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video game reviews

Discover Talaka: A Roguelike Inspired by Brazilian Folklore

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Disclaimer

I was sent the Talaka demo to review for my blog. I understand the game is not finished yet and will be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, this will be my honest review of the game.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Talaka?

Talaka is a dynamic action roguelike based on Brazilian folklore coming soon to a PC near you. The game features beautiful hand-drawn art and the ability to cater your gameplay to your skill level. Most importantly, there is a demo available that should be in your library. Don’t forget to wishlist!

Hook

Your Grandmother has gone missing, and it is up to you to find her. Your search sends you the mysterious and magical land of the Orishas, creatures of folklore. Orishas find themselves slowly fading from memory. As a result, many of them have gone rogue, causing chaos and destruction. Luckily, you have been blessed by the gods and with one of the over 150 weapons to fight them off. Build your character with unique skills and abilities (some RNG based and others you buy along the way) and travel through this new surreal landscape. This won’t be an easy task. Platforms will test your patience, bosses will test your skills, and you die a lot in between. Do you have what it takes to get your grandmother back?

Gameplay

Talaka is an action-packed action platformer that should familiar to the fans of the genre. In typical roguelike fashion, all adventures start at a central hub. This is where the player can important permanent skills and abilities that will help them achieve a longer run, and one step closer to getting grandma. During a run, players will choose from one of two unique weapons. The game will have over 150 weapons to choose from, and it offers you a chance to test out the weapons before you officially start the run. The demo allows players to give feedback on each weapon they use, so make sure you share your thoughts to make the game even better than it already is.

Once a weapon is chosen, players will get to choose a room where they can earn important buffs. In typical rogulike fashion, players get to build their character in a way that fits their playstyle, so long as the RNG is in their favor. The demo doesn’t have all skills and abilities available yet, so the RNG is a little more limiting. That said, no two runs will ever be the same.

Combat in this game is your typical hack and slash. Players get a strike they can combo, a dodge they can use, and a powerful parry skill they can customize. The parry skill recharges over time through combat. Players will need to learn and memorize each creature’s attack patterns, and use their skillset to overcome them. What makes combat dynamic is that every weapon offers a new type of hit pattern that players also need to master. For example, Pele’s ball shoots at an arch, and the player must learn to take advantage of the arch to deal effective damage.

Impressions

On my initial boot of the game, I was blown away by how beautiful the game looks. The game has beautiful art and animation inspired by a rich culture. The Talaka demo may be limited, but it offers a solid roguelike within a vibrant dreamlike world. It has the performance you need from a fast-paced, action-packed game with the gameplay that will have you obsessing until the demo’s completion. I know I am ready for more, but unfortunately we have to wait for a full release. If you are a fan of the genre or want to experience a beautiful world, check out the Takala demo.

Aesthetic

It was the artstyle that first drew my to Talaka. I am here to tell you that the demo does not do this game justice. This game has such a beautiful and vibrant world that I had to stop to admire every detail. Each character is iconic, not just for its importance in the folklore, but because of how beautifully they are represented on the screen. The creatures that fill the world are terrifying, but fill build this unique and surreal world. The animations are exciting, and it makes it look like a painting that has come to life. I would urge you to check out the demo just to appreciate the game’s art.

Gameplay

The gameplay is fine if you enjoy action roguelikes. The game is marketed as having Dead Cells-like combat, and I have to agree. Combat is pretty tight, and without any noticeable bugs. The game features a wide selection of weapons, but there are some weapons that are better than others. I like how imaginative some of these weapons are, but not all of them worked with my playstyle. There were runs that were absolutely ruined by the RNG, but this might be a skill issue. Luckily, the game let you vote on the weapons as you use them, so make sure you play the demo to help make the full game even better.

The RNG for the roguelike portion of the game seemed pretty fair, but the choices were limited. A lot of the time, there wasn’t really a choice because the skill wasn’t available for the demo. This is only an issue for min-maxing, but there isn’t enough content for that to be worth it. There was enough customization available to make an impact, and that is what matters for the demo.

I like that the game allows players to build around the RNG. At death, players can adjust the difficulty of a run with a slider for a custom experience. You can either choose to enjoy the lore and story as you fight your way with an easy difficulty, or you can go all out and test your skill as the action roguelike master you are. At the hub, players can purchase permanent buffs that builds your character for a more tuned experience. The game also charges players for each reattempt if they have any currency remaining. This incentivizes players to always spend their points, and it is too early to tell if this is a good thing.

Ultimately, I appreciated the challenge and found the repetition soothing. While I may not vibe with each weapon, I found the overall gameplay enjoyable.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a new action roguelike, Takala does some interesting things that are worth looking into. The game features interesting lore and a beautifully drawn world. The gameplay leans a bit too heavy on the RNG, but it helps with the repetition. There is a grind, but there is lore and story to help dull some it. It did not feel too bad in the demo, especially since you can adjust the difficulty. To be fair, if you’re playing a roguelike, you should be expecting some type of repetition. The best part about the demo is that you can submit feedback to the devs. This is your chance to influence a game that is already in a solid place be even better. Make sure you check out the demo, and don’t forget to wishlist!

If you’re still looking for a new action roguelike, check out Nocturnal.

Trailer

video game reviews

Explore Dinghai: The Ocean Pillar Demo Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent the Dinghai: The Ocean Pillar demo to review for my blog. I understand the game isn’t done yet, so I will be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, this will still be my honest review.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Dinghai: The Ocean Pillar

Dinghai: The Ocean Pillar is a beautiful action rpg-roguelike coming soon to Steam. There is a demo available you should try. Don’t forget to add this to your wishlist!

Hook

The Abyssal Dragon was once a legendary general who served in Emperor Yan’s army. The Abyssal Dragon was stripped of his title, exiled, and ultimately killed in battle. But his soul remained, waiting for the opportunity to come back. For centuries, his soul lay waiting. One day, Yi happens near this soul. Unfortunately, he is overpowered by a powerful beast that leaves him dying on the road. Fortunately for Yi, the Abyssal Dragon’s soul merges with the dying yi, merging them into something new. The Abyssal Dragon once again walks the mortal world, and he carries with him a centuries old grudge.

Use your powers to travel through the world of the Classic of Mounts and Seas to fight off powerful monsters, earn useful upgrades, and master your combos. Will the Abyssal Dragon finish his business, or will this be the game you never finish?

Gameplay

Dinghai plays like your typical ARPG like Diablo or Lost Epoc, but with roguelike mechanics and a rich lore to set it apart in the genre. The Abissal Dragon carries a bow and sword that he can chain combos with. Well timed dodges and parries help you stay alive, as well as the limited healing items players pick up along the way. What makes the game unique is the roguelike randomness that makes up most of the grind.

The journey always starts in a hub, where players can buy permanent upgrades before initiating a run. During a run, players can chose from a random selection of nodes to explore. These nodes offer players buffs, money, health, and useful items. Players earn by clearing the node which often means killing all enemies, but you can also end up at the shop. This all builds up to a boss fight that you might die a lot to (unless you’re good at games). The game has that soothing repetitive grind as you get stronger and better with each consecutive run.

Impressions

Dinghai: The Ocean Pillar is one of the most beautiful games I’ve played in a while. I am blown away by how much effort was put into making such a wonderful fantasy, and you should check out the demo to appreciate it as well. The gameplay for the most part is solid. Everything runs very smooth, but it did make my room very hot. Make sure you are well ventilated. Personally, I can’t wait for the full game because of how much I enjoyed the story and how epic the combat feels.

Aesthetic

I wasn’t ready for how beautiful this game is. There were moments in this game where I had to stop playing just to marvel at how beautiful its world is. I have always preferred the minimalist approach to games whether it is pixel art or hand drawn. Two of my favorite ARPGs are Realm of Ink and Lunarium. These games are fun with some of the most beautifully drawn worlds worth exploring. Dinghai made me realize that games can be beautiful with the right amount of textures. The lighting, the background, the creature design, and the explosive animations all come together to create this mystical world I couldn’t look away from. I don’t know anything about the lore that went into this game, but here I am, trying to research more because of how vibrant the developers made it all come together.

Gameplay

Dinghai just feels right. There were a few bugs (nothing gamebreaking) and it did get a little repetitive, but the demo left me wanting more. Combat in this game feels epic. The flashy animations, the cohesive combo system, and the unique enemy mechanics kept me at the edge of my seat. I may not be breaking any speedrun records, but I had an absolute blast trying to get through this demo. So far, the RNG feels fair and the abilities you get feel useful. I’ve played Aweful game like Foglands where it felt solvable because half the abilities didn’t do anything (also the game didn’t work). Here, my choices (even the wrong ones) felt like it had an impact. Sure I struggled through that epic boss fight, but it is a fight that felt good to finally complete. I will need to see more of this game, but for now, go check out the demo!

Conclusion

I know the game isn’t out yet, but I’ve played demos where the game was never ready. The Dinghai demo may have a few bugs, but none of them were game breaking. The demo is in a place where it will leave you wanting more. If you are looking for a game that looks good, has some fantastic fantasy, and some epic combat, you might want to check out Dinghai: The Ocean Pillar. The game isn’t out yet, so I’ll have to save my final judgement for the full release, but I am honestly ready for what comes next. Until then, check out the demo on Steam and don’t forget to Wishlist!

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video game reviews

Riftfall Demo Review: A Nostalgic Boomer Shooter Experience

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Disclaimer

I was sent the Riftfall demo to review for my blog. I understand the game isn’t finished yet so I will be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, these are my honest first impressions.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Riftfall?

Riftfall brings the classic boomer shooter to a modern audience with its unique aesthetic, 20-level campaign, and all the guns you need to blast your way through them. Riftfall aims to take shooters back to when they were at their most fun. Back when you picked up a gun and started blasting, without the ridiculous pay walls or micro transactions. The game is releasing sometime this year, but there is a demo available in the meantime. Don’t forget to wishlist.

Hook

The rift has opened, unleashing waves of enemies that threaten your salvation. With the help of your AI squadmates and some very powerful guns, blast your way though the unique levels as you search for a way to close the rift. Run fast, shoot faster, and activate some bullet time in a high-speed adventure you will never forget.

Gameplay

Riftfall is an appropriate love letter to the boomer shooters of my youth. You grab your guns and blast your way through the different levels. Each group of enemy you encounter has a unique strategy to take you down. Overcome them all, and collect useful resources like ammo, health, and shields along the way. The game builds up to powerful and unique boos fights you will never forget. There is also an upgrade system so you can customize your character to fit your playstyle. I didn’t touch the skill trees much in the demo. You also get AI squadmates to help you in battle.

If you miss the old days when you could run home and play DOOM all night instead of doing your homework, or want to experience it for the first time, check out the Riftfall demo.

Impressions

I’ve been doing this long enough to be desensitized to the use of “love letter”. If is often a marketing gimmick to lure fans of the original game or genre for an easy sale, but there have been a few gems over the years that have proven me wrong. I can tell that the creators of Riftfall really loved this era of gaming with how much effort has been put into replicating the vibe that made these games everlasting. The visuals, the music, and the gameplay all come together in an almost perfect love letter. The problem? The demo is kind of broken. I still had fun with the title, but it needs more patches.

Aesthetic

Riftfall has a unique retro aesthetic, but it does not feel old. I am a huge fan of the blocky, simple enemies and the unique maps the demo takes you through. The world is simple, but beautiful. It did give me flashbacks of all the hours I spent on DOOM, and that is not a bad thing. The reason you should really play this game is for the soundtrack. The music in this game is fantastic. I sat through a couple of the songs without playing because I just wanted to enjoy the music. I will be finding the soundtrack when it comes out and adding it to my playlist. The soundtrack is up there with Don’t Stop Girly Pop and Planet of Lana.

Gameplay

I played a lot of DOOM growing up because it was one of the few games I could run for a while. This game is a proper entry to the genre with some well placed humor to make the game perfect. The guns all feel unique and everything is quick. I had a lot of fun with this game, when it worked.

The biggest issue I have with this demo is that it isn’t working. At least not with my RTX3060. The game crashed in the tutorial. Everything fought during the big escape, only to unfreeze to a death screen. The enemies were a little bugged and a few stutters before that were hard to ignore. Skipping the tutorial, the performance got a little better but there are still issues. The enemy AI is king of dumb and you can cheese the boss fights if you have any video game knowledge. There were times where I would fall through the floor for no reason. It never died because the enemy was a little too dumb (or maybe I am just really good at this game). The AI squad that follows you around is useless. It kept getting stuck out of combat, but it least it was funny.

That said, I still had fun. If they can get the game working smoothly (you need a game like this to be smooth for the speed runners), it is a solid addition to the library. As is, I would try it out and show your support if you like boomer shooters.

Conclusion

Riftfall is worth checking out so you can fall in love with the sound track. The game is in a rough state, but it also isn’t finished yet. A few more patches should be good, but they should at least try fixing the tutorial. A game’s performance shouldn’t be killing players. Personally, I think Mullet Jack does this a little better, But I do like it better than Rebel Engine. I personally prefer El Paso, Nightmare for its unique and trippy take on the genre.

Make sure you check out the demo, and don’t forget to wishlist!

Trailer

video game reviews

The Red Cathedral: Your Next Favorite Digital Board Game

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of The Red Cathedral 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.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is The Red Cathedral

The critically acclaimed Euro game, The Red Cathedral, is coming to PC and mobile devices. The game launches in the fall, but you can try it now for free until September 6, 2026. Don’t forget to wishlist!

Hook

Tsar Ivan the Terrible has hired teams of builders to build a monument to his greatness. You command one of these teams and do your best to stand out and gain the Tsar’s favor. Gather resources, build segments of the Red Cathedral, and make sure you get enough decorations. The person with the most points by the end of construction wins.

Gameplay

The game is pretty strait forward, with automations for every action. Players take turns performing actions. They can gather resources, build pieces of the cathedral, or decorate. Players continue taking turns until construction is completed. The game offers local, couch co-op for those of you who have the friends to do it, but you can also play online. If you don’t want to deal with the chunkiness of Tabletop Simulator, this is the truest form of playing the game outside of buying the actual board game.

Review

I love playing board games, but the problem is I don’t have friends to play them with. I have a closet full of games that I’ve been storing for when my daughter is old enough to play, but she’ll probably be into sports. I do dabble with Tabletop Simulator when I can make time with my online friends, but that clunkiness is getting hard to justify.

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love TTS! This game has let me try out so many card games and board games that I have neither the space or money for. Its a great program that continues to be a staple on any gamers collection. That said, sometimes I come home tired from a long day and want to play something that works. The Red Cathedrial is a great port of a solid board game that I recommend you get if you enjoy Euro games. I like that everything is automated, and the game has a nice little tutorial to get you started.

Why buy digital?

The issue I have with board games is that they take up space that I really don’t have. I love seeing a shelve full of pretty boxes and books, but I’ve run out of space. I’ve done culling and condensing, but my wife says its still a problem. Digital games sit on your device. You don’t have to worry about cleaning up or setting up, and everything is automated. Nothing beats moving the real pieces around an actual board, but if you’re a fan of The Red Cathedral, you already own it.

I like that the game has local co-op, and it works very nicely, but I think the main use for this game is to play online. As I grow older, it gets harder to get together with my friends. I probably won’t pull this out at the next game night (not that I have the friends for a game night), but I will boot this up and host one online. Playing this over Discord with a couple of beers sounds like a good enough reason to buy this game.

Conclusion

Honestly, if you are looking for a board game to play with your friends online, this game is fine. There is a good amount of strategy involved to make things competitive, it is simple enough for people to pick up quickly (especially if they go through the tutorial, and there is couch co-op for those with the friends to do it. You can also play against the AI, and I felt like the AI was pretty fair. I am not good at this game, but it at least seemed like I always had a chance to win. If you need another avenue to play The Red Cathedral, or just want the board game without needing to figure out storage space, this is a fantastic port coming soon. Make sure you check out the demo before its gone (September 6) and don’t forget to wishlist!

Trailer

video game reviews

Fine Work: Act I Review – A Unique Rhythm Adventure

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Fine Work: Act I for free 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.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Fine Work: Act I

Fine Work is a beautiful and unique game that combines an imaginative world and all the cozy vibes to create a story you will never forget. Players get to enjoy the breath taking visuals while they weave dreams in a relaxing rhythm game. Fine work is out now on Steam, with a free demo you can try at your discretion.

Hook

You are a shaper, a person who can weave sendshapes: artifacts made from someone’s memories. You have opened your new shop, and already the clients that walk through your door bring with them stories you will never forget. Sit down with your clients, listen to their tales, and weave the sendshapes of their dreams. This is a game where your choices matter, so make sure you choose wisely (or according to your personality). Each play through promises to be different. Can you collect all the endings?

Gameplay

There are two parts to Fine Work: the story and the rhythm game. The story is a creative piece of fantasy that creates its own dialect. I appreciate that there is a glossary to define the vernacular that is easily accessible. There is no voice acting, so expect to read a lot. Along the way, the game will offer dialogue choices that affect the course of the game. Players can chose a personality trait at the beginning of the game, like being insightful. Occasionally, the game will offer the player suggestions on what choice to make based on this trait. These choices do affect the outcome of each encounter, and the game’s ending. This gives the game a good amount of replay ability.

After an interview with a client, players get to play a rhythm game where they weave together the sendshape. The game works like most rhythm games, but I would argue that this is a more relaxed entry to the genre. The game is hard if you are like me and don’t have rhythm, but a lot more manageable at the same time. If you don’t want to sit through the story, you can chose to only play through the songs from the start menu.

Review

Fine Work: Act 1 isn’t a bad game. The game has an imaginative world that is unique and deep. The story is just as imaginative, and I appreciate how it plays with language. The gameplay is solid, with the cozy vibes that you might need after a stressful day of work. The only real problem I have with this game is that I don’t think I’m the target audience. While the story and gameplay are solid, the game never really clicked for me. I think if you like this quirky style of fantasy and appreciate the pretty explosion of art, the game is worth a playthrough. Otherwise, you might want to wait for a sale. Let me explain

Aesthetics

There is no denying that Fine Work has some fantastic art. I must commend the artist for creating such a surreal and alien world that is both vibrant and mysterious. I was first drawn to the game by how beautiful all of the imagery, and I was continually amazed by how inventive the world got with each page. When it came to the rhythm game, I enjoyed the minimistic start of each song that quickly turned into a vibrant explosion of the different dreams. The artists did fine work in creating a game that looks and feels like a dream, and catered the music to elevate the experience. Not that I was able to focus much on the visuals when I was trying desperately to keep time.

Gameplay

As far as rhythm games go, the game is fine. I do appreciate the more casual and relaxing approach to the genre, while still offering a challenge with its different mechanics. I don’t have any rhythm and found it challenging enough, but not frustrating like I do with other games in the genre. I also appreciate that I can just play the rhythm game without having to sit through the dialogue. Sometimes I just want to sit back and weave some artifacts. The real problem I have with this game is that I rather be playing Aaero2. The rhythm mechanics are more engaging, and the music is better. Fine Work isn’t a bad rhythm game, but it really depends on what mood your in when you’re booting up your rhythm game. Do you want to chill and watch something pretty? Or do you want mash buttons and get high scores?

Story

The story is where the game kind of loses me. I might just be getting old. Don’t get me wrong, the story is fine. The game has fun and memorable characters and a creative world, but it takes too long to get its traction. This might be my adhd talking, but by the time things started to get rolling I was already checked out. This isn’t a fault with the story. The pacing is fine. My issue is that the quirks that give this game all of its charm didn’t vibe with me. I think Fine Work is worth exploring if you like quirky fiction based on that mirrors the modern trends.

I also find it hard to like this game when Afterlove EP has a better slice of life story, and Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is more imaginative.

Conclusion

Honestly, as much as I don’t want to admit it, I think I am too old for this one. The reason I didn’t like the game is because it just isn’t for me. That doesn’t make it a bad game. Feelings aside, Fine Work: Act I does a few interesting things that I commend the devs for. I respect the successful attempt at creating a unique and deep world. I also appreciate how they weave their narrative. Blending both the visual novel and the rhythm game is masterfully done, and worth at least trying the demo. If you are the target audience and think the story is interesting, you will love this game. If not, you probably won’t finish it. I urge you to check out the demo and do a proper vibe check before spending any money.

Trailer

Tech Reviews

Unboxing Redragon’s Anime Headset: Zeus H510

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Disclaimer

Redragon sent me the Zeus H510 Customizable Anime Edition Headset for free 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. Make sure you also check out my reviews for the Artemis K719 pro anime keyboard and Aatrox M811 Pro Wireless Mouse. You can also use my Amazon Affiliate link before you buying anything. It really helps me out if you do.

Table of Contents

What’s in the box?

  • Redragon Zues SP h510 Anime Edition
  • 2 sets of Anime hell replacements
  • User Manual

Unboxing

Features

Anime lovers will love the freshest pair of headphones coming from our friends over at Redragon. The sleek clean design can go from work casual to waifu formal with a simple plate swap. But these headphones are not just a meer gimick to pull in anime fans. The H510s are backed by the high quality engineering that Redragon has been flooding the market with. If you are looking for a fresh new pair of headphones and don’t mind a bit of cute waifu action, you might want to pick up a pair of the Redragon Zeus H510s.

Aesthetic

Redragon has productively spent its time crafting towards the gaming aesthetic, and the H510s are proof. The headphones have that Esport flare you know you want for your next stream. The interchangeable faceplates make it perfect for those indecisive folks who like to change up their look, but its also nice to switch to the normal plates when I need to take them into the office. Most importantly, you can’t have gaming peripherals without that RGB. The Zues H510s have soft RGB that shines around the edges of the plates to give your waifu a little added flare. And for those of you who don’t want the lightshow, it can be easily turned off with the press of a button.

Controller

The Zues H510 comes with a controller on the high-quality and sturdy braided cable. The controller allows gamers to adjust the volume, mute the mic, and control (turn off) the rgb. Very handy for the gamer who doesn’t want to bother with keybinds.

Performance

Redragon promises clear, lossless audio with its 7.1 surround-sound for some precise and immersive gameplay. The 53mm drivers deliver a full range of sound for a fuller sound stage. The wired connection means you don’t have to worry about losing battery, or any loss in quality that comes from wireless. Most importantly, the noise cancellation mic is ready to deliver your crisp and clear voice the next time you team up with your friends. When you need a headset that works when you need it, you might want to reach for the Redragon Zeus H510.

Comfort

The Zeus H510 is more than just its anime gimmick and clear sound stage. Redragon promises a comfortable headset that is built to last. The headset features an adjustable headband so it fits even my giant head. The fabric memory foam on the ear pieces and headband not only give users that cozy comfortable hug you want for long gaming sessions, it wont start looking ugly like the fake leather other headphones use.

Mic Check

https://churapereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/redragonzuessp.mp3

Review

I was ready to discount the Zues H510 headset as a cheap trap for anime fans. I was thrown off by how light the headset was and it didn’t help that it was flexible. After using the headset for a couple weeks, I was surprised by how wrong I was. These headphones may not deliver the audiophile soundstage you think you crave, but they deliver a good enough sound to earn their daily driver status. The mic is surprisingly fantastic, and might be the only reason you should consider these headphones (aside from the cute anime girls). Most importantly, these are a very comfortable pair. If you are looking for a new pair of headphones, you should grab yourself a pair of the Zeus H510s in any edition (but the Anime edition is the best).

Quality

After the initial shock of how light these headphones were, the quality was pretty impressive. Everything is cleanly machined and the headset seem to be built with quality materials. The flex in the band is a little worrying, but I have a huge head and had no issues. The printing of the anime girls on the plates is beautiful! The images are clear, the colors are vibrant, and there there is a slight texture that feels so good to the touch. It doesn’t feel like these are rubbing off anytime soon.

Aesthetic

I got the Zues H510 in the anime edition because they match my Artemis K719. After using two very cool looking anime themed products, I think I can say that Redragon does right by its anime fans. The design is very modern, and they remind me of the headsets I see on esports. The RGB effect is very subtle, and I like that it goes around the anime plates instead of shinning through it. Its an effect I won’t ever notice, but its nice to think about when I am playing games.

Sound Quality

The sound isn’t audiophile level, but its good enough for normal use cases. Unless you’re paying for that tidal subscription for lossless audio, it doesn’t really matter what you use. I can tell the difference between these and something like the Kiwi Eclipse, but the difference isn’t enough to turn me off. The sound is full enough for most of my needs. There was enough base for my hiphop, there was enough surround sound for my asmr, and they are really good at blocking out a lot of the external noise. I know my wife hates these because I can never hear when she is calling for me.

The surround sound is pretty impressive. It isn’t complete immersion, but it isn’t a marketing gimick either. I remember jumping a few times because I could hear noises around me. Mostly, I really like how useful it is for my ASMR videos. If you are looking for an affordable headset with solid sound, the H510s are here for you.

The Mic

I saved the best for last because the mic is possibly the most important feature in a gaming headset. I was not ready at how clear and crisp the audio would be out of the box, but here I am impressed. It isn’t a studio mic, but it is a very good starting point for those of you trying to get into content creation but are on a budget. I am sure with a bit of editing and proper gates you can get very close to studio quality, but you honestly don’t really need to tinker too much. It has fantastic noise cancellation so it only picks up your beautiful voice, and it may even make it even more beautiful. I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful my voice is, and I have a very ugly one.

Conclusion

Honestly, if you like anime and want more anime gear to fill up your room, Redragon knocked it out of the park with the Zues H510s. This headset not only looks cool, it has the sound and quality you want in a gaming headset. I am currently testing another pair of headphones as we speak, but I will be coming back to my babies when that review is done. 10 out of 10, no complaints.

video game reviews

Discover Lunarium: A Beautiful RPG Adventure

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free cop of Lunarium 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.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Lunarium?

Lunarium is a beautiful top down, isometric action RPG that you can play now on Steam.

Hook

Lunarium is on the verge of the collapse. It crumbles under the weight of blood thirsty monsters. Two girls, Ave and Lune, set of on the perilous adventure to save it. Ave marches forth with her sword, and Lune stands behind her with her supportive magic. Their adventures will take them across strange and magical worlds full of mystery and danger. What will their adventure reveal? Can they find the power to save their dying world?

Gameplay

Lunarium is pretty strait forward. Ave has a three combo attack, she can parry, and she can doge. Lune can heal Ave or help with a powerful magic attack, but her abilities are on charges. Meaning you can only heal so many times before a rest, or recharge a charge through combat. These skills and abilities can be customized through a fairly expansive skill tree. While I was able to get through the game buying into skills I thought were fun, it does feel like there is a right answer. I am sure there is a guide out there if you look hard enough.

Combat in this game is straight forward. All attacks are telegraphed. Enemies turn red when you need to dodge, and the animation is easy to read for when you need to parry. Timing is everything in this game, and learning how to time your button presses means you can blow past even the toughest enemies. You can eventually brute force your way through most of the game, but it does reward players who take the time to master the timing.

Does it work on the Steam Deck

Lunarium technically runs on the steam deck, but it is a little clunky. It is playable, but I didn’t like it. It felt like a chore trying to get the timing right, and I went back to playing on my PC. There might be a future update that will optimize the gameplay or a workaround I am missing, but for now, I am not using the Steam deck. Even though I really want to. The cloud sync doesn’t work properly, and I lost all of my progress and had to start over. Luckily I didn’t lose much, but you’ve been warned.

Review

I was first drawn to Lunarium because it is a good looking game. When I played the game, I knew I found a new addiction. Lunarium is a fantastic action RPG with a solid story, but fantastic gameplay. It is a little clunky, but I am willing to look past the roughness because I had a lot of fun with the title.

Aesthetic

I love the world of Lunarium. The character design is fantastic, and I love how the main characters both look minimilistic and iconic. The monsters you fight are creative and flavorful. Most unimportant, the world of Lunarium is beatiful. Each zone is unique and full of fantastic fantasy that was so much fun to explore. I will say that some of the perfomance issues do distract from the overall beauty, but not enough to skip this title. There needs to be more eyeballs exploring this beautiful world.

Gameplay

I am not very good at these games, but I tried very hard to be for Lunarium. The gameplay does feel simple at first, but when it ramps, you really need to be paying attention. Nothing is more satisfying than absolutely destroying an enemy because you were able to time all your button presses perfectly. I could have certainly played more optimally, but I had a blast picking the abilities that I though were fun. Honestly, if you like action RPGs and don’t mind the roughness that come with lower budget titles like Lunarium, the game needs to be in your library. I had so much fun with this game, and I am very sad I have to move on…for now.

Conclusion

I can’t stress how much you need to play this game. It is such a unique title with a beautiful world to explore, memorable characters to play as, and some solid mechanics. The performance is a bit of an issue, especially in the beginning, but it the game is playable. I am sure with a bit more money, they can optimize it enough. My only real complaint is that I can’t play it on the Steam Deck. I would have loved to be chilling on the couch playing this game, but sitting at my desk was good too. Since that isn’t a real problem, do you yourself a favor and get Lunarium today!

Trailer

Tech Reviews

Epomaker Carbonis Mouse Review: Performance Meets Style

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Disclaimer

Epomaker sent me the Carbonis wireless gaming mouse for free to review on my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out my reviews for the TH80 V2 mechanical keyboard and the Galaxy Y100 Lite. I’ll also be using my Amazon Affiliate link where possible. It really helps me out if you click on it before buying anything.

Table of Contents

What’s in the box?

  • Carbonis Wireless Gaming Mouse
  • 2.4 Wireless Dongle
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • User Manual
  • Brand Card

Unboxing

Features

Epomaker comes to gamers brings gamers the only mouse they will ever need with the the launch of the Carbonis mouse. This elegant mouse not only looks good, but it feels good and gives gamers the performance they need for high level play. If you are looking for a new mouse to get you out of your current elo, the Epomaker Carbonis might just be what you’ve been looking for.

Design

The Epomaker Carbonis dazzles with its unique modern design. This high quality gaming mouse comes in two colors: Black/Gold and Black Purple. I got mine in Black/Gold, but it was a very hard decision.

The Carbonis‘ unique pattern not only gives it its elegance, but makes the mouse sweat and fingerprint resistant. That means no more gross plastic after raid night! The composite carbon fiber shell is light weight and durable for that added peace of mind. The shell has been designed to perfectly fit most right-handed people for long comfortable sessions. To finalize the modern look, the Carbonis comes with a small LED screen to show readers the battery remaining as well as the current DPI setting.

Functionality

The Carbonis boasts fast speed and low latency with its wireless and wired connections. Users can easily switch between connections with a flick of the switch. You can also enjoy the fast wired connection when the 300mAh hour runs out of battery. The DPI can be easily adjusted with the onboard buttons so you always have the perfect speed for your workflow. For those of you who need a little added utility, the buttons, polling rate, DPI, and other useful features can all be easily adjusted through the official software (no download required).

Review

I am not going to lie, I was a little disappointed when I opened up the box. At first glance, the mouse is kind of ugly. I am not a fan of the wavy pattern, and a prefer a much heavier mouse. After using for as long as I did, this has replaced the ergonomic mouse I was daily driving. I don’t even know where my old mouse is anymore. The Carbonis is a fantastic mouse and an easy upgrade for any gamer or professional looking for a high quality mouse that works great and feels good in your hand.

Quality

The light weight design at first had me worried, but I think I am just used to a heavier mouse. I might have been a little biased. Out of the box, the mouse is fine. The pattern is very well done, the shape has been carefully crafted, and I didn’t notice any fabrication errors. Everything on this mouse is printed clearly and boldly, so I don’t think it will be rubbing off anytime soon. Most importantly, the buttons feel good and have a very addicting sound. I trust this mouse with my most sweaty team fights.

Aesthetic

The aesthetic is where the mouse loses me a bit. I am not a fan of the pattern, but I do appreciate the function. As a sweaty gamer, I understand when a cheap mouse is not up to the task. I never felt like my grip was in jeopardy. Most importantly, the mouse doesn’t feel gross after the those long gaming sessions. I got the Black and Gold version, so maybe it looks better in purple, but this is definitely a case where the utility outweighs the aesthetic.

Performance

I had no issues with my two weeks of testing the mouse. I used it for both gaming (I play a lot of Guild Wars 2) and all of my data entry work. This mouse performed very well under my very heavy hand. There was no latency on any of the three connections, with a speed I can always rely on. I love that I can change the DPI with the push of a button. The default setting were good enough for my workflow and gaming needs, but you can adjust it easily with software if needed.

The battery life is fine. I kept charging it when ever LED screen showed it was getting low so I can’t tell you how much use I got, but I was definitely able to get through the full eight hours on a single charge. Best of all, the charging port is in a convenient spot so you don’t ever have to break your stride (unlike the the Apple Mouse I wasted my money on).

Comfort

I wouldn’t call the Carbonis mouse exclusively ergonomic. If you suffer from hand pain and need an ergonomic solution, get a mouse with a ball and thank me later. For normal people however, the mouse has a comfortable grip.

In my journey to save my hands, I find that a lot of the advertising is a little misleading. Mice that have been designed to fit the hand don’t generally fit my hand, but the Carbonis fits wonderfully. (I have big hands). I did not understand how good the design for the Carbonis was until I had to use one of the loaner mice at work and it destroyed my hand in minutes. The Carbonis doesn’t destroy my hands, and I am able to get a healthy amount of use before my hands start cramping. Now I do have a repetitive stress injury that flares up with the wrong ergonomics, but the Carbonis is good enough and reliable enough to become a daily driver. I do have to take the occasional break, but I also have my backup roller mouse for the bad days.

I know I do not like the design, but man is the function cool. As a gamer with very sweaty hands, I like that my mouse isn’t a gross mess after I am done with it. This is a very comfy mouse for those gamers that spend a little too much time in online, team based games.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a good gaming mouse, the Epomaker Carbonis is king. This is a very comfy mouse with the functionality to back it up. Sure it might look ugly, but how often are you really looking at your mouse? The only problem I have with the Carbonis is with the wireless Dongle. Instead of a traditional usb that you plug into a slot, you get small rechtagle that you have to plug into your computer using the only USB-C to USB-A cable included in the kit. This not only looks ugly, but I am pretty sure I am breaking the dongle before the year is done because it will fall on the ground and I won’t notice it. People who use Bluetooth can rest easy. Other than that, this is a fantastic mouse that I will be daily driving. Get yours today!

You can pick up the Carbonis Wireless Gaming Mouse on the official Epomaker store or on Amazon through my affiliate link.

video game reviews

Explore Super Bullet Break: Cute Waifus and Unique Gameplay

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Super Bullet Break 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.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Super Bullet Break?

Super Bullet Break is a deckbuilding roguelike where you get to collect cute anime girls while you try to fix corrupted video games. The game is available for Steam and on the Nintendo Switch. There is also a Steam demo you can try.

Hook

All of the online multiplayer games have been rendered unplayable by rogue AI that have infected them. Collect your deck of cute anime girls as you fight against the rogue data that have made your favorite games unplayable. Build a powerful deck from over 160 cute anime girls in a unique gotcha system that won’t cost you any money (aside from the $20 it costs to buy the game). Play through seven unique worlds in a unique roguelike experience that will have you trapped for hours. Can you build the deck that will save the world, or will the AI prove too powerful?

Gameplay

Players start with a basic deck and make their way in roguelike fashion through each of the seven unique game game genre themed worlds. Players choose their path through a series of nodes, each with a unique encounter: combat, harder combat, shop, rest, random encounter. This pattern is repeated until hitting the final boss, collecting a valuable ally and moving onto the next world.

Combat

Combat is pretty unique for this deck builder. Each card has a cost that affects the initiative. You can either cast a series of weaker spells or a powerful spell before the enemy’s turn. Initiative is easily seen through an easy to read tracker at the top of the UI. You take turns chipping away at your enemies using your collection of anime girls until either you or the enemy dies. You earn gold and a card at the end of combat. There are better rewards for harder encounters, but they also leave you drained of resources. Plan your routes accordingly. The characters you get at any point of your run will have random abilities that can either make or break your run. For the most part, the RNG feels fair.

Shop

Shops are pretty self explanatory. Over the course of your run, you are earning gold or tickets. Gold is used to buy helpful items that can be used during combat like healing potions or items that buff your abilities. Tickets are used to pull for a random card to add to your deck in the truest, non-predatory form of gotcha on this planet. The trick to this game is generating enough income and using that income efficiently to build a powerful enough deck of anime girls to save the world.

Rest

At certain points of the map, you are allowed a coffee break. At these points you can either heal 30% of your total health for free, 50% for gold, or reroll one of your cards abilities for free. There is always a coffee break before the boss, so plan accordingly.

Random Encounters

If you don’t want to engage in combat, there are random social encounters scattered across the map. These encounters sometimes give players a choice, but mostly offer buffs and debuffs for their run. You can find a special item that will give you an edge in your next combat, or you could get robbed. They are a gamble. Speaking of gambles, there are also nodes that let you choose from three boxes. These boxes contain buffs, items, gold, or cards you can use during your run.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Super Bullet Break works great on the Steam Deck. If you are looking for a good Steam Deck game, you have it here. The game runs great on PC, but if I am using a controller, I prefer playing on the Steam Deck. I love that the game is pretty low profile so it won’t use up all of my memory (I have the lowest memory unit), or get that fan whirling, or kill the battery. Any game I can sit back and play in bed or on the couch is a huge blessing because I stay at my computer all day.

Review

If you like collecting cute anime girls and need a new deckbuilding roguelike, then Super Bullet Break is for you. It does lean a little heavy on the fan service, but it is expected from a game where you’re collecting cute waifus. The combat system is fine, and there seems to be enough content to be worth the price point.

Aesthetic

I will shamelessly admit that I am a huge fan of the art for this game. You get to choose from a wide selection of cute wifus and each world’s theme is unique and fresh. If you like anime girls, you’ll find your waifu somewhere within this game. I’d go as far as to commission some fan art (if I had the money).

Gameplay

I’ll admit that at this point of this career, I am a little burnt out on deck building roguelikes. Super Bullet Break is a solid deck builder with unique mechanics that help it stand out against the rest of the genre, but it does feel repetitive at this point. I think the gotcha mechanics are a good way of keeping each run feeling fresh and new. The game does a good enough job at giving players the tools to get through a run, but it really comes down to being lucky enough to get the right cards and abilities to get through each world. Whether this game is worth it really depends on how much you like waifus and how okay you are with the randomness of it all.

Conclusion

I like this game enough to keep it on my Steam Deck. It is a game I’ll pull out when I just want to play a game, but don’t want to get too invested in its lore or mechanics. The turn based system makes the game a very casual game, but there is enough complexity in the mechanics to keep you engaged. Even if there is enough luck based nonsense to sway your run, you still have to try and plot your route efficiently. If you are looking for a waifu game with solid mechanics that you can play anywhere, Super Bullet Break is a solid title worth your attention. If you aren’t, you should at least try the demo.

You can pick up Super Bullet Break on for Steam and on the Nintendo Switch.

Trailer

video game reviews

Roommates, Romance, and Ringing Hearts: A Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Roommates, Romance, and Ringing Hearts 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.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Roommates, Romance, and Ringing Hearts

Roommates, Romance, and Ringing Hearts is a dating sim FMV out now on Steam.

Hook

You move to the big city to attend university. It is your first time away from home but it is also your chance to find love. This will be your year, but things start off to a shaky start. The apartment you were going move into has been rented to someone else and you are forced to move into a shared house with strangers. To your surprise, you find your roommate is your cute childhood friend. Suddenly, you find yourself in a house full of women pining for your attention, but the attraction is mutual. Navagate your relationship with your roommates as you try to find love. Who will you choose?

Gameplay

Roommates, Romance, and Ringing Hearts is an FMV, which means you get to sit back and watch the events unfold, eventually making choices that will affect the ending. There are multiple endings, and the game makes it easy to collect them all. What makes this FMV unique is that it makes it easy to see what paths you are unlocking, which girls you are romancing, and you can ultimately plot your route to the ending you want.

Review

I want to preface my review by admit that I am a sucker for cheesy harem anime. I’d like to believe that I grew up during the golden age of harem anime, and it is easily one of my favorite genres. Sure, the waifus are a nice bonus, but I find the simplicity and cheesiness of these narratives comforting. My favorite anime of all time is Oran Host Club because it is cute, cheesy, and apparently I also like cute anime boys pining over me. (I’ve been on a bit of a Otome game kick lately).

Roommates, Romance, and Ringing Hearts is the live action harem anime I didn’t know I needed. This FMV is a high quality production with a decent story. I appreciate that they didn’t force me to play mini-games, and I got to sit back and enjoy a fun romantic story. And yes, the girls are very cute.

Production

The production of this FMV is good for the most part. The sound is good for most of the game, but there are scenes where the mixing is off. The girls sound far away, there are echos, or the dialogue is unintelligible (not that I know much Japanese). The acting is fine for the tone of the game. A lot of the acting is over the top, and that is by design. There are some over the top moments that can be a little cringe, but everyone seems to be having fun so who cares. The camera is great, and if you want high quality shots of your favorite girl, the game will deliver.

Story

I will preface this section of the review with the admission that I used to watch bad movies for fun. That was back before Netflix ruined everything (thanks Kissing Booth 2). Sure I could go the theater and watch whatever blockbuster smash hit was going to hit its million, but there is something special about those low budget indie films that no one is ever going to watch. I’ve sat through some garbage, but I’ve also sat through some fun, low budget, cheesy movies that I still go back to every now and again (looking at you Sasquatch Gang). All of this to say that while the game may not have deep characters, expansive lore, the story is fun and I had a lot of fun playing through it.

Now this is a harem genre game, so don’t expect deep characters with tangible growth. This is a game where cute girls pine over the main character because the script demands it, but the scenes around these ideas are cute, fun, and the type of distraction you might be looking for. There is some bad dialogue, but there are some cute moments that I had to play through a second time to appreciate fully. The story may not be as good as something Love Too Easily or One Rotten Oath (for something more serious), but it is up there as one of my favorite. If you are looking for a cute game about dating even cuter girls, get Roommates, Romance, and Ringing Hearts.

Conclusion

I am a sucker for FMVs and Roommates, Romance, and Ringing Hearts continues to cement this love for the genre. The game has cute girls, a fun story, and solid production. It is very over the top and cheesy, but it is part of the charm. There isn’t too much fan service, so you should be able to play the game safely in public. But if you’re looking for bit more fan service, you can always play Island of Hearts. This game is fantastic, and I ended up playing the game until I collected all the endings. Get your copy today!

Trailer