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video game reviews

Urban Myth Dissolution Center Review: A Must-Play Visual Novel

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Urban Myth Dissolution Center 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 Plugs and Self-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update weekly.

What is the Urban Myth Dissolution Center?

Urban Myth Dissolution Center is a horror mystery visual novel out now on Steam, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch.

Azani has a supernatural gift she doesn’t want. In an attempt to become normal, she seeks the help of Ayumu Meguria, a level S psychic and the director of the Urban Myth Dissolution Center. In a strange turn of events, she finds herself under his employ. She must now use her powers to help the Center investigate Myths, and put an end to anything supernatural. What truths will she uncover? Will she ever get rid of this power and be a normal girl?

Gameplay

Players explore a 2D pixel art world, collecting clues, solving cases, and piecing together the overarching narrative. Players start by combing social media for leads on a new case. They follow up by interrogating the people involved, and looking for signs of supernatural activity. As they collect clues and details, players begin filling out a field journal with useful information. Azumi will periodically stop to piece the clues together. Players must be able to piece the clues together to progress through the story. When enough clues are gathered, Meguria will use his psychic abilities to guide the players towards a truth.

Review

If you can only buy one visual novel this year, it should be Urban Myth Dissolution Center. This is by far my favorite visual novel, and I have played some award winning games. Players will fall in love with the retro pixel art aesthetic and the breath taking visuals. I love how creative this game gets with its style, and it is able to successfully create the ideal atmosphere for its mystery. The game also has an amazing sound track ready to complete the mood.

The gameplay is simple, yet relaxing. The fact that the game takes the time to quiz players on key elements of the mystery keep the game engaging. There didn’t seem to be any real drawback from guessing wrong other than the inability to progress the story, but it is a good idea to keep notes if necessary. It makes things go by faster.

The best part of this game is its story. I haven’t been this intrigued by a mystery in a while, and I whole heartily recommend this to anyone in need of a good read. This is a well paced story with a fun quirky tone, memorable characters, and interesting mysteries. Best of all, the experience is pretty solid on the Steam Deck.

If you are looking for a good visual novel, it doesn’t get much better than Urban Myth Dissolution Center. Pick it up today on Steam, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch. There is a Steam demo if you don’t believe me.

Tech Reviews, Uncategorized

Epomaker TH99: A Stylish and Functional Mechanical Keyboard

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Disclaimer

Epomaker sent me the TH99 mechanical keyboard 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 latest reviews for the Cypher96 and the Hack59.

What’s in the box?

  • Epomaker TH99
  • Braided USB-C to USB-A Cord
  • 2.4 GHz Wireless Dongle
  • Keycap/Switch Puller
  • User guide

Features

The Epomaker TH99 is a full-sized mechanical keyboard with the innovative 1800 design for a more compact yet functional experience. This means the keyboard includes a numb pad, a function bar, and few other useful buttons in its 102-key layout. The keyboard comes in a classic black, and a very pretty blue and white aesthetic. I got the blue, and it is ideal for the coziest of setups. The south-facing RGB is subtle, but gives the keyboard a perfect amount of accent, but it can be toggled off at any time.

As far as performance goes, users can enjoy respectable sessions of use with its 4000mAh battery and fast wireless connections. The high quality braided cable included with the cable will make sure users don’t miss a second of gaming, and the low latency is always a solid plus. The TH99 comes with the choice of Creamy Jade Switches, which come pre-lubed and promise a fantastic typing sound.

Sound Test

Review

The Epomaker TH99 has some fantastic presentation. The box is very good looking, even though it was beat during transit, and it was very safely neatly packed. The keyboard itself is very good locking. The layout is clean, and the color color scheme (I got it in white and blue) is so pretty. The included braided cable looks like it very high quality. The included key puller is a little flimsy, but it will get the job done.

As far as design goes, the keyboard is made with the high standards I’ve come to expect from Epomaker. The manufacturing is clean, the layout makes sense, and there is even a cubby for the wireless dongle which is always appreciated. The keyboard has slight inclined, with stands to adjust the height for a more ideal typing angle. The keyboard is very light weight, with a little flex, but it does not feel cheap.

The performance is as I would expect from an Epomaker keyboard. The 4000 mAh battery gave me about 10 hours of continuous use with the RGB on, but the backlight can be toggled off for an even longer session. I did not notice any latency with any of the connections for my casual gaming and non-professional competitive play. My only complaint is that the keys do feel a little heavier to press. While the creamy jade switches provide a very smooth and satisfying sound, they make my hands hurt after prolonged use. Now this issue is unique to me. I need specific ergonomics to combat my the repetitive stress injury in my hands and won’t affect the average user. If you are struggling with hand pain looking for a more ergonomic solution, Epomaker has better options available. If you prefer a heavier creamier key and need a full sized keyboard, the Epomaker TH99 is a fantastic option.

You can pick up the Epomaker TH99 mechanical keyboard on the offical website for $82.99.

video game reviews

Whispers of the Eyeless: Unique Cult Management Game Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Whisper of the Eyeless 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 Plug

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System.

What is Whispers of the Eyeless?

Whispers of the Eyeless is a cult management game with RPG elements out now in Steam Early Access.

You are the voice of the old dead gods, Wrath Desire, and Madness. Little remains of the dead gods, and it is up to you to bring them back. Using the powers of the old god that you slowly awaken, recruit new members, build your temple, and conquer the dungeon. Can you build a deserving following, one that can consume the city, or will you be another delusional cleric?

Gameplay

The main loop for Whispers of the Eyeless is the resource management game. Players will spend their time exploring the city, recruiting new members, fixing up their place of worship, and a little bit of dungeon delving. Exploring the city allows players to recruit new members to the party. Exploration will proct special events where players have a chance of recruiting unique members with special abilities. Players are limited in how much of the city they an explore at first, but will earn access to the more prosperous parts of the city once they gain more influence.

Once members are recruited, players are responsible for keeping them happy. Creating jobs, keeping them fed, and building a nice place of worship are all important tasks for a successful cult leader. Some cultists can be sent on jobs around the city, or on dungeon delves. The dungeon is a dangerous place, but one that can be conquered with the proper party of loyal cultist.

In the dungeon, players will explore its halls with simple point and click movement, and combat is in the classic turn based style.

Players who can manage to stay on top of all these tasks, earn their money, and gain their influence properly will have no problem resurrecting the dead gods.

Review

I enjoyed Whispers of the Eyeless. The game is still in Early Access, and it is hard to give it a proper recommendation. On one hand, the game is the perfect fusion of each genre it covers, on the other, the game doesn’t feel finished. The game works and looks great. The artwork is amazing, and I am a huge fan of the dark storybook vibe the game captures. The soundtrack and voice acting are phenomenal, and do a great job at setting the mood. The story and flavor is solid, but it is a little short. Players will catch up to the content quickly, which can definitely be a problem.

I loved the game since I tried the demo, and the new content made it worth the wait. But while I may be willing for more content, and will be returning to the game at every major update, not everyone will. The biggest reason to get Whispers of the Eyeless at this stage is because you want to support a solid game. The game does enough to help it stand out against the genre, and it is heading towards a promising direction. There really isn’t enough to be worth the price tag at the moment, but there will be if you are patient.

You can pick up Whispers of the Eyeless on Steam Early Access for $19.99.

video game reviews

Genso Manège: A Captivating Visual Novel Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Genso Manège 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 the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. 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!

What is Genso Manège?

Genso Manège is an interactive visual novel out now on Steam and Nintendo Switch.

Emma is a witch who has lost her memory and her powers, but fate has other plans for her. She finds herself back in a familiar amusement part with the people she had long since forgotten. Emma is determined to regain her powers and memories, and free those she trapped long ago. As Emma, players will explore a fresh and magical world, harness their powers over magic, and maybe even fall in love. With 6 romantic interesting, a wonderfully voice acted story, and some quirky little mini games, its going to be hard to pass up on this adventure.

Review

Genso Manège is a fantastic visual novel with great art, amazing voice acting, and a solid story. The story has decent pacing with interesting themes, fun characters, and mini games to keep players engaged. That said, the story is very much on the cheesy side of romance novels, but it fits the niche well. The hardest part will be choosing only one of leads, but that gives the game its replayability. I am definitely ready for another go.

I particularly like the use of minigames throughout the story. It gives the game an appropriate change of pace, and they have a good amount of flavor. The don’t feel distracting or overbearing, which can be a problem with interactive fiction.

Overall, if you’re looking for a new romantic visual novel with well flavored fantasy, you need to be playing Genso Manège. Pick it up on Steam and Nintendo Switch

Tech Reviews

Experience Exciting Action Roguelike FPS Revenge of the Mage

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Revenge of the Mage 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 the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. 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!

What is Revenge of the Mage?

Revenge of the Mage is a first-person, bullet hell roguelike out now on Steam.

Learn to harness your power over the elements as you fend off against endless waves of monsters. Travel through the realms, unlock new abilities, and become the most powerful mage. Do you have what it takes to become the hero the realm needs, or will you be another casualty?

Gameplay

Players dive into unique worlds and use their magic to fight off waves of enemies, complete quests, and defeat the boss at the end of the level. Players level up by killing monsters, and earn a random power-up or ability at level-up. The RNG feels fair, and players can enjoy a unique build every single run. Random buffs and items appear randomly across the map to give players a small advantage against the onslaught. Between levels, players can buy upgrades for their mage or unlock a new archetypes with currency they unlock during a run. If a player dies without killing the boss, they return to the hub with only a portion of their earnings.

Review

Revenge of the Mage isn’t your typical roguelike, it is the first person shooter you didn’t know you needed. The game has great flavor, solid mechanics, and a lot of potential. I wasn’t ready for how much I enjoyed this game. While there is a little wonkiness to combat and movement, it feels good. Weaving through enemies and managing cooldowns keeps the game exciting, and the unlockables gives me goals to work towards. That said, movement could use a bit more polish. The dash doesn’t always work, and when things get crowded, it feels a little stiff. It is playable, but it could be smoother.

Like most roguelikes, expect a grind. It isn’t soul crushing, but you will die a lot before you start making an impact. Players lose a good chunk of their gold at death, and earning enough for meaningful powerups or a new archetype is going to take some time. The game does let you recover your gold each run, just make sure you move quickly. That said, I enjoyed the grind because I enjoyed the game. I am a little bummed it doesn’t run well on the Steam Deck, but I preferred using a keyboard and mouse anyways.

If you’re looking for a fun and casual game to pick up, check out Revenge of the Mage. The mages are fun and flavorful, the RNG is fair, and the combat system is solid.

You can pick up Revenge of the Mage on Steam for $5.99. There is also a demo available if you don’t believe me.

Tech Reviews

Is the Hack 59 Keyboard Right for You? Key Features Explored

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Disclaimer

Epomoker sent me the Hack 59 mechanical keyboard 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 other Epomaker reviews to find the perfect keyboard for your setup.

What’s in the Box?

  • Hack 59 Mechanical Keyboard
  • USB-C to USB-A charging cable
  • Key and Switch Puller Tool
  • 2.4 GHz Wireless Dongle
  • User Instructions

Features

The Hack 59 is the mechanical keyboard for the enthusiast who wants to shrink their footprint. This stylish mini-keyboard only has 59 keys with QMK and VIA support so you can make the most of every key. Ramapping is extremely easy, and turns it into a formidable powerhouse. This is a wireless keyboard with bluetooth 5 compatibility with up to 3 different devices, and a wireless 2.4 GHz dongle for those who need it. Its incredible 3000 mAh means less time with wires on your desk for a truelly minimalist experience, but the wired connection is fast and reliable when its needed. All the keys and switches are replaceable, but its unique aesthetic is going to be hard to give up. This is a well machined keyboard with soft RBG lighting that will be a great fit for many setups.

Sound Test

Review

Out of the box, the Hack 59 is an impressive little keyboard with a good amount of potential. I like the aesthetic and unique keys. I also like that it comes with the high quality and care I’ve come to expect from Epomaker. The machining is nice, the design is tight, and printing is clear and visible. I love the included slot for the dongle.

As for its performance, the keyboard is solid with a few modifications. The keyboard does make its noise, but it is a more subtle and soothing clacking. I didn’t notice any latency in any of my games, but the tight design required some getting used to. The battery is solid and I was getting about 10 hours on a single charge, with the the RGB on. It can be switched off for a longer session, but I like epomaker’s RGB lighting.

The biggest issue most people are going to have with this keyboard is with its form factor design. The keyboard has some handy built in shortcuts, and users can easily program more or remap keys through GMK and VIA, but I missed having the arrow keys and control handy. The size was an issue for me because I am too big for the keyboard. I felt like I had to bunch up to use the keyboard which caused some discomfort, and my fat clumsy hands was always pressing the wrong keys. I would erase entire sections of my review with a clumsy mistake, and it made the experience frustrating. This issue is strictly user error and physical limitations, so your millage will vary.

So is the Hack 59 a good keyboard? It depends. If you’re big with wide shoulders and big hands, its not. The size takes away any ergonomic design and it will get uncomfortable. I require special ergonomics for my hands to work, and the size made it hard to use. If you are a size that fits this keyboard, it is a solid device with a bit of tinkering. The only real hurdle I see is knowing if the keyboard is right size, and liking the aesthetic.

If you like the design and don’t mind the 302.7x40x118.5MM dimensions, you can pick up the Hack 59 on the official Epomaker site.

User Guide

Epomaker_hack59_manualDownload
Grand Archive TCG

Grand Archive TCG: Abyssal Heaven Spoiler Season is Upon Us!

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Introduction

The Abyssal Heaven spoiler season has officially started! As always, I will collect all the spoilers in one convenient spot, and will be updating this post as soon as I can, but new updates should be up by the end of the day. The newest spoilers will always be on top. Make sure you get your preorders in, and don’t forget to support the official creators!

Spoilers

video game reviews

Takara Cards Review: A Sci-Fi Deck Builder You Can’t Miss

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Takara Cards 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.

Some Self Promotion & Affiliates

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. 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!

What is Takara Cards?

Takara Cards is a unique sci-fi deck builder out now on Steam.

The Space Dragons have stolen from the Federation and it is your job to bring them to justice. Pick from four unique classes, maneuver through the most dangerous parts of the universe, and build the strongest deck in the universe. Do you have what it takes to avoid the hazards of space and defeat anyone who gets in your way?

Gameplay

Players start their run with a simple deck that gets upgraded over time. Players will eventually unlock new races, weapons and other perks that make adventuring the far reaches of space easier. Players will drop into a randoms zone after each level where they must avoid hazards and defeat enemies on a 3×3 map. Combat is a turn based system where players have a limited amount of action points they can spend on attacks and abilities. Enemies and hazards act on their own turn. What makes the game unique is that he enemies actions are telegraphed to the player. Players must use this knowledge to maneuver through each level without dying.

Review

Takara Cards is a fantastic deck builder with a fun and you unique gimmick that everyone should have in their collection. I was not ready for how much I loved this game, but here I am, playing it as regularly as my schedule allows me.

Right off the bat, players will be drawn to the simple yet attractive art. I am a huge fan of the cartoonist style, and the amount of effort that went into building the game’s flavor. Couple this with the game’s fantastic soundtrack and you have a scifi game that leaves an impression. The story is fine. I like that choices matter and affect the ending, and the story gave the game a bit of added flavor that I enjoyed.

But the game has its substance. The game play is unique, and extremely addicting. The movement mechanics help set it apart from other games in the genre, and the strategy required keeps the game engaging. I found the challenge level high enough to keep things engaging without ever feeling sweaty.

If you are looking for a new deckbuilder, Takara Cards is a fantastic addition to any library. You can pick it up on Steam for only $14.99.

video game reviews

Is League of Angels: Pact Worth Playing?

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Disclaimer

I was asked to cover League of Angels: Pact. The game is free to play, but I got a bit of in game currency and items to help with leveling and progression. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

Some Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. 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!

What is League of Angels: Pact

League of Angels: Pact is an action-idle MMORPG out now on PC and mobile.

Call powerful angles to fight along side you as you fight your way through endless swarms of monsters and demons. Build your character with powerful loot, upgrade your abilities, and become the hero this world needs. Do you have what it takes? Will fortune favor your many rolls? Its free, so it doesn’t hurt to find out.

Gameplay

The game is an idle game with options to actively cast abilities. Players will let their character make their way through the adventure, farming xp, completing quests, and earning currency and loot for upgrades. This game is a more casual take on the old-school Diablo style of gaming, with a lot more collectibles and a steeper grind, even if it is a more passive one. Ultimately, the player is trying to farm resources to upgrade armor, abilities, and to summon more powerful angels. It is very RNG reliant, with a few skill-based roadblocks to keep players engaged.

Review

While League of Angels: Pact has that old school Diablo vibe that had me curious. The art style and flavor are fantastic, the animation is solid, and the world is interesting. That interest started to dry up quickly when it turned out to not be the truest definition of an AFK game.

Early levels of this game are guided by a competent AI. Players can sit back and enjoy a simple passive grind and a lot of flashing lights. Occasionally, the game requires player input to continue progression. The problem is that it happens too often to be considered a true AFK MMO. Other games in the genre allow players to log off and continue a very passive grind without any player input. There comes a time in League of Angels where you need to actively be playing and spending money to be competitive. Calling it an action-idle MMO sort of feels like a misnomer because you’re eventually going to have to play. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it isn’t what I signed up for.

The biggest issue with this game is the gameplay. Players are either going to enjoy the semi-passive grind, or it is going to be more trouble that it is worth. I wasn’t a fan of the semi-idle gameplay. The game became too much work, and the work wasn’t fun. I loved the art and flavor, but there wasn’t enough substance for me to stick with it. If you like old school Diablo and don’t mind eventually having to spend money, its free to try. You should definitely support the game if you like it, but it wasn’t for me. My search for a new mobile game continues.

League of Angels: Pact is free to play on Steam and on Android and IOS devices.

video game reviews

Why You Should Try Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hell Now

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hell 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 HE75 Mag or their KiiBoom Breeze 75. 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!

What is Juntunnslayer: Hordes of Hell?

Juntunnslayer is a roguelike bullet hell out now on Steam early access. There is also a demo available that you need to try out.

The hordes of hell have broken loose, and it is up to you to save the realm. Prove your worth as you fend off endless waves of enemies with your fighting prowess, and earn the blessings from the Gods that will carry you to victory. Do you have what it takes to keep the hordes of hell at bay?

Gameplay

All players load into a central hub where they can choose a load out and buy upgrades. Players can chose from a few available classes, but can unlock new perks, buffs, maps, and characters by completing challenges in game. Each map has unique objectives that must be cleared within the time limit, and any currency earned throughout a run can be used to upgrade a desired character. Players repeat this loop, slowly unlocking new challenges, difficulties, and maps to keep things fresh.

Combat can be as casual. Players have the options to allow the game to perform the various attacks automatically on a cool down, but there are settings that give players control over the aim and timing if they prefer a more hands-on experience. How good this system is really depends on a players preference. I loved the casual experience of auto casting while I maneuvered around the hordes of enemies.

During a level, players must complete quests to eventually summon the Jotunn before the timer runs out. During the run, players will unlock random buffs and abilities from either their class or different gods. The RNG is pretty fair, and each god and class has interesting and unique flavor.

Review

Juntunnslayer may still be in Early Access, but I recommend it to anyone looking for a cool new casual game to add to their collection. I love the viking aesthetic, and the attention to detail that went into the flavor and world building. Each class and god feels unique, and I had a lot of fun exploring every single combination the RNG presented me. The RNG in this game is fair. I never felt like a run was ruined because I didn’t have access to the right power-up and abilities, and I never got a load-out I didn’t like.

The game can feel a bit repetitive, but the game has enough unlockable content to earn its $8 price tag. Unlocking a new map, difficulty, or character gives players goals and creates a little variance. I like feeling more powerful as I unlock new nodes on a skill tree. I like trying out a new character and exploring different builds. And I love that I can explore different regions and earn harder difficulties. There are enough unlockables to keep the completion happy, and enough content for the casual who just want to play a fun game.

If you’re looking for a new game, pick up Jutunnnslayer: Hordes of Hell. This game is fun, looks great, runs well, and is Steam Deck compatible. You can pick it up on Steam for $9.99, but there is a free demo available if you don’t believe me.