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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.

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

VAMPIRE: THE MASQUERADE: Reckoning of New York Isn’t Good

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I was sent a free copy of Vampire the Masquerade: Reckoning of New York 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 for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals.

What is Vampire the Masquerade: Reckoning of New York?

Vampire the Masquerade: Reckoning of New York is a visual novel based on the TTRPG of the same name out now on Switch and PC via Steam and GoG.

You are a vampire attempting to live your life and navigate the complicated political space of New York City. The city has been divided, old traditions must be respected, and someone is hunting vampires. To make matters worse, your sire has gone missing, and the council is looking for him. The race is on to find him or become a scapegoat. What secrets will you uncover? Can you find out what you need to know before it is too late? Can you do it while keeping your hunger in check?

Gameplay


Reckoning of New York is a visual novel that occasionally gives its players choices, but most of the story feels like a railroad. Your choices don’t matter except for changing a few lines of dialogue. The player will also encounter skill checks, which seem to have little impact on the narrative. What makes Reckoning of New York a unique visual novel is its hunger mechanic. Eventually, players will have to eat, but they must do so discretely. The idea is that the hunger mechanic raises the risk of failing the investigation and getting caught, but it also seems to have little impact on the narrative.

Review

I was very excited to play Vampire the Masquerade: Reckoning of New York because I have always heard great things about the TTRPG. I am still working on getting my players to agree to a campaign. I will get there one day. Unfortunately, Reckoning of New York isn’t a good entry to the IP.

One of my issues with the game is the poor writing. The dialogue is loaded with cliches that will make your eyes roll, and the tone is too edgy for its good. If the game were good, I could excuse the poor writing. I can even see the cheesy tone being part of the charm of the game. But it’s not, and I can’t.

My biggest issue with the game is that the player doesn’t seem to make an impact on the story. The game offers players options at various stages, but they all seem to lead in the same way. Sure there might be a couple of bad endings sprinkled in for good measure, but there is no reason to try for the good ending. There is nothing to hook readers into any part of the story if I am being honest.

Reckoning of New York is a part of an existing series. I’ve read the other installments are a better entry point to the world, but I have no interest in seeing for myself. Reckoning of New York does feel like it is a self-contained story, so I guess it has that going for it.

If you’re looking for an exciting visual novel about vampires, don’t waste your time with Reckoning of New York. This book is boring, and you have better options.

If you don’t believe me, you can pick it up now on Switch and PC via Steam and GoG

video game reviews

Core Keeper is Your New Favorite Sandbox Survival Game

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I was sent a free copy of Core Keeper 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 Keyhboard for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals.

What is Core Keeper?

Core Keeper is a 2D survival sandbox out now on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch. It is like Minecraft, Stardew Valley, and Terraria all in one.

Explore dark unforgiving caverns as you farm, mine, and build your means of survival. Fight against the mighty and mysterious creatures that roam its shadows, and the titans that lord over them. What secrets will your journey uncover? What tools will you invent? Gather your friends or brave it alone as you try to uncover the secrets behind the mysterious cores.

Gameplay

Core Keeper allows players to choose the type of experience they want from the game. Hardcore survivalists can play a mode where death is permanent, and resources are limited. Casuals can enjoy the caverns of Core Keeper at their own pace and without risks in creative mode. Those who want the best of both worlds can opt for the normal experience. I played Core Keeper on normal and thought it was perfect.

The game starts with players with only the clothes on their backs. Players mine resources to build the tools they need to advance through the caverns. Everything a player does from mining to walking levels the respective skill. Leveling skills unlock new recipes for more advanced tools. There are guides out there to help you with recipes and efficient play, but I always recommend you start a blind run and see how far you can get. You can always start over later.

The game does have a hunger mechanic, but it isn’t as oppressive as other games. Finding ingredients is a little tricky in the beginning, but it gets easier once you learn how to farm. Cooked food gives players buffs, and it’s a good idea to find a recipe that fits your playstyle. Recipes can be found through trial and error, but there are recipe books available online. I like the one on the official Wiki.

There is so much to do in Core Keeper, and it is somehow packaged in this simple and relaxing package. Mechanics are simple to learn, but the game will take some time to master.

Review

If you’re looking for a game that will eat up all your free time, go get Core Keeper. The art is cute, the gameplay is fun and addicting, and the soundtrack is amazing. There is so much to do in this game that it is almost impossible to get bored. Want to spend a day fishing? Grab a rod and get to clicking. Want to build your dream home? You better have your recipes ready and start digging. Core Keeper gives you the freedom to play the game the way you want.

There is a story and mystery that you can start unraveling as you uncover ancient tech or discover new tools. I liked the flavor that the mystery gives the game and gave me something to work towards, but I also liked that I could mess around. This is one of the games I’ll have to uninstall if I ever want to get work done because I am addicted.

If you’re looking for a new game to play, you need to try Core Keeper. The solo experience is fantastic, but I can see this game being a ton of fun with friends. This game is perfect for the folks who need a break from their current survival game, and the perfect place to start for players looking to get into the genre.

You can pick up Core Keeper on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Nintendo eShop for only $19.99.

video game reviews

CyberCorp is a Fantastic Futuristic Looter Shooter!

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I was sent a free copy of CyberCorp 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 Keyhboard for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals.

What is Cybercorp?

CyberCorp is a top-down cyberpunk isometric looter shooter out now on Steam and coming soon to the Nintendo Switch.

As a proud member of the CyberCorp, it is your duty to clean up these crime-ridden streets. With the help of your standard issue Synth, a specialized combat robot you control from a hub, and the upgrades you pick up along the way, you will restore order to this city. Do you have what it takes to be the best CyberCorp operative this city has seen?

Gameplay

CyberCorp is essentially a cyberpunk Diablo. Players take control of advanced and upgradable synths. Players choose missions from a central hub. These missions are small dungeons that progress the story, but they are also farmable. Like most games in the genre, players can use the randomized loot they collect to upgrade their synths. CyberCorp uses a gear system similar to Destiny for its leveling.

Players have access to two ranged weapons, a melee weapon, and three swappable activatable skills. Players use their Synth to fight through mobs of enemies and tough creative bosses while trying to execute flawless combos and achieve high scores.

This game can be played solo or multiplayer, so if you friends, things are about to get crazy.

Review

I have been fighting the Diablo itch for so long because I don’t have time to grind those season rewards. This game came as the truest blessing imaginable. I wasn’t ready for how good of a looter shooter CyberCorp is, but I have come to terms, and it wasn’t easy to put down.

The game has great flavor, with a solid story to keep players motivated. I love the idea of CyberCorp, but the art feels a little simple. Some of the maps and enemies are hard to see, but the game is in early access, and improvements can be on the way. This isn’t really an issue because the game looks good enough and the gameplay is solid.

The game plays great, aside from a few noticeable instances of roughness. The game is still in early access after all. That said, the performance and concept are good enough that I am willing to look past the roughness and enjoy myself.

CyberCorp is a fantastic addition to any collection. It has a solid story, a great soundtrack, and an incredibly fun gameplay loop. If you’re looking for a new game, or something to play with your friends, this should be on top of your list. There is a bit of a grind, but it isn’t going to matter.

You can pick up your copy of CyberCorp on Steam for $14.99 or wait till January 30, 2025 for it to go live on the Nintendo eShop.

video game reviews

Arco is the Greatest Mesoamerican Fantasy RPG Out There!

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I was sent a free copy of Arco 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 SC3 Gaming Mixer for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you enjoy my content and want to help me with my hosting fees, consider buying me coffee or donating to my Patreon.

What is Arco?

Arco is a 2D Pixel art turn-based, action-adventure game out now on PC.

Teco enjoyed a quiet and peaceful life until the outsiders came and took it all away. Since then, he has been chasing the burning trail they left behind. His journey is now full of sorrow and anger as he steps over the ashes of his people and others like him.

Fight your way through gangs of bloodthirsty colonizers, help who you can, and ride your trusty llama forward. Where will your journey take you? Will it be full of vengeance and violence, or will there ever be room for forgiveness?

Gameplay

Arco features a deep and powerful story of adventure, colonization, and revenge. The story exists in a stylized visual novel fashion without cutscenes or voice acting, but it doesn’t need either.

The story pulls the player in, but combat is what keeps them playing. Combat in Arco is a unique turn-based action sequence that requires an appropriate amount of attention and skill from its players. Do not let the game’s minimalistic art style fool you, this game is anything but simple.

Combat is split into rounds, each round granting players and enemy NPCs an action. Players choose their actions between turns, but all actions happen simultaneously. Players begin combat with a set amount of action points, and each action has its costs. There are ways to replenish action points. Success in Arco requires a mastery of spending and replenishing action points while successfully maneuvering around bullets and enemy attacks. Players earn XP after each combat that they can use to buy new attack skills or powerups for their character.

What sets Arco apart from other RPGs is the choices it gives its players. Players can become as cold-blooded and bloodthirsty as they want, but the guilt will affect their story. While there always seems to be a path to revenge, there is a less guilty version of the story to shoot for. Whatever path a player chooses results in phenomenal storytelling.

Review

If you’re going to pick up one game this year, it needs to be Arco. When I saw the trailer for this game, I knew I needed to play it. It is by far one of the best games I’ve played this year, and I’ve played some very good games this year. I love the choice of minimalism. The cute and simple art style contrasted with the story’s dark themes makes the narrative feel more powerful. Combine this with its fun and engaging combat mechanics, and you have a fun and memorable gaming experience.

I am a huge fan of the story being told, and extremely excited to see an important cultural experience represented in video games. As a kid who grew up playing games where no one looked like me, it was cool to see my people not only represented respectfully but our story being told beautifully. It has been an amazing year for Latino game designers, and I hope to see more games like this in the future.

If you haven’t played Arco yet, it is one of the titles you have to play once. The gameplay is fun and it has a fantastic narrative. If you don’t believe me, go check out the demo on Steam.

You can pick up Arco for $19.99 on the Switch and PC via Steam, Epic Games, and Mac App Store.

video game reviews

You Need to Be Playing Shogun Showdown

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I was sent a free copy of Shogun Showdown 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 SC3 Gaming Mixer for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you enjoy my content and want to help me with my hosting fees, consider buying me coffee or donating to my Patreon.

What is Shogun Showdown?

Shogun Showdown is an amazing roguelike deckbuilder out now on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC via Steam and Itch.io.

A warrior’s journey is full of parallel, but legend has it you have what it takes. Grab your weapons, hone your skills, and kill anyone that gets in your way. Do you have what it takes to defeat the Shogun?

Gameplay

A warrior’s journey is full of parallel, but legend has it you have what it takes. Grab your weapons, hone your skills, and kill anyone that gets in your way. Do you have what it takes to defeat the Shogun?

Players start their journey with basic weapons and abilities. As they kill enemies and earn experience, they can purchase more powerful cards. I am sure there is an efficient build for speedrunning, but the game gives players the freedom to build their character to fit their playstyle.

Like most roguelikes, players will earn temporary skills and buffs at certain nodes of their journey. These rewards are random, but they felt fair for the most part. I never felt like I had a weak or useless ability. The levels are the same each, so there is a bit of repetition. The RNG helps break up some of the monthly, and players will eventually unlock new areas to explore. New content just dropped, and there is more planned for future releases.

The combat is the best part of this game. Players can perform one action per turn, and actions alternate between the player and enemies. During a turn, players can move one space, turn their character in the opposite direction, or perform an activity or set of abilities. Players can see the enemy’s actions between turns to plan accordingly. The key to this game is efficiently moving, dodging attacks, and setting up killing blows. A run ends when a player’s health drops to zero, and the goal is to get to the end of the run and beat the one true boss.

Review

I loved every minute of this game. Shogun Showdown is the most creative deckbuilder I’ve ever played. It has great flavor, beautiful art, a fantastic soundtrack, and fun gameplay. If you’re looking for a deckbuilding roguelike that breaks away from the norm, this is the game you need to get.

I love that it always feels like I am doing something. I am a huge fan of deck builders, but they all are starting to feel the same. The flavor may change, but it always feels like I am playing Slay the Spire. It is nice to play a game that changes up the strategy in a unique and fun way that looks good and plays flawlessly.

I recommend this game on any system because this is a game you need to try once. It is the perfect game for those who want something new without having it be a huge commitment, just be prepared to sink a respectable amount of time into it.

You can pick up Shogun Showdown on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC via Steam and Itch.io for $14.99.

video game reviews

Mika and The Witch’s Mountain was a Delightful Change of Pace

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I was sent a free copy of Mika and the Witch’s Mountain to review for my blog. While I am very grateful, 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 SC3 Gaming Mixer for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you enjoy my content and want to help me with my hosting fees, consider buying me coffee or donating to my Patreon.

What is Mika and the Witch’s Mountain?

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain is a fantasy adventure game out now on Steam and the Nintendo Switch.

Mika is starting her journey to becoming a powerful witch. She ventures to the Witch’s mountain where a wise and powerful witch will teach her what she needs to learn. But before she can begin her studies as a witch, she must pass a test. She must be able to fly expertly on her broom. With a sudden push, Mika is sent off the mountain and into the town below. The fall breaks her broom and now she has no way of getting back.

Fortunately, the local artisan promises to fix up her broom and even make her a better one for a bit of coin. How can a little witch away from home afford these services? Luckily, she can make her money as the island’s delivery girl. Can she fly across the island, master its elements, and keep those packages safe? Can she make enough money to make it back to the top of the mountain?

Gameplay

Players fly around the island on a magical flying broom making deliveries. Each package Mika picks up has unique requirements. Packages can’t be damaged, wet, or a combination of the two. Some deliveries need to be made within a specific time period. Intimate knowledge of the island and its wind currents is extremely important for Mika’s success. Mika only gets paid on jobs where she has perfect feedback.

As Mika gets paid, she can use that money to buy better brooms. These brooms will let Mika have better control when flying or carrying more packages. There are also hidden items around the map for players to collect to unlock charms for the broom or outfits for Mika, or side quests to keep players busy.

Review

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain is the cutest fantasy adventure game you’ll ever play. The protagonist is cute, the world is fun and whimsical, and the game is fun. Flying feels like you’re moving over ice, but this is thematic by design. Mika is learning magic for the first time and it makes sense that she isn’t the strongest flyer. The wonky flying makes the game more exciting. It was always a nerve-wracking experience to maneuver through currents because there was always the real chance of crashing into the rocks and ruining a delivery. It isn’t the most difficult game you will play, but it will keep things engaging.

The story is a bit childish, but I appreciate the silly wholesome tone. Not all games have to be serious. My only real complaint is that the quests can start to feel a bit repetitive, but there seems to be enough exploration and treasure-hunting mixed in to keep things interesting. You’ll at the very least get your money’s worth of gameplay.   

Mika and the Witch’s Mountain is the comfort food you need in your life. It is a fun silly good time with fun gameplay and an adorable world to explore. If you’re looking for a game to relax to, this is the title to do it with.

You can pick up Mika and the Witch’s Mountain on Steam and Nintendo eShop for $19.99. There is a demo you demo for both versions you should at least try.

video game reviews

Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona is Hard, but is it Fun?

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I was sent a free copy of Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona 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 SC3 Gaming Mixer for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you enjoy my content and want to help me with my hosting fees, consider buying me coffee or donating to my Patreon.

What is Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona?

Skelethrone is a difficult by design 2D metroidvania soulslike for the Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC via Steam, GoG, and Itch.io.

You wake up in a strange place full of death, despair, and monsters. Armed with only your fists, you must travel through this nightmare and stay alive. But your journey won’t be easy. Powerful monsters hunt you down relentlessly, and although you will find weapons to help you on your journey, you will die. Luckily, death isn’t permanent, and your flame continues to burn. Will this newly found immortality be a blessing or your curse?

Gameplay

This game is difficult by design, but there is an easier setting players can choose from the start. Players start with nothing and collect gear as they progress through the adventure. Players are meant to die a lot and do better with each subsequent life as they gain levels. Players level by buying upgrades from a diverse skill tree. You should probably look up a guide if you’re not playing on easy. You are essentially grinding out XP until you’re strong enough to beat the boss so that you can move onto the next one.

Review

I have trouble recommending Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona because of its controls. A game this difficult needs to have fluid and responsive controls, but the game feels clunky. Sometimes the inputs don’t register, and sometimes you’ll die because of the coding. Better players will probably be able to excuse the game’s clunkiness, but they also have better options in the genre.

Aside from feeling clunky, combat is boring. While you can find different weapons, it seems the right answer is two-handed weapons. The shield felt useless, one-handed weapons didn’t do anything, and I couldn’t get the bow to work properly. Even if you get the perfect weapon and build, the game is unbalanced. I get that the game is meant to be difficult, but there are rooms where there are too many enemies and traps. A skilled player might not have issues, but the controls and coding make these rooms extremely frustrating.  

The art style is fine, but some areas are too dark. There is a story, but it isn’t good enough to earn a recommendation. The only real reason to buy Skelethrone is because you want a challenging Metroidvania game and enjoy the flavor, and even then, you have better options. If you can get past the game’s issues, the game is still rather boring.

Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona is difficult to recommend because of how niche the game is. There are better metroidvanias. But if you don’t mind the roughness and want to play something that is hard by design, there are worse ways to spend $14.99.

You can pick up Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC via Steam, GoG, and Itch.io, but I would wait for a sale.

video game reviews

Ikki Unite is a Cute Little Game to Play with Friends

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I was sent a free copy of Ikki Unite 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 enjoy these reviews, please leave a like, comment, and share this with your friends. If you’re looking for a quality budget headset, check out the Fifine H9 Gaming Headset using my Amazon Affiliate link. Make sure you check out my full review. Don’t forget to follow the socials!

What is Ikki Unite?


Ikki Unite is a pixel art, bullet hell action roguelike out now on Steam ($11.99) and Switch ($14.99).

Join up with your friends and fight against hordes of enemies in the most time-crunching and intense fight of your life. Try it solo, or team up with up to 16 as you defend the town from locusts, monkeys, and other beasts. Make sure you beat the bosses before time runs out. How far can you and your friends get?

Gameplay

The loop for this game is simple. If you play solo, you choose your character, load in, and start fighting swarms of enemies as you attempt to complete the quest before time runs out. The loop is the same in multiplayer, but you get a random hero that you can reroll once.

The game auto attacks, but players need to maneuver characters carefully to keep them alive. Enemies will occasionally drop coins, and players use these coins to buy random upgrades. Players can buy a random weapon, stat boost, or companion to make runs easier. As enemies get tougher, the choices you make for upgrades start to matter more. Make sure you always choose carefully. You won’t need a guide to get through this game, but it pays off to be mindful from the start.

The run is over when a player’s life points go to zero, or time runs out. Players can extend the time limit by completing quests. Quests are not marked. Ikki Unite’s main challenge is finding the balance between farming the endless mobs of enemies and searching for the bosses within the always fleeting time limit.

Bad RNG will absolutely ruin a run. While I do feel the RNG is consistently fair, there were one or two runs that were impossible from the start. Some heroes are worse than others. While this may be an issue with playstyle preference, a bad hero will ruin a run just as badly as the game’s RNG. I recommend you try all the heroes out in single-player first so that you know when to reroll if you ever find yourself in a multiplayer game.

Multiplayer in my region is dead, and I can’t speak about the online experience. From what I’ve read, the game’s performance varies by region. If you want to play this game in multiplayer, you’ll need to play with friends. The solo experience is valid, but I can see this game being more fun with friends.

Review

I enjoyed this Ikki Unite. Not as much as Brotato, but well enough that I can recommend it. The game has an adorable retro vibe with a terrific soundtrack. The gameplay is chill, but it can be challenging if you aren’t paying attention. The characters are unique and the attacks are quirky and flavorful. This is a solid game for those looking for a game with a retro vibe with a modern feel. I see this game being better if you have friends to go in with you, but the solo experience is valid. I am a little disappointed that I never found an online match, but maybe you’ll get lucky.

I found the gameplay relaxing but with enough of a challenge to keep things engaging. While this isn’t a game I can nolife, it is a game I can pick up when I want a change of pace or want to have a wacky time with my friends. If you’re in the mood for an action roguelike, Ikki Unite is a solid choice.

You can pick up Ikki Unite on Steam ($11.99) and Switch ($14.99).