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video game reviews

NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters – A Fun New Monster Trainer

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

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard and the Uhuru Gaming mouse for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you’re thinking of hosting your own blog on WordPress, make sure you sign up using my Affiliate link!

What is NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters?

NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters is a unique autobattler out now on Steam.

Fill your backpack full of powerful monsters and face off against other determined trainers to be the best. In this game, true power comes from creative inventory management and some good RNG. Can you find the perfect combination to climb the ranks, or will you end your career as another nameless trainer? Grab your bag and find out.

Gameplay

NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters is Backpack Hero mixed with Pokemon Stadium. All battles in NeoDuel are against other players who are also making their climb on the leaderboard.

Players begin each run with a random assortment of monsters and items, and a limited amount of slots to arrange them in. Slots can be purchased in random shapes at random intervals. The game’s main challenge is inventory management.

Each creature and item interacts with each other in unique ways. Players must find ways to combine their resources effectively in a confined space that is not only efficient but must also maximize its synergy. Monsters and items sometimes combine to become more powerful, buff certain elements or creatures, or generate valuable resources during a battle. Players will find themselves constantly rearranging their bags and their contents to keep up with the race to the top. While the battle is conducted automatically, the work required to win consistently makes NeoDuel an engaging experience.

Does it work on the Steam Deck?

Yes, but the experience is a little clunky. It isn’t unplayable, but it can be a frustrating experience at times. When moving or arranging monsters in the backpack, the joystick feels too slow. It was useful when I had to rotate items, but most of the time I was dragging items over through the touch screen. The touchscreen controls are fine, but the aspect ratio makes it hard to select items that are bunched too close together. God help you if you have to rearrange the whole bag. NeoDuel is a fine Steam Deck game if you’re picking it up to play casually here and there, but I wouldn’t choose it over playing on PC.

Review

I loved NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters, and recommend it to anyone looking for a casual game. that is still plenty engaging. The game features unique mechanics, engaging gameplay, and a fun and cozy aesthetic. While I understand inventory management, may not sound like the most exciting gameplay loop, you will lose a couple of days obsessing over organizing this inventory.

I am sure there are guides out there with the optimal build paths, but I recommend you go into this game blind. My favorite part of this game was discovering different combinations and climbing higher each time.

The game can feel a bit repetitive at times. Combat is always the same, and players will start to gravitate towards the same kinds of combinations. I found the repetition soothing, and players can speed up the animation so they can focus on inventory management. You’ll definitely get $12 worth of fun from this game, but a couple of expansions with new monsters and strategies wouldn’t hurt.

If you’re looking for a fun casual game you can pull up any time, NeoDuel should be on your list. It has great art, fun gamplay, and interesting mechanics.

You can pick up NeoDuel: Backpack Monsters on Steam for $11.99.

video game reviews

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

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I was sent a free copy of Vampire the Masquerade: Reckoning of New York to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals.

What is Vampire the Masquerade: Reckoning of New York?

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

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

Gameplay


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

Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

video game reviews

Starcom: Unknown Space is a Decent Space ARPG

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

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals.

What is Starcom: Unknown Space?

Starcom: Unknown Space is a top-downspace exploration action RPG on Steam.

You are a proud Starcom count tasked with the important task of spreading the organization’s reach across the universe. Take your little scout ship across the darkest reaches of space as you explore new planets, fight off enemies, and build the mighty starship of legends. What secrets will you uncover? Do you have what it takes to survive the cold unforgiving vacuum of space, or will you merely disappear into the darkness?

Gameplay

Starcom is like any other RPG. Players pick from the main base or different NPCs and fly through space to complete them. There is a lot of flying through the darkness, but there is combat and exploration to break up some of the monotony.

Flying in this game takes a bit of getting used to. The ship feels like it is flying over ice as it moves through frictionless space, but you won’t need extensive knowledge of physics or a fancy flight stick to beat this game. While there is some realism, this isn’t a 1-for-1 space simulator. Combat works like your typical top-down ARPG like Diablo. Players move around the map with the movement keys and use the mouse to point and shoot. Players do need to maneuver skillfully around enemy fire, but it remains a pretty casual experience overall.

Exploration can feel a tad bit repetitive. Players will move from galaxy to galaxy, scanning new planets and sending out scientific expeditions. Scanning planets and conducting expeditions reward players with research points and sometimes even new tech for ship upgrades. Exploration is tied to simple point-and-click mechanics with the occasional piece of lore to make things interesting.

Questing is the main driving force of this game. Make sure you talk to everyone everywhere or you will get stuck.

Finally, there is a neat ship customization mechanic that sets this game apart. As players spread their influence across the universe, money will start flowing and their reputation will start opening access to more upgrades. Starcom gives players the freedom to design their ship however they want. This includes color, look, and shape. There is probably a practical way to build a Starship, but players have the right to go nuts. This is my favorite mechanic and the part of the game that I spent most of my time on.

Review

I enjoyed Starcom: Unknown Space, but it isn’t going to be for everyone. The gameplay loop is repetitive, and there will be a lot of flying through the darkness (sometimes even in the wrong direction). Combat feels engaging at first, but all battles eventually start feeling the same. Starcom has its grind, but it can be an oddly relaxing one if you don’t mind the repetition.

The game has an auto-pilot mode that lets players sit back as the ship flies itself to a destination. There will be the occasional dogfight, expedition, or scanning to keep things engaging. I thought it was enough for me, but I also understand that not everyone finds repetition as soothing as I do.

Combat in this game can be exciting, especially when you have to account for the lack of friction. You aren’t getting the adrenaline-pumping dog fights from Star Wars, but there is enough strategy involved to require some effort. While the fights eventually start to feel the same, players are still required to win them.

If you’re looking for a realistic space simulator, look elsewhere. This isn’t for you. If you’re looking for something relaxing to pop on that is fun and engaging and don’t mind the repetition, Starcom: Uknown Space is a fantastic option. Starcom has a solid story to hook players, a relaxing gameplay loop, and a creative ship-building system.  

You can pick up Starcom: Unknown Space on Steam for $24.99.

video game reviews

Call of Sentinels Failed to Leave Much of an Impression

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

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals.

What is Call of Sentinels?

You are a champion of the gods, chosen to bring down the foes who threaten peace in the land. With your skill and the blessing of the sentinels, you will repel the endless waves of monsters and their bosses, or die trying. But this won’t be an easy task. You’ll have to be quick, cunning, and strong. Do you have what it takes?

Gameplay

Players start each run with a basic and strong attack as they face off against endless waves of enemies. Waves start easy but increase in difficulty over time.

Throughout the run, the sentinels will drop random quests for the player to complete. Completing a quest allows players to choose a blessing. Blessings are passive thematic power-ups for a player’s character. What sentinel decides to bless the player, the type of quest offered by the sentinel, and the blessings available to the player are all randomly generated. Bad RNG will ruin a run, and it is frustrating.

Between runs, players can use coins they earn to buy items to boost their character’s stats. This seems to give players the option to build a character to fit their playstyle, but it also feels like there is a correct build path to follow. The main loop for Call of Sentinel seems to be grinding out waves of enemies, hoping the run is blessed with good RNG, buying power-ups, and repeating until you beat the story or beat the high score.

The game offers two game modes in this game: story and an endless mode. The story isn’t interesting enough to hook a player, and the grind is too steep to make endless worth it.

Review

Call of Sentinels did little to leave a meaningful impression. It isn’t a bad game, but it leaves a lot to be desired. One issue I have with the game is that combat and movement feel clunky. It almost feels unfinished, which normally wouldn’t be a problem if the game was more interesting.

I like the idea of the gods giving a player random buffs, and often a choice on what god they want to curry favor with, but the RNG doesn’t seem fair. There are blessings in this game that are worthless, and it sucks to find out after the fact. The missions often put players in situations where they have to take damage, and getting a worthless blessing ruins the game. Maybe these blessings get better after a few upgrades, but upgrades are never guaranteed.

To make matters worse, some of the quests are bugged and are difficult to finish properly. When a quest isn’t completed properly, players get fewer blessings to choose from. If a player gets a worthless boon, it is essentially game over.

My biggest issue with the game’s unnecessary grind. Buying the items you need to progress the story or do well in Endless is going to take more time than it is worth. In between runs, players can buy items with coins they earn during a run. These items grant permanent passive stat boosts and can be upgraded. To upgrade an item, players have to buy materials and pay for the upgrade.

From a flavor perspective, this is an interesting system. It is cool to think about forging a powerful ring of attack with a rare magic stone. The problem is the execution. Why make me convert gold into materials when I can just buy the upgrade with money? It turns the game into a needless grind, and the gameplay is too boring for the grind to be worth it.

Call of Sentinels isn’t a bad game. The art is fine, and the concept is interesting, but the execution is lacking. There isn’t a real reason to play this game, especially when you have better options.

You can pick up Call of Sentinels on Steam for $7.99.

video game reviews

Whispers of the Eyeless: An Interesting Take on Cult Management

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I was sent the Whispers of the Eyeless demo to cover for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinion on the game. I understand the game is still in development, and will try to be a bit more lenient with my impressions.

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals.

What is Whispers of the Eyeless?

Whispers of the Eyeless is a unique CRPG with stylized dungeon crawling and an interesting resource management mechanic. The game will go on Steam Early Access either Q4 2024 or sometime Q1 2025. A demo is planned for February. Make sure you add it to your wishlist.

You are a prophet of the New Age of Whispers. People have forgotten the old gods, some believe them dead, but they are alive and in need of a new flock. Infiltrate the city and spread the gospel of whisper as you recruit new members to your sect, upgrade your temple, and delve into the dungeon. Will your influence be strong enough to take hold of new believers? Will you bring forth a new age?

Gameplay

Whispers of the Eyless has three gameplay loops: dungeon crawling, exploration, and resource management.

Dungeon crawling is how players earn money and influence. Players equip themselves with blessings they receive from the old gods and explore a dungeon. This part of the game feels like a choose-your-own-adventure point-and-click game with a bit of turn-based combat sprinkled in between. Players can go as deep into the dungeon as they want, but the difficulty increases with each level. The deeper a player goes, the better the rewards. Dying on the run will cause a player to lose favor, so make sure you delve carefully.

Combat is a simple turn-based system. Players choose their attacks and blessings (buffs) and try to defeat their enemies. There is an auto-battle function early on that I recommend using for early grinding. I would also speed up the animation after the first fight. While I love the style and art of this game, the grind feels too slow at normal speed. There is a strategy involved when fighting harder monsters, but it is nice to have the option to passively grind levels before then.

Exploration is a point-and-click event that happens in between delves. During these events, players can enter combat, find treasure, or have the opportunity to recruit members that grant the players valuable passive skills. Players are offered choices during these events that affect the outcome of the story, so make sure you choose carefully.

I particularly enjoyed the resource management aspect of the game. In between runs, players will have time to perform valuable upkeep for their cult. They can build new structures, upgrade existing ones, send cultists to perform jobs, and attempt to recruit new members. The choices made in the resource management stage affect how efficiently a player can maintain and grow their influence over the city. Players start with a dirty old cave with only access to the dregs of society, but they will slowly spread into the more affluent parts of the city until they gain complete control of the city.

Impressions

There are parts of this demo that feel slow and unfinished, but the overall experience has me excited for the full game. The art is fantastic, the story has me hooked, and the mechanics are solid. The art style make exploration fun, and I am obsessed with managing my cult. The amount of decisions I had to make felt a bit overwhelming at times but in the best possible way. It was cool to see my actions and decisions affecting the growth of my influence, but running a cult isn’t easy.

The combat is the only part of the game I am unsure about. The dungeon crawling is fine, but combat feels slow, even with the animation sped up. There is strategy involved, but most of the time I felt like passive farming. Thank god for the auto-battle feature. The demo only features an early stage of the game, and I am holding out hope that combat will get more fun as the game gets more difficult.

From what I’ve seen from the demo, I am ready to see more. I’ll be working on getting the full version for review, so make sure you stay tuned for that. Until then, make sure Whispers of the Eyeless is on your wishlist. Don’t forget to try the demo in February during Steam Next Fest!

video game reviews

NanoApostle is the Best Boss Rush Game You Haven’t Played Yet

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

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyboard for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals.

What is NanoApostle?

NanoApostle is an adorable 2D sprite boss rush game out now on Steam and Switch.

Deep in a secret underground lab, Anita is born from a series of experiments. Implanted with an advanced weapon system and a sentient nanomechanical entity known as the Apostle, she must fight against a series of powerful bioweapons. Anita needs to find a way out of her prison or risk becoming a weapon herself. Is she strong enough, or will she end up another failed experiment?

Gameplay

NanoApostle is split into two modes. The first is a challenge mode where players must complete certain tasks to earn skill points and upgrade modules. Upgrade modules give Anita passive upgrades to her move set. Players find modules as drops for completing certain tasks and can unlock them as equipment by spending skill points. Each level offers three challenges that scale in difficulty. Players only need to complete the level once for the pass, but completing the higher difficulties grants more skill points to spend. This can be a long grind, but a rewarding one for those who can master the game’s mechanics.

The second mode is the boss rush. Players can queue up for the boss fight at any time. Boss fights are unique, and creative, and challenge a player’s knowledge of the mechanics. Complete mastery of the game’s mechanics, or at least an advanced understanding, is almost a prerequisite. Do not be fooled by the NanoApostle’s cute aesthetic, this game is meant to be hard but rewarding if you stick with it.

Combat is simple. Players have access to a normal, heavy, and ranged attack. It also has a pery and dodge mechanic that keeps things fast and engaging. All monsters and bosses telegraph their attacks clearly, the trick to this game is understanding the timing and reacting efficiently. Players who can parry all attacks, set off proper combos, and utilize the heal mechanic effectively will have a good time. Getting to that point, however, is going to take practice. A lot more than $20 worth.

Review

I love NanoApostle, and recommend it to anyone looking for a new game. This game has an adorable aesthetic that hooked me, and a gameplay loop that made it impossible to put down. This game is hard, and I enjoyed the challenge. I liked how every time I reloaded a level, I got a little farther and got a little better. I’ve come to terms that I’ll never be a pro at this game, but I’ll still be playing it regardless.

The story is a little predictable, but it doesn’t matter because it got my attention. The story is what kept me trying each level again because I needed to know what happened next.

The only complaint I have for this game is that it can get a little repetitive if you aren’t good at it. You’ll have to grind through a lot of the same monsters and bosses until you master the mechanics enough to move forward. It didn’t feel like much of a grind because I could see the progress I was making with each consecutive run. I assume this will be less of an issue for better gamers.

If you’re in the market for a fun, rewarding, and challenging game, you need to get your hands on NanoApostle. This will be the best boss rush game you’ll play all year, and it will possibly end up being a household favorite. It did for me.

You can pick up NanoApostle on Steam and Switch for $19.99.

video game reviews

Core Keeper is Your New Favorite Sandbox Survival Game

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

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyhboard for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals.

What is Core Keeper?

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

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

Gameplay

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

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

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

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

Review

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

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

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

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

video game reviews

CyberCorp is a Fantastic Futuristic Looter Shooter!

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

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the Epomaker P75 Mechanical Keyhboard for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals.

What is Cybercorp?

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

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

Gameplay

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

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

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

Review

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

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

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

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

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

video game reviews

Arco is the Greatest Mesoamerican Fantasy RPG Out There!

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

If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming/streaming setup, check out my reviews for Fifine H9 Gaming Headset, the AM8 Streaming Microphone, and the SC3 Gaming Mixer for high-quality, budget-friendly peripherals. If you enjoy my content and want to help me with my hosting fees, consider buying me coffee or donating to my Patreon.

What is Arco?

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

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

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

Gameplay

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

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

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

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

Review

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

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

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

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

video game reviews

You Need to Be Playing Shogun Showdown

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

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What is Shogun Showdown?

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

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

Gameplay

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

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

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

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

Review

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

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

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

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