I want to note that this game was sent to me as a review code. I am very grateful for the opportunity, but I will not let it sway my opinion.

This weekend I got to Beta test SpellForce Conquest of Eo. This post will be less of a review and more of my first impressions since the game isn’t out yet. Spellforce is a real-time strategy game with RPG elements. You take control of a magic user with unique skills to raise an army and complete quests. Build a formattable mage’s tower and face off against the parrels of EO. This game plays like a Civilization game, but one that follows a story. I only got to play 140 turns of this game, but I got a solid sense of what it is about.

If you are a fan of RTS games, I think you will enjoy this more than I did. This game had way too much going on for my taste. Although a lot of the mechanics are simple, keeping on top of the tasks proved too difficult for me. I kept getting overwhelmed by enemy units. You can always change the difficulty if things get too hard. The game has a simple base-building mechanic where you can hire units, research magic, and do crafting. The crafting varies depending on what type of magic user you choose to use.

The game lets you choose from three different magic users: an alchemist, a necromancer, and an artificer. This choice affects the type of crafting you can do and some of the choices you can make. There are even cases where you can skip combat based on your class abilities. The alchemist lets you brew potions that you can use to support your troops, the necromancer lets you raise ghouls from your fallen subjects, and the artificer lets you craft items that give your units different powers. I felt that this was more flavor than tangible mechanics since all the units played the same.

Combat is what you expect from a turn-based game. You control your units and try to kill your enemy without suffering casualties. Units will level after combat, but any units you lose will be lost permanently. Play smart or lose everything. The game does offer a neat feature to skip combat, eliminating a lot of the grind. I recommend you use this only on easy matchups or risk needlessly losing units to RNG.

The RPG elements are fine, but I got a limited experience in the beta. I only got to play through one mission, and it was fine enough but nothing too exciting. I did like that you are presented with choices you could fail, like in a choose your own adventure game, but I didn’t think the choices mattered too much. The choices I encountered allowed me to skip combat, gain a unit, or snag some loot. It didn’t affect the main story progression. 

Most of the gameplay exists on this open map where your units can move freely over. There are wandering mobs, hidden treasures, and bases that you can uncover as you travel. The game offers a questline that you need to complete along with your other tasks. I found that the challenge of this game comes from managing all these tasks, and I am not very good at macro-managing. 

My only complaint with this game is that the movement is clunky. Choosing movement, selecting attacks and anything in the open world is cumbersome. I would waste turns because a unit would move where it shouldn’t have. Other than that, everything else I got to try was interesting, and I am sure there is an audience for it.

This game looks promising if you like the genre. If you don’t, maybe hold off. It does feel very niche at the moment and unless they can have an amazing story, I believe it will stay niche. You can wishlist it on Steam and it is planned to release sometime in 2023.

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Game Review: The Fantastic Kitty Rue

December 23, 2022 josechurape 2 Comments

I was sent The Fantastic Kitty Rue as a review code. While I am very grateful, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be an honest review.

The Fantastic Kitty Rue is an interactive visual novel with a rhythm game baked into it. You take control of a young cat girl as she tries to become a famous performer to help her family financially. It’s a cute short title with puzzles, decent voice acting, and a solid story.

The gameplay is split into two parts. There is a rhythm game where you perform to captivate an audience of onlookers and some minor exploration where you scroll through rooms to find items you need to solve puzzles.

I thought the rhythm mechanic was rather clever. Kitty dances to ragtime music, and you are positioned on your keyboard as if you were playing the piano she dances to. The gameplay isn’t very challenging, growing stale after the first song. The music you play isn’t very catchy and part of the reason I grew bored. The animation isn’t finished yet, but promises were made for future updates. What animation exists is fine, but I was so focused on not missing any notes that it didn’t matter.

The exploration is where I take issue with this game. While I did appreciate the bits of world-building presented through the exploration bits, it feels clunky. Moving the camera around feels slow, and some of the puzzle pieces are hard to see. 

The story was the best part of this game. It tells a sad but solid narrative while building up to a proper climax. There is a part of this game that gave me anxiety because of how invested I was in Rue’s adventure. I was a big fan of the art and the storytelling, but I wish there was more.

You can buy this game for $16.99 on Steam, but it isn’t worth it. This game is short. It took me 2 hours to finish even though I explored everything. This game is cute but lacks the substance and polish to be worth your attention. I would wait for a sale unless you really want to support the developers. I would be interested to see what they can do in a longer title. Skip this game for now. 

Now for a shameless plug, check out Canva. If you need a quick and easy photo or video editor that works in your browser, try Canva. It is free, easy to use, and you get access to a wide selection of templates for those who are like me and aren’t that creative. Check out my affiliate link today! You can also try Amazon Prime with my Affiliate link!

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Digimon World: New Order Preview

December 22, 2022 josechurape Leave a comment

2023 is going to be a great year for me and my switch, but a bad one for my wallet. Digimon World: Next Order is being ported to the PC and Nintendo Switch. I am excited. I didn’t get to play this when it was on the PS4 and Vita, and I had honestly forgotten about it till I saw the trailer a few days ago. I have always preferred Digimon over Pokémon, but I was never on the correct console. I never got to play the first Digimon World on the PS1 either, but have always heard great things.

The game seems to be similar to the original at least in concept. You will get to explore a new world with your favorite Digimon, trying to rid it of evil. The combat looks like your typical RPG combat. There is a base mechanic that is reminiscing of Animal Crossing, but I don’t think it will be as in-depth. It looks like you will be able to make a small village where you can gather Digimon, train, and buff them. I haven’t done too much research outside of watching the trailer because I like to go in as blind as possible and avoid spoilers.

The story seems interesting based on the trailer’s summary. I can see it being another typical Digimon story, but I am fine with it because I love Digimon. I am very happy that there will be English voice acting because as much as I love to read, I’d like to sit back and listen to the story.

Digimon World: New Order is set to release on February 22, 2023 on PC and Switch. Preorders for the Switch version are now open, but you will have to Wishlist it on Steam if you prefer to play it on PC. I can’t wait to play another Digimon game!

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Game Review: Knights of Honor II: Sovereign

December 20, 2022 josechurape Leave a comment

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

Knights of Honor II: Sovereign is a medieval-themed real-time strategy game. The goal is to become the most powerful kingdom in the world. It is similar to the Civilization game but with a lot less waiting and a lot more choices. If you are a fan of strategy or want to get into the genre, this is a fantastic title to add to your collection.

First off, this game has the strange ability to manipulate time in real life. It was morning when I started my campaign, but when I got up, it was well past midnight. I still had choices to make and kingdoms to topple. Knights of Honor II quickly became an addiction, and I don’t even like strategy games.

Choose a kingdom and start making your plans toward world domination. Victory takes many forms in this game. You can bolster your economy through trade, becoming the most prosperous. You can raise mighty armies and watch kingdoms crumble under your might. You can influence the world through your religion and diplomacy. But if you are feeling sneaky, send in your spies to sow dissidence within your enemy’s borders. There are so many choices in this game, and they all matter.

 

Do not be discouraged. This game sounds complicated, and in many ways it is, but it is easy to pick up. I am terrible at strategy games, but I picked it up quickly. The game does a fantastic job of giving you the resources you need to understand the game, but there are some great guides out there for when you get stuck. I played my campaigns without referencing any guides. I didn’t feel like I needed them, but I made mistakes. None of my runs were optimal. I suggest you look some up if you plan to play online. I didn’t play online, but I assume that people are a lot less forgiving than the AI. The AI is great and found it provided the perfect amount of challenge. If I made too many mistakes or didn’t think about my choices, I was easily overrun by enemy states. I have left behind my collection of failed empires but had a blast losing them. 

This game is worth $49.99 it is asking for. I can play this game for hours, and I dare you to not do the same. My only complaint is that sometimes the audio would cut out, but I never play with audio anyways. Get this game if you love strategy. Get this game even if you don’t. Head over to steam and grab your copy today!

Now for a shameless plug, check out Canva. If you need a quick and easy photo or video editor that works in your browser, try Canva. It is free, easy to use, and you get access to a wide selection of templates for those who are like me and aren’t that creative. Check out my affiliate link today! You can also try Amazon Prime with my Affiliate link!

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Megaman Battle Network Legacy Collection – 2023

December 19, 2022 josechurape Leave a comment

The Megaman Battle Network Legacy Collection was just announced for the Nintendo Switch, and I for one can’t wait to dive back into this nostalgic adventure. The collection includes all 10 games in the series which makes this bundle a steal for $60.

The game isn’t your typical Megaman game. Instead, it is a JRPG with card game elements. Build your decks and collect abilities in order to save the world against viruses and shady organizations. This collection will support online play where you can battle against your friends or random people. The trailer seems to suggest that there will a ladder of some sort. While I doubt my abilities, I will be trying my best to win.

I remember this game was my obsession when I used to have it for the Gameboy advanced. It was one of the few games that I no-lifed because I loved everything about it. The art was great, the story was amazing, and the combat was so satisfying. I have since sold my copy, but my love for this game still burns in my heart. I can only hope that the memory is as powerful as the actual experience. In preparation, I will be rewatching the anime and possibly cringing at its cheesiness.

I was about 10 when I played this game, so I wasn’t very strategic. I played whatever was cool and somehow brute forced my way through the ones I could afford for the Gameboy. Now that I am much older and wiser, I will probably do the same, but I have google handy for when I get stuck. The game collection is set to release on April 14, 2023, for the Switch, PS4, and steam. You can preorder your copy today!

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Game Review: Frontier Hunter: Ezra’s Wheel of Fortune

December 17, 2022 josechurape Leave a comment

I want to start by saying that I was sent this game as a review code. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I will not let this sway my opinions. This will be an honest review of the game.

Frontier Hunter: Ezra’s Wheel of Fortune is an anime-themed Metroidvania game available on PC that you should consider if you enjoy the genre. I love the art, the voice acting is amazing, and the gameplay is solid. The game is still in early access, and while the bugs don’t leave the game unplayable, they do exists. That said, the developers have been very consistent with updates, and I don’t do that they will continue their efforts to make this game perfect. This game is not in the early stages of early access, but it is something to consider before buying.

I’ve had a fantastic experience since booting up the game. I have never been able to get into the genre until I got this game. I can’t compare it to any of the classics, but I found that this was a great place to start.

You can play Frontier Hunter with a keyboard and mouse or a controller, but I believe the controller offers a better experience. Ultimately, this choice comes down to reference. 

There is a story to this game, but it feels like your typical anime story. The story isn’t bad, but it isn’t amazing either. I would say that the main draw to this game is the gameplay. It is a lot of fun but be warned that this is a bit of a grind. You will find yourself cycling through the same rooms and beating the same enemies as you farm materials and levels or are rushing toward a save point. The types of enemies do change the deeper into the game you get, and bosses and crafting breaks keep the game feeling fresh. Make sure you explore everything to ensure that you always have the most powerful builds. 

Don’t let the waifu art fool you. There is a complexity to this game. The gear, abilities, and orbs you put into a character matter in this game. You will constantly have to fiddle with your builds if you want to make any meaningful progress in this game. While it may be easy to memorize enemy patterns, having the right weaknesses, abilities, and resistances is the only real way to get through this game. Trust me, this is an easy mechanic to pick up. I am usually terrible at these types of mechanics, but I was able to bash the right combination together. It is very satisfying to be able to finally easily overcome an enemy once you have figured out a build that works. It is a bit of a grind to get the right materials and blueprints, but it isn’t a terrible one.

 

This game is worth the $18 it is asking for. If you are curious about the genre or already enjoy it, this game should be on your wishlist. I loved the feeling of accomplishment I got when I was finally able to find a new checkpoint. The boss fights are fun, the music is great, and the combat is very satisfying. What more can you ask for from your Metroidvania?

If you buy this game, make sure you are always well-fed and try to break all the walls! You can buy this game now on Steam, but there are plans to bring it to the Epic Games store. 

Now for a shameless plug, check out Canva. If you need a quick and easy photo or video editor that works in your browser, try Canva. It is free, easy to use, and you get access to a wide selection of templates for those who are like me and aren’t that creative. Check out my affiliate link today! You can also try Amazon Prime with my Affiliate link!

Music by Stockaudios from Pixabay

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Game Review: Frozen Flame

November 29, 2022 josechurape 2 Comments

I was sent this game as a review code. I am grateful for the opportunity, but I will not let that sway my opinion. This will be an honest review of the game.

Frozen Flame is a casual survival RPG available on Steam today. You can play online with your friends or you can play solo. If you like survival games but want one that isn’t a huge complicated investment, give Frozen Flame a try.

Take control of the character of your creation as you brave the elements and traverse an unforgiving landscape. Gather the resources you need to fight monsters, complete quests, and build basses as you make your way through the various realms of Arcana. Do you have what it takes to conquer the wilderness?

Of all the survival games I’ve played, Frozen Flame is the easiest and simplest to get into. This game does a fantastic job of guiding its players through the mechanics required to be successful. I never felt lost or overwhelmed by the number of tasks available to me. If you get lost, the game has an in-game guide to guide you. You can also find comprehensive guides online with walkthroughs and recipes online. I liked referencing the guide by TechRaptor because I felt it was best formatted.

The main complication of this game comes in the form of managing different conditions and resources. You must use your survival skills to mitigate the weather and keep yourself in peak physical condition so that you are always at your most effective. Like any other survival game, there will be a lot of inventory and resource management. I found management in Frozen Flame relatively streamlined and easy to keep track of. 

Combat is fine for what it is, but it is pretty simple. If you are looking for a complex combat system, prepare to be disappointed. That isn’t to say that combat in this game is easy. If you aren’t managing your stamina or upkeeping your gear, you will die a lot. Stamina is your main resource in this game. You use it to fight, cast spells, dodge, and sprint. Managing your stamina is essential for your survival. Most of the combat in this game is about learning the monster’s patterns and making sure you always have the stamina to spend.

There is a base building in this game, but I never really bother with this mechanic. I usually build a box to protect myself from the elements and call it a day. That said, the options are pretty limited and if you enjoy base building, this offers a basic experience. It is great for those who want to start getting into the genre, but everyone else will find it lacking.

My only complaint with this game is that it does get a bit repetitive after a while. You are going to find yourself repeating the same tasks and it will get old. The game does a decent job of keeping combat fresh by introducing different mechanics in boss fights, but the novelty doesn’t last long. You will slowly start to recognize the patterns and it can become a battle of attrition.

So what do I think? I had fun with this game. I liked that it wasn’t a huge commitment. The story is easy to follow and the mechanics are simple and easy to pick up. I can see myself picking up this game when I just want to chill, build a base and not have to worry about complicated recipes to survive. There is also a light RPG element that keeps the game interesting. But, this is a casual game for the casual gamer. For those looking for an in-depth RPG or survival game, this isn’t it. This is great for the gamer who doesn’t have much time but still wants to play a decent survival game. The graphics are fine, the game runs smoothly, and it isn’t a huge commitment. Check it out on Steam. 

Now for a shameless plug, check out Canva. If you need a quick and easy photo or video editor that works in your browser, try Canva. It is free, easy to use, and you get access to a wide selection of templates for those who are like me and aren’t that creative. Check out my affiliate link today! You can also try Amazon Prime with my Affiliate link!

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Game Review: The Entropy Centre

November 15, 2022 josechurape 2 Comments

I want to start by mentioning that I was sent this game as a review code. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I will not let it sway my opinion. I will treat this game as If I bought it with my own money and provide you with an honest and fair review.

The Entropy Centre is a puzzle game similar to Portal that is available on PC, Playstation, and Xbox. This review will be on the Steam version of this game.

You wake up in a strange place without your memories. You find yourself in a deserted facility and the fate of the world in your hands. You and a quirky little AI must now traverse through humanity’s final stronghold, solving puzzles in order to save the world. Will you ever find the truth of why you’re here? Will you be able to save humanity? You will need to play to find out.

As a puzzle solver, you are issued a gun that lets you rewind the time of certain objects. Use this gun to get through the puzzle rooms and generate power for the world-saving machine. The story is pretty linear and easy to follow. You move from room to room, slowly unraveling more of the truth. 

The game does promote exploration by hiding lore and achievements throughout the center. I had fun reading through the different emails and getting a fuller picture of the world. I loved the quirky lines of dialogue that would proc when I interacted with certain objects. I appreciate the attention to detail put into this game even if the story isn’t complex. Exploration in this game isn’t mandatory. If you do the puzzles without reading any emails, you will get just as good of an experience but won’t get many of the achievements. 

The puzzles are all very manageable but offer enough of a challenge to keep the game interesting. I thought this game was a bit easier than Portal, but I would also like to think that I have gotten smarter since. With this game, I never felt stuck or the need to look up guides and hints. If you pay attention to the layout of the room, you can figure out what is needed to escape it. As a disclaimer, I am pretty good at puzzles, so your experience might vary. Either way, the developers do a fantastic job at giving you the tools you need to be a successful puzzle solver. 

I loved this game and think it is very much worth the price. If you are a fan of the Portal games, this is one you should check out. If you are new to puzzle games or are trying to get into them, this is a great place to start. The Entropy Centre looks great, runs better, and it makes puzzles fun. Pick it up on Steam, Playstation, or Xbox.

Now for a shameless plug, check out Canva. If you need a quick and easy photo or video editor that works in your browser, try Canva. It is free, easy to use, and you get access to a wide selection of templates for those who are like me and aren’t that creative. Check out my affiliate link today!

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Game Review: El Paso, Nightmare

November 8, 2022 josechurape Leave a comment

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

El Paso, Nightmare is a Doom-like first-person shooter that proves you don’t need high-fidelity graphics to make a game fun. This high-octane, blood-pumping and disorienting experience is something that should at least be on your watchlist. Take control of Luis Rojas as you navigate through a nightmarish labyrinth killing monsters and trying to find a way out.

The gameplay is strait forward. You run around a maze picking up pills, weapons, ammo, and keys while killing the monsters that hunt you mercilessly. Don’t get caught or it’s game over!

I had a blast with El Paso, Nightmare. The music is fantastic, and I hope there is a soundtrack soon. There isn’t much of a story except for the little setup you get at the start, but the voice acting is great. I love the bit of dialogue Luis says as he tries to calm himself down. It is well-acted, and it makes Luis a more tangible character. Luis is very relatable because he is a normal guy going through a terrifying experience and the voice actor does a tremendous job of expressing this. 

I don’t do well in horror games; I had a hard time at first. My heart was racing, and I almost quit after the first jump scare, but I powered through for you. The horror in this game is well done. You can hear the creatures shuffling in the distance, feel the footsteps as they chase you, and the music makes the whole experience that much more intense. It does get easier the more you play, but I always had trouble when I reached a new area of the maze.

My only complaint about this game is that the gameplay does get a bit repetitive. When you die, the level resets. All of the monster, weapon, and item spawns stay the same. After a while, you learn where everything is. You start to form routines as you make you plan your way to the next area. It becomes tedious when you are killing the same monsters and following the same paths because there are no checkpoints. At least none that I reached. The game does try to balance the monotony by creating multiple paths that lead to other areas where you fight different monsters. I still wish there was a way to save my progress so I didn’t lose my work because I got careless. 

You should check out El Paso, Nightmare. It is well worth the $5. If you are a fan of the original doom, you will like this game. If you want a game that isn’t a huge commitment that you can pick and drop whenever this is a great choice. I will be looking out for its sequel because I am curious to see what they can do. You can buy it now on Steam. 

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