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video game reviews

Video Game Review: Flashout 3

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I need to mention that this game was sent to me as a review code. While I am extremely grateful for the opportunity, this will be an honest review of the game.

Flashout 3 is a combat racing game similar to the F Zero games. This game is available for PC and VR. This review will be based on the PC version.

All images are from screenshots I took in game

I had a blast Flashout 3. The colors, the mechanics, and the music make for a fantastic experience. If you like arcade racing games, you should consider buying this game

The game has a story mode, but it only involves you completing the different circuits. There aren’t any cutscenes except the ones introducing the tracks. You choose from two racers and start with one car and a basic weapon loadout. You unlock more vehicles as you play the game and collect points. You collect points by damaging or destroying the other racers. There are four different types of races: elimination, time trial, destruction, and elimination. Each cup consists of a combination of the four types. The difficulty can be adjusted in the settings. I played on normal and believe it offered enough of a challenge for my skill set. Your mileage will vary.

The game is beautiful and very colorful. The tracks will wind and loop over a breathtaking futuristic landscape. Each track provides its own challenge, making some cars betters suited than others. I did encounter some visual bugs, but none of them were game-breaking. My favorite aspect of this game, however, is the soundtrack. Flashout 3’s collection of electronic is the perfect accompaniment for your race to the top. I am very tempted to buy the soundtrack.

The game offers keyboard, controller, and wheel support. I was partial to the controller because it fit my playstyle. Your mileage will vary. The concept is simple, but the load-outs, tracks, and AI are what make this game unique. It is your job to survive the chaos, but it is also your job to make sure you finish on top. The trick is to find the perfect balance of speed, weapons, and durability for each cup. There was enough variation in load-outs and maps to keep the gameplay from growing stale.

My only complaint is that there is no online multiplayer. It does offer local split-screen races, but I didn’t have anyone to play with, so I can’t speak on how well it runs. This game is worth the $20 bucks, especially if you enjoy battle racers. Check this game out on Steam!

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Tech Reviews

Tech Review: Logitech M570

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The Logitech M570 was the first mouse I purchased on my first attempt to make my setup more ergonomic. I have since upgraded to the Logitech MX Ergo, but the Logitech M570 is a valuable contender in your search for better ergonomics.

Please note that I am not a doctor, and any advice I give here is strictly based on my experience. Always consult your doctor with any ailments. Please note that I will be using affiliate links for this product. If you do choose to buy this mouse, I get some money as compensation. Regardless, these will be my honest thoughts on the product.

The Logitech M570 is a wireless rollerball mouse. This mouse is not rechargeable and requires AAA batteries. A set of these is included in the box, and I got about a year of continuous use before having to change them out. This mouse is not Bluetooth compatible and requires an included dongle to connect to your device.

Out of the box, the cursor speed is slow, but this can be easily adjusted in your computer settings. A third-party application is not required to use this mouse.

One thing to keep in mind with Roller balls is that they do get dirty over time. To avoid a drop in sensitivity, clean regularly. Cleaning the Logitech M570 is incredibly simple. To clean the mouse, simply remove the ball from the socket and clean the inside of any debris.

This mouse is good for gaming. You don’t get any extra keybinds, nor will be ideal for high-end competitive play, but it will allow for a more comfortable gaming session. I didn’t notice any negative effects to my gameplay when I made the switch.

I used this mouse for about a year before making the change. It took me a couple of days to get used to the movement and find a sensitivity that met my needs. I had been struggling with repetitive stress disorder in my hands and wrists up to this point, and the pain made work difficult. Switching to this mouse helped tremendously with this issue, and I keep this mouse at the office for work.

I love this mouse and recommend it if you are looking to upgrade your mouse. The only reason I made the switch to the Logitech MX Ergo is because I spend too much time in front of a computer. While the M570 did address a lot of the issues I was having before, I found that the pain would return after a certain amount of hours. This shouldn’t be a problem for most people who use their computers a healthy amount. The M570 will be a fantastic upgrade to your ergonomic setup.

The Logitech M570 is currently $79.99 on Amazon.

video game reviews

Game Review: Way of the Hunter

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I want to start by saying that I received this game as a review code. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I will not let that sway my opinion. This will be an honest review of the game. I stream every game I review on my Twitch and Youtube. Check out my Twitch for an up-to-date schedule. 

All images are screenshots from the game. There are no animals because I am a terrible hunter

I played this game on PC, but it is also available on PS5 and Xbox. Way of the Hunter is a hunting simulator game that aims for realism. You can track animals, pick up job requests, and there is an overarching story that you unlock as you play. It is easy to get lost in this game because it is so beautifully immersive.

The graphics in this game are pretty solid, but it is a few updates from being perfect. I encountered a few visual glitches like floating rocks and trees that affected immersion, but none of them was game-breaking. Someone in my twitch chat mentioned the art was too grainy, I didn’t have a problem with it but keep that in mind. My only issue with the visuals was the grass would get too busy, and I would lose myself trying to find the kills. My playthrough is littered with countless unclaimed carcasses because I couldn’t find them in the brush. This seems like a personal problem, but it is something to keep in mind.

The game has a story, but it acts more as flavor. You can also accept jobs to make more money that requires you to hunt specific animals. Gameplay isn’t limited to quests. You have free reign to hunt whatever you like, granted you have the right equipment. Make sure you use the money you earn to purchase the appropriate tools. 

The map is huge and will involve a lot of driving and walking to unlock all of it. There is fast travel available to keep you from making the long treks twice. My favorite part of this game was the sound. It is incredibly immersive. You can hear bugs zip by your ear, the babbling brooks, the birds in the trees, and other animal calls in the wild. I now know what a mule deer sounds like, and I can track it by just its call.

Hunting is fun, but it requires a lot of patience. If you spook the animals, you will have to spend time tracking them down or waiting till they come back. There is a detective mode that helps with tracking, but a spooked animal can easily disappear in the tree line. I have zero patience and as a result, this game became a hiking simulator. This isn’t a criticism because I enjoyed my virtual hikes. I had a favorite spot I would go to just to listen to the stream and the birds while I waited for prey. It is easy to get lost in this game as you relax and enjoy it for what it is.

My one complaint about hunting is that not all of the AI is perfect. Some animals are smart, and tracking them is fun. Others will get stuck running loops or stop making them easy targets. Some animals didn’t leave blood splatter or trails, making them impossible to track. These cases were rare, but they are something I can’t overlook.

Way of the Hunter is one of the most relaxing games I have ever played. I recommend it if you like simulator games and don’t mind waiting around for hours. I am very impatient and still enjoyed every minute. One of my favorite parts of this game is the tips you get as you play that give the players practical hunting advice not just for the game but also for real life. This game goes out of its way to teach sustainable hunting practices, and I appreciate the effort.

This game isn’t for everyone, but it is worth consideration. Check it out on Steam, PS5, and Xbox.

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Uncategorized, video game reviews

Destroy All Humans 2 Video Review

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I stream all the games I get review codes on my Twitch and Youtube channel. Check out my Twitch for an up to date schedule.

Please consider supporting what I do by checking out my affiliate links. You might find some sweet deals:

Get 81% off on Atlas VPN

Start your free trial at Gamefly

Check out the deals at the Dell Outlet

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Check out AVG Anti Virus

Or find some sweet deals on Groupon

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Gaming PC, Gaming Mouse, Mic, Boom Stand, or try Amazon Prime Free

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video game reviews

Game Review: The Company Man

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All images are screenshots from the game

I do want to mention that I got sent this game as a review code. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I will not let this influence my opinions. This will be my honest review of the game.

The Company Man is a 2D action platformer. It is available on the Nintendo Switch, Playstation, Xbox, and PC. I played this game on the switch and enjoyed it both handheld and docked mode.

Take control of Jim as he climbs the corporate ladder to become the CEO. The path to the top isn’t easy as it is full of jealous coworkers, insane managers, and a lot of platforming. Will you have the stamina to make it to the top, or will you be another corporate slave?

I love the art of this game. The office theming is brilliant; you can tell that the creators got very creative with the enemy design. Each floor is themed after a different department and filled with monsters that play well off the theme. There is a story, but it acts more as a comedy than something you need to get invested with. This game pokes a lot of fun at the office work culture, and I was there for every second of it. 

The gameplay is simple. You have a keyboard that acts as a melee weapon, and you get a ranged attack that gets upgraded after each promotion. Jim has a set life and ammo that you can replenish and upgrade as you play. You move through each floor, avoiding traps, fighting monsters, and platforming until you fight the floor’s manager. Enemies drop coins that you can use to upgrade your stats and gain abilities. If you die, you restart at your last checkpoint, but you get to keep any coins you’ve collected. Upgrades are well-balanced; I never felt like the game got too easy with them.

 I’ll admit, I hate this genre the most. I am too impatient and am easily frustrated by these kinds of games. This is the only platformer I have ever finished. I’ll admit, I play all the games I review to completion, but I would have finished this game regardless. I played it in normal mode. Normal mode was very manageable for my skillset while still offering enough difficulty to keep me engaged. This was not a cakewalk. I did struggle, and I did get frustrated, but it was very satisfying when I earned my promotion. Veterans of the genre might find normal mode too easy, but there is a hard mode available at the start that might help with your enjoyment.

One tip I have for those who are looking to buy this game is to pay attention to everything. Monsters, traps, and boss fights all have 

a set pattern that they follow. If you can memorize these patterns, you can beat everything.

I highly recommend this game, especially if you enjoy platformers. You can get it on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and Steam.

video game reviews

Game Review: Beyond The Wire

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All images are screenshots from the game

This game was sent to me as a review code. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I will not let it influence my opinion. This will be my honest review of this game.

Beyond the Wire is a World War I online multiplayer shooter that promises large epic battles. There are two map sizes, 50 vs 50 and 40 vs 40. The only game mode I was ever able to play was frontline. You capture the objective, hold it for some time, and the frontline moves till you run out of time or capture the whole map. Once in a game, you can create different divisions, each with its own unique roles and load oats. Teams are limited by the choice of load oats to promote teamwork.

This game aims for realism with its insane amount of detail towards authenticity. The uniforms, maps, and weapons have all been carefully curated to not only fit the aesthetic but to also be respectful to history. The sound is amazing. You can hear footsteps moving towards or away from you. You can hear the bullets cutting the wind as they fly by you. It is a frightening moment when you hear the bulet ricochet off the ground beside you as you try to find its source. I recommend you play this game with headphones for the full experience. 

I had a lot of fun with this game when I could find a match. This game is starving for players. I was able to guess the pattern and hop on when there were people playing, but it was always a gamble. You are not getting the large battles that this game promised. My biggest match was 10 vs 10, but I was usually stuck in a server with high ping. You can always join an empty server and hope people start joining, but it’s never guaranteed. A big issue with this game is that if there isn’t anyone online, you can’t play this game because there is no story mode or bot matches.

I am not going to talk about the bugs I found because it is still in early access. The bugs I encountered were mostly cosmetic, but none of them was game-breaking. So is this game worth it? As of today, it isn’t. For the price, you should be able to pick it up whenever you want. Instead, you are bound to play with other people’s schedules.

When I was able to find a match, I had a lot of fun. I liked the anxiety I felt as I tried to find an enemy, and loved the satisfaction of finally getting a kill. I do want to send out my deepest apologies to those unlucky few I was matched with. I played terribly and never seemed to get better, but there was no flaming, and I never got kicked, and for that, I am grateful. Despite my poor performance, it was an experience I wanted to keep putting myself into. 

I would wait till it goes on sale or hope that they give out a free weekend before making your decision. The population seems to be growing as of writing this. It seems to be getting easier to find larger matches, but it is still a gamble. The game is on sale now on Steam, you can decide if the discount is enough to hop on. The sale ends September 7.

video game reviews

Video Game Review: Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?

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I want to start by saying that this game was sent to me as a review code. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let this sway my opinions. I will treat this game like I paid for it with my own money, and this will be an honest review. 

Pictures are from screenshots I took

Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? is a trivia game based on the game show of the same name. I played it on the Nintendo Switch, but it is also available on the Xbox, Playstation, and PC..

The game has a single-player and multiplayer mode for up to eight players. Both have the same structure, but multiplayer has no fail condition. The game is decided into six rounds of increasing difficulty and point value. Each round has two questions that are grade specific to the round. You choose a question from a random selection of school subjects. The game is over when you can answer all the questions correctly or get a question wrong. In multiplayer mode, you finish all six rounds regardless if anyone has answers incorrectly. The winner here is the person who scores the most points.

I’ll admit, I am terrible at trivia, but this game wasn’t bad. This game is designed with a younger audience in mind, but there will be questions that will stump you. The game runs smoothly, and it looks nice. There is some animation and voice acting, but I suggest you start skipping the cutscenes when as soon as the novelty wears off. Otherwise, the games drag, and you will get bored of waiting.

This is a game you get if you love trivia and want to get your kids into the genre. It is also casual enough to bring in other adults into the genre, but please keep in mind that the skill level for the questions is on the lower end. This isn’t a game you can play for hours because it does get repetitive. I never got the same questions to repeat, but there is only so much trivia my body can take. The game tries to incentivize gameplay by hiding cosmetics and subjects behind leveling. You gain points by answering questions correctly. The points you gain in both solo and multiplayer mode work towards your overall player level. Each level unlocks cosmetics for your desk and classmates and new subjects you can choose from. I don’t like that there are subjects hidden behind leveling because it is limiting to the casual experience, but I can see how this can add incentive and diversity to the game for its longevity. 

If you like trivia, this game might be too easy. There are questions where you are literally counting vowels for example. But with kids around, this is a fun little game night game that allows room for some healthy competition. I personally would wait for a sale, but it really depends on how much your family likes trivia.

You can buy this game from the Nintendo shop, Epic Games, Steam, Playstation, and Xbox.

video game reviews

Game Review: 60 Parsecs! [Review Code]

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I got this game as a review code. While I am grateful for the opportunity, I will not let that influence my opinion. These are my honest opinions about the game.

 60 Parsecs! is a space-themed taxed based survival game. You and your crewmates must survive the cold vacuum of space with your limited resources and some ingenuity. The gameplay is pretty simple. You get two optional actions and one mandatory. Each turn you can use the crafter to create, repair, upgrade, or recycle items you need for space travel. You can also feed, entertain, or heal your crew to make sure they survive the voyage. You don’t have to feed or craft every turn, but eventually, it becomes a necessity. Each turn you are given a random scenario that offers some sort of skill check. These checks can offer rewards or grant depuffs that will make space travel more difficult. The more time you spend in space, the more complicated the situation gets. You run out of supplies, people get sick, or you go crazy. I suggest looking up guides because while the game looks simple, it gets really hard. The choices you make matter.

The game has three game modes Survival, Voyager, and missions. The core concept of remains the same for all three, you must survive. Survival is a random mode where you are assigned random materials and crewmates. Voyager is sort of the game’s story mode. You are given 60 seconds to gather crew and materials and shot into space to survive with whatever you gather. Choose wisely. Mission mode offers different scenarios that add another layer of difficulty to your survival.

I enjoyed this game a lot. The art is fun and whimsical despite how grim it gets. The game offers a decent challenge, and every game offered enough variety to keep things interesting. I liked that my choices made an impact. People would die, I would run out of food, or I would get people hurt if I wasn’t careful with my choices. I enjoyed the anxiety I got from having to make choices even if there is no time limit to make them. This game has a lot of replayability and is definitely worth the price. If you like survival games like Don’t Starve, this is a good one to try out. This game is available on Steam, IOS, and Android.    

video game reviews

Game Preview: Project F4E Beta

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All images are from the screenshots I was able to recover after my hard drive died

I got to play the beta for Project F4E this weekend, and I thought I’d share my experience. While it is too early to form a proper critique of the game, the beta offered a taste of what the full game has in store. Because the game is still in an early alpha build, I will not speak on the crashes and bugs I encountered.

Project F4E is a MOBA with some RPG elements to it. The objective is simple, kill the world bosses before the timer runs out. You are one of three players who roam a large open map, searching for bosses to kill. You can build some towers, or animate and power up large statues that will help you with the mobs and bosses. Although there is a direct path to take to the bosses, the world is pretty open. You can clear the mobs in any order, but be mindful of the ever-ticking timer. 

The beta had four different champions to choose from: a tank, support, a ranger, and a healer. You start with a basic ability, and game stats and abilities as you level. At each level, you get a choice from the cards you draw from this deck. Each level offers you two cards to choose from. This mechanic offers some variety in the gameplay because it is unlikely you will pull the same set of cards twice. I enjoyed the randomness this brings to the game, but I can see it becoming unfairly broken. I can only hope that they can make the champions balanced. 

You get rewarded for completing matches and quests, and bonuses for winning. The in-game currency is used to power up your abilities. Leveling up your abilities gives them permanent buffs. As you level your champion, you gain new abilities and boosts that you can use to change up your deck. As is the tradition in MMOs, there is also loot to be had. Matches and quests drop items that boost your character’s stats. 

So what did I think of Project F4e? It was fun once I got the hang of it, but the gameplay got stale pretty quickly. Although I always had a different deck, the game felt the same each time. Matches were either a slow-moving escort mission to the world bosses, or they were an aimless and frustrating walk about. 

The combat was ok, but it was stiff and slow. Most of the time I spent waiting for cooldowns or dying because the level-up menu would pop up at the worst times. The mobs in this game all felt the same regardless of what biome we ended up in. It got stale and repetitive pretty quickly despite having a random element.

This is a Moba, and strong communication and coordination are important. I lost a lot of games because we couldn’t coordinate correctly or someone wanted to solo everything. F4E at the very least offers a true MOBA experience. The gameplay is a bit repetitive, but it is too early for it to be absolute.

If you like MOBA’s but need a break from the toxic ones, you should at least keep F4E on your radar. You can find out more about the game on their official website. Don’t forget to sign up for their future betas.