPG without healing. Players can heal at anytime if they have enough cool points to spend. During healing, players can also chat with their NPC friends for some added flavor. Items in game can help mitigate damage by blocking projectiles, giving players health, or giving them an extra jump. While the game is full of whismy and mayhem, it offers enough challenge to keep players on their toes.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Ink Inside is a solid addition to your Steam Deck library. The game works very well, with a resolution that makes everything easy to see. I am old and appreciate when I don’t have to squint to read the text or see what is going on. The game runs well for the most part, but I did notice some frame drops and weird stutters. The game never crashed though. Ultimately, this game on handheld feels very good. Whether it is for the sense of nostolgia or the fact that I don’t have to sit at my desk all day, Ink Inside just feels right on the Steam Deck.

Review

Honestly, Ink Inside is the quirky little cartoon game that I didn’t know I needed. It has an adorably cozy aesthetic, a solid story, and fun gameplay. If you are a cartoon network kid or just want a little whimsy in your life, go pick up Ink Inside today.

Aesthetic

I was first drawn to Ink Inside because of the art. The art direction in this game is fantastic, and I urge everyone to check this game out for its unique style of story telling. I love the blend of styles of both the characters and doodles and the FMV cut scenes. I read that game was meant to be an actual show and based on the visuals alone, I would watch it. Ink Inside has one of the coolest whimsical worlds that made exploration delightful, a soundtrack that never failed to set the mood, and amazing voice actors to keep me invested in the story. If you want to relive the feeling of waking up early for Saturday morning cartoons, this game needs to be in your library.

Story

The only thing I don’t like about the story is that I have to wait for DLC to finish it. Luckily, the game seems to be reasonably priced, and the story is enough to hook me to the world. I read that the game was originally planned to be a cartoon for Nickelodeon, and I really it to be made. The story is fantastic full of good humor, memorable and lovable characters, and a story that will have you wanting more. I love the creative story telling as well as the transitions between the doodle world and the real world. This feels like the cartoons I grew up with in both tone, style and flavor and I believe it is exactly what you need. You just don’t know you need it yet.

Gameplay

Ink Inside has some of the most unique and quirky games. You can definitely feel the Cartoon Network game influence, but that isn’t a bad thing. I was not ready to fall in love with dodgeball, but here I am trying to perfect my build for my next encounter. The game is very deep despite its cartoonish shell. The items you equip constantly change up the playstyle. I was a little confused on how gearing works. The game does a good job at explaining how it works, but in practice, I found it a little overwhelming. This is clearly a skill issue and I was eventually able to brute force into a build that worked for my playstyle. The game offers good incentives for exploration and side questing, encourages changing builds for maximum effect, and has a good ammount of story to keep players invested. If you want a fun cozy game, get Ink Inside.

Combat

I want to split combat into its own section because of how unique it is. The dodgeball mechanics are well done, and the game does fantastic job at keeping encounters fresh. I like how much items like cores change up the flow of combat whether you are using balls that do more damage or ones that recharge more regularly. The flavor that goes into making each ability feel unique like the music abilities that heal or the different shields that repel items give this game its unforgettable flare. I love how unique the enemies becomes and how they force players to change up their strategy. Some enemies need to be meleed others need to be beat with a ball. When I felt like I mastered the game, it would add obstacles and hazards to play around to make combat feel my dynamic. My only complaint is that I wish I had a friend to do some co-op with because this is the perfect buddy game.

Conclusion

If you still need convincing, check out the Ink Inside demo on Steam. This is easily one of my favorite games of the year because of how much fun the game is. I love the game’s art, the story that goes behind it, and the mechanics that got me addicted. It is the cozy game that I didn’t know I needed, especially since I don’t really need another farm sim in my collection.

You can pick up Ink Inside on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch

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video game reviews

Is Super Alloy Crush Worth Playing on Steam Deck?

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Super Alloy Crush to review for my blog. The game is currently on Steam Early Access, so I will try to be a bit more lenient than usual. That said, 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 Alloy Crush?

Super Alloy Crush is a 2D roguelike side-scrolling beat/shott-em up out now on Steam Early Access. The game has clear OG Megaman vibes with a modern flare and cool anime style art. There is a demo you should definitely check out. Don’t forget to wishlist.

Hook

You are a treasure hunter, flying through the deepest reaches of the galaxy in search for the ultimate treasure. Your journey takes you several planets full of robots after the same thing. Play as Kelly, an enhanced fighter with a powerful gun, or Muu, a combat robot with sharp energy claws, as they fight their way through enemies. Find useful items, buy powerful upgrades, and make your way to the most important place in all of the universe. Will you be the ones to find the fabled treasure?

Gameplay

The game is a clear nod to the old school Megaman games, but I would argue that it is a little easier. Players can choose between the two playable characters, Muu and Kelly, at anytime, giving the game very easy refresh throughout a playthrough. Each character plays differently. Players will make their way through each unique map, fighting off waves of enemies and some light platforming. All stages lead up to a boss fight with unique and memorable mechanics. Between stages, players can buy upgrades and customize their character’s loadout. Throughout a stage, players will pick up upgrades and new abilities. Each character has over a hundred customization options for a truly unique playthrough experience.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

This game works fantastic on the Steam Deck, and it is my prefered way to play the game. The game works great on my PC, I am running a RTX 3060, but I prefer the handheld experience. I’ve only ever played the Megaman games on handheld devices, and appreciate the nostalgia that playing on the Steam Deck allows me. Super Alloy Crush is a fantastic Steam Deck game because it doesn’t drain the battery, kick up the fan, or require too much memory. As someone who bought the lowest tier Steam Deck, I am very limited on storage space. I will one day upgrade it to fit more, but I don’t have a problem moving things around. That said, Super Alloy Crush has found its permanent home on my Steam Deck.

Review

If you are a fan of the old Megaman games, Super Alloy Crush is a fantastic addition to your library. The game has very cool art and solid mechanics, but the difficulty is a bit on the easier side. I enjoy it for the chill platforming and combat. Most importantly, the game is in a very good place in its Early Access. The game works well, and definitely earns its price tag.

Aesthetic

Super Alloy Crush has some fantastic art. I love the vibrant world, the cool character design, and epic animation. I am a huge fan of pixel art games, and the artists go above and beyond to make a fantastic scifi world that is a pleasure to play through. If you like cute anime girls, fun colorful worlds, and an old school retro vibe to round things out, this is an excellent game to get into.

Story

The story is okay, but nothing that stands out against other games of a similar genre. Honestly, I’ve already forgotten what this game is about because the story feels a little generic. My issue with the story is that the dialogue is so long winded. Everyone drones for too long and I lost interest in the story early on. Luckily, the game is fun enough to overlook this issue.

Difficulty

This game is a fun, casual brawler with enough depth to be engaging and without the elements that made Megaman frustraiting. The game feels a lot easier than old Megaman games I used to struggle through. I loved Megaman, but I was never really good at them. Maybe I am getting better at these types of games with age and practice, but I felt like I didn’t have to struggle as much to get through this game. In my old age, I prefer a game that doesn’t make me struggle and grind because I don’t have the time for it like I used to. That said, the game requires enough thought that it isn’t something you can play passively.

Gameplay

Super Alloy Crush is a solid brawler game. It runs fantastic for a game still in development, and it offers a good amount of content to be worth the price tag. While I preferred playing as Muu (the melee character), I love that I can switch up the characters at any time to refresh my playthrough. Everytime I would start getting board, I would switch and felt like I was playing a different game. The game also offers a good amount of customization for each character, and I was able to play around with builds to find something I truly liked. I still prefer a game like Noctornal over this because it has a better story, but I enjoy it for the low stakes adventure I get to unwind to.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a fun Megaman-like game to round out your collection, Super Alloy Crush is a solid contender. The game has a cool world, solid mechanics, and a casual vibe that makes it perfect for all you busy gamers out there. Don’t expect a good story. While there are hints of good flavor, I started skipping through a lot of dialogue because it adds nothing to the game. If you don’t mind supporting an Early Access game (even one that is in a very goo place in its development), get yourself a copy. At the very least, go check out the demo.

You can pick up Super Alloy Crush on Steam.

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video game reviews

Is Island of Hearts Worth Playing? An Honest Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Island of Hearts 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 Island of Hearts?

Island of Hearts is a dating sim FMV out now on Steam. There is a demo available for you to check out. The game deals with some adult themes like alcohol use, sexual innuendos, and girls in revealing clothes. This is your content warning.

Hook

You are at what feels the lowest point in your life. You’ve lost your job and your long time girlfriend has broken up with you. In an effort to cheer you up, your friends teleport you to the Island of Hearts where you will get a renewed chance of love. Suddenly, you find yourself at a beautiful island resort surrounded by beautiful women who are also looking for love. Explore the island, get to know the girls, and try to get all of the endings. Will you find love during your stay, or are you truly destined to be alone?

Gameplay

Island of Hearts is a piece of interactive fiction. You watch scenes play out and occasionally make choices that affects the ending you get. Each choice you make raises the affection level with each girl. There are also a few minigames sprinkled throughout to change up the gameplay, but those are just cookie clicker mechanics. You are playing this game to look at pretty girls doing cute things and to collect all of the endings. The game makes it easy to collect endings by allowing players to redo choices after completing a chapter.

Review

Island of Hearts is fine for what it is. If you are looking for a good FMV, you are better off playing something like Love too Easily or The Fame Game.This game is fun, but the quality is a little too inconsistent. If the goal is to look at pretty girls and enjoy the fan service, fine, but if you’re looking for a good story, you will be disappointed.

Story

There is a story to this game, but it isn’t always good. There are some very poorly acted and produced scenes, and some very boring ones that feel like they drag on for ever. The first part of this game before getting to the island was so boring, I almost gave up on this game. Luckily, it does pick up and not just because of the fan service. There are some legitamately fun scenes where the actors and writers are having fun with the ridiculousness of the game. There are also scenes designed specifically for the fan service which are fine, but there isn’t much plot to it. The endings is where it gets hard to recommend. There are some very fun endings, but there are also some extremely disappointing ones. I collected most of them, but I’ve lost interest in perusing the rest. Once I got the ones I wanted, I saw little interest in going back to try for more.

Quality

The quality of this game is inconstant. Some scenes have good sound, decent acting (for a group of untrained influencers speaking a second language), and are well shot. Others feel out of place because the sound is bad or the acting isn’t great. Most people won’t forgive the bad acting. There are some poorly acted scenes, but there are some very fun moments that saved the experience (and no, not the fan service ones). Are there enough good scenes to make up for the bad ones? Only if you enjoy cheesy bad movies. Also, the transitions are terrible. This isn’t a deal breaker, but it is distracting.

Gameplay

You’re playing this game to look at pretty girls in bikinis and clicking around to get the ending with your favorite girl. There are mini games, but they feel pointless. I failed a couple because the directions aren’t clear and they don’t always work great. Some of the games affect the outcomes, but the impact isn’t very clear. I like that you can go back and change your choices. This makes getting multiple endings fast and easy, but the game does a poor job at letting players know how to achieve certain endings. This is only important if you want to 100 % the whole game, but there really isn’t a reason to. Some of the endings and scenes are just too boring. I do like that collecting endings is easier than Ladies Don’t Tempt my Immortality (a game that really makes you work for all of the unlocks), but I rather be playing that because its a better story.

Conclusion

I enjoyed playing this game more than I thought I would. Although the acting isn’t great and the story is all over the place, there are some fun moments that made the game worth a couple playthroughs. Unfortunately, I don’t think the game is fun enough to recomend. There were enough scenes were I would just zone out and lose interest because nothing happens. I can’t recommend this game, especially when you have games like Love Too Easily. But, if you like the cast of girls and don’t care too much about the plot, there is a good amount of fan service to enjoy. This isn’t a porn game, but there are scenes specifically designed to show off how hot these girls really are. The game isn’t terrible, there are just better examples.

You can pick up Island of Hearts on Steam.

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video game reviews

Revisiting Celestia Chain of Fate

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Disclaimer

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

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my 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!

What is Celestia Chain of Fate?

Celestia Chain of Fate is a romance fantasy visual novel out now for Steam and on the Nintendo Switch.

Hook

You have been enrolled into the prestigious school for Daemons, Angelus, and half breeds where you will learn to harness your magic. There are tensions between the races, and you do your best to navigate through the complex webs of relationships that exist in a school like this. In classic Otome fashion, you find yourself at the center of attention. Handsom boys will pine for your affection, rivals will try to make your life at school miserable, but luckily you have a support system to help you through it all. Make the choices that will affect the ending. Who will you choose in the end? The answer is, all of them.

Gameplay

This is interactive fiction without any voice acting. Players will read through the story, and make the occasional choice that will affect the ending. Playing through the game unlocks additional side stories that help flesh out the world, and add a little flavor to the characters you meet along the way.

Review

I’ve played through Celestia Chain of Fate when the game first came out. I loved it, but was very ready for a second play through. I was happy to find that the game still holds up. If you are looking for a solid Otome game and don’t mind the overall cheesy romance, this is a fantastic add to your collection. The story is very cheesy, and it isn’t going to be for everyone.

Aesthetics

The game’s art is fantastic, and it is what drew me to this game. The characters are all very good looking, and the world is drawn very well. There is some very cool art, with some fantastic music to get you in the right mood for romance. The only issue I have with the game is that the backgrounds are kind of ugly. Some scenes are a little distracting because the contrast between art styles is too much. The game does have  has some spectacular CGs that you are going to want to unlock to make up for it.

Gameplay

There isn’t too much to say about the gameplay. You are clicking through the text boxes with the occasional choice to mix things up. There is no voice acting, but it doesn’t need it. I usually read faster than the voice acting anyways. The game does work on the Steam Deck, but I couldn’t get the cloud save to work. I had to start over, which is fine, but the text is a little too small. I am old with tired eyes, so this might be a personal problem.

Story

The story is where I can feel the divide. I have been going through a romance anime kick lately, so I appreciate the story for what it is. Celestia Chain of Fate is a cheesy teen romance visual novel where handsome men pine for your attention. There are some very cringe moments, but there are also some sweet moments that make this the perfect cozy game in my collection. As a hetero male who is very comfortable with his sexuality, I can proudly admit that I like that handsome, supernatural men went out of their way to make me feel like the princess that I totally am. I don’t expect this game to be the piece of literary genius that will stand the test of time,  but its good enough for a couple hours of entertainment.

Conclusion

Celestia Chain of Fate is a fantastic visual novel for those of you who just want to enjoy fun cheesy romance. The writing isn’t deep or even that original, but it is a fun little journey that is worth playing through at least once. I very much enjoyed my revisit, and will definitely be back for a third as I try to collect all the endings. If you don’t mind the cheesy teen romance or the fact that you have to wait for a book too, it is worth getting into You can pick up Celestia Chain of Fate on Steam and on the Nintendo Switch. If you are looking for something a little more serious, check out Nobody Nowhere or my personal favorite, Urban Myth Dissolution Center.

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video game reviews

Minishoot’ Adventures Review: A Whimsical Shooter Journey

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Minishoot’ Adventures 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 Minishoot’ Adventures?

Minishoot’ Adventures is a top down, twin stick shooter adventure out now on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and on both Nintendo Switches. Make sure you check out the demo!

Hook

Life was quiet for the shiplings when the Unchosen rose from the darkness and spread its evil. Its forces spread like wild fire, destroying the planets peace and locking up all free shiplings. You are the last remaining free shipling. Travel across a whimsical world, discover powers that have long been locked away, free all of your friends, and fight anything that gets in your way. What secrets will your adventure uncover? Do you have what it takes to reclaim peace to this world? Will you find enough power to beat the Unchosen?

Gameplay

Minishoot’ reminds me of the old Zelda games, but with bullet hell mechanics to make it unique. Players control a lone shipling with twin stick mechanics exploring the world and fighting everything that gets in their way.

Leveling

The game has RPG like leveling that gives players the chance to customize for their playstyle. Players gain XP by killing enemies. Leveling gives players crystals they can spend on useful powerups. In typical RPG fashion, players can customize stats to fit their playstyle. Do you want to hit hard? Do you want shoot fast or be well rounded? The choice is yours. Players will also unlock new powers and abilities along their journey. This game can get as crazy as your typical bullet hell game, but with enough exploration to keep things from becoming too monotonous.

Exploration

Minishoot’ Adventures gives players enough room to have a proper adventure. While it may not be a large sandbox, the game gives players enough choice and agency to explore the world. The game has its core objectives, but there is enough hidden treasures to keep things moving. I personally enjoyed the lack of railroad and how I can approach the content with my own agenda.

Combat

Minishoot’ Adventures is your typical bullet hell twin stick shooter. One stick moves your shipling and the other stick shoots. The enemies all have their unique flavor and attack patterns to keep things fresh and engaging, but there will be a bit of repetition as you grind out your levels. There are unique boss fights, mini boss fights, and a bit of a frenzy to mix things up.

Difficulty

Minishoot’ Adventures lets players choose their gameplay experience with customizable difficultly. Whether you want to sit back for a chill adventure or struggle buss your way through a more hard core style bullet hell, the choice is yours. I am a huge fan of choices.

Review

Minishoot’ Adventures is a fantastic adventure game for those who love the old Zelda Games, but appreciate the bullet hell format. The game has a good looking world, fun mechanics, and most importantly, a lot of heart. Minishoot’ Adventures is easily a staple game that should be in everyone’s library.

Aesthetic

What drew me to Minishoot’ was the whimsical cartoon style art. Once I started exploring the world, I fell in love with the unique world around me. Each zone is full of life and color, each enemy has a cool and creative design, and don’t forget the well designed boss fights with the cool animation. The animations in this game are very cartonish, but it fits the theme and genre. Once you get the crazy bullet hell game going, you get an explosion of color and chaos you’ll find impossible to step away from.

Gameplay

Minishoot’ Adventures is easily one of my favorite games. I love how casual the game can be, while it offers enough of a challenge to keep things engaging. I died enough to know that this game takes enough effort, and a bit of a grind. While this may be a skill issue, it is not a grind I mind being on. Combat in this game is simple, but requires a bit of skill. I played the game on normal, and found the experience perfect for my busy schedule and dad duties. The boss fights are a real treat. They are creative and make the adventure feel epic. I like how each encounter leading up to the boss slowly teaches players the machanics and strategies needed to beat them. There are parts that feel repetitive, especially in the early levels, but it isn’t the worst grind. Most importantly, the game works great on the Steam Deck.

Conclusion

Honestly, I can’t recommend this game enough. The passion and love that was clearly put into this game is visible throughout the adventure. It is a journey for the casual gamer who wants to play a fun game that isn’t a huge commitment, and it has options for those who need the challenge. Minishoot’ Adventures is an excellent adventure everyone needs to go on once, and it has enough replayability for you to even try it twice.

You can pick up Minishoot’ Adventures on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and on both Nintendo Switches. If you need other fun adventure games, Onirism or my personal favorite, Ruffy and the Riverside. Or check out Yosei Wars if you want something uniquely retro.

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