Karma: The Dark World Review
Karma: The Dark World is one of the most thoughtfully directed games I’ve ever played. Numerous shots feel choreographed in a way to maximize their emotional or surreal impact. It made me think of the whirlwind spectacle that was Indika‘s constant push to recalibrate the player’s attention and the meaning of a particular narrative beat. My first glimpse at Karma was rife with stu...[Read More]
Wanderstop Review
Seven years ago I was sitting in an office chair at work and began the grueling process of a 48-hour nervous breakdown. As if carried away by a swell of uncontrollable emotions, silent tears fell down my face. In an attempt to avoid any concerned looks I would slightly turn my chair if a person walked by and, eventually, retreated into the bathroom for several minutes to compose myself. The follow...[Read More]
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Review
Assassin’s Creed‘s Animus has been one of the series’ hallmarks since its inception. Once a core component of the narrative, the Animus has somewhat dwindled in relevance from game to game. The Animus, created by Abstergo, the corporate mask worn by modern-day Templars, was used to allow humans the ability to relive the genetic memories of their ancestors. Abstergo used the Animu...[Read More]
Split Fiction Review
This early in 2025, deeming Split Fiction a contender for Game of the Year seems like a lofty expectation. Historically speaking, however, it makes sense. Coming from Hazelight Studios, the team behind the outstanding, inventive cooperative game It Takes Two, Split Fiction has the necessary pedigree. In 2021, It Takes Two took home the highest honor that year. But Split Fiction invokes the same ki...[Read More]
Darkest Dungeon II: Kingdoms DLC Review
When initially diving into my fragile kingdom in Darkest Dungeon II‘s newest Kingdoms DLC, I was overwhelmed. Despite understanding the most basic core of Red Hook Studios’ turn-based RPG rife with arduous combat and dire stakes, I felt overwhelmed. At that point I had yet to play Darkest Dungeon II, the sequel to a series with an incredible following and reception. While Kingdoms̵...[Read More]
Darkest Dungeon II Review
Darkest Dungeon II‘s oppressive grip will echo in my mind for years to come. The series’ reputation is one I am all too familiar with. One of desperation, harrowing difficulty. A grueling quest to fight back death from the razor’s edge. And it may be that thorny reputation that has prevented me from touching Darkest Dungeon until now with its sequel. Darkest Dungeon, a crucible s...[Read More]
AJAZZ AK680 Max Mechanical Keyboard Review
Last year I delved deeper into the arena of customizable mechanical keyboards, one I had primarily passed by in my years of gaming. The AJAZZ AK820 Max and the AJAZZ AK870 were two sides of a similar coin. Both had impressive lighting effects, responsive and satisfying keystrokes, and ease of use for whatever purpose they would be implemented for. When it was all said and done, the AK820 felt like...[Read More]
ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist Review
ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist throws its hat in an incredibly busy ring. Definitely one already occupied by its predecessor ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights, a Metroidvania that asked, “What if your powers and progression mechanics were tied to fallen spirits?” Ascribing narrative and mechanical progression to a revolving door of new abilities is old hat at this point. The foun...[Read More]
Moons of Darsalon Review
Moons of Darsalon adheres to a frustrating video game trope, yet strives to make it the core mechanic–and an enjoyable one at that. Escort missions have been heavily derided in games. They are almost universally loathed for their insistence upon stripping the player of any former agency, requiring the pace to screech to a halt. Often a hapless and helpless NPC needs guidance towards some obj...[Read More]
Techno Banter Review
Often a video game is more enjoyable when it’s harder to pin down precisely what makes it so appealing to the cerebral cortex. Based on that obvious lead-in, Techno Banter is one of those games. Perhaps that’s a bit poisonous of a thought when working to justify the prowess of a game. But I stand by the thesis. As a quick example, let’s take something like The Last of Us. It is u...[Read More]
Turbo Overkill Review (PS5)
Turbo Overkill follows a simple bible: rip and tear. And while it is inked in blood and shell casings, it is leather-bound in the meaty flesh of chainsaw victims. Chainsaw leg victims, to be more precise. This should come as no surprise from Apogee Entertainment, a publisher who rose to prominence with Duke Nukem 3D under its former moniker 3D Realms. Turbo Overkill is meant to be evocative of an ...[Read More]
ROBOBEAT Review (PS5)
Imagining a game without a soundtrack is near impossible. Undoubtedly across the vast ocean of games, there are numerous titles either lacking a score or any other noise outside the cacophony of blips and beeps. But I crave the music. And as time has gone on, evocative scores are so intrinsically enjoyable to me that they become a part of the narrative or gameplay. While many developers may work t...[Read More]