Tag Archives: pc

gaming news

WOW Like MMOTaris Land Closed Beta Nov 15 – Sign Up Now!

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The second closed beta for Taris Land: Mystery of the Hollows is coming to PC and Android devices on November 15. Make sure you head over to the official site to sign up! I’ve already signed up, so fingers crossed I get accepted. 

The Beta will last about two weeks in 16 countries and will support eight languages: English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese. Here are the official start times per region:

  • North American Server: November 15, 2023 at 8:00 (UTC−4)
  • South American Server: November 15, 2023 at 9:00 (UTC−3)
  • European Server: November 15, 2023 at 14:00 (UTC+2)
  • Asian Server: November 16, 2023 at 9:00 (UTC+8)

Make sure you check out the official FAQ and Discord if you have any other questions about the playtest.

Taris Land: Mystery of the Hollows is an MMORPG coming to PC and mobile devices (Android and IOS). I love the aesthetic of this game, and anything that I can play on my phone is a nice plus. I know people bash mobile gaming, but sometimes, I want to be away from my desk and don’t want to have a lot of extra hardware. 

I’ve written about this game before and won’t be repeating too much. I recommend you check out my previous post or go to the official page for more details. 

The second playtest will include the nine original classes (Warrior, Priest, Mage, Ranger, Barbarian Fighter, Paladin, and Bard) and introduce two new ones: Shadow Swordsman and a mysterious new class. 

The new class looks like a druid to me, but here’s the teaser so you can speculate:

The playtest will feature two raids, a bunch of story quests, the Dark Invasion mode, and the Inscribed Skill Stone system. There will be enough to keep players, new and old, busy for the two weeks of the playtest.

Make sure you keep an open mind going into the beta. This isn’t a finished product, and the game isn’t going to be perfect. This will be a test to make the game better, and I feel like it’s the perfect opportunity for fans to help shape a game they’re going to devote their time to. Just make sure you submit your feedback as soon as the option becomes available.

I am very excited because I love MMO’s and would love a new one to sink some time into. I just hope this game isn’t too grindy and the cash shop isn’t predatory. I’ve signed up, make sure you do too, and I hope to see you in Tarisland!

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gaming news

Preorder your copy of SteamWorld Build today!

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I got to try SteamWorld Build at this year’s GDC, and I have been excited to get my hands on it. You can check out my previous post to read my complete impression.

SteamWorld Build is a cute little village builder coming to Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch on December 1st. This is a cute little village builder with an interesting defense mechanic that you are going to want to try at least once. I just got a copy and will be reviewing it as soon as the embargo is lifted. Stay tuned for that. 

You can preorder a copy of SteamWorld Build for your favorite console starting today. The game retails for $29.99, but preordering on Xbox and Switch saves you $3. PlayStation Plus members also get this discount. If you aren’t ready yet, at least add it to your wish list!

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gaming news

Spasms of Stupidity’s Kickstarter is live now! This game seems perfect for the fans of the Sega Saturn classic, DragonForce

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The Kickstarter for Spasms of Stupidity: Quest for the Void is now live. Spasms of Stupidity is an auto-battler coming to Steam and Epic Games. The game is worth looking into if you are a fan of the classic Sega Saturn game, DragonForce. Spasms of Stupidity promises a modern twist to the classic with a neat combat system, interesting skill tree mechanics, and the ability to command your legion of demons. The rogue-like campaign and the countless amounts of customization promise players endless hours of gameplay. Make sure you check out the Kickstarter for a more complete breakdown of the game. 

The game looks neat, and I can see it doing well in the niche it fills. If you want to support the project, $16 gets you a copy of the game, your name in the credits, and early access to the game. Make sure you check the Kickstarter for the other goodies. 

It’s always a risk to back a Kickstarter, but someone has to support the little guys. This is a one-person team developing the game, so expect some delays. That said, if you are looking for a very indie Roguelike with a solid retro vibe, check the Spasms of Stupidity Kickstarter. The Kickstarter ends on December 1st. 

video game reviews

The 7th Guest VR is the greatest puzzle game you aren’t playing

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I was sent The 7th Guest for the Meta Quest 2 as a review code. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, this will be my honest review. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. If you need any accessories for your VR headset like a high quality charging cable or prescription lenses, get them over at ZyberVR. Use Discount code CHURAPE for 15% off your purchase.

The 7th Guest is a mystery adventure game for the Quest 2, Steam VR, and PSVR2. Seven guests have been invited to a mysterious mansion to play a dangerous game run by a nefarious toy maker. Guests must spend the night exploring the creepy mansion, solving its puzzles, and unfolding its mysteries. But the games aren’t as innocent as they appear. There is a sinister secret lurking in the shadows. Can you figure out what it is?

If you enjoy puzzle games, The 7th Guest should be in your library. This game looks amazing! The sounds, the graphics, and the aesthetic all work perfectly together to create the appropriate ambiance for the mystery it houses. The cutscenes are beautifully implemented, with wonderful actors to bring the story to life. I would play this game just to watch the performances. I love the story and went out of my way to make sure I collected every piece of the mystery. You might be able to solve it pretty early on, but it won’t matter. 

The best part of this game is its puzzles. Each room in the mansion has a unique theme and set of puzzles. The themes are a lot of fun, and the puzzles get creative. Guests must clear the elaborate set of puzzles, and each solution uncovers uncomfortable secrets. There is a reason why the guests were gathered, and I had a lot of fun piecing together why. 

The gameplay loop feels a lot like the Saw movies, except without any of the gore. You play a special recording and make your way through puzzles. The puzzles are challenging but manageable. If you get stuck, the game lets you buy clues with the currency it hides around the house. I never ran out of coins for clues, but I never really felt the need to use them much. My only complaint is that some puzzles aren’t easy to find, at least not intuitively. There were a few puzzles I needed to buy a hint in order to find it. It isn’t a huge deal because you’ll finish the game with more currency than you need, but it is an issue worth mentioning.

I loved this game because I love puzzles. Each room I cleared left me feeling accomplished, and hungry for more. The game runs great, it looks amazing, and it has a fantastic story. If you like escape rooms, or are looking for a good puzzle game, The 7th Guest should be in your library. 

You can pick up The 7th Guest for the Quest 2, Steam VR, and PSVR2 for $29.99. It’s definitely worth it at that price. 

Uncategorized

The October Dev Update for Drakantos just dropped, and it’s juicy!

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I’ve been following Drakantos closely because I am very excited about its release. Drakantos is a free-to-play pixel art MMO coming to PC and mobile devices. The art is cute, and the bit of gameplay I’ve seen has me interested. No release date has been set yet, so make sure you join the official Discord so you are always up to date. 

The October Devlog just dropped, and I recommend you check it out to share in my excitement. We got some new animations, screenshots, and some gameplay footage. 

If you enjoy these updates, don’t forget to like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends. Make sure you add Drakantos to your wishlist!

Yura Teaser

We got a teaser for Yura, and if it doesn’t get you hyped for the game, nothing will. Combat looks so good and the voice acting is fantastic! Make sure you check out the official discord if you want to get some back story!

Mounts

An MMO needs its mounts, and Drakantos will have mounts, and characters that can transform into their own! We got a teaser of the animation, and I am satisfied:

Screenshots

We also got to see a new screenshot of the world, and I love the art! This world looks so good!

UI Preview

We also got a screenshot of the UI. It’s clean, and I dig the character art.

Pets!

Last but not least, we’re getting pets!

video game reviews

Illuminaria is a cute and unique resource management game, but is it worth it?

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I was sent Illuminaria as a review code. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, this will be my honest review of the game. If you enjoy my reviews, please leave a like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends.

Illuminaria is a base building, resource management game for PC, Switch, Android, and IOS devices. Take control of an army of adorable robots as you work to bring light back to the land. Use the robots to gather resources, build bases, and fight monsters.

Illuminaria has a unique and interesting gameplay loop. Building is probably the most relaxing experience I’ve had in the genre because of how easy it is to get organized. All you have to do is build squares, and the robots will fill those squares with resources based on your designations. This loop feels fantastic on the iPhone because all you do is tap and watch your little robots get to work. While you wait for resources, you are also researching new technologies, upgrading structures, defending your bases, and sending your robots on quests for more materials. You’ll be as busy as your little buddies on the screen, and it is such a wholesome good time!

My only real issue with this game is the price. $5 for the app is perfect. You’ll get $5 of fun from the app. If you are looking for a chill game to pick up in a waiting room or something to fill those rare gaming hours that present themselves, Illuminaria is a solid choice. The mechanics are easy to pick up, the gameplay is engaging, the art is cute, and the music is great. This is a fun game, and it’s a perfect mobile gaming experience. The problem is that this game feels short. You can try to beat the game at different difficulties, but it still feels like a $5 app. I can’t see it ever being worth full price on a console or PC. It’s not a bad game, there just isn’t enough for it to be worth it.

You can pick up Illuminaria on Steam, and Switch for $14.99, and on Android and IOS Devices for $4.99. It is on sale right now on Steam for $9.74 until November 7th, but you can also try the demo if you need some more convincing.

Board Games and TCGs, Pokemon TCG

PTCG Live is getting a new battle pass and two starter decks with the release of Paradox Rift!

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Paradox Rift hits the shelves on November 3rd, and PTCGL players get it a day earlier on the 2nd. For collectors, Paradox Rift has some beautiful alt-art cards you are going to want to chase. For those of you who play PTCG Live, it means a new battle pass, two new decks, and a new meta. I know lots of people bag on PTCGL because it still feels like a beta, but I enjoy it because it’s the only way I can afford to play Pokémon. Either way, I am excited!

If you enjoy these updates, make sure you like, comment, subscribe, and share this with your friends. If you need any product, Pokémon or otherwise, make sure you grab it over at TCG Player through my affiliate link!

Roarding Moon ex Starter Deck

Pokémon: 14
2 Roaring Moon ex PAR 124
2 Alolan Raticate PGO 042
2 Alolan Rattata PGO 041
2 Bibarel BRS 121
2 Bidoof CRZ 111
2 Brute Bonnet PAR 123
1 Radiant Greninja ASR 046
1 Morpeko PAR 121

Trainers: 34
3 Professor Sada’s Vitality PAR 170
2 Boss’s Orders (Ghetsis) PAL 1722 Iono PAL 185
2 Professor’s Research (Professor Sada) SVI 189
3 Path to the Peak CRE 148
1 Collapsed Stadium BRS 137
4 Dark Patch ASR 139
4 Nest Ball SVI 181
4 Ultra Ball SVI 196
3 Earthen Vessel PAR 163
1 Escape Rope BST 125
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
1 Super Rod PAL 188
1 Switch SVI 194
2 Ancient Booster Energy Capsule PAR 159

Energy: 12
10 Basic Darkness Energy SVE 007
2 Reversal Energy PAL 192

Gholdengo ex Starter Deck

Pokémon: 18
2 Gholdengo ex PAR 139
2 Gimmighoul PAR 087
2 Gardevoir CRE 061
1 Gallade ASR 062
1 Gallade CRE 081
3 Kirlia SIT 068
1 Ralts SIT 067
2 Ralts ASR 060
1 Manaphy BRS 041
1 Radiant Greninja ASR 046
1 Mew CEL 011
1 Indeedee SVI 153

Trainers: 31
3 Iono PAL 185
2 Boss’s Orders (Ghetsis) PAL 172
2 Klara CRE 145
2 Professor’s Research (Professor Turo) SVI 190
2 Artazon PAL 171
4 Battle VIP Pass FST 225
4 Level Ball BST 129
4 Energy Retrieval SVI 171
3 Ultra Ball SVI 196
2 Capturing Aroma SIT 153
1 Pal Pad SVI 182
1 Rescue Carrier EVS 154
1 Switch SVI 194

Energy: 11
5 Basic Metal Energy SVE 008
6 Basic Psychic Energy SVE 005

Battle Pass

Make sure you start saving up your crystals for the Premium Battle Pass because this one is going to want to complete this. I think PTCGL has the best battle pass of all card games I’ve tried because it’s easy to buy into, and easy to complete without spending any money.

By Tier 14 you should have access to:

By tier 16 you should have access to:

And by Tier 50:

And if you still need product

Try getting it from TCG Player!

Iron Valient Elite Trainer Box ($39.99)

Roaring Moon Elite Trainer Box ($39.99)

Both Elite Trainer Box ($76.99)

6 Pack Bundle ($24.99)

Booster Box ($113.99)

gaming news, video game reviews

Sorry We’re Closed Demo Review – Classic Survival Horror Bliss

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When I saw the Sorry We’re Closed trailer on this year’s Indie Horror Showcase, I knew I needed to try the demo. Sorry We’re Closed looks like a fun and quirky homage to the classic era of survival horror, and I am here for it.

Michelle wakes up in the demon world after having been cursed by a demon. With the help of whatever she can find lying around, she must brave the horrors that roam this terrifying new world to find a way out. Do you have what it takes to set her free?

If you are looking for a spooky title to play, try this demo. The game does a terrific job of creating a spooky ambiance with its fixed cameras, music, and design. I loved the use of color, its edgy tones, and the gameplay. Exploration feels good, and combat feels even better. If you are a fan of the original Resident Evil game, this game should be on your wishlist.

I don’t normally do horror games, but I had to make this the exception. I’m hoping to grab a copy on release. Until then, make sure you play the demo, and add Sorry We’re Closed to your wishlist. 

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video game reviews

Fabledom is the adorably wholesome village builder you should be playing

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I was sent Fabledom as a review code. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, this will be my honest review. If you enjoy my reviews, please make sure you like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends.

Fabledom is an adorable city builder available on Steam. The game is in early access, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it. It’s also got a healthy roadmap, and I am sure the game will get better. If you are looking to get into the genre, or simply looking for a new title to get into, Fabledom is a fantastic place to start.

Players start with a small population of peasants, limited resources, and an easy-to-follow tutorial. As your village grows, you unlock new mechanics. Fabledom lets players practice diplomacy with neighboring kingdoms, raise renowned heroes and armies, and find their true love.

Don’t let the adorable fairytale facade fool you. You’ll need to be tactical about how you grow your village. While I never hit the point where my village failed, I did hit bottlenecks in my progress that stemmed from my mistakes. I am sure there are guides designed to play Fabledom optimally, but I like learning from my failures. I always recommend going into these games as blindly as possible. It’s more fun that way. 

I am obsessed with this game. The gameplay is relaxing yet engaging, the art style is cute, and the music is such a vibe. This is one of those games you need to try at least once, especially if you are curious about the genre. You can pick up Fabledom on Steam for $11.99 (normally $15.99) until October 30th. It’s worth it at either price! 

video game reviews

CRYMACHINA is over-stylized waifu bait with very little substance

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I was sent CRYMACHINA as a review code. I am very happy about the opportunity, but this will be my honest review. If you enjoy these reviews, make sure you like, comment, follow, and share this with your friends!

CRYMACHINA is an anime-themed action RPG coming to PC, PlayStation, and Switch on October 24th. Humans have gone extinct, and have been replaced by synthetic beings known as Dei ex Machina. A mysterious prophecy has selected a few of these beings to bring humanity back from extinction, but not all Dei ex Machina share this goal. Fight your way through Dei ex Machina as you attempt to reclaim humanity’s dominance over Eden. Do you have what it takes to claim what destiny offers?

The game is fun for the first few encounters before the novelty wears off. Unfortunately, the blatant waifu bait isn’t enough to distract players from how dull and unimpressive the game becomes. The art style is interesting but tends to be a little too busy and loud for its own good. The story is poorly written, and the gameplay isn’t fun enough to make up for it. This isn’t a bad game, but it is hard to recommend when there are better options in the genre.

I wish the game was better because the format is interesting. The gameplay loop is split into two parts: combat and story. Combat is broken up into small manageable levels where players face a few mobs of enemies before facing off against a boss. Boss fights had unique mechanics, but not all of them were fun. Combat started feeling repetitive, and the initial sense of accomplishment felt after beating a boss diminished and became nonexistent. The over-stylized and busy animation of the combat never made up for how bored I got with combat.

The other side of the loop was the story cutscenes that came in the form of tea parties. Blatant waifu bait aside, this is an interesting way to do a story. Players have the opportunity to watch optional cutscenes where characters get a back story or become more rounded, or they can stick with only watching scenes relevant to the story. This is a great format for gamers with limited free time because the game can be tackled in small meaningful chunks, and you can repeat cutscenes when you need a reminder. This would have been a great format for this game if the story was good, and the characters weren’t generic waifu tropes. 

You can pick up CRYMACHINA for PC, PlayStation, and Switch on October 24th, but I’d hold off for a very generous discount. Even then, you’ll have better options.