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video game reviews

Fledgling Manor Might Just be Your Next Visual Novel

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I was asked to cover Fledgling Manor on my blog. I understand the game is still in development and I will try not to be as critical with my initial impressions. These will be my honest impressions of the demo available now on Steam.

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!

What is Fledgling Manor?

Fledgling Manor is a visual novel coming soon to Steam.

It started as a normal delivery night for Rocky, until something strange lept out of the shadows. He wakes up in a strange house, but not quite his old self. Rocky has been turned into a vampire and is forced to participate in America’s hottest reality show, Fledgling Manor. Eight new vampires are forced to live in a remote house where they compete to stay alive. Will Rocky survive the manor, or will he be one of its many casualties?

Impressions

Fledgling Manor has a stunning art style that will rightfully earn its attention. I love the use of black and white and the overall character design. While the writing can be a bit cringe at times, the writer successfully captures the reality show vibe it aims to achieve. Each character feels unique, the stakes feel real, and the story is interesting enough to keep me invested. Although the demo is limited, the full version will have multiple endings for added replayability. This is a game where the choices made by the player matter and impact the outcome of the story. What characters die, what romances you make, and characters Rocky gets to know, and even Rocky’s fate are all tied to the player’s choices. Choose carefully.

I just finished reading The Long Walk, and this gives me similar vibes. Although the writing isn’t perfect, I need to know what happens at the end. I will be getting the full version on release, stay tuned for that. Until then, make sure you add Fledgling Manor to your wishlist, and don’t forget to check out the Demo.

video game reviews

Awaken: Astral Blade is the best Metroidvania of the Year

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I was sent a free copy of Awaken: Astral Blade 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!

What is Awaken: Astral Blade?

Awaken: Astral Blade is a beautiful Metroidvania out now on Steam and PS5.

Tania is a bionic girl sent to rescue a missing investigation team deep in the rainforest of the Horace Islands. This won’t be an easy task. A strange energy seems to be warping the wildlife, mutating it into aggressive, blood-thirsty mutations. Using her various abilities and any upgrades she earns along the way, Tania must fight her way through this hostile forest and find the truth behind the disappearance. What will she uncover?

Gameplay

Awaken: Astral Blade is an incredibly stylized Metroidvania. Players must fight through a dungeon, moving from save point to save point. Players will unlock and find new upgrades for Tania’s mobilities and attacks. The skill tree, upgrades, and customization are vast enough for players to find a build that works with their playstyle. While I am sure there is a correct way to build Tania, I found something that made the game fun for me.

Players will fight through monsters with creative flavor and readable attacks. Occasionally, a giant snake will chase Tania to create some intense platforming. Eventually, Tania will fight the various creative bosses scattered throughout the dungeon. These fights are tough, but leave a rewarding feeling after completion.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Awaken: Astral Blade is a fantastic Steam Deck game. Everything is visible at the native aspect ration, the native control scheme is comfortable, and the game is responsive without any tinkering. These types of games to play on the go, but I enjoyed being able to fight my way through the forest while sitting on my couch. While there is nothing wrong with the PC experience, I preferred playing this game on the Steam Deck.

Review

I’ve been on my Metroidvania kick lately, and Awaken: Astral Blade is my favorite. The game looks amazing with a solid story and flavor to keep things interesting. Most importantly, the mechanics are tight and responsive. Nothing is worse than playing an unfinished Metroidvania where poor coding kills you more than a lack of skill. I am happy to say that every time I died in Awaken, it was because I wasn’t good enough.

As far as skill level goes, it is adjustable but normally offers enough of a challenge to keep things interesting. I am speaking of course as a filthy casual, but the difficulty can always be adjusted. I particularly enjoyed the creative boss fights and how rewarding it felt when I finally beat them. None of the big fights felt like a slog because I was always busy trying to memorize actions and master the required mechanics.

Awaken: Astral Blade is a fantastic entry into the Metroidvania genre. Whether you’re trying to find a good place to start or looking for a new title to add to your collection, you can’t go wrong with Awaken.

You can pick up Awaken: Astral Blade on Steam for $19.99 and $24.99 on PS5. There is also a Steam Demo if you don’t believe me.

video game reviews

Why you Should Be Playing Alterium Shift

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I was sent a free copy of Alterium Shift 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!

What is Alterium Shift?

Alterium Shift is a classic feeling JRPG available now on Steam Early Access, but with plans to release on Xbox, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch in the future.

The world of Alteria is in danger, and it is up to one brave hero to save it. Choose from one of three unique heroes as you embark on an unforgettable adventure. Together with allies you make along the way, fight monsters, discover treasure, and uncover the mysteries of this world and the parallel world beside it. What will your journey uncover? Can you become strong enough in time to save the world?

Gameplay

Alterium Shift plays like your classic turn-based JRPG with the occasional fishing to mix things up. The game also includes creative puzzles, challenging yet memorable boss fights, and an unavoidable grind. The grind isn’t soul-crushing by any means. What sets this game apart is the choices it offers players. The bits of dialogue you chose throughout the adventure do impact the outcome of the story. Each character feels unique, and the options give the game some solid replayability.

Does it Work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, and it is a fantastic game to play on the Steam Deck. If you enjoy classic JRPGs, this is a fantastic game to pull out when you can’t be in front of your computer. The game isn’t too demanding so you don’t have to worry about your Steam Deck turning into a jet, and everything looks and works great. I am a huge fan of being able to do some of the grinds while I am chilling on the couch. If you’re looking to beef up your Steam Deck library, you can’t go wrong with Alterium Shift.

Review

Alterium Shift is a fantastic game that should be in everyone’s library, especially if you’re a fan of JRPGs. While the game is still in Early Access, the experience is good enough to earn a recommendation.

What first drew me into the game was its art style. Alterium Shift has a fantastic character design and a beautiful world to explore. I particularly like how equipped items change the look of the character. I like being able to see the progress of looking cooler as my character levels, even if it is in pixel art.

The gameplay is fantastic, offering enough of a challenge to keep things engaging but with a welcomed cozy casual vibe for when you just want to chill. The game does have its grind, but it doesn’t feel too bad.

The story is what kept me playing the game. I love that each character has their own story and that each story can be played differently based on the choices a player makes. This will make the game incredibly replayable, especially if you don’t have to skip through the same cutscenes every time you want to switch characters. Best of all, each character feels good. I tried all three and they all felt equal in power level.

If you’re looking for a new JRPG to get into and don’t mind waiting for the game to move through Early Access, get this game. I recommend it even in Early Access because it plays great, and there is enough available content to have you hooked for more.

You can pick up Alterium Shift for $19.99 on Steam Early Access.

video game reviews

SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is a Solid Slice of Life Visual Novel

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I was sent a free copy of SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky 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!

What is SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky?

SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is a visual novel coming to Steam, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch on October 23, 2024. This is the first time a memories game comes out in English, but you don’t need to play any of the other games to understand what is going on. The narrative is pretty self contained.

Follow Junya as he struggles with the grief of losing his brother. As Junya tries to lose himself in his work, the women around him don’t let him. Whether helping his childhood friend turn an old mansion into a cafe, supporting a new friend with research, or trying to uncover the mysteries surrounding his brother’s death, there is always something to keep Junya moving on his journey to self-discovery. What truths will he learn about himself and the women around him? What secrets will be revealed through his investigations? You will need to read to find out.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, but I couldn’t get the save sync to work. It sucked having to start the story over, but I found the Steam Deck experience enjoyable. The words are legible at the native Steam Deck resolution, and the portability of the console makes it ideal for visual novels. Some may like reading their visual novels on a full-sized monitor, but I enjoyed reading in bed or on the couch after spending the day in front of my computer.

Review

SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is a solid visual novel with fantastic art, cool character design, and a solid story. That said, I did have my issues.

The translation is fine for the most part, but some bits don’t translate culturally. There are a few idioms that translate a bit awkwardly. There are also sections of this narrative that feel like filler, like when they are talking to the cafe owner about how to run the business when I just wanted to keep investigating the mystery. My biggest issue with the story was with the main character. He is frustratingly clueless, which makes sense in context, but makes the character seem less interesting. Every girl in this game flirts with him but he’s too dumb to pick up on the cues. I get that he is mourning and sees the women as friends, but some of the girls aren’t subtle.

Despite my issues, I found the story enjoyable. I enjoyed learning about each girl and unraveling their narrative, and I enjoyed the mystery. It isn’t the best visual novel I’ve had the pleasure of reading, but it was good enough for me to stick with it.

The biggest thing to consider when looking into SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky is how much you enjoy the slice-of-life genre. There are whole sections of this story where the characters talk about everyday things like work or relationships. There are also sections of this book you are going to skip. If you enjoy reading about people going about their everyday lives, don’t mind dipping into topics about grief, and enjoy anime, this is a solid addition to any library.

I found the characters unique and interesting, the relationships cute, the art fantastic, and the story good enough to make it to the end. I recommend it to anyone looking for a new visual novel. I don’t know how it compares to any of the others in the series, but I enjoyed SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky as my entry to the series.

You can pick up SINce Memories: Off The Starry Sky on Steam, PlayStation and Switch on October 23, 2024. Make sure you add it to your wishlist.

video game reviews

Beloved Rapture is a Fantastic Modern Nod to Classic JRPGs

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I was sent a free copy of Beloved Rapture 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!

What is Beloved Rapture?

Beloved Rapture is an indie JRPG out now on Steam.

Johan has come to the age where he must decide whether he wants to leave his sleepy life in his quiet mountain town or go on his own adventure. Unfortunately for Johan, the choice is made for him and he finds himself at the center of an escalating conflict. With a fanatic militia at his heels, Jonah and his newfound allies must find a way to achieve peace. What truths will Jonah discover on this journey? Is he destined for greatness, or will he become another casualty of war?

Gameplay

Beloved Rapture is a classic RPG with a few modern mechanics that set it apart from the rest of the genre. The game introduces a unique dynamic system where players can be attacked while choosing their actions. As a result, combat feels more intense. Combat can also be enjoyed in the traditional turn-based system for those of us who prefer a more casual experience.

What sets Beloved Rapture apart from other games in the genre is the lack of forced encounters. While there is a grind, it isn’t steep. Leveling in this game is pretty straightforward. Players can spend skill points at level up to build their units in whatever way they want. While I am sure there is a way to min-max each ally, I had a lot of fun building my play style.

Does it Work on the Steam Deck?

Beloved Rapture is a fantastic Steam Deck game. The game is in an aspect ratio where everything is clearly visible, the game performs perfectly, and it is a great travel game. I’ve only ever played JRPGs on handheld consoles, and it only feels right to play it on the Steam Deck. If you’re looking for a new game to play on the go, check out Beloved Rapture.

Review

While I love Beloved Rapture, it is not without its flaws. The story is solid, but some of the writing is awkward or bad. It isn’t terrible, but there is some cheesy dialogue that keeps it from being the serious story it is trying to be. I was also not a fan of the dynamic combat system. It never seemed to work right for me. There might be a way to configure combat, but I enjoyed the classic version too much.

Regardless of these issues, Beloved Rapture is a solid JRPG that deserves some attention. The story was good enough to keep my attention, the combat felt good, and the art was fantastic. It is clear that a lot of love and passion went into this project, and it paid off.

If you enjoy classic JRPGs and are looking for a new one for your collection, you can’t go wrong with Beloved Rapture. This is one of those games that you should try at least once.

You can pick up Beloved Rapture on Steam for only $19.99.

Tech Reviews

The EasySMX X15: The Prettiest Budget Controller on the Market

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I was sent a free EasySMX X15 controller 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.

Whats in the box?

The controller comes with:

  • 1 USB-C to USB-A braided charging cable
  • 1 2.4G Wireless dongle
  • 1 instructions manel

Features

The X15 is a stylish budget controller for the gamer who wants to upgrade their aesthetic but doesn’t want to go broke. Its beautiful RGB accents help it stand out against other controllers in the market, but they can also be toggled off for those who prefer a more subtle aesthetic. The controller comes in Mecha (black) or StarfieldI chose the Starfield version because I preferred the design, but it was not an easy choice.

The X15 supports wired, wireless, and Bluetooth connections, boasting up to 20 hours of gaming on a single charge. That said, the included braided cable is long enough to keep you gaming while charging your controller.

Most impotanlty, the EasySMX X15 features:

  • Hall effect joy stick to eliminate the risk of stick drift
  • Hall Triggers for smother inputs
  • Tactile face buttons
  • 2 additional programmable triggers on the bottom
  • Textured grip

For only $39.99, the x15 is sounding like a very good deal.

Review

The EasySMX X15 is a beautiful controller, but one that will initially feel cheap. I was not a fan of how light this controller is compared to what I am used to. The face buttons also make a cheap plastic click when pressed which made me uneasy about the build quality. The more I used the controller, the less these issues became a problem.

The controller feels wonderful in my hands. The textured face buttons give the controller a hint of elegance, but it makes the buttons feel good to press. The controller is textured exactly where it needs to be, and the design fits comfortably in my hands. Most controllers, especially budget ones, tend to destroy my hands and leave me unable to play after only a few minutes. While the controller is not explicitly ergonomic, it is ergonomic enough to allow me to enjoy gaming with a controller.

As far as function, it works better than most budget controllers in its price range. The Hall effect triggers and joysticks don’t feel any better than a 1st party Xbox controller, but it feels a lot better than a cheap controller. Inputs seemed fine for the most part, but I did notice some games needed additional remapping. The additional triggers are easy to program and fantastic. They are in a good spot, easy to press, and responsive enough to make an impact. I can’t speak on how good the controller is for competitive play, but it was good enough for my Destiny 2 grind on PC, and some casual Genshin Impact on my iPad. Switching between devices is a pain, so you will probably want to keep this tied to one device.

I was pleasantly surprised by the controller’s battery life. I got pretty close to the boasted 20 hours of gaming with the RGB on. I didn’t test the life without the RGB because it looks so pretty, but I can only assume you get more.  

As far as budget controllers go, the EasySMX X15 should be at the top of the list. Even with its flaws, you aren’t getting anything better at this price range.

You can pick up the EasySMX X15 for only $39.99 on the official website, or Amazon through my affiliate links.

video game reviews

Potion Tycoon is a Mediocre Management Sim. It Wasn’t for me

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I was sent a free copy of Potion Tycoon 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 to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard and the Uhuru Gaming mouse for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you’re thinking of hosting your own blog on WordPress, make sure you sign up using my Affiliate link!

What is Potion Tycoon?

Potion Tycoon is a management simulator out now on steam.

The world is full of adventure, intrigue, and danger. Adventures are always in need of a good potion shop, and it is up to you to fill that void.
Build your shop, hire your employees, and create the best shop in the land. Do you have what it takes to fill the realm’s need for potions and tonics, or will you go bankrupt trying?

Gameplay

Players can play through a tutorial to get their shop started. While the tutorial does show the players some of the game’s mechanics, it isn’t very helpful. You are going to have to look things up.

Players will have the opportunity to build and expand their potion shop with a good amount of freedom. The player can choose when to upgrade, what to upgrade, who to hire, and what to build. The only real limit is money and a player’s level. Players can only hire low-level employees, but will eventually gain access to better more efficient units.

Once the store is built, players will need to manage the operations. Workers need to be happy and paid to complete their assignments. Potions need a steady supply of ingredients, and a good alchemist to brew and bottle them. There needs to be a steady supply of the exact potion a customer needs or they won’t enter the store. Running a successful potion shop hinges on the ability to manage each part of the operation efficiently.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

No, but the Steam Deck lets you know it isn’t a good port. It isn’t unplayable and with a bit more tweaking it might work, but it isn’t worth the trouble. This game looks and feels awful on the Steam Deck.

Review

People who enjoy the different bits of management might have a better time with Potion Tycoon, but I thought it was boring. The first issue I have with this game is that the mechanics aren’t explained properly in the tutorial. You can find a solution to any issue online, but I shouldn’t have to. I don’t want the game to handhold, but some proper direction, especially for crucial mechanics, would be nice. I got stuck on my first run because no one wanted to work and I didn’t understand. This lack of direction is going to turn off a lot of casual players because the difficulty comes from a lack of proper communication rather than a skill-based challenge.

My biggest issue with this game is that it feels like work. Clicking through each chore to get the shop up and running isn’t fun, especially when you compare it to other games in the genre. This isn’t the worst management game out there, but it seems to be made for a specific type of gamer, and it isn’t going to be the casual one.

If you like management games, you have better options. If you are interested in the game, I would wait for a sale. You can pick up Potion Tycoon on Steam for $19.99.

video game reviews

Into the Emberlands is an Adorable Village Management Game

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I was sent a free copy of Into the Emberlands 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 to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard and the Uhuru Gaming mouse for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you’re thinking of hosting your own blog on WordPress, make sure you sign up using my Affiliate link!

What is Into the Emberlands?

Into the Emberlands is an adorable village management survival game out now on Steam.

A deadly miasma spreads across the Emberlands, consuming all who dare step into its mist. Luckily, the light from the magical lantern at the center of town has the power to repel the mist. Fill your lantern with its magical embers and venture into the mist in search of materials, loot, and new members for your village. Can you find the means to thrive within the encroaching miasma, or will you be lost in its poisonous clouds?

Gameplay

Players will begin their game with a basic village and a few quests to begin their expansion into the miasma. Players then travel through the forest in search of materials, loot, and new villagers. Players can only travel into the forest if they have magical light to guide them. Each step a player takes within the miasma consumes fuel. Players only have a limited amount of fuel for this light, and running out of fuel means death.

Fuel can be replenished by returning to the base, collecting random nodes of embers, or saving a stranded villager. The amount of fuel a player can carry can be upgraded through quests, increasing the number of steps a player can make in the mist, but these upgrades are lost upon death. Make sure you always move carefully, and you are always questing efficiently.

Eventually, the village will become more complex with different helpful buildings, resources, and villagers. The distance that can be traveled will also increase, making the game feel less repetitive.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, and it is a solid port. I preferred playing Into the Emberlands on the Steam Deck despite the slight awkwardness. The game runs great, but sometimes the cursor would disappear and other times the camera would be annoying to control. None of these issues made the game unplayable, but they did pop up enough times to be mentioned. Regardless, Into the Emberlands is fun and casual enough to make it the ideal couch or travel game.

Review

Into the Eberlands is a fun new twist to the village management genre. The game runs great, is super adorable, and has a fun yet challenging gameplay loop. Gathering in this game is simple and repetitive, but the ember mechanics make the loop exciting. It is easy to find that you have ventured too far from the village without enough resources to get back. It is also exhilarating to barely make it back to the village after making a series of risky gambles.

It could easily lose days to this game because of how fun, cute, and exciting the loop is. I recommend everyone try at least once.

You can pick up Into the Emberlands on Steam for only $6.59. The game is still in Early Access, but I feel comfortable enough to recommend it. You’ll at the very least get your money’s worth.

video game reviews

Realm of Ink is a Fantastic and Beautiful Roguelike

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I was sent a free copy of Realm of Ink 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 to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard and the Uhuru Gaming mouse for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you’re thinking of hosting your own blog on WordPress, make sure you sign up using my Affiliate link!

What is Realm of Ink?

Red is a talented swords woman who finds herself traversing through the pages of books in her search for the elusive Fox Demon. Her path is not an easy one. Creatures hunt her relentlessly, and although she has help from powerful spirits, it might not always be enough. Make your way through the worlds, collect new abilities, weapons, and characters, and unveil the truth about your existence. Do you have what it takes?

Gameplay

Red must fight her way through the different stages of a world to clear it. Players start each run with a random ink. Inks give Red special abilities to help her on her run. There are 22 inks that can be enhanced or swapped at random intervals of a run. In typical roguelike fashion, players will unlock random passive buffs. Runs in Realm of Ink are very RNG-reliant, but it seemed pretty fair for the most part.

Eventually, players will unlock new forms and weapons to swap between future runs. These forms and weapons are selected before a run, and each has a unique playstyle. These forms combined with the game’s RNG ensure that no two runs are ever the same, and give the game its replayability.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Realm of Ink has a fantastic Steam Deck port. I actually preferred the Steam Deck experience because of how good it felt to play on the couch. It doesn’t need any tinkering to get it to work, the game looks great at the aspect ratio, the words are easy to read, and the game is responsive. While playing Realm of Ink gives players a deeper appreciation for the art, they aren’t losing much playing on the Steam Deck. If you’re looking for a solid game to play on the go with good mechanics, a decent story, and fantastic flavor, check out Realm of Ink!

Review

I’ve been excited for Realm of Ink since I played the initial demo. I had my issues the first time around, but the developers have been hard at work to make it all better. The game has been so much fun, and I can tell there is work being put into it for future updates.

I was first drawn to this game because the art is phenomenal. The art only got better the deeper I got into the game. I love the game’s flavor and style. When it comes to the mechanics, the game is solid. The game is easy to learn, but there are enough nuances to keep things technical and interesting. While there were a few runs where the RNG wasn’t in my favor, it was relatively fair. What I liked most about Realm of Ink is that the grind doesn’t feel so bad. Most games in the genre have a grind that starts to feel repetitive and stale. Progression in those games feels slowed by a soul-crushing level grind. The progression in Realm of Ink felt like it was limited by my skill. The better I got at the combat mechanics, even with the less ideal inks, the less the grind became. Even when there was a grind, it didn’t feel bad because I was having fun.

The game is still in early access, and there will be some roughness, but not enough to discourage new players from jumping right in. The developers have been working tirelessly and listening actively to the community, I am sure Realm of Ink will only get better moving forward.

If you enjoy action roguelikes or are looking for a new game to sink some time into, check out Realm of Ink. It is a beautiful game with fun mechanics that is worth every cent at full price.

You can pick up your copy of Realm of Ink on Steam for only $16.99. There is a fantastic demo available if you don’t believe me.

video game reviews

The Nameless: Slay Dragon is My Favorite Fantasy RPG

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I was sent a free copy of The Nameless: Slay Dragon 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.

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard and the Uhuru Gaming mouse for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you’re thinking of hosting your own blog on WordPress, make sure you sign up using my Affiliate link!

What is The Nameless: Slay Dragon

The Nameless: Slay Dragon is a choose your own adventure style RPG game out now on Steam.

You watched your village burn after a vicious dragon attack when you were too young to defend yourself. You spent the rest of your time training, preparing for the day when you can take your revenge. Now with a few years of training under your belt, you set off to become a royal knight and slay some dragons. This is no easy task. The road is full of bloodthirsty monsters who will tear you down mercilessly if you aren’t prepared. Gather your party, buy the best gear, and set off on an unforgettable adventure. Do you have what it takes to defeat a dragon?

Gameplay

The Nameless: Slay Dragon is a unique choose-your-own adventure game with interesting exploration, combat, and skill check mechanics. Players progress through the story through a series of nodes. Nodes let players mine for resources and progress the story, but they can also trigger skill checks and combat. The player can and should plan how to approach their adventure, but some events will be unavoidable. Players are always a bad skill check away from a total party kill.

The Nameless features an interesting crafting mechanic. Players can farm nodes for materials for potions, weapons, and gear, but farming increases a character’s fatigue. The more fatigued a character is, the higher the chances are they will fail a skill check. This creates an interesting dynamic where players have to balance between crafting and exploring or risk burning out early.

Combat in this game is what you would expect from your typical RPG. Players choose the party actions at the start of each round, but the party always acts together. The initiative is determined by passing skill checks. I liked this system because it made planning my turns easy and it felt less RNG reliant.

Combat can be unforgiving if players aren’t prepared. While the player does have some freedom in how they approach the story, there is always a chance of running into an impossible enemy or scenario. This game will kill its players at early levels for choosing the wrong node or failing a skill check. Choose wisely.

Does it Work on the Steam Deck?

The Nameless: Slay Dragon is my favorite game for the Steam Deck. It not only runs great, but it is also the perfect portable experience. This is a chill game you can play anywhere, especially on the couch when you’re just trying to relax. The text is legible on the aspect ratio, and the gameplay is involved enough to be engaging without requiring too much skill and precision. If you’re looking for a unique and fun RPG for your Steam Deck collection, you can’t got wrong with this one.

Review

I love this unique RPG. It has great art, a good story, and interesting mechanics. I love the choose-your-own-adventure feel of the game and the challenge of the dungeons. Exploring the dungeon was fun because there was always that lingering fear that the next turn would spell the end of the party.

The Nameless: Slay Dragon does have a grind that can get a little repetitive at times. The combat system does a good enough job of keeping things moving, but there will be some times when you will have to repeat encounters to level up skills and abilities mindlessly. I found the grind therapeutic, but it isn’t going to be for everyone.

The Nameless: Slay Dragon is a fantastic addition to any collection. It is a great RPG with a fun twist and some solid replayability. This is easily one of my favorite games of the year, and it can easily become one of yours too.

You can pick up The Nameless: Slay Dragon on Steam for $17.99.