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Exo Wanderers: Is This Twin-Stick Shooter Worth Playing?

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I was sent a free copy of Exo Wanderers alpha to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, this will be my honest review of the game.

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What is Exo Wanderers?

Exo wanderers is an arcade twin-stick shooter tank game coming to Steam Early Access.

Earth is dying. Humanity’s last hope for survival lies in what is believed to be the closest livable solar system. Several Exo Wanderers have been sent out to investigate its many planets in hopes of finding a livable one. You have landed on a beautiful lush planet, but you are not alone. Use your tank to defend your base against the many waves of aliens as you attempt to claim a new realm for humanity. Do you have what it takes to take this world in the name of humanity, or will your legacy be lost in the stars?

Gameplay

Players must use their Exo Wanderer tanks to destroy all enemies on the map without losing their base. Players will pick up random temporary and permanent upgrades throughout a run. The game offers a decent amount of weapons, armor, and power ups to build a tank that fits their play style. The game does offer couch co-op, for those with the friends to do so. The tank physics in this game is more on the arcade side, so don’t don’t come into this expecting World of Tanks.

Impressions

I definitely need to see a more completed version of the game, but I am impressed with what is available.

I need to see a more complete version of the game, but I am impressed with what is available. The story is fine. It acts as a good frame for the game, but it isn’t something to rush to play. The voice acting isn’t great, but it is serviceable for those of us who don’t like to read. The game itself looks great. I love the cartoonish art style, and the world has a good amount of flavor. I like how the levels are split into stages, and the game has a creative way to choose between them.

Gameplay is where I have some mixed feelings. I enjoyed the game. It was quirky with a casual yet engaging arcade feel, but there are a few bugs that need to be ironed out. Aiming doesn’t feel as fluid as it could be. I would hit points in the game where the game wasn’t pointing where I needed it to. Another issue with the game is that the enemy AI is dumb. In most maps I played, half the enemies were stuck in random corners or weren’t actively hunting me down.

Issues aside, the game isn’t bad and I honestly can’t wait for a more completed version. I love the casual arcade feel and how much the game lets me destroy with the tank. I also like the upgrade system and how I can customize my tank. It doesn’t work on the Steam Deck, which is a bummer, but I’ll manage.

If you enjoy tank games or twin-stick shooters and don’t mind the lack of realism, check out Exo Wanderer. I’ll be waiting for the full version. Until then, make sure you add it to your wishlist.

video game reviews

Interstate 35 is a Fantastic Visual Novel About the Apocalypses

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I was sent a free copy of Interstate 35 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 of the game.

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What is Interstate 35?

Interstate 35 is a short and creative visual novel out now on Steam.

After an atomic bomb was accidentally dropped on Northern Texas, people struggled to deal with the new normal. To the North, the land slowly rots away, eating at the remaining livable land. Some people have begun to settle in the many settlements that have manifested since the incident. But there are people like you who are crazy enough to venture into the blighted lands to scavenge what remains of the old world. What will you find on your latest run? What will you choose to keep? What secrets will you uncover?

Review

Interstate 35 is an amazing visual novel that everyone should read at least once. The narrative is well-written and captivating, the art is beautiful, and the soundtrack is amazing. If you aren’t blown away by end of this novel, you must have played something different.

What makes the game unique is the bits of optional exploration that are presented to the player. The story will have words that will evoke a memory or spark curiosity. It is a very cool and creative world and character-building technique that I haven’t seen done before. What I love most about this game is how it plays with format. The narrative blends its creative storytelling with beautiful poetry effectively, but also presents it artfully.

If you enjoy visual novels, Interstate 35 is a short, well written story that is Steam Deck compatible and need to be in your library.

Get your copy of Insterstate 35 for only $7.99, or at the very, least add it your wishlist.

video game reviews

You Should Be Playing The Spell Brigade With Your Friends

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I was sent a free copy of The Spell Brigade 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. The game is still in early access, so I will do my best to give it a fair assessment of what is available.

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I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is The Spell Brigade?

The Spell Brigade is a bullet hell action roguelike currently on Steam Early access.

You are an aspiring wizard tasked with defending the realm from an endless onslaught of monsters. Team up with your friends or brave it alone as you learn the magic to repel any enemy that gets in your way. Do you have what it takes to keep the monsters at bay?

Gameplay

Players start a run by choosing their wizard. All players start the game with the same wizard, but additional wizards and skins can be unlocked by completing specific achievements. Each run starts slow, with each player having access to a basic spell. Players unlock random upgrades and spells at the end of each level, or by completing quests during a run. Since all spells are cast automatically, the real strategy comes from effective kitting and creating a synergistic build. The game can be played solo, but playing with friends or strangers online may result in some much needed chaos.

Does it Work on the Steam Deck?

This genre is one of my favorites to play on the Steam Deck for its casual yet engaging game play. The Spell Brigade is a fantastic addition to the genre, and a great addition to any Steam Deck library. The game looks great, runs great, and it doesn’t take up much space.

Review

The Spell Brigade is in a good place in its development. The game works and looks great, with a decent amount of content for variety. No two runs were ever the same, and it never felt like there was a right answer when building. There might be, but I had fun trying building what I wanted. The art is great, the flavor is fantastic, and there is a good amount of unlockables to chase. I particularly liked how different the maps felt, and being able to interact with its different elements to gain an advantage.

What I enjoyed most about the game is having three lives. When you die in The Spell Brigade, you return with half your life. While being limited to one life might make the runs more intense, I like being able to enjoy a build for a little longer. I also like that resurrecting kills the enemies around the mage, providing players a bit of breathing room for their second or third life.

My only complaint is that the game moves and feels slow at early levels. Movement in this game can feel excessively sluggish, even with movement speed upgrades. This sensation goes away the longer you spend on a run, but those early levels can be rough if you’re not familiar with the genre. It isn’t the worst I’ve ever seen, but it is something to think about. Make sure you check out the demo.

Overall, this game is a lot of fun, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre, or looking for a new casual game to play with their friends. The game is in a good state, even in early access, with a few cool features coming soon. I am confident the team behind the game can deliver.

You can pick up The Spell Brigade on Steam Early Access for only $9.99. Check out the demo, and don’t forget to add it to your wishlist.

video game reviews

EDYN: The Interesting MMO Strategy Game With Potential

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I got to play in the EDYN Alpha this weekend and have some thoughts on the game. I will be slightly lenient with my review because the game is still in development. That said, these will be my honest impressions.

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What is EDYN?

EDYN is a unique MMO strategy game coming to Steam.

Build your empire against the ever changing backdrop as you compete for land and resources. Make your alliances, build your army, fortify your defenses, and do what ever you can to stay alive. How strong will your empire become?

Gameplay

EDYN is a massive strategy game where content is player driven. While there are NPCs to farm and expand against, the real fun is surviving against other player driven empires. The full game will allow players to build and upgrade bases, expand and colonize neighboring areas, make key alliances, and go to war with anyone who gets in your way. The alpha was missing a few key features like science and colonization, so I only go a taste of base building and combat.

Everything in EDYN works on a timer. Building, recruiting, and raiding all take time to do. The full game may have more animation, but the main loops seems to be waiting on timers as you try to build efficiently. Depending on the state of the world, it is beneficial and encouraged to make alliances to survive what could be an unforgiving landscape. The full version of the game will have challenges to complete and rankings to change as something for players to work towards.

Impressions

EDYN is an interesting take on the genre, but I fear it might be a bit too ambitious. Having player driven content, especially in a game as PVP reliant as EDYN, is a great idea, if there are players. Of all the times I logged into this game, I only saw people once. Granted, I keep weird gaming hours, but that shouldn’t matter for a game like this.

When people were online, I had fun talking to strangers and most of the community seemed friendly and eager to help newcomers. There was urgency to build my defenses, invade others, and attempt to forge alliances. When there were no people online, it felt like I was just waiting on timers.

The game does have potential, especially with some of the promised missing features, but I’d have to see their implementation first. The game might still be too niche since it only seems to cater to fans of a more IDLE form of RTS. Even then, unless it can pull in a decent population of players dedicated to driving the content, I don’t see this game seeing much success. I would check it out if you’re a fan of RTS and try to get into the alpha, otherwise I would wait for a more complete version of the game.

I enjoyed bits of the game, but lost interest when it seemed like I was the only one playing. I’ll have to see a more complete version for a more detailed review, but I am interested. The game does seem to have a few friendly and passionate players, a growing Discord channel, and dedicated devolpers tirelessly working on improving the game. Make sure you check out EDYN on Steam, and don’t forget to Wishlist!

video game reviews

Empire of Ants Isn’t the Epic Ant RTS you Think it is, but It’s not Bad

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I was sent a free copy of Empire for Ants 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.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is Empire of Ants?

Empire of Ants is a unique 3rd person RTS out now on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC via Steam and Epic Games.

You are an industrious scout ant tasked with expanding the empire for your beloved queen. But this is no easy task, even for the mighty ant. Enemies lurk around every corner, and it is up to you to hold them back. Command your legions of ants and fight your way through the forest floor all in the name of the queen. Will you fulfill your role and successfully expand the mighty ant empire, or will you be another nameless drone lost in the cycle?

Gameplay

Players get to experience the world from a third person view of a mighty scouting ant. Players will complete quests and command legions of ants to gather resources, attack and defend against enemies, and expand the might ant empire. Players will essentially pick up missions, platform across the wilderness, and command units to attack enemies or gather resources.

Review

Empire of Ants does not work on the Steam Deck, at least not without some tinkering. This isn’t a deal breaker, but I would keep away if the Steam Deck is your main source of gaming.

When booting up Empire of Ants, players will be greeted with a beautiful world and design. The graphics and art in this game are beautiful, and I spent a lot of time on exploration because of it. The combat animation for the ants is pretty good, but there is some jank. Ants other insects will randomly fly out in every direction. Other than that, the sounds, the plants, and ants all look really good.

The game itself performs well, with a few performance issues that can be a bit hard to ignore. Sometimes the ant doesn’t move in the direction you want it because it starts climbing a random branch you didn’t notice, and other times the camera doesn’t respond how you need it to. It doesn’t make the game unplayable, but they do get in the way of the immersion.

The gameplay is where this game becomes a difficult sell. The game works well, but the loop is a little repetitive. If you’re looking for a competitive RTS about ants, you might get it from multiplayer, but you won’t get it from the story. The game feels a little easier than your traditional RTS, which is fine for the casual or kid, but not for the veteran looking to pad their library. I am terrible at RTS games and found this game too easy. A lot of the game does feel like an ant platformer, which is fine, but not what some people are looking for.

This game is cute, and has some cool ideas, but I would wait for a sale. I think the gameplay is a little too repetative to be worth the $40 and most people looking to play this as their RTS will be disappointed. Empire of Ants isn’t a bad game, it just doesn’t do enough to earn its price.

You can buy Empire of Ants on on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC via Steam and Epic Games for $39.99, but I would wait for a sale.

video game reviews

MetroLand is Your Next AutoRunner

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I was sent a free copy of MetroLand 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.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is MetroLand?

MetroLand is an autorunner out now on Steam.

You are a rebel running away from the oppressive forces of the ruling class. Run, jump, and parkour through the different parts of the city as you try to get away. Make sure you pick up as much gold and powerups as you can to rack up that high score. How far can you get before the cops catch up to you?

Gameplay

Players must control their characters as they run through the city, avoiding any obstacles by jumping, rolling, or moving to a different lane. The goal is to get the highest score possible before getting caught by the police. A player’s score is based on distance and the amount of coins collected. The occasional power-up and milestone. Any permanent upgrades help boost this score. Players will unlock cosmetics, powerups, and characters through regular play, or by buying them through the different shops with resources earned on a run. Scores earned during each run are uploaded to a global leaderboard that seems to be upgraded regularly.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

MetroLand works great on the Steam Deck. This game feels like it was ported from a mobile game, and it has an excellent handheld experience. The game does support touch controls, but I felt like the Dpad gave me a bit more control, especially when rolling under obstacles. Other than that, the performance is great and the game is a solid addition to any Steam Deck collection.

Review

I enjoyed MetroLand more than I thought I would. The game does feel like it was ported from a mobile game, and it can feel kind of clunky navigating through the UI, but the game works great. It is the perfect casual game, especially for those who don’t want a game with a huge commitment. MetroLand is easy to learn and it provides enough of a challenge to keep players engaged. While it won’t become anyone’s favorite main game, Players will get $5 worth of fun out of it.

If you’re looking for a fun little game you can play anytime, or are looking for an inoffensive simple game for your kids, you can’t go wrong with MetroLand. The art is cute, the animations are great, and the music is catchy. You can pick up MetroLand on Steam for only $4.99.

video game reviews

Bandit Knight: The Cute and Creative Game You Need to Try Once

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I was asked to check out the Bandit Knight demo for my blog. I understand the game isn’t finished, so I will be more lenient with my review. That said, these will be my honest first impressions.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is Bandit Knight

Bandit Knight is an arcade beat-em-up stealth game coming soon to Steam, but a Demo is available in the meantime.

Take on the role of the world-renowned Bandit Knight as you steal, pickpocket, and pillage anything that has value. Earn coin to buy upgrades, weapons, and anything you need to become an even better thief. Whether you sneak through your jobs or raise hell, that loot is yours for the taking. Do you have what it takes?

Gameplay

Players use their thieving skills to move through areas stealing anything that isn’t bolted down. But this won’t be an easy task. Guards will want to catch the legendary Bandit Knight, and creative bosses will want it done quickly. Combat is cartoonishly chaotic in the best possible way, and the boss fights have interesting mechanics that will keep players engaged. Players can sneak, stealth is encouraged, but there is nothing wrong with raising a little hell here and there.

Impressions

Bandit Knight is a lot of fun, and I can’t wait for a full version. This game is a cute and fun casual game you can pull out anytime you want to have fun. The art is adorable, the mechanics are simple but will require some mastery, and the gameplay is unique and memorable. The game also features an incredible soundtrack. I can’t wait to hear the whole thing. Best of all, the game works great on the Steam Deck. While there is nothing wrong with the PC version, I prefer the handheld experience for a game like this. Nothing is going to beat being able to sit on my couch as I try to beat my high score.

The Demo is only available for a short time, so make sure you try this game out today. The demo is only the tutorial, which is short, but is more than enough to get you hooked. If you want a wacky and fun game that is different and action-packed, go check out Bandit Knight today!

video game reviews

You Need to Try CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL-

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I was asked to cover the CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- demo on my blog. Since the game isn’t finished yet, I will be more lenient with my review. That said, these will be my honest impressions of the game.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL-?

CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- is an action RPG coming soon to Steam.

Socrates is a combat robot ready to fend off an invasion from the Hateful Fruit Company. Just as Socrates is about to go online, Coneru appears, fusing with the android. Both beings must now join forces and fight together to defend Shinjuku City from destruction. Will their power be enough to drive away the hostile alien threat?

Gameplay

CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- is an action roguelike with a flashy arcade feel. Players move through the city fighting off enemies and searching for check points. Occasionally, players will find new weapons that completely change the combat dynamic. There are four weapons in the demo, and each feels different in both aesthetic and playstyle.

Players have a melee attack and access to Coneru’s ranged attack. The ranged attack changes with the type of weapon Socrates carries. Occasionally, players will find find the RunRun mode, which is like the power star in Mario. Players not only become invisible for the duration of the buff, but gain increased mobility and and destroy anything Coneru touches.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, and it made me wish I had the OLED version of the Steam Deck. Everything looks great at the native resolution, and the performance is solid. I am planning to only play CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- on the Steam Deck because of how good it feels. There is nothing wrong with the performance on PC, but something about the colors, gameplay, and art style makes it feel better on handheld. This is a very good game to take on the go, or just when you want to chill and play something casual on the couch.

Impressions

I can’t wait for the full release of CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL–. This game has cute vibrant art, a fantastic soundtrack, and great mechanics. I love the world, the flavor, and the wacky arcade vibe it captures flawlessly. My only complaint is that the demo isn’t the full version. The simple beat-em-up style makes this game the perfect casual experience, but it offers enough of a challenge to keep things engaging. The RURRUN mode mechanic not only sets this game apart from others in the genre, it gives the game its life. If you’re looking for a new action roguelike platformer, go check out CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL-.

You can check out the CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL- Demo on Steam now. Don’t forget to add it to your wishlist!

video game reviews

FLAAK TD: A WWII Tower Defense Game in Need of Major Polish

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I was asked to cover the FLAAK TD demo on my blog. I understand the game isn’t finished yet and will be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, these will be my honest impressions.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is FLAAK TD?

Flaak TD is a World War 2 themed tower defense game coming to Steam November 8 2024.

Germany is under constant attack, and it is up to you to bolster its defenses and keep key infrastructure alive. Command one of the numerous anti-aircraft brigades, set up defenses on key strategic locations, and destroy as many enemy aircrafts as you can. Can you fend off against the oncoming invasion?

Impressions

I love Tower Defence games, but unfortunately, FLAAK TD isn’t in a good place. While I understand the game isn’t finished yet, the demo does little to make me want more. The game is clunky, the combat is slow, and the maps are too small.

I appreciate that the developer is trying to create a realistic emulation, but I believe this dedication hurts the experience. Having a small map and a single objective like defending a bridge is cool for immersion, but it limits the actions players can make during rounds. There is strategy, and I believe the terrain and lack of resources go into this, but the rounds are too slow and the animation is too clunky. Most of the time it felt like I was waiting for waves to end. This wouldn’t be an issue if the animation and performance were better.

It’s difficult to recommend FLAAK, even the demo because there are better options. Even if you enjoy the aesthetic, the lack of polish makes it a hard sell. Unless it gets some major performance updates at launch, I can’t recommend it.

You can request access to the playtest on Steam, or pick up your copy of FLAAK TD Steam on November 7, 2024.

video game reviews

Souno’s Curse is a cute Metroidvania, but not Very Good

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I was sent a free copy of Souno’s Curse 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 of the game.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard, the Uhuru Gaming Mouse, or the EasySMX X15 controller. When you’re ready to start your blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link!

I am happy to announce my newest sponsor, Game Nerdz. If you’re looking to buy any card games, board games, miniatures, and more, get it over at Game Nerdz using my affiliate links. Game Nerdz offers some fantastic pricing on anything you need, and it really helps me out.

What is Souno’s Cures?

Souno must travel through a cursed cave and uncover its secrets. But his journey is full of perils and powerful creatures that want Souno Dead. Avoid traps, fight monsters, find treasures, and uncover the mysteries behind Souno’s curse. Do you have what it takes?

Gameplay

Souno is a classic 2D platformer. Players move from checkpoint to checkpoint fighting monsters, avoiding obstacles, and collecting experience for upgrades. Occasionally, players will fight powerful and creative as they piece together the truth behind Souno’s curse.

Does it Work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, but the experience isn’t much better than the PC version, but it is playable. Everything is visible and works good enough, but the game has flaws that make it difficult to recommend.

Review

Souno’s Curse is a beautiful game with a unique art style and world. Unfortunately, it isn’t a good Metroidvania. The biggest issue I have with the game feels too clunky. Movement feels okay for the most part, but the dodge mechanic is a bit too cumbersome. It never felt like it worked right, but that could also be an issue with the hitboxes.

The hitboxes make Souno’s Curse feel like a luck-based game rather than a skill-based one. If the enemy begins to move away from you, you’re going to miss. If it starts moving towards you, you’re taking damage. If you try to dodge and end up near an enemy hitbox, you’re taking damage. Even if you grind, upgrade efficiently, and play cautiously, you’re taking damage for no reason.

Combat itself is too simple. Souno has two attacks, a kick and a magic attack that seems too expensive to upgrade. Players can upgrade Souno to learn a third attack, but there isn’t enough variety to make combat stand out against other titles in the genre. It isn’t the worst combat system I’ve played through, but it is too clunky and boring to recommend.

Unless this game gets a few performance fixes for smoother and tighter gameplay, there is no reason to choose Souno’s Curse over other Metroidvania games that have just hit the market. Unfortunately, the art, flavor, and story are not enough to save this game from obscurity. I would skip it for now.

You can pick up Souno’s Curse on Steam for $12.99.