The folks behind Doomlings sent me the Shadow Puppets Bolster Expansion for free 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. Make sure you check out my review for the base game. I’ll also be using my Amazon Affiliate link where possible. It really helps me if you use it before you buy anything.
Table of Contents
Box Opening
What’s in the Box?
Shadow Puppets Bolster expansion is a 40 card expansion that introduces four new species of Doomlings: Deeplings, Glitterings, Moonlings, and Fuzelings. The breakdown:
Doomlings is a quirky little card game about the end of the world. Players take turns building a strong gene pool from cards they pull from a collective deck. Each card has a value and some have abilities that interact with other cards or players. For example, a card can allow a player to draw more cards each round, giving them a slight advantage. Each round has its unique set of rules based on the age or catastrophe card in play. For example, a card can force players to only play a certain color card. The game ends when four catastrophe cards are played and the winner is the player with the most points.
How to play
Games with Denver James has a fantastic tutorial that you should watch before you get started. Make sure you give him a like and a follow.
What is Shadow Puppets
Shadow Puppets is a darker themed expansion that essentially allows players to play trap cards. It allows players to disrupt a players turn, swap cards, and even give away cards. It also introduces the subvert mechanic which allows players to sacrifice Doomlings for points. What makes Shadow Puppets unique is is dark edgy flavor of both the abilities and artwork. The set does have a few demonic looking Doomlings. This is your trigger warning.
Review
The Shadow Puppets expansion brings some surprisingly needed dark humor, with interesting mechanics that only make the game more fun. If you like the flavor of the set and need some more trap cards, go get yourself a copy.
Quality
Doomlings is a high quality card game with some very good looking game pieces. The Shadow Puppets Bolster expansion is no exception. The cards are a little thinner than I am used to, but the art and quality of the card stock is as excellent as ever. I still recommend using sleeves. I may be a crazy person that sleeves everything, but it really makes shuffling the cards easier. You will be shuffling this game a lot, and the sleeves will help preserve the game.
Mechanics
I absolutely love the mechanics for this set. Nor only is each new species flavorful, the interactions it creates are so much fun. I love the fact that at any moment, you can just disrupt a persons turn or strait up ruin their whole strategy. There is a card that lets that lets you swap gene pools. You can build a bad pool on purpose to swap with someone who is actively trying to win and ruin their day. It’s like the blue shell in Mario, but with more control. Of course, someone can just swap hands with you and ruin your strategy. That feels pretty balanced to me.
I really like the ages in this expansion. One lets you draw 3 and discard 2. This creates some very tough choices, but it is always fun to draw cards. The other mechanic lets you swap hands, and this can absolutely ruin someone’s day. If you want a set with a lot of disruption, Shadow Puppets is fantastic.
Conclusion
I love Doomlings and recommend to anyone who wants a fun and simple game to pull out at game night. The game is easy to teach, especially for people new to the hobby, and the game is family friendly. Most importantly, it is very easy to set up and take down. Games of Doomlings are pretty quick, but the interactions make it meaningful.
Now if you’re looking for an expansion, Shadow Puppets is awesome. The disruptive nature of the expansion gives the game a layer of fun I didn’t think it needed. It has definitely earned its spot with the rest of my collection.
Epomaker sent me the RT85 mecchanical keyboard with the Wisteria V2 linear switches to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out my reviews for the Epomaker Galaxy100 Lite and the TH108. I will also be using my Amazon Affiliate link where possible. It really helps me out if you use it before you shop for anything.
Table of Contents
What’s in the box?
Epomaker RT85 Mechanical Keyboard
USB-C to USB-A Braided Cable
2.4Ghz Wireless Dongle
2 Additional Switches
Key/Switch Puller
User Manual
Features
Epomaker has dropped the RT85 mechanical keyboard, and its unique design is ready to upgrade any setup. The RT85 comes in two flavors, Grey and Green, with either the Wisteria V2 Linear switches or Creamy Jade switches. This review will be on the Wisteria switches.
Design
The RT85 is a compact 75% keyboard, which is the perfect size for most workflows. All 82 keys are comfortably supported by one of two patent switches: the wisteria or jades. The difference is the sound, witch wisteria giving off more of a thack while the jades give a smoother creamier sound. The choice is all up to preference. Each switch and high quality keycap is easily swappable for when you are ready for a change in aesthetic.
This compact mechanical keyboard has a respectable 5 degree typing angle, but can be adjusted to 6.7 and 10 degrees. While the native is nice, I do prefer the steeper angler personally. Speaking of comfort, the wisteria switches offer just enough resistance to offer a satisfying amount of feedback with each keystroke. The actuation can be personalized for added comfort.
The Epomaker RT85 sports a unique design. Users will appreciate the retro aesthetic and two impressive color schemes. The green white gives it an army vibe, and the white grey has the splash of color to brighten up any setup. The keyboard also has a few gimmicks that help set it apart from others in the market. The magnetized plate helps hide the 2.4Ghz dongle neatly, the customizable LCD screen shows useful information, and there it uses a dial to switch between connections. My favorite feature is the joystick used for volume and rgb controls. Epomaker got very creative with the RT85, but it has enough function to make it worth some consideration.
Performance
The RT85 has supports a high speed, low latency wireless connection, boating up to 1000HZ polling rate. The 8000mAh offers users with up to 320 hours with everything off, or up to 24 hours with everything on. In addition, everything on this keyboard, including the LCD screen and joystick, can be easily remapped and customized for maximum workflow compatibility. Whatever you need this keyboard to do, you can be sure it will look cool doing it.
Sound Test
The RT85 with the wisteria switches has a very satisfying thock if you enjoy that typing ASMR. However, keep in mind that this keyboard is loud. People around you will hear you typing feriously, and some people will find it annoying.
Review
The Epomaker RT85 is a solid keyboard with a very cool design. If you like the aesthetic, especially the color scheme, the key board should be in your cart. While I did have a few issues with the keyboard, there isn’t much better at the price point.
Performance
I was very satisfied with how the RT85 handled my workflow. I noticed no latency for gaming, and I do a bit of Guild Wars pvp, nor any ghosting. I’ve had issues with budget keyboards being faulty, but there were no issues after a week of heavy use. I test my keyboards for about twelve hours for most of the week between reviews. Although the preprogrammed RGB profiles are limiting, they work.
The connection dial is easily accessible, smooth to operate, and it switches the connections quickly. Both wireless and Bluetooth connections are stable from at about 5 feet away. I used it with my standing desk no issue. Most importantly, the battery is excellent. With everything on, I did get about 24 hours of continuous use. I did not test it without the lights because I saw no point. The keyboard looks so pretty.
Aesthetics
The RT85‘s unique design make it the statement piece of any setup. The keyboard is very well manufactured. The keycaps are all printed nicely on pretty decent keycaps. They aren’t the best, but they are a solid starter option. The LCD is very clear, and I like how they chose a font that reinforces the retro aesthetic. The added information is nice to have, and it sits at the perfect location. While still feels a bit unnecessary, I find myself looking at the screen a lot more than others keyboards with a similar gimick.
The magnetic plate that hides the wireless dongle is a very cool idea. It is not only functional, it keeps the keyboard looking clean. The connection dial is a very nice touch. I love how it looks on the keyboard and that it is easily accessible. I swap between devices a lot during my testing and hate when the switch is on the bottom or in an awkward space in the back because it disrupts my workflow. While the feature isn’t going to save me a life-changing amount of time, it is nice not to have to fidget with my keyboard everytime I want to switch devices.
The joystick is where I am most conflicted. On one hand, it looks very cool. The RGB makes it pop and the controls are useful. That said, I rather have a dial for my volume controls. Flicking the joystick just feels awkward, but that is a personal preference.
Comfort
The RT85 is a solid keyboard, but it isn’t exactly comfortable. If you are only using it for only a few hours and don’t have a repetitive stress injury, you should be fine. If you are looking for a keyboard with a design that will ease up some hand pain, I would keep looking. While the RT85 didn’t leave my hand completely useless as some cheaper options I’ve tried, I do notice the pain after a couple hours. I do have to take breaks frequently, and I am struggling to finish this review. To be clear, this is a personal issue that isn’t going to affect everyone. My injuries are bad, so your mileage will vary. I might just be too big for this keyboard.
Conclusion
If the RT85 didn’t hurt my hands, it would be my daily driver. The keyboard looks very cool and it can handle my workload. With its solid battery life, and interesting gimmicks, it is a very solid option at this price point.
Free League Publishing sent me a free copy of the Mutant: Year Zerocore rulebook to review for my blog. While I am very happy for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. Make sure you also check out my reviews for Dragonbane and The One Ring.
Table of Contents
What is Mutant: Year Zero?
Mutant is a tabletop roleplaying game about mutants at the end of the world. The game runs on the award winning Year Zero system which is a D6 system where things happen on 6s and 1s. Six is good and one is bad. There are no modifiers. Instead, stats and gear tell players how many dice they need to roll. More dice generally means better odds. Finally, Mutant is a survival game where the world is harsh, people have powers, and starvation is always a bad roll away.
Hook
Before the fall of civilization, Earth existed in a constant state of conflict. War broke out across the globe, quickly turning nuclear. Those smart and rich enough quickly found shelter in secure underground bunkers while others fled into the safety of space. Everyone else either died in the first wave, or had to rot away in the fallout. As the Earth became toxic, many began to mutate and develop powers.This was the next stage of evolution of man, but one that also marked its end. Mutants are sterile, and while there are tales of powerful folk that roam the wasteland, the population is aging towards is final days.
Some survivors band together and form flourishing communities known as arcs in an attempt to recapture what they lost, others turned to the harsh wasteland and let it transform. You were fortunate enough to grow in one of these arcs, and spend your days working towards a common goal. As the years go by, resources start to dwindle and the world becomes a harder place to live. Eventually, you and a promising group are tasked with going out farther than the usual patrol in search of anything that will extend your time on this planet. What secrets will you uncover beyond those walls? What will you bring back? Can humanity ever be saved, or are you merely surviving till your final days?
Gameplay
Mutant is a very easy game to pick up, but has enough depth to keep players engaged. The survival mechanics give players agency, without ever feeling like a chore. The mutation mechanic adds fun flavor that players can explore through their character, and it makes for some fun and interersting interactions. If you’ve ever wanted to be Xmen at the end of the world, pick up Mutant Year Zero.
Resources
Resources at the end of the world are limited. Players will need to spend their time constantly hunting for food, water, and other materials to survive the harsh dying world around them. Resources like food and water are expended every day for survival, but they are also used for healing. Rationing this precious resource keeps a high level of tension for the players. Players can choose to be at full health for the next encounter at the risk of starving to death. The system is streamlined so the bulk of the game is focused on the game rather than resource management, but you can make it more hard core if that is fun for you.
In Mutant, bullets are the most valuable resource after food and water. While players don’t need bullets to survive the wasteland, they are useful currency when it comes time to trade for better gear or materials. Bullets are also used for guns, and no one wants to be short a bullet in an important gunfight. Players will constantly need to weigh the benefits of trading away their bullets, and that will make for some difficult decisions.
Rot
The world rots away under the effects of the lingering radiation. While there are a few clean and hospitable areas left on this planet, there are pockets of deadly radiation spread in between. These areas give players rot points that slowly kill them. The only way to get rid of rot is to rest in a clean area, but those may be far in between during an adventure. The best bet is to avoid rot all together, or find some rot protection over time. Unfortunately, sometimes the only way forward is through a puddle of rot, and sometimes the only drinkable water is contaminated. The problem then becomes finding ways to mitigate the rot, and live with it.
Mutations
You can’t have a Mutant’s game without cool mutant powers, and this book has a very good selection of them. The DM can allow players to choose their mutation or roll for them at a table. I prefer rolling because that randomness gives the game its flavor. Survivors in this world wouldn’t have been able to choose their powers, neither should your players. That said, I’ll let a player choose their mutation if they have a fun idea that won’t kill the fun for anyone else.
As you would expect, mutations give players abilities they can use in and out of combat. Every player gets a mutation point per mutation at the start of each session that rolls over to the next if not used. Mutation points are the resource used to power the mutation. Because mutations are so powerful, this limit is used to balance the game. If the player could use their mutation as much as they wanted, things could get out of hand. Mutations can also backfire. They can explode or work as intended. They can also further mutate the user, leaving them weaker but with a cool new power to use.
Combat
Combat does not get any simpler than in Mutants. Attacks succeed on 6s and fail on 1s. Additional 6s give the user extra boons like bonus damage or the ability to disarm. Additional 1s can mean the weapon breaks, leaving its user defenseless. Weapon and gear do break in this game, and players will need a skilled craftsman for repairs, or enough bullets to buy the replacement.
What makes combat deep is the health and cover system. The way health works means that players will need to think carefully before rushing in. They may not have the resources to heal back, or they can get an injury that affects their performance. Learning how to effectively use the environment in combat is extremely important. Effectively finding cover in a gun fight or exploding a barrel can easily mean the difference between life and death.
Leveling
I love the leveling system in Mutant because it is streamlined and accessible. Players will need to answer the following questions:
Did you participate in the session? (You get 1 XP just for being present.)
Did you perform a Day’s Work for a project in the Ark?
Did you explore at least one new sector in the Zone?
Did you sacrifice or risk something for your PC buddy?
Did you sacrifice or risk something for the NPC you want to keep safe?
Did you sacrifice or risk something to mess with the NPC you hate?
Did you sacrifice or risk something to reach your big dream?
Players get 1xp point per yes, and they level up when they earn a total of five. Leveling means players will get put a point into a skill of their choice or pick up a new talent. This system not only eliminates the guess work you would see in something like D&D, and it allows players to customize their character. Personally, it forced my players to act in ways they wouldn’t normally because they wanted an XP point. Where in a D&D campaign they wouldn’t care if the NPC died, they went out of their way to keep them alive and get to know them. I was not ready to RP as much as I have in Mutant, but I am not complaining.
Other Mechanics
There are other very cool mechanics that make this game unique and fun to play, but I don’t want this post to get too long. I pulled out the most notable that set it apart from other systems I’ve played, but also the systems I’ve liked the most. While I do not currently run a hardcore survival campaign, its nice to play something more bleak and I’ve been enjoying the story that has come from it.
Review
Mutant Year Zero is easily one of my favorite TTRPGs. I love how accessible the game is. It is easy to learn, and this is important for table of busy dads. Mutant also has some fantastic flavor with the mechanics that make for a good story.
Quality
I did get a copy of the physical book, and it is beautiful. The printing is high quality with vibrant colors, and the book is very high quality. I love the comic book style art. It gives the game its distinct personality and the book looks fantastic on my table.
The cover is phenomenal. I love how it draws the attention to the survivors combing a burning crumbling city for danger and supplies. Their nonchalant expressions suggest that they’ve grown used to the wreckage, and remain unfazed by the apocalypse. The worn mismatched outfits fit the flavor of the world, and the colors tie it all together. I love that each character has a hint of their ability showing. It is just enough to make a statement about their power, while still evoking curiosity. Are these good guys? Bad guys? You’re going to have to play and decide.
Story
The corebook has a prewritten adventure, and it is a very good place to start if you’re a beginner or just need a little help. The adventure offers a solid mystery with an interesting hook to get things rolling.
The players start at the arc, with an aging leader and dwindling supplies. They are sent out in search of more, but find hints to the fabled Eden. Eden is a place of abundance, populated by the most brilliant minds to find a cure for mutation. Some say the cure exists somewhere within its walls, the trouble is finding it. Others say its all a cruel joke told by those too dumb to realize it is all over. As fate has it, your players find themselves chasing a legend, and what they find isn’t what they expected.
Adventure
What I like most about how the adventure is written is that it gives players to tell their own story around the main goal. The adventure outlines a meta story, fills it with important NPCs and location, and sprinkles enough clues to create agency. The gamemaster players have the freedom to do what they want. I’ve never had my players more invested in the world building, because we were building our world. We had a session where we just talked about the fake mutant animals that existed in the one zone and creating bits of random lore that carried throughout the campaign. I love that I was not tied down by a dungeon crawl because it allowed us to tell some very cool stories.
Most importantly, I love that my players liked the meta story enough to keep playing through it. I’ve ran modules where I stopped using the source material because my players wanted to do something different within that world. I wasn’t ready for them to start asking questions about Eden and actively working towards it because of how much time we spend messing around in character.
Roleplay
This is one of the games where my players got into unique characters. I think the random mutation forced them to play a character they wouldn’t usually which was very cool to see. It might also help that I ran this game with theater of the mind using Alchemy RPG. The official module for Mutant is fantastic. Maybe the lack of math and battle maps gave players the room to get creative with their roleplay. Whatever the answer, it was a lot of fun.
Theater of the Mind
You can get as fancy as you want with Mutant. You can use maps with intricate terrain and figures, or load up your favorite VTT and do it digitally. Run this game in whatever way is most fun for your table. The system will work no matter what. At my table, we run games through theater of the mind. I’ll use maps here and there, but I like the focus to be the story and the current format works for us.
As a theater of mind game, Mutant is a fantastic system. The year one system makes checks and combat easy to manage, and the mechanics give enough depth without needing much outside aid. If all you have is the rulebook, some dice, and a dream, you are ready to run Mutant Year One.
Survival
Do not be intimidated by the survival aspect of this game. Run this game as hardcore as it needs to be for your table. I run a casual table and would frequently forget to manage resources. There wasn’t enough scarcity, and I didn’t deduct enough resources. I did break weapons and give players rot points, but I wasn’t running the game as intended. That said, the game never felt like it lost any of the survival element. Players were still cautious with their decisions, and scavenging when they could. My campaign, as silly as it was, was still a survival campaign. I like that freedom.
Conclusion
If you want to run a survival campaign with cool mutant characters and have a good amount of freedom to tell a cool story, pick up your copy of Mutant Year Zero. This has become our favorite, and it is going to be hard to switch to anything else. You can pick up your copy of the Mutant Year Zero rule book on the official Free League Publishing website, or on DriveThru rpg if you want to go digital.
I was sent a free copy of Godbreakersto 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.
Godbreakersis a co-op action roguelike coming to Steam on October 23rd. Make sure you check out the demo, and don’t forget to wishlist!
Hook
Humanity is gone, but fate still has use for its existence. The AI we created to save the world has taken over. It now spreads across the universe, devouring planets. You have been resurrected from the void of eternity to stop its spread. Use your newly found powers to travel across the universe and destroy the AI before it is too late. Can you save the universe from something you created?
Game
Experience fast-paced fluid combat in this action-packed roguelike adventure. Team up with your friends or brave the universe alone in this chaotic story of salvation. There are six distinct planets to conquer, each with unique and memorial bosses guarding them. Be careful, the path to the boss will be full of traps and enemies who thirst for your blood. Customize your champion with powers and abilities you discover through play and become the ultimate warrior. What secrets will you uncover along the way?
Gameplay
I played this game solo, and can only talk about the solo experience, but the essence of the game is the same for both modes.
The Lobby
Players will all start in a lobby where they can customize their character’s appearance, abilities, and archetypes. Everyone starts with the same character, the spear, and unlock more as they complete the various objectives through normal play. Additional characters can be unlocked by beating certain bosses for example. There are cosmetic unlocks that don’t affect the gameplay, but offer players the opportunity to add some personality. When players are ready for a run, they can start a countdown that can be cancelled at any time. The Lobby is a good place to plan for the next run, or take a break.
The Run
Players will start a run by choosing a planet to explore. Players run through the level, beating the various waves of enemies. Each world has a boss and mini-boss with their unique flavor and attack pattern. In true roguelike fashion, players will unlock random abilities, skills, and upgrades from enemies they defeat. They can also buy upgrades and abilities from the vendor at the end of the level if they have enough currency.
Health
Healing in this game is extremely limited. Players can only heal through the pots given to them at the start of a run. There is no way to refill. Once you run out, you are on your own. You can buy some at the vendor at the end, but resources are so limited, it sort of feels like a waste. The run is over when the players HP drops to zero, a run is successful if they manage to beat the bosses.
Combat
Godbreakers has a very fast-paced combat system. Players have access to a basic/heavy attack, a special ability based on their archetype, and a dodge. There is a combo system in place that tests the players efficiency. For maximum DPS, players need to know how to dodge and combo efficiently. It helps to learn enemy attack animation and patterns, especially in the boss fights. Each archetype has their unique playstyle and strategy, so make sure you test them all out on the test dummy in the lobby.
Review
I really enjoyed Godbreakers for its flavor, story, and unique fast-paced combat sytstem. Although the game has its bugs, the game works well enough to earn at least a demo run.
Flavor
I love the cartoonist style because it gives the game its almost whimsical vibe. While the worlds are a little empty, the devs do a good job at making it work. While players can’t explore worlds outside the predetermined path, the maps do enough to feel expansive. The simple design helps shift the focus on smoother combat, especially multiplayer combat. I would say in that regard, it is mostly successful.
Players are either going to love the character art or hate it. The customization does have some ugly pieces I will never touch, but I am sure there is an audience for every piece. I found some pieces to work towards, and the art animation is cool enough where it all works. The bosses are all cool and flavorful, and I liked exploring the different zones to find out more.
Story
Godbreakers has a fun story with an interesting hook and fantastic voice actors. Each world had messages that players can collect and decode. Decoding them unlocks voice lines from the different bosses. I had a lot of fun collecting these because it not only gave the bosses their personality, but it did a good amount of world building. The game may not have very deep lore and story, but it does enough to give it substance as you plug away at the grind.
Unique Combat
Godbreakes‘ unique combat system is why you should buy this game. I love that each archetype feels different, and switching between characters, and even just changing the abilities breathed new life to the game. There is a bit of a repetitive grind, but nothing out of the ordinary for the genre. The RNG does a decent job at making the runs feel unique, without the bad RNG to ruin a run.
Combat is a lot of fun, but it offers enough of a challenge to keep things engaging. I was constantly having to think about my moves in order to conserve my HP for the final boss. The Godbreak mechanic is a lot of fun. Getting to take an enemies ability and use it during battle is not only such a cool idea, it gave combat at bit of depth.
The boss fights were a lot of fun. Once I memorized the patterns, it just became a skill issue and that is perfectly fine. I love how the bosses change their tactics and become more aggressive the lower you get. This not only adds to the flavor and fantasy, but it makes combat more intense. It was very satisfying to finally beat a boss that I had trouble with. Unlocking the cosmetic was a nice bonus.
Bugs
The game does have a few noticeable bugs that I need to mention. Frames would drop randomly, the game would stutter, but I never got it to crash. I never hit a run ending bug, but there were enough of them present that they became hard to ignore. The devs are aware of the bugs and are working on fixing them, but if this sounds like an issue, I’d wait for a few patches.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an action roguelike with a fun combat system and cool flavor, grab your friends and pick up Godbreakers. You can pick your copy or check out the demo on Steam. If you want to check out another one cool action game, check out Strayed Lights.
I was sent a free copy of Forgotten Fragmentsto 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.
Forgotten Fragments is a 2D platformer intended for the masochist who loves to struggle through their jumping puzzles. Make sure to check out the demo.
Hook
You wake up in a strange and beautiful world without your memories. Your memories have been scattered across this new landscape in collectable fragments, and it is up to you to collect them all. But this is no simple task. The road is perilous, full of traps and difficult puzzles. Do you have what it takes to conquer this terrain? Do you have what it takes to recover all your memories?
The Game
Brave this challenge alone as you work your way through the campaign, or team up with a friend and share the frustration as you solve unique jumping puzzles. With over 120 puzzles spanning over four unique worlds, Forgotten Fragments has enough content to keep its players busy. Make sure you keep an eye out for hidden collectibles and secret levels. And for those who are a bit more competitive, each level has a time and death counter so you can chase that perfect score. If you like platformers and don’t mind playing through a hard one, check out Forgotten Fragments.
Gameplay
Each world is separated by its collection of uniquely themed jumping puzzles. Puzzles are accessed through doors at a hub, which makes progression manageable. Players must beat all puzzles in a world to progress to the next one. To beat a puzzle, players need to collect all of the available memory fragments within the level. These fragments blow up after a certain amount of time, killing the player. Death resets the level, but it does not reset a run. This means that any progress you make in a level, i.e. collecting memories, will be lost. You will need to do everything again. You can die as many times as it takes to complete the level, but the goal is to die as little as possible and as fast as possible.
Mechanics
To beat a level, players must use the game’s mechanics to not only maneuver the character, but the different objects around them. Sometimes a player needs to throw an object over a pit to use as a platformer. Other times, the player will need to bounce the memory fragment off walls without setting off an explosion. A fragment can blow up if it hits the wrong structure, like a spike. The combination of these mechanics give way for creative solutions to some very interesting puzzles.
Review
Forgotten Fragments is a fantastic platformer, especially if you appreciate a challenge. The game has some very beautiful hand-drawn art that does a good job at catching attention. I am a huge fan of the retro-vibe, but the game’s mechanics create interesting interactions for some very challenging puzzles. There are some seemingly impossible levels, the feeling of satisfaction of finally beating a level is unmatched. If you’re looking for a new platformer, this is the one to try.
Gamplay Loop
The dangerous level design leave the room for some creative solutions. Sometimes you will need to bounce your fragment off walls before it blows up, other times you need to narrowly avoid spike pits to get to collect your fragments. The game starts off hard, but does a good job at slowly adding mechanics over time to make the game feel more manageable. Every time I felt like I mastered the game, it threw something new to complicate things. Mostly, I enjoyed seeing my progress as I moved through the worlds, collecting new skills.
Difficulty
Forgotten Fragments is difficult by design. The game opens up with a disclaimer and the ability to reduce the difficulty. I struggled with the default difficulty, but I never felt a level was impossible. Even though I could have changed the difficulty at any time, I never felt the need. I enjoyed the game enough to keep trying, even at my most frustrated. This is a game where you’re meant to die a lot, so consider that before picking up the controller.
Conclusion
I enjoyed Forgotten Fragments for its unique retro aesthetic and challenging gameplay. Even though I struggled through my playthrough, I appreciate the creativity that went into every level. If you enjoy retro platformers but are looking for a hard one, go check out Forgotten Fragments.
If you enjoy platformers, make sure you also check out Worldless if you’re looking for something more unique and Smurfs, if you need something more cozy to play with your kids.
I want to give a special shoutout Imegg on Fiverr for drawing my new site icon. He made me look so cool in so little time, and he deserves any attention I can send his way. If you’re looking for a cool cartoon-style portrait for a price I think is too cheap for the quality, check him out on Fiverr!
Disclaimer
Epomaker sent me the Galaxy100 Lite with the Wisteria Linear Switches for free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out my reviews for the TH108 and the HE80. I’ll also be using my Amazon affiliate link where possible. Using it before you buy anything really helps me out.
Table of Contents
What’s in the box?
Galaxy100 Lite Mechanical Keyboard
USB-A to USB-C Braded Cable
Key/Switch Puller
2 x Extra Switches
Mac Key Caps (Command and Option)
2.4 GHz Dongle
User Manual
Features
The Galaxy100 Lite is a gasket mounted, full sized keyboard ready to take on any workload. It features a modern yet functional design, and is loaded with the performance to upgrade any workstation.
Design
The Galaxy100 Lite comes in either black or white. The sleek aluminum frame sports a 7 degree, fixed typing angle for a comfortable experience. The aluminum frame gives it its modern aesthetic, and the heft to keep it stationary. The inside layered design gives the keyboard its satisfying thacky sound.
The Keyboard has 100 keys and a nice little knob for volume controls. All 100 keys are supported by the Feker Marble White or the Wisteria Linear switches which offer soft reliable inputs. Each key and switch is easily hot swappable with the included tool for easy repair, cleaning, and customization. Each key is also illuminated with a soft south facing RGB for those who want it. The
Performance
All 100 keys can be easily remapped with QMK or VIA for any task, but the preprogrammed shortcuts are handy enough for most users. The Galaxy100 Lite supports fast wireless connections through its 2.4Ghz included dongle and Bluetooth 5.0. The massive 8000mAh battery gives the keyboard the life it to keep your desk clutter free, and your workflow uninterrupted. But, the high-quality wired cable is ready to pick the slack when needed. Whether you are a gamer looking for an upgrade or an officer worker looking for a full-sized keyboard, the Galaxy100 lite promises to be exactly what you need.
Sound Test
Review
The Galaxy100 Lite is a nice looking keyboard with solid design and decent typing sound, but it has a few issues that make it hard to recommend.
Quality
The Galaxy100 Lite is not a light keyboard. I was a little surprised by the weight of the box, but overall satisfied with the weight. I personally prefer a heavier keyboard. The quality of the keyboard itself is fine. The aluminum frame is elegant and well machined, and the keycaps look like they won’t fade anytime soon. The caps do feel like they are made with cheap plastic, but most people won’t notice. They will get the job done.
Comfort
It did take some adjusting, but the keyboard did get more comfortable with use. I wouldn’t say the Galaxy100 Lite is an ergonomic solution because at the end of the day, my hands were sore. They were still usable, but the discomfort is enough to issue a warning. I have a repetitive stress injury that requires specific ergonomics, and this discomfort won’t affect everyone. If you are using this keyboard a normal amount, it is not a problem. My issue always came after eight straight hours of my data entry job, and even then the pain is manageable. Not manageable enough to keep it as my daily driver, but enough to place it above the average cheap mechanical keyboard.
Typing Experience
The typing experience is average if I am being honest. The sound does sound a little cheap. It isn’t as bad as the Epomaker x Aula F75, but Epomaker x Aula F108 does it better. The Wisteria switches are solid, with an actuation force to help with the fatigue. The typing angle is where I feel the most torn. The angle is fine, but I wish I could adjust it. I find a higher angle more comfortable, but most people will be okay with 7 percent. Overall, the keyboard will do in a pinch, but it isn’t the satisfying mechanical keyboard experience I want it to be.
Performance
For the first couple of days that the keyboard worked, the performance was great. There was no ghosting, and I got about 10 hours on a single charge. The battery life is the best part of this keyboard because it soon started to fail. I might have gotten unlucky with a defective unit, but it does shatter my confidence in the longevity of the product.
The first bug I encountered was the RGB failing. The lights began to flicker wildly like a lightbulb about to go out. A quick reset fixed the issue, and I would have moved on if the second bug wasn’t repeatable. If I tried to switch from the wired mode to either of the wireless while the keyboard was charging, it wouldn’t connect. It would forget my Bluetooth connection and the included dongle. Resting the keyboard fixed it the first time, resetting the Bluetooth connection worked the second time. By the third time I knew what was up, but I wanted test it. It is repeatable, at least on my unit. I know I can reach out and get a working unit, but that’s an extra step I shouldn’t have to take. Again, I might have gotten unlucky with my unit and your mileage will vary.
Conclusion
The Galaxy100 Lite is a very cool looking keyboard, but one that struggles to keep up with its competition. I can’t recommend the keyboard because mine came defective, and even if the next one I get doesn’t come defective, I don’t know if I can trust it to work much longer than my standard test period. If you are looking for a good full-sized keyboard, I recommend getting something like the Epomaker TH108, or the KiiBOOM Phatom 98 if you’re feeling fancy. But if you like the vibe and want to risk it, you can pick up the Galaxy100 Lite on the official Epomaker store, or on Amazon through my affiliate link.
I was asked to cover the Nezori demo for my blog. I understand the game isn’t finished yet, and will try to be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, these will be my honest first impressions of the game.
Nezori is a cute anime themed action RPG planned for Q1 of 2026. The game is essentially a Ys clone with a bit of waifu bait to set it apart. There is a demo available if that sounds like a good time. Don’t forget to wishlist.
The Hook
Atsuko is a young warrior with a promising future. Atsuko is a prodigy with the sword, but a bit too stubborn for her own good. It is this character flaw that sets off the events in this game. When Atsuko learns about a magical hot spring with magical properties that sits on enemy land, she makes it her mission to find it. The springs magical properties would help heal the people in the town, and might even foster a new relationship with the Sothiens.
While there is no direct conflict with Sothiens, there is enough tension between the two nations to spark one. Against the advice of the village elder, Atsuko sets off into enemy land. With her trusty blade in hand, she will vanquish anyone that stands in her way. But what she finds on Sothien land may be a bit more than she bargained for. What will her journey uncover? What truths will she reveal?
Gampeplay
Nezori is a cute Ys clone, with a bit of a social element to pad out the story. The demo only takes players through the first chapter, and some of the missions can’t be complete.
Social Mechanic
Players can take their time and talk to each of the girls in the village. They can give players quests to complete, or are strictly there for a it of world building. They can even join the roster of fighters that will take on the adventure. Each of the girls has a unique style, story, and motivation along with their unique set of abilities. It is up to the player to unlock them all.
Neori will have a meta story for players to go through, but there are a few optional interactions to pad the world. There are side stories and quests that help players learn about the different charactes which can be skipped. Players will need to read through most of the dialogue. While voice acting is in progress for the game’s full release, the demo only has full Japanese voice acting for Atsuko.
The Adventure
Players will load into an area and complete any missions or objectives through action based combat. During combat, players can attack, dodge, use an ability. Each character has their main melee and strong attacks, with unique activated abilities to spice things up. The basic attack charges up the resource used to perform special attacks and abilities. Learning to efficiently dodge, attack, and use items and abilities will be key to surviving the adventure.
Impressions
Nezori is a promising action RPG, but one that needs a bit more work before it earns a recomendation.
Art
The character art for the game is fantastic. Anime fans will definately enjoy the strong cast of waifus on the roster. Each of the girls is unique, with a style that reflects their personality. There is a bit of fan service, but nothing too vulgar. Unfortunately, the art for the rest of the world is a little lacking and I wish it had a bit more substance.
The Game
The game in its current state feels unfinished, which is natural for demo’s at this stage of development. Combat feels a bit janky. The attacks feel slow, and using abilities feels a little clunky. This might have something to do with the minimal amount of animation. This wouldn’t be a problem if the world didn’t feel so empty. The levels are ugly with very little texture to make them pop. Its not a world I want to explore, not that there is much allowable exploration.
I am not a graphics snob. I’ve played minimilistic games I’ve loved like Worldless and Void Sols. Those games worked because while the world was simple, the gameplay was fun. I have no issue if Nezori wants to spend all their money and energy on making cute wiafus and having a minimilist world to fight in, as long as the perfromance is there and combat is fun. In its current incarnation, combat needs a few more tweeks.
The Story
The story is light-hearted, but a bit too cutesy for my taste. I love games with silly stories, Disgae 7 is one of my favorites, but the dialogue in this game can get a little cringey. Some of this may be translation issues, others may be fan service, but it does get a little awkward. If you’re the type of person who likes watching cute girls doing cute things, then the writing shouldn’t be a problem. It isn’t the worst story I’ve ever played through, but it isn’t the reason I am playing this game.
Conclusion
Nezori is an okay action RPG with a few promising elements. I am definately willing to give it a second chance, but it is kind of hard to recomend when you have something like Star Overdrive on the market. But if you like the art and need something to tide you over til the next Ys game, sure. Check out the Nezori demo on Steam and don’t forget to wishlist.
I was sent a free copy of Bye Sweet Caroleto 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.
Bye Sweet Carol is a hand drawn narrative-horror puzzle game that takes players down a long and twisted mystery. It blends fantasy and reality with its Disney inspired art styles to tell a dark and compelling narrative.
The Story
Lana Benton lives in Bunny Hall with a group of other girls as the suffrage movement folds around them in 20th century England. Once a prominent institution where girls learned to be the “ideal” woman, now crumbles and rots with age. Lana and the girls feel the pressure of the oppressive traditions crumbling around them and do their best to get by.
The only light Lana has in her cold and dark life at Bunny Hall is her friendship with Carol. All seems good until the day Carol disappears. Lana suddenly finds herself being torn between two worlds, hers and Corolla, as she tries to find out the truth behind Carol’s disappearance.
Both worlds are full of danger. Although Lana has help, her path won’t be easy. Fight against the encroaching darkness, follow all the clues, and uncover the truth. What really happened to Carol?
Gameplay
Players take control of Lana as they move through the world, looking for clues, and solving puzzles. The game is a 2D side stroller, with the occasional jump scare and quick time event for added tension. As the player progresses through the story, they begin to unlock powers and abilities thanks to their connection to the Kingdom of Corolla. For example, players will get the ability to turn into a rabbit to help them explore the world and solve puzzles. Players can also take control of their allies for additional support. After completing their laundry list of tasks and puzzles, players will be able to find out the truth. If you get stuck, Intoindiegames has a very good guide you can use.
Review
Bye Sweet Carole is one of my favorite games. I love its unique look and feel, and the narrative is fantastic. There are few games that keep it from being perfect, but I was able to overlook them through my playthough. I was fortunate enough to not hit one of the game breaking bugs.
The Art
The art is Bye Sweet Carol‘s biggest draw. I love the classic-style, hand drawn art and the Disney feel. It makes the perfect contrast to the game’s dark story. Behind the cute and wholesome art, is a dark story with a creepy tone that makes it the perfect game for the spooky season. I admire the dev’s ability to make a beautiful Disney-looking game that feels creepy.
The Horror
While I did not have to play this game with all the lights on, it made my heart race. The game has some good jump scares that had me off my seat. The music knows exactly when to change into something more intense to set the mood, and those monsters that chase you are terrifying. There are a good amount of quick time events to player engaged. As someone who is really bad at quick time events, these made the game intense. When the game worked, Bye Sweet Carol is a solid horror game.
Performance
The game runs fine on my Nvidia RTX 3060 and Ryzen 5 5600x. There are a few bugs, and some made the game a little harder, but nothing that was game breaking. At least not for me. I’ve read a few comments that said their game became unplayable, so your mileage may vary. When the story is as good as it is, I am overlook a few bugs to get to the end.
Story
The story is what kept me playing the game. It is a dark and twisted story with a fantastic hook and a great ending. The story does get a little political as it deals with women suffrage. The message is delivered well without being preachy, but don’t play this game if you’re just going to hate on women. To everyone else, this a cool thematic story that deals with loss, grief, and the empowerment of woman. I love the blend of fantasy as a way to hyperbolize and personify the emotions and situations Lana struggles with. Lana’s grief is so powerful that it causes her to dissociate into the fantasy world of Corolla. The blending of the two worlds is very well done, and builds this powerful narrative of grief.
The Puzzles
Most of the puzzles in this game are fine. They are straight forward, creative, and work to tell the stories. Some of the puzzles felt like chore, like having to walk across a map to grab something you forgot because the game isn’t always clear. You are meant to find everything through clever exploration, but there are elements that don’t show up properly and can be easily missed. You might need look up a few solutions, and do a bit of trouble shooting. I never had to restart the game, but I did have to take a few breaks.
Gameplay Loop
The game itself does feel a little bland. There is a lot of walking, and the NPCs aren’t coded very well. NPCs are either godlike and impossible to defeat, or they are dumb. Bugs in this game makes some of the chase sequences annoying. Sometimes, NPCs would pull me out of hiding even when I had done everything right. Other times, I could just trick the NPCs so easily it was like they didn’t exist. Then there are times when I got caught because the input didn’t register. These issues get more apparent the deeper you get into the game. Since the focus is on the art and the story, I guess I can’t expect too much from the game. Just think of Bye Sweet Carole as interactive fiction you have to work extra to unlock.
Conclusion
Despite the game’s flaws, I still loved Bye Sweet Carole. The game has its unique and interesting flare that tells a very important story. It has a cast of fantastic voice actors and beautifully illustrated cut scenes to tell its well written story. If you want to play a cool looking game with a powerful message and can overlook a few bugs in your walking simulator, go pick up Bye Sweet Caroleon Steam.
I was sent a free copy of Formula Legends 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.
Formula Legends is an arcade-style Formula one racing game out now on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC via Steam, Epic Games, and GoG.
Formula Legends plays playful homage to 60 years of Formula 1 by bringing the action to your fingertips. Experience 16 iconic cars through 14 evolving circuits in a series of unforgettable races. Master control of your car through any weather, across any track, and around every opponent. Do you have what it takes to be a racing legend?
Gameplay
Formula Legends has players race through a campaign races based on different periods of formula one history. Players will need to win races to unlock the games different cars and tracks.
Races
Each race is themed after a period in Formula One history, with historically accurate cars to race them. Each car has its unique quirks to overcome, and the game does a good job and making each period feel different. The game does have an adjustable difficulty for players who need need the adjustment. The track is also marked by the dark tire trails to help players see the ideal path to victory. What makes the game unique is the pitstop mechanic.
Pitstop and Resources
Despite the cartoonish feel of the game, Formula Legends has a very realistic resource and pitstop mechanic to add depth to the racing. As players make their way across the track, they will use up fuel and their tires will wear out. Players will eventually need make a pitstop where there is a quickaction mini-game to complete. Completing the game correctly the first time saves time on a players run. This means that not only do players need to maneuver quickly and efficiently around the course, they will also need to know when to make their pitstop if they want to win.
Review
Formula One is a cute little racing game with a lot of heart, but one that lacks the performance to earn my recommendation. Unless you are a hardcore racing fan who wants to see more games likes this get made, I would wait for a sale.
The Artstyle
The aststyle is what drew me to the game originally. I like the low-poly, whimsical take on the genre. The cars and the people are very cute. The world is a little simple, but there is enough detail to make each track feel different and full. After sitting with the game for a bit, that whimsy lost its appeal as I slowly realized that the game isn’t ready.
Performance
The game performs poorly on my Nvidia RTX 3060, running the default settings. The cars in this game have the worst control I’ve felt in any driving game. There was an update after I got the key that was meant to fix the performance issue, but I didn’t notice a difference. Some of the issue may be a skill issue, but a lot of the issue is with the game design. Not only do these cars feel like they are driving on ice, but hitting anything will stop the car in its tracks. To make matters worse, the AI seems to be coded to ram into you constantly. This made racing, even on the easiest difficulty, frustrating.
Difficulty
I am bad at racing games so take this with a grain of salt. This game is hard, but not because of the skillful AI that rips down the track with masterful precision. No, this game is hard because everything rams into you, or the car would randomly turn off the track. Playing on easy did not fix any of these issues. As someone who only plays racing games casually, this was incredibly hard to sit through. I like to start on easy and slowly make my way through the difficulties until I am at a comfortable medium, but the game doesn’t give me the option. This game might be fun for the veterans of the genre who understand the math behind every turn, but Formula Legends’ forced difficulty is going to lose its casual players. I am not asking for the game to be easy, I am just asking for it to be playable.
Conclusion
In its current state, I can’t recomend Formula Legends, even if you’re a fan of Formula One. I like a lot of the ideas that exist within the game like the adorable art and the pitstop/resource system, but the game clearly needs more work. With a few more performance updates, maybe it will be worth your time and hard earned money. It’s not the worst racing game, but there is no real reason to buy this over Rally Arcade Classics if you enjoy arcade racers, or my personal favorite Inertial Driftif you want something a little crazier.
I was asked to cover Rose Academy, and review the demo. I understand the game isn’t finished, and will be a bit more lenient with my criticism. That said, this will be my honest impressions.
Rose Academy is a murder mystery visual novel coming to Steam on March 26. There is a demo available on Steam and Itch. Make sure you check out the demo, and don’t forget to wishlist.
The hook
An old girlfriend calls out of the blue, ripping you from your sleep. You remember her fondly, and wonder how she’s been all these years. She needs your help, and as a seasoned detective, you ablidge. Curiousity has you chasing a memory you had thought you’d forgotten to the gates of an elite girl’s school. Before you can savor this sweet reunion, you learn about the dark truth that brought you there. A girl was found hanging in the pool changing room. While most suspect suicide, clues point to something much more sinister. Explore the school, ask your questions, and collect your clues. Can you piece it all together before it is too late?
The Demo
The game is visual novel explores dark and a few adult themes. While the game isn’t explicit, there are reference to alcohol, sex, and a few other triggering themes. This is your trigger warning.
The final version of the novel will feature about six to eight hours of game play, but the demo only includes about the first hour (depending on how fast you read). The demo introduces a few key characters and the setting they get to explore. Players also begin their investigation and collecting their initial bits of clues. There are a few important choices players need to make, but their impact to the narrative is left unknown. This is a game where choices matter. Make sure you choose carefully.
The Writing
The writing in Rose Academy is fine. There are few errors and some awkward translations, but nothing that made the story unreadable. There are a few holes and some plot points that feel a bit too convenient, but nothing that detract from the mystery. The setup for the mystery feels well paced, and introduces enough elements to spark a bit of intrigue. My issue is not with the story itself, but with some of the roughness that carries throughout. There are bits of weird dialogue and other sections that try too hard to be deep, but nothing that made me stop reading. If the writing were bad and the story boring, this review would be a lot angrier, if it happened at all.
The Story
The demo does a good job at setting up the mystery. I think I know who did it, but I can’t be confident. There is enough mystery behind the paywall to know for sure, and that’s frustratingly fantastic. The characters are a little sloppy, but they all manage to be unique and memorable. I’ll still be keeping notes, but I spent a lot of time getting invested in the interrogations. While the story does have its awkwardness, I still finished the demo mad that I don’t get to know what really happened. I really don’t want to wait till March to find out.
The art
The art is what I found most problematic. The style is a little awkward, and it leans a little too much into the fan service. While none of it is porn, there are a few panty shots that made me uncomfortable. Most of the story is pretty tame, but it is something to consider. Viewer discretion is advised.
The backgrounds are another problem. They feel a little generic and soulless. They work well enough as a visual aid, but they do little for the world building. Since the focus should be mystery and the characters involved, I am willing to let this go.
Final Thoughts
Rose Academy is a bit of an awkward, but it is at least worth reading through the demo. With its many faults, I still found myself lost in the mystery and wanting to know more. I have so many questions and am mad that I have to wait till March for the answers. Until then, I’ll be here with the game in my wishlist, waiting for the truth. I think you will too.
‘If you’re looking for a new visual novel and don’t mind a little cringe with your detective stories, go check out the demo on Steam or Itch. If you need a visual novel to tide you over while you wait for the official release, check out No Type-NOISE:Shonen Shojo.
