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video game reviews

Mars 2120 Isn’t the Casual Metroidvania Game You’re Looking for

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I was sent a free copy of Mars 2120 to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the SC3 Gaming Mixer for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you enjoy my content and want to help me with my hosting fees, consider buying me coffee or donating to my Patreon.

What is Mars 2120?

Mars 2120 is a metroidvania out now on Steam.

Sgt. Anna “Thirteen” Charlotte has been sent to the first human colony on Mars. Strange things have been hindering construction, and it is up to Sgt. Charlotte to figure out what. Travel across the red planet as you fight your way through swarms of strange enemies. Will your efforts be enough to cement humanities foothold on martian soil, or will you be another casualty to the planet’s harsh environment?

Gameplay

Players fight their way through 2D dungeons, unlocking new weapons, areas, and abilities. Dungeons feature intricate jumping puzzles, promise interesting boss fights, but only contain a limited amount of save points. Players can only save their progress at these points, and dying resets to the last save.

There is a story that exists through cut scenes and found documents and recorded logs. Exploration is important if you want to unlock extra bits of story, but it isn’t necessary. The main quest line tells the story well enough.

If you’re looking for a classic feeling Metroidvania, Mars 2120 might be what you need.

Review

Casual Metroidvania fans aren’t going to enjoy Mars 2120. While the game does a decent job of setting up its atmosphere and creating a challenging environment, it feels like a rough attempt at a classic title. For some modern players, the game will feel outdated, for others, the roughness will be hard to justify because the gameplay is boring.

The biggest issue this game has is its control scheme. This game is not smooth and the inputs don’t always work. There are parts of this game where I felt like I was fighting more with the jankiness of the game than the actual enemies. The game isn’t unplayable, but some of the combat and jumping puzzles are unnecessarily annoying.

Sporadic save points also ruin the game for the casual gamer. I don’t mind limited saves and high difficulty in games when they work, but Mars 2120 doesn’t always work. It sucks to have to repeat whole sections because the controls aren’t good. Better gamers and veterans of the genre will have less of an issue with the save points, but I don’t like the game enough to give it any more slack.

The story is fine, the flavor is cool, and I liked the art, but not enough to enjoy the game. It isn’t bad, but I’ve played better. Mars 2120 is made for a specific type of gamer. One that still enjoys the classic feel of the Metroidvania game, enjoys a challenging game with high stakes, can doesn’t mind the roughness that comes with an indie game. For the casual gamer looking for a new game, you have better options.

You can pick up Mars 2120 on Steam for $19.99.

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Kryptik Launches Ambassador Program in Attempt to Save Game

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Kryptik Studios LLC has announced the launch of its ambassador program to raise funds for its next set. For those out of the loop, there was a sudden announcement on the official Discord that the Kryptik TCG was moving to an LCG model. After a passionate outcry from its devoted community, a change of leadership, and a divorce from its old printer, the Kryptik TCG found its push. The TCG would continue, but not without challenges.

The poor quality of older sets has left many local game stores and players distrustful. The split from Speed Robo Games was a step in the right direction. Reviews for the final Speed Robo set are not good, and the samples I received look terrible. The foiling is ugly, the card stock is thin and cheap, and they came curled. We can only hope their new printer does better.

But the damage has been done. Many of the early adopting stores and players burned by early quality issues won’t return, and others will need a lot of convincing. It is going to be a difficult endeavor, especially since the TCG space is ruthlessly competitive, but there seems to be a supportive community working tirelessly with the devs to give the game the traction it deserves.

The ambassador program launched on August 22nd and has already raised $20,000, according to Kryptik Chris’ announcement on Discord.

The announcement reads:

@everyone After 36 hours, we have raised over $20,000! We are steadily climbing towards resurrection! There are still spots available at each tier, so no one has missed their shot yet! Let’s keep those numbers climbing and we’ll make it to top!

This is a very positive look for the game and it shows how devoted fans of the IP truly are. But what is in the program, and is it worth it?

The Ambassador Program

The ambassador program are direct to consumer products and services offered by Kryptik Studios in order to raise the money they need to bring their next set to Kickstarter. The tier break down is as follows:

The program is still live as of writing this. Make sure you head over to the official website if you plan on supporting.

Impressions

The ambassador program was revised after input from the Kryptik community. While it makes me happy that the game is listening to its players, it doesn’t feel worth it for someone trying to get into the game for the first time. It would be more cost-effective for new players to pick up older products from TCG Players. Unless you’re already a fan of the game and believe the game will succeed, none of the tiers seem worth it. Why would I spend money on promos that will be worthless if the game fails down the line? Like I’ve said before, the game is going to need to do more than launch these kinds of programs to build its player base. I’ll be rooting for them either way.

Weekly Tournaments

If you want to play Kryptik, there are official weekly tournaments running Sundays noon EST. You’ll need to own Tabletop Simulator with the official Kryptik TCG module and join the official Discord. The community is beginner friendly, so don’t worry if you don’t know how to play. These tournaments are a great way to enjoy the game with other fans and possibly earn some cool prizes. These events need more people, so make sure you join even if you’re just wanting to try out the game. Who knows? You might like it!

Other TCGs

Paragon: Monster & Mayhem Kickstarter Relaunches Oct. 1st!

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After a very successful Kickstarter campaign and a bit of community feedback, the people behind Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem have decided to relaunch a bigger and better campaign on October 1st. Mark your calendars. If you have backed the initial project, you should have gotten an email explaining the change. Original backers will also get 6 packs and a serialized Alt Art Flameskull card. If you’re looking for a new fantasy-themed TCG with creative gameplay, you’re going to want to check out Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem. Make sure you follow the Kickstarter to be notified when it goes live.

What is Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem

Paragon is a tactical TCG coming to Kickstarter on October first. Players face off against each other in a battle arena where they take control of a Paragon and their allies in an epic battle to the death. The game features creative movement, mana, and health mechanics making for interesting and creative interactions. if you want to play the game or help play test, make sure you join the official Discord server. It is pretty active and there are always people willing to play. Just make sure you have access to Tabletop Simulator and the official Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem module. Make sure you start with the Starter Deck Sample Module first though to see where you stand.

There will be an official Paragon Monsters & Mayhem Draft on Staturday August 31st at 6PM PST. This is a great chance to get together with the community and try out the game. Prizes:

  • 1st Place – 1 Golden Paragon Monsters & Mayhem Booster
  • 2nd Place – 2 Paragon Monsters & Mayhem Boosters
  • 3rd Place – 1 Paragon Monsters & Mayhem Booster

Gameplay

Rulebook

There isn’t an official rulebook yet, the game is still in production, but there is a quickstart guide available to get you started. The book is pinned on the official discord, but I’ll leave it below for your convenience.

Paragon_Quickplay_Instructions_8-16-2023Download

Changes in the Kickstarter

The new kickstarter is launching with 251 unique cards and alt arts to pad it out to 560. There will also be box topers, case topers, and some extra goodies. I’ll leave the graphic below for the full details.

Conclusion

I am interested because the art looks cool. Check out the cards revealed so far! I love the deep fantasy vibes and the flavor of the cards. I need to see more, but I am impressed with the art I’ve seen so far. I am also impressed by the developers. They seem to be incredibly involved with the community, and obviously listening to their listening to suggestions. If you’re looking for a new fantasy TCG, you might be looking for Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem. There is always risk in backing a Kickstarter, so make sure you do your own due diligence.

The campaign launches on October 1st. Make sure you’re following the campaign to be alerted when it goes live. The game was already fully funded once, I have no doubt they can do it again.

video game reviews

Looking for an Action Adventure Game? Go Play Creatures of Ava!

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

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the SC3 Gaming Mixer for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you enjoy my content and want to help me with my hosting fees, consider buying me coffee or donating to my Patreon.

What is Creatures of Ava?

Creatures of Ava is an action adventure game out now for PC and Xbox.

You were sent to the planet Ava to save it from the Withering. The withering is a spreading corruption that is slowly killing the planet and its inhabitants. Catastrophe strikes and you are sent crashing to its surface. With the aid of some locals, you set out to continue your mission. Do you have what it takes to stop the corruption?

Gameplay

Ava finds a magical staff with the power to rescue the planet. Players use this staff to solve puzzles and cleanse wild life. This staff can be upgraded throughout out the adventure by buying nodes off a skill tree. XP in this game is earned when a player successfully studies and catalogues new data on the planet’s wildlife. This mechanic incentivizes exploration, even when the incentive isn’t needed.

Combat is nonviolent, which is extremely flavorful for the game’s theme. The goal of the game is to save the planet, so players use the staff to free the wildlife from a disease rather than to fight monsters. Combat is pretty basic, but manages to be engaging. The staff emits a beam of healing energy that reduces the corruption while the player dodges attacks. Players can learn new abilities to help them cleanse the planet more efficiently. Cleansing the planet removes obstacles from the surface. Cleansing an animal makes it friendly.

Friendly animals can be tamed by playing the flute. Each animal has a unique song that the player must emulate to gain its trust. This exists in the form of a Simon Says-like rhythm game. Players can link with a tamed animal and use their abilities to solve puzzles. While the rhythm game itself isn’t innovative or exciting, it is cool to become an animal from time to time.

The map for this game is a great size for an adventure. Players have a good amount of freedom to explore Ava’s strange and beautiful world, but there is a main quest line available for guidance.

Review


If you are looking for a new action-adventure game, you need to play Planet of Ava. This game is unique, beautiful, and a lot of fun. The game also features a solid story with a pretty amazing cast of voice actors. The game has so much to do that it is easily worth the money.

I loved every minute of this game. I have a hard time putting it down, but also staying focused. The world is so beautiful and vibrant that I kept having to fight the urge to keep exploring. I love crafting, and the fact that there was a crafting and gathering mechanic was extremely dangerous. If I wasn’t on a deadline, I could have easily spent hours making potions and exploring the world without ever touching the main story. Best of all, the game is pretty inoffensive. Aside from a few dark moments, a game about saving animals is a wholesome good time.

Planet of Ava is available now on PC, Steam, and Game Pass. This game is worth at least a first play through.

video game reviews

Check out the Most Adorable Deck Builder on Kickstarter: Nif Nif

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I was sent the Nif Nif demo to cover on my blog. The game is currently on Kickstarter, and it deserves a bit of attention. The campaign ends on September 13, so make sure you check it out before then. I am writing these impressions with the understanding that the game isn’t finished yet and there is room for improvement.

What is Nif Nif?

Nif Nif is an adorable deck builder coming to PC. A demo is available on Steam. Go check it out and don’t forget to Wishlist.

Nif Nif is a happy little piglet who lives near a beautiful forest. He loves to cook and clean and spends his days running around. One day, a strange green goo begins to appear around his beloved forest. The goo corrupts the land and the creatures it makes filthy. Nif Nif grabs for his bucket of cleaning supplies and sets out to clean up the corruption. Will his skills be enough to clear the forest of this infestation, or will the goo prove too powerful?

Gameplay

Players start each run by choosing their protagonist. The demo lets players choose between Nif Nif and a cat, each with its unique theme and adorable mascot. Like any deck-building roguelike, players choose the path of their adventure and work to clear the rooms. The adventure map is randomly generated, but it was a fair spread of events. Each room holds an event. Players can fight against regular or elite monsters, proct a random event for a chance at a power-up, heal their character, or visit the shop. Players also have the chance to upgrade their decks by receiving extra cards, random passive skills, or upgrades for their current decks. These upgrades are randomly generated, but the RNG feels fair. Each run offered me access to different strategies, and each run is meant to feel unique giving the game a good amount of replayability.

What sets Nif Nif apart is its cooking mechanic. Players can cook soups or upgrade existing soups at campfire nodes. These soups give Nif Nif and his friends a special boost and gives players a better chance at survival.

Impressions

Nif Nif is the most adorable deck-builder you’re ever going to play. The game features an adorable protagonist, cute-themed art, and a solid soundtrack. I love the flavor and theme of the cards and decks. I felt like there were a decent amount of strategies, and am sure there are a lot more at launch. I love that I could choose to level a random card instead of having to choose a random card to add to my deck as a reward. nothing is worse than clogging my deck with dead cards and having to pay to remove them later in a run.

It is important to note that this game is meant for kids. Veterans of the genre will find Nif Nif to be on the easier side, but they will appreciate the adorable ambiance and chill vibes. If you have kids, Nif Nif is the perfect way to start them on the deck-building genre. I would argue that it is the perfect game in general. The mechanics are easy to learn but the game offers enough of a challenge to keep things engaging. It is a great way for kids to learn the fundamentals of deck building while they help cute little animals clean up the forest. Most importantly, the game is inoffensive. There is no blood or violence in Nif Nif, just good clean fun.

I loved every minute of Nif Nif. This game is adorable and deserves a lot more attention. There is always a risk when backing a Kickstarter, but the demo suggests the game is in good hands. All it needs is funding. If you want to support an adorable game that your kids will enjoy, go back Nif Nif on Kickstarter.  The campaign ends on September 13 and it will be your own chance to earn some cute exclusives.

video game reviews

Deathless. Tales of Old Rus is Next Deck-Builder Roguelike

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I was sent a free copy of Deathless. Tales of Old Rus 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.

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the SC3 Gaming Mixer for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals.

What is Deathless: Tales of Old Rus?

Deathless. Tales of Old Rus is a Scandinavian-themed deck-building roguelike that is out now on PC.

Take control of unique characters and use their skills and abilities and explore the dangerous land of Belosvet. Fight against powerful monsters and even defeat Koaschey the Deathless himself. Will the cards be in your favor?

Gameplay

Each run starts players with a basic version of a chosen champion deck. Each deck is flavorful and unique to each champion. As players make their way through the adventure, they can upgrade their decks with new cards and skills. These upgrades are random, making each subsequent run unique. The RNG is pretty fair, and I never ran the same deck twice. A run is over when the health of the champion reaches zero.

What makes Deathless unique is the movement and position mechanic. Players can only attack the frontmost enemy in combat unless the card use stipulates otherwise. Unless the monster uses ranged attacks, they can do the same. Knowing how to manipulate this position and the turns they swap them is an important mechanic to master. For example, some cards force monsters to swap positions, canceling their attacks. Other cards do extra damage depending on their position or if they’re moving. It is a very unique shift in the genre that I enjoyed tremendously.

Review


If you like roguelike deck-builders and need a new one to get into, buy Deathlessl: Tales of Old Rus. The game has beautiful art, fantastic flavor, and solid mechanics. The game is extremely replayable because no two runs will ever be the same. Even if you’re only using one character, the type of deck and strategy you’ll focus on will always be different. If you somehow get tired of what is available, there are new champions in the pipeline. Check out the official development roadmap for assurance.

Deathless. Tales of Old Rus is still in early access, but it feels like a finished game. The animation looks great, the soundtrack is nice, and the mechanics work fine. They are adding new features, which means the game will only get better. I love this game, and will keep it in my rotation. The game is fun, engaging, and it looks like it is actively being supported.

You can pick up Deathless. Tales of Old Rus on Steam Early Access for $24.99.

video game reviews

Bang Bang Barrage Might Be the Most fun Couch Co-op

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I was sent the Bang Bang Barrage demo to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I will be honest with my coverage. Since the game isn’t finished yet, this will be my initial impression. I can’t wait to see the finished product.

What is Bang Bang Barage?

You find yourself in the middle of the ocean with Cuthulu and his minions hot on your tail. Team up with your friends or fair it alone as you blast through endless waves of enemies. Do you have what it takes to survive the onslaught, or will the sea prove too mighty?

Gameplay

Players will start each run on a boat with a basic weapon. There seems to be a good amount of loadout customization, but the demo only gives access to the basic handgun. In typical bullet hell roguelike fashion, players must fend off against swarms of enemies using their weapons. Players will occasionally get the chance to buy upgrades during their run. The upgrades that fill the shop are randomly generated, but I felt like the RNG was fair.

What makes this game unique is its movement mechanic. Movement Bang Bang Barrage uses recoil-driven navigation. When a player shoots her weapon, the boat they stand on moves the opposite way. The only way to move a character is to shoot in the opposite direction of where the character needs to go. When there are hoards of enemies swarming towards a player and other players fighting them off, things get crazy pretty quickly.

A run ends when a player runs out of health.

Impressions

Bang Bang Barrage is the cutest bullet hell roguelike you’re going to get to play. I am a huge fan of the cute simple art and flavor.

While the game does offer a valid single-player experience, you’re going to want to play with your friends. When the waves get going and everyone is shooting in all directions, things are going to get crazy. The fact that it allows couch co-op and PVP is a huge plus.

If you’re looking for a cute and fun party game to play with your friends, you’re going to want to look into Bang Bang Barrage. If you’re just looking for a fun casual game, you’re going to want to do the same. I can’t wait to see more of this game because the demo has me hooked.

The public playtest is up on Steam, so make sure you sign up if you haven’t done so. You won’t regret it. If you missed the playtest, make sure you add the Bang Bang Barrage to your wishlist so you’re ready for the next one!

video game reviews

Check out Cute Farming Sim Harvest Days: My Dream Farm

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

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the SC3 Gaming Mixer for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals.

What is Harvest Days?

Harvest Days: My Dream Farm is a cozy farm simulator out now on Steam and GoG.

You always enjoyed the time you spend at your grandfather’s farm as a kid, and now it’s time to make y our own. Head to the country, tend to your crops, and build the farm you’ve always dreamed of. What will your dream farm look like?

Gameplay

Players are given a plot of land that they must tend to. Players start with a set amount of energy, and each activity costs energy. The longer you work on the farm, the easier activities get. Players can level at the end of the day based on their day of work. Did you spend all your day plowing the fields? Your plow skill will level and unlock new recipes.

Players can earn money by selling their crops. Money is used to buy food to restore energy, supplies for the farm, and decorations for those who want it. It wouldn’t be a real farm without animals. Players can buy and sell livestock, or adopt more pets to keep them company. The game is loaded with a good amount of features for players to make the farm their own. Quests and events pop up once in a while, but players are given the freedom to play the game as they want.

Review

I love farming simulators, and had a great time with Harvest Days: My Dream Farm. This is easily one of the genres where I can spend days on a session without concern for time. This has the potential to be one of those titles, but it needs a bit more content.

As far as farming sims go, Harvest Days is a solid title. It has a cozy art style and a few interesting mechanics that set it apart in the space, but it has a few issues that will turn off players.

The game has a slow start and a steep grind. I felt like I barely accomplished anything the first few days because I kept running out of energy. Leveling skills reduces an activity’s energy cost, but it doesn’t feel impactful until you’re a couple of days in. The money grind is also kind of slow. I normally love repetitive and grindy games, but here it feels too slow. I’m sure the intent is to have the farming get easier when players can level up their skills and acquire better tools, but I am having trouble seeing players get to that point.

Aside from a few bugs and awkwardness, the performance is fine. For example, driving a scooter can be very frustrating because it handles like a train. The experience gets better as you get used to it, but it is an issue. There are also times when the game doesn’t register player actions. None of the bugs I encountered were game-breaking. Your mileage may vary.

Harvest Days is a solid farming sim for the price, but it needs a bit more content. It feels a little basic, and that isn’t a bad thing. If you’re just looking for a cozy farming sim to sink some time into, Harvest Days is worth the $14.99. But if you’re looking for something polished without the grind, look elsewhere. It’s not the best farming sim, but it gets the job done.

You can pick up Harvest Days: My Dream Farm on Steam and GoG.

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Discover the Cyberpunk 4X Strategy Game Neural Dominion

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If you’re looking for a new 4X strategy game with a cool cyberpunk feel, you’re going to want to look into Neural Dominion. I was sent a demo of the game and will be back with my impressions, but I thought I would share because I like the vibe.

What is Neural Dominion

Neural Dominion is a 4X strategy game coming to Steam sometime next year. Players take control of one of five unique gangs as they fight to take control of the city. Recruit the strongest gang as you build your empire of brothels, drug dens, and extortion rings. Do you have what it takes to conquer this dark and gritty world, or will be just another crime statistic?

Gameplay

Neural Dominion 4X strategy with turn-based JRPG combat for an interesting twist to the genre. Players take control of the city by setting up their business (like drugs, gambling, etc) and recruiting more members. Players will have to manage their empire efficiently, upgrade their gang and structures, stay out of trouble with the cops. There will also be a bit of story for those who need it.

There will be a public demo will become available in October, so make sure Neural Dominion is on your wishlist. If you need a reason to get excited, check out the official pre-alpha footage that just went life. I’ll be playing a bit of the demo and will be back with my impressions. Stay tuned for that. t

Screenshots

Other TCGs

All the Paragon: Monsters and Mayhem Cards Revealed So Far

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If you haven’t backed Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem yet on Kickstarter, you still have time. It is a great way to help support an indie TCG in getting on its feet and earning some exclusive products. Be aware that there is always risk when backing a Kickstarter. I’ve done a more detailed post about the gameplay already, make sure you check that out first.

If you want to try out Paragon: Monsters & Mayhem, there is a free TTS module available with a few starter decks to get you started. There is also a pretty active Discord you can join.

The creators have revealed a few of the cards for their inaugural set, and they look amazing. I am a huge fan of the dark and gritty fantasy feel. This is such a good looking game.

As a disclaimer, I am not affiliate with the Paragon: Monster & Mayhem. I wasn’t even asked to cover this game. I just thought the game looked cool and I thought I would share.