Aces of the Luftwaffe - Squadron (PS4)

Every shmup has a gimmick. From the lesser involved mechanics of games like that of "Space Invaders" to deeply applied mechanics of games like Rising Star's "Akai Katana" you'll find each game within the genre contains either a unique spin on shoot'em ups or borrows mostly from others that they take inspiration from. In the case of Handy Games' "Aces of the Luftwaffe - Squadron" the developer does a bit of both. Through character radio interactions that build upon a story being told they create a World War II era shooter that goes well beyond the realm of the given theme, and the traditional shmup setup. As the last part of the title suggests you are a part of a squadron. A squadron consisting of four named pilots who each contribute to the fire fight at hand against a Nazi regime of sci-fi proportions. The fight has Mark, Melissa, John, and Steve all facing off against the enemy as they follow the fight to the US in an attempt to turn the tides of battle. Each pilot in the closely knit squadron comes complete with their own unique fears, ailments, and personality quirks that sometimes conflicts with the missions that are given. They either temporarily drop out of formation, become afflicted with negative status effects, attack other allied pilots or even fall asleep behind the cockpit. This gimmick adds a level of challenge to the already challenging fight. A fight which also carries with it side missions that will have you doing everything from escorting friendly aircraft to taking out specific targets, or even rescuing civilians among other things. Each chapter within the limited tale will have you taking on several missions in total as you upgrade your squadron's skill trees via gained skill coins ultimately affording you a more sustainable crew with added benefits to boot.

Society's Basement ~ A Podcast Micro-Review

On Twitter you can meet some of the most interesting people. Some of which are involved in a sort of business venture looking to make it big in a sea of limited opportunity. My friend @SocietyBasement is no exception to this. He is both interesting as an individual, and as creative as a businessman. I've known him for a while, and he has been super supportive of my own work here, but it wasn't until fairly recently that I paid the support forward and started visiting his indie music podcast. This continued podcast of which I speak is called "Society's Basement". It often times features a mixture of themed indie music of the newer sort as well as some more well known songs from the past. You'll find everything from folk music to rock, and even some of the harder hitting songs that hail from the heavy metal days of old. Along with the music @SocietyBasement also talks candidly with his audience, and interacts via the website's social platform. You can tell that he truly appreciates his listeners, and that he is wholly invested in what it is he does. I've had personal chats with him about music, and life in general. Always leaving the chat on a positive and uplifting note. He is a very down to earth guy, and is definitely in tune with what music is good. I've personally found some new favorite songs while tuning into the podcast. I remember the first time I heard Raspin Stuwart's (@raspinstuwart) "King of Fools". I had to look that up on Youtube to see if I could find anything else by the artist. I think I'm safe in saying you'll definitely find your own music gems if you join the podcasts as I have.

Grabbed by the EULA ~ The Coming EULA Apocalypse

Have you ever stopped to think about how many terms of service, and privacy policies you have agreed to on binding legal terms? From simply using a Windows computer to browsing the internet, and even doing blogging like I am now we have all signed our rights away to companies who could, if they deem it necessary, sue us in a court of law. Ultimately sending us off to prison, or fining us to the point of bankruptcy. Between the lines there are so many words, and loopholes that allow for even the smallest companies to secure their business, and even in some cases abuse their ability to conduct business with you. The usual line where it says the company reserves the right to change the agreement you agreed to at any point during your use of their service, or product leaves you open to all sorts of potential legal problems. Stuff, that once you sign on for, will cost you the right to contest said agreement, and anything that is legally binding within it, indefinitely.

Blacksea Odyssey (PS4)

Perma death, replay value, and indie charm. Sometimes features like these can go a long way in making a game great. In the case of Stage Clear Studios' "Blacksea Odyssey" though the gamble on such boasted features kind of falls short on greatness when that's the only thing it really has going for it. In "Blacksea Odyssey" the developer spins a brief tale about an intergalactic fishing tournament that happens ever so often. A competition among a select few space captains looking to make a name for themselves. Much like Captain Ahab from "Moby Dick" these space faring captains are after that big catch, or rather catches. The catch to catching these catches is that you have only two base tools to hook the various space beasts. This includes a spear, and a harpoon. That, and your spaceship from which said tools are ejected from. Relying on one chance to catch, or kill them all your captain of choice must not only hunt key targets and tear them apart via a harpoon for loot, but must also defend from attacking lesser creatures that are trying to stop you from catching that prize monster. As you hunt you'll gather dropped gold bits, special assist items, and new base weapons to aid you in your ongoing goal. It goes without saying that should you die in the maw of these Eldritch-esque horrors it's "Game Over!", and you'll have to start over in your attempt to become the number one space captain in the tournament.