Thursday, April 29, 2021

Battle Axe | PS4 Review

Bitmap Bureau's "Battle Axe" is a proper tribute to the bygone era of arcade co-op games. Almost to a fault. Harboring a small host of fantasy heroes and heroines along with a quest to rid their world of an oppressive evil presence Battle Axe does good to bring to the player a fun time in the form of a formidable adventure. As a Dark Elf, a Marauder, or a Druid you must use your attacks in hack 'n slash fashion to deal with spawning lesser enemies, and end stage bosses. All while rescuing dudes, and damsels in distress. Equipped with a unique to character melee attack, projectile, and ability each hero or heroine deals damage while taking damage if not careful. Like the arcade cabinet experiences of yesteryear death comes quick, and often times alongside that dreaded GAME OVER screen if one doesn't mind the onscreen chaos. Should you reach a top score, or beat the game though all is not lost. There's plenty of trophies to unlock, and a couple of modes on two different difficulty settings to play through. Good for quick pick up, and put down sessions in single or two player mode.

Legend of Keepers | Nintendo Switch Review

Coming at you as one of the finer dungeon management roguelikes is a game titled, "Legend of Keepers". This fully voiced, and expertly crafted pixel perfect indie game sees you managing a dungeon's keep as the staffer of the illustrious Dungeon Corporation. A company that provides challenges for heroes while defending the treasures of it's monstrous employers. At your disposal are traps, troops, and a beefy dungeon master. Through preparations, execution, and many week's worth of resource micromanagement you are tasked with facing every heroic effort put up against you, and the company. The more you succeed in the endeavor the bigger the payout at the end of it all. 

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War | Season 3 Battle Pass

When Cold War first launched there was no denying that there was a sub par assortment of battle pass incentives that were made available. The themes, the skins, and the cosmetics left a lot to be desired. As time passed, and the second season went underway we got a glimpse of what could be, though. Reactive camo blueprints were introduced along with better emblems, keychains, and banners. Even the freeloaders got things worth grinding for. In season three this was all ramped up even further in the quality department. Not only were we getting two new weapons, but a collection of bits and baubles that were more worth the money than ever before. While there is no coherent theme to any of it the mixed bag of items definitely has some standout things worth grinding for. The new Roman Imperial gun skins, the Alien auto rifle, and the UFO keychain are but a handful of items that you'll find if you are willing to put down the cash for it this latest season. That, and the new master craft weapons really give you what you paid for.

Friday, April 23, 2021

ScourgeBringer | PS4 Review

ScourgeBringer is a delightful little post-apocalyptic roguelike indie. It tells the story of a tribe of people plagued by the judgment of technologically advanced invaders called the ScourgeBringer. These ships which range from obelisks to pyramids (sound familiar???) in shape house portals to another dimension which the tribe enter in search of answers as to why they are being targeted. Most of the tribe who have entered have never returned. Thus they send in their greatest warrior, Khyra and her bot companion Peppy, in a last ditch effort to see if they can find out what is going on. 

ININ's 'Star Renegades' Limited Collector's Edition Is Up For Order!!!

Got news from the ININ PR that a limited run collector's edition of the previously released Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 indie, Star Renegades', is up for order. Seems the Nintendo Switch version is limited to 2,500 copies, and the the PS4 version 1,500 copies. Each numbered, and inclusive of the collector's edition contents. Among said contents is a collector's box with a magnet latch, the original soundtrack, an artbook, diorama, stickers, and a reversible cover as well as 7 character cards. That and the game. 

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Devil Slayer - Raksasi | PS4 Review

Devil Slayer Raksasi is one of those surprise hits console players will have likely never seen coming. I personally never heard of it until my go to sources mentioned it was releasing this week. It was previously released on Steam, but has now been ported to both the Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4 consoles. What the game is, is a blend of Dark Souls style combat, The Binding of Isaac dungeon crawling, and Asian mythology with lore that unfolds in a similar fashion as to Soulsborne titles. It sees you taking on the role of several different characters that are continuously reincarnated to take on the Keybearer. Each character wields their own unique weapon making them more akin to classes, and also has a unique back story that ties in with their place in the historical timeline presented in the tale. 

Thursday, April 15, 2021

Liberated Enhanced Edition | NS Review

Not many game developers dare tread on the touchy topic of a dystopian future these days, especially through a game that paints current real world trends as harmful to society. With "Liberated", and this enhanced version of it we are introduced to a secretive organization of rebels known as the "Liberated" who are trying to undo the damage one of their own has done through the creation of a social credit system. Through comic books, animated comic book panels, and 2.5D platforming focused gameplay elements you take on the role of key characters as they try to infiltrate, and take down the all oppressive system of governance. Ultimately utilizing stealth, murder, and hacking skills as a means to get what needs to be done, done. As you read through the plot, listen to the newly added voice-overs, and play through branching paths with multiple choice options you will discover the fate of the Orwellian inspired government, and the Liberated rebels. 

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Propaganda Through Gaming | An Industry & Political Takeover

I know this is old news, but ongoing. I also realize it's somewhat of a taboo subject, so I'll tread as carefully as I can. I have followed closely the growing influence of Chinese money on various industries including the gaming industry. I know of China's step by step plan to financially control the world by buying up shares, and influencing business as well as politics through those held shares. What I personally have witnessed outside of all this hearsay are a couple of concerning practices taking hold in the Western side of things in parts of the industry marketplace where once said censorship, and identity politics weren't as prevalent before. This censorship, and ideological influence is concerning in that the ramifications go well beyond gaming itself. As more, and more studios accept the share bail out money censorship, and certain divisive identity politics are allowed to fester and grow into a form of worldwide propaganda. This does much more than surface level damage in that it takes away freedom of expression, and a customers' freedom to spend their money freely on something that isn't policed in such a ridiculous manner or spoiled as a result of influence from biased outside sources. 

Monday, April 12, 2021

Outriders | Somewhat (REDACTED)

Though I still have some issues with Outriders including the fact that it is only online accessible, and suffers from crashes and bugs It's not entirely bad. I'm still playing through it, and the game seems to be smoothing out more and more as I do. Probably due to hot fixes going on behind the scenes. Having recently gotten to the point where I can use my DLC gear and weapons the gameplay itself has started to be fun. The mods, and perks make my character seem like the badass they are portrayed as throughout the story. Trying out new combinations of gear, and weapons alongside the skills is also fun. In particular the boss fights are amazing experiences to behold while the lesser mobs serve as appetizers as I wait for that next big encounter. I actually solo'd the first boss, and it felt good. 

Sunday, April 4, 2021

Outriders | The Cold Hard Truth As Told By Brad

Never have I ever in my history of gaming paid for a game that had such a horrible launch state, and horribly applied mechanics than Outriders. Forget what the big time journos said. This game is hot garbage. It is not worth one red cent. Let me explain ...

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Sturmfront - The Mutant War: Ubel Edition | PS4 Review

Sturmfront comes at us guns blazing in an alternate 1984 timeline where human's tampering has caused a mutant apocalypse. From the ashes, and ruins rises a mutant army hellbent on eradicating the remainder of the human species. As the lone hero, a cybernetic unit of a man named Siegfried von Hammerstein, you must gun and burn your way through waves of mutant scum with extreme prejudice. Using both a gun, and a flamethrower to dispatch anything moving back from whence it came.