I got to try Worldless at GDC, and it was one of the few times I have ever enjoyed a platformer. Worldless is a 2D minimalistic adventure platformer with an interesting battle mechanic. This game is beautiful, but the game has a great design. You play as this character of light and travel through this abstract world, fighting against monsters and marveling at how pretty everything is.
As far as platformers go, this one isn’t that bad. According to the game’s producer, the devs wanted to make the focus of the game its combat system. I don’t like platformers, but I found the experience pleasant and relaxing. I particularly loved how the world changes around the main character as you move her through the world. This feature was implemented to keep players from getting lost, and it works perfectly. It also looks great in practice.
The combat is where I had the most fun with the game. Combat is turn-based, but there is a slight rhythm mechanic to it. You can easily button-mash between turns to get through fights, but it is more efficient to get the timing correctly. The loop is simple. On your turn, you cast spells and abilities, and on theirs, you block. There are elemental weaknesses, resistances, and other quirks to keep combat engaging. Worldless also features a relatively expansive skill tree that you fill by absorbing monsters or finding hidden nodes. You can fill up the whole tree, so make sure you explore everything!
The demo does a fantastic job at slowly introducing mechanics as you explore the world and builds up perfectly to a final boss. The game design for this game is terrific, and I appreciate the attention to detail that went into the making of this experience. If you pay attention, the encounters give you enough hints to make the final boss fight easier. I was told that the boss in the demo isn’t as hard as the bosses in the full game, but I was also told that I was one of the few to beat it on the first try. I found the encounter to be challenging enough to keep me engaged. I wouldn’t have been able beat the boss without a solid strategy or proper game design.
If you like RPGs and platformers, you should be looking into Worldless. The combat is fun and engaging, the platforming is relaxing, and the game is beautiful. I loved my limited exposure to this game, and I look forward to its release.
Worldless is coming to the PC and Xbox sometime this year, but an official date hasn’t been announced. The Demo is available on Steam, and I highly recommend you go download it. Don’t forget to wishlist it while you’re there!
Shout out the Dev who was so kind and answered all my questions. Make sure you follow them on Twitter and Join the Discord so that you are always up to date!
GDC Recap: Project Timi: Sasha’s Curse
During GDC I got to try one of the cutest little rhythm puzzlers I’ve ever played, Project Timi: Sasha’s Curse. Project Timi has you play as Timi as she uses her powers to go into dreams, searching for the evil corpo cat, Sasha. Use her powers to solve puzzles and bring Sasha to justice!
This game is super cute! Shoutout to the game’s artist for creating such an adorable character and world. The music is also nicely done and helps create the game’s whimsical tone. The gameplay is a ton of fun. It reminds me a bit of Captain Toad, but the rhythm mechanics make it a unique experience. This game starts easy but slowly increases in difficulty as you learn new mechanics and get closer to catching Sasha. I know the demo I tried wasn’t a finished product, but it felt incredibly polished and ready for consumption. Shoutout to the whole team for all the work and love they’ve already put into this game.
I will be adding this game to the list of games I need to try because I am hooked. It is too early for a price tag, but you can and should Wishlist it on Steam. Project Timi: Sasha’s Curse will be released on the PC and the Nintendo Switch.
I want to thank the team for chatting with me and answering all my questions. Keep up the great work! Go follow them on Twitter.
Have A Nice Death
A new trailer for Have a Nice Death is out and it looks so cute! You play as Death as he tries to take back control of his company and his unruly employees. This 2D rogue-like will have you jumping across the halls of Death Inc as you use magic and items to quell the unrest. If you are a fan of platformers, this should be on your list.
This game reminds me a lot of The Company Man, and I loved that game. The art is cute, the maps look cool, and the gameplay looks fun but challenging. I don’t like platformers, but I am willing to make an exception if I can find the time to play this.
You can buy Have a Nice Death on early access on Steam or wait for it to come out on the Nintendo Switch on March 22, 2022. The game costs $24.99, but it’s 10% off on Steam till March 23. With how the reviews on Steam are looking, you should at least Wishlist this game for later.
A Brazil Games Preview for GDC 2023
The Game Developer Conference is less than a week away, and I have been busy setting up interviews and other activities that I am not able to reveal to you at the moment.
What I can reveal is that I have the exciting opportunity to meet with the Brazil Game Delegation and try some of the games they have planned for release. Full disclosure, I was asked to write this post, but I wasn’t paid to do so. This post will be my honest impressions based on the materials I was shown.
The Brazil Games delegation is a collection of 43 companies that are working to build the growing and vibrant gaming industry in Brazil and Latin America. I will be trying out Drakantos, a Pixel Art MMORPG by Wingeaon Game Studios, but I am hoping I can sneak in a few others. I am very excited to see what people from my side of the world bring to the table. Until then, let me tell you a bit about what they have planned for GDC.
Drakantos
I will be trying Drakantos at GDC. I was drawn to the title because I am always looking for a new MMO to get into. The art is cute, the voice acting is amazing, and the story seems interesting. I can see this game being successful for those who want an MMO that doesn’t feel like a second job. As long as there is a fun leveling experience, enough content to keep me busy, and an end game, I can see myself sinking hours into this game. It is too early to say for sure with how little I know about it now, but stay tuned for a recap.
BlackThorne Keep – Chronicles
The next game I am hoping to try out is Limiar Studio’s BlackThorne Keep – Chronicles. The game is an open-world RPG for the PC and PlayStation that promises skill-based combat. The game looks a bit clunky in the trailer, but with enough love, I can see this being a lot of fun. The biggest hurdle I can see this game having is that the world might be too open, the physics might not be good enough for the jumping puzzles, and the combat might just be button-mashing. So far, it is very reminiscent of Elder Scrolls, and if they can make that combat more fun, I am here for it. It is too early to have a real opinion based on the trailer alone, but I will be back once I get some first-hand experience. You can check it out on steam if you are curious.
Kriophobia
Fira Soft’s Kriophobia is a hand-drawn survival game that looks beautiful. I am not sure if I will be trying this game because I don’t do well with horror games, but it is one to keep on your watch list if you are
a fan of horror. Based on the trailer, it seems to have some pretty terrifying exploration through a very eerie-looking setting. Based on the music and trailer alone, I am pretty terrified. I will try to make time for this game, but I don’t want to make any promises. Maybe I can find someone to play it for me. You can check it out on Steam if you are curious.
Galaxy Kart VR
If you like cartoon kart racers and have a VR headset, you need to keep an eye out for VR Monkey’s Galaxy Kart VR. I won’t be trying it because I don’t want to risk motion sickness with how busy my schedule is, but I’ll try to check it out. The characters are hilarious, the tracks look fun, and the racing combat is exactly what I want from a kart racer. If you like Mario Kart or any games like it, you should be looking into this game.
Lux Ex Cyber Initiation
Ilex Games is coming out with its sequel to Lux Ex. Lux Ex Cyber Initiation is a cyberhero shooter that promises better graphics and more levels. The amount of weapon choices and the procedural generation of levels promises a new experience each time you play through a level. I haven’t been a huge fan of these games because I am not smart enough, but if you are in the market for this kind of shooter, the music seems cool, and the gameplay seems solid. You can wishlist it on Steam.
Tower of Samsara – Hidden Treasures
Tower of Samsara – Hidden Treasures, also by Ilex Games, is a pixel art platformer coming to the PC and Xbox. I am not a huge fan of platformers so I might not try this one. That said, the art looks neat, and the combat and puzzles look interesting. Nothing against the game’s design, I just know that I lack the abilities to be successful in a game like this. That said, if you like platformers like Shovel Knight, Tower of Samsara might be worth getting into.
Wëiph: Reins of Fate
I will be trying to play Game Plan’s Wëiph: Reins of Fate. The art looks super cute, the music is fun, and you get to play as a cat. You play as an abandoned cat named Weiph through an adventure puzzle platformer that is sure to frustrate me, but I will probably cry at the end. It sort of feels like Ori:The Will of the Wisps with visual novel elements. The game is coming for the PC, Switch, Xbox, and PS5. I don’t think I am allowed to post video so here is some official art I pulled off the internet.
What the Duck
What The Duck is an action-adventure game by Seize Studios coming out for the PC and Nintendo Switch. It looks like it is going to be a goofy Zelda game. The game does look a bit clunky in the trailer, but I am willing to overlook this if the mechanics are fun. This looks to be one of those games that won’t take itself seriously. If it is as funny as I think it is, I am here for it.
Wizavior
Wizavior is a single-player 3D platformer coming to the PC, Switch, PS5, and Xbox in 2024. I wasn’t ready for how good the music is in the trailer. The art is also cute enough that I am willing to put my biases against platformers aside. I know this game is going to frustrate me, but I need to listen to the rest of this soundtrack. I am going to try to sneak a turn or at least have someone more competent play this for me. If you aren’t easily frustrated by 3D jumping puzzles, keep an eye out for Wizavior.
Mega Battle
Last but not least we have Cavylabs’ rogue-like deck builder, Mega Battle. I have a soft spot for card games and will be trying this game. What makes this deck builder unique is its mech-building mechanic. It looks like you will get the mech you to take into battle, and I gather that your deck is influenced by the type of parts you use. This is sure to open up the game to a diverse collection of strategies. It does look like a flash game which might turn some people off, but if the card game is fun, why should it matter? It is too early to tell from just the gameplay video, but hopefully, I can come back with a more concrete opinion.You can check it out on Steam.
In Closing
The games are listed in no particular order. I understand that it is unfair to judge the games without trying, so I will reserve my criticism for when I get to play the games. It is all getting more real with each day and I can’t help but to be overcome with excitement. With that, I am off to prep for some interviews.
*Feature Image by Rafael Javier from Pixabay
Elderand
Elderand just released on the Nintendo Switch, Epic Games, and Steam. Elderand is a 2D metroidvania-type game that looks incredibly brutal. I love the retro feel and pixel art. Take control of a hero as he uses magic and weapons to defeat some truly terrifying-looking enemies.
The game promises an RPG experience as you can customize your character’s appearance and skills. From the trailer, this seems like a great way to keep combat fresh through the adventure. I am not a huge fan of platformers and probably won’t pick it up. If you are a fan of the genre, it might be worth looking into. The game is on sale until 2/23/23 on the eShop, Epic Games and Steam.
Nintendo Direct 2/9/2023
I am a bit late to this coverage, but I thought I’d share it anyways. The Nintendo Direct just came out and there is a bit to unpack. It is looking to be a great year for the switch when it comes to not only retro gaming, but a few Nintendo classic titles like Pikmin and Zelda.
Pikmin 4 ($59.99)
Coming in as possibly the cutest entry from the Direct is Pikmin 4. This sequel to the cult classic comes with a new cute protagonist on her own adventure with the help of her little Pikmin friends. This game introduces new companions and abilities. Game releases on July 21,2023. Pre-orders are now open!
Samba de Amigo: Party Central (TBA)
If you are a fan of rhythm games, Samba de Amigo is a cute little title to add to your list. The game seems to take advantage of the Joy Con’s motion controls as you shake them to the groove of a pretty diverse collection of music. You can play by yourself, challenge your friends, and there is even online play if that is something that is important to you. The game is scheduled to release in June 2023.
Disney Illusion Island ($39.99)
For all you Disney fans out there, get ready for this cute little platformed. Take control of Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, and Donald as you travel through a new world in search of some magical books. The game releases on 7/28/23. Pre-orders are now open.
Advance Wars 1+2:Re-Boot Camp ($59.99)
To the fans of the original titles, the wait is finally over. This classic RTS was first announced and then delayed, but we finally got a release date. There are new modes, two playable stories, and online PVP. If you are feeling creative, you can even make your own maps! The game releases April 21, 2023. Pre-orders are now open!
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom ($69.99)
Zelda fans got another glimpse at Tears of The Kingdom and it looks to be another epic adventure over a new open world. They announced a collector’s edition, but good luck getting your hands on one:
and a cool new Link Amiibo ($15.99)
You can preorder yours at Best Buy or Game Stop
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom releases May 12, 2023. Preorders are now open!
Beyonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon ($59.99)
For all you Beyonetta fans out there, we are now getting some back story! Hopefully this ones better than 3. The game comes out March 17, 2023. Preorders are now open!
Metriod Prime Remastered ($39.99)
You can grab a digital copy today! Physical copies are available on February 22, 2023.
Maybe there will be a trilogy in our future.
Octopath Traveler II
I have already talked about this game. I am super excited. The game comes out February 24, 2023. For those of you interested in the title, there is a demo available for download in the Eshop.
Omega Strikers (Free to Play)
For those of you looking for an online battler, Omega Strikers is free to play 3v3 footbrawler coming to the switch April 23, 2023.
Etrian Odyssey Orgins Collection ($79.99)
I am very excited for this remaster of a classic collection I missed growing up. With updated graphics, modes, and gameplay, this collection of dungeon crawlers is sure to take up a nice chunk of my life. The game releases June 1, 2023. Preorders are open today!
Beten Kaitos I & II HD Remastered (TBA)
Another glow up to a classic card battler I missed growing up. The game is set to release in the summer of 2023. Make sure to add it to your wishlist!
Sea of Stars (TBA)
This is a cool looking turn-based RPG that I will be checking out. I love the pixel art and I could always use another RPG in my life. The game is set to release on August 29, 2023. You can download the Demo on the Eshop today!
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective (TBA)
For those who missed it, or want to relive the fun of this cult classic, its coming out in the summer of 2023! You can wishlist it today!
Fashion Dreamer (TBA)
Be the influence you’ve always dreamed of being in this other life simulator game. The game is releasing sometime this year.
DECAPOLICE (TBA)
Level 5 is coming at is with a other cool looking RPG set in the future. It promises an open world as you fight crime in a futuristic city. The game is set to release sometime this year. You can wishlist it today!
Fantasy Life: The Girl Who Steals Time (TBA)
I loved the original Fantasy Life on the DS. It was cute and relaxing. This looks like it is promising an updated experience and I am here for it. The game comes out sometime in 2023. You can wishlist it today!
Tron: Identity (TBA)
This title caught me by surprise. I didn’t expect for Tron to come back. This is a puzzle game where your choices matter. The game comes out in April 2023, but you can add it to your wishlist today!
Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE (TBA)
It seems like this is the year of detective games. The art looks cool and the gameplay seems neat. I’ll be keeping this on my radar. The game comes out on June 30, 2023. You can add it to your wishlist!
Harmony: The Fall of Reverie (TBA)
If you like visual novels, the art looks cool and the story seems intense. I just hope it has voice acting. The game comes out in June 2023. Add it to your wishlist!
WBSC eBASEBALL: POWER PROS ($.99)
For you baseball fans out there, this cute little game will sure to delight you. For $.99, it couldn’t hurt to give it a try. It is available now!
The Gameboy is coming to the Switch
It looks like this is a great year for retro gaming. They are porting a number of classic gameboy titles to the switch for those of you who have the Nintendo Online subscription.
DLC: In No Particular Order:
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Expansion Pass – February 15, 2023 ($29.99)
Splatoon 3 1st Wave of the Expansion Pass arrives in spring 2023 (24.99)
Mario Kart 8 Wave 4 Booster course pass ($24.99)
Fire Emblem Engage Expansion Pass ($29.00)
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania March 6, 2023 ($9.99) Pre-orders open!
I know this was a lot, but I wanted to collect it all in one place. Hopefully the format isn’t aweful and I didn’t miss anything. I know I didn’t talk about everything, but I didn’t want this to be too overwhelming. I wanted this to be a resource so I didn’t add any affiliate links or any other marketing. This was a pretty great direct that has me very excited for my year of gaming. Let me know what you are most excited about.
Image by Sharan Vijayagopal from Pixabay
Game Review: SpongeBob: The Cosmic Shake
I was sent this game as a review code. While I am very grateful for the chance to review this title, I will not let the fact that I got this game for free skew my opinions. This will be my honest review of the game.
SpongeBob The Cosmic: Shake is a 3D platformer available on all major consoles and PC. This review is for the PC version. Play as your favorite yellow sponge as he traverses the multiverse to save his friends and Bikini Bottom. Can you collect enough jelly to put everything back to normal?
I wasn’t surprised by how much I enjoyed playing this game. Traditionally, SpongeBob titles have been good enough, and by all accounts, this game follows said tradition. It may not change the gaming climate or be a lasting title, but it is a relaxing title that you should pick up if you are just trying to chill.
The story is pretty simple and negligible. SpongeBob breaks reality, and it is up to him to put it back together. You get to travel to different themed worlds where you must complete quests to return your friends to Bikini Bottom. It is very reminiscent of titles like Banjo Kazooie or Spiro, but I would argue that SpongeBob is a little easier.
The platforming is simple but satisfying. It will be easy for those veterans of the genre, but it provides enough of a challenge to help you pass the time. This game was made for a younger audience, but that doesn’t mean adults won’t enjoy it. This game is full of jokes, references, and easter eggs that will make even the most casual fans of the series smile. I loved the dose of nostalgia this game was for me, but also adored the gameplay built around it. As someone who traditionally hates platformers, this became an enjoyable time sink.
The game runs smoothly for the most part. I averaged 80 fps, but I did notice the occasional stuttering and frame drops. The drops weren’t bad enough to render the game unplayable, but it is noticeable when it happens. I hope the publishers will continue to support this game by releasing updates and patches.
If you have kids, this title is a must-buy. It is cute, inoffensive, and hard enough without being impossible. If you don’t have kids, it’s worth the $40 if you are looking for something relaxing to play. It has all the SpongeBob references you can take, costumes to collect, fun music, nice graphics, wonderfully themed worlds, and your favorite yellow sponge. What more can you want from a SpongeBob title?
Grab your copy for PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. And for those who prefer physical copies, why not get them using my affiliate links: Switch, PS4, Xbox
Now for a shameless plug, check out Canva. If you need a quick and easy photo or video editor that works in your browser, try Canva. It is free, easy to use, and you get access to a wide selection of templates for those who are like me and aren’t that creative. Check out my affiliate link today!
I couldn’t list my video for whatever reason so here is IGN’s gameplay if you need to see more.
Gravity Circuit
If you are a fan of the old-school Megaman games, Gravity Circuit should already be on your radar. The game promises an intense 2D platformer experience where you take control of Kai as he makes his way through a post-apocalyptic world full of bloodthirsty robots.
For those curious, you can download a demo on the steam store. I played a bit of the demo, and although I am terrible at platformers, I enjoyed the experience. It reminded me of the frustration I felt when trying to beat the original Megaman games. This game will carry a level of difficulty that will frustrate most players, but the feeling of achievement at the end will be all the sweater. If you are a fan of these types of games, this game is probably already on your wishlist. For those who aren’t familiar with the genre, I recommend you try the demo before making your decision. I had a hard time with this game on normal. I can only imagine the challenge involved in higher difficulties. If you have never played these games before, prepare to die a lot.
Gravity Circuit has great art with fun gameplay. It has been announced to release on the Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and PC. Check it out today!
Now for a shameless plug, check out Canva. If you need a quick and easy photo or video editor that works in your browser, try Canva. It is free, easy to use, and you get access to a wide selection of templates for those who are like me and aren’t that creative. Check out my affiliate link today!
Trailer
Gameplay
Images and gifs taken from the steam store. I don’t own these pictures
The Company Man Video Review
As a deal I made with the publisher, I have made a short review video to show off some gameplay.
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Game Review: The Company Man
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.