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Revisiting Celestia Chain of Fate

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Celestia Chain of Fate 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!

What is Celestia Chain of Fate?

Celestia Chain of Fate is a romance fantasy visual novel out now for Steam and on the Nintendo Switch.

Hook

You have been enrolled into the prestigious school for Daemons, Angelus, and half breeds where you will learn to harness your magic. There are tensions between the races, and you do your best to navigate through the complex webs of relationships that exist in a school like this. In classic Otome fashion, you find yourself at the center of attention. Handsom boys will pine for your affection, rivals will try to make your life at school miserable, but luckily you have a support system to help you through it all. Make the choices that will affect the ending. Who will you choose in the end? The answer is, all of them.

Gameplay

This is interactive fiction without any voice acting. Players will read through the story, and make the occasional choice that will affect the ending. Playing through the game unlocks additional side stories that help flesh out the world, and add a little flavor to the characters you meet along the way.

Review

I’ve played through Celestia Chain of Fate when the game first came out. I loved it, but was very ready for a second play through. I was happy to find that the game still holds up. If you are looking for a solid Otome game and don’t mind the overall cheesy romance, this is a fantastic add to your collection. The story is very cheesy, and it isn’t going to be for everyone.

Aesthetics

The game’s art is fantastic, and it is what drew me to this game. The characters are all very good looking, and the world is drawn very well. There is some very cool art, with some fantastic music to get you in the right mood for romance. The only issue I have with the game is that the backgrounds are kind of ugly. Some scenes are a little distracting because the contrast between art styles is too much. The game does have  has some spectacular CGs that you are going to want to unlock to make up for it.

Gameplay

There isn’t too much to say about the gameplay. You are clicking through the text boxes with the occasional choice to mix things up. There is no voice acting, but it doesn’t need it. I usually read faster than the voice acting anyways. The game does work on the Steam Deck, but I couldn’t get the cloud save to work. I had to start over, which is fine, but the text is a little too small. I am old with tired eyes, so this might be a personal problem.

Story

The story is where I can feel the divide. I have been going through a romance anime kick lately, so I appreciate the story for what it is. Celestia Chain of Fate is a cheesy teen romance visual novel where handsome men pine for your attention. There are some very cringe moments, but there are also some sweet moments that make this the perfect cozy game in my collection. As a hetero male who is very comfortable with his sexuality, I can proudly admit that I like that handsome, supernatural men went out of their way to make me feel like the princess that I totally am. I don’t expect this game to be the piece of literary genius that will stand the test of time,  but its good enough for a couple hours of entertainment.

Conclusion

Celestia Chain of Fate is a fantastic visual novel for those of you who just want to enjoy fun cheesy romance. The writing isn’t deep or even that original, but it is a fun little journey that is worth playing through at least once. I very much enjoyed my revisit, and will definitely be back for a third as I try to collect all the endings. If you don’t mind the cheesy teen romance or the fact that you have to wait for a book too, it is worth getting into You can pick up Celestia Chain of Fate on Steam and on the Nintendo Switch. If you are looking for something a little more serious, check out Nobody Nowhere or my personal favorite, Urban Myth Dissolution Center.

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video game reviews

Minishoot’ Adventures Review: A Whimsical Shooter Journey

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Minishoot’ Adventures 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 Minishoot’ Adventures?

Minishoot’ Adventures is a top down, twin stick shooter adventure out now on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and on both Nintendo Switches. Make sure you check out the demo!

Hook

Life was quiet for the shiplings when the Unchosen rose from the darkness and spread its evil. Its forces spread like wild fire, destroying the planets peace and locking up all free shiplings. You are the last remaining free shipling. Travel across a whimsical world, discover powers that have long been locked away, free all of your friends, and fight anything that gets in your way. What secrets will your adventure uncover? Do you have what it takes to reclaim peace to this world? Will you find enough power to beat the Unchosen?

Gameplay

Minishoot’ reminds me of the old Zelda games, but with bullet hell mechanics to make it unique. Players control a lone shipling with twin stick mechanics exploring the world and fighting everything that gets in their way.

Leveling

The game has RPG like leveling that gives players the chance to customize for their playstyle. Players gain XP by killing enemies. Leveling gives players crystals they can spend on useful powerups. In typical RPG fashion, players can customize stats to fit their playstyle. Do you want to hit hard? Do you want shoot fast or be well rounded? The choice is yours. Players will also unlock new powers and abilities along their journey. This game can get as crazy as your typical bullet hell game, but with enough exploration to keep things from becoming too monotonous.

Exploration

Minishoot’ Adventures gives players enough room to have a proper adventure. While it may not be a large sandbox, the game gives players enough choice and agency to explore the world. The game has its core objectives, but there is enough hidden treasures to keep things moving. I personally enjoyed the lack of railroad and how I can approach the content with my own agenda.

Combat

Minishoot’ Adventures is your typical bullet hell twin stick shooter. One stick moves your shipling and the other stick shoots. The enemies all have their unique flavor and attack patterns to keep things fresh and engaging, but there will be a bit of repetition as you grind out your levels. There are unique boss fights, mini boss fights, and a bit of a frenzy to mix things up.

Difficulty

Minishoot’ Adventures lets players choose their gameplay experience with customizable difficultly. Whether you want to sit back for a chill adventure or struggle buss your way through a more hard core style bullet hell, the choice is yours. I am a huge fan of choices.

Review

Minishoot’ Adventures is a fantastic adventure game for those who love the old Zelda Games, but appreciate the bullet hell format. The game has a good looking world, fun mechanics, and most importantly, a lot of heart. Minishoot’ Adventures is easily a staple game that should be in everyone’s library.

Aesthetic

What drew me to Minishoot’ was the whimsical cartoon style art. Once I started exploring the world, I fell in love with the unique world around me. Each zone is full of life and color, each enemy has a cool and creative design, and don’t forget the well designed boss fights with the cool animation. The animations in this game are very cartonish, but it fits the theme and genre. Once you get the crazy bullet hell game going, you get an explosion of color and chaos you’ll find impossible to step away from.

Gameplay

Minishoot’ Adventures is easily one of my favorite games. I love how casual the game can be, while it offers enough of a challenge to keep things engaging. I died enough to know that this game takes enough effort, and a bit of a grind. While this may be a skill issue, it is not a grind I mind being on. Combat in this game is simple, but requires a bit of skill. I played the game on normal, and found the experience perfect for my busy schedule and dad duties. The boss fights are a real treat. They are creative and make the adventure feel epic. I like how each encounter leading up to the boss slowly teaches players the machanics and strategies needed to beat them. There are parts that feel repetitive, especially in the early levels, but it isn’t the worst grind. Most importantly, the game works great on the Steam Deck.

Conclusion

Honestly, I can’t recommend this game enough. The passion and love that was clearly put into this game is visible throughout the adventure. It is a journey for the casual gamer who wants to play a fun game that isn’t a huge commitment, and it has options for those who need the challenge. Minishoot’ Adventures is an excellent adventure everyone needs to go on once, and it has enough replayability for you to even try it twice.

You can pick up Minishoot’ Adventures on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and on both Nintendo Switches. If you need other fun adventure games, Onirism or my personal favorite, Ruffy and the Riverside. Or check out Yosei Wars if you want something uniquely retro.

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Explore the Whimsical World of Ariana and the Elder Codex

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Ariana and the Elder Codex 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

What is Ariana and the Elder Codex

Ariana and the Elder Codex is a cute Metroidvania coming to Steam on April 29th. In the meantime, go check out the demo and don’t forget to add the game to your wishlist! The game is out now on PlayStation and on the Nintendo Switch.

Hook

The world used to be filled with magic, but tragedy struck when the Seven Hero Codices were damaged and altered. Luckily, a group of librarians work tireless to repair the tomes and bring magic back to this world. While there are many skilled librarians undertaking this task, only one has the potential to save the world. Play as Ariana as she dives deep into the seven tomes, uncovers their secrets, and repairs them. Does she have what it takes to fix all seven tomes?

Gameplay

Play as Ariana as you jump into each unique codex and try to repair them. Each codex is a unique world based on one of the seven elements. Repairing each world allows Ariana to learn new magics. There are over 30 magic spells to learn and customize for a very unique playstyle.

Review

While the game has a few bugs that are a little hard to ignore, Ariana and the Elder Codex is a solid Metroidvania. The game features a creative and fantastical world full of flavor, a cool artstyle, and some solid mechanics. It is on the easier side as far as Metroidvanias go, but as a busy dad, I appreciate that it isn’t an impossible grind. All in all, if you like the art and want another metroidvania to master, check out Ariana and the Elder Codex.

Art

What first drew me to the game is the art style. The game has an undeniable adorable vibe. Each world is creative, brimming with flavor and the monsters are all very cool. I love the look of the animations, although they don’t always seem to work as intended. That might be a day one patch. The music is also fantastic and if you aren’t in love with the look of this game, you might fall in love with the story.

Story

The writing is a little awkward in places, but nothing that made it dreadful. All in all, it is solid fantasy with a proper execution. The idea of going into a world inside a book is not a unique idea, but one that makes a solid adventure game. I like how each of the codices has a unique story it tells, although some of the stories are better than others. They do tend to be the same kind of sad story, but overall I found them to be a good enough read to power through them. There is also some fantastic voice acting to break up some of the reading which I thoroughly appreciate.

Difficulty

As far as Metroidvania games go, Ariana and the Elder Codex is on the easier side. I played the game on Normal and still felt like it could be harder. There is a harder difficulty that you can change at anytime during your playthrough. I might also just be getting better at the genre in general. I don’t think the difficulty is an issue. As someone who no longer has enough time to game, I appreciate when a game is hard enough to keep me engaged but not so hard that it becomes a grind. Sometimes I just want to just get through the story without getting frustraited from the challenge. There is a story mode if you just want to sit back and enjoy the ride, but I think Normal is a solid place to start. You can always adjust it after.

Gameplay

Ariana and the Elder Codex is a fun Metroidvania full of whimsy, humor, and some solid animations. The game does get a little repetative in parts, but I think that is teh nature of the genre. The monsters were cool, the worlds were fun to explore, and it features some managable platforming. This is coming from someone who isn’t good at platforming. The boss fights are so much fun and I am amazed at how creative the devs get with each boss. They are full of flavor and have interesting mechanics. My only issue with the game is with the performance.

Performance

The game is currently in a good place, but it could use a few tweaks to make it perfect. There are a few bugs that were hard to ignore throughout my playthrough because they affect gameplay. Sometimes the game stutters and frames drop. For the most part, these drops are harmless, but I did die twice. There are also fake edges that don’t end where they appear. This issue is a lot more random, but it happened enough that I took notice. None of these bugs are gamebreaking, but they are issues that will make things like speedrunning a little annoying. That said, a couple patches and this game is perfect.

Conclusion

Ariana and the Elder Codex is a cute little metroidvania for a more casual gamer. It has fun mechanics, a cute world aesthetic, and some solid fantasy. It may not be my favorite, but it does enough good to be worth checking out once. If you are looking for a new action platformer to pad out your collection, or something that runs fine on the Steam deck, check out Ariana and the Elder Codex.

Ariana and the Elder Codex comes to Steam on April 29th, 2026, but you can pick it up on PlayStation and on the Nintendo Switch. If you want to play a move unique kind of metroidvania, check out Worldless.Or my personal favorite, Dragon is Dead.

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Planet of Lana II Review: A Stunning Puzzle Adventure

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I will not 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 Planet of Lana II?

Planet of Lana is the most beautiful and creative puzzle game you’ll ever get to play. You can pick up Planet of Lana II on Xbox, Steam, PlayStation, and Switch.

Hook

Mew technology spreads across the world, bringing with it much needed innovation but also greed. Tension between the tribes grows as the race for power and dominance shifts into the public agenda. This shift in idealogy thrusts Lana and Mui into another unforgettable adventure. Follow Lana and her companion as they make their way across a beautiful alien planet in search of secrets long forgotten. What will their adventure uncover? Can they bring the world together in the name of progress?

Gameplay

Planet of Lana is a side scrolling puzzle adventure game with a beautiful landscape to explore and a solid story to follow. Players take control of Lana and her companions and use their various abilities to solve some very creative puzzles. Mui, for example, can interact with the different parts of the world. It can use its powers to shut down old technology, take control of local wildlife, or help Lana push buttons she can’t get to. The puzzles in this game scale, getting harder and more complex the deeper a player gets into the story. The story is told in an alien language, but it doesn’t need subtitles or context to tell the beautiful adventure you are going are about to embark on.

Review

I absolutely love Planet of Lana, and this sequel is the perfect continuation. I can tell the devs have learned and made improvements to the original (not that the original needed much improvement). If you are looking to sit back and enjoy a cozy puzzle game with a great story, check out Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf.

Artwork

Planet of Lana is one of the most beautiful games I have ever played. I still remember the feeling of amazement I felt the first time I played the original demo. Years later, this world continues to amaze. I love everything about the art style from the creepy creature design to the breath taking scenery. I recommend you play this game just so you can appreciate how beautiful the art in each biome and level is.

Soundtrack

Planet of Lana has one of the best sound tracks in gaming, and the sequel gets even better. The music score give the adventure its epic feel, but it also creates a lot of the tension. There are moments I was at the edge of my seat because of how intense the music was even if the monsters or solutions weren’t that challenging. If you’re looking for some solid study music, check out the OST for the first game:

Story

Planet of Lana 2 is a stand alone adventure. The game does a good job at catching players up on the events of the first game, and players who start with the sequel will not feel lost. I highly recommend you play the games in order because the story is fantastic. Planet of Lana II is just as good at telling a powerful narrative as the first game, if not better. The game uses a fake language to allow its art and actions, and it is extremely successful in achieving its goal. If you have six to eight hours to spend on unraveling the story of Planet of Lana, spend them.

Gameplay

Planet of Lana is one of my favorite puzzle games. The puzzles in this game are all very creative that offer enough of a challenge to keep players engage. Some of the game does feel clunky and there is some weird stuttering here and there, but nothing that I would consider a deal breaker. That said, Planet of Lana II does feel like an improvement on the first game, although the first game is pretty fantastic on its own. The puzzles feel more creative, and the mechanics feel tighter. Best of all, the game is Steam Deck compatible!

Conclusion

Planet of Lana II continues to prove why this series should be a staple in all puzzle game libraries. It features a beautiful world with a fantastic sound track to set the mood. If you are looking for a fantastic example of good story telling and a whimsical world full of fun puzzles, go get Planet of Lana. Planet of Lana continues to be my favorite game, and I will fight anyone who tries to tell me otherwise.

You can pick up Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf on on Xbox, Steam, PlayStation, and Switch

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Konfronto Game Review: Exploring the Quirky Scifi Autobattler

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Konfronto 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

What is Konfronto?

Konfronto is a scifi themed auto-battling backpack management rogue like out now on PC via Steam and Epic Games. The game is currently on sale until March 2nd, 2026.

Hook

Build an intergalactic spaceship that will help you conquer the universe. Fill your ship with competent pilots, powerful ships, and useful facilities as you make your way through the dark reaches of space. There are multiple factions to choose from and countless combinations of mechanics, but only one will reign supreme. Will it be you?

Gameplay

The goal of Konfronto is to build a powerful starship. Players spend each turn buying from a pool of randomly generated parts. These parts consist of ships, facilities, upgrades, and pilots. A part can give players abilities, allow them to attack, give buffs to the ship, or unlock more grids. Parts also have factions that can give added bonuses. Finding the right combination of these parts is key to winning combat.

Combat

Players will spend a turn buying and arranging their parts before sending their ships into battle. Combat in Konfronto is done automatically. Players fight random ships other players create, and the game gives you the option to fast forward and skip the animation. A run is over if a player loses five matches or if they win 10. The hard part is finding parts that successfully synergize with one another.

Backpack Management

The main loop of this game is the backpack management. Players have limited amounts of space in a grid that they fill with each part. Parts can be rotated and more inventory slots can be unlocked, but players must learn to work with their limited space in a way that takes advantage of the games different mechanics.

Review

I love bag management games, and Konfronto is a solid addition to the genre. The game has cool aesthetic and solid mechanics that provide a decent amount of challenge. If you like the scifi theme, give the game a try.

Aesthetic

Konfronto has a quirky scifi theme that just works. I love the character design and the cool flavorful ships that fill the starship. The music score is fantastic and got me into the mood for space combat, but I was not ready for how hard this game was going to be. My only complaint is that the font is a little small and I had trouble reading some of the abilities. This could be an issue with my dyslexia, but it did make me miss some of the mechanics.

Gameplay

The game runs smooth, but the game is hard. There are mechanics and interactions that are not very intuitive. They will click eventually, but it still feels likes I am missing some key mechanics that keep me from doing better. You might need to look at guides online if you want to get more serious about your climb, but I had fun trying to figure things out on my own. I appreciate that there are different modes to encourage different playstyles, although I mainly stuck the regular mode because of personal preference. I don’ think I would choose this game over Backpack Hero or even NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters.

Conclusion

Whether or not you should get this game really depends on whether or not you like the theme. The game is small, but it offers a good amount of challenge and customization. The theme is also solid with fun quirky art to make it memorable. Personally, I prefer something on the fantasy side, but I did enjoy the amount of time I played this game. I just wish I could read the words better (although this might be a personal problem). If you are looking for a new and challenging autobattler, go give Konfronto a try.

You can pick up Konfronto on Steam or Epic Games.

video game reviews

Rainbow Legends: A Unique Deckbuilding Roguelike Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent the Rainbow Legends demo to review for my blog. I understand the game isn’t finished yet, so I will try to be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, 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 Rainbow Legends?

Rainbow Legends is a unique take on the deckbuilding roguelike where the goal is to use your deck to cover the whole board with your color. There is a demo available on Steam. Make sure you check it out, and don’t forget to wishlist!

Hook

You a powerful hero on an adventure of your choosing. Use your abilities to capture more of the territory to defeat your enemies. Build powerful decks, protect your structures, and find some valuable relics along the way. Will RNGesus bless your adventure with good fortune and powerful cards, or will you end up another fallen adventurer in this godforsaken world? Pull up and find out.

Gameplay

Aside from its unique territory mechanics, Rainbow Legends is your tipical deck building roguelike. Players will choose from one of the mighty heroes (the demo only has the mage as a playable character). Players start with a basic deck that they power up through the course of the adventure. They can find more powerful cards through encounters and combat, or buy them in the shops. There are also events that allow players to level up and customize their cards. The game does a good job at giving players a certain level of freedom to build a deck to fit their playstyle while the RNG keeps playthroughs fresh and exciting.

Combat

Combat in Rainbow Legends is unique. Instead of the regular back and forth style seen in traditional deckbuilders, Rainbow Legends has players fighting over territory of a map. To deal damage in this game, players must own more territory than the their opponent by the end of each round. The game is over when either the player or NPC’s health hits zero.

To claim territories, players must cast abilities using their mana. Mana is fixed, but the capacity can be increased through cards or powerups. Cards cast can give players buffs, summon buildings that give players access to useful resources, or take over/buff territory. Enemy attacks are telegraphed. Players must play around these attacks while maximizing their territory gains.

Imprssions

The demo is a little broken and there are clear signs that the game isn’t finished. That said, the core mechanics of the game work well enough to make Rainbow Legends a serviceable demo. Players will get a solid sense of a roguelike that is honestly a little addicting if you can ignore some of the general roughness. If you are looking for a deckbuilder that feels different and is fun, Rainbow Legends is a solid game to keep on your radar.

Aesthetic

I love the pixel art style of Rainbow Legends. The game’s simple style makes it perfect for running on most computers, but with cool enough art to make the game interesting to look at. It has characters with cool designs, and some very creative abilities. The demo does have some missing elements and a few poorly translated, or not translated sections. This made it hard to understand a few of the mechanics because either I had to translate the text into English, or guess because the text was missing. There have been some updates to the game since I’ve played it, and hopefully this gets patched on full release.

Roguelike

Most roguelikes have players travel across nodes on a map as they work their way to a final boss. All paths lead to the same final boss, but the choice is up to the player. Rainbow Legends does things a little differently. Instead of traveling across nodes, players can travel across an open map. Players don’t lose options after choosing an encounter, and can return or choose the order of their adventure. I like that I can save the camps and shops till the end before the boss fight. It is a unique twist on the roguelike formula, and one that adds a bit of depth to the game.

Combat

Combat was a little strange at first because the tutorial is a little awkward and some important information is missing or not translated correctly. Once I got the gist of things through trial and error, the game became an addiction. While the concept is simple (you are just playing shapes on a grid), there is a lot of strategy involved. The choices a player in both the overworld exploration and combat prowess shape a successful run. RNG may ruin a few runs, but it never felt like it did any of mine.

I love that it always felt like I was doing something in combat, instead of waiting for the back and forth. Combat felt like a creative puzzle I was trying to solve, and the RNG made the puzzle more interesting. Choices like when to expand my territory, build structures, or use an ability weighed heavily on my soul. I became too invested in trying to solve these puzzles that I lost track of time. This game is a lot of fun.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a new deckbuilding roguelike/strategy to add to your collection, Rainbow Legends should be in your Wishlist. Rainbow Legends is the most interesting spin on the genre that I have seen since Talystro. Definitely check that out if you want a little math in your roguelikes.

That said, the Rainbow Legends demo is a little broken. I didn’t experience any gamebreaking bugs, but there are elements that are missing, and a few translation issues that are hard to ignore. I was able to play through regardless, but it does feel like I am missing out on a few important mechanics and nuances. I still think the demo is worth trying, especially if you if you enjoy puzzle games. I’ll be around for a full release, and will let you know what I think about it then. Make sure you follow along for more reviews.

You can check out the Rainbow Legends demo on Steam.

video game reviews

Nocturnal 2: A Promising Metroidvania Experience Awaits

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Disclaimer

I was sent the Nocturnal 2 demo to review for my blog. I am grateful for the opportunity, but understand the game isn’t finished. That said, I will try to be a bit more lenient in my review, but these will still be my honest impressions of the game.

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 Nocturnal 2?

Nocturnal 2 is a beautifully drawn metroidvania coming out on Steam later this year.

Hook

Play as Ardeshir, bearer of the Enduring Flame as he explores the forgotten city of Ytash in order to break the curse that consumes his homeland. But the path will not be easy. The city has been sunk into darkness, with only his Enduring Flame to light the way. Bring as much of this city to life as you fight your way through mobs of enemies, creative bosses, and discover new abilities in between. Will his flame be enough to free his homeland from the darkness, or will it consume his very soul?

Gameplay

The demo has players go through the tutorial, but gives them a large area of exploration. This is your typical metroidvania where players are moving from checkpoint to checkpoint, collecting xp, powerups, and abilities in between. What makes Nocturnal unique is that Ardeshir’s flames can go out, and without light, he becomes powerless. Players must find ways to not only light the world around them, but sometimes find ways to keep their light alive.

Combat

Nocturnal has a traditional metroidvania feel. Players start the game with a minimal move list, but unlock new abilities as they progress through the city of Ytash. The combos get more complex as the game progress, but so do the enemies. Enemies in this game have easily telegraphed attacks and movements that players will need to learn to play around. Effectively fighting around these combos through skillful dodging can help players survive until the next checkpoint.

Impressions

I picked up Nocturnal 2 because Nocturnal is one of my favorite metroidvania. It has a cool atmosphere, solid story, and great mechanics. If you are looking for a new metroidvania while you wait for sequel, you won’t be disapointed. The demo for 2, has me excited. The game still feels like the dark epic adventure of the first, with a few solid improvements. The art is still great, combat is smooth, and it left me wanting more. It has definitely been added to my wishlist, and I can’t wait to try out the full version.

Aesthetic

One of the biggest draws for Nocturnal is its world building and aesthetic. This series has some incredible art, and I am very excited to explore more of this world. The lore in that is sprinkled throughout gives the game the mysterious atmosphere that makes the story feel even more epic than it is. My only complaint is that I didn’t get much of the story in this game, but at least I got a solid impression of what is to come in terms of gameplay.

Gameplay

First of all, this demo is playable on the Steam Deck which is the cherry on top of a solid metroidvania experience. Any game that allows me to whip out my Steam Deck outside my house is a good game, and this is looking like a good game. The Nocturnal 2 demo has smooth combat with interesting combos and interactions, a good amount of exploration, and some solid platforming. And this is coming from someone who hates platformers. At least, I used to hate them until I played Nocturnal. It does get a bit repetitive towards the middle of the demo, but it gave me enough to be excited about.

Conclusion

I can’t wait for the full release of Nocturnal 2. This is a solid demo, especially if you are in the market for a new metroidvania. I don’t think you’ll need to play the first game to understand the sequel, but the Nocturnal is such a good game, you need to play through it once. I still prefer the first game, but it is still too early to make that declaration. Until then, play through the first game, check out this demo, and don’t forget to add Nocturnal 2 to your wishlist!

You can pick up the Nocturnal 2 demo on Steam.

video game reviews

The Fame Game: A Cheesy but Fun FMV Experience

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of The Fame Game: Welcome to Hollywood 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 latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag, Cypher81 or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. If you’re looking for a VPN for some added protection, check out NordVPN through my affiliate link. You can also always buy me coffee!

What is The Fame Game: Welcome to Hollywood

The Fame Game is a dating sim FMV out now on Steam.

You find yourself in a leading role in a hit show. While you do your best to rise into your stardom, you find yourself the center of attention. Seven beautiful woman will compete for your attention, but only one can take the role. You will flirt, go on dates, and get to know each girl as you try as you jump start your acting career. Who will you choose? How far will you go?

Gameplay

The game is essentially a choose your own adventure game made into a movie. Players watch the story unfold and make the choices that will shape the overall story. There are multiple endings, and the game makes it easy to play for them all. The game lets players skip scenes they’ve already seen, and even rewind to a previous choice if they mess up a choice.

The game has two goals:

  1. Become a great actor
  2. Get the girl

Players must earn a certain amount of acting points by the end of the story for the great actor ending. The game offers players scenes with choices that affect how well they do in the series. The choices made during these segments determine if Jonathan’s trip to Hollywood leaves him a star, or sends him back to Ohio.

The main loop of the game is getting the girl. Each girl has a unique personality and affection meter. Players are given the opportunity to get to know each girl, and try to romance them. If players are able to fill the affection meter, they end up with the girl. The choices they make during the story affects the girls and endings they have access to by the end.

Review

The people behind The Fame Game: Welcome to Hollywood did a fantastic job at creating what is easily one of my favorite FMVs. While the game and story is incredibly cheesy, I can’t deny that I loved every minute of it.

The story is fine, but very cheesy. All the girls have an unexplainable affection for Jonathan and will chase him down, even when it feels forced. It reminds me of the cheesy harem anime’s of my youth, with almost as much fan service. If you like cheesy drama’s, this has that vibe.

The girls are each unique and memorable, but there are clearly some that are better actors. Some actors will bring their characters to life in very fun and memorable scenes, while others will leave with awkward yet passable performances. The acting doesn’t take away from the enjoyment, and honestly gives the game its charm.

The one thing to look out for is the fan service. While none it felt inappropriate, I wouldn’t play this in public for fear of being judged. Other than that, the game is a solid FMV. The story is fun, the characters are memorable, and the production is solid. If you like cheesy dramas and FMVs, this is a game you should at least play once. It is short enough to play in a sitting, and the game makes it easy to explore different narratives.

You can pick The Fame Game: Welcome to Hollywood for only $9.99 on Steam.

video game reviews

Rally Arcade Classics Review: Best Arcade Racer of 2025

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Rally Arcade Classics 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 latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag, Cypher81 or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. If you’re looking for a VPN for some added protection, check out NordVPN through my affiliate link. You can also always buy me coffee!

What is Rally Arcade Classics?

Rally Arcade Classics is an arcade racer out now on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation.

Hop into your favorite car and race across some beautiful trail in an authentic arcade rally car experience. This game puts its players behind the wheel of iconic cars from the era in a experience fit for veteran and newbies alike. Whether you are setting the course record, taking first place in a race, or driving through one of the other many challenges, you won’t be siting at idle. Can you master your control over the elements and be the best racer to hit the leader boards?

Review

Rally Arcade Classics is the best arcade racer you can pick up on PC. It has a fun ratro aesthetic that takes me back to the days I spent at arcades with a fun sound track to get me into the racing mood. The game runs very well. While it does feel like an arcade racer, I didn’t notice any game changing dips in performance. This is a game that fills its niche well. If you like rally cars and enjoy arcade racers, this needs to be in your library.

Personally, I felt the game was too repetitive. There is a grind as you work your way to faster cars. On one hand, this does a good job at easing players into the more complex mechanics of the more advanced races. On the other, it can get stale if you don’t love the car you’re driving or just want to go fast. I wish it let me experience other game modes without having to unlock so much, but there is also a good amount of content to work through.

This is a good arcade racer that is worth $20. If you like the aesthetic and don’t mind the grind, this should be in your library. I am pretty indifferent when it comes to racing games, but I enjoyed my time with Rally Arcade Classics.

You can pick up Rally Arcade Classics on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation for $19.99.

video game reviews

Dfiance Review: A Unique Tactical Card Game Experience

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Disclaimer

I was sent some free in-game currency to review Dfiance 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 latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag, Cypher81 or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out if you do. If you’re looking for a VPN for some added protection, check out NordVPN through my affiliate link. You can also always buy me coffee!

What is Dfiance?

Dfiance is a free-to-play pvp tactical cardgame out now on steam.

Choose one of three unique factions as you command a battlefield of powerful allies in your quest for conquest. Dominate your enemies by strategically placing your enemies your enemies in a way that gives you the advantage. What faction will you choose? How far up the ladder can you climb?

Gameplay

Dfiance reminds me of Gwent, with a few extra steps. Players build a deck based on their favorite faction and try to build synergy through their interactions. All players start with the same three starter decks and can use currency they earn by playing the game to buy more cards. There is a ranked and casual mode for pvp and an AI mode for those who want to practice.

The game itself requires some unique strategy. I recommend looking up videos on YouTube after finishing the tutorial because there are some mechanics and nuances that aren’t very intuitive, especially when it comes to the upgrade system. I recommend checking out the game’s official YouTube page. Players essentially take turns placing units on the battlefield. The battlefield is split into four sections, two flanks, a frontline, and a backline. Each card has a cost, and players must navigate the game’s unique mana system efficiently to earn the most points before the end of the game. Some cards have effects that create unique interactions with other cards on the board, (their own or the opponents). Its a unique game that makes more sense the more you play it.

Review

Dfiance game that you need to stick with past the initial slump. The game does not have enough of a player base for consistent fair matchmaking, so new players will have a hard time with all the loses. Others will take issue with how different the gameplay loop is, especially when compared when coming from one of the big three TCGs. It took me a couple of hours before the gameplay was able to click and I was able to enjoy the game. So what do I think? Let me start with the good.

The game will draw players with its flavor and art. The game looks fantastic! The battlefield gave me the impression that I was commanding a powerful army, even though I lacked the skill to do so. The art on the cards is beautiful, especially if you are fan of fantasy. I love how each faction looks and feels different. I enjoyed looking through each card and appreciate the amount of flavor that went into each faction.

The game itself runs great. I never encountered noticeable performance issues. The game is in a good place, but it needs more players. A lot of my matches did feel unfair. There is some skill issue that needs to be factored into this as well, but I was at a clear disadvantage trying to climb the ladder with the starter decks. The starter decks are fine for teaching players the fundamentals, but they’re missing a few key mechanics that will win you games. Again, this could be a skill issue.

Players can upgrade their decks or their existing cards by buying packs., but it does feel like a grind to do so. I don’t know how I feel about game’s monetization. On one hand, it is nice that there seems to be a limit to keep the whales from running away from the game, on the other, the free-to-play grind feels a little steep. Again, this could be a skill issue, but it didn’t feel very casual. This could be because I was always losing.

Another issue I have with the grind is that packs don’t give enough cards. Players can buy into their favorite faction which is nice, but only have two options: a starter pack for 100g and a regular pack for 600g. For 100 gold, players can open 5 card packs without a chance at a legendary. This is a good way to build a collection for a faction, but lacks a bit of key power. For 600g, players get that chance at higher rarities, but that price just seems too high. I got enough currency for two normal packs and feel like I wasted my money and that is bad for the player who spends money, and worse for the player who grinds for it. When everyone feels like they have a better deck on the ladder, not getting enough cards for a proper upgrade is going to turn off some players. Packs should have more cards.

Buying into a faction you like is cool, but finding what that is another story. The starter decks give players a proper preview of each faction’s unique mechanics. Not being able to find a fair match makes it hard to choose a faction. Players can practice against the game’s AI or thug it out in casual PvP to find a solution, but choosing wrong feels bad when the card packs are so expensive. This is an issue that will fix itself with more players, the problem is, will players stick around long enough for that to happen?

Honestly, the game is a unique take on the genre that more players need to try. The game has very cool flavor with very neat interactions. At the moment, the only issue I have with the game is that the new player experience isn’t great, especially if you’ve never played card games before. With a healthier playerbase, a lot of the issues I have with the game won’t be as bad.It just needs more players. If you are a new player, try to stick with it until you get past the hump before deciding to step away. Watch videos to ensure you aren’t wasting valuable resources. I personally don’t like the loop, but it is a game that will carve out its niche.

Go check Dfiance out on Steam. It is free-to-play.