Tag Archives: video game

Is Mortal Rite Worth Playing? Honest Review

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Mortal Rite 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-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update weekly.

What is Mortal Rite?

Mortal Rite is a class-based Souls-like available on Steam Early Access.

You have been granted the ability to take over different champions and use them to defeat the evil that plagues the land. Make your way through a monster infested land, master your powers, and defeat the bosses. Will you be the hero this world needs, or will you fall to the darkness like so many before you?

Gameplay

Players will fight their way through a dungeon, learning to harness their powers. This journey can be made alone, but the game supports up to five player co-op. The first hero a player selects is free, but players will need to buy additional characters with farmable resources. Each character has its unique playstyle can can be further customized through the game’s attribute system.

Combat is straight forward and follows the traditional Souls-like formula. Players get access to a heavy/light attack, a doge, block, and a few character specific abilities to change things up. Dying resets players to checkpoints, and killing the bosses progresses the story. Aside from the class system, the game doesn’t do much too different.

Review

Mortal Rite shows its players that it is still an Early Access game. Booting up the game, players will immediately notice that the game isn’t finished. The biggest issue I have with the game is the performance. Frames drop, FPS isn’t great, and worst of all, combat isn’t smooth. I get that bugs can be part of the charm, but not when combat feels as clunky as it does in Mortal Rite. Swimming feels slow and looks bad, and the lack of fluid motion will get players killed. A lot of the time I felt like I was fighting the controls and the game more than I was fighting my enemies.

I could forgive a janky unfinished combat system if the lore were good, but it isn’t. The story feels a little generic, and it did little to keep my attention. At least the characters seem thematic, but I wouldn’t play this game just for the characters.

Even if you like backing Early Access games, I would wait for a couple more updates. Even then, I would wait for a full release because you simply have better options at this price point. Go play Void Sols instead. It’s cheaper, better, and it has a demo.

You can pick up Mortal Rite on Steam for $24.99.

Is Rogue Conflict Too Hard for Its Own Good?

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Rogue Conflict 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-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update weekly.

What is Rogue Conflict?

Rogue Conflict is a turn-based rogue-like strategy game out now on Steam.

Players control various factions as they fight for supremacy. Take control of your army and use your wit to overcome different scenarios. Will you be the skill tactician this world needs, or will you be another failed campaign in the making? Grab your army and find out!

Gameplay

Players choose their faction and a scenario to play through. Each faction has access to different units, and the scenario dictates the units in the army. After placing their units, players will take turns moving through the map to complete objectives. Units have a set range of movement and attacks have advantage/disadvantage based on target type. Tanks do more damage to normal infantry for example. Terrain also give units advantage on attack or defends, as well as impede movement. Using terrain and typing effectively is key for world domination. While this game may appear simple, it demands a certain amount of strategy and skill.

Review

Rogue Conflict is fine if you like strategy games, but it feels a bit too one sided for the casual player. I’m not very good at strategy games, but I can at least finish some of the early levels in most games. Here, it felt like no matter what I did, the odds were stacked against me and I was waiting to get destroyed, or for the timer to run out. Some of this is by design. There are scenarios where you aren’t supposed to win by combat, and instead survive in an epic rush to finish the objects. I would be fine with a few of those levels, but it honestly feels like the enemy is omniscient, plentiful, and lucky. Maybe I needed to play a little smarter, but I rather be playing Advanced Wars. Rebalancing or an easier mode would be nice.

That said, a better player might get more enjoyment out of Rogue Conflict. The game runs well, the art is cute, and the game is challenging. The problem is that the game isn’t made for casuals. If you aren’t being efficient and smart about your moves, you are going to get destroyed. Some will definitely find the level of skill fun, but those who lean more to the casual side of strategy aren’t going enjoy some of the nuances of the mechanics.

If you’re looking for a strategy game that is on the harder side and enjoy the graphics, Rogue Conflict is an excellent addition to your collection. If you’re just dipping your toe in the genre, I would save this title till you’re better at strategy games.

You can pick up your copy of Rogue Conflict for $14.99.

Drakantos Beta Announcement and a few Key updates

Shameless Self-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update weekly.

Introduction

It has been a while since I’ve posted about Drakantos, but after reading the latest dev log, I had to post something. I’ll be summarizing the bits of the log that were most interesting to me, so make sure you check out the official post for all the details. Make sure you add Drakantos to your wishlist!

Yuki Gameplay Teaser

I was planning on playing support when this game finally releases, but all of the teased DPS rolls look like a lot of fun. Yuki is no exception and if you’re looking for a high mobility champion and don’t mind listening the voice, Yuki is going to be a beast.

The Delay

The game has been delayed, but for good reason. The original morphing into something different because the devs seem to be listening to the community. Make sure you join the official Discord to join the conversation. Lets cover a few of the changes that I am most excited about.

Customization

The original plan for customization were the skins players can get from the cash shop or the battle pass. I know the idea of monetization is going to raise some flags, but the devs need to get paid. We can only hope it isn’t predatory. Customization will still be limited the set skins, but players are allowed a few small tweeks to create a unique look. Players will be able to change the dye of items and characters, and even change hairstyles and armor pieces. How much a character can be customized is yet to be seen, but it is a nice feature for those who enjoy the fashion side of MMOs.

Open World

Drakantos was originally supposed to be a dungeon crawler MMO, one with a central hub and dungeons and content for players to queue for. The devs have decided to expand their world and allow players to explore what the new world has to offer. I assume there will be limitations because it is still a mobile game, but I am all for running around the world, questing, and finding treasure.

Artifacts and Trophies

The system I am most excited for is the artifact system. Artifacts are items players collect throughout their journey that give characters unique active abilities. This gives players a way to customize their character and shake up the combat. I am sure there will be a meta for this after a while, but it will be interesting to see what they come up. I’ll be gunning for the wackiest build I can find.

The artifact system has the potential of being a very cool system. Ideally, assuming the balance is there, players will have to switch between artifacts depending on the activity. I just hope the grind isn’t bad for unlocking multiple artifacts. This is a great way to shake up a season between character releases, and a quick way to shake up the meta when necessary. We’ll have to see what they do with it, but I am hopeful.

Mini Bosses

I love the art for this game, and these mini bosses are no exception. This game has a ton of flavor and I can’t wait to explore all of it.

Pets and Mounts

The more art I see for pets and mounts, the more excited I become for the system. There are a few I wouldn’t mind chasing, especially the mimic pet! I know this won’t be for everyone, but it is cool to see some variety.

Emotes

What is finished?

Looks like a few of the systems are done, which means we are one step closer to a playable version.

  • Loot Tables
  • Quest logs
  • Databook – Lore and Locations
  • Bestiary
  • Achievements

Beta Announcement!

In the best news we’ve gotten all year, the closed beta is planned for sometime in July. That means we will finally get to play the game, and I for one can’t wait! Make sure you are following the official Discord to stay up to date on the news on signups. Don’t forget to add Drakantos to your wishlist!

Slime Heroes Review: A Whimsical Souls-Like Adventure

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of slime Heroes 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.

Shameless Self-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update weekly.

What is Slime Heroes?

Slime Heroes is an adorable souls-like out now on Steam and Xbox.

A mysterious corruption spreads across the land, and it is up to a few brave slimes to clear it. Travel across a whimsical world as you solve puzzles, clear dungeons, and defeat monsters. Can you save the guardians from the strange corruption? Can you restore peace to this world?

Gameplay

Slime Heroes is your standard souls-like with a few fun elements to help it stand out against the genre. Players start buy customizing their slime before sending them off on a grand adventure. All slimes start with the same basic abilities, but can be customized throughout their legend. After their sudden call to action, heroes will fight for their lives in order to become stronger.

Players will fight their way between “campfires” as they collect currency and skills to level up their slime. The grind can feel repetitive if players aren’t efficient in their combat. Combat is strait forward. Players have access to two basic attacks (heavy and light), four customizable magic abilities, and a dodge. What makes Slime Heroes unique is that it allows players to combine magical abilities to create a truly unique slime hero.

To break up combat, players can enjoy a bit of lore and story, fun puzzles, explore dungeons, and fight creative puzzles. While the game looks like an adorable kids game, there is enough content and it requires enough skill to keep things engaging.

Review

The initial delay made me a bit nervous about the game. It is typically never a good sign, but this wasn’t true this time around. The game isn’t perfect. There are bits where the character gets stuck, places where I lost frames, and bits where there is no sound. But I would argue that the flaws give the game its charm. While the issues are noticeable, they didn’t matter because I was having fun.

The slimes are cute. The monsters and the world are a little plain, but it works. The story is cozy and fun. This is a very aesthetically pleasing game, but the reason you play is for the gameplay. This is the souls-like game you play when you want a challenge, but you don’t want to end up frustrated. Aside from a few performance issues, combat is fluid. Bosses are unique, but the grind can feel a bit repetitive.

To break up the monotony, the game does a good job at blending other mechanics. There is a bit of platforming, a few challenging puzzles to solve, and some interesting boss fights and challenges to overcome. There was enough variety of content to keep things interesting, and the grind never felt bad. .

What I enjoyed most about the game is skill crafting system. Monsters will drop abilities throughout the adventure, and players can combine these to craft a unique experience. Experimenting with the different combinations is so much fun, and finding the right combination that fits your play style is incredibly satisfying.

If you are looking for a new fun and comforting game to add to your collection, get Slime Heroes. The game has terrific flavor, fun mechanics, and a casual vibe that will fit in any collection. You can brave the world on your own, or team up with friends, and it has a great Steam Deck experience. While there are a few performance issues that are hard to ignore, the devs seem to be pushing out consistent updates that make the game better. This is easily one of my favorite games of the year so far, and it can be one of your too.

You can pick up Slime Heroes on Steam and Xbox for $29.99.

Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade Demo Impressions

Disclaimer

I was sent the Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade demo to review for my blog. I will try to be a little more lenient since the game isn’t out yet, but these will be my honest impressions of the game.

Shameless Self-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update weekly.

What is Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade?

Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade is an action roguelike coming to PC and all major consoles Apr 23, 2025.

The Nine-tailed fox demon have invaded the human realm, inciting chaos and tilting the fragile balance between the two realms. Three brave souls (an immortal ninja, a demon samurai, and an Oni emissary) hear the call to action and find themselves in the adventure of a lifetime. Now they must each fight their way through endless waves of demons to put an end to this terror. Do they have what it takes to restore peace to this world?

Gameplay

Players choose between one of the three heroes, each with a unique story and flavor, and fight their way through waves of enemies. Like most games in the genre, players will start their run at a central hub where they can buy upgrades for their heroes. During a run, players fight against unique demons and bosses to collect currency and materials for new upgrades and abilities. A run ends when a player’s health reaches zero, and players can only progress through the story by defeating the various bosses. The hardest part about this game is choosing what flavor of combat you want to experience the story in.

Impressions

Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade is a solid action RPG. The game has great art, and the Edo period aesthetic fits very well. Combat feels a bit slow and clunky at times, but it generally fine. All three characters feel different and are fun to play, and upgrading them feels impactful. The demons all have unique flavor and the boss fights are fun and creative. Upgrades do require a bit of a grind, but it never felt too bad.

As far as story goes, its fine, but the writing can be a little awkward. There are some lines that try a little too hard to be quirky, but it isn’t a bad read. It at least helped keep my attention long enough to grind things out. Overall, I will need to see how the final product performs before I can recommend it. As it stands, there is no reason to pick Yasha over something like Realm of Ink unless you really like the flavor and art style. If the final version can make combat feel just a little smoother, I’ll be ready to give it an endorsement. I will be trying to get my hands on the full version. Until then, go try the demo and see for yourself. Don’t forget to add it to your wishlist!

Affraid Game Review: A Horror Experience Gone Wrong

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of AFFRAID 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-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 Affraid?

Affraid is a third person horror survival game out now on Steam.

Nina has been kidnapped along with several other girls by the evil pharmaceutical company, Medio. Medio wants to create an age reversing cream, and willing to sacrifice as many people to get it. Unfortunately, there are unforeseen side effects. The other subjects become rabid, initiating an evacuation protocol. Nina is unaffected, and finds herself in the fight of her life as she tries to escape. Can she make it out alive?

Gameplay

Affraid is a Resident Evil clone. Players make their way through a strange facility full on monsters and using what they find along the way to defend themselves. Players must make their way through dark corridors, piece together the narrative, and try to stay alive. It is a pretty strait forward gameplay loop, but one that can be extremely unforgiving if players aren’t careful.

Review

I was drawn to this game because it looked rough, yet with enough passion poured into it to make up for it. Unfortunately, the game in its current state is unplayable. An update was pushed recently that makes me believe the developer hasn’t given up yet, but it didn’t do much to earn its price tag (even at a discount).

My game crashed during the opening tutorial. When the game finally decided to work, the movement is jarring and the controls aren’t as smooth as they need to be. It is clear that a lot of effort was put into the fan service, which is fine, but the rest of the game needs more attention. Once I finally got out of the first room, the game did not get better. Movement feels bad, and combat doesn’t feel any better. I wouldn’t mind the flaws, but there are better games you can play at the same price price point.

Without a major update to performance, there is no reason to buy this game. The game doesn’t feel finished, nor does it feel like it is close to being finished. You can pick up AFFRAID for $9.99, but your money is better spent elsewhere.

After Wave: Downfall Review – A Fun Casual Shooter

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of After Wave: Downfall 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-Promotions

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System. I’ve also started a web novel that I update weekly.

What is After Wave: Downfall?

After Wave: Downfall is an arcade shoot ’em up out now on Steam, Xbox, Switch, and PlayStation.

Monsters are attacking, and it is up to you to keep them at bay. Brave it alone or gather your friends as you fight off monsters, collect power-ups, and navigate your favorite ship. This high speed arcade game has ten unique stages and bosses, six unique ship abilities, and an adjustable difficulty for a good amount of replayability. Do you have what it takes to save the world?

Gameplay

Players navigate each level, avoiding obstacles and hazards, shooting monsters, and collecting power ups. A run ends when a player’s ship is destroyed. Players can buy upgrades for their ships between runs. Each level has uniquely flavored monsters and bosses to defeat, and each boss (and miniboss) has unique abilities to keep things fresh. The adjustable difficulty and upgrades make meaningful impact on the game, and add a layer of repeatability to the title.

Review

After Wave: Downfall is a cute little casual game that I don’t mind pulling out when I need a quick distraction. The game is cute with fun a fun art style and aesthetic, and the mechanics are engaging and fun. I enjoyed the different boss mechanics, and the fun flavors of each level. The game will feel a bit repetitive as players grind out currency for different upgrades, but it doesn’t feel too bad. It certainly doesn’t take away from the game’s casual appeal. Best of all, co-op mode is a great time (if you have the friends for it).

If you’re looking for a fun casual title to pick up when you need a short break, After Wave: Downfall is a fantastic option. It is inoffensive with a cute and comforting art style and the game play is solid. It is also works great on the Steam Deck.

Pick up After Wave: Downfall on Steam for $9.99, and console for $14.99 via Xbox, Switch, and PlayStation.

GoobnBalloonsDX Review: A Fun Arcade Adventure

I was sent a free copy of GoobnBalloonsDX 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.

Shameless 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 GoobnBalloonsDX?

GoobnBalloonsDX is a cute, hand-drawn arcade shoot ’em up game out now on Xbox, Switch, PlayStation, and PC via Steam, Epic Games, and itch.io.

Travel between worlds, fighting off against different foes, save your friends, and try to get the high score. Each level has unique challenges as players can brave the adventure alone or with friends and pop all the balloons that get in the way. Do you have what it takes to save the world and break the leaderboard in what promises to be a quirky good time?

Gameplay

Players must use their powers to pop balloons and complete different challenges. Players can either explore new worlds and challenges through the story mode, or load into arcade mode and try to claim their spot on the leaderboard. There are unlockable characters with unique ablilities that players can customize, unique boss fights, and a co-op mode.

Review

GoobnBalloonsDX is a cute and creative arcade game with a fun gameplay loop that earns the game’s price tag. There is a solid sound track to set the mood, a cute aesthetic to enjoy, and fun and simple mechanics to master. This is the perfect game to play if you’re looking for a goofy good time without much commitment, and it is an excellent game to play with your friends. Best of all, it makes for a fantastic Steam deck game.

If you’re looking for a fun arcade game, you’d be hard pressed to find better. This game is fun, inoffensive, and it provides enough of a challenge to keep things interesting without becoming work. I like that players can either choose to chase high scores, or sit back and relax as they pop bubbles and unlock accessories. Whatever you en up doing in GoobnBalloonsDX, you’re going to have a lot of fun.

You can pick up your copy of GoobnBalloonsDX on Xbox, Switch, PlayStation, and PC via Steam, Epic Games, and itch.io for only $9.99.

Microtopia: A Unique Village Builder Experience

I was sent a free copy of Microtopia 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-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 Microtopia?

Microtopia is an ant-colony village builder out now on Steam.

You are in charge of building the mightiest mechanical ant empire this world has ever seen. Program your drones, upgrade your units, build your empire, and protect your queen. Build efficiently, plan accordingly, and get ready to lose a few days of sleep. Do you have what it takes to make the perfect colony?

Gameplay

The game walks through the games important mechanics and a well designed tutorial that can skipped on later playthroughs. Players all start with a queen and a few drones, and slowly build that into the mighty ant empire it turns into. Players will command their ants to gather resource, build structures, and upgrade their empire. What makes the game unique is that the automation is programed by the players. The bulk of the game is designing the many intertwining routes ants take to perform their tasks. These routes are constantly changing as resources run out and more structures start to to populate the map. The trick to this game is efficiently weaving every moving part of the colony so that everything runs smoothly. There are tech trees and upgrades to keep the game engaging. If you run out of tasks and the game feels like you are waiting on timers, you are playing this game wrong.

Review

Microtopia is one of the best village builders I have ever played. I had my doubts during the first boot because the graphics and art style are a little plain. The more I played the game, the less of a problem I had with the art direction. The style is not only very thematic and flavorful, it also means it can run on anything. It does run fine on the steam deck, but it is a little small and you’re going to have to use the touchscreen.

The village/factory building mechanics are the main reason for buying the game. They are easy to grasp with the excellent opening tutorial, and they give the player enough to do to keep the game engaging. Most of village builders I’ve played autopath tasks like farming materials, but Microtopia has players design the paths first, and assign the units to travel them second. While I do appreciate the more laid back approach of the autopathing, I did now know how much I wanted to design my own routs and paths. This does mean players need to be a bit more active in their planning stages, but I never felt like it was unnecessary busy work. I also love the fact that structures can be moved at any time, and they can be destroyed for a full refund. I make a lot of mistakes and appreciate the extra flexibility. That said, I did restart my playthrough after the tutorial because I was not happy with my pathing and some of my earlier decisions.

Microtopia is the most engaging relaxing game you will get to play. I found the village building soothing, and the mechanics had me obsessing about every little detail. If you’re looking for a new village builder, Microtopia is a strong contender. It’s unique mechanics are worth trying once, and the art style will grow on you. This is a fantastic game that deserves a lot more attention.

You can pick up Microtopia on Steam for only $19.99.

Aegis Force: The Scorian War Demo Review

I got to try out the Aegis Force: The Scorian War demo because I’ve been looking for a new JRPG to get into. The game looks interesting with some neat flavor and combat system. I know the game isn’t finished yet, so I will try to be more lenient with my impressions. That said, this will be my honest review.

Shameless 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 Aegis Force: The Scorian War?

Aegis Force: The Scorian War is a 2.5 fantasy rpg coming to Steam sometime in 2026. The Demo is available to play in the meantime so make sure to check that out.

The 100 year Scorian War ravages the continent. The two nations, one advanced in technology the other in magic, are locked in a battle with no end in sight. The conflict weighs heavily on both sides, yet no one remembers what sparked it. Join three childhood friends as they fight for their country, recruit new members, and explore the war torn country. What secrets will their journey uncover? Will they be the ones to stop this war?

Gameplay

Players explore the 2D world, fighting against enemy soldiers and slowly unraveling the narrative. This is your typical JRPG, but one with a unique combat system that might be worth exploring. Combat in Aegis Force is turn-based with an interesting movement mechanics. Characters can gain advantage on attacks based on the orientation of the enemy. Attacking an enemy from behind gives units a small boost in attack, but this boon works both ways. Players must strategically position their units to gain the advantage, and this can sometimes mean taking big risks.

Review

I really want to like this Aegis Force. The art is cute, the mechanics seem interesting, and I need a new JRPG. Unfortunately, I think the demo was released too early. The game has some promising features that left me curious enough for a follow-up, but the demo isn’t good enough to generate enough appeal.

The writing is awkward. I caught a couple errors, no big deal, but the dialogue is awkward and doesn’t do enough to earn the reader’s attention. The performance also falls short. Combat and movement is full of award animations, and the whole experience feels a little clunky.

That said, I kind of like the combat. The flank mechanic gives combat enough of a strategic element to keep it engaging, and the Tactimagus mechanic makes combat fun to watch. I wish everything ran more smoothly, but I am at least interested in seeing the final product.

Aegis Force: The Scorian War is a hard game to recommend in its current state. While some can overlook the roughness as the games charming lure, it is going to be a hard sell for the casual gamer who wants to spend their money on an engaging story with mechanics that work properly. I don’t believe Aegis Force is entirely hopeless, it just isn’t where it needs to be yet. We still have a year of development left, and there might be some solid fixes to change this opinion. I will be trying to get my hands on a full version for the follow up, but in the mean time, you can check out the demo on Steam.