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Tech Reviews

Epomaker GX1 Review: Affordable Wireless Gaming Headset

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Disclaimer

Epomaker sent me the GX1 wireless headset for free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out my reviews for the Nex Lite gaming mouse and the TH80 V2 Pro mechanical keyboard. I’ll also be using my Amazon Affiliate link where possible. It really helps me out if you use it before buying anything.

Table of Contents

What’s in the box?

  • GX1 Wirless Gaming Headset
  • Detachable Mic
  • Mic Filter
  • USB-C to 3.5mm Audio Cable
  • 2.4 GHz Wireless Dongle
  • User Manual

Unboxing

Features

If you are looking for a budget headset that not only sounds good, but also makes your voice beautiful, you might want to reach for the Epomaker GX1 gaming headset. This stylish headset is ready to let you take command of the next fight, or when you’re ready to jump into the newest Grand Theft Auto game.

Listen in Style

Listen in style with the stylish new GX1 wireless headset. The GX1 is available in three colors: white, black, and pink. I got mine in pink because it is my favorite color, but don’t be afraid to get into one of the more boring colors. Based on what I got, they are going to look just as good (although I am clearly biased).

The stylish modern design gives you the esports look for when you’re ready for your next stream, or just a personal glow-up for those long gaming sessions (those of you who can still afford to game all day. Treasure it!). The fake leather padding make it look more elegant, but I have never been a fan of the material. The earmuffs may be swappable, but the material starts looking rough after a while. Finally, it wouldn’t be a gaming headset without the RGB and this has a beautifully subtle lighting effect on the earmuffs for those of you who want RGB on everything. You can turn it off if you want to be boring though.

Performance

The GX1 is Epomaker’s open back headphones. The open back design coupled with the 55mm dynamic drivers offer the bass you want and the high quality soundstage you’ve been searching for. Gamers and fans of ASMR will appreciate the effective 7.1 surround sound (only available in Bluetooth mode). The GX1 allows for three connections: Wireless through the dongle, Bluetooth 5, and through USB. You can enjoy the same high quality sound on either connection, but you never have to worry about being out of the action because your device. Or if you’re me, you can seamlessly switch between as much as you need.

Those of you who want to minimize their wire clutter can enjoy the impressive 2000mAh battery. That means you are never out of the action when you need it the most. The headset boasts 30 hours with all the lights, and about 70 hours without. When the battery does wind down, the headset delivers a gentle warning without interrupting any of your audio. That means you aren’t missing the most exciting part of your drama, and you can quickly connect with the included high quality cable to stay in the action.

For those of you who need a mic, the Epomaker GX1 has an ENC noise cancelling mic that is detachable. That means that the people on the other side can enjoy your beautiful voice without any of the unnecessary ambiance. The mic is also detachable for those of you who need it for travel. If you are looking for a new headset, the GX1 is definitely looking like a strong contender.

Mic Check

https://churapereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/epomakerGX1.mp3

Review

If you are looking for a cheap headset that works well, looks good, and is comfortable, Epomaker has an answer with the GX1 gaming headset. While I wouldn’t call it your next audiophile solution nor your next podcast mic, it is good enough for most uses. You are getting a lot of value at this price point, for a product that you are going to use regularly. If you don’t have money for a more professional setup, you can’t go wrong with the GX1.

Quality

I was very impressed with the quality of the GX1 out of the box. Everything looks cleanly machined with no visible signs of cheapness or imperfections. The headset is a good weight: heavy enough to feel like a quality product, but not so heavy that it is uncomfortable. The padding is soft and spongy, but I fear the leather material isn’t going to survive the year. The material is already cracked after two weeks of use, but at least it isn’t pealing yet. The padding is replaceable, but it doesn’t seem worth it. At least not at this price point.

The mic is my favorite bit of the GX1. The stem is sturdy and flexible, allowing users to always find the perfect position regardless of face size and shape (I have a very fat face). The padding that goes over the mic seems fine, but I am not versed enough to know how effective it is at its job.

The overall product feels sturdy. The bridge can handle a healthy amount of flex, so at least it won’t snap on you when you try to put it on. The bridge also offers a good amount of pressure to minimize movement but without hurting your head (so long as you’re sitting down). For $50, you are getting a good quality product ready to play your favorite songs.

Audio

The audio on the GX1 is fine. I found it a little flat for my taste, but its fine for most uses. If you aren’t paying for that top tier Tidal subscription, these will do the job. I tried out the different sound modes: 7.1 surround, movie, and music. Music is on by default and is probably the best sounding of the three. Movie does make the voice a little clearer, but it doesn’t really make the movie sound better. I didn’t really notice much of the 7.1 effect, at least not in a way that it is meaningful enough for gaming. I would just leave the settings as is or use third party software to adjust the levels if you’re feeling fancy.

Personal, I prefer the sound of the Redragon Zues H510 as far a budget headsets go, but the sound is good enough for those who don’t want an extra cable.

Performance

The GX1 works as intended. I was able to switch between the three different connections quickly and seamlessly. This included switching between devices, and yes I got to use all of the connections. Bluetooth is very easy to connect and reset in case you need to switch devices. The dongle is easy to use, and is compatible with both USB-C and USB-A connections. This allowed me to use the headset for work computer (my clients appreciate the better voice quality), my gaming computer (perfect for my ASMR), and on my phone (for D&D night!). There was no noticeable difference in any of the connections. The fact that the USB-C dongle pugs into a USB-A adapter is futuristic AF and I love it!

Now the range of the connection is reasonable. You can hear everything from the same room, but you might start losing connection in other rooms. This is only a problem when you walk into the kitchen for a snack and want to continue listening to your favorite podcast. It isn’t really an issue if you press pause.

The battery is impressive. The advertising boasts 30 hours of battery life, and I got just about that with all of the lights on. I didn’t test the life without the RGB because I am vain and prefer how it looks with the RGB.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an affordable headset that works for most of your needs, the Epomaker GX1 is a valid option. You get a good looking headset with enough quality to be worth the price tag. You may not be getting the audiophile level experience, but most people won’t notice the difference. You can pick up the GX1 on the official Epomaker store, or on Amazon using my Affiliate Link.

video game reviews

Discover Lunarium: A Beautiful RPG Adventure

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Disclaimer

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

Shameless Self Promotion

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

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

Table of Contents

What is Lunarium?

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

Hook

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

Gameplay

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

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

Does it work on the Steam Deck

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

Review

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

Aesthetic

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

Gameplay

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

Conclusion

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

Trailer

video game reviews

Exploring Odds Chronicles Demo: Gameplay & Combat

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of the Odds Chronicle demo to review for my blog. The game is not finished yet, so I will try to be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, this will be my honest impression of the demo.

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 Odds Chronicles

Odds Chronicles is a tactical roguelike RPG coming to Steam sometime this year. Make sure you check out the demo, and don’t forget to add the game to your wishlist!

Hook

Evryn was once a great warrior, and a royal guard to the king. Evil forces drove their way into the city, killing the king and Evryn. That tyrant remains, spreading his evil influence across the land. Feeling the deepest sense of regret, Evryn wakes again, but not in her own world, or even her own time. Evryn finds herself resurrected in the tavern outside of time, with a chance at redemption and revenge.

Travel back to the land you once failed, and use your abilities to fight back the tyrants evil forced. Along your journey, you will meet new allies to fight with, abilities to use, and people to save. Will the dice be in your favor? Can you put an end to the tyrant’s evil reign?

Gameplay

Odds Chronicles features the traditional roguelike structure, but with a unique board game-like feel to set it apart. Players start a run with a basic set of abilities, and earn more powerful ones as they progress through the map. Maps are split into different nodes that feature events, plot, shops, and encounters. Players can choose the path, but the demo has limited paths to the same outcome. A run is over when the player character’s health hits zero.

Combat

Players cast abilities by spending dice rolls. Dice are rolled at the start of each combat round. Any dice that isn’t spent on an ability is used to fill up the wild dice meter. When the wild dice meter fills, players get a wild dice to spend on any ability, even if it has been expended. Each ability has a set number of charges. Once those charges are used up, they can no longer be cast. Learning when and how to spend your dice pool is key for success.

Example: An attack has 2 charges and deals 5 damage. The player rolls a 2 attack and deals 7 damage. Suppose the player rolls no other attack dice but rolls a wild dice. They can spend the wild dice to deal damage, or use it to cast abilities different resources (magic and agility).

Dice

There are four forms of resources a player can roll each round: attack, magic, agility, and wild. Wild dice only become accessible when a player fills the wild dice meter, but they can be used to cast any kind of ability. All abilities have a casting cost that pulls from a particular resource type or group of types.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

The Odds Chronicles demo works great on the Steam Deck. There is some awkward clunkiness like when it would randomly not let me cast abilities, but nothing that makes the game unplayable. There is touch screen support, but it is a little clunky. It feels better to use the controller, but it is nice to have access to touch controls when the game stops working. My only complaint is that some of the elements do look a little small, but I am old and it feels like a personal problem.

Review

2026 is looking like it is going to be an amazing year for roguelike. I am very satisfied with the amount of unique roguelikes that have passed through my desk, and can’t wait for a few upcoming releases. Odds Chronicles is easily one of these titles. If you like board games, and aren’t afraid of a little strategy, Odds Chronicles should be in your watchlist. This game looks good, and the demo is really solid.

Aesthetics

Odds Chronicles feels like a board game I get to play on my computer, and I am a huge fan of that vibe. The characters look like cool sculpted minis I wouldn’t mind trying to paint (and ruin). The maps are small and contained, but with enough obstacles to keep things interesting. This game proves that you don’t need huge maps to create interesting encounters. The soundtrack is also pretty solid, and I can’t wait to see what else the world of Odds Chronicles has to offer.

Combat

There is some clunkiness that springs up here and there on both PC and on the Steam Deck, but the game is still in development. None of the bugs are game breaking, and the demo is smooth enough to paint a full picture.

The game plays like a tabletop wargame, but one that I am actually good at. The dice rolls give me that sweet hit of dopamine, especially when all the rolls like up perfectly for an epic epic round. The combat system is unique and a refreshing take on the genre. The few abilities available in this demo are cool and flavorful. It does feel like the demo is solvable. You will learn pretty quickly what abilities to pick up and focus on, but the game isn’t finished yet. The devs are hard at work at balancing the game, but it is good enough for the demo.

Conclusion

If you enjoy wargaming or are looking for a different kind of roguelike, check out the Odds Chronicles demo. It is an excellent demo that properly showcases what is potentially going to be my favorite game of the year. The demo looks good, plays great, and you can run on the Steam Deck!

You can download the Odds Chronicles demo on Steam. Don’t forget to add it to your wishlist! If you are looking for other unique roguelikes, check out Talystro or my current personal favorite, Anthem#9.

Trailer

video game reviews

Microtopia: A Unique Village Builder Experience

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I was sent a free copy of Microtopia 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-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update weekly.

What is Microtopia?

Microtopia is an ant-colony village builder out now on Steam.

You are in charge of building the mightiest mechanical ant empire this world has ever seen. Program your drones, upgrade your units, build your empire, and protect your queen. Build efficiently, plan accordingly, and get ready to lose a few days of sleep. Do you have what it takes to make the perfect colony?

Gameplay

The game walks through the games important mechanics and a well designed tutorial that can skipped on later playthroughs. Players all start with a queen and a few drones, and slowly build that into the mighty ant empire it turns into. Players will command their ants to gather resource, build structures, and upgrade their empire. What makes the game unique is that the automation is programed by the players. The bulk of the game is designing the many intertwining routes ants take to perform their tasks. These routes are constantly changing as resources run out and more structures start to to populate the map. The trick to this game is efficiently weaving every moving part of the colony so that everything runs smoothly. There are tech trees and upgrades to keep the game engaging. If you run out of tasks and the game feels like you are waiting on timers, you are playing this game wrong.

Review

Microtopia is one of the best village builders I have ever played. I had my doubts during the first boot because the graphics and art style are a little plain. The more I played the game, the less of a problem I had with the art direction. The style is not only very thematic and flavorful, it also means it can run on anything. It does run fine on the steam deck, but it is a little small and you’re going to have to use the touchscreen.

The village/factory building mechanics are the main reason for buying the game. They are easy to grasp with the excellent opening tutorial, and they give the player enough to do to keep the game engaging. Most of village builders I’ve played autopath tasks like farming materials, but Microtopia has players design the paths first, and assign the units to travel them second. While I do appreciate the more laid back approach of the autopathing, I did now know how much I wanted to design my own routs and paths. This does mean players need to be a bit more active in their planning stages, but I never felt like it was unnecessary busy work. I also love the fact that structures can be moved at any time, and they can be destroyed for a full refund. I make a lot of mistakes and appreciate the extra flexibility. That said, I did restart my playthrough after the tutorial because I was not happy with my pathing and some of my earlier decisions.

Microtopia is the most engaging relaxing game you will get to play. I found the village building soothing, and the mechanics had me obsessing about every little detail. If you’re looking for a new village builder, Microtopia is a strong contender. It’s unique mechanics are worth trying once, and the art style will grow on you. This is a fantastic game that deserves a lot more attention.

You can pick up Microtopia on Steam for only $19.99.

video game reviews

Is Cycles of Aylorea Worth the Alpha Price?

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I was sent free early Alpha access to Cycles of Aylorea 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 for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard or the EasySMX X15 controller. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is Cycles of Aylorea?

Cycles of Aylorea is an open world survival MMO with the goal of player driven content.

You wake up in a strange world with the clothes on your back and a desire to survive. Use the resources available to you to build your arsenal, construct your home, and survive the ever changing landscape. Team up with other players to build vibrant cities, forge alliance, and fight off anyone who gets in your way. Will Cycles of Aylorea be the sandbox playground we’ve been waiting for?

Gameplay

The alpha features the traditional Survival MMO experience where players attempt to get their foothold in Aylorea while defending against the elements and other players. The Alpha features always on PVP where players can loot the corpses of the dead. But those players who can survive this unforgiving world or make strong alliances can build bases or take up a profession. Future patches will expand the gameplay to allow players to form cities, and create contracts, and there will be a few PVE events to keep things spicy.

Review

I know Cycles of Aylorea is still in its alpha, but I fear this project may be a bit too ambitious. None of what I got to try in the alpha made me want more.

The game kept crashing on character creation whenever I changed hair color. Aside from the hairstyle, none of the other features did anything. I don’t care too much about character creation, so I am willing to overlook this issue. I then proceeded to spawn inside a mountain. I was able to get out, but it is emblematic of the rest of the experience.

I understand the animations are not ready yet, but they are wonky and offputting. I was also moving through trees and other solid objects during farming or when I was trying to run away. Again, I am willing to forgive some level of polish since the game is still in its infancy.

What is harder to forgive is the lack of novelty. Cycles of Aylorea doesn’t do enough different, at least not enough to be worth the $45 alpha key. Combat feels stiff and boring, farming and crafting feel like the same chore it does in other survival games, and there was never anyone around for PVP. Playing at the odd hours I do meant that I was playing solo, and the solo experience is boring. Maybe with a few more patches and features this game will be interesting, but it isn’t really worth playing it over any of the other survival games out there.

If you don’t mind the bugs and want to help make Cycles of Aylorea a better game, go pick it up using my reference code. I’d recommend trying it with friends so you have something to do, otherwise I wouldn’t bother. Nothing about this game excites me for a better version, but I am willing to give it another chance after a few major updates.

video game reviews

Into the Emberlands is an Adorable Village Management Game

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I was sent a free copy of Into the Emberlands 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 Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard and the Uhuru Gaming mouse for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you’re thinking of hosting your own blog on WordPress, make sure you sign up using my Affiliate link!

What is Into the Emberlands?

Into the Emberlands is an adorable village management survival game out now on Steam.

A deadly miasma spreads across the Emberlands, consuming all who dare step into its mist. Luckily, the light from the magical lantern at the center of town has the power to repel the mist. Fill your lantern with its magical embers and venture into the mist in search of materials, loot, and new members for your village. Can you find the means to thrive within the encroaching miasma, or will you be lost in its poisonous clouds?

Gameplay

Players will begin their game with a basic village and a few quests to begin their expansion into the miasma. Players then travel through the forest in search of materials, loot, and new villagers. Players can only travel into the forest if they have magical light to guide them. Each step a player takes within the miasma consumes fuel. Players only have a limited amount of fuel for this light, and running out of fuel means death.

Fuel can be replenished by returning to the base, collecting random nodes of embers, or saving a stranded villager. The amount of fuel a player can carry can be upgraded through quests, increasing the number of steps a player can make in the mist, but these upgrades are lost upon death. Make sure you always move carefully, and you are always questing efficiently.

Eventually, the village will become more complex with different helpful buildings, resources, and villagers. The distance that can be traveled will also increase, making the game feel less repetitive.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, and it is a solid port. I preferred playing Into the Emberlands on the Steam Deck despite the slight awkwardness. The game runs great, but sometimes the cursor would disappear and other times the camera would be annoying to control. None of these issues made the game unplayable, but they did pop up enough times to be mentioned. Regardless, Into the Emberlands is fun and casual enough to make it the ideal couch or travel game.

Review

Into the Eberlands is a fun new twist to the village management genre. The game runs great, is super adorable, and has a fun yet challenging gameplay loop. Gathering in this game is simple and repetitive, but the ember mechanics make the loop exciting. It is easy to find that you have ventured too far from the village without enough resources to get back. It is also exhilarating to barely make it back to the village after making a series of risky gambles.

It could easily lose days to this game because of how fun, cute, and exciting the loop is. I recommend everyone try at least once.

You can pick up Into the Emberlands on Steam for only $6.59. The game is still in Early Access, but I feel comfortable enough to recommend it. You’ll at the very least get your money’s worth.

video game reviews

Viel of Shadows is a Fantastic Roguelike!

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I was sent a free copy of Viel of Shadows 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 Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard and the Uhuru Gaming mouse for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you’re thinking of hosting your own blog on WordPress, make sure you sign up using my Affiliate link!

What is Viel of Shadows

Viel of Shadows is a top-down, action-adventure out now on Steam.

Sirene wakes up in a strange forest without her memories. As she tries to make sense of her situation, she is attacked savagely by monsters. Luckily, she is handy with a bow. Now Sirene must fight her way through the forest, collect her memories, and hopefully find a way out. What will her journey uncover? Will she ever get out?

Gameplay

Players control Sirene on her journey to collect her memories. To do so, players must fight their way through seemingly endless waves of monsters. Combat in this game is a top-down twin-stick shooter where death isn’t permanent. As a result, players will grind out the same encounters for levels until they are strong enough to venture deeper into the forest.

When a player levels, they get an experience point to spend on permanent stat boosts, buffs, and abilities. Players can choose from three paths: Damage, Agility, and Precision. Each path feels unique, and players have the freedom to find a path that works best for their playstyle. I am sure there is a correct way to build Sirene, but I liked throwing everything into precision. I’ll definitely be trying the other paths in future playthroughs.

What makes Viel of Shadows is the ever encroaching darkness that follows Sirene. As time passes, the edges of the screen will close in on a player until Sirene is consumed by darkness. The darkness limits a payers field of vision and hinders their effectiveness in combat. A player can mitigate this effect through potions or orbs from random drops. While there is no real time limit to a run, this effect creates the right amount of pressure to keep things tense and exciting.

Does it Work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, and it is a fantastic port. The game runs great, looks fine, and the controls feel good. While the aim with my Uhuru Gaming Mouse (or any mouse) was far superior, it was nice to be able to sit back and play something casually. I did notice dying more on the Steam Deck than on PC, but that felt like a skill issue. If you’re looking for games for your Steam Deck, Viel of Shadows is a great option.

Review

I got to try an early demo of Viel of Shadows, and I’ve been excited about the game ever since. The game has a great aesthetic with fantastic pixel art and flavor. The gameplay is repetitive by design, but it doesn’t matter because the game is so much fun. Combat in this game feels smooth, and the leveling system is satisfying. There is a bit of a grind, but it isn’t soul-crushing. I found the repetition soothing and enjoyed watching my progress through the forest. The game is a great casual title with engaging enough gameplay to be worth the money.

You can pick up Viel of Shadows on Steam for only $7.99, and there is a demo available if you don’t believe me.

Tech Reviews

The Uhuru WM-09 is the Perfect Budget Gaming Mouse

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I was sent the Uhuru WM-09 gaming mouse 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.

What’s in the box?

Inside you get:

  • The Uhuru WM-09 Gaming Mouse
  • Instruction Booklet
  • Grip tape for sides and button
  • USB-C to USB-A Charging Cable
  • USB-C Wireless Dongle

Features

The Uhuru WM-09 is a lightweight mouse that supports up to 70 hours of wireless gaming, but a wired connection won’t slow you down. With 26000 DPI, a 2.4G wireless connection, and a 100-500 hz scroll, the WM-09 is ready to take you on your most epic of quests. Its sleek and simple design is for gamers who prefer a cleaner aesthetic, but 11 preprogrammed RGB modes make it ready for any mood. I particularly like that the RGB and logo are simple, clean, and unimposing. Plus you can toggle off the RGB with a switch is a major plus. Best of all, the buttons are programable with third-party software so you can always have a loadout that works best for your playstyle.

Review

At first, the Uhuru WM-09 is going to feel and sound like a cheap plastic mouse, but that feeling will go away after some use. I was instantly blown away by how reactive this mouse is without any tinkering. The weight and DPI make reflexive games feel better. It took some getting used to because I preferred a heavier mouse before the WM-09, but my aim felt like it got better once I did.

The WM-09 has a beautiful glide that works on any surface. I still recommend using a mouse pad, especially in the dark, but you don’t really need one. The mouse felt just as responsive on my desk as it did on a mousepad.

My favorite feature has to be the included grip tape. I have excessively sweaty hands, especially during intense gaming sessions, but the grip tape made it feel less gross and I was able to maintain my traction.

This wouldn’t be a gaming mouse without RGB, and the preset profiles are just beautiful. The mouse gives off enough light to look good on the desk without turning the room into a rave. I like that it acts as a subtle accent, but I also like that I can turn it off when I don’t need it.

The most impressive feature has to be the mouse’s battery life. I’ve had the mouse for a couple of weeks now and have only needed to charge it twice after regular heavy use with the RGB turned on. Uhuru boasts a 70-hour battery life, and I am inclined to believe it.

The only complaint I have with the mouse is with the ergonomics. If you’re looking for a budget mouse that will save your hands from pain, this isn’t in. While my RSD doesn’t flair up as quickly or as badly as with other cheap mice, it does flair up after an hour or so of use. If you don’t spend the unnatural amount of hours in front of a computer that I do, this isn’t going to be a problem. This will vary between users.

If you’re looking for a solid budget gaming mouse that will take your gaming to the next level, try the Uhuru WM-09. It is a lightweight responsive mouse with a sleek design and amazing battery life.

You can pick up the Uhuru WM-09 Gaming Mouse on Amazon for $27.99 (Currently on sale for $19.59) using my affiliate link.

video game reviews

Starcom: Unknown Space is a Decent Space ARPG

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I was sent a free copy of Starcom: Uknown Space 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 Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals.

What is Starcom: Unknown Space?

Starcom: Unknown Space is a top-downspace exploration action RPG on Steam.

You are a proud Starcom count tasked with the important task of spreading the organization’s reach across the universe. Take your little scout ship across the darkest reaches of space as you explore new planets, fight off enemies, and build the mighty starship of legends. What secrets will you uncover? Do you have what it takes to survive the cold unforgiving vacuum of space, or will you merely disappear into the darkness?

Gameplay

Starcom is like any other RPG. Players pick from the main base or different NPCs and fly through space to complete them. There is a lot of flying through the darkness, but there is combat and exploration to break up some of the monotony.

Flying in this game takes a bit of getting used to. The ship feels like it is flying over ice as it moves through frictionless space, but you won’t need extensive knowledge of physics or a fancy flight stick to beat this game. While there is some realism, this isn’t a 1-for-1 space simulator. Combat works like your typical top-down ARPG like Diablo. Players move around the map with the movement keys and use the mouse to point and shoot. Players do need to maneuver skillfully around enemy fire, but it remains a pretty casual experience overall.

Exploration can feel a tad bit repetitive. Players will move from galaxy to galaxy, scanning new planets and sending out scientific expeditions. Scanning planets and conducting expeditions reward players with research points and sometimes even new tech for ship upgrades. Exploration is tied to simple point-and-click mechanics with the occasional piece of lore to make things interesting.

Questing is the main driving force of this game. Make sure you talk to everyone everywhere or you will get stuck.

Finally, there is a neat ship customization mechanic that sets this game apart. As players spread their influence across the universe, money will start flowing and their reputation will start opening access to more upgrades. Starcom gives players the freedom to design their ship however they want. This includes color, look, and shape. There is probably a practical way to build a Starship, but players have the right to go nuts. This is my favorite mechanic and the part of the game that I spent most of my time on.

Review

I enjoyed Starcom: Unknown Space, but it isn’t going to be for everyone. The gameplay loop is repetitive, and there will be a lot of flying through the darkness (sometimes even in the wrong direction). Combat feels engaging at first, but all battles eventually start feeling the same. Starcom has its grind, but it can be an oddly relaxing one if you don’t mind the repetition.

The game has an auto-pilot mode that lets players sit back as the ship flies itself to a destination. There will be the occasional dogfight, expedition, or scanning to keep things engaging. I thought it was enough for me, but I also understand that not everyone finds repetition as soothing as I do.

Combat in this game can be exciting, especially when you have to account for the lack of friction. You aren’t getting the adrenaline-pumping dog fights from Star Wars, but there is enough strategy involved to require some effort. While the fights eventually start to feel the same, players are still required to win them.

If you’re looking for a realistic space simulator, look elsewhere. This isn’t for you. If you’re looking for something relaxing to pop on that is fun and engaging and don’t mind the repetition, Starcom: Uknown Space is a fantastic option. Starcom has a solid story to hook players, a relaxing gameplay loop, and a creative ship-building system.  

You can pick up Starcom: Unknown Space on Steam for $24.99.

video game reviews

You Need to Be Playing Shogun Showdown

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I was sent a free copy of Shogun Showdown 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 Shogun Showdown?

Shogun Showdown is an amazing roguelike deckbuilder out now on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC via Steam and Itch.io.

A warrior’s journey is full of parallel, but legend has it you have what it takes. Grab your weapons, hone your skills, and kill anyone that gets in your way. Do you have what it takes to defeat the Shogun?

Gameplay

A warrior’s journey is full of parallel, but legend has it you have what it takes. Grab your weapons, hone your skills, and kill anyone that gets in your way. Do you have what it takes to defeat the Shogun?

Players start their journey with basic weapons and abilities. As they kill enemies and earn experience, they can purchase more powerful cards. I am sure there is an efficient build for speedrunning, but the game gives players the freedom to build their character to fit their playstyle.

Like most roguelikes, players will earn temporary skills and buffs at certain nodes of their journey. These rewards are random, but they felt fair for the most part. I never felt like I had a weak or useless ability. The levels are the same each, so there is a bit of repetition. The RNG helps break up some of the monthly, and players will eventually unlock new areas to explore. New content just dropped, and there is more planned for future releases.

The combat is the best part of this game. Players can perform one action per turn, and actions alternate between the player and enemies. During a turn, players can move one space, turn their character in the opposite direction, or perform an activity or set of abilities. Players can see the enemy’s actions between turns to plan accordingly. The key to this game is efficiently moving, dodging attacks, and setting up killing blows. A run ends when a player’s health drops to zero, and the goal is to get to the end of the run and beat the one true boss.

Review

I loved every minute of this game. Shogun Showdown is the most creative deckbuilder I’ve ever played. It has great flavor, beautiful art, a fantastic soundtrack, and fun gameplay. If you’re looking for a deckbuilding roguelike that breaks away from the norm, this is the game you need to get.

I love that it always feels like I am doing something. I am a huge fan of deck builders, but they all are starting to feel the same. The flavor may change, but it always feels like I am playing Slay the Spire. It is nice to play a game that changes up the strategy in a unique and fun way that looks good and plays flawlessly.

I recommend this game on any system because this is a game you need to try once. It is the perfect game for those who want something new without having it be a huge commitment, just be prepared to sink a respectable amount of time into it.

You can pick up Shogun Showdown on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC via Steam and Itch.io for $14.99.