I was sent a free copy of both Reus 2 expansions: Ice Age and Everglades. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out my review for the base game. If you enjoy my content, please share this with your friends and 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!
Reus 2is a unique village management game where you control the mighty titans and use their powers to terraform and fill the planet while a civilization thrives in response to your actions. The game is currently available on Steam, with a demo that you should definitely try. Make sure you check out the review for the base game. I will be combining my reviews for both expansions because it would feel too repetitive otherwise.
Ice Age Expansion
The Ice Age expansion brings frigid new elements into the world of Reus. This expansion brings the chilling new biome, Ice Age Tundra wich includes over 40 new biotica and the mighty Frost Giant (variation of Aegir) to summon them. This new biome also introduces the new archetypes evolve and extinct for those early level building.
Humanity also receive a couple new features this expansion. They get four new leaders to lead them into greatness:
The Painter – Wants to unlock as much as possible
The General – Gains bonuses to military
The Poet – Improves projects
The Villain – Thrives in a hateful world
There are also four new eras to play through for some added variety:
Hunter Age – Crops don’t grow easily in this weather so humans must hunt to survive.
Enlightenment – Minds brimming with ideas, embrace an age of invention!
Nuclear War – Create nuclear weapons and potentially blow up the entire planet.
Age of Discovery – A planet full of biomes and adventures, humans love to collect oddities.
Everglades
Reus 2’s latest expansion, Everglades, brings the wetlands biome to your planets. This beautiful biome combines both underwater and land areas for some interesting combination. The expansion introduces over 60 new biotica to mix like reptiles, amphibious biotica, and anything else you associate with the everglades. Everglades also introduces a new titan, Reginald the swamp giant.
Humanity gets three new leaders this expansion: the entomologist, the romantic, and the ranger.
The Entomologist specializes in science and Micros. His spirit power boosts Micro Havens. He’s not very impressed by mystery, though!
The Romantic likes biotica that have 2 or more base stats. Look at the game through a different lens!
The Ranger is all about having animals around – Biotica that do good with animals, do good with the ranger!
There are also three new eras to play through: secret conspiracy, bug age, and great nation.
Secret Conspiracy: Help reptilians take over the world with mystery and metals!
Bug Age: Spread the micro love, and bring gold and glory to the bug statue.
Great Nation: Try to create a nation that has 3 magnificent biomes to enjoy and marvel at!
Which ever expansion you end up choosing, you get a lot more content for a game that already has a lot for you to do.
Review
I love the base game Reus 2, and recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy little village builder that will have them thinking. I don’t think the expansions are necessary, but they are a great way to support the developer and they add some good variety. I did prefer the flavor and mechanics for the Evergrade expansion more if you can only choose one expansion, but I definitely feel like you get your money’s worth if you buy both with through the expansion.
Both expansions introduce ages with interesting win conditions, and allow players a good amount of options to get there. I love that none of the expansions take away from the chill vibe I’ve loved about the game so far, but do change up the strategies enough to give the game a bit more variety in both its aesthetic and gameplay loop.
Conclusion
I have a very casual approach to Reus 2. There are settings to make the game harder for those who like a little more effort in their campaigns, but as a filthy casual, this is one of my favorite games. Reus 2 has an interesting concept, and the base game alone has a ton of content to keep players busy. The expansions are a fantastic addition that only prolongue the game’s longevity. They introduce fun and flavorful variety to a game that is already a ton of fun to play, and I think that is reason enough to buy into it. Both expansions are worth playing, but if you can only buy one, I think Everglade is a little better. It really comes down to the flavor you want in your game. Do you want to manage a swamp or an ice age?
I was sent a free copy of Reus 2 to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. If you enjoy my content, please share this with your friends and 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!
Reus 2 is a unique village management game where you control the mighty titans of a world to help its inhabitants turn into a powerful civilization. The game is currently available on Steam, with a demo that you should definitely try.
Hook
Before man could walk, titans roamed the vast empty rock. Using their mastery over the elements, they will fill the world with the diverse ecosystems that will cause and fall of many civilizations. Everything from the mountains that line the horizon to the fish that fill the oceans must be strategically placed for a mighty civilization to flourish. Will your choices be the catalyst for the greatest group of man to fill the universe, or will they be stunted by your many wrong choices?
Gameplay Loop
Players will take control of three different titans. Each titan controls an aspect of the planet. The earth titan creates minerals and rises deserts, the grass titan creates plants and rises forests, and the water titan fills the oceans and creates animals. Space is limited on the planet, and players must decide how to spread each type of land, resource and tribe. Each tribe will spend time interacting with the environment players construct around them, and grow accordingly. Players will guide the people on their planet through the different ages.
While the game does look cute and simple, Reus 2 has a lot of nuanced mechanics that players will need to master in order to succeed. The game features a very helpful tutorial and an easy to access guide to help players. I recommend reading the guide often or looking up other helpful guides online. I went in blind, and while I had a lot of fun, I definitely bricked my runs.
Review
Reus 2 is a cozy feeling village builder with enough depth and difficulty to keep players engaged. With the recent free Keuger update and a couple of fresh expansions to freshen up the content, now is a fantastic time to pick up the title.
Aesthetic
I love the simple 2.5D artstyle. The game has a very cozy vibe, and simple effective animations that not only make the game run smooth, but give the game its charm. Reus 2 also has a fantastic sound track, and the soundscape is very immersive. I would recommend you check out the game for the art itself, but the gameplay is why you need to try this game at least once.
Gameplay
The game runs very smooth, especially on my Nvidia 3060. It may not be the best card on the market, but it gets the job done.
The gameplay loop itself is the perfect blend of relaxing idle game with enough difficult resource management to keep players engaged. The game can be difficult, especially if you aren’t paying attention or take the time to learn the mechanics. This is very smart game with flavorful mechanics to help it stand out against the rest of the genre. I usually go into village builders blind and learn by trial and error, but I hit a wall very fast because I was clearly not paying attention. Your millage my vary.
Does it work on the Steam Deck?
It does, but the font is a little small. Some people will not mind, but I am old and couldn’t read a lot of the text. It became more effort than it was worth, but it does work if you have good eyes. I prefer using a key board and mouse personally though, and having a big scream made the expience a lot more comfortable.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a new village builder, Reus 2 is an incredibly unique option that you shouldn’t sleep on. The game has a very cozy vibe, but offers enough of a challenge to keep you thinking. This game looks good, feels good, and is going to be hard to put down, especially when you get so close to the next age. I recommend you get this even as a first village builder because it is a fantastic example.
You can pick up Reus 2 on Steam, or check out the demo if you don’t believe me. I will be trying out the first expansion soon, so stay tuned for that review. If you’re looking for a fun and quirky village builder, check out SteamWorld, or Fabledom if you want a little fantasy.
I was sent a free copy of Onirism to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. If you enjoy my content, please share this with your friends and 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.
Onirism is a is an adorable action RPG out now on Steam.
Story
Bunbun has been stolen, and Carol will do anything in her power to get her stuffed rabbit back. Armed with the worlds most unique and powerful weapons, Carol will fight her way through endless waves of enemies to get her bunny back. Jump through the different zones, master the different genres, and get back what’s yours. How long before Carol and Bunbun can be reuinited?
Gameplay Loop
Onirism is a fast paced action adventure game. Carol travels across an open world, fighting off monsters, and collecting different weapons and abilities to help her on her journey. Combat in this game is a third person shooter, where players have access to a vast arsenal of weapons to choose from. Each gun feels different and changes the combat enough to keep things fresh and exciting. Enemies are all fun and unique, providing enough of a challenge to keep players on their toes. Remember, the game does not save automatically. Players will need to find save points to heal Carol and save their progress. Dying before hitting one of these zones will reset the game to the last save on file. Plan accordingly.
Review
Onirismis a cute and fun game with a lot of spirit, but it is not finished. Although there have been daily updates since I’ve downloaded the game, there is is some noticeable roughness. Sometimes the game will break, other times times you will lose a lot of frames. When the game works well, the game is as addicting as it is adorable.
Aesthetics
The game is a flavorful adventure through childish wonder and whimsy. Each zone is unique with a lot of content to explore. The monsters are cute and creative, with frightening bosses controlling them. The artstyle only adds to the stories playful and silly tone in a way that makes the game incredibly wholesome. It is the game’s art and tone that drew me to the game, but it is the gameplay that does it for me.
Gameplay
When the game works, it is a lot of fun. Combat is fast paced and exciting, the boss fights are creative, and the jumping puzzles are manageable. There is also a good amount of exploration to be done. The problem is the game doesn’t feel finished. There are a lot of bugs and noticeable performance issues that do take away from the immersion. Frames will drop, there is a bit of stuttering, and the game crashed once or twice during my playthrough.
Although there is controller support, the tutorial is only for keyboard and mouse. The game isn’t really optimized for controller at this stage of development. You might have to do a bit of tweaking, but aiming feels bad compared to keyboard and mouse. If you are playing with keyboard and mouse, you might need to do some remapping. On my playthrough, left was mapped to the wrong key by default. It is an easy fix, but it means the game isn’t ready to play out of the box.
While Onirism does feel unfinished, there have been daily patches since I’ve downloaded the game. The devs are hard at work on a game they are clearly passionate about. While the game will need a couple of updates before it can be in a good position, I at least have some confidence that they are working on it.
Conclusion
Onirism is a cute adventure game, and I loved every minute of it. Now keep in mind the game is not finished yet. The roughness is the biggest factor of whether or not you buy this game. If you don’t mind the immersion breaking bugs and performance issues, the game has enough substance and heart to keep you engaged. There is a lot of content to explore, and a lot of interesting ideas to keep the game interesting. But if the roughness is going to be a problem, I would wait for a couple of patches. This might be a very ambitious game, and the devs clearly need more time and support. I loved it, but it can definitely be better.
You can pick up Onirism on Steam. If you are in the market for another janky action adventure game, check out Star Overdrive.
EasmySMX sent me the the X05Pro controller 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 also check out my review for the S10 and X15 controllers. I’ll also be using my Amazon affiliate links where possible. It really helps me out if you use them before buying anything.
Table of Contents
What’s in the Box?
EasySMX X05 Pro Contoller
USB-C to USB-A Cable
1 x2.4G Receiver
User Manual
Features
EasySMX has created the quietest controller you’ll ever get to use without sacrificing any performance. The EasySMX X05 Pro is loaded with the features to bring your game to the next level at a very reasonable price point.
Design
The EasySMX X05 Pro features a clean and comfortable design available in three beautiful color schemes: back, white, and a limited edition purple.
The X05 Pro Wouldn’t be a gaming peripheral without proper RBG. The controller has subtle RBG highlights to give it a bit of flare without it losing any of its elegance. The controller’s smooth design promises ergonomic gaming, while its modern looking features promise the performance. If you’re looking for a good looking controller that performs just as good, check out the X05 pro.
Performance
The X05 Pro is loaded with the essential upgrades to any gamer’s arsenal. The X05 Pro has been redisigned with noise-reducing silicone dampers on all of the buttons for the quietest gaming you’ll ever experience. All buttons on the controller are precise, from the 8-way directional game pad, to the adjustable dual-stage hall effect triggers. The hall effect joysticks reduce give the controllers its ultra precision while eliminating that pesky drift you see in something like the joycons. With the controller’s respectable 7000mAh battery, you’ll never have to worry about losing power during those important team fights. What makes the X05 uniquely pro are the 2 additional programmable buttons on the shoulder.
Review
The EasySMX X05 Pro controller is a fantastic budget option with the features and quality to upgrade any gaming setup.
Quality
Users will be impressed by the quality and weight of the X05 pro. Out of the box, users will appreciate the controller’s clean design and well constructed body. While a little on the lighter side, the controller does not feel or look cheap. The buttons, joysticks, and triggers all have smooth and quality actuation. One issue I have with cheaper controllers is that they can be incredibly stiff, but that is not an issue here.
Comfort
Playing with controllers is incredibly hard for me because of my repetitive stress injury. Most controllers, especially on the cheaper end, destroy my hand. Most of the time, I can’t make it through a session with a controller for more than an hour. This is a huge reason why my switch is often collecting dust. Those joy cons have terrible drift now, but they would destroy my hands almost instantly.
While I wouldn’t call the X05 Pro the ergonomic solution to controllers I’ve been looking for, I can enjoy a more respectable gaming session, especially on the switch. The force required for each imput takes pressure off my hands. The shape puts my hands in a comfortable position, and soft textured bottom just feels good to the touch. Most importantly, the quite profile buttons mean I am not annoying anyone with my button mashing.
My hand still cramps up after a two or three hours of continuous gaming, but that is both respectable and unavoidable. This issue isn’t going to exist for everyone, especially if you are taking care of your hands.
Performance
I had no issue with the X05 Pro‘s performance. The controller was accurate and responsive through all the games I put it through without any noticeable latency. The DPad felt good for 2D platforming, the adjustable triggers were nice for high-action shooting games, and the long lasting battery meant I never had to reach for a wire. The quality of the build give me confidence that I can enjoy this high performing controller for a respectable amount of time. At least longer than the Joy Cons I kept having to replace.
Conclusion
The X05 pro is easily one of my favorite controllers for its sleek and comfortable design and quite profile. The features help put it over the edge with its high performance parts and long lasting battery. My only complaint is that I wish the additional buttons were on the bottom instead of the shoulders. While they aren’t hard to reach, having them on the bottom feels more natural and comfortable. Other than that, if you’re in the market for a good, budget-friendly controller, check out the EasySMX X05 Pro controller.
I was asked to review an early demo for Forgotten Eras. I understand the game is not finished yet, and will be a bit more lenient. That said, this will be my honest impression of the game.
Forgotten Eras is a 2.5d metroidvania coming to Steam sometime soon. No date has been announced yet, but you can go play the demo now.
Story
A group of shamans has broken the seal of the forgotten rune magic and unleashed an evil upon the world. The magic spreads catastrophe across the land, it is up to the young hero Ivan to step it. With the aid of Grey Wolf, Ivan will need to travel long distances, solve puzzles, and defeat anything that stands in his way. Can he harness the power of Gray Wolf before it is too late? Can he make it to the Baba Yaga hut?
Gameplay
Forgotten Eras is your classic metropolitan. Players will move across 2D jumping puzzles and collecting the rune magic they need to save the world. What makes this game unique are the Grey Wolf powers that bumps the game up half a dimension. Gray Wolf can climb, jump across long distances, and bend the environment.
Combat
Combat is simple. Players can attack with their sword and sure a few different skills to defeat their enemies. The key to any fight is learning the enemies attack pattern, and knowing when to dodge and attack. The if you’ve played any metroidvania, this game does little outside of the usual formula.
Review
In its current state, Forgotten Erasis a hard to recommend because it didn’t leave much of an impression. There nothing tangible, outside of the wolf, that makes it stand out against other games in the genre. Bugs aside, the game wasn’t fun enough nor the hook good enough to keep me engaged. The problem with this game is that there are better metroidvania games you could be playing Dragon is Dead. Unless the game comes out with smooth performance and some more engaging and memorable content, it will be one of those games you’ll have to wait for to go on sale. I am willing to give it another try because the game isn’t bad, it just isn’t very memorable.
If you are looking for a new metroidvania game to play, check out the Forgotten Eras demo, but I would wait for a couple more updates. If you need a good metroidvania to try before the game releases, check out Astlibra Revision, Tevi, or my personal favorite, Worldless.
I was sent a free copy of Tormented Souls 2 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.
The Walker sisters thought they were safe after the events at Wilderberger Hospital, but fate has other plans for them. Thinking they would get to enjoy a peaceful retreat in the mountains, the two sisters make their way to a secluded convent. Unfortunately, what meant to be therapy and relaxation turns into a nightmare. The trip was a setup, and Caroline now finds herself alone in a dark and empty building with creatures lurking in the shadow. With the help of her super natural abilities, and any supplies she finds along the way, she must find her sister and survive what ever darkness chases after her. Can she find her sister and leave this place before it is too late?
Gameplay
Tormented Souls 2 is a 3rd person horror survival game modeled after the classic era of gaming. Players will explore the map looking for clues and supplies while avoiding danger. Tourmented Souls 2 is essentially an unforgiving puzzle game. This is a game where healing and ammo is limited, and being precise, stealthy and efficient is key. The game has combat with enemies that have specific weaknesses. Knowing the weaknesses is key to survival. You can brick your run if you aren’t careful, even on the easier difficulties. If you don’t pick items or do events in a certain order, you are going to have a bad time.
Review
Tormented Souls 2 is a proper nod to the classic horror survival genre. Its horrifying atmosphere kept me completely on edge, while the story and puzzles kept me engaged. The biggest issue with the game is its difficulty. This is a hard and unforgiving game with very little saving. If you want a challenge game with a solid story that will scare you, Tormented Souls 2 is a solid choice.
The Story
The game is a sequel, but you don’t need to play the first game to understand the events of the second. I definitely want to now because I want to know what happens, but I never felt like I lost by the story.
Tormented Souls 2 has an excellent horror story with some great voice acting. As scared as I got with the game, I had trouble putting it down because I needed to know what happened. The pacing is good, and if you can overcome the game’s difficulty, it is long enough to get the job done.
Gameplay
Tourmented Souls 2 will scratch that Resident Evil itch we all get from time to time. The game is a little on the darker side. I think it is intentional, but it does make some parts of the game frustrating. The lack of camera control is also a point of frustration, but it’s fine for telling its story. The game’s difficulty is what makes the game hard to recommend. Tourmented Souls 2 is a dark and twisted puzzle. It is very unforgiving if you aren’t paying attention or if you don’t complete the tasks in order. The game doesn’t offer a lot of save points, so players will have to redo a lot of their progress.
The survival elements add a lot of tension to the game, and if you aren’t careful, a lot of stress. I was constantly low on health struggling to get to the next point, and that is going to turn off a lot of players. If you are new to the game, know that this is done by design. You might need to restart the game if you mess up like I did, so it might be good idea to look up a guide. I don’t like guides because I wanted to be surprised, but having to restart the game because there is literally nothing you can do to progress the game is frustrating.
Conclusion
Tormented Souls 2 isn’t going to be for everyone. This is an unforgiving horror game that can be difficult if you aren’t careful and paying attention. Not being able to save often means there is a lot of repetition, but it also means you can strait up ruin a run. That said, the horror is very well designed. The atmosphere is spooky, the tension is choking, and the monsters are terrifying. I had a lot of trouble finishing this game because it freaked me out, but I also don’t do very well with horror games. Regardless, I liked the story enough to power through. I definitely think I need to check out the first one, but I don’t think it is necisarry. If you are looking for some good survival horror and don’t mind the difficulty, pick up Tormented Souls 2 on Steam.
Kiwiears sent me a pair of the of the Serene closed-back planer magnetic headphones to review for my blog. While I am very greatful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you also check out my review for the Ardor and Altruva headphones.
Table of Contents
What’s in the box?
Serene Headphones
3.5 mm Audio Cable
User Manual
Features
Designed in collaboration with Z reviews, Kiwiears has come out with a very accessible closed back headphone that you might want to add to your collection.
Design
The Serene headphones sport a clean modern design. The aluminum frame is lightweight, perfect for travel and extended use. The frame is well made and applies enough pressure to stay on without causing discomfort. The vegan leather padding give the headset its elegant aesthetic while keeping the user incredibly comfortable. The purple accent is what really makes the headset its flare.
Performance
The Serene headset has been designed to provide an excellent sound stage. The memory foam cups allows long comfortable sessions, but also enhance the listening experience. By minimizing unwanted refraction, and blocking out enough of the environment, users can appreciate the Serene’s full sound.
The headset features a 72mm x 89mm closed planer magnetic driver for a full rich sound. The closed back give it its superior sound isolation. Users can enjoy lossless audio through the customizable wired connection and not need to worry about battery life. If you are looking for your next headset, Kiwiear’s Serene is a promising contender.
Review
If you’re looking for a stylish headphone to upgrade your setup, the serene offers a decent enough experience to earn a consideration.
Quality
Users will appreciate the headsets clean aluminum frame. The frame supports a good amount of frame, and is sturdy enough to withstand a good amount of wear and tear. These headphones won’t be breaking anytime soon.
Comfort
The Serene headset is a very comfortable pair of headphones. The frame hugs my giant head enough to secure the sound without squeezing my head. The frame is a little too loose for working out in them. The memory foam in the cups do a fantastic job at isolating the sound, and are incredibly comfortable. I love that they don’t make my ears too hot, especially with the long sessions I put them through.
Sound
The Serene headphones are very good at what they do. They offer a decent sound stage with a respectable amount of bass. All genres feel really good through the magnetic drivers, even without a DAC. If you enjoy ASMR videos, the Serene handle 3D sound and trigger words beautifully. The isolation on these is very good. I wouldn’t say they are noise cancelling, but my wife did have to get pretty close to get my attention. I still prefer the sound of an open back headphone like the Altruva, but the Serene is a strong contender for my affection.
Conclusion
The Serene provide an excellent sound stage at the price point. If you are looking for a stylish pair of headphones that also sound good, grab your pair of Serene headphones. You can pick up your pair of Kiwi Ears x Z Reviews: Serene headphones from the official Kiwiears shop.
I was sent a free copy of Dreamout 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.
Dreamout is a ridiculous rpg about a drunken alpaca and her wild adventure to find a talking skeleton’s body. The game is out now on Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC via Steam and GoG
Hook
After another night of heavy drinking, you find yourself having to help a talking skull find his body. With the help of your trusty sword and a bit of booze to fend off the hangover, you set off on one of your weirdest adventures yet. Fight off mobs of strange enemies, solve puzzles, do all the side quests you can, and get that skull his body back. With plenty of booze to keep this buzz going, there is nothing that can stand in your way.
Gameplay
In some ways, Dreamout is your typical hack-and-slash adventure. Players take control of their quirky protagonist and travel across the game’s strange world on an even stranger adventure. Players move from quest to quest, unlocking fighting off enemies, completing quests, and solving puzzles. There is a very simple combat system, and a fishing system to break the game up. There is also a hat system for those who want a little customization in their rpgs.
Combat
Combat in Dreamout is very simple and approachable for a hack-and-slash. Players have access to a simple sword attack and dodge. Enemies will telegraph their attacks, range, and target. Although timing can be tricky, dodging attacks is pretty easy. Getting three hits on an an enemy kills them.
A player can die, but death doesn’t have consequences. Death resets players to the last check point without any draw backs, and the game is pretty generous with its checkpoints.
Adventure
The game is short, and the story is a rail road. Players experience linear progression between quests with very little room to deviate or explore the strange world. The game does a lot in the little space that it has, but it is an adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously. If you are looking for a silly game with a lot of spirit, Dreamout is a solid contender.
Review
Dreamout is a very silly take on the RPG genre, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. While the tone and gameplay make a niche title, its quirky spirit gives it enough charm that it is worth some consideration.
Story
The story is ridiculous, full of puns and jokes that don’t always land. The silly tone does make it a refreshing take on the genre, but the humor isn’t going to be for everyone. I love that this game doesn’t take itself serious, and although the game does get cheesy, it was a nice change of pace from what I usually play. That said, the story isn’t anything special and unless you need a silly story like this in your life, it isn’t going to make much of an impression.
Art and Aesthetic
Dreamout‘s whimsical artstyle makes the game delightful. I love the character’s silly design, and I appreciate the amount of detail that went into the world building. The game gets very creative with its weirdness.
Difficulty
Dreamout leans more on the casual side of gaming. Combat is simple and easy to maneuver, and the puzzles aren’t hard. This is the game to play when you want to shut off for a couple hours and do something silly. There isn’t enough depth for a second playthrough, but there is enough of a challenge force some engagement. I enjoyed the games casual nature because it fit with the overall silly tone of the game.
Puzzles
While none of the puzzles require a guide, they were fun and creative. I wouldn’t play this game if you are looking for a real puzzle game, but I do appreciate that the puzzles gave me a break from combat. Some puzzles do feel like buzy work as you work from one quest to the next, but overall, they were fun enough to keep me playing till the end.
Performance
Aside from one game breaking bug, the game plays fine. I only had to reset the game once because I didn’t get the item I needed to move to the next part of the map, but luckily I didn’t have to repeat too much of the game. Best of all, the game works great on the Steam Deck. I prefer these kinds of games on handheld.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a silly game to spend a couple hours on, Dreamout has a solid enough loop to make it worth at least a playthrough. It is a small game with a lot of heart, but not enough to make it replayable. You won’t hate the few hours you spend beating the game, but not all of the jokes are going to land and some people will be turned off by the lack of danger. I say its worth $10, if you are looking for a less serious hack-and-slash.
You can pick up Dreamout on Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC via Steam and GoG. If you are looking for something with a little more depth, check out Sunokuni.
I was asked to cover the UltraGirl Alters demo for my blog. I understand this isn’t the full game, and will be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, this will be my honest review of the demo.
Ultragirl Alters is an SRPG out now on Steam, with a demo available for anyone who wants to try it.
You have been hired as the manager for the virtual idol group, Alters. When you aren’t busy helping each girl navigate their hectic social lives, you’ll be guiding through battle against the waves of enemies that threaten the city. Each girl Each girl where’s her unique Tokusatsu-style hero suit that you can upgrade as you gain experience. Can you keep the world safe from monsters while becoming the world’s greatest idol group? What secrets will you uncover along the way?
Gamplay
UltraGirl Altersis a turn based strategy game with a few social mechanics to break up the story.
Social Events
The game has a cute chibi mode where the player can experience the story. During this part of the game, players will build their relationship with each of the girls helping them through the game’s many side missions. Leveling these bonds unlock special events that add a bit of flavor or world building. Players also get to explore a bit of the world, but it is very limited. Mostly, the chibi half of the game is where the player collects the story and learns the dark secrets behind the evil corporation that controls everything.
Combat
Players take control of the girls in their Tokusatsu-style suits as they fight off waves of monsters. Each girl has their unique set of abilities and skill that can be leveled up through experience. Each girl can move and take an action per round. Girls can either make a basic attack or use one of their abilities during their action, if they have enough energy. Basic attacks generate the energy needed to cast an ability. The key to combat is to position effectively while using your resources efficiently.
Impressions
While there are a few aspects of this game that I liked and got me interested, I definitely need to see more. Overall, the game is fine, but I can see it being a niche game made for an intended audience.
Art
If you like anime, then you will appreciate the character design. UltraGirl Altersdefinitely has its waifu bait, and that isn’t a bad thing. The girls are cute, but there is a bit of fan service. I like when I can play my waifu games in public. For the combat part, I think the level design is too busy. It was hard to make out what was going on most of the time, and the suits don’t look very cool. As for the exploration parts, you are either going to love the chibi design or hate it. I think the chibi art is cute, but found the story a little lacking.
Story
The Demo only plays through the tutorial a bit of the intro. While it isn’t enough to judge the quality of the story, there is nothing in the intro that hooked me. The biggest issue I have with what is available is the writing. It is a little awkward in parts and a little cheesy in others. This might be due to translation issues. Unless the full game leans into the silliness and carries a light-hearted narrative with fun characters I care about, I don’t see me finishing this game. The story isn’t the worst, but considering art, tone, and gameplay, I rather be playing Disgea 7.
Gameplay
Combat is interesting for the first few round before it grows a little stale. Enemies feel a little unfair, and the busy map makes it hard to tell what is going on. You are either going to enjoy this type of combat or hate it, and I certainly wasn’t a fan. Maybe it gets better in later levels, and I am willing to give it a try just in case. Unfortunately, based on the demo alone, when it comes to chibi turn-based combat, I rather be play Disgea 7.
Conclusion
If you like the SRPG style combat and don’t mind the over-the-top (sometimes poorly written) cutesy tones of the story, I still recommend you check out the demo first. I think the combat is a little too simple for what you’re getting. The social chibi bits are cute, but they don’t add enough to the game to make them worth it. I think the game is cute and has its potential, but I need to see more of it before I can recommend it. For now, I recommend you check out the demo and wait for the sale.
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.
