I was sent a free copy of Interstate 35 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 of the game.
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What is Interstate 35?
Interstate 35 is a short and creative visual novel out now on Steam.
After an atomic bomb was accidentally dropped on Northern Texas, people struggled to deal with the new normal. To the North, the land slowly rots away, eating at the remaining livable land. Some people have begun to settle in the many settlements that have manifested since the incident. But there are people like you who are crazy enough to venture into the blighted lands to scavenge what remains of the old world. What will you find on your latest run? What will you choose to keep? What secrets will you uncover?
Review
Interstate 35 is an amazing visual novel that everyone should read at least once. The narrative is well-written and captivating, the art is beautiful, and the soundtrack is amazing. If you aren’t blown away by end of this novel, you must have played something different.
What makes the game unique is the bits of optional exploration that are presented to the player. The story will have words that will evoke a memory or spark curiosity. It is a very cool and creative world and character-building technique that I haven’t seen done before. What I love most about this game is how it plays with format. The narrative blends its creative storytelling with beautiful poetry effectively, but also presents it artfully.
If you enjoy visual novels, Interstate 35 is a short, well written story that is Steam Deck compatible and need to be in your library.
Get your copy of Insterstate 35 for only $7.99, or at the very, least add it your wishlist.
I was sent a free copy of SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky 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.
SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is a visual novel coming to Steam, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch on October 23, 2024. This is the first time a memories game comes out in English, but you don’t need to play any of the other games to understand what is going on. The narrative is pretty self contained.
Follow Junya as he struggles with the grief of losing his brother. As Junya tries to lose himself in his work, the women around him don’t let him. Whether helping his childhood friend turn an old mansion into a cafe, supporting a new friend with research, or trying to uncover the mysteries surrounding his brother’s death, there is always something to keep Junya moving on his journey to self-discovery. What truths will he learn about himself and the women around him? What secrets will be revealed through his investigations? You will need to read to find out.
Does it work on the Steam Deck?
Yes, but I couldn’t get the save sync to work. It sucked having to start the story over, but I found the Steam Deck experience enjoyable. The words are legible at the native Steam Deck resolution, and the portability of the console makes it ideal for visual novels. Some may like reading their visual novels on a full-sized monitor, but I enjoyed reading in bed or on the couch after spending the day in front of my computer.
Review
SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is a solid visual novel with fantastic art, cool character design, and a solid story. That said, I did have my issues.
The translation is fine for the most part, but some bits don’t translate culturally. There are a few idioms that translate a bit awkwardly. There are also sections of this narrative that feel like filler, like when they are talking to the cafe owner about how to run the business when I just wanted to keep investigating the mystery. My biggest issue with the story was with the main character. He is frustratingly clueless, which makes sense in context, but makes the character seem less interesting. Every girl in this game flirts with him but he’s too dumb to pick up on the cues. I get that he is mourning and sees the women as friends, but some of the girls aren’t subtle.
Despite my issues, I found the story enjoyable. I enjoyed learning about each girl and unraveling their narrative, and I enjoyed the mystery. It isn’t the best visual novel I’ve had the pleasure of reading, but it was good enough for me to stick with it.
The biggest thing to consider when looking into SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is how much you enjoy the slice-of-life genre. There are whole sections of this story where the characters talk about everyday things like work or relationships. There are also sections of this book you are going to skip. If you enjoy reading about people going about their everyday lives, don’t mind dipping into topics about grief, and enjoy anime, this is a solid addition to any library.
I found the characters unique and interesting, the relationships cute, the art fantastic, and the story good enough to make it to the end. I recommend it to anyone looking for a new visual novel. I don’t know how it compares to any of the others in the series, but I enjoyed SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky as my entry to the series.
You can pick up SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky on Steam, PlayStation and Switch on October 23, 2024. Make sure you add it to your wishlist.
I was sent a free copy of Murder on Space Station 52 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 of the game.
Murder on Station 52 is a murder mystery point-and-click narrative game out now on PC via Steam, GoG, and Epic Games.
Your arrival at Station 52 has been marred by the murder of the person you are there to replace. The Keychain Killer is on the loose, and it seems like you’re the only one who can catch them. Explore the station, collect clues, solve intricate puzzles, and put an end to this madness. Can you catch the Keychain Killer before it is too late?
Gameplay
Murder on Station 52 is sort of like a visual novel that needs to be pieced together. Players move around the station collecting clues, interrogating suspects, and slowly unraveling the narrative. For the player to progress through the story, players must solve the station’s many puzzles. This is done by collecting and combining objects, interacting with various points around the station, or solving visual puzzles, some with very little guidance. Players are essentially clicking through the story, trying to get to the end.
Does it work on the Steam Deck?
Murder on Station 52 works great on the Steam Deck. Players can use the joysticks, touch pads, and touch screen to play this game. I preferred the Steam Deck experience to the desktop because a combination of the touch screen and shoulder buttons felt perfect. The aspect ratio does make some puzzles difficult to interact with. It isn’t unplayable, but they do require a bit more work. Other than that, it is a solid experience.
Review
This game was made for fans of the detective noir genre. The game is filled with fun and quirky references and dialogue that I felt pay the perfect homage. The main character’s snark, especially during his inner monologues, can be a little cheesy, but I feel it gives the game its charm. It isn’t going to be for everyone, but it does help that the voice acting is fantastic.
The only issue I have with Murder on Space Station 52 is its puzzles. Some of the puzzles are creative and satisfying, but there are a few that aren’t intuitive and frustrating. The game offers no hints, guides, or direction for some puzzles, leaving players to scramble with the same mystery as the game’s protagonist. This is a great idea, but its execution feels lacking. For the less intuitive puzzles, the lack of direction will end a playthrough without a guide. The solution will always make sense in the end, but not being able to solve a puzzle because what can be clicked isn’t obvious is frustrating. For example, a lot of the puzzles are solved by combining items. Most of the time, players will pick up an item and combine it with another in their inventory. Some items require specific events to have occurred before you can interact with them, others will need the player to be in a specific location, and some will need a double-click. As a result, some of these puzzles feel less like critical thinking challenges and more like trial and error. This is fine for the person who likes puzzle games, but it’s going to be an issue for the more casual player. Luckily, there are a few good walkthroughs available already.
Ultimately, the game is fine and I enjoyed my time with it, but it isn’t going to be for everyone. The art and voice acting are fantastic and are a valid draw to the game, but the story and tone will be a barrier. If you enjoy the cheesy detective noir genre, this is a solid entry to the genre with a decent mystery. If you aren’t, the protagonist’s snark and the story’s quirky tone will get old fast. As far as puzzle games go, it’s fine and thematic, but the less intuitive puzzles make it hard to recommend. Hardcore puzzlers might appreciate the lack of direction and hints, but casual puzzlers will find the game more work than it’s worth. Most will be better off just watching a playthrough.
You can pick up Murder on Space Station 52 on Steam, GoG, and Epic Games for $14.99
Sam’s daughter has inexplicitly fallen into a coma. Without any other family left in this world, Sam is willing to do anything to get her back. Fate drops “The book of Rituals” into Sam’s life, and now he finds himself in an unprecedented battle against unknown forces. Sam now fights to keep his sanity in the hopes of finding the power to wake his child from her eternal slumber. Do you have what it takes?
What is Escape Tales: The Awakening?
Escape Tales is a popular series of escape room board games. The video game adaptation promises the spirit of the series with features only achievable through video games. Gamers will collect clues, enjoy open exploration, solve puzzles, and enjoy an engaging narrative. The choices the player will matter and result in multiple endings, giving The Awakening some significant replay value. There is no time limit, and each puzzle will have various solutions. The Awakening promises to test a player’s problem-solving skills, moral compass, and decision-making. Seems like a solid deal for fans of the genre.
Impressions
I love puzzle games, and Escape Tales: The Awakening has me excited. What I’ve seen of the gameplay so far has me interested, and the story has me hooked. I am not familiar with board games, but I feel like it’s better to go into a puzzle game blind. I’ll be working on getting my review copy, so stay tuned for that.
Escape Tales: The Awakening is expected to release on Steam later this year, so make sure you add it your Wishlist.
I was sent a free copy of Indikato 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 enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to follow the socials!
Indika is a story-rich walking simulator out now for Steam. Indika is a nun on a journey of self-discovery as she battles the literal demon inside her and witnesses the horrors of a war-torn world around her. How much evil can her soul withstand before it starts to corrupt her? Will her faith waiver? You’re going to have to join her on this wacky, quirky, and amazing ride to find out.
Gamplay
Indikais a walking simulator, with the occasional puzzle or mini-game to mix things up. The main reason you play this game is for its dark humor and fantastic storytelling.
Players are railroaded through the story as they walk Indika through her set path. The striking visuals and environment make the walking bits fine. There isn’t much room for exploration, but the focus is on the story so it didn’t matter.
The puzzles are manageable and extremely creative. There is a puzzle in this game where the demon starts talking to Indika and warping the world around her. Indika can pray to silence the voices and make the world normal again. Players have to switch between these two modes to get out of the room. It was such a memorable mechanic and almost the reason to play the game. Some puzzles may not be as intuitive, but there are walkthroughs available online in case you get stuck.
The final bit is these pixel art minigames sprinkled throughout. These games add to the chaotic, quirky story-telling, and unforgettable charm. These mini-games aren’t difficult, and they are a nice change of pace but don’t change the overall tone of the narrative. I recorded footage, but everything was a bit too adult to post on YouTube.
Impressions
My only complaint is that this game is too short. It will take about 5 hours to complete. The gameplay is solid, and the story is fantastic. I’ve never experienced such a trippy, dark, and well-told story like this, and I recommend you all play it just for the story. The soundtrack voice acting is phenomenal, and most of the reason why you should enjoy this game. The walking can feel a bit tedious at times, but it always pays off.
Indikais a masterful blend of creative storytelling and interesting gameplay that needs to be experienced once. If you’re looking for a short game with a solid story, go pick up Indika. It is a more adult story, so viewer discretion and all that. It also criticizes and pokes fun at religion, and I am sure that will ruffle some feathers. If you don’t mind any of this, Indikashould be in your library.
Coriolis: The Great Dark RPG just launched on Kickstarter, and it was fully funded in only seven minutes. At $381,234, it has unlocked seven of its eight goals, which means backers will get some exclusive goodies. If you’re looking for run a dark adventure about space exploration and discovery, you might want to go back Coiolis: The Great Dark on Kickstarter.
What is Coriolis: The Great Dark
Coriolis: The Great Darkis the sequel to The Great Horizon, Free League Publishing’s first sci-fi TTRPG. The campaign takes place a couple of generations after the events of the first and explores the evolution of a culture pioneering through space. This means there will be new mechanics, new ideologies, and new goals introduced in this unique yet stand-alone adventure. While playing the original game may help players catch on to the nuances and history, it isn’t necessary for jumping into this new adventure.
Some brave inhabitants of the Ship City take on jobs for the Explorers Guild to delve into the unknown in search of resources, information, and a better life. These expeditions eventually uncover abandoned ruins that spark a new era of exploration and adventure. What secrets will be uncovered within these ruins? Where will these answers take you?
Spreads
Art
Q&A
Kickstarter Levels
Digital Edition ($24)
Digital PDF of the Core Rulebook
Digital Combo ($43)
Digital Pdfs of the Core Rulebook & Campaign
Standard Edition ($48)
Standard Edition of Core Rulebook
Instant access to PDF of Core Rulebook
Kickstarter Exclusive Collectors Edition ($87)
Deluxe Collectors Edition of Core Rulebook
Instant access to PDF of Core Rulebook
Standard Combo ($87)
Standard Edition of Core Rulebook
Campaign Boxed Set
Instant access to PDF of Core Rulebook
Collectors Combo ($125)
Deluxe Collectors Edition of Core Rulebook
Campaign Boxed Set
Instant access to PDF of Core Rulebook
Deluxe Bundle ($154)
Deluxe Collectors Edition of Core Rulebook
Campaign Boxed Set
Instant access to PDF of Core Rulebook
GM Screen
Extra Dice set
Conclusion
If you’re trying to support a very cool-looking game, now is the time to do it. The flavor is cool, the art looks amazing, and the quality is going to be spectacular based on the other books I’ve gotten from the publisher. Most of you can probably wait for the full release of the game, but now is the time for some very cool exclusives, like the collector’s edition rulebook. Backing a Kickstarter always has its risks, but Free League Publishing regularly delivers on its promises. Go check out Coriolis: The Great Dark, and back it today!
If you enjoy these updates, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. Don’t forget to back the socials!
I know this one is late but the new year messed up my schedule. Make sure you check out the original. If you enjoy this project, don’t forget to like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends!
Character design/illustration illustrator: malo
The air smells like burning exhaust. Smoke rises around Soloogarmon as white-hot flames erupt from the generators on its shoulders. It grips its mace tightly as it watches the police Digimon before it. It can’t help but smirk as they tense up in preparation.
“I got a bit of my memory back,” Soloogarmon whispers.
“Yeah?” Eiji lets out a sigh of relief, seeing they are still in control.
“Yep!” Soloogarmon takes a deep breath. “I’m burning everything!” It bellows as a menacing grimace creeps across its face. The generators burn brightly, releasing a high-pitched whir as they continue to gather energy. Before the Hi-Commandramon can react, Soloogarmon vanishes. It leaves behind a swirl of smoke in its place. Suddenly, one of Hi-Commandramon’s shields begins to buckle and break under the weight of the mace. Soloogarmon stands at the other end of the impact. Its grin widens with each new crack.
“AWWOOOOOO!” Saloogarmon lets out a howl that rattles the shattered armor. Flames begin to spill from its maw.
ERUPTION HOWL
Torrents of red-hot hellfire melt effortlessly through the armor, leaving the Hi-Commandramon defenseless. It shrinks away from the heat as the other shield fruitlessly appears in feeble retaliation. The shield shrivels into a burning husk of debris. The two police Digimon spring into a defensive stance, and take careful aim in retaliation. Both grenade launchers empty furiously as twelve grenades find their target. Soloogarmon explodes into flames and vanishes behind its veil.
The flames vanish in an instant, revealing an unscathed Saloogarmon. Magical flames move around it in a protective aura. Soloormon smirks. “Is that it?” The Hi-Commandramon become visibly shaken.
“Careful, you’re taking damage,” Eiji says as he watches the monitors flash with warning.
“It’s all part of the plan!” It grips Vanargand tightly and readies for another attack. The Hi-Commandramon lift their batons for another attack. “No more games Eiji. Let’s burn ’em!”
“Their mindlinkers too. Don’t wreck their Digicores!” Eiji pleas.
“Don’t worry. They’re tough. They’re not gonna die.” Before Eiji can respond, Saloogarmon takes off into the air. A shockwave of energy explodes behind it. It lifts Vanargand
Skoll Rage!
The fight between the two legendary dragons rages furiously over the gateway. The sudden flash from Loogarmon’s evolution forces them to pause as they shield their eyes from the blinding illumination.
Yulin looks down towards the source and watches as the humanoid wolf tears through her strongest officers. With one mighty blow, it leaves the pair unconscious. Yulin grinds her teeth in frustration as she watches the unknown code cracker make a mockery of her and her unit. Something about the code cracker seems familiar. She ponders for a moment. “Is that Eiji Nagasumi?”
Kosuke chuckles, “He really did it. Isn’t he awesome?”
Yulin watches as her opponent’s attention drifts for a moment. She readies for an attack. “I’ll just have to deal with him after!”
Dorugoramon wags its finger. “None of that,” Kosuke responds. “I need both of you for this next bit.”
“What bit?”
“Don’t you see?” He shouts ecstatically as his Digimon raises his arms wide towards the sea of networks above them. “Three ultimate Digimon, each with the three key attribute. Data, vaccine, virus! We’re all here!”
Yulin tries to piece together the words but struggles to follow Kosuke’s thoughts. “What are you plotting?”
Tartarus turns to Yulin. “I’m not plotting anything. I’m just finishing what we started.”
Suddenly, it clicks. The pain and anguish Kosuke carried with him all these years could no longer be contained. The chaos of Kosuke’s obsession erupts all around her, and all she can feel is sorrow.
“Unlike you,” Kosuke continues. “I haven’t forgotten about Saya.”
His words cut Yulin deeply.
“I don’t blame you.” He continues. “Forgetting was the only way you could move forward. Isn’t that why you became a cop? To prevent others from going DMIA? Is this,” Koske motions to the chaos around him, “Your penance?”
“Don’t you dare talk to me like you still know me!” She snaps.
Kosuke smiles through his Digimon. “I know you better than anyone Yulin. But have it your way. Today’s the day we put an end to this chapter. I’m going to save Saya Yulin. I’m going to bring her back.”
“And how the hell do you plan to do that?”
“With an old relic of the Digital World. It sits down in the depths of the Digital World. It has the power to fix everything, and I am going to be the one to get it!” Dorugoramon begins to glow bright with energy as it charges an attack.
“Ouryumon!” Yulin shouts. Ouryumon begins redies its blades and begins to glow with its own aura.
“I think this counts as police brutality,” Kosuke snides.
“Some situation need a little force.”
“I haven’t done anything wrong. What happened to innocent until proven guilty?”
“That doesn’t work here…” Her words trail as she becomes filled with rage. Ouryumon crosses its blades and charges the silver dragon. Before Dorugoramon can react, the two swords plunge into Dorugoramon’s neck. “I’ll be the one who saves Saya!” Yulin snarls.
Dorugoramon shrieks in pain, and Yulin catches a glimpse of its fear. She freezes as she remembers shes a cop. Dorugoramon smirks and takes advantage of the distraction. It grabs Ouryumon’s arms and pulls the blades out. They leave behind shallow wounds.
“You lost Yulin. This is all going according to plan.”
“Dammit Kosuke!”
“Like I said, I know you better than anyone.”
Dorugoramon delivers a fierce kick that sends Ouryumon flying back, creating space between the two dragons. Dorugoramon launches itself forward, turning into pure destructive energy.
Thanks again for keeping up with this project. This chapter has been a little harder because it feels a little dragged out. Make sure you always check out the original anyways. My version goes out the Monday after release unless something comes up. If you’ve been enjoying this project, don’t forget to like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends!
Character design/illustration illustrator: malo
Saya and Yulin stand outside the warehouse, taking a break away from the busy factory floor. In a short time, the floor was full of new employees eager to work on the next piece of innovation. Investors lined up eagerly trying to fund the next big thing from Ryusenji Technologies. The two women look tired, but happy as they enjoy the touch of the midday sun.
Saya turns to Yulin and flashes her new ring. She lets out an excited giggle as the diamond glitters in the sun.
Yulin lets out a laugh. “So it’s official. I guess I should say congratulations. I didn’t think that dope Kosuke could be bothered to ask for a ring size.”
Saya pulls the ring back to examine it lovingly. “Congratulations are appropriate, yes.”
“Well congratulations, I mean it. You’re good for him.”
“I know!” Saya says as she flashes the ring once again.
“Surprised you got a wedding in with how busy things have gotten. All the projects, the meetings, its exhausting.”
“Who would have thought Digimon would change things for us so quickly?”
Kosuke bursts out of the building with a VR helmet in hand and an excited look on his face. He is neatly groomed and is wearing clean pressed clothes under his lab coat. “Saya!” he shouts as he rushes to the pair.
“Where’s the fire?”Yulin asks playfully.
“Look at this!” Kosuke says proudly as he offers a VR helmet to Saya.
Saya takes it. She examines it for a moment before asking, “What is this thing?”
“You have to look into it.”
Saya puts on the helmet and begins looking around. “What is this?” Her vision fills with lofi compounded images of a distorted and strange world.
“That’s the first footage ever taken through a Digimon’s eyes! You’re seeing through a Digimon’s eyes right now!
Ryuseniji worked tirelessly towards his goal of experiencing the Digital World with all his senses. The theory stood that if Digimon were AI creatures, their sensory data should be easy enough to capture and interpret. All he had to do was imbed the human consciousness into the Digital World and link it to said data.
“This ought to keep me busy for the rest of my life,” Ryusenji says to himself as he looks over his notes.
Ryusenji Electronics had begun exploring the fundamentals of mindlinking technology in secret. They had to minimize the risks and answer the ethical questions later.
Saya was one of the first to successfully link her consciousness with a Digimon.
“Mindlink test complete,” Yulin’s voice buzzes over the PA system.
Saya lays on what looks like a repurposed dentist chair wearing a VR helmet. Wires and cables come down around her and wrap into her arms and helmet. Around her lay an array of monitors, computers, and stacks of notes.
“Vitals are stable. DS levels are dropping. Subject is regaining consciousness. Severing the mindlink,” Kosuke says calmly as he walks over to his wife.
Yulin walks into the room carrying a bucket. She walks over to the chair. Saya begins convulsing, letting out a soft grown. Her arms and legs flail as she slowly regains consciousness. She becomes still and sits up, carefully removing the helmet.
“Here.” Yulin hands her the bucket.
Saya looks uncomfortable as she fights the nausea. “I think….urp…I think I’m getting used to it.” She gives a weak smile as she holds back the vomit. She remembers the mess she made the first time she mindlinked.
Professor Ryusenji claps softly. “Magnificent! These results are astounding. Sufficient rest is required between sessions, and there are some serious side effects we need to address, but the experiment was a rousing success!”
Saya smiles weakly as she picks up the Digimon Dock with the word Agumon written under it. “Nice job Agu!” An image of a small bipedal dinosaur seems to jump in reaction.
I know I am a little behind on releases. Work has been hectic, and I haven’t had much time to work on these. Thank you for your patience and continued support. I’ll do my best to catch up! I think I’ll start posting updates on Mastodon if that’s an easier way to stay updated, but let me know if there are better options. Make sure you always support the official release, and don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share these with your friends!
Character design/illustration illustrator: malo
Onminomon floats over the two Digimon. Its armor glows from the energy gathering at the tip of the cannon. Omnimon aims it at Helloogarmon, who continues to wriggle in pain. The metallic wolf at the end of the cannon glistens preciously as arcs of energy spill out of its mouth. Omnimon releases the beam. It comes crashing down, engulfing Helloogarmon in a blinding white spotlight of frozen energy before vanishing in the same instant.
Hellogarmon lays motionless, its body and flames left frozen by the blast. Inside the Digicore, Eiji writhes in agony. He vaguely remembers the ice beam washing over them as he slowly loses consciousness. His body burns with unbearable pain. He feels his life slowly fading as he desperately tries to hold onto consciousness.
Eiji’s vision blurs and darkens, but he can still make out the outline of the holy knight as it moves towards them. He struggles to concentrate, but he can make out the menacing blade thirsting for their lives. In his struggle with consciousness, Eiji can make out his own name written in the strange runes that decorate the face of the blade.
“Delete all!” Omnimon’s words fall onto Eiji with a soothing calm. As Omnimon readies for his final blow, Eiji becomes at peace with death. Eiji welcomes the darkness.
CRACK
Omnimon stumbles from a blow to its back.
“Loogamon!” an unseen voice shouts.
Pulsemon?…the familiar voice pulls Eiji back from the darkness. His vision clears as he watches Kazuchimon crash into Omnimon, sending both Digimon flying.
The force of the vortex picks up the flying Digimon and pulls it towards its center. Omnimon struggles to pry Kazuchimon off, but Kazuchimon holds on tightly. Omnimon brings down heavy blows that leave Kazuchimon bruised and bloodied, but Kazuchimon remains unfazed. The vortex continues to pull them closer and closer to its pit.
“Eiji” Leon’s voice crackles from the distance. His voice is barely audible.
“Let go Leon…You have to let go. The vortex is sucking you up!” Eiji shouts back helplessly.
“This…Knight…the last…” Leon’s message comes in gargled with static.
Eiji tries to move but finds himself frozen in the darkness. His body still aches from the bast. His eyes swell with tears, “LEON!!” Eiji watches as his friend is pulled farther and farther away.
“I’m sorry Eiji. I don’t know if you can still hear me. This whole thing is fucked. I tried to save you…I just didn’t know what else to…” his message cuts off. Eiji sits in the silent darkness of the Digicore.
With one sharp elbow, Omnimon frees itself from Kazhuchimon’s grip and turns its attention to Eiji.
Shido Ittetsu!
Before Omnimon can make its escape, an electromagnetic barrier forms around the two Digimon.
“You aren’t getting away!” Leon shouts. Around him, alarms blare loudly as Leon uses the last of his mindlink energy to seal Omnimon. Kazuchimon grapples Omnimon. Omnimon struggles as its limbs become locked in the hold. It turns its head to glare at Kazuchimon. Leon stares back at the angry eyes. “For as long as I’ve got left, you’re not going anywhere.”
Eiji continues to watch as Kazuchimon and Omnimon inch closer to the core.
“They’re nearly through…” Eiji says to himself.
Suddenly, the Digicore around him springs to life. Monitors start to fill with data and status updates. Eiji’s commands begin to register. He fights through the pain and begins typing furiously.
Helloogarmon rises slowly. It shakes off the last bits of frost. Its few lingering flames go out, leaving a charged werewolf skeleton. Hellogarmon splashes through black dirty puddles as it stumbles to its feet. It begins to glow and shrink as it turns back into Loogamon. It takes another step before falling back to the ground.
“Loogamon!” Eiji shouts excitedly, as he appears suddenly next to his fallen friend. He kneels beside Loogamon, “Hang in there buddy.”
“…Eiji…What’s…going on?” Loogamon makes out weakly.
“I’ll tell you later.” Eiji lets out a sigh of relief, forgetting for a moment about the danger around him. But reality hits him suddenly. Eiji looks toward his disappearing friend and shouts, “Leon! Get out of there! You win Leon, I’ll quit! Just get out of there!” The whirl of the vortex drowns out his words.
Eiji watches as Kazuchimon and Omnimon disappear into the Vortex. A moment later, it disappears. The sky fills with an eerie peacefulness. Around him, the world goes silent. Eiji begins tending Loogamon’s wounds. Tears fall down his cheek as the realization hits him. There was nothing more he could do.
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I was sent Viewfinder as a review code. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I will not let it sway my opinions.
Viewfinder is a first-person puzzle game for PC and PS5 where you solve puzzles using pictures to manipulate the world around you. A group of scientists created a virtual world where they worked on solving the world’s problems. It is believed that hidden somewhere in this world is a machine that can solve the negative effects of climate change. You are sent into this world to find this machine and any other secrets that can benefit humanity. What secrets will you uncover within this virtual labyrinth?
I got to play Viewfinder at this year’s GDC and have been excited for its release since. This game is as fun as I remembered and surpassed all of my expectations. If you are in the market for a relaxing and fun puzzle game, Viewfinder is your answer. The game has an interesting story, unique mechanics, a fantastic soundtrack, and a beautiful world to explore. This is one of the few games where I went out of my way to collect every bit of story I could from the notes, recordings, and journal entries.
The puzzles in this game are manageable and extremely creative. I had a ton of fun solving the puzzles because of how much flexibility there is for each solution. To solve a puzzle in Viewfinder, you use photos to manipulate the room around you. For example, you can use a picture of a side of a building to make a ramp to get you somewhere high, or you can use the same picture to make a bridge. How you use these pictures and solve the puzzles is up to you. Each puzzle feels open to multiple solutions, and watching the world change as I solved the puzzles was really cool to see. I am blown away by how creative the puzzles and mechanics are. You need to play this game to appreciate how much love and hard work was put into it.
My main complaint with this game is that it felt a little short. I was either having too much fun, or I am really good at puzzles because I felt like I breezed through this game. My other complaint is that some of the filters make pictures harder to see when placing them. The filters are optional, and therefore not a deal breaker.
Viewfinder is a fantastic puzzle game for players who are looking for something with a beautiful atmosphere, a solid story, and innovative mechanics. You can grab your copy of Viewfinder on Steam or PlayStation for $24.99. There is also a demo on Steam if you’d like to try it out first. This is one of the best games I’ve played this year, and I would argue that you will think the same.
