Metal Mind Review (Nintendo Switch)
Several years ago, I became hooked on roguelite games because of how I could pick up and play them in short bursts. Fifteen minutes here, twenty minutes there, five minutes if I was unlucky. That sort of thing. Every run felt different because of the upgrades and enemies I came across, but the core gameplay was familiar enough for me to slowly but surely pick up on its nuances to demonstrate maste...[Read More]
Trinity Fusion Review (PC)
The multiverse has become the flavor of the month in many television shows, cinematic universes (looking at you, Marvel!), and games (something something Mortal Kombat 1). Its overuse has created a situation where writer’s rooms can freely write and rewrite stories without fear about events being “canon” in the big picture because of the potential for “infinite” outcomes. While it hasn’t yet becom...[Read More]
Roboquest Review (PC)
Some days you just need a bit of run and gun in your video game world. Well, RyseUp Studios certainly delivers with Roboquest, a smoothly built game that puts your patience and strategic movements to the test against aggressive robots. Whether you’re playing single-player or co-op, this Borderlands-look-a-like puts you in the mood to target, fire, and destroy. Not a bad way to spend Thanksgiving i...[Read More]
World of Horror Review (PC)
Developer panstasz released their terror-filled mystery game World of Horror to the world on October 19th just in time for Halloween. The game is a hodgepodge of old-school concepts mixed with turn-based adventure and a large dose of horror only those who adore The Grudge could truly appreciate. The combination of all these genres and a creepy dose of unsettling imagery makes for a perfect Hallowe...[Read More]
Dust & Neon Review
Isometric twin-stick shooters have been around for decades. The concept of a high-octane action experience mixed with simplistic mechanics is easy enough for anyone to pick up and go. The additional elements to make it more than just a point/shoot experience, such as a role-playing game backbone and interesting enemies are what makes this type of game more engaging. And that’s where Rogue Games Du...[Read More]
Battle Shapers – Impressions
It has been a long time since I have experienced a roguelike game. I think the one I have always been obsessed with was/is The Binding of Isaac (PICK AN EDITION). That game has set the bar for me when it comes to the roguelike genre. There is just something about working towards a goal, dying repeatedly, and feeling micro-progressions that make me want to come back for more. It’s what makes that ...[Read More]
Rightfully, Beary Arms (Chumps Preview)
Chumps Preview is a special kind of post where we unofficially preview games in Early Access, Beta, or are otherwise “unfinished.” This kind of preview is meant to be a first impression rather than a definitive review where we provide a rating to determine a game’s value. As such, we fully expect a game covered in a Chumps Preview to have room for improvement, some bugginess/incompleteness, and ot...[Read More]
Rogue Legacy 2 (PS5)
The past few years have seen some fantastic roguelite releases. I think of Hades, RETURNAL, Have a Nice Death, Dead Cells, Slay the Spire, OTXO, and Crypt of the Necrodancer, just to name a few. These titles successfully innovated on the roguelite genre by creating highly engaging yet variable gameplay loops that kept me, along with many other players, interested despite the typical ticket to entr...[Read More]
Nightmare Reaper (Switch)
Several years after its release on PC, Nightmare Reaper has made its way to consoles to let more players participate in its chaotic yet engaging retro-inspired shooting and looting. Nightmare Reaper places the player into the life of a seemingly nameless protagonist who is locked up in a mental hospital. When she goes to bed, she’s teleported to a land of her nightmares chock full of blood, ...[Read More]
OTXO (PC)
It’s very rare to find a visually striking roguelite that checks off the boxes of tight gameplay, high replayability, challenging yet rewarding, and a thrilling story. Often, I see roguelites lean heavily into one of these values, or sometimes two, in order to stand out from the pack. Difficulty spikes are often a result of luck (or lack thereof) and requiring more precision than normal. Ove...[Read More]
Cult of the Lamb (PS5)
Several days had passed while I was out crusading in the name of The One Who Waits. My followers had patiently waited for my return, praying at my altar, tending to my crops, and keeping my land clean. As I returned with heretics, my cult rejoiced my successful crusade, praising me with gifts and well wishes. However, one little follower, a fish by the name of Hettle, drew my attention as he ran u...[Read More]
Heroes of Hammerwatch: Ultimate Edition Review
Here we are still in a pandemic, and trying to find ways to entertain ourselves each day. Sure you could do those dishes that you have been meaning to get to or rake up that pile of leaves out front in the yard, but what if we game instead? Not just game, why not go on an adventure that requires a four-player team to truly enjoy? I’m down. So much better than leaves and dishes. Welcome to Heroes o...[Read More]