Tag Archives: watch

Upgrade Your Setup with the Epomaker Galaxy 100 Keyboard

Epomaker sent me their Galaxy 100 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 review for the HE75 Mag.

What’s in the box?

  • Instruction Manuel
  • 2.4 Ghz Wireless Dongle
  • Keypuller Tool
  • Mac Function Keys
  • USB-C to USB-A Charging Cable

Features

If you are looking for a full-sized keyboard that will upgrade your aesthetic, enhance your productivity, and not break the bank, then the Epomaker Galaxy 100 is what you’re looking for.

The keyboard comes in two colors, an elegant black and a gray with some soft pastels that truly pop. The keys, keycaps, and volume dial are easily swappable so that you always have a keyboard that fits your aesthetic. Its soft, south facing RGB back light comes with a few preprogrammed profiles, but it can be toggled off at any time. It sports a heavy aluminum frame that looks great and keeps your keyboard firm and secure.

The Galaxy 100 supports both Bluetooth 5 and 2.5Ghz connections which means you won’t have to clutter your desk with a cable. The keyboard does support a wired connection through the included high quality cable, but you will hardly need it with its boasted 800mAh battery. Moreover, its boasted minimal latency (2.81ms [usb], 4.72ms [wireless], 15ms [bluetooth]) means it is a solid gaming keyboard for those who need it.

Arguably, the Galaxy 100‘s best feature is its QMK/VIA compatibility. All 101 keys can be remapped and programmed so to fit your needs. Whether it is gaming or editing, this thing is ready at a very good price point.

Sound Test

Review

I did not know how badly I needed a full-sized keyboard until I got the Galaxy 100. This keyboard has been a godsend for my workflow, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a full-sized keyboard.

Out of the box, this keyboard looks amazing. Not only is it well constructed, but it is a very pretty keyboard. The RGB is soft but vibrant enough to make the keys pop, and the color scheme is fantastic. I got mine in grey and adore the soft pastels and the coordinated layout of the keys.

Noise-wise, the Galaxy 100 is a little quieter than I am used to. Keypresses make a satisfying pop without filling the room, which the people around me seem to appreciate. It isn’t silent, but you’re going to be disappointed if you’re looking for something with a bit more click-clack.

Functionally, the keyboard is fine. The keys are soft and responsive, and I got about 10 hours of battery life on a single charge. At the very least, it can handle the demands of hours of casual gaming, which is good enough for me.

Unfortunately, comfort is where this keyboard loses me a bit. While it doesn’t destroy my hands like other cheaper brands do, it does trigger my RTS after prolonged use. Note that this is an issue unique to me. I use my keyboard for longer than the average user and require specific ergonomics for prolonged use. This shouldn’t be a problem for the normal consumer, but those looking for an ergonomic setup will need to keep looking. That said, I will continue to use this keyboard for work because the number pad and the ability to program macros are invaluable.

The Galaxy 100 is a fantastic full-sized keyboard for anyone looking for one. It looks great and it reinforces the idea that Epomaker makes a great keyboard. You can pick up your own Epomaker Galaxy 100 in Black or Grey from the official Epomaker store!

Is Rage of the Dragons NEO Worth Buying? Honest Review

I was sent a free copy of Rage of of the Dragons Neo 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 Keyboard or the EasySMX X15 controller. 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 Rage of the Dragons NEO?

The cult classic fighting game, Rage of the Dragons, is now on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch. Grab your fight sticks and enjoy a classic arcade fighting experience with few modern features. Challenge your friends for dominance or prove yourself online on the ranked ladder all from the comfort of your home. How far will your skills take you?

Review

Rage of the Dragons Neo is a fantastic classic feeling fighting game with amazing artwork and engaging gameplay. All the characters are unique and memorable, although some wore more fun to play because of my skill and playstyle. The AI in this game is challenging. As someone who doesn’t play many fighting games, this thing was merciless. I did feel myself get better overtime, but I had my rude awakening.

Luckily there is a very helpful training mode to help players learn the different nuanced mechanics. It has many helpful features to help anyone looking to perfect their technique. It can list inputs and combos, show character hitboxes, and the AI can be customized to help players practice certain skills.

Unfortunately, those trying to prove themselves online will be disappointment. Matchmaking on PC is dead. Unless you have friends to play with, you’re not finding a match unless the game gets a much needed surge of players.

Rage of the Dragons Neo is a fantastic fighting game. It looks cool, the mechanics are solid, and it reminiscent of a bygone era. It also works on the Steam Deck which is a huge plus. Unfortunately, without a player base, there is no real reason to buy this. Sure the AI provides its challenge, but that alone is not enough to justify buying it for $20. I would wait for a sale unless you can convince a group of people to go in on it with you. Maybe the scene is better on console, but I couldn’t tell you.

You can pick up on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and the Nintendo Switch for $19.99.

Is the Fifine Ampligame V3 Worth It? A Detailed Review

I was sent the Fifine Ampligame V3 capture card 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 to check out my latest review on the Fifine M9 microphone system.

What’s in the box?

  • V3 Capture Card
  • USB-C to USB-A cable
  • Instructions Manual

Features

The Fifine Ampligame V3 capture card is a budget card that promises high-quality capture at a fraction of the cost. Need to capture gameplay from the hottest new console release, the V3 has your back with up to 1080p resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate. If you enjoy your games at a higher resolution, the V3 has a pass-through feature so you can play at your desired resolution with minimal latency.

Streaming console games has never been easier. With its easy-to-read instructions, the V3 can be up and running on OBS in no time. Need to record some dialogue? Put in your mic and headphones to the card and enjoy its crisp clear sound. If the features don’t win you over, its sleek design and subtle RGB most definitely will.

Gameplay Capture

Review

I’ve been very impressed with the Fifine lineup of products, but the Ampligame V3 Capture card falls flat. I was impressed by the V3’s lightweight design, but it does feel a bit cheap. It has a solid construction, but I wouldn’t drop it. The RGB has a nice soft glow, but it is unnecessary.

Setup is incredibly easy. The device only works through OBS. Most streamers and content creators should already have OBS installed, so it is nice to not have to download more third-party software. The latency is noticeable through OBS. I recommend using the passthrough to a monitor for anything competitive.

The capture is fine, but you are getting what you paid for.

Everything looks too dark, and it struggles to capture all the frames. While it should handle most Switch games, I wouldn’t trust it to handle anything too demanding. It isn’t unserviceable, especially if you plan to cover old-school games.

Unfortunately, I could not get the audio to work without a sound mixer. Luckily I had the Fifine S3 mixer on hand, but everyone else will be out of luck. I couldn’t find a workaround, and I found threads where others ran into the same issue. While it works fine with the mixer, other devices are just plug-and-play.

I can’t recommend the Ampligame V3 capture card because it doesn’t offer enough to be worth the money. If you want to barely record at 1080p and don’t care about fps or sound, sure. Everyone else needs a card that is more consistent and reliable. I’d skip this for now.

You can pick up the Fifine Ampligame V3 Capture card on Amazon for $52.99 through my affiliate link.

Aaero2 Review: Unleash Your Rhythm in This Addictive Shooter

I was sent a free copy of Aaero2 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 Keyboard or the EasySMX X15 controller. 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 Aaero2?

Aaero2 is a high octane rhythm shooter out now on PC and Xbox.

Fly into a vibrant world where everything moves to a certain rhythm. Fight of enemies, monsters, uncover secrets, but make sure you don’t miss a beat. Can you use the power of song to fly through each level, beat every enemy, and get that high score? Load up and find out!

Gameplay

Aaero2 has two main mechanics: flight and combat. A player’s ship flies through a level following a preprogrammed path. Players maneuver the ship within this path to collect energy from rhythm nodes and avoid obstacles. The main way to earn points is to precisely follow the path of the nodes. This not only powers a player’s ship, but also plays the song. The more accurate the path, the higher the points a player earns.

Combat is simple, and at times optional. Players use the ship’s weapons to destroy a myriad of enemies, the trick is to do it in time with the music. Shooting with the rhythm of the song not only does more damage, it gives players a higher score.

If a player takes too much damage or misses too many nodes, the run fails. Completing a track awards stars to a player based on their performance and score. Higher scores earn more stars. These stars are used to unlock more tracks and higher difficulties. Each track also has a global leaderboard for players who want to chase the top spot. There is also couch co-op for those who want to play with their friends.

Review

Aaero2 is a fantastic and unique rhythm game that is worth checking out, even if you don’t have rhythm. I certainly don’t and had a lot of fun struggling to complete the playlist. This game has a fantastic soundtrack that easily elevates the game’s replayability. This game has a fantastic aesthetic. I love the trippy neon sci-fi vibe and appreciate how the world moves at the rhythm of the song. Most importantly, the game is a lot of fun. Combat is manageable, although it does require some rhythm. Maneuvering the ship to the rhythm feels good and the challenge is appropriate. I only played the game at the normal difficulty, but it had enough of a challenge to keep things interesting without ever getting frustrating.

If you enjoy rhythm games, Aaero2 is a solid choice with a fantastic sound track, good flavor, and fun gameplay. This game is addicting, and you can pick up Aaero2 on PC and Xbox for $14.99 There is also a Steam demo available if you want to try it out.

Glitch Hero Review: A Fun Adventure for Kids

I was sent a free copy of Glitch Hero 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 Keyboard or the EasySMX X15 controller. 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 Glitch Hero?

Glitch Hero is a 2D adventure game for kids out now on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch.

A strange glitch has trapped Ada’s father inside Codeland and it is up to Ada to rescue him. Luckily, ada is a bright young girl who knows a thing or two about coding. With the power of the Hammer.exe program and her knowledge of arrhythmical and loops, she will solve puzzles, destroy viruses, fix bugs, and save the day.

Gameplay

Ada can move around the world using her trusty hammer to defend herself against the bugs and viruses that are creating chaos in Codeland. The game plays like a simple top down hack and slash with a few puzzles and an interesting looping mechanic to break up the monotony. Occasionally players will have to create a loop or arrhythmical to solve a puzzle. Players are given a set number of actions (move, turn, attack) and a set number of spaces to move through. Players learn to build a loop as they load up a series of commands to get Ada through a puzzle.

Review

Glitch Hero is an adorable little puzzle game that is fun and wholesome, but it is on the easy side. If you’re looking for a good game for your kids that is inoffensive, fun, and educational, Glitch Hero is a fantastic option. The game has a cute and cozy artstyle, a fun and interesting story, and decent gameplay. The top-down hack-and-slash gameplay is engaging and well-designed. The loop puzzles are interesting and help the game stand out against others in the genre. The game aims to teach kids a fundamental understanding of loops, algorithms, and logic, and I believe it is a successful attempt.

As far as the challenge goes, there are three difficulties geared toward different age groups. While I am sure the intended audience will find the challenge adequate and engaging, veteran gamers will find this game too easy. Veteran players can enjoy the cozy vibe, but the lack of challenge might be the deal breaker. But if you need something for your young kids that is fun and is Steam Deck compatible, check out Glitch Hero.

You can pick up Glitch Hero on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Nintendo Switch for $11.99.

LocoMotive Review: A Must-Play Murder Mistery Puzzle Game

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

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker HE75 Mag Keyboard or the EasySMX X15 controller. 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 Locomotive?

Locomotive is a point and click puzzle mystery game available now on the Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam and GOG.

Lacy Uterwald has invited her closest friends and relatives onboard the luxurious Reuss Express for a night of revelry. It is a night full of food, booze, music, and unfortunately, murder. Right as she is getting ready to announce the changes in her will, the light goes out, and so does hers. Now three unsuspecting strangers, a lawyer, a spy, and an amature detective, find themselves in the middle of a crime scene. Play as Arthur, Diana, and Herman as you gather clues, solve puzzles, and find the murderer. Can you figure out who done it?

Gameplay

Locomotive is a simple point and click puzzle narrative game. Players explore the train looking for clues, solving puzzles, and piecing together a narrative. The player will progress through the story and gain access to more of the train by solving the different problems that arise. Picking or crafting items, talking to guests, or interacting with the environment in certain ways will trigger events that will advance the story. The trick is finding the correct order, but there is a helpful hint mechanic available if players get stuck.

Review

2024 has been a very good year for noir games, and Locomotive is easily my favorite. The game has a fun aesthetic, a great mystery, and solid gameplay.

I love the game’s art style. I love the effective use of pixel art and how creative it got with the cut scenes. The soundtrack is fantastic, and it was always setting the perfect mode. Lastly, I appreciate all the attention put into the world-building because this game was such a delight to explore.

Moving away from the aesthetic, Locomotive has a fun and quirky narrative that is worth at least one playthrough. I love the silly tone, I appreciate the humor, and the mystery is solid. People who read a lot of noir can figure out who the killer is early on, but it doesn’t matter because the journey is too much fun. Best of all, the players will be carried through the story by a cast of amazing actors who truly bring the story to life. If you enjoy detective noir dramas, you’re not finding one better.

Most importantly, Locomotive is fun. Exploration can feel a little repetitive, especially if you get stuck, but the story makes it worth it. The puzzles are all creative and manageable. There might be a few that will require hints, but none of them are impossible. I love the casual pace of the mystery, and love even more that I can play Locomotive on my Steam Deck.

If you’re looking for a fun, quirky new bit of interactive fiction, go get LocoMotive. You can pick up Locomotive on the Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam and GOG for $17.99.

Epomaker HE75 Mag Keyboard Review: A Gamer’s Delight

Epomaker sent me their HE75 Mag magnetic keyboard for free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out my review for the Epomaker RT65 and P75 if you’re looking for an affordable way to upgrade your aesthetic.

What’s in the box?

  • Epomaker HE75 Keyboard
  • Braided USB-C to USB-A charging cable
  • Keypuller
  • User Manuel
  • 2 Extra Switches
  • Print and Pause Key Caps
  • Wireless Dongle

Features

The HE75 Mag is a stylish 75% form factor gaming keyboard designed by gamers, making it the ultimate upgrade to any setup. Its lightweight and sturdy design makes it ideal for travel and those extra sweaty gaming sessions. The keyboard supports Bluetooth 5 devices, but there is a 2.4 Ghz dongle for those who need it. When the 4000mAh finally decides to die, you won’t have to stop gaming because playing with the included wired connection is just as good if not better.

If media controls are important to you, the keyboard comes preprogrammed with everything you need and an interchangeable dial for the volume. The subtle backlighting is ready to elevate the elegance of this finely crafted keyboard, but it can be toggled off with a push of a button.

If you’re looking for comfort, you will be hard-pressed to find anything more comfortable. The HE75 has a 15-degree natural slant but built-in stands to help users find their ideal comfortable position. The interchangeable hall effect switches not only make this keyboard soft to the touch, but incredibly responsive. With only about 1 ms wireless latency, you’ll be ready for any challenge that comes your way. Best of all, the actuation is customizable for maximum performance.

Sound Test

Review

The Epomaker HE75 Mag has easily become my favorite keyboard. Its beautiful ombre purple scheme drew me in, and the soft RGB effect kept my attention, but the performance is what made me fall in love. I get a repetitive stress disorder easily and have become incredibly picky with the keyboards I use. I have never used a more comfortable keyboard than the HE75 Mag. The default angle is nice but the built-in stands make it perfect for my build. While it may not be strictly ergonomic, I see no reason to stop using it.

I appreciate that this keyboard is light enough for travel, but it will remain firm during the most intense gaming sessions. It definitely feels like it can take a tumble or two.

As far as gaming keyboards go, the HE75 Mag is a solid contender. The hall effect switches are incredibly responsive without putting much strain on the user’s hand. I didn’t notice a difference in latency between the wired and wireless connection, which is always appreciated. Best of all, I was getting about 10 hours of battery life with the RGB on, which translates to the perfect amount of uninterrupted gaming.

If you’re looking for your next gaming keyboard, you need to pick up the Epomakero HE75. Not only is this the prettiest keyboard you’ll own, but its performance won’t disappoint. This is the keyboard you buy when you want to upgrade your setup and do well on your raids for a reasonable price. It also makes for a fantastic present.

You can pick up the Epomaker HE75 Mag on the official site for only $99.99. Get yours today!

Grand Archive Meta Watch: Santa Clara Ascent 2024

The Santa Clara Ascent brought a welcomed shift to the meta as we sort of move away from the RE: Collection dominated meta with Arisanna taking her place in the sun. Silvie continues to be a dominating presence, but its nice to see some variety. Here are the top three decks of the event, make sure to check out the official event post for the full list.

If you need to pick up Grand Archive, make sure to do it over at TCG Player using my affiliate link. I’ll be leaving links to the singles!


1. Ztrgod – Arisanna (9-2-2)

Material Deck

Main Deck


2. HenkieTheGoat – Fire Silvie (10-2-1)

Main Deck


3. Lifdrasyl – Silvie (10-2-1)

Material Deck

Main Deck

Void Sols Review: A Casual Souls-like Experience

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

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out the new Epomaker RT65 mechanical keyboard or the EasySMX X15 controller. 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!

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

What is Void Sols?

Void Sols is a top down minimilistic souls-like out now on PC.

You find yourself imprisoned, about to be slaughtered like a common rat when a powerful light washes over you, granting you the power to fight back. With your newfound gifts and any weapon you pick up along the way, fight your way to freedom. What will be your weapon of choice? Will you ever taste freedom, or are you destined to die in this maze?

Gameplay

Players control a triangle and guide it through a seemingly endless maze. They must effectively use the weapons and skill they find along the way to survive the danger that seems to lurk around every corner. Like most souls-like games, players will need to grind a lot of the same mobs, slowly making their way deeper into the dungeon. The game features campfires where they can rest, level up, and reset the mobs. Most importantly, players have the flexibility to build their character to fit their play style. There is a good amount of customization when it comes to weapon types, buffs, and abilities. I am sure there is a correct way min max a character, but I built what I thought was fun.

Review

Void Sols is fantastically soul-like, and I recommend it to everyone. I am a huge fan of the minimalistic style choice, the amazing soundtrack, and the fun and engaging gameplay. While the minimalism makes the game look like a casual souls-like, the game requires enough strategy to keep things engaging. Mastering combat will take a bit of effort.

Like other games in the genre, it can feel repetitive. Better players will be able to breeze through the game, but the filthy casuals like me will have to grind out the same mobs until they are strong enough to move on. I found the repetition soothing, but it is important to note that this game is repetitive by design. That said, it is not a soul-crushing grind.

Combat in this game feels fantastic. The developers masterfully translate the intricacies of combat into a solid minimalistic package. Combat requires enough skill to be engaging, but it won’t alienate the newcomers. The weapons all feel unique, and it was fun to explore the different styles. Upgrades and leveling felt impactful, and I enjoyed the rate of progression. Enemies all felt unique and were constantly forcing me to adapt to new tactics, and the boss fights were all creative and fun.

Void Sols is a fantastic casual souls-like for the people who want to hop into the genre but without the commitment. The game is fun with some solid flavor and engaging gameplay. Best of all, it is Steam Deck compatible.

You can pick up Void Sols on Steam for only $19.99, but there is a demo available if you don’t believe me.

Grand Archive: Ascent Santa Clara Holiday Stream Recap

Ascent Santa Clara was a very exciting event. Arisanna got her moment in the sun, and we got a lot of spoilers for some cool new product! If you need to pick up any Grand Archive, make sure to always support your LGS, but you can always pick up product on TCG Player using my affiliate link.

Table of Contents

Alchemical Revolution Alter Edition Spoilers

Alchemical Revolution is getting its alter edition with a few new cards to spice up the meta. Looks like Arisanna is getting a bit more support, but the ranger support doesn’t seem to bad.

Kongming Holiday Set

Get ready to empty your wallets this holiday season with the first ever holiday themed product. Kongming will be kicking things off with what is definitely going to be flying off the shelves. Make sure you put your preorder in on Christmas day!

The set includes:

  • Play set of Revitlizing Cleanse promo (3 non-foil and 1 foil with a chance the foil is a Collector Rare)
  • Revitalizing Cleanse Playmat
  • Acrylic Kongming Standee
  • Acrylic Kongming keychain
  • B2 Tapestry
  • Waterproof Sticker
  • Deckbox
  • Storage Box

Re:Collcection Lite

The Re:Collection decks are getting their reprints, but these won’t include the additional packs. This is wil be a great time to pick up what have been some strong and competitive decks without having to pay the scalper tax.

Abyssal Heaven

The Abyssal Heaven expansion set, which will be a smaller set than the base set, will release March 7th, so make sure you budget accordingly.

Mercurial Heart Alter Edition

If you missed out on Mercurial Heart, it is not too late. Mercurial heart is getting it’s own alter edition in May. This is the set that started it all for me, and I am very excited to see what new cards it will bring.

Gua Jia Deck Box

Now we shift to the competitive side of the game with Acent Utrecht deck box exclusive. Folks heading to Utrech on January 25 better get their VIP or Champion package to pick up this beautiful Gua Jia deck box. With how good the past exclusive deck boxes have been, you aren’t going to want to miss out.

Ascent Seattle Spirit

Worlds Announcement

Worlds 2025 has been announced for June 28th – 29th, so make sure you start making your grind towards Anaheim.

The Gauntlet

Those who don’t qualify for worlds will get their last chance on June 26th in a one day closed invite event. The top 16 players will qualify and I’m sure it will be grueling event.

2025 Full Schedule

M.Rage Collab

If you’ve been waiting for some official Grand Archive merch, an official collaboration with M.Rage is in the works, it is sounding promising. More information to come.