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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.

video game reviews

EDYN: The Interesting MMO Strategy Game With Potential

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

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

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

What is EDYN?

EDYN is a unique MMO strategy game coming to Steam.

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

Gameplay

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

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

Impressions

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

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

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

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

video game reviews

The Kill All Lice Demo is out, but is it Worth it?

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I was asked to cover the Kill All Lice demo on my blog. I will be a bit more lenient than usual because I understand the game isn’t finished yet, but these will be my honest impressions.

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

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

What is Kill All Lice?

Kill All Lice is a 2D Hero Shooter coming to Steam sometime next year.

You are part of the special forces tasked with eliminating all lice from the subject. You have been dropped onto possibly the dirtiest, lice-ridden head you have ever seen, but you have been created for this purpose. Fight through waves of lice and their offspring, and clean this scalp. Do you have what it takes to get the job done?

Gameplay

The demo offers players an introduction to the story and a decent tutorial. Players will fight through a few types of enemies and have access to some basic customization. The full version will grant players access to powerups and promises a bit of variety in the loop. The goal of the game is to clear the map while killing as many lice as possible without dying.

Review

Kill All Lice has cool art and flavor, but it doesn’t feel finished yet. The game feels very clunky, and clunkiness kills players. Even if the game is smoother at release, the gameplay feels lacking. When compared to other titles in the genre, style alone isn’t enough to help it stand out.

It’s hard to tell if Kill All Lice is a bad game without seeing the full version, but the demo didn’t leave me much desire to see more of this game. I am open to giving it another chance, but it isn’t something I’ll be rushing to do.

You can check out the Kill All Lice demo now on Steam.

video game reviews

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

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I was sent a free copy of Empire for Ants to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

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

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

What is Empire of Ants?

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

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

Gameplay

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

Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

video game reviews

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

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

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

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

What is Bandit Knight

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

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

Gameplay

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

Impressions

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

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

video game reviews

You Need to Try CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL-

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

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

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

What is CONERU -DIMENSION GIRL-?

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

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

Gameplay

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

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

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

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

Impressions

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

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

video game reviews

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

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

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

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

What is FLAAK TD?

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

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

Impressions

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

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

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

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

video game reviews

JDM: Rise of the Scorpion Might Be Your Next Racing Game

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I was sent the JDM: Rise of the Scorpion demo to cover on my blog. I understand this is a demo and will not be as critical. Regardless, these will be my honest initial impressions.

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

What is JDM: Rise of the Scorpion?

JDM: Rise of the Scorpion is an arcade racing game coming PC via Steam and Epic Games store.

Scorpion wants to be the best racer in Japan and won’t let school or his parent’s expectations of him get in his way. Tune your car, master drifting, and race through the beautiful Guntama countryside to come out on top. Do you have what it takes?

Gameplay

The JDM demo offers players a prologue of the game, a small map to drive in, and a few missions to pick up. Players can drive around and enjoy the scenery as much as they want, or pick up a few races to progress through the prologue. The prologue is presented in a neat manga style, with reading tips for those not used to the format. Players will drive around, pick up races, and eventually tune up their car to be the perfect drifting machine.

Impressions

I may not be any good at JDM, but I enjoyed the game. The graphics are good, the physics are solid, and the racing feels good. I am not the biggest fan of racing games, but this title is slowly changing that opinion. I tried very hard to get better because I needed to unlock more of the story. The prologue did enough to hook me. I appreciate the novelty of the manga-style storytelling. It was an effective narrative tool, and it was a refreshing gimmick I hope to see in other games.

JDM: Rise of the Scorpion is a decent racing game with a cool setting that I need to see more. If you’re looking for a new racing game, definitely pick up the demo on Steam and Epic Games. Don’t forget to add it to your wishlist!