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Uncategorized, video game reviews

Discover Rogue Waters: A Nautical Roguelite Adventure

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I was sent a free copy of Rogue Waters 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 or the EasySMX X15 controller. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link during November 29 – December 6 for 30% off your first year!

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 Rogue Eaters?

Rogue Waters is a pirate themed roguelite strategy game out now on Steam and Epic games, and it will be receiving its console release on February 4, 2025.

You have been a loyal officer for the infamous Blackbone until the day you encounter the artifact. Blackbone’s greed has landed you on an ominous island, and with a firm command, sends you into danger. Unfortunately, the treasure he seeks is cursed, and you are its recipient. Feeling betrayed, Blackbone sends you to your watery grave, but you do not stay there. You wake up in a strange place, alive, angry, and with a mysterious voice in your head. Gather your crew, fortify your ship, and set sail for you new adventure. Will you use this new life to get your revenge? Will you uncover the source of this new strange affliction? You’ll need to play to find out.

Gameplay

All players start in the game’s main hub where they can upgrade their ship, crew, and abilities with the loot they find along their run. Players then set sail and either play through the story or grind out random runs. During a run, players can choose to engage in combat, trigger a random event, buy equipment or heal, or find treasure.

What makes Rogue Waters a unique roguelite is its naval combat mechanic. Before a player can board an enemy ship, the ships engage in combat. Players take turns with enemy ships to attack each other’s modules. Modules include the ship’s weapons, upgrades that give units passive abilities, and crew mates. Destroying modules gives players different advantages. Destroying a weapon means the enemy ship can’t attack, destroying an upgrade removes the enemy’s passive buff, and killing an enemy unit means there are fewer units to fight during combat. The player faces the same dangers. Choosing what to attack during naval combat can be the key to victory.

Once on the ship, combat is a straightforward turn-based system, with the player performing all their actions first. Rogue Waters has a unique pushback mechanic that players need to take advantage of. When a unit attacks, both parties are pushed back to one space. Players can choose the direction of this knockback, and interact with the environment for additional effects. For example, knocking an enemy into a wall does additional damage. The coolest mechanic however is the ability to summon giant creatures from the darkest depths of the oceans to aid you in combat. Each creature has a unique ability and can easily turn the tide of a battle.

When a player’s crew wipes, the player returns to the main hub to purchase their upgrades and start their new run.

Review

I absolutely love Rogue Waters and recommend it to anyone looking for a new strategy game. This game has cool nautical flavor, a solid story with amazing voice acting, and fantastic gameplay. The naval combat mechanic gives the game some great flavor, and the pushback mechanic makes combat fun. I personally loved the ability to summon giant creatures like the Kraken to defeat my enemies.

The only complaint I have is that not all of the animation is smooth. This isn’t a deal breaker since the game performs well most of the time, but there is the occasional stutter or awkward animation that is hard to ignore.

That said, Rogue Water’s unique mechanics and solid storytelling will easily make it the pirate game you didn’t know you needed in your life. If you are looking for a new and unique strategy game that is also Steam Deck compatible, check out Rogue Waters on Steam and Epic Games. If you would rather wait for the console release, don’t forget to wishlist it for PlayStation, Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch.

Uncategorized, video game reviews

New Arc Line Review: A Steampunk RPG Adventure

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I was sent a free copy of New Arc Line to review. 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 or the EasySMX X15 controller. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link during November 29 – December 6 for 30% off your first year!

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 New Arc Line?

New Arc Line is a steampunk RPG currently on Steam Early Access.

Many have been lured to the new world for a new life and abundant opportunity. Every day, boats empty with hopeful faces and ambitious hearts. But something isn’t quite right. People disappear each day and there are rumours of something sinister brewing in the shadows.

You landed on these shores like many before you, but you come with your agenda. You’ve come to deliver a bit of contraband and find yourself wrapped in the middle of something bigger than yourself. Make your way through this industrializing city as you complete quests, solve puzzles, and fight off anyone who gets in your way. What will your journey uncover? What trouble have you gotten yourself into?

Gameplay

New Arc Line plays like a tabletop RPG. Players build their party of noteworthy characters, perform skill checks to complete tasks and engage in turn-based combat. The choices a player makes and the results of various skill checks impact the story, so think carefully and roll a balanced team.

Combat feels like playing a tabletop RPG, albeit a little clunky. Characters in a player’s party each have their own initiative and action economy. Combat is over when certain tasks are completed, or the party wipes.

Review

New Arc Line has a roughness to it that can’t be ignored. While the game looks great, the performance isn’t always good. Combat for example is clunky, with noticeable stutters that can make the camera go crazy at times. It is not unplayable, but a few tweaks here would be much appreciated. This game also has issues with its voice acting. There are a few times where the actors are switched, or AI is used. I understand the recording may not be done yet, but it is disorienting. Finally, the quests can be a bit boring. This game has a lot of fetch quests, which is fine until it isn’t. The story and flavor are what kept me playing, but sometimes it takes a little too long to get to the point.

That said, I found New Arc Line an enjoyable game, and can’t wait to see a better version. While combat was clunky, it worked well enough. I also enjoyed making skill checks and feeling that uncertainty that came with each role. While the animation does look wonky, the world and artstyle look cool. I would have loved to see more of the world, but exploration is restricted.

If you enjoy tabletop RPG’s and want something similar on your computer, New Arc Line is a solid contender. The biggest issue this game has going against it is the lack of polish, but the game is still in early access. There is still time for the team to make improvements. If you don’t mind the roughness, and want to support the making of a solid RPG, you can get your copy of New Arc Line on Steam for $19.99. If you would rather wait for the better version, make sure the game is in your Wishlist.

video game reviews

Discover Songs of Silence: The Casual 4X Strategy Game

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I was sent a free copy of Songs of Silence 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 or the EasySMX X15 controller. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link during November 29 – December 6 for 30% off your first year!

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 Songs of Silence?

Songs of Silence is a casual yet engaging turn-based 4X strategy game out now on steam.

Lead one of three unique factions through victory as you claim land, upgrade settlements, and strengthen your empire. The world is unforgiving, but you are the brilliant strategist that will lead your people to victory. Do you have what it takes to cement your place in history as your people’s greatest hero, or will your story be lost to time?

Gameplay

Players take turns moving their units, conquering camps, building their ranks, and fighting over territory. Combat is automatic, but certain factors like terrain, the placement of units, and types of units affect the outcome. What makes Songs of Silence unique is its deck-building mechanic. Each commander and clan has a unique set of abilities they can cast on a cool down. These cards can cast abilities like healing or attack spells, or send commands to their units for powerful attacks.

Players can enjoy the rich, story-driven campaign at their own pace. The story is well written and does a fantastic job at setting the tone for the game. Players can also enjoy endless amount of fun playing against the well scripted AI as they try to conquer randomly generated maps. There is also an active discord community and online matchmaking for those who prefer to play PVP.

Review

I have been excited about Songs of Silence since I tried the first alpha, and I was not disappointed. This game has some beautiful art and incredible flavor. The story is okay. It was enough to hook me, but not the reason you should be rushing to play this game. Instead, you should be looking at this game for its unique and interesting take on the 4X genre.

Songs of Silence has the most relaxing, engaging, and accessible solo experience of any strategy game I have ever played. Its unique card mechanic keeps the auto battles from being boring, and the game demands enough strategy to be engaging without becoming too sweaty. I enjoyed playing through the campaign, but I loved playing scrimmage. I had a lot of fun exploring the different factions, champions, and units. I didn’t always win, but I had a lot of fun trying.

I did try a couple of online matches, but they aren’t my thing. I always found matches easily, but the game felt too slow sometimes, especially when I was losing. If you’re looking for a strategy game with a good competitive scene, I am not sure Songs of Silence is the place. The game has a growing active community, but I can’t speak on how good of a multiplayer game this is because I didn’t enjoy the experience. I like playing this game at my own pace.

If you’re looking for a strategy game that is unique, fun, and Steam Deck compatible, pick up Songs of Silence on Steam, just make sure you wait for the Steam Fall sale (Nov 27 – Dec 4) just in case, but you can pick up Songs of Silence and its amazing soundtrack on Steam.

Uncategorized, video game reviews

Lord Ambermaze: Prologue – A Glimpse at a Promising RPG

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I received the Lord Ambermaze: Prologue from Keymailer. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, this will be my honest review. I understand that this is only a demo, so I will try to be a bit more lenient with my impressions.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard or the EasySMX X15 controller. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link during November 29 – December 6 for 30% off your first year!

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 Lord Ambermaze: Prologue?

The prologue is a demo version of the upcoming turn-based RPG, Lord Ambermaze. The demo is available for download on Steam, but don’t forget to wishlist the full version while you’re at it.

A young adventurer tells the tale of his grand adventure through a deep and perilous dungeon. Listen as he braves the dark, fights its monsters, avoids its traps, and claims all its treasure. What stories will the deep reveal for him? What mysteries has he conquered? You are going to play to find out.

Gameplay

The demo takes players through a small tutorial and has them encounter a boss unique to the demo. Players use these limited tools to fight monsters and solve puzzles. To progress through the dungeon, players must clear each room of all its monsters through some very creative combat.

Players and monsters take their turn at the same time. Players have one action per turn where they can move, attack, or use an item. Players need to move efficiently through the room, killing monsters, disabling any traps, and collecting all the treasure. Do not let the cute aesthetic of this game fool you, there is a decent amount of challenge between these pixels. Finding a way to maneuver efficiently through the room without wasting the character’s limited resources can be challenging if you aren’t paying attention. Memorizing patterns and planning an efficient route is key to success.

Impressions

I will need to try the full game for a full review, but I am impressed with what I got to try. The demo offers about an hour of gameplay, and it has me interested in seeing more. The story is fine. I like the framed narrative style of narration, but it isn’t anything special. What hooked me is the gameplay.

Each room is like a puzzle that needs to be solved. Each room offered a good amount of challenge to be engaging without being frustrating. I do wish there was a way to reset a room. You can run out of items like bombs to blow away obstacles and be stuck in a room. The only solution is to kill yourself, but it would be easier if there were a button to reset and take the penalty.

Lord Ambermaze: Prologue is a cute and solid introduction to this creative RPG, and I can’t wait to see more. I love the art, the music is great, and the gameplay is fun. I’ll be trying to get my hands on a full version to review. Until then, make sure you check out the demo on Steam, and don’t forget to add the full version to your Wishlist!

video game reviews

Once Alive Review: A Narrative Adventure Worth Playing

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I was sent a free copy of Once Alive 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 or the EasySMX X15 controller. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link during November 29 – December 6 for 30% off your first year!

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 Once Alive?

After a deadly virus nearly wipes out humanity, the remaining survivors struggle with adapting to the new unforgiving world. Survivors must hunt for limited resources, fend off against increasingly hostile wildlife, and cope with the loneliness of survival. James and his brother lived in isolation until they received a message about a settlement. James is weary of the invitation, but his brother rushes ahead without him, hoping this settlement means a fresh start for humanity.

Play as James as he ventures into the lonely world in search of his brother. What secrets will he uncover in the ruins of the old world? Will he be able to find his brother, or will they become another casualty in this cruel apocalypse?

Gameplay

Once Alive is effectively a first person simulator. As James, players explore the abandoned village of HaustVille, looking for clues about what happened to its citizens. As players explore the village, they collect written notes, sit through memories of past residents, and piece together the strange and ominous narrative. The game does have a few quick time events to keep players on their toes. The game also offers enough bread crumbs to keep players on track. It takes about two hours to complete Once Alive, but you can do it quicker if you don’t explore every nook and cranny like I did.

Review

Once Alive is the most impressive narrative game I’ve played all year, but it does have its issues. The animation in this game can be wonky at times. I noticed a few stutters during some pans and the talking animation looks scary. The writing has a few grammatical issues and a few times where the wrong word is used. There are also bits of exposition that are too on the nose. That said, this game is fantastic, and you should play through it at least once.

While there are issues with the animation at times, you’re mostly walking through a very cool isolated village. The developer does a phenomenal job of building a world worth exploring full of fantastic flavor. While the writing isn’t perfect, I love the attention to detail and general story beats that had me at the edge of my seat. I loved reading some random note in a house and then having it pop up in a natural way later in the story.

Once Alive is a fantastic horror game that effectively uses its world-building to create an ominous atmosphere. It is the sense of isolation and mystery that propels the player through the story, and it is powerful storytelling that makes this a great game. If you’re looking for a good horror game, Once Alive is a short one you need to have in your library. It is an impressive project by a clearly passionate developer that deserves a lot more attention.

You can pick up Once Alive on Steam for $11.99.

Uncategorized, video game reviews

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.

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard or the EasySMX X15 controller. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link during November 29 – December 6 for 30% off your first year!

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 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

Ink. Is a Cute Game, but it Needs a Lot More Work

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I was sent a free copy 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.

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. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link during November 29 – December 6 for 30% off your first year!

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 Ink.?

Ink. is an explosive roguelike RPG adventure currently in Early Access on Steam.

Play as an adorable cat as you fight to clear the dungeon from a myriad of monsters. The dungeons are procedural generated, meaning no two rooms or runs will ever be the same. What will you uncover in this quirky new adventure? How deep will your delve go?

Gameplay

Ink. is a twin stick shooter where players must explore a procedural generated dungeon to fight monsters, find treasure, and unlock power ups. Players must clear each room of all its enemies proceed, and a run ends when a player’s health point goes to zero. Players are encouraged to use their environment for cover or to create the chaos needed to get to the next room.

The game does support playing with a Mouse and keyboard, but I recommend using a controller instead. The mouse and Keyboard experience is awful.

Review

I try to give games as much of a chance, especially when they aren’t finished, but Ink. is hard to recommend. Combat feels a bit clunky, which I am sure a few patches will fix, but the cramped level design kills any possible fun a player may have with the game. There isn’t enough space to play this game because the maps are too small. This means that in some of your runs will end early because you have no where to go. Map design is also a problem. The generated maps are boring, and some are unplayable. I like the idea of true randomness, but it doesn’t really work here.

I understand the game is in early access, and I went in a bit more lenient, but I can’t recommend the game in its current state. At the moment, Ink. doesn’t have enough substance. I’ll give it another shot if it gets a bigger update, but it’s looking like one of those games I will forget I ever played.

video game reviews

Dungeon Inn is the Coziest Game You Should Be Playing

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I was sent a free copy of Dungeon Inn 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. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link during November 29 – December 6 for 30% off your first year!

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 Dungeon Inn?

Dungeon Inn is the coziest game you can play on Steam right now.

Two factions are at war, and you are stuck in this ongoing conflict. You have a brilliant plan to profit from both sides by running secret trades between the two, but your ambition does not go unpunished. You find yourself indebted to a ferocious dragon who wants his dues. You and your compatriots must now build a successful inn that caters to both sides and not only makes a profit but keeps your double dealings a secret. Can you put your humble INN on the map, or are you destined to be Dragon food?

Gameplay

Dungeon Inn is a turn based resource management system where players try to attract customers to their inn without raising suspicion of double dealing. Harnessing the power of the Dragon’s sprites, players will summon different tools to control the flow of traffic to their in. Players will have access to items that speed up, slow down, and different items and facilities to convince them to stay. There are also random events that help increase the Inn’s reputation while earning players a little extra money.

Players will have quests each week that need to be completed, and rent they need to pay at the end of the month. Normal mode allows players to enjoy the story with enough of a challenge to be engaging, but there is a harder difficulty available for those who need it. Mostly, you are sitting back and enjoying the cute pixels move around your screen as you build an Inn of legends.

Review

Dungeon Inn is a fantastic and adorable resource management game that I will continue to play even after this review. The game has a fun cozy aesthetic and relaxing gameplay loop that makes it the ideal addition to any collection.

There is a point in resource management games where they can become a bit overwhelming, but Dungeon Inn’s turn based system keeps things manageable. While the game does offer an adequate challenge, it never feels overwhelming or stressful to keep up with the growing demand. Experience with the harder difficulty will vary.

My only complaint is that the game does feel a little short, but it is long enough to earn its price tag. The game is still in early access, with more content and story planned for full release. That said, the game is in a good place in its development, and well worth checking out in its current state. If you’d rather wait for the full release, make sure you add it to your wihslist.

If you’re looking for a new resource game that is cozy, fun, and not a huge commitment that is Steam Deck compatible, check Dungeon Inn on Steam today. There is also a demo you can try if you need more convincing. The demo goes through the initial tutorials, and it does a good job at setting up players for the rest of the game.

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.

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. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link during November 29 – December 6 for 30% off your first year!

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 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

The Smurfs is the Coziest 3D Platformer to Play with Your Kids

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I was sent a free copy of The Smurfs: Dreams 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. If you would like to start your own blog on WordPress, sign up using my Affiliate Link during November 29 – December 6 for 30% off your first year!

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 Smurfs: Dreams?

The Smurfs: Dreams is a an adorable 3D platformer out now on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC via Steam and Epic Games.

Gilgamesh is at it again. He’s put the entire Smurf village into a deep magical sleep, and it is up to you to get them out. Dive into unique themed worlds, fight creative bosses, and solve some basic jumping puzzles. Can you save the village before it is too late?

Gameplay

Players dive into the dreamscape and visit unique worlds themed after different Smurfs. The goal is to collect all the power crystals, beat the final boss, and bring the Smurf back to reality. Players will have to fight monsters, solve jumping puzzles, and gather a few collectables along the way. The game also supports couch co-op for those with friends who wish to not brave it alone!

Does it run on the Steam Deck?

This looks a little small on the Steam Deck, but otherwise works great. The controls are responsive, the words are legible, and the game looks great. This game offers a solid handheld experience, especially if you have little ones to entertain on the road. If you’re looking for a cute, harmless platformer for your Steam Deck, The Smurfs: Dreams is a great place to start.

Review

I had a lot of fun with The Smurfs: Dream. As an old person, I enjoyed the nostalgia and flavor of the game. This game features a fun an imaginative world full of life and color, and I would love to see more. The game runs well, but it is on the easier side. Platforming in this game is basic at best, with a few abilities that make things even easier. Most of the encounters are avoidable. Boss fights are creative, but the stages do not reset after death. You can pick up where you left off at full health. With a bit of effort, you can 100% this game.

That said, this game is a fun and wholesome good time. The Smurfs: Dreams is a game you pick up to play with your kids, or something you get for them to get them started with the genre. Its cute, its safe, its a smurfin good time!

You can pick up The Smurfs: Dreams on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC via Steam and Epic Games.