Tag Archives: Reviews

video game reviews

Is Azur Lane Crosswave Worth $40? Find Out!

Leave a comment

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Azur Lane Crosswave to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This is 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 Azur Lane Crosswave

Azur Lane is a visual novel where you collect war ship inspired waifus and occasionally do fast paced, third-person shooting. The game is available on PlayStation, Steam, and the Nintendo Switch.

Hook

The world of Azur Lane is mostly water. The four great nations have an fleet of cute ship girls guarding its boarders and protecting its oceans. Every year, the four nations (Eagle Union, Royal Navy, Iron Blood, and Sakura Nation) come together for a joint training exercise to train the newest generation of ships and a bit of diplomacy. This year, a mysterious figure infiltrates the session and brings the nations into war. Luckily, each nation’s roaster of ships (about 25 main characters and 30 supporting) are strong enough to fend off the invasion. Build your crew of your favorite ship waifu and set sail to save the world. Do you have what it takes to collect them all?

Gameplay

The game is essentially a visual novel. There is a main story of drama as the players try to figure out who is behind all of the attacks. There are also a series of side quests where the waifus are doing cute things, which is meant to be world building for fans of the original mobile game or who want to listen to more of their best girl. (The voice acting is fantastic). Occasionally, players get to do combat in a simple third person action shooter. Between combat, players can recruit new ships, buy them upgrades, and organize their roster. Players can go into battle with their choice of three main ships and three supporting ships. Each character has unique set of abilities that include: a main attack, a secondary more powerful attack, torpedo, a dodge, and a special ability. These change between girls and ship type.

Review

I played a lot of the mobile game, so I knew what to expect. This is a game you play to collect waifus and watch them do cute things. Sure there is a story and a bit of combat, but most of the effort went into creating cute girls to waifu bait. This isn’t a criticism of the game, I have been a long time fan of the series for this very reason. If you are a fan of the series and for some reason haven’t gotten this game, I would wait for the sale. The game is fine, but $40 is a lot for what you’re getting.

Aesthetic

This game know what its doing. The art in this game is fantastic. If you like cute anime girls, this game has your type buried somewhere in its limited roster. The visual novel have cute characters, but the backgrounds can very. Some are nice, but most are rather generic. The focus is clearly the girls. This isn’t a criticism, but it isn’t going to be for everyone. The 3D parts are boring. The maps are too small and bland, but I respect the amount of detail that goes into the few ship models you fight repeatedly. I will say that the water physics in this game is fantastic and it really gives players the feel of epic open water combat.

Story

The story is very cheesy, but fine. It isn’t something I would rush to play, but I didn’t hate reading through it. There is a lot of reading, and not all of it is relevant to the overarching story. Everything is voice acted, but it is in Japanese. The voice acting is fantastic and if you want to listen to more of your favorite ship girl, you probably already have this game in your library. If you aren’t interested in any of the characters, it isn’t worth it. I appreciate that the game lets players know which events are story relevant and there is the option to skip through cut scenes.

Gameplay

The gameplay is very simple and easy, even at the hardest difficulty. Combat is fine for the first few battles, but it gets repetitive. Every combat mission is the same, although sometimes the enemy changes. The map is very small and boring. I would argue that there was no real reason to make the game 3D. I played a lot of the mobile game that started it all, and I would have preferred the chibi tokens and the topdown survivor-like combat. The 3D litterly adds nothing. There is also so much reading in between combat, they should have just made it a visual novel. Changing the roster didn’t feel like it did enough, but I guess they had to make you work to collect your favorite waifu.

Conclusion

I knew what I was getting into when I requested the game. I played the original mobile game, am a fan of the ship girls and wanted a legitimate excuse to have this in my library. As a casual fan of the series, I think the game is too expensive. As a shooter, there isn’t enough strategy or skill required to justify the purchase. As a story, its fine but I am already forgetting what happened. It feels like something I would throw up in the background when I want to work and listen to people talk. Something that is good enough to sit through, but not so good it becomes a distraction. If you like cute anime girls doing cute things, this is full of those types of moments and you can collect the cute girls to occasionally fight for you sometimes.

That said, $40 is too expensive for this waifu bait and I would wait for sale. But for those of you who are just discovering their love for the magical world of Azur Lane, or those who just want a little more of it in their life, you can pick up a copy of Azur Lane Crosswave on PlayStation, Steam, and the Nintendo Switch. I would rather be playing Tivi.

Trailer

video game reviews

Why You Need to Play Demon Lord: Just a Block This Summer

Leave a comment

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Demon Lord: Just a Block 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 Demon Lord: Just a Block?

Demon Lord: Just a Block is a simple looking roguelike where you play the bad guy. The game is out now on Steam, and it is Steam Deck compatible!

Hook

You awaken as a beheaded Demon Lord, with only the faintest of memories of your past life. With your kingdom in shambles, it is up to you to reclaim it. Set off into the wild and reclaim the parts you’ve lost long ago. Only when you’re whole again can you reclaim your throne. But this is no easy task. Around every corner sits a monster or hero thirsting for your blood. Fight your way through endless hordes of enemies, discover new powers and abilities, and reclaim the memories you’ve lost. What will your journey reveal about you? Do you have what it takes to be the mighty Demon Lord you used to be?

Gameplay

Demon Lord: Just a Block is a turn based roguelike. Before you grown from roguelike fatigue, Just a block does enough different that it deserve your attention. It does have the same repetative grind structure like you see in traditional roguelikes. The Demon Lord returns to his throne roam between each run. As you progress through the adventure, you unlock new areas of the throne room that allow you to upgrade your block, change weapons, and even check the leaderboard.

A run in this game is your traditional turn-based dungeon crawl. The player and NPCs perform an action per turn. An action is used to move or attack. Once you clear the rooms objectives, players can choose the type of room they end up in next. Rooms can be combat or offer useful buffs to players. Planning your rout as you make your way to the boss is key for success and advancement. The game further incentives exploration through various hidden secrets and items that help players throughout their adventure. What makes the game unique is that the game allows players to play as quickly or slowly as they want.

Review

It is incredibly easy to become addicted to Demon Lord: Just a Block. If you are looking for one game to play this summer, this game is your answer. This game has an adorable aesthetic that fully leans into its whimsy. The game has a unique gameplay that is both cozy but challenging enough to keep players engaged. Most importantly, the story is good enough to let me forget about the grind. I can easily spend a whole day playing this game, but I won’t because I am a responsible adult with a backlog of games I need to review. I will be playing this on the side whenever I can because I am just that addicted.

Aesthetic

I enjoy the token art for this game. It gives the game its board game-like vibe, and I always need an excuse to play more board games. I don’t have enough friends to do so otherwise. I love the use of vibrant colors and the cartoonish violence, but appreciate that the game isn’t afraid to get serious. As if this game couldn’t get better, the game has a fantastic soundtrack to get you in the mood for an epic adventure. Demon Lord: Just a Block proves that you don’t need AI ray tracing to make a good compelling game.

I am actually a huge fan of minimilistic games like this. I am always amazed at how unique the world and story these games build with such simple elements.

Gameplay

The gameplay is what makes this game so addicting. The game is simple, but there is enough of a challenge to keep things engaging. I like that the turn-based mechanics make the game as slow or fast as you want it to be. There were times I played it like a fast paced action game, and other times where I wanted to plan my moves better. It makes the grind feel a bit more managable, although the grind isn’t very bad to begin with. I found the RNG to be pretty fair. While there seeds that ruined my run (probably a skill issue) there were also runs where I was a god and it felt unfair. Most of the time the game felt good enough to take up way more time than I have for gaming, and I have zero regrets.

I do appreciate that the game incentives the player to change up the flow of the game. The game will randomly offer bonus drops for using certain weapons to encourage players to use weapons they wouldn’t normally use. Weapon unlocks also encourage players to play a little different to get access to different powers. All of the weapons feel balanced, and it really just came down to preference or whatever gave me the most loot. What I liked the most is all the hidden secrets you can find by exploring everything. Without getting into spoilers, the game has a proper mystery you should be trying to unlock.

Combat

Combat in this game is a lot more complex than it may appear. You can rush in and fight everything you see, but you can also dodge and parry. Mastering these mechanics are essential for your rise as Demon Lord, but I was never able to quite master it. The game offers a good enough tutorial, I just wasn’t good enough. Combat also varies between runs depending on the weapon you choose and the powerups you pick up along the way. Bosses in this game are really unique, but they are also cheesable. I enjoy that there is enough randomness to keep combat feeling fresh, and it is one of the reasons I am not ready to put this game down yet.

Conclusion

I can’t stress how much you need this game in your library. This is a low profile cozy game with a lot of heart and flavor. As a busy dad, I appreciate that I can pick it up and put it down anytime without having to worry about losing progress or forgetting where I left off. If you are looking for some good dungeon crawling action with engaging combat and just enough silliness to make your day, go pick up Demon Lord: Just a Block.

You can pick up Demon Lord: Just a Block on Steam. For other cool minimilistic games with a lot of heart and flavor, check out Void Sols and Worldless. Two of my favorite games.

Trailer

Pokemon TCG

Why You Should Attend Pokemon Prerelease Events

1 Comment

Introduction

Pokemon’s newest set, Chaos Rising, releases this week on May 22. That means we are getting some exciting new cards in the format, but it also means another round of Prereleases. This time I was able to make two, but I wish I could do more. Prerelease events are probably the best way to experience the TCG. If you are a beginner trying to figure your way into the hobby, prerelease events are the best introduction. These events are extremely beginner friendly and the vibe (at least from the ones I went to) are chill. I’ve made friends who asked me to go to locals, and I might just take them up on that. If I can find a cool standard deck to play and get someone to help watch the baby.

Table of Contents

The Decks

There are four decks you can pull from pre-release: Delphox, Ampharos, Crobat, and Goodra. I will start by saying that I absolutely hate Goodra, even though the promo is super cute. I hate Goodra so much that I ended up with a playset of the reverse and regular foils. If there is a God, I respect the sense of humor.

Build and Battle Kits

Delphox

Card Type / HP / Stage:Fire / 160 / Stage 2

Card Text:Ability: Flaring Magic Once during your turn, you may discard a Basic Fire Energy card from your hand in order to use this Ability. Draw cards until you have 7 cards in your hand.

Attack 1:[RR] Energized Storm (30x)
This attack does 30 damage for each Energy attached to all Pokémon.

I pulled Dephox for my last deck, and it was so much fun. While it can be a slow start, you can easily fill your board and get that card advantage. In the right circumstances, Delphox can do so much damage. It does rely on their being a lot of energy on the field, so you will need to find a way to accelerate energy and hope that your opponent also uses a lot of energy. Deli bird can help a good amount with this.

Card Type / HP / Stage:Water / 90 / Basic

Attack 1:[C] Pleasing Present
Each player may attach up to 3 Basic Energy cards from their hand to their Pokémon in any way they like. Your opponent does this first.

Attack 2:[CC] Flap (40)

Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost:Mx2 / / 1

My Deck

Delphox can one shot most threats, but some of my opponents got really lucky and pulled creatures I could only chip away at. Either way, I was very happy to pull this deck because I love the art. I got to sprinkle in Mega Pyroar and while it only got to go off once, it is a high I will chase forever.

Card Type / HP / Stage:Fire / 340 / Stage 1

Attack 1:[RC] Ferocious Bellow (80)
During your opponent’s next turn, attacks used by the Defending Pokémon do 50 less damage (before applying Weakness and Resistance).

Attack 2:[RRC] Fiery Big Bang (290-)
This attack does 10 less damage for each damage counter on this Pokémon.

Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost:Wx2 / / 2

Ampharos

Card Type / HP / Stage:Lightning / 160 / Stage 2

Card Text:Ability: Synchro Pulse If you have the same number of cards in your hand as your opponent, attacks used by this Pokémon do 80 more damage to your opponent’s Active Pokémon (before applying Weakness and Resistance).

Attack 1:[LC] Flashing Bolt (140)
During your next turn, this Pokémon can’t use Flashing Bolt.

Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost:Fx2 / / 2

Ampharos was the deck I wanted to pull, not because the card is powerful, but because the art is cool. Both versions (promo and not) are amazing. The two copies of Judge would also be nice since I currently don’t have any. Now I didn’t play anyone with an Ampharos deck even though I saw a few people pull them around me, so I can’t speak too much on this deck. It feels like it wouln’t be consistent enough to do reliable enough damage. It very much feels like the Serperior deck from perfect order, although I was very happy to pull that deck as well. I’ll probably be picking this up as a single for my personal collection.

Crobat

Card Type / HP / Stage:Darkness / 130 / Stage 2

Card Text:Ability: Nighttime Maneuvers Once during your turn, if this Pokémon is in the Active Spot, you may use this Ability. Search your deck for a card. Shuffle your deck, then put that card on top of it.

Attack 1:[D] Poison Sound Wave (80)
Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Confused and Poisoned.

Crobat is one my my favorite pokemon and I was a little upset that I didn’t pull this deck or the shiny rare. I did play against a couple decks like this, and lost every time. This is the most consistent deck in the prerelease format. The decks seemed very fun to pilot, but most importantly, poison is OP. I am not sure how relevant Crobat will be in the format being a stage 2, but god I need this card in my collection.

Mega Dragalge

Card Type / HP / Stage:Dragon / 330 / Stage 1

Attack 1:[CC] Corrosive Liquid
Discard all Pokémon Tools and Special Energy from all of your opponent’s Pokémon.

Attack 2:[WD] Pernicious Poison
Your opponent’s Active Pokémon is now Poisoned. During Pokémon Checkup, place 16 damage counters on that Pokémon instead of 1.

Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost: / / 2

Shoutout to the guy who got to splash Mega Dragalge ex into his deck. This thing is a beast that strait up wiped everything I tried before I had a change to try anything. 16 damage counters strait up one shots most of the Pokemon in the build and battle decks, and it works so well with Crobat’s ability. My opponent only pulled the regular version, but the Special Illustration should not be slept on:

Goodra

Card Type / HP / Stage:Dragon / 160 / Stage 2

Card Text:Ability: Slimy Sliding When your opponent’s Active Pokémon retreats, your opponent flips a coin. If tails, Energy for its Retreat Cost is not discarded, and they don’t switch Pokémon. The effect of Slimy Sliding doesn’t stack.

Attack 1:[WP] Dragon Pulse (160)
Discard the top card of your deck.

Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost: / / 3

The Goodra promo is so cute and it is one of the cards I wanted to pull. I think all the promos this time around are solid, but I was looking forward to pulling the Goodra deck. Playing the deck wasn’t so much fun. I had very bad luck and had a hard time building Goodra. Where other people had cards to help them build their board and disrupt their opponent, I had Emma who literally did nothing. Discarding the top card to use dragon pulse screwed me out of cards I needed more often than not. The ability also never came into play making it possibly the worst deck in the lock (at least Ampharos can potentially do additional damage). While the card does kill a lot of the build and battle decks, I wouldn’t play it again.

My deck

I pulled the Gourgeist ex Ultra Rare and had to slot into my deck. This little pumkin tanked for me, and even took my first win. Unfortunately, I was only able to build it successfully once. It was still enjoyed it better than Goodra and has earned a special place in my personal collection.

Card Type / HP / Stage:Psychic / 270 / Stage 1

Attack 1:[P] Horrifying Rondo (30+)
This attack does 50 more damage for each of your Benched Pokémon that has any damage counters on it.

Attack 2:[PP] Ghostly Touch (140)
Discard a random card from your opponent’s hand.

Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost:Dx2 / F-30 / 2

The Set

I am very excited for this set because it has that cool Crobat I will be chasing. You have cards like Special Red Card that will surely become a stable, but the set has some cool cards I want for my collection. I already have a space for all the bulk cards I pulled because I like the art. Sure everyone will be excited for the Mega Greninja, but there are a few I’ll be looking for (in no particular order):

My Prerelease

This time around, I did two prerelease and had a blast at both. I met some cool people, made some new friends, and got to hang out with people who also love Pokemon. It is really cool to have the opportunity to be around people who just want to sit down and play Pokemon. I don’t really get to do this a lot with my family or friends outside of the locals I never have time for, so I really treasure the time I get to spend playing card games with people who also like playing card games.

Midnight Release

I went to the midnight release at the shop I frequent a lot. The shop is full of cool people, and I’ve done locals of other games there. This time, I was able to stay awake long enough to attend and I regret nothing. I made some very good friends and will do my best to go back. The longer I stayed awake, the more delirious I got which meant I eventually forgot how to play my deck. It is probably why I don’t care for Goodra much, but it is something I would do again. If my old age allows it.

My Regular Prerelease

This is my third Prerelease at this shop. I keep going back because of how good each experience has been. I was surprised when I walked in and the workers signed me up before I had a chance to tell them my names. Some of the regulars recognized me and started to spark up a conversation. While this isn’t my main store, I am reconsidering making it mine because of how cool the community is there. I pulled a Watchhog shiny rare, (a moment that was quickly diminished when the girl next to me pulled the Greninja). Later in during the event, someone found a copy on the floor. One of the guys I had been talking to remembered I had one and called out to me to check if it was mine. It wasn’t but they quickly found the proper owner.

Card Type / HP / Stage:Colorless / 100 / Stage 1

Attack 1:[C] Snap Inspection
Flip 3 coins. If any of them are heads, your opponent reveals their hand. For each heads, choose a card you find there and shuffle it into your opponent’s deck.

Attack 2:[C] Low Kick (50)

Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost:Fx2 / / 1

This moment stands out to me for two reasons. One, the fact that no one tried to steal something, even if the value isn’t there, is admirable. The kid who lost it was so happy to get his watchhog back and that made me happy. Two: I only spend 15 minutes of time with these people, even less at times and the fact that they not only remembered my name, but cared enough to check to see if I lost my card is enough to make a grown man cry. Maybe I’ve been lucky with the communities I’ve been able to join, but it is something I am happy I am able to do and hope that I can keep doing.

Conclusion

Chaos Rising prelease has been my favorite so far. The set has a few cards I will be chasing, but I am officially comfortable enough to join a community that I am happy to be a part of. If your on the fence or looking for a sign to get into card games, this is your sign. It doesn’t even need to be Pokemon. Pick up your favorite starter deck, head down to locals and someone there will point you in the right direction. Sure there might be the one or two people who will be weird about you joining, but there is someone out there who is excited to not only get you into the hobby, but willing to be your friend. Thank you for reading!

video game reviews

Vultures: Scavengers of Death Review

1 Comment

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Scavengers of Death 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 Vultures: Scavengers of Death?

Vultures: Scavengers of Death is a proper love letter to classic horror games, specifically resident evil. This unique take on the survival horror genre is a refreshing gaming experience full of death, zombies, and not enough bullets. Pick up your guns and start blasting as you try to give the world its second chance.

Hook

A zombie outbreak threatens humanity. Sallento Valley is overrun with the undead, and the cure is rumored to be somewhere within its borders. Two Vulture have been tasked with the impossible task to retrieve the cure and save the world. Armed with only the weapons and supplies they find within the ruins of Sallent Valley, they must fight the endless waves of zombies and find a way out. Will their training prove to be enough to save the world, or will the world crumble under the weight of the undead scourge?

Gameplay

The game plays like a turn based tabletop where players move accross the map, exploring the ruins of the old city in search of clues and fighting off the blood thirsty zombies that chase them. Players will switch between the two operatives, Leapoldo and Amber, as they complete various missions. In classic horror survival fasion, players will find themselves with limited resources. This forces players to think tactically as they move through the zombie infested world. Sometimes it is a good idea to run, other times it is correct to set everything on fire. There are two main gameplay loops: exploration and combat

Exploration

Players move through Sallento Valley in a turn based system. As long as there are no zombies around, players genrally have unlimited movement to explore the world and search for supplies and clues. Movement becomes restricted if players are spoted by zombies. Players can try to sneak past encounters, but combat in a zombie infested city is almost inevitable.

Combat

Combat in Vultures is turnbased. Players and zombies take turns to perform actions. Players start off with a set number of action and movement points that can be upgraded throughout their adventure. Action points are spent to perform an action. Players can spend an action to attack, open or close a door, or use an item. Each action has a unique costs and players will need to manage these points effectively to survive.

Move points are used to move across the map. Each square of movement costs a movement point, and running out of points means you can no longer move. Zombies follow the same rules.

Review

Vultures: Scavengers of Death is the perfect game for those who like that 90’s horror game aesthetic, but also need more strategy games in their life. The game not only a good looking retro aesthetic, it is solid horror survival. If you are looking for a creepy horror game and don’t mind the amount of strategy, go pick up this game.

Aesthetic

What first drew me to Vultures: Scavengers of Death was the aesthetic. I am sucker for the retro vibe, and this game goes above and beyond to utilize it properly. This is not your typical nostalgia bait designed to drain the wallets of the aging player base that grew up with this aesthetic, instead it is a proper love letter to a genre that has defined a generation. The game has a world rich with detail and a terrifying atmosphere that almost made me quit the game. I have never been brave enough to play the Resident Evil games, so I appreciate that I was forced to play something as close as I will ever get to the franchise. The sounds, the monsters, the maps all work together to invoke the perfect amount of fear that make it perfect for any horror fan.

Story

Vultures has a solid story. The game combines two of my least favorite genres: horror and strategy, and yet, here I was on the struggle bus trying to complete the story. It has solid pacing, good mystery, and enough horror to make fans of the genre happy. I wouldn’t call this the scariest game I’ve ever played, but it does enough to get you in the mood.

Gameplay

The gameplay is where I am a little mixed. One hand, I am horrible at strategy games and even worse at horror survival. It took some trial and error before I got enough of a groove to bruit force my way through the game. This is a skill issue and those who are long time fans of either of the genres will have an easier time. For me, the game was a little impossible, and I would have given up on it if it weren’t for this review and the story. The game does require enough strategy to make it engaging, and the survival mechanics lend create a good amount of the game’s tension. It felt like I never had enough health items, but then again, I probably wasn’t playing the game right.

Performance

The game works pretty well, but I did hit a few game breaking bugs. I loaded outside of the map enough times to be worth a mention. I wouldn’t say the game is broken, but there is some noticible roughness that might force a restart or two. The game is being updated, and there seems to be enough love and passion behind this game that I am confident that this game will only get better.

Conclusion

I am not a hugest fan of the genre, but I appreciate the change of pace Vultures offered. Honestly, if you want a good survival horror game with solid strategy mechanics, this game should already be in your library. For less than $20 you get a fun and memorable game that is worth every penny.

That said, I wouldn’t get this game if you don’t like strategy games. As good as the story is, it isn’t enough to make you love the genre. As the worst strategy player in the world, I found a lot of the encounters frustrating and as a result, the mission tedious. This is a skill issue and eventually I was able to figure things out, but I wouldn’t have tried as hard if I didn’t have to. If you’re also bad at these games, I recommend you at least watch a playthrough because the game deserves your attention. For everyone else, Vultures is the horror game you’ve been looking for.

You can pick up Vultures: Scavengers of Death on Steam.

Trailer

video game reviews

Why Mouse P.I. for Hire is a Must-Play Game

Leave a comment

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Mouse P.I. for Hire 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 Mouse P.I. for Hire?

Mouse P.I. for Hire is the best game you will play all year. Don’t waste your time reading this review. Go buy this game and thank me later. Mouse PI is a first person shooter with a fantastic noir story and a unique old timy cartoon aesthetic that leaves it an incredibly memorable gaming experience. You can pick up the game on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch 2.

Hook

Jack Pepper remembers the old world, and continues his fight in the new one. Jack is a hero converted into a detective who is on a case that might be more than he bargained for. His old nemesis has gone missing, and it is up to him to find him. But the more he digs into the disappearance, the more danger seems to be lurking behind every corner. Dive into a world full of guns, explosions, and a lot of mystery as he uncovers a deep seeded corruption that has been baked into the foundation of the city of Mouseburg. What secrets await Jack? Can he solve the case, or will he be counted as one of the cities many unsolved accidents?

Gameplay

Mouse PI is your classic boomer shooter with an oldtimey filter and design. Players race around the city of Mouseburg, collecting clues, weapons, and killing any thing hostile. The game feels like Bioshock if it was animated and drawn by Walt Disney. In classic survival game fashion, players will need to manage their inventory of bullets and health pots to make sure the case is solved. The difficulty can be adjusted in the beginning which I assume affects the availabilty of the items. Normal felt a little easy, but I played a lot of Bioshock back in the day. I was pretty much ready.

Combat in this game is your basic shooter. Aim assist is on by default and can be adjusted to fit your playstyle. The default setting is fine if you want to enjoy the story but still feel like you are playing a shooter. During combat, players can switch between weapons they pick up along the way. Typing is important enough to pay attention, but I did just fine with shooting whatever was cool. I like that the game pauses when switching between weapons and that you can pause the game when you need to take a break.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Mouse P.I. is fantastic on the Steam Deck, and it has earned a permanent space in my limited drive. The game works very well. I didn’t experience any crashes or glitches, although there were random moments when the character would just drift in one direction. I don’t know if this is a hardware issue because it doesn’t always happen, nor was I able to recreate it. It isn’t game breaking, but it happened enough to notice. If you are looking for a good game to try on your Steam Deck, pick up Mouse P.I. and thank me later. I will say, there are elements of this game that are a little hard to see, but that might just be an age issue or the fact that I’ve lost my glasses.

Review

I’ve already made my stance on this game, but I will make it again. Mouse P.I. for Hire is by far one of my favorite games that I’ve tried since starting my journey as a game reviewer, and I will recommend it to everyone. The game has a fantastic vibe, a solid story, and most importantly, fun gameplay.

Aesthetic

The game’s main draw is its unique, yet familiar aesthetic. The 1930’s inspired art is not only a unique take on the genre, but a fun contrast to the dark and gritty story the game tells. I for one welcome any cool disney-esque dark game that comes my way. The art reminds me of the dark puzzle game, By Sweet Carole. The game also uses cute Disney-like art to explore its dark themes, and I absolutely loved that game as well. Go check it out.

The game also has a fantastic soundtrack. One of my favorite parts about the Bioshock and Falloutseries is the amazing old school soundtrack, and this game has a simlar vibe. It also allows players to customize their experience by adjusting the filters. You can make Mouse P.I. look and sound like a modern game, or adjust the filters to sound like the 1930s. I will say that the filters do make some things hard to see, but again, this might be an age issue.

Story

As a huge fan of detective noir stories, Mouse P.I. is a delightful adventure that I implore everyone to embark on. The well paced mystery is told through some incredible voice acting and some very well placed humor. I love the twists and turns this story took me on. While the game does look cute and adorable, the dark themes it touches make it a very adult yet enjoyable experience. Go check it out for yourself.

Gameplay

The game plays very smooth. It has solid boomer shooter mechanics with memorable boss fights and manageable survival mechanics. It is a little easier than Bioshock, but I also may just be better at games. I loved Bioshock, and the fact that I was unexpectedly taken back to such a nostalgic era of my gaming history but got to explore a new world is why this game instantly topped my list of favorites. If you are ready to replay Bioshock, but would rather experience something new, pick up Mouse P.I. for hire. Combat is tight, the weapons are interesting, and the filter makes everything fun. I will say that not all of the weapons seem useful or relevant, but I could argue the same for Bioshock. Just choose whatever is fun, and start blasting.

Conclusion

I can’t stress enough how badly you need to be playing Mouse P.I. for hire. This game is a fantastic treat for these dark times, and money well spent at full price. The game has cool hand drawn art that make for a unique world to explore, fun mechanics that will leave you wanting more, and a solid story to get you through it all. If you need a game to play this summer, go pick up Mouse P.I. for hire today!

Trailer

video game reviews

Kitaria Fables: An Honest Review of the Cozy RPG

1 Comment

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Kitaria Fables 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 Kitaria Fables?

Kitaria fables is a cozy action RPG out now on Steam, GoG, Switch, and PlayStation. There is a Steam demo available, and it works great on the Steam Deck! If you ever wished your Zelda games had a little more farming, this might be the game for you.

Hook

Your grandfather has left you with his old farm and a bit of magic in a Kingdom that no longer wants magic. Armed with your sword, a bow, and a few magic spells you learn along the way you make your way through the deepest dungeons in search of treasure. Use your gifts to help those in need and don’t forget to do a little farming in between. In classic cozy game fashion, you will need to farm for more powerful items. What will this cozy adventure have in store for you?

Gameplay

Kitaria Fables is a simple hack and slash adventure game that encourages players to farm supplies and build their gear. Combat is very simple. Players will target a mob and spam their abilities. By default, players get a basic attack and sword ability and unlock magic abilities as they play the game. Abilities are on a cool down and use mana to cast. Mana is generated by hitting auto attacks. Players will learn patterns and beat down enemies to collect materials for loot or gold.

An arguably smaller part of this game is the farming mechanics. Players inherit a farm from their grandfather that they can use to cultivate ingredients for food. Food heals players but also grants them small buffs. In typical cozy game fashion, players can organize their plot of land however they want.

Review

As far as cozy games go, the game is fine but I found that after a couple of hours of play, I was done with it. The game is cute and runs well, but it gets representative to the point where it doesn’t seem worth it. The story isn’t anything special and I honestly already forgot what happens. You are special and powerful and will save the world, but who cares when nothing feels like it matters.

Aesthetic

The main draw for this game is the art. This an adorable game with with a cute world to explore. I love the character art! The animals are cute and the main character is even cuter. There is some clear bias because I am cat guy, but it was the cute cozy aesthetic that first drew me to the game. The game has very cool attack animations. The magic spells feel impactful and there is some creativity that went into the monster design, but that quickly falls flat as the game becomes more repetitive.

The Grind

The grind in the game isn’t soul crushing, but it is a little too steep for a cozy game. Crafting in this game seems neat at first until you start working towards unlocking more powerful items. I am not asking for the game to hand me my progression, but the balance needs to be adjusted. I don’t mind a repetitive grind, I have done more than my fair share, but it starts to feel like busy work. In games like Core Keeper or Gaucho and the Grassland, you can see your farm becoming nicer and feel your gear becoming stronger. Here, it just feels like they are just dragging out a short story. I can see the grind being worth it if you like the aesthetic, but it is really hard to recommend unless you get this game at a heavy discount.

Farming

The farming in this game is kind of pointless. While farming gives players access to useful buffs, the buffs are short and don’t feel very impactful. After doing the mandatory farming quest, I saw no real point to continue to build my farm except to break up the monotony of fighting monsters. What I like least about this system is how you have to keep switching your main item to do any task. Other games let you fill a bar you can switch between, but Kitaria Fables has you open up your inventory and equip each item. I somehow kept deleting my tools. While this is a skill issue, it took away from the cozy experience. I honestly wish the game just focused on the adventure side of the game, but I am also getting burnt out on cozy farming sims.

Combat

Combat in this game is fine. It is a basic hack and slash and that has its place in the world. I typically enjoy these types of games because it lets me sit back and relax without having to memorize a bunch of keybinds. The problem I have with combat is how quickly it becomes repetitive. Enemies in this game will respawn if you reenter an area. This means you are fighting the same enemies every time any time you want to go anywhere. You can easily skip these encounters, but it makes travel a chore. There is quick travel to help with some of this repetition, but it all starts to blend together after a couple of hours. I can’t remember an encounter that particularly stands out because the game increases difficulty by making enemies reflavored damage sponges. It isn’t the worst system I’ve seen, but why would I get this over Core Keeper?

Conclusion

Kitaria Fables is a cute cozy farm sim. If you can get this game at a heavy discount (like $4 or $5), sure, the game will be that fun. You’ve got cute character, and a decent enough loop to keep you busy. If you see it at full price, you can do better. The sequel is coming out and if they fix some of the issues with the first, I would just wait for that game instead. I didn’t find anything objectively bad with this game, it just didn’t have enough to it to stand out aside from the cute cat character. I didn’t hate playing this game, but I will forget ever playing it. But hey, at least its Steam Deck compatible.

You can pick up Kitaria Fables on Steam, GoG, Switch, and PlayStation.

Trailer

Tech Reviews

Redragon BS8773 Review: Affordable Gaming Combo

Leave a comment

Disclaimer

Redragon sent me the BS-8773 mechanical keyboard and mouse combo to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinion. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out my reviews for the Wyvern K761. 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?

  • BS8773 Mechanical Keyboard
  • Wireless Mouse
  • Wireless Dongle
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable

Unboxing

Features

If you’re a gamer on a budget but don’t want to sacrifice performance, Redragon might have the kit for you. The Redragon BS8773 comes to us with a few features that will help you stay competitive, even through those long sweaty team fights.

Design

This 78 key keyboard has been designed to give users access to all the keys they need in a compact and optimized package. This thin and ultra light keyboard comes in four colors: Black, White & Grey, White & Purple, and Blue. I got mine in Purple and love the color scheme.

The thin switch design makes the keyboard compact without sacrificing on any of that mechanical keyboard goodness. Most importantly, this wouldn’t be a gaming keyboard without RGB and the BS8773 has a very pretty blue backlight that will give your cave the flare you crave. The RGB can be turned off easily if you don’t want a light show.

Performance

If you’re looking for a keyboard that can handle you at your most intense, the BS8773 promises the performance to do just that. While the keyboard does not have Bluetooth, players can enjoy a low latency wireless connection through the attached dongle. Coupled with the keyboards impressive battery life (about 10-12 hours with all the lights on), you are getting a very reliable package for fantastic price.

The Mouse

The wireless mouse requires a AA battery, but it is ready to earn all those headshots as soon as it is installed. With 5 adjustable DPI settings (800/1200/1600/2000/2400 DPI), ergonomic design, and low latency connection, there is no task this combo can’t handle.

Sound Test

Review

If you are looking for a cheap, low profile keyboard/mouse combo for your daily grind, the BS8773 is fine for what it is. Don’t expect the most comfortable or luxurious experience, you’re getting a functional compact keyboard that does what it needs to. My favorite aspect of this keyboard is the mouse. The mouse is awesome and almost makes up for they keyboards drawbacks.

Quality

Out of the box, users might feel some initial disappointment. The keyboard has a cool, simple modern aesthetic, but the font on the keys already look faded. Picking up the keyboard I realized that the box it comes in is heavier than the actual keyboard. This is ideal for those who travel with their kit, and fine for those who don’t. There is some flex to the board which makes me anxious about traveling with the keyboard. I heard some odd cracks when I was testing the flex, but luckily nothing broke. The keyboard itself is made well enough. Everything is cleanly manufactured, although it does feel like cheap plastic. If you’ve never used a more expensive keyboard or keycaps, its fine for 40$. You can definitely do worse.

Aesthetic

The BS8773 has a very cool design. It is a very modern looking keyboard and the compact layout is ideal for the user who wants a full sized keyboard that doesn’t take up so much desktop space. The flat design makes it low-profile which is in step with its modern aesthetic, but I prefer something a bit more raised for comfort. The keyboard does have kickstands to adjust the height, but it isn’t tall enough for my tastes. This is a personal issue, but something to consider if you’re crazy like me. I love the color scheme, purple is my favorite color, but I can’t read the font on the keys. I know how to type without looking at the keys, but the font messes with my dyslexia and it is too faded looking for these tired old eyes. The BS8773 does have a very pretty blue backlight, and it isn’t the worst looking keyboard you’ll pull out at the LAN party.

Performance

All in all, I was very impressed with how well this little keyboard came to play. I noticed no latency, ghosting, or any other issues. Everything hooked up on the first try, and nothing malfunctioned in my week of vigorous testing. It was a solid workhorse for writing, but I found the layout a bit of an adjustment for gaming. I needed to relearn a lot of the muscle memory and it all felt too cramped. The experience got better the more I used the keyboard, but I had a rough couple of days getting used to the new echo system. I also didn’t like that keyboard connected through the dongle. I switch between devices constantantly for my workflow, so it was a little annoying to have to transfer the dongle. If you don’t need to move from one device, it isn’t an issue. The battery life is fantastic though, and honestly the best part of the whole package.

Comfort

It took me a couple days to get used to the Redragon BS8773, and in that time I almost gave up on the keyboard. Everything felt so cramped it would trigger my repetitive stress injury to the point where I needed to take breaks. However, once I got used to the layout, it was fine. For writing, this keyboard is solid. It works as intended and I could knock out long meaningful sessions without issue. For gaming, I constantly found myself fat-fingering the wrong key and messing up crucial combos. This is honestly a skill issue, and your millage will vary. I think this keyboard would be better if it didn’t include the function bar behind the macros. That said, it was comfortable enough to be worth the $40 as a daily workhorse.

The Mouse

The mouse in this kit is fantastic. Are there better mice out there? Of course there are, but for the price, you get a sleek comfortable mice that works well enough for what you need it for. My only complaint is that the thing is battery powered. I never seem to have batteries when I need them the most, and that scares me. You can buy rechargeable AAs (and I recommend you do) so I guess it isn’t a huge deal. This is probably one of the few times where the mouse messed up my hand less than the keyboard. I recommend it.

Conclusion

Look, times are tough and you shouldn’t be punished if you are gaming on a budget. The kit isn’t the high end devices the pros use, but most of us aren’t performing at that level anyways. If you are looking for something cheap that works well enough to get through your next game or that next essay, the Redragon BS8773 is a great value at $40. You can pick up the Redragon BS8773 directly from the Redragon shop, or on Amazon through my affiliate link.

video game reviews

White Day: A Labyrinth Named School Review

Leave a comment

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of White Day: A Labyrinth Named School to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinion. 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

Whiteday_20170309102110

What is White Day: A Labyrinth Named School?

The classic Korean horror game is back by popolar demand. Roam the haunted halls of Yeondu High School as you avoid a killer janitor and try to escape a few supernatural horrors. Armed with only your wit and your vague memory of this new school, you will need survive the night and find your way out. Can you survive the night long enough to see White Day? Or will you be another dark spot in Yeondu High School’s even darker history?

Gameplay

Players take control of Hee-Min Lee as he finds himself trapped in school overnight. Players will need to solve puzzles, hide from ghosts and a killer janitor, and find clues about the school’s history. The game offers different difficulties from an easy mode for those who just want to enjoy the story, and a hard more for those who want something a lot more scary. Those who have played the game can enjoy a new character, a bit more story, and a new ending to keep things fresh. There are also some new visuals to bring the game to a more modern audience.

Review

I have mixed feelings about this game. On one hand, I love the story. This game has a fantastic atmosphere, solid pacing, and interesting lore. The puzzles in this game are interesting and provide a good amount of challenge. My issue is that I am still a huge coward when it comes to horror games, and this game knows how to keep my heart rate up. Whether it was the pesky AI that always knows where I am, or the jump scares that forced several needed breaks, I wasn’t as ready as I thought I was. If you are looking for a classic horror game that still feels a little dated, the story is good enough to play through at least once. If you aren’t a fan of old school games, there is some clunkiness to this game that makes it feel dated.

Aesthetic

I hate to admit it, but White day has a fantastic horror vibe. The game has a creepy sound track to get you in the mood, the school looks frightening, and the monsters are very well done. While I did have to take many breaks, I did force myself back because I wanted to see more of the story. The game does look a little dated for those used to modern day horror, but I appreciate the retro horror vibe and the story it tells.

Story

White Day has a solid horror story. It has some cool creative elements, but the running away and sneaking mechanics get in the way. I sort of wish I played on the easy difficulty because I don’t like stealth style games, but I powered through (somehow) because I liked the story enough. I still prefer The Bridge Curse 2, but I definitely would add this to your horror list.

Gameplay

I did not like the gameplay, but it could be a skill issue. The puzzles in this game are fun and creative. Some of the objectives are hard to see, and the times I got stuck was because I couldn’t see the object. I believe this is an age issue, but luckily there are guides available if you get stuck. I hated sneaking in this game. The Janitor seemed to always know where I was and sometimes he wouldn’t leave. This could be a skill issue, but it is really boring to have to sit in hiding as the AI just paces around, giving you no opportunity to progress through the story. People who are better at these style of games may have a better time with this game, but those who don’t like stealth games should look elsewhere for their horror. I think the dated feel of the games the stealth feel worse, but again, I don’t like Stealth games.

Conclusion

So why did I get this game if I don’t like stealth games? As much as I struggle to get through these games, I do enjoy a good horror story. White Day has a solid horror story with interesting lore and very fun flavor. The game has some solid horror elements that create the creepy atmosphere I want in a game like this. The problem with the game is that it does feel dated, and it does feel like the AI cheats to create the game’s tension. If you are good at stealth games, you might have a better time with this game, but I wouldn’t pay full price to play through this game. I would wait for a sale (like the one happening on Steam until May 16, 2026).

You can pick up White Day: A Labyrinth Named School on Steam.

Trailer

video game reviews

Panzer Knights Review: Tanks and Anime Girls Unite

Leave a comment

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Panzer Knights 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 Panzer Knights?

Do you like World War II era tanks and cute anime girls? Panzer Knights combines these loves into one epic campaign through re-imagined history. Do you have what it takes to bring victory to your army?

Hook

Command a mighty panzer platoon of cute anime girls through iconic WW2 battles in an adventure you will never forget. Fight off squads of enemy tanks with your fleet of WW2 tanks and special ammo for every occasion. Can you withstand the pressures of tank warfare and bring victory and honor for the homaland, or will you be another heap of burning scrap metal on the side of the road? Grab your mice and keyboards and find out today!

Gameplay

Players take control of different tanks through iconic historical battles. Use different ammo types, positioning, smoke screen, and crew members to take the advantage. While there is some realism in design, combat leans a bit to the arcade side. Do not expect this to be a full on tank simulator like World of Tanks, but the game requires enough skill to demand its respect. In between missions, players can buy upgrades or recruit new crewmates and tanks. There is a story, but it is a short and manageable campaign for those who don’t want the commitment. Make sure to check out the DLC for additional tank types.

Review

Honestly, if you are looking for a tank sim but don’t want to put in the effort that comes with something more realistic, Panzer Knights is a solid choice. The game has fantastic art, a solid story, and decent combat mechanics. I am not a huge fan of those warfare sims, but I had a lot of fun with the arcade feel of this game.

Aesthetic

I’ll be honest, you put a cute anime girl in your game and it is going into my collection. I will admit I did my time with Azure Lane, and this was giving me a similar vibe (albiet less fan service). I commend the devs for their attention to detail in the tanks as well as the girls. The world and tanks look pretty accurate to my casual historian eyes (I actually do love learning about history). My only issue with the game is that the world does feel a little empty. I don’t like how the world just pops up around you as you move around the maps, and some of the maps are kind of ugly. I think there is just enough detail to apreciate the game for what it is, but don’t expect the realism you get from World of Tanks.

Story

The story for this game is fine. I don’t think it is anything I would rush to, especially because there are bits that feel generic, but it was good enough to fill the game. I just wish there was more. The game is very short. It is worth $20, but I wish there was more to do.

Combat

Combat is where the game wins me over. I am not a fan of the more realistic sims because of how much work they feel. Things like World of Warships or Tanks are fun, but having to adjust to the physics of warfare is a struggle I don’t want to sit through after a long day of work and being a dad. I enjoyed the lack of realism because movement doesn’t feel clunky and combat doesn’t feel so calculated. The game does offer some challenge by forcing players to think about positioning, shell type, and things like that, but to a more casual degree that I found very manageable. The enemy AI is a bit on the easy side, but I still had to try to get by.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a tank sim that is more on the casual side, Panzer Knight is a solid option. The anime girls a cure, the tanks are cool, but you gotta be okay with the world being a little ugly. I enjoyed my time with the game, but I would probably wait for a sale. As much fun as I had, tank sims aren’t really my thing. I don’t think I would have gotten as far as I did if I wasn’t writing this review. That said, if you like WWI era tanks, don’t mind the arcade approach to combat, and want to collect cute waifus, check out Panzer Knights on Steam.

Trailer

Uncategorized

Reptilian Rising Review: A Unique Tactical RPG Experience

1 Comment

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Reptilian Rising 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 Reptilian Rising?

Reptilian Rising is a tactical, turn-based strategy game out now on Steam and the Nintendo Switch. Players take control of their favorite historical figures (and some a bit more fictional) in an epic battle for humanity’s freedom. Make sure you check out the Steam demo, and don’t forget to wishlist!

Hook

The dreaded Dictatorsaur has sent his mighty army through time to threaten humanity. It is up to earths mightiest heroes from every reach of time to stop them. Control miniatures of earths mightiest heroes and keep our timeline reptile free. Make your way through time, recruit new heroes to fight by your side, use your tactical prowess to save humanity, and collect some cool collectibles along the way. Do you have what it takes to save earth, or will fall under the weight of Dictatorsaur’s power?

Gameplay

Players get to assemble their army as they jump around time, keeping the reptilian forces at bay. The game is a turn based tactical RPG where players and enemy AI take turns capturing objectives, finding cool collectibles, and killing anything that gets in their way. Each level has unique objectives like capturing key nodes or killing all of the enemies to progress through the campaign. Each level is themed after a specific point in time, but all with a unique retro vaporwave aesthetic that makes the game a uniquely quirky experience.

The level ends when the player clears all of the objectives, or the player looses all characters. Characters can respawn if the player has enough time points. Players earn time points by killing enemies, collecting items, or capturing objectives. Time points are used for actions like summoning new characters or performing certain actions.

Combat

Combat in Reptilian Rising is turn based. Players spend each run using up a character’s action. During each round, each character can move and perform an action. In classic tabletop rpg fashion, each character has a limited movement range and action economy. Characters can use their action to attack, defend, or capture an objective. Take can also take their turn to collect gold or other collectables scattered across the map. After leveling up, characters have access to additional abilities that can be used if the player has enough time points. If the player takes too long to complete a level, a powerful enemy spawns to up the stakes.

Leveling

In between levels, players can spend ingame currency to level up their abilities. Reptilian Rising features a robust skill tree to give players a variety of playstyles. While I am sure there is a right way to build your army, I had good enough success building what I thought was fun.

Review

Reptilian Rising is a neat little strategy game that has classic tabletop vibes and a very cool theme and aesthetic. While there are bits that feel unfinished and clunky, the game has an undeniable charm that is worth checking out at least once, especially if you like killing time traveling dinosaurs. While I am very bad at strategy games, especially this game, I enjoyed every minute I had with this game.

Aesthetic

Reptilian Rising has a very cool vaporwave aesthetic. It has those bright neon colors that make it look both retro and futuristic that the same time, with some cool character designs to fill the world. Couple this with the fantastic sound track, and I got a sense of nostalgia for an era I didn’t live through. The tabletop feel and aesthetic was an excellent choice, and it gives Reptilian Rising its unique and memorable experience.

Gameplay

I am a little mixed on how I feel about the gameplay. On one hand, it is a solid strategy game with difficulty adjustments to support both casual and hardcore gamers. The mechanics are sound and offer players a ample opportunities to flex their strategy muscles. I am not good at these kinds of games, and had to play at the lowest most casual difficulty. This was still fun for me (I barely made it through each level), and I appreciate that I had the option from the beginning. My issue with the game is that there isn’t an option to reset a level if you are losing (at least not an intuitive one). You kind of have to just wait to fail the mission, which is a little unnecessary. Sure I could speed up the game through the settings, but its not the same.

Another issue I have with the game is that it is a little clunky. The game runs pretty smoothly and I didn’t experience any bugs or crashes, but choosing an action didn’t always work. To choose an action, you have to click on the character, click on the action, click on the object or enemy to target, click the action again. This feels clunky, and sometimes the actions wouldn’t work unless I moved the camera and tried again. I wish it would let me click the action and let me click the target to perform the action.

Loot

One mechanic I found interesting is how the game handles loot. The game will automatically give players XP for killing characters, but not loot. Enemies will sometimes drop additional loot that players have to pick up by landing on the square it drops to. There are also collectables scattered throughout the map the players can collect. This forces the players to either use their movement to collect the loot, often forcing them to move in-optimally, or they can ignore the loot and focus on the objectives. Loot disappears after a number of turns, giving players urgency in their action economy. Do you go out of your way to collect that cool new trading card you’re missing, or do you take over an important node to stop a powerful enemy from showing up?

Conclusion

Reptilian Rising is a fun quirky take on the genre. I am a huge fan of the flavor, aesthetic, and mechanics. While there is some minor jank, I think it gives the game its charm. If you are looking for a fun new strategy game to add to your collection, check out Reptilian Rising on Steam and the Nintendo Switch. At the very least, go check out the demo!

Trailer