Bite the Bullet | PS4 Review

Bite the Bullet has been out for quite some time now. In fact I vaguely recall requesting the game for review near the initial launch some months back. For some odd reason the PR contacted me after the release though with an embargo for the 19th of March 2021. Well after the former debut. I was puzzled at first, but as I played I realized that there seems to be some adjustments made to mechanics, and controls. Quality of life features that were obviously implemented to make the game more enjoyable than it was. The metroidvania mechanics, in particular, seem to function better than in the gameplay videos I previewed. There was also a quick select button (R1) added for weapon swapping instead of the R3 dial menu that made things a little more complicated than they should be. Having spent some time with the game, and grinding through it's missions I think it's safe to say this upgraded, or revamped version is definitely worth a try.

Explosionade DX | PS4 Review

Mommy's Best Games is an indie studio of unique pedigree. They bring to the player experiences unlike those most have ever played, or seen. Though the genres might be familiar the mechanics concepts they offer are anything but that. In the case of "Explosionade DX" I was personally surprised with what I found, once again. Not only was it totally unexpected, but surprisingly fun as well. Following a story about a naughty cadet, and his commanding officer we find a sci-fi world filled with horrific abominations known as Horronym, and a military at war with said creatures. Somewhere in the fray Atticus, the cadet and protagonist, decides to further disobey orders during a latrine focused punishment. Hopping into a prototype mech, and heading down the old crap chute (sewers) to give it a test drive. Upon entering the sewers Atticus finds lying in wait floor upon floor of Horronym. In a back and forth conversation that takes place during this ever descending adventure Atticus, and the Sarge bicker over the situation with the man in charge getting increasingly aggravated by the cadet's misbehavior, and recklessness. Thus is the story in a nutshell.

Doodle Devil 3volution | PS4 Review

Taking on the evil side of creationism, and placing you in the role of the Devil's advocate JoyBit's, 'Doodle Devil 3volution' aims to have you recreating all the world's evils through the evolution of grouped elements. You'll find yourself pairing elements such as the forbidden fruit from Eden, humans, the seven deadly sins, knowledge, and so much more as you bring to fruition the flipside of faithfulness. You'll delve into darkness with three modes of play including the traditional main mode, a demon battle mode, and a slot machine fitting of the devilry at hand. Along the way the devil, and his snarky attitude will chime in with snide remarks as you make mistakes. Dropping onscreen quotes from famous people, and even celebrities when you make a proper match. Obviously quotes tied to the groupings, and their sinful subject matter. It's a fun little experiment in evil doings, and will test your knowledge of said evil things.

Bishoujo Battle Cyber Panic! | PS4 Review

Eastasiasoft, and their league of developers have done good in bringing to the West some formerly Japanese only gaming experiences. Whether it be more risque shoot 'em ups or the line clearing games like this particular game offers they've done good to let us in on something different. With 'Bishoujo Battle Cyber Panic!', in particular, we are privileged as a gamer to be able to not only unlock some impressive Bishoujo style anime art through gameplay, but also compete for top score on the game's online leaderboards. While the scoring, and goal are simple the execution is anything but that. You see, with games like this clearing sections of a picture is risky business. With enemies moving, and bouncing around the playing field ready to end your line to edge connections the task at had is made increasingly more difficult. Tack on the games base difficulty as well as additional difficulties per section of gallery art, and you have yourself quite the challenge. Luckily for you there are a handful of items or power-ups with which to ease the process. Just know that scoring is an ordeal that requires strategy, and multitasking. You have to mind the timer, your lives, the enemies, the spawning items, and complete a certain percentage of the artwork before you can unlock the prized art within.

Void Gore | PS4 Review

Void Gore should be a prime example of what not to do when designing a competitive shmup. Hear me out. The game itself relies too heavily on a currency focused upgrade system, and rogue-lite features. It makes you grind for an hour or two just to get to a point where your ship is competitively viable, but at the same time injecting random enemy elements that are usually stacked against you in their many forms. The experience is wholly inconsistent in many areas in regards to said randomness including that of damage output, bullet hell patterns, and enemy spawns. It also suffers from what I like to call a serious case of Satan's sucker punch. Meaning that a lot of your game overs will be due to things out of your control. Being blindsided by floating organs, chased down by chomping teeth, and singled out by sinister skulls is all too common. Speaking of which, the enemy variety leaves a lot to be desired. It shows laziness, and in it's lacking variety offers up no real boss battles at all outside of the one boss locked behind a currency paywall. The only upside I see is the easy to earn platinum trophy which is standard issue with this developer's games.

What Happened to the Community?

What happened to the community? The one I became a part of on social media? The one made up of friends who looked out for, and lifted up each other? The ones with similar interests? It feels more and more like I'm once again an outcast looking in. Wanting to fit in, but unable to, because everyone else is looking to fit in without realizing they are passing up the very opportunity to connect with others who also want to fit in. We tread blindly on the internet, and social media longing to be noticed as everyone does, but not stopping to realize that if we noticed others they too would notice us. Together we could live in the spotlight of our niche groups. Being a part of it, but unique and outstanding. In an age of flaunted copycat ideals, and trendy cultural ideas though the fight to stand out in the crowd is made almost impossible, and it is in that struggle that no one gets the recognition they deserve.