Crisol: Theater of Idols Review (PC)
It’s always nice to see studios take chances with old genres. Sometimes it is with mechanics. Sometimes it is with a story. Sometimes it’s both. And this particular review falls into that last category. Crisol: Theater of Idols, from developer Vermila Studios and publisher Blumhouse Games, is set in a reimagined Spain, where religious factions are at war. The game puts the player in the role of Ga...[Read More]
Rayman – 30 Anniversary Edition Review (PS5)
When it comes to video game history, I’m a big softy, especially when the game is still fun to play. Now, that said, I cannot believe that Rayman is celebrating its 30th anniversary. It’s nuts how quickly time flies. Well, celebrate its aging-ness, developer Digital Eclipse and Ubisoft have released Rayman – 30th Anniversary Edition. It covers a hefty chunk of the good-spirited hero’s history thro...[Read More]
Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse Review (Nintendo Switch 2)
Break out those reading glasses and get your spooky sense ready because we’re going to the ocean in this new paranormal entry. Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse, from developer Xeen and publisher Square Enix, is a visual novel that builds off the last game in the series, mainly with improved gameplay elements that are far more refined, and another entertaining storyline that seems far cleaner an...[Read More]
People of Note Preview (PC)
When you have a clever game name that represents your gameplay, well, you instantly attract my attention. Honestly, I can’t remember the last clever game name that disappointed me. Hmmmm. There might be something to that. I’ll have to run the data…When I retire…because that would be a lot of effort. ANYWAY! People of Note, from developer Iridium Studios, is a turn-based RPG musical game that is cu...[Read More]
Under the Island Review (PC)
I forgot how much fun it is playing a top-down, 2D action-adventure game, especially one with a hefty dose of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Of course, Under the Island from developer Slime King Games is not Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, but it feels very influenced by that Nintendo classic. It hits all the right beats with just enough story to motivate the player t...[Read More]
Hungry Horrors Review (PC)
There is nothing quite like finding a good card-based adventure with turn-based elements. Add in cooking, and cards, and it might be a wonderful delight. Hungry Horrors from developer Clumsy Bear Studio might just be that wonderful delight. The game is driven by building deck(s) of cards that, when combined, can mean a powerful recipe to satisfy monsters, as well as take them down. While the game ...[Read More]
Aphelion Preview (PC)
It has been a long time since I left a preview immediately wanting more, but here we are. Aphelion from developer and publisher DON’T NOD is an interesting survival adventure game that takes the best of what has been done with Horizon Zero Dawn and Tomb Raider, and wraps it in a gorgeous winter, science fiction backdrop. In addition, the narrative seems rich with promising details and well-defined...[Read More]
Gumball in Trick-or-Treat Land Review (PC)
Sometimes you have to get beyond the first layer of a cake before you find the yummy magic of it. True story. Of course, that cake this time around is Gumball in Trick-or-Treat Land from developer Exquisite Laundry Pet LLC. This game, which was built for an old school Gameboy experience, harkens back to simpler times. It contains a very basic role-playing game structure that is driven by logic pro...[Read More]
Rainbow Gate Review (PC)
Sometimes imitation is the best compliment, even if that imitation happens to be a combination of several pieces of art. Rainbow Gate, from developer 7EVIL Studio, brings a familiar horror structure and set of gameplay elements with a sprinkle of its own design. While it does follow the setup and pattern of Five Nights at Freddy’s, it also throws in a hefty dose of jump scares, quick time events, ...[Read More]
Super Bomberman Collection Review (PC)
The last time I dived headfirst into the Bomberman series was with the Sega Saturn back in the late 90s. My friend, Shane Bettenhausen, had the imported version for the Saturn and the capabilities of playing 10-players at once thanks to a multi-tap controller port. What ensued for hours upon hours was a competitive Bomberman tournament that devolved into a drinking game at one point (not Shane, bu...[Read More]
Luna Abyss Preview (PC)
This past week, we were privy to a preview of Luna Abyss. This is a first-person bullet shooter by trade, but also sports a bit of a Doom personality, especially in the weaponry department. While the demo didn’t last too long, and it is accessible on Steam for your own eyes to find out, it still left a positive impression that there are good times ahead for this game. Those good times begin with a...[Read More]
4PGP Review (Nintendo Switch 2)
While I certainly love the concept of the more recent Codemasters F1 release, as it dives into the complicated depths of the sport, there’s something joyous about simplicity in racing games. When I speak of simplicity in racing games, I am pointing to old arcade experiences like Monaco GP, Pole Position, and/or Super Sprint. All bring some F1 love to their gameplay experience without the complicat...[Read More]