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video game reviews

Discover Talaka: A Roguelike Inspired by Brazilian Folklore

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Disclaimer

I was sent the Talaka demo to review for my blog. I understand the game is not finished yet and will be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, this will be my honest review of the game.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Talaka?

Talaka is a dynamic action roguelike based on Brazilian folklore coming soon to a PC near you. The game features beautiful hand-drawn art and the ability to cater your gameplay to your skill level. Most importantly, there is a demo available that should be in your library. Don’t forget to wishlist!

Hook

Your Grandmother has gone missing, and it is up to you to find her. Your search sends you the mysterious and magical land of the Orishas, creatures of folklore. Orishas find themselves slowly fading from memory. As a result, many of them have gone rogue, causing chaos and destruction. Luckily, you have been blessed by the gods and with one of the over 150 weapons to fight them off. Build your character with unique skills and abilities (some RNG based and others you buy along the way) and travel through this new surreal landscape. This won’t be an easy task. Platforms will test your patience, bosses will test your skills, and you die a lot in between. Do you have what it takes to get your grandmother back?

Gameplay

Talaka is an action-packed action platformer that should familiar to the fans of the genre. In typical roguelike fashion, all adventures start at a central hub. This is where the player can important permanent skills and abilities that will help them achieve a longer run, and one step closer to getting grandma. During a run, players will choose from one of two unique weapons. The game will have over 150 weapons to choose from, and it offers you a chance to test out the weapons before you officially start the run. The demo allows players to give feedback on each weapon they use, so make sure you share your thoughts to make the game even better than it already is.

Once a weapon is chosen, players will get to choose a room where they can earn important buffs. In typical rogulike fashion, players get to build their character in a way that fits their playstyle, so long as the RNG is in their favor. The demo doesn’t have all skills and abilities available yet, so the RNG is a little more limiting. That said, no two runs will ever be the same.

Combat in this game is your typical hack and slash. Players get a strike they can combo, a dodge they can use, and a powerful parry skill they can customize. The parry skill recharges over time through combat. Players will need to learn and memorize each creature’s attack patterns, and use their skillset to overcome them. What makes combat dynamic is that every weapon offers a new type of hit pattern that players also need to master. For example, Pele’s ball shoots at an arch, and the player must learn to take advantage of the arch to deal effective damage.

Impressions

On my initial boot of the game, I was blown away by how beautiful the game looks. The game has beautiful art and animation inspired by a rich culture. The Talaka demo may be limited, but it offers a solid roguelike within a vibrant dreamlike world. It has the performance you need from a fast-paced, action-packed game with the gameplay that will have you obsessing until the demo’s completion. I know I am ready for more, but unfortunately we have to wait for a full release. If you are a fan of the genre or want to experience a beautiful world, check out the Takala demo.

Aesthetic

It was the artstyle that first drew my to Talaka. I am here to tell you that the demo does not do this game justice. This game has such a beautiful and vibrant world that I had to stop to admire every detail. Each character is iconic, not just for its importance in the folklore, but because of how beautifully they are represented on the screen. The creatures that fill the world are terrifying, but fill build this unique and surreal world. The animations are exciting, and it makes it look like a painting that has come to life. I would urge you to check out the demo just to appreciate the game’s art.

Gameplay

The gameplay is fine if you enjoy action roguelikes. The game is marketed as having Dead Cells-like combat, and I have to agree. Combat is pretty tight, and without any noticeable bugs. The game features a wide selection of weapons, but there are some weapons that are better than others. I like how imaginative some of these weapons are, but not all of them worked with my playstyle. There were runs that were absolutely ruined by the RNG, but this might be a skill issue. Luckily, the game let you vote on the weapons as you use them, so make sure you play the demo to help make the full game even better.

The RNG for the roguelike portion of the game seemed pretty fair, but the choices were limited. A lot of the time, there wasn’t really a choice because the skill wasn’t available for the demo. This is only an issue for min-maxing, but there isn’t enough content for that to be worth it. There was enough customization available to make an impact, and that is what matters for the demo.

I like that the game allows players to build around the RNG. At death, players can adjust the difficulty of a run with a slider for a custom experience. You can either choose to enjoy the lore and story as you fight your way with an easy difficulty, or you can go all out and test your skill as the action roguelike master you are. At the hub, players can purchase permanent buffs that builds your character for a more tuned experience. The game also charges players for each reattempt if they have any currency remaining. This incentivizes players to always spend their points, and it is too early to tell if this is a good thing.

Ultimately, I appreciated the challenge and found the repetition soothing. While I may not vibe with each weapon, I found the overall gameplay enjoyable.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a new action roguelike, Takala does some interesting things that are worth looking into. The game features interesting lore and a beautifully drawn world. The gameplay leans a bit too heavy on the RNG, but it helps with the repetition. There is a grind, but there is lore and story to help dull some it. It did not feel too bad in the demo, especially since you can adjust the difficulty. To be fair, if you’re playing a roguelike, you should be expecting some type of repetition. The best part about the demo is that you can submit feedback to the devs. This is your chance to influence a game that is already in a solid place be even better. Make sure you check out the demo, and don’t forget to wishlist!

If you’re still looking for a new action roguelike, check out Nocturnal.

Trailer

video game reviews

Explore Dinghai: The Ocean Pillar Demo Review

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Disclaimer

I was sent the Dinghai: The Ocean Pillar demo to review for my blog. I understand the game isn’t done yet, so I will be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, this will still be my honest review.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Dinghai: The Ocean Pillar

Dinghai: The Ocean Pillar is a beautiful action rpg-roguelike coming soon to Steam. There is a demo available you should try. Don’t forget to add this to your wishlist!

Hook

The Abyssal Dragon was once a legendary general who served in Emperor Yan’s army. The Abyssal Dragon was stripped of his title, exiled, and ultimately killed in battle. But his soul remained, waiting for the opportunity to come back. For centuries, his soul lay waiting. One day, Yi happens near this soul. Unfortunately, he is overpowered by a powerful beast that leaves him dying on the road. Fortunately for Yi, the Abyssal Dragon’s soul merges with the dying yi, merging them into something new. The Abyssal Dragon once again walks the mortal world, and he carries with him a centuries old grudge.

Use your powers to travel through the world of the Classic of Mounts and Seas to fight off powerful monsters, earn useful upgrades, and master your combos. Will the Abyssal Dragon finish his business, or will this be the game you never finish?

Gameplay

Dinghai plays like your typical ARPG like Diablo or Lost Epoc, but with roguelike mechanics and a rich lore to set it apart in the genre. The Abissal Dragon carries a bow and sword that he can chain combos with. Well timed dodges and parries help you stay alive, as well as the limited healing items players pick up along the way. What makes the game unique is the roguelike randomness that makes up most of the grind.

The journey always starts in a hub, where players can buy permanent upgrades before initiating a run. During a run, players can chose from a random selection of nodes to explore. These nodes offer players buffs, money, health, and useful items. Players earn by clearing the node which often means killing all enemies, but you can also end up at the shop. This all builds up to a boss fight that you might die a lot to (unless you’re good at games). The game has that soothing repetitive grind as you get stronger and better with each consecutive run.

Impressions

Dinghai: The Ocean Pillar is one of the most beautiful games I’ve played in a while. I am blown away by how much effort was put into making such a wonderful fantasy, and you should check out the demo to appreciate it as well. The gameplay for the most part is solid. Everything runs very smooth, but it did make my room very hot. Make sure you are well ventilated. Personally, I can’t wait for the full game because of how much I enjoyed the story and how epic the combat feels.

Aesthetic

I wasn’t ready for how beautiful this game is. There were moments in this game where I had to stop playing just to marvel at how beautiful its world is. I have always preferred the minimalist approach to games whether it is pixel art or hand drawn. Two of my favorite ARPGs are Realm of Ink and Lunarium. These games are fun with some of the most beautifully drawn worlds worth exploring. Dinghai made me realize that games can be beautiful with the right amount of textures. The lighting, the background, the creature design, and the explosive animations all come together to create this mystical world I couldn’t look away from. I don’t know anything about the lore that went into this game, but here I am, trying to research more because of how vibrant the developers made it all come together.

Gameplay

Dinghai just feels right. There were a few bugs (nothing gamebreaking) and it did get a little repetitive, but the demo left me wanting more. Combat in this game feels epic. The flashy animations, the cohesive combo system, and the unique enemy mechanics kept me at the edge of my seat. I may not be breaking any speedrun records, but I had an absolute blast trying to get through this demo. So far, the RNG feels fair and the abilities you get feel useful. I’ve played Aweful game like Foglands where it felt solvable because half the abilities didn’t do anything (also the game didn’t work). Here, my choices (even the wrong ones) felt like it had an impact. Sure I struggled through that epic boss fight, but it is a fight that felt good to finally complete. I will need to see more of this game, but for now, go check out the demo!

Conclusion

I know the game isn’t out yet, but I’ve played demos where the game was never ready. The Dinghai demo may have a few bugs, but none of them were game breaking. The demo is in a place where it will leave you wanting more. If you are looking for a game that looks good, has some fantastic fantasy, and some epic combat, you might want to check out Dinghai: The Ocean Pillar. The game isn’t out yet, so I’ll have to save my final judgement for the full release, but I am honestly ready for what comes next. Until then, check out the demo on Steam and don’t forget to Wishlist!

Trailer

Tech Reviews

Epomaker Nex Lite Mouse Review: Affordable Gaming Upgrade

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Disclaimer

Epomaker sent me the Nex Lite mouse 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. Check out my review for the Epomaker Carbonis mouse and the TH80 keyboard. I’ll also be using my Amazon Affiliate link where possible. It really helps me out if you click it before you buy anything.

Table of Contents

What’s in the box?

  • Next Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse
  • Magnetic Charging Dock
  • USB-C to USB-A Braided cable
  • User Manual
  • Slider Sheet
  • Grip Tape

Unboxing

Features

Epomaker just released its affordable, lightweight mouse that has everything you need to get you gaming comfortably. From its sleek ergonomic design to its long lasting battery, the Epomaker Nex Lite is ready to upgrade your setup at a very reasonable price.

Design

The Nex Lite is has been designed for both style and comfort. The mouse is available in four colors: black, blue, pink, and white. I got it in Pink because I get everything in pink and have no regrets.

This is a modern looking mouse with a screen that gives readers information like the current poling rate, the connection type, and the battery level. The included charging port displays the same information. Its ergonomic design is the perfect fit for medium and large hands. As someone with big hands, I have never felt more comfortable. As a nice little bonus, you get the full gaming power of RGB in both the mouse and the charging port. If you don’t want to maximize your gaming power, the RGB can be turned off for a more simplistic arrangement.

Performance

The Nex Lite is ready to bring up your dpf with its fast and seamless wireless connections. The stylish charging port doubles as a fast acting wireless dongle, but the mouse is ready for Bluetooth and wired connections when you need them the most. For those who want less wire clutter, the Next Lite boasts 50 hours of continues use on a single charge. That means you don’t have to worry about reconnecting mid team fight! With the adjustable polling rate at a press of a button, Epomaker has truly made a mouse that is ready for everything.

Review

I did not know what to expect from Epomaker’s $35.99 wireless mouse. The Carbonis had set such a high bar, and I braced myself for disappointment. I wasn’t ready for a smooth, textureless mouse. Luckily, the Nex Lite understood the assignment and exceeded my expectations. This affordable little mouse not only gets the job done right, it looks cool (which is arguably more important).

Quality

Everything on the Nex Lite is clean out of the box. It is well machined with no noticeable imperfections, and the light weight design doesn’t feel cheap. All of the buttons work and give off that satisfying click ASMR my body craves. The scroll wheel feels fantastic to the touch with a very smooth and accessible glide. Most importantly, the screen is clear and legible.

Aesthetic

This is a very classic looking mouse, but with a tangible ergonomic feel. I am a huge fan of the shape because of how modern it looks, but it is also comfortable enough for these tired old hands. The screen makes it look modern, but I hardly ever look down at at it. I still haven’t quite figured out how to turn on the screen to check the battery, but I guess its a good thing the dock has it as well.

The RGB on the mouse does seem unnecessary. It looks very cool when its on the table, but I don’t notice it when I’m using it. I couldn’t figure out how to turn it off, so I guess my desk is a rave now. The RBG on dock is very unnecessary. It is a bit distracting, but I do like that it lets you know when the mouse is fully charged. You can turn off the RGB on the dock with the touch pad, but it doesn’t work consistently. I just leave it off for now.

Comfort

The mouse is surprisingly comfortable. Cheap mice always tend to destroy my hands and render them useless after an hour of use. I can work all day and game the hours in between without any issue. While the mouse does look simple, it feels like it has been molded for my hand specifically. I wouldn’t get this as an ergonomic solution if you struggle with a repetitive stress injury, but you lucky folk out there were young healthy hands will love how the Nex feels.

Performance

I was able to do a few raids and even did some of my most repetitive data entry work with the Epomaker Nex and have no complaints. The adjustable DPI made it easy to switch between work flows, and the long lasting battery give me about the boasted 50 hours of uninterrupted work. Not that you are ever in danger of losing power because you always know how much battery you have left.

I did not notice any dip in performance during my testing. Everything seems responsive enough for my casual level of gaming, and the mouse switches between connections seamlessly. Overall, the Epomaker Nex is great value for the price.

Gimmicks

I will be honest, I don’t think the screens on the mouse of charging port are necessary. I rarely ever looked at either of the screens, and the mouse was always charged because I would leave on the dock. I absolutely love the charging dock. Not only does it make keeping my mouse charge convenient and stylish, it acts as a dongle. I am always struggling to find enough charging ports, and I am happy I can free up one to keep using my Epomake Nex.

The Nex also includes grip tape with design on it. I never installed it because it looks ugly. I’ve used it with the Epomaker Click Lite and didn’t think it added enough utility to merit the install so they went into the trash. I do prefer the Carbonis mouse for its textured finish, but I didn’t really feel the need even with my sweaty hands.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a cheap mouse, Epomaker made a hitter with the Nex Lite. The mouse is the perfect shape, weight, and it performs when you need it. If you don’t want to break the bank, or just need something for the next LAN party that you don’t mind losing (you will after using it), then pick up the Epomake Nex Lite. You can pick it up on the official Epomaker store, or through Amazon using my affiliate link!

video game reviews

The Red Cathedral: Your Next Favorite Digital Board Game

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Disclaimer

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

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is The Red Cathedral

The critically acclaimed Euro game, The Red Cathedral, is coming to PC and mobile devices. The game launches in the fall, but you can try it now for free until September 6, 2026. Don’t forget to wishlist!

Hook

Tsar Ivan the Terrible has hired teams of builders to build a monument to his greatness. You command one of these teams and do your best to stand out and gain the Tsar’s favor. Gather resources, build segments of the Red Cathedral, and make sure you get enough decorations. The person with the most points by the end of construction wins.

Gameplay

The game is pretty strait forward, with automations for every action. Players take turns performing actions. They can gather resources, build pieces of the cathedral, or decorate. Players continue taking turns until construction is completed. The game offers local, couch co-op for those of you who have the friends to do it, but you can also play online. If you don’t want to deal with the chunkiness of Tabletop Simulator, this is the truest form of playing the game outside of buying the actual board game.

Review

I love playing board games, but the problem is I don’t have friends to play them with. I have a closet full of games that I’ve been storing for when my daughter is old enough to play, but she’ll probably be into sports. I do dabble with Tabletop Simulator when I can make time with my online friends, but that clunkiness is getting hard to justify.

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love TTS! This game has let me try out so many card games and board games that I have neither the space or money for. Its a great program that continues to be a staple on any gamers collection. That said, sometimes I come home tired from a long day and want to play something that works. The Red Cathedrial is a great port of a solid board game that I recommend you get if you enjoy Euro games. I like that everything is automated, and the game has a nice little tutorial to get you started.

Why buy digital?

The issue I have with board games is that they take up space that I really don’t have. I love seeing a shelve full of pretty boxes and books, but I’ve run out of space. I’ve done culling and condensing, but my wife says its still a problem. Digital games sit on your device. You don’t have to worry about cleaning up or setting up, and everything is automated. Nothing beats moving the real pieces around an actual board, but if you’re a fan of The Red Cathedral, you already own it.

I like that the game has local co-op, and it works very nicely, but I think the main use for this game is to play online. As I grow older, it gets harder to get together with my friends. I probably won’t pull this out at the next game night (not that I have the friends for a game night), but I will boot this up and host one online. Playing this over Discord with a couple of beers sounds like a good enough reason to buy this game.

Conclusion

Honestly, if you are looking for a board game to play with your friends online, this game is fine. There is a good amount of strategy involved to make things competitive, it is simple enough for people to pick up quickly (especially if they go through the tutorial, and there is couch co-op for those with the friends to do it. You can also play against the AI, and I felt like the AI was pretty fair. I am not good at this game, but it at least seemed like I always had a chance to win. If you need another avenue to play The Red Cathedral, or just want the board game without needing to figure out storage space, this is a fantastic port coming soon. Make sure you check out the demo before its gone (September 6) and don’t forget to wishlist!

Trailer

video game reviews

Fine Work: Act I Review – A Unique Rhythm Adventure

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Fine Work: Act I 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.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Fine Work: Act I

Fine Work is a beautiful and unique game that combines an imaginative world and all the cozy vibes to create a story you will never forget. Players get to enjoy the breath taking visuals while they weave dreams in a relaxing rhythm game. Fine work is out now on Steam, with a free demo you can try at your discretion.

Hook

You are a shaper, a person who can weave sendshapes: artifacts made from someone’s memories. You have opened your new shop, and already the clients that walk through your door bring with them stories you will never forget. Sit down with your clients, listen to their tales, and weave the sendshapes of their dreams. This is a game where your choices matter, so make sure you choose wisely (or according to your personality). Each play through promises to be different. Can you collect all the endings?

Gameplay

There are two parts to Fine Work: the story and the rhythm game. The story is a creative piece of fantasy that creates its own dialect. I appreciate that there is a glossary to define the vernacular that is easily accessible. There is no voice acting, so expect to read a lot. Along the way, the game will offer dialogue choices that affect the course of the game. Players can chose a personality trait at the beginning of the game, like being insightful. Occasionally, the game will offer the player suggestions on what choice to make based on this trait. These choices do affect the outcome of each encounter, and the game’s ending. This gives the game a good amount of replay ability.

After an interview with a client, players get to play a rhythm game where they weave together the sendshape. The game works like most rhythm games, but I would argue that this is a more relaxed entry to the genre. The game is hard if you are like me and don’t have rhythm, but a lot more manageable at the same time. If you don’t want to sit through the story, you can chose to only play through the songs from the start menu.

Review

Fine Work: Act 1 isn’t a bad game. The game has an imaginative world that is unique and deep. The story is just as imaginative, and I appreciate how it plays with language. The gameplay is solid, with the cozy vibes that you might need after a stressful day of work. The only real problem I have with this game is that I don’t think I’m the target audience. While the story and gameplay are solid, the game never really clicked for me. I think if you like this quirky style of fantasy and appreciate the pretty explosion of art, the game is worth a playthrough. Otherwise, you might want to wait for a sale. Let me explain

Aesthetics

There is no denying that Fine Work has some fantastic art. I must commend the artist for creating such a surreal and alien world that is both vibrant and mysterious. I was first drawn to the game by how beautiful all of the imagery, and I was continually amazed by how inventive the world got with each page. When it came to the rhythm game, I enjoyed the minimistic start of each song that quickly turned into a vibrant explosion of the different dreams. The artists did fine work in creating a game that looks and feels like a dream, and catered the music to elevate the experience. Not that I was able to focus much on the visuals when I was trying desperately to keep time.

Gameplay

As far as rhythm games go, the game is fine. I do appreciate the more casual and relaxing approach to the genre, while still offering a challenge with its different mechanics. I don’t have any rhythm and found it challenging enough, but not frustrating like I do with other games in the genre. I also appreciate that I can just play the rhythm game without having to sit through the dialogue. Sometimes I just want to sit back and weave some artifacts. The real problem I have with this game is that I rather be playing Aaero2. The rhythm mechanics are more engaging, and the music is better. Fine Work isn’t a bad rhythm game, but it really depends on what mood your in when you’re booting up your rhythm game. Do you want to chill and watch something pretty? Or do you want mash buttons and get high scores?

Story

The story is where the game kind of loses me. I might just be getting old. Don’t get me wrong, the story is fine. The game has fun and memorable characters and a creative world, but it takes too long to get its traction. This might be my adhd talking, but by the time things started to get rolling I was already checked out. This isn’t a fault with the story. The pacing is fine. My issue is that the quirks that give this game all of its charm didn’t vibe with me. I think Fine Work is worth exploring if you like quirky fiction based on that mirrors the modern trends.

I also find it hard to like this game when Afterlove EP has a better slice of life story, and Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is more imaginative.

Conclusion

Honestly, as much as I don’t want to admit it, I think I am too old for this one. The reason I didn’t like the game is because it just isn’t for me. That doesn’t make it a bad game. Feelings aside, Fine Work: Act I does a few interesting things that I commend the devs for. I respect the successful attempt at creating a unique and deep world. I also appreciate how they weave their narrative. Blending both the visual novel and the rhythm game is masterfully done, and worth at least trying the demo. If you are the target audience and think the story is interesting, you will love this game. If not, you probably won’t finish it. I urge you to check out the demo and do a proper vibe check before spending any money.

Trailer

Tech Reviews

Unboxing Redragon’s Anime Headset: Zeus H510

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Disclaimer

Redragon sent me the Zeus H510 Customizable Anime Edition Headset 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 Artemis K719 pro anime keyboard and Aatrox M811 Pro Wireless Mouse. You can also use my Amazon Affiliate link before you buying anything. It really helps me out if you do.

Table of Contents

What’s in the box?

  • Redragon Zues SP h510 Anime Edition
  • 2 sets of Anime hell replacements
  • User Manual

Unboxing

Features

Anime lovers will love the freshest pair of headphones coming from our friends over at Redragon. The sleek clean design can go from work casual to waifu formal with a simple plate swap. But these headphones are not just a meer gimick to pull in anime fans. The H510s are backed by the high quality engineering that Redragon has been flooding the market with. If you are looking for a fresh new pair of headphones and don’t mind a bit of cute waifu action, you might want to pick up a pair of the Redragon Zeus H510s.

Aesthetic

Redragon has productively spent its time crafting towards the gaming aesthetic, and the H510s are proof. The headphones have that Esport flare you know you want for your next stream. The interchangeable faceplates make it perfect for those indecisive folks who like to change up their look, but its also nice to switch to the normal plates when I need to take them into the office. Most importantly, you can’t have gaming peripherals without that RGB. The Zues H510s have soft RGB that shines around the edges of the plates to give your waifu a little added flare. And for those of you who don’t want the lightshow, it can be easily turned off with the press of a button.

Controller

The Zues H510 comes with a controller on the high-quality and sturdy braided cable. The controller allows gamers to adjust the volume, mute the mic, and control (turn off) the rgb. Very handy for the gamer who doesn’t want to bother with keybinds.

Performance

Redragon promises clear, lossless audio with its 7.1 surround-sound for some precise and immersive gameplay. The 53mm drivers deliver a full range of sound for a fuller sound stage. The wired connection means you don’t have to worry about losing battery, or any loss in quality that comes from wireless. Most importantly, the noise cancellation mic is ready to deliver your crisp and clear voice the next time you team up with your friends. When you need a headset that works when you need it, you might want to reach for the Redragon Zeus H510.

Comfort

The Zeus H510 is more than just its anime gimmick and clear sound stage. Redragon promises a comfortable headset that is built to last. The headset features an adjustable headband so it fits even my giant head. The fabric memory foam on the ear pieces and headband not only give users that cozy comfortable hug you want for long gaming sessions, it wont start looking ugly like the fake leather other headphones use.

Mic Check

https://churapereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/redragonzuessp.mp3

Review

I was ready to discount the Zues H510 headset as a cheap trap for anime fans. I was thrown off by how light the headset was and it didn’t help that it was flexible. After using the headset for a couple weeks, I was surprised by how wrong I was. These headphones may not deliver the audiophile soundstage you think you crave, but they deliver a good enough sound to earn their daily driver status. The mic is surprisingly fantastic, and might be the only reason you should consider these headphones (aside from the cute anime girls). Most importantly, these are a very comfortable pair. If you are looking for a new pair of headphones, you should grab yourself a pair of the Zeus H510s in any edition (but the Anime edition is the best).

Quality

After the initial shock of how light these headphones were, the quality was pretty impressive. Everything is cleanly machined and the headset seem to be built with quality materials. The flex in the band is a little worrying, but I have a huge head and had no issues. The printing of the anime girls on the plates is beautiful! The images are clear, the colors are vibrant, and there there is a slight texture that feels so good to the touch. It doesn’t feel like these are rubbing off anytime soon.

Aesthetic

I got the Zues H510 in the anime edition because they match my Artemis K719. After using two very cool looking anime themed products, I think I can say that Redragon does right by its anime fans. The design is very modern, and they remind me of the headsets I see on esports. The RGB effect is very subtle, and I like that it goes around the anime plates instead of shinning through it. Its an effect I won’t ever notice, but its nice to think about when I am playing games.

Sound Quality

The sound isn’t audiophile level, but its good enough for normal use cases. Unless you’re paying for that tidal subscription for lossless audio, it doesn’t really matter what you use. I can tell the difference between these and something like the Kiwi Eclipse, but the difference isn’t enough to turn me off. The sound is full enough for most of my needs. There was enough base for my hiphop, there was enough surround sound for my asmr, and they are really good at blocking out a lot of the external noise. I know my wife hates these because I can never hear when she is calling for me.

The surround sound is pretty impressive. It isn’t complete immersion, but it isn’t a marketing gimick either. I remember jumping a few times because I could hear noises around me. Mostly, I really like how useful it is for my ASMR videos. If you are looking for an affordable headset with solid sound, the H510s are here for you.

The Mic

I saved the best for last because the mic is possibly the most important feature in a gaming headset. I was not ready at how clear and crisp the audio would be out of the box, but here I am impressed. It isn’t a studio mic, but it is a very good starting point for those of you trying to get into content creation but are on a budget. I am sure with a bit of editing and proper gates you can get very close to studio quality, but you honestly don’t really need to tinker too much. It has fantastic noise cancellation so it only picks up your beautiful voice, and it may even make it even more beautiful. I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful my voice is, and I have a very ugly one.

Conclusion

Honestly, if you like anime and want more anime gear to fill up your room, Redragon knocked it out of the park with the Zues H510s. This headset not only looks cool, it has the sound and quality you want in a gaming headset. I am currently testing another pair of headphones as we speak, but I will be coming back to my babies when that review is done. 10 out of 10, no complaints.

video game reviews

Discover Verde: The Cozy Village Builder You Need

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Disclaimer

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

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Verde?

Verde is a cozy village builder where you build a village of magical seed beings known as seedlets. The game is out now on Steam, with demo you need to try.

Hook

You are now a proud member of the magical gardening club. You have all year to build and grow a town of seedlets. Build and customize the many buildings that from cafes to flower shops to attract the many seedlets that will help grow your town. How big will your village be?

Verde doesn’t have a correct build path or an optimal strategy. Instead, the game encourages creativity and allows the players discover their city at their own pace. Don’t like your original design? Change it and do it better. If you want a village management game without the stress of actually playing one, boot up Verde and watch the cute little seedlets enjoy their new life.

Gameplay

Players can do a story mode or sandbox mode. The story is more of a flavored tutorial that takes players through the games mechanics while tying the actions to the gardening club. Sandbox mode lets players build at their own pace and enjoy the calm relaxing vibes of the Verde universe.

In some ways, Verde is your typical village management game. Players build structures to attract villagers who earn currency to buy more buildings. What makes the game unique is that you don’t have manage the villagers. Villagers live their life and will note their demands. It is the player’s job as the all powerful architect to deliver on these needs. The game lets players customize their buildings, and even reorganize their village with a few button presses. There is also incentive to decorate the town and make it look pretty. This is great for those who enjoy decorating for fun, bad for people like me without vision.

What makes the game so casual is that you can’t really brick a run. I’ve played a lot of village builders where you kind of need a guide to get far in the game or risk bricking the game. Games like Goblins of Elderstone are fine, but sometimes I don’t want to worry about ruining a run because I wasn’t playing optimally. If you want a game to sit back and relax to, this might be your game.

Review

I’ve played a good amount of village builders since starting this whole journey, and Verde is one of my favorites. I don’t like it as much as Steam World: Build or Wandering Village, but I do appreciate the cozy experience the game offers. As I get older, I find that I am developing a deeper appreciation for games that let me sit down and relax for a bit. Games where I don’t have to worry about winning, losing, or dying. With Verde I just got to enjoy a cute adorable world for a lot longer than I realized.

Aesthetic

What first drew me to Verde was the art. The game is incredibly cute with a fun and vibrant world you won’t be able to step away from. I love that you can customize each building so you aren’t bound by the same archetypes, I just wish I was more creative. The game offers lots of options to customize and create a unique city and sets the mood with a cozy music to keep you engaged, but in the least stressful way possible. If you fall in love with the game’s cutesy artstyle, you have to at least try the demo.

Gameplay

I was ready to use all my years of city planning in City Skylines to create the most efficient magical metropolis this game has ever seen, I was sort of relieved it wasn’t as realistic. The game does offer obstacles like spaces with water or cold to work around, but the game gives you free reign to do what you want. If I was more creative, my village wouldn’t look like the random collection of buildings I am too ashamed to share with anymore. That said, I really enjoy that I didn’t have to stress about properly planning my village so long as my seedlets were happy.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the strategy required in city planning. I play a lot of these games, and always without guides. I love figuring things out but always hate that all my effort is wasted when I get stuck. Either I build too fast, I don’t generate enough resources, or the freaking wolves eat my goblins. I will keep playing these games, even if they require the strategy, but there is something so perfect with a game that lets me build a village without stressing me out. I have enough stress in my life as it is.

All this is to say that Verde is fantastic for the gamer who doesn’t want to have a guide open or look up tutorials. It is a game where you can sit back and be creative, and that has a lot of value.

Conclusion

Verde is the cozy game you have been looking for. The game has a cute aesthetic with a very relaxing soundtrack to help you unwind. If you’ve ever wanted to design a city where the only limit is your imagination, Verde is your home. If you are looking for something harder and darker, maybe check out New Cycle.

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video game reviews

Discover the Dark Fantasy World of HellSlave II

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Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of HellSlave II: Judgement of the Archon 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 opinion.

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is HellSlave II?

HellSlave II is a dark fantasty, turn-based dungeon crawler out now for Steam with a demo for those who need a bit of extra convincing.

Hook

The world crumbles beneath the ongoing clash between six warring demon loads. The heavens tire of this endless war and send down the Archon of judgement, an unstoppable force that will destroy everything. But before everything can be destroyed, you have been given one final chance to save everything. Fight your way through the endless hordes of demons and gain the power you need to save the world. Can you do it time to avoid final judgement, or will it all end with you?

Game

You take up arms as one of the six classes: Unleash Hate, The Wild Tracker, Art of Combat, Nature’s Rage, Mind-Bending, and Black Death. Each class has unique abilities and skill trees that you build freely by leveling up. Throughout your delve, you will also pick up weapons or money to spend on upgrades at the blacksmith. What makes HellSlave unque is that it allows players to hold up to three build templates on a character. This means you can have different skill tree’s and equipment that you can swap between. This is great for the moment you get stuck on an enemy that negates your entire strategy.

Exploration

The game has a decent sized map with a good amount of exploration. Players start with a small area and slowly venture into areas with more powerful monsters. Each zone feels unique and flavorful enough to stand out against other games of the similar genre. Exploration can be sped up which is awesome because this game felt slow before this feature.

Combat

Players take turns casting spells or performing actions. Each action costs the traditional resources like rage or mana, but they also cost time. Time affects the initiative order. For example, casting a spell will cost 2 seconds, and you get to see the enemy move 2 seconds up. I appreciate this format change to the traditional turn-based mechanics because of how time as a resource affects the game. Now I have to think about how much time I want to take setting up before dealing my major damage. The game also gives players a lot of build potential with the hundreds of weapons of items and abilities tied to them. Items can have passive abilities that deal damage before combat even starts. This makes grinding the easier mobs a breeze, if you’ve got the right build.

Classes

The game gives players lots of freedom on how to approach the game with its six unique classes. There are two groups of classes: Warrior and Sorcerer.

Warrior:

  • Unleash Hate – This is basically the barbarian. Get mad and do big damage
  • The Wild Tracker – This is a rogue that does a lot of condition damage. Poisons, bleeds, and you slip into the shadows
  • Art of Combat – This is for those who like to tank but don’t want the pressure of actually tanking

Sorcerer:

  • Nature’s Rage – You are like the avatar, bending all elements to your whim to freeze, stun, and burn all of your enemies.
  • Mind-Bending – You use time to destroy your foes in one trippy combo after another
  • Black Death – You bring an incurable plague on your foes, poisoning and rotting them away

Review

I got to try out the HellSlave II demo, and liked it enough to try the full version. The game is a nice change of pace from the traditional turn-based formula with its chaotic combat sequencing, almost infinite build combinations, and unique artstyle. The game is still a little rough. There are a few bugs that are a little too noticeable, and make the strategy bits of this game not as smooth. That said, the devs seem to be hard at work, fixing a lot of the issues. If you want a new turn based and don’t mind the lack of polish, the game is worth the price.

Aesthetic

If you like games like the Darkest Dungeon, you will appreciate the unique dark artstyle of this world. I am a big fan of the comic book style for things like the enemies, characters, and some of the visuals. The world however, feels a little bland and empty. I get that the focus is on the combat and all the numbers and stats that go into that part of the game, but there isn’t anything memorable about the exploration. I didn’t really like exploration much because everything felt the same. Luckily they fixed it so exploration goes a little faster, but it still a little boring.

Story

The story is fine, and I enjoyed reading it. The quests are fine with enough flavor to make them feel worth it. My issue with the story is that you have to collect all of these extra bits of lore that are scattered throughout the world. These bits of lore are long and if you like reading and enjoy the world, you’ll get some use for them. If you don’t pick these up, you aren’t missing too much context from the main story, but you are missing out on the world building that gives the game its flavor. The flavor is fine, but I wasn’t going out of my way to collect them all.

Combat

Combat in this game is what I enjoyed most about this game. I had a notebook out to write down and keep track of all the stats, at least as passives go. The game does a good job at displaying the stats in a way that is easy to read, but not all of the passive abilities worked and I needed something to keep track. It is very easy to miss when the game isn’t working properly because of all of the flashy effects, but I caught a few items in my build that did absolutely nothing.

Another issue I have with this game is that there will be enemies that strait up counter your build. You can either grind until you’re overleveled and squeak by like I did, or you can be smart and walk around with multiple builds. I really like that the game allows for players to have multiple builds, I’m just stuburn and didn’t want to.

Overall, if you want combat that will leave you overstimulated with the ability to build whatever you want and still have fun, HellSlave II has what you need. The game may already be solvable, but I really enjoyed putting everything into poison damage.

Conclusion

Look this game isn’t perfect, but the devs are working on it. I enjoyed the grim dark aesthetic, and the overwhelming choices I had on how I should play the game. If you are looking for a new dungeon crawler that is unique, and don’t mind there being a few updates before it becomes perfect, go get your copy today.

You can pick up HellSlave II: Judgement of the Archon on Steam.

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video game reviews

Discover Lunarium: A Beautiful RPG Adventure

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Disclaimer

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

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Lunarium?

Lunarium is a beautiful top down, isometric action RPG that you can play now on Steam.

Hook

Lunarium is on the verge of the collapse. It crumbles under the weight of blood thirsty monsters. Two girls, Ave and Lune, set of on the perilous adventure to save it. Ave marches forth with her sword, and Lune stands behind her with her supportive magic. Their adventures will take them across strange and magical worlds full of mystery and danger. What will their adventure reveal? Can they find the power to save their dying world?

Gameplay

Lunarium is pretty strait forward. Ave has a three combo attack, she can parry, and she can doge. Lune can heal Ave or help with a powerful magic attack, but her abilities are on charges. Meaning you can only heal so many times before a rest, or recharge a charge through combat. These skills and abilities can be customized through a fairly expansive skill tree. While I was able to get through the game buying into skills I thought were fun, it does feel like there is a right answer. I am sure there is a guide out there if you look hard enough.

Combat in this game is straight forward. All attacks are telegraphed. Enemies turn red when you need to dodge, and the animation is easy to read for when you need to parry. Timing is everything in this game, and learning how to time your button presses means you can blow past even the toughest enemies. You can eventually brute force your way through most of the game, but it does reward players who take the time to master the timing.

Does it work on the Steam Deck

Lunarium technically runs on the steam deck, but it is a little clunky. It is playable, but I didn’t like it. It felt like a chore trying to get the timing right, and I went back to playing on my PC. There might be a future update that will optimize the gameplay or a workaround I am missing, but for now, I am not using the Steam deck. Even though I really want to. The cloud sync doesn’t work properly, and I lost all of my progress and had to start over. Luckily I didn’t lose much, but you’ve been warned.

Review

I was first drawn to Lunarium because it is a good looking game. When I played the game, I knew I found a new addiction. Lunarium is a fantastic action RPG with a solid story, but fantastic gameplay. It is a little clunky, but I am willing to look past the roughness because I had a lot of fun with the title.

Aesthetic

I love the world of Lunarium. The character design is fantastic, and I love how the main characters both look minimilistic and iconic. The monsters you fight are creative and flavorful. Most unimportant, the world of Lunarium is beatiful. Each zone is unique and full of fantastic fantasy that was so much fun to explore. I will say that some of the perfomance issues do distract from the overall beauty, but not enough to skip this title. There needs to be more eyeballs exploring this beautiful world.

Gameplay

I am not very good at these games, but I tried very hard to be for Lunarium. The gameplay does feel simple at first, but when it ramps, you really need to be paying attention. Nothing is more satisfying than absolutely destroying an enemy because you were able to time all your button presses perfectly. I could have certainly played more optimally, but I had a blast picking the abilities that I though were fun. Honestly, if you like action RPGs and don’t mind the roughness that come with lower budget titles like Lunarium, the game needs to be in your library. I had so much fun with this game, and I am very sad I have to move on…for now.

Conclusion

I can’t stress how much you need to play this game. It is such a unique title with a beautiful world to explore, memorable characters to play as, and some solid mechanics. The performance is a bit of an issue, especially in the beginning, but it the game is playable. I am sure with a bit more money, they can optimize it enough. My only real complaint is that I can’t play it on the Steam Deck. I would have loved to be chilling on the couch playing this game, but sitting at my desk was good too. Since that isn’t a real problem, do you yourself a favor and get Lunarium today!

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video game reviews

Dystopicon Review: A Unique Time Management Game

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Disclaimer

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

Shameless Self Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my reviews for the Epomaker QK108, the Redragon Antonium K745 Pro, and the adorable KiiBOOM Meow Pudding keycaps. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. The Huanuo Nitroglide dual monitor arm is also pretty cool.

Make sure you check out the free ways you can support me, like using my Amazon affiliate link before you buy anything. It really helps me out if you do. You can also always buy me coffee! Don’t forget to share this review with your friends!

Table of Contents

What is Dystopicon?

Dystopicon is a dark, political satire time management game where you watch TV to earn money to live. The game is out now on Steam, and there is a demo available to get you hooked.

Hook

You have been promoted to a second class citizen, and benefit from the perks that come with it. You get assigned a small apartment with a few luxuries you’ll need to pay for throughout your life here. Earn money by watching the different government approved programs, and use that money to make sure you are comfortable, fed, and an outstanding citizen. The more you prove yourself for to the nation, the more luxuries you get to enjoy. But there is something darker lurking in the shadows. This life is not as perfect as it may seem.

Will you do your part and be a good citizen, or will you let your curiosity take the better of you? You can always end it all early when you’ve had enough. This is your content warning.

Gameplay

Dystopicon is a unique take on the time management sim genre that has become popular in recent years. You sit in a room and try to manage the different meters. What makes the game unique is the narrative that builds around it, and how it forces players to make different choices to unlock the whole thing.

Watching TV

Players watch TV to earn money that they spend to use different amnesties, like buying food or turning on the heat. There are different channels a players can watch, and each channel earns money at a different rate. The TV can only be on for certain activities, and it becomes a game of flipping between the channels while you juggle the rest of your vitals. Each channel also has its drawback. The religion channel may earn you the most money, but it will bore you to death. The porn channel may keep you the most entertained, but you won’t be making any money. The way your prioritize each channel depends on the type of ending you want to get.

Vitals

There are four vitals you need to manage (five if you count money): health, hunger, comfort, and fun. Each meter slowly drains as you sit in your room, and certain activities manipulate their level. If you’re hungry, you eat. When you’re uncomfortable you turn on the heat. If you’re heath deteriorates take a shower. When you’re bored, watch porn. The more you play the game, the more you have to manage your vitals. How you go about it depends on the ending you want to get.

Your Apartment

Everything in this apartment costs money, from the shower to the sink and everything in between. As you play through the game, the game will distract you with different events. The police will come to ask you questions. There will be the occasional uprising outside your window. Your floor will become cluttered with your discarded food packages. You also have rats. Not only are you expected to watch TV to earn money, you have to be a good citizen and keep your apartment in working order. If you like management games, Dystopicon has a lot for you to manage.

Story

The story is what sets this game apart from other games in the genre. While other games have you build the best type of shop or some sort of village, this game asks you to optimize different activities to complete a story. The story is a solid piece of satire with some valid political commentary about a very scary yet possible future. It does not get preachy with its message, but it does get a little dark and one of the routes is suicide. There is a bit of drug use, so this is your second content warning.

Review

I didn’t know what to expect when I first received Dystopicon. I’ve a few management games before, and they are usually fun until the novelty wears off. I had to force myself away from Dystopicon because it was just too good. This game will make you forget time as you try click away at pixels trying to unlock more of the mystery. There is just so much going on, it is going to be hard to stick to only one playthrough. Check out the demo and see for yourself.

Aesthetic

The aesthetic isn’t anything too crazy. It looks like every other sim game that seems to be in vogue at the moment. However, the more you sit with this title, the more the art choice fits the tone of the game. The game is able to capture enough of the dark, dystopian tone without it becoming distracting. The cartoonish style makes some of the darker aspects of the game feel even more so.

Gameplay

The gameplay loop is addicting. The game starts slow, slowly adding new mechanics for the players to explore. There is a well paced ramp that slowly adds the chaos that makes a game like this as addicting as it is. What makes the game unique is how it doesn’t want you to optimize your actions to be the best at watching TV and falling in line, unless that is the type of ending you are working towards. Dystopicon is a game that lets players explore all choices in order to unlock the whole narrative. It is a unique take on the genre that I welcome, and a choice I really think pays off.

Narrative

I really like the dystopian satire that exists around this management sim. The more I got to explore, the more of the world I got to enjoy. I wouldn’t call it an award winning story, but it is a story that is relevant. Dystopicon is a story about choices, and how those choices affect how you fall in line within this society at the verge of something big. You will need to discover what that big thing is.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a management game and don’t feel like opening another store (not that there is anything wrong with those types of games), Dystopicon is exactly what you need. The game is simple with a neat story. The game does get a little dark, so you’ve been warned. All in all, I enjoyed it and I will be trying to collect a few more endings. You can pick up Dystopicon on Steam.

Trailer