Happy New Years! From OtakuDante's Gaming Inferno!!!

I hope all of you have had a good December if not a good holiday season. It's been a rocky year of ups and downs across the globe. War, rumors of war, and the ongoing threats of climate change and the pandemic. We never seem to catch a break from the fearmongering, and the seemingly hopelessness of our situation. 

Being the occasional optimist I have learned to not dwell on the things which I cannot change, and to only focus on making the most of the time I have. Building upon relationships, and friendships as I go through each day. I find the most important things in life are the bonds that strengthen us, lift us up, and carry us through the bad times. Good memories, though hard to come by, are a must for our wellbeing. Making those good memories means interacting with our fellow human beings on a mutually beneficial level, and putting in the effort to do so. I hope, in looking forward, that you choose to detach from the trappings of technology, and spend quality time with those you care about more often in 2023. That is my main goal going into the New Year ...

Jitsu Squad | PS4 Review

There's passion in this here project. Borne of a love for Saturday morning cartoons, and fighting games this kickstarted game called "Jitsu Squad" bursts forth with much deserved hype. It got the community so riled up in anticipation for it's release that it met it's goals, and then some. Enough to include cameos of some of gaming's most memorable icons including Maximilian, and his dog Benny. Through nostalgia, and nods to other inspirations the heart and soul of it is reflected in every feature. Be it the mechanics, voice acting, or set pieces there's enough Easter eggs to fill a basket. What it does in homage it equally does so in creating a multiplayer experience that's both fun, and challenging. 

Headbangers In Holiday Hell | PS4

Santa slays in this throwback to the indie 'Hotline Miami' formula. Featuring the holiday's jolliest heavy metal hating elf himself, Santa Clause, and a rival metal band known as Reign Fury it's Satanic Panic all over again. Against Santa's efforts to mute metal Reign Fury's lead guitarist embarks on a bloody rescue mission where infiltration, escape, and hostage rescue are the goals in mind. A mission where Santa, and his army are the targets of this disgruntled band member's rebellious retribution. Utilizing weapons, in-house distractions, and the quick in & out workings of a holiday hitman the unlikely hero of this heavy metal tale rampages through a series of roguelike stages filled with mobs, and bosses as he manages health and ammo. 

The Darkest Tales | PS4 Review

Prepare to enter a world of fantasy where fairytales become living nightmares. A tale of a little light, and a reluctant teddy bear. Guardians of a sleeping girl named Alicia. A girl who is now ensnared in a nightmare conjured up by dream demons. Through the actions this unlikely pair of would be heroes Alicia stands a fighting chance. Utilizing powers bestowed by the little light the teddy bear trudges ever forward as if through the pages of Grimm's fairytales. Encountering twisted versions of Little Red Riding Hood, Jack from Jack in the Beanstalk, and several others. Once aspiring heroes of their own tales these devilish dopplegangers stand between the daring duo, and their goal to free Alicia from her nightmarish torment.

Grime: Colors of Rot | PS4 Review

If ever there was a game that personified the grotesque nature of death, the crippling loss felt through mourning, and the unquenchable void that is unending grief "Grime" would take that mantle. Coming into theatrical view as if borne of a mix of Ray Harryhausen's and Cronenberg's artistic visions we see the birth of a void headed vessel of a man, and his trek through a world built of decay, ash, and malformed creatures of a graven/earthen design. Embodying the very essence of the grave, and taking place in a world established by unwritten and unsaid lore this Soulsborne Metroidvania moves forward with somber music, and an eerie atmosphere that is only livened by the presence of otherworldly beings who are drawn to an enigmatic weeping cry that echoes throughout the cavernous depths of this unnatural underworld. It is this driving force which calls the nameless void headed vessel forth, and ever deeper to face the haunts and horrors that lay before him.

Chained Echoes | PS4 Review

Chained Echoes, since release, has been touted as the perfect answer to the 16-bit era of RPGs. It's an ambitious project spearheaded by one man, Matthias Linda. It takes the tried and true formula of classic turn based party battles, and delivers it with a near constant story that's richly told through character dialogue and onscreen context. Filled to the brim with amazing pixel art, an awesome soundtrack, and a plot involving a war of nations and generations we find an adventure like no other. In a world of armored suits, animal humanoids, and kingdoms with bitter rivalries. 

Bot Gaiden | PS4 Review

Extreme speed running is here my friends! In the form of a tough as nails Ninja Gaiden inspired speed runner that has a hint of Mega Man thrown in for good measure. It seems that this future world of robotic lifeforms is in a dire predicament with the tyrannical Giorqio and his henchmen stealing it's power source. The golden skulls. In order to best this army of bogus bots two red and blue cyber ninjas named Robyu, and Bytron are called upon to save the day. Utilizing power-up skills meant to make fast work of enemies, and even faster work of stage traversal they have their work cut out for them. The ultimate goal being to get back what was taken, and destroy each boss in a timed stage by stage speed run.

Terror of Hemasaurus | PS4

Of all the political parodies in the world of gaming I think "Terror of Hemasaurus" hits the nail on the head better than any other. Through satirical storytelling, and wanton destruction brought on by climate change, and the resurrection of once frozen monsters we see the foolishness of it all. Our struggle to save what's precious while destroying it all in the process. From the cult-like mentality surrounding the climate agenda and forced destruction of nature and human lives for the supposed greater good to media's lies surrounding these issues it's all on display here in unabashed glory. A stark warning for our future, and simultaneous reflection of where we are in current year 2022. Told through the perspective of a fictitious cult that is waiting for it's moment to lead a beast to inflict fear, and destruction in order to save the world from destruction. The very embodiment of our hypocrisies.

The Knight Witch | PS4 Review

Welcome to a magical world on the brink of destruction. A fairytale world of Pagan-like peoples, goddess-like knight witches, and technocratic elites. It is here that the war between the natural world, and the unnatural is playing out much in the same way our similar real world problems are. With their leaders pushing technology, and science to the point of no return they face the consequences of those actions. The treachery ultimately turning this once flourishing fantasy planet into a dystopian wasteland while forcing it's inhabitants towards a do or die situation, much like our own. 

Just as things seem hopeless four named knight witches of legend including 'Robyn the Angel of Destruction' emerge to combat the elite and their army of war golems. We get to see, in retrospect, Robyn's brave stand against tyranny as she fight's to stop the devastation in a battle won long ago. In the heat of said battle, and through the spiritual links with her people there Robyn and her knight witch companions manage to punch a hole into the surface of the planet revealing a lost underground habitat forged by an ancient civilization. A new hope for the desperate surface dwellers. That is until during the anniversary celebration of the secured victory years later fate comes calling once again. A perilous predicament where the knight witches, and their people are faced with a familiar threat. Though this time around a would have been knight witch in the making named Rayne, and her supporting infernal husband Akai take on their role as the heroines and heroes of this modern day war for what's left of their natural habitat.

Astronite | PS4 Review

Metroidvanias have made their mark on the industry over the years, and it's clear to see. You can find new ones in just about every gaming storefront to date. With all that new there was also once the all time greats like Castlevania, and Metriod which spearheaded the genre boom. A gaming industry trend that has yet to slowdown. I've personally seen some tried and true indie metroidvanias in my career that stick closely to tradition, and others that blend other genres into the mix to create something more innovative. Some just as great, if not better than their predecessors. I've also had the displeasure of playing through some of the worst there ever was. Stuff I don't care to mention. On that scale of bad to great, in comparison to other metroidvanias, somewhere between great and okay lies JanduSoft's "Astronite" ...

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II | The Multiplayer Experience

I've followed, reviewed, and supported Call of Duty since it's golden years. Without fail I've played each new release despite my growing concerns over the multiplayer experience. I witnessed the ups and downs of matchmaking, saw skill based matchmaking introduced, and the lobby system in general struggle to maintain a from the start experience. Problems that continue to persist.

With each new release I stuck by my own claims saying that the biggest problem with Call of Duty was not so much the game itself or the gameplay, but the players who were playing it. To an extent that claim has always held true. Multiplayer continues to be what kills the CoD experience over time. From toxic gamers to hackers, and modders it has grown increasingly problematic. Fast forward to MW2, and almost immediately those player problems reared their ugly heads to an extreme, but that was not the only problem this time around ...

Knifeboy Rebooted | Switch Review

Coming from developer Runic Codes like a cryptic piece of pop art is the hand drawn video game "Knifeboy Rebooted". A cryptic conspiracy driven comic book hero style action adventure with light Metroidvania features, and speed running in mind. It is centered around a dude with a knife protruding from his forehead, and a dystopian community under the rule of tyranny. Move over Chainsaw Man cause you've got some competition now!!! ...

This mystery man, and living weapon who has been resurrected into the alien post-dystopian world as it's savior is there to make sense of himself, and the world around him. Through interesting characters of different races, and information gathered from various sources he slowly comes to terms with the fact that he was the one to put an end to the New World Order, and that Anonymous has risen to take their place. That in this sordid recollection every conspiracy theory imaginable is made manifest. From Free Masons to the Illuminati. All throughout the jointed yet disjointed world. A world filled with disheveled makeshift locales named as if they were borne of fringe conspiracy theories themselves. Places like Mountain of D.O.O.M., Twin Peaks, and Pirate Bay just to name a few. It is here that Knifeboy must find eight hidden Golden cogs, return them to Dr. J, and rediscover his lost memories in relation to those who seem to know him more than he does. It is in this discovery that he can then come to terms with the truth, and his role in that truth.

Donut Dodo | Switch Review

Harkening back to the age of arcades Flynn Studio's "Donut Dodo" brings to us a hi-score challenge that is somewhat familiar yet distinctly different. Featuring the eternal rivalry between baker Billy Burns, and the donut thieving Donut Dodo this collect-a-thon platformer brings to the table a formula most retro fans will be able to grasp from the start. An undertaking complete with a main antagonist in the form of Donut Dodo, and three enemies in the form of Sniffy, Stinky, and Ghastly. Taking the confrontation to carnival themed locales across the globe with different layouts joined together by platforms, ladders, ropes and other devices meant to help you avoid danger as you collect all the donuts so that you can reclaim the king of all donuts from Donut DoDo before moving on.

The Bounty Huntress | PS4 Review

Have you ever wondered what a budget, under ten dollars, "Castlevania: Symphony of the Night" would look like? Well, look no further than Ratalaika Games' "The Bounty Huntress" . . .

While plot points, and features differ ever so slightly this mock Castlevania experience follows the same basic formula as it's inspiration. Almost to a point of parody. Playing as a female bounty huntress named Rhea who animates oddly like Alucard or Maria Renard you take up arms, and set forth into a village to find out what your latest bounty is all about. It seems Vaunard, and it's soldiers have stumbled upon the once dormant Aresdale Castle stronghold filled with monsters that were once trapped their by their king. A castle that has just recently reemerged as a threat to the populous for unknown reasons. After three villagers disappear under strange circumstances the soldiers set forth to investigate the matter themselves on castle grounds. This only leads to further missing persons, and the desperation to hire a bounty hunter to deal with the situation. Not wasting time Rhea heads into the castle to confront whatever evil lies in wait . . .

Bravery & Greed | PS4 Review

Have you ever seen those 'Conan the Barbarian' movies? The ones where a destined to be king barbarian, and group of tag along outcasts travel the world in search of riches, and power?  Well, Team17's "Bravery & Greed" has a storyline that's not all that different than those films. As an odd pairing of four adventurers you have a plan to infiltrate a long forgotten, and abandoned Dwarven vault that is told to have the wealth of kings. To gain access to said vault they need to collect the four colored gems in order to open up the sealed door. Each gem is protected by a guardian that must be defeated in order to obtain the gems in their possession. This of course will take the adventurers through various lands filled with monsters, traps, and other deadly hazards. Though it is an adventure rich in bounty for those who can survive long enough to loot it, it is equally as trying with the randomized challenge presented. 

Combate Monero | PS4 Review

Combate Monero is one of those games that came completely out of left field. A surprise release that even I didn't expect. It is a fully fledged fighting game from the Mexican comic book multiverse. A developer's own take on MvC games with all the trimmings to boot. I can say without a doubt that I have never seen or played a fighting game like this, nor any comic books so culturally diverse. Making Combate Monero a first of hopefully many more ambitious releases by Oribe Ware Games.

Game Type DX | PS4 Review

Nathan Fouts of Mommy's Best Games has a storied past on the indie scene. He is one of many indie developers on the Xbox 360 platform that fought to be noticed, and eventually found his way in. I think of Nathan Fouts as one of the pioneers of the modern indie scene. A man who dared to challenge the status quo, and set himself apart from the ordinary. He was, and is still one of my favorite indie developers of all time. Seeing his works return as relevant as they ever were to new platforms is a welcome sight for sore eyes. I've seen the ups and downs of the indie genre as Nathan has, and watched as something that once flourished and encouraged originality, and creativity has now become a cash grab collective looking to game the system, and capitalize with the lowest effort rendered. Thankfully games like "Game Type DX" continue to exist to remind us of this struggle, and point out that the road to 'Triple A' isn't as clear cut as it might seem.

Super Chicken Jumper | PS4

Bullsh*t! Bullsh*t!! Bullsh*t!!! You say "Bullsh*t" out loud three times in front of your favorite gaming rig, and EastAsiaSoft's "Super Chicken Jumper" will Bullsh*t you. If you thought Flappy Bird was bad you ain't seen nothing yet. This randomly generated, and player predictive auto-runner/jumper has you attempting to do the impossible. In fact I don't think the game was actually meant to be beaten it's so stacked against your every effort. You actually earn trophies for dying a lot, and if that's not telling I don't know what is.

As a president appointed savior you, the chicken, must battle the evil that is XX. A terrorist organization that is creating monsters to take over the world. As a flightless master of disguise, gadgets, and weapons you are tasked with running, jumping, attacking, and dodging all manner of creatures and obstacles as you go to fight the fiend at the end of each set of runs. Each time you fail, the entire run from the creatures to the static obstacles, are randomized creating a pattern of threats that are both unpredictable, and also geared towards cheating you of your finish line victory. As short as each run may be it is a hard lesson in not giving up. Perhaps the hardest version of that lesson ever created. It will test your willingness to see it through to the end in every imaginable way. If you have anxiety issues be warned. It is wholly unforgiving, and rigged to read your every move.

Heidelberg 1693 | PS4 Review

If horror is your thing, and you don't mind a bit of gore laced with sacrilegious freak show oddities, "Heidelberg 1693" might just suit your fancy. This Victorian era mashup of the metroidvania genre, and "Ghosts & Goblins" games has you taking on the role of an unnamed Musketeer under the orders of the Sun King. It seems that the King's arch-nemesis the Moon King has been up to some nasty things. Conjuring up armies of the damned and grotesque in an attempt to end the Sun King's reign. As the Musketeer with a single bullet musket rifle, and a rapier on hand it is up to you to deal the deathblow to your King's sworn adversary, and his army of darkness. 

Orbital Bullet | Switch Review

In 4532 Columbus sailed the ocean blue ... just kidding, lol!!! In that dreadful year, however, someone was indeed setting out to conquer and that alien species was known as the Dread Corps. They had their eyes and hearts set on humanity's extinction, and humanity was already in a world of hurt. Suffering from their own population problems. Seems these last remnants of humanity had to up and arm themselves or face total annihilation. One such soldier, who in the heat of battle lost his life, managed to pull off a ghost in the shell moment and send his soul sailing right into a cyborg body. As fate would have it this lone soldier turned terminator is humanity's last hope, and it is he whom you will guide along alien worlds in search of the Dread Corps. and their leaders. Ultimately to stave off the impending doom.

Succubus With Guns | PS4 Review

Some games should never see the light of day. Games that reach hard for your money without deserving it should never ever be entertained. They should not be shown off for the clicks, nor should they be shilled to the public for moneymaking sake. SometimesYou's "Succubus With Guns" is such a game. It puts the "Ass" in "Asset Flips" quite literally. 

As the gamer you get to play as a weeaboo's wet dream. A sultry succubus that awakens from her slumber after a satanic ritual gone awry. In a mission to combat the spawning minions of Hell, and the corrupted undead her walking talking display of TNA (Tits N Ass) struggles to do even that. Through janky, and jittery gameplay with a whole host of problems the Arse-nal she's packing does little to help her as she trudges along wave after wave as if she's some Soulsborne anti-heroine. Blasting fools with hot lead, and slashing away with her claws, and sword. All in a wave based affair with end bosses that can be cheesed to death just by standing near them and attacking.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 | The Campaign

For those of you who have yet to buy or play through MW2's new campaign you don't have to worry about spoilers here. I will not go into detail about key plot points, story instances, or character roles. I will give you a basic take on the plot, and give you my honest thoughts on my experience with the campaign playthrough ...

Missile Command: Recharged | PS4

Atari once again gives a classic from their video game library the "Recharged" treatment. A score based, and modernized minimalist reimagining of the retro experience of the same name. This time around that game is none other than "Missile Command". Released just in time for it's 40th anniversary. While the mechanics of Missile Command, at base level, are the same the newer features included in this recharged edition ramp up the action significantly with power-ups, upgrades, and a bonus modifier system that changes the way the game is played, and the way that high scores are achieved. Accompanied by a mission mode objectives that will try even the most battle hardened Missile Command pros this budget bundle is the perfect test of skill for those willing to revisit the past, and take the challenge. 

Rule No. 1 | PS4 Review

Welcome to a game that's about as desperate as an e-girl flashing her naughty bits on a game streaming service for the resident simps' hard earned cash. This collection of mini-games, or modes if you so prefer, is as about basic as it gets. Including competitive score based mini-modes centered around a cringe worthy one-liner spewing female protagonist whose heart health determines her stay in the arena this blend of arcade antics is about as shallow as this intro paragraph reads. 

I speak of none other than EastAsiaSoft's "Rule No.1". A first person arena shooter, and arcade basketball sim wherein skill is determined by one's ability to beat an unfair undertaking filled with Bouncy Bois, and zombified girls who are out for blood. Armed with a pistol, and whatever other guns she can pick up our nameless heroine strafes around limited 3D space blasting the fool out of whatever comes her way. Additionally taking a break to shoot some hoops as if she were trying to win tickets for prizes at Chuck E. Cheese's pizza joint.

Sophstar | PS4 Review

Decked out, and on deck Sophstar follows the story of recruited space pilot Soph as she tries to unravel the mysteries of her origin, and make sense of the battle she is now a part of. Led by an admiral in command Soph pilots one of several ships with distinct weapon capabilities, and power levels. Following leads to distant planets, and outer space locations fighting against an adversary whose intent is to destroy Soph's fleet. Utilizing innate warp abilities combined with the firepower of future technology Soph braves the final frontier in an attempt to come to terms with her past, present, and future. 

Yomawari: Lost in the Dark | PS4

NISA's "Yomawari" series is their most deeply disturbing, but morally aligned creation to date. It combines tragedies centered around suicide, depression, bullying, and other mentally taxing things in a modern Japanese setting with a chibi anime art style. Something that transitions through said tragedies into a nightmarish 'Alice in Wonderland' style experience which takes in account local folklore. It is horror survival at it's core with telling twists for audiences willing to brave it's story. 

As Yuzu, in "Yomawari: Lost in the Dark", you find yourself being brutally bullied by classmates from the start. Being told to go to Hell, and to die. Written abuse that is furthered by unrelenting physical attacks, and hurled insults. Something that appears to be so routine for the young female protagonist to the point she seemingly takes the hint, and jumps off the top of the school building to end her sorrow. While this intro detail is pointed towards that definitive direction the truth of the situation is made unclear as Yuzu awakes in a darkened, and heavily haunted version of her world. Eventually taking the advice of a mysterious girl who leads her out of the snow covered wilderness, and guides her to breaking the supposed curse cast on her in her own darkened hometown. A brief acquaintance which soon leaves Yuzu alone to tread on foot the spirit filled district with flashlight in hand in search of a series of locations with memories tied to them. Something that Yuzu is told will break her curse before the 6am deadline, so that she can be reunited with the mystery guide.

Chivalry 2 | PS4 Review

Hot off the backs of "Chivalry I", Tripewire's 'Chivalry II" brings back cannonballs to the wall medieval madness and mayhem. With several modes of play to choose from, and a highly detailed class and character customization system players' battlefield bloodlust will be satiated if they can get past some of the game's issues. Playing like a mixture of an FPS, and a fighting game Chivalry II's mechanics, and historically mirrored confrontations between four different kingdoms is realized in the most intricately detailed fashion. 

Featuring true to the period weapon based tactics, and objectives dependent upon offensive and defensive strategies these epic skirmishes play out in a truly merciless fashion. While the combat, and carnage is mostly historically accurate the developers have taken liberties with their sometimes comical voice commands that will have you both screaming like a madman as you run forth into the fray, or hurling insults as you are taunting your adversaries as they crawl around bleeding out from their mortal wounds.

Killing Floor 2 | PS4 Review

Tripwire's "Killing Floor 2" is a long running and over-the-top horror themed FPS from yesteryear with squad roles in mind. It features wave and objective based combat with players taking on perks that act as militant style classes with special perk bonuses and skills meant to aid in clearing a monster filled match. It is this fun, fulfilling, and frantic formula that has kept this game from falling to the wayside over time. To this day fans still flock to each new seasonal event, and update to get their fix and fill. 

Teeming with both online, and offline features this solo or squad based shooter offers replay value in spades. Including everything from character, and weapon customization to a wealth of interesting maps to play on as well as Easter eggs to find, Killing Floor 2 kills it in more ways than one. Not only does it up the ante of available content with added gory creature effects in tow, but it also offers unrelenting bloody action with epic boss fights as well as a hard hitting soundtrack that is itself killer. To this day you will not be hard pressed on consoles to find some sort of sadistic enjoyment from this title and it's offerings.

Witchcrafty | PS4 Review

Heroes. What defines a hero? That's what SometimesYou's game, "Witchcrafty", aims to answer in a roundabout way. In a modern fairytale that's not quite all that it seems we find a nameless forest witch on mission to find out about a corruption that has swept the lands, and pitted once known allies against each other. After having awoken from a drunken slumber caused by a night of partying with the local satyrs our witch heroine in the making finds that the village has been attacked by disgruntled Goblins. Seemingly for unknown reasons. Seeking the advice of the village elder the witch embarks on a journey of discovery in order to get to the root of the problem. 

Kamiwaza: Way of the Thief | PS4

Hailing from 2006, and the PS2 console era this 2022 remaster is a smaller sized game that's big on it's unique mechanics. Developed by Acquire, and published by NIS, "Kamiwaza" tells the tale of a band of thieves that are not unlike the West's Robin Hood. A thief's guild known as the Silver Ravens. Noble in their cause they set out to rob from the rich to give to the poor in a post Edo period where invasion from the West is rife, and famine is afoot. 

Unfortunately, thieves Ebizo and his partner in crime Ainosuke find out that there's dissent among the ranks in their routine rogue mission. Some of the thief's guild have gone rogue killing the innocent while robbing them for more selfish reasons. Caught off guard by this, Ebizo rescues a potential child victim caught up in the chaos, and makes a run for it. Ten years forward, and he goes legit as a carpenter. Up until his newly adopted daughter falls ill. It is here that Ebizo's past as a thief comes calling home, and a decision is made out of desperation to fall back into old habits to find a cure for Suzuna. Bumping into old acquaintances, and hooking up with a new underground thief community for benefits Ebizo tries to remedy his situation.

Splatter - Zombiecalypse | NS Review

The world has seen some sh*t these days. From the threat of nuclear war to viral outbreaks one might not be too far off to expect a zombie apocalypse on 2022's bingo card. Hell, we all act like zombies with our eyes glued to the idiot box and smartphones as we consume mindless entertainment like a junkie looking for his next fix. High on dopamine, but short of critical thinking. Zombies, more or less. Even games have become a hot bed for these carnivorous cannibal corpses. 

This game, Splatter - Zombiecalypse, is no exception to that rule. As commonplace as it might be the zombie genre is always in season, regardless. Be it for Halloween or any other day of the year. Fitting in nicely, Splatter takes a top down twin stick shooter approach with story driven content, and arcade style additions meant to expand upon the game's core mechanics. At heart it is survival horror, but with a shooter angle set within a apocalyptic film noir scenario featuring a nameless protagonist who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Josh Journey: Darkness Totems

Donning a cartoon look not unlike that of Adventure Time's, and taking it's own spin on the arcade brawler genre, "Josh Journey" aims to impress, but misses it's target due to a handful of issues ...

Josh Journey and his dealings with the darkness totems begins, as any adventure would, with an epic intro summarizing the plot in a few short lived cutscenes. In these scenes devoid of speech and text we, the viewer, come to realize there's a fight of good versus evil going on. That a goddess of light is fighting against a god of darkness over the fate of the world. As fate would have it the god of darkness momentarily gains the upper hand unleashing some darkness totems onto the planet below. On that planet a misfit band of heroes and heroines led by Josh is warned by a herald that they are the only hope. Up in arms they take to the road battling baddies, and destroying totems a they grow ever closer to the source of the corruption. The god of darkness himself.

HOST 714 | PS4 Review

Addiction is a b*tch to deal with, and while addicts are often times looked down upon it is usually the helpless among us who cannot cope with the bad hand life had dealt them that succumb to it. The ones that end up in such a precarious predicament, unwillingly. As sad as it is some addicts never recover, and die prematurely due to their vices, but there are a select few who are willing to try anything to dig themselves out of the hole that they find themselves in. Such a person is represented through Squid, or Host 714 as he'll come to be known in this horrific tale of help gone wrong. Squid, being the admitted addict that he is, realizes he's hit rock bottom as a drug addict. That if he doesn't try to turn things around he will die miserably. 

Thus after hearing of a recovery program on a remote island with a 90% success rate he takes the chance to do just that. Unfortunately for him though this remote facility isn't what it seems, and the people running it, far less so. Ultimately caught up in some sadistic experiment involving a pain inducing viral injection Squid finds himself wanting out, and wanting out bad. Keeping him from that goal is the numerous guards on duty, and the fact that the pain build up gets so bad that he can't help but let out a loud groan in crippling agony ever so often. Realizing this he has to mind the searching guards, and staff as they hunt other escapees on route to freedom lest he never see the light of day.

Watcher Chronicles | PS4 Review

Following in the footsteps of established Soulsborne titles, Third Sphere Game Studios' "Watcher Chronicles" aims to tackle the 2D side of the genre in a unique way. Taking hints from games like Dark Souls, Elden Ring, and Salt & Sanctuary this cartoony, and seemingly lighthearted take stays true to the inspirations, but deviates ever so slightly allowing for more fast paced and fluid combat. 

As a female or male knight of your choosing you begin your journey through purgatory as you face off against a skeletal army of fallen angels known as the Watchers. These devilish denizens are hellbent on turning purgatory into literal Hell. You are all that stands between them, and that goal. Armed with a secondary, and primary weapon as well up to three rings you will use your might & magic as you slay the demons lying in wait. You will either succeed or fail trying. 

Roar of Revenge | PS4 Review

Coming at us like a Conan saga, "Roar of Revenge" introduces to us a story about a barbarian named Keel who is destined to stop the tyrannical rule of a lion-headed king known as Leomhann, and rescue his kidnapped brother. Instructed to seek out 4 fabled relics by the village elder in order to do so Keel journeys across the lands to find what he needs to stop his sworn enemy. Wielding only a sword, and collecting magic items along the way to assist Keel is able to navigate the danger, and puzzle ridden stages set before him. With his life on the line, and the weight of the world on his shoulders can Keel best the beast, and free the people?

Circus Electrique | PS4 Review

Zen Studio's "Circus Electrique" is a delightfully diverse display of turn based tactics and tent-alizing talent. Featuring a ragtag group of circus performers, their devoted Grandmaster, and the Grandmaster's niece all those involved come together to combat the afflicted automated Bobbies who have succumb to a bloodthirsty maddening. An event timed just right to make the grandmaster's revival of of his curious Circus Electrique look suspicious. It is up to this band of misfits to set the record straight, and undo the affliction that is taking it's toll on London's civilian population. While making headlines, and becoming the heroes of the day.

Unexplored 2: The Wayfarer's Legacy

Big Sugar, and Lodomotion attempt to go full roguelike in "Unexplored 2: Wayfarer's Legacy", and that attempt may or may have not paid off in the end. The developers have not only established through this segmented roguelike action rpg sequel a complete and continued mythos, and randomly generated worlds that will end or continue with a completed run, but have also created a permadeath situation for custom characters who act as the heroes of the tale. Heroes who can pass on their legacy to successors willing to finish what was started. Through spent day and night cycles, exhaustive travel, inquisitive exploration, perplexing puzzle solving scenarios, and applied combat as these destined wayfarers you'll either come to terms with the task requirements at hand or fail miserably trying. 

Unlike most action rpg roguelikes there is no leveling in 'Unexplored 2', and no stat distribution to speak of. You are simply equipped with only what you can carry without being overburdened, and must use weapons, gear, and resources wisely as you fight against all hope, the strain of the burden at hand, and time itself. The trek from point A to point B taking it's toll with each passing day. Making resting/saving a must, and the luxuries of repair and cooking afforded by campsites, a necessity. Opening up a risk and reward system wherein actions taken or not taken will impact the very nature of your adventure, and the lifespan of the wayfarer, themselves. Packing on a social fortune system in which chance coin modifiers open up new buffs and debuffs for the price paid. Ultimately landing you where you need to be in order to destroy the staff that you carry, if you can make it that far. 

Unichrome: A 1-Bit Unicorn Adventure | PS4 Review

From freebie to full fledged release Super8BitRafa's, "Unichrome" comes to consoles guns a blazin'!!! This retro run 'n gun take on the action platformer genre brings with it a ton of laughs, and a whole lot of kick assery. Playing out like an episodic version of contra you are tasked as Itchi (the Killer!?) the Unicorn to get back all the world's colors which were stolen from a group of legendary creatures set loose from a man-made prison. 

Itchi's adversary, a black unicorn with a grudge, is out to exact revenge on all humanity for being imprisoned. Collecting the colored gems from a mystic gate this devilish odd one out recruits a host of other animal-like cryptids gifting them power through the gems. Itchi is having none of it though, and is out to kick ass and take names. At her disposal is an arsenal of colorful guns, bombs, and gadgets that will help her to pursue, and deal with the problems that are within her line of sight. Mercy be on those that stand in her way ...

Rings of Power | Racism

Everyone's probably got caught up in the whole "Rings of Power" debate by now. Should the director be allowed to cast a diverse collective of actors for an established fantasy? Do people of diverse ethnicities, and genders deserve to play roles in those works?

For me the stance is far more complicated than being a black or white ordeal. It's not about diversity being wrong or inclusivity either. I see it for what it is. People getting superficial roles according to a collective ideology. Namely Marxism or Socialism. These actors, and actresses aren't standing out according to their own talent. They are filling the representative role of race, and gender. In the case of "Rings of Power" this is proven in the interviews of the actress who played the black female dwarf. She herself said that she feels empowered as a representative of her race and gender. 

Chameneon | PS4 Review

This challenge based, and chameleon focused gravity runner titled "Chameneon" takes the premise of Cyberspace as we know it, and turns it topsy-turvy. Within the game's lore Earth's citizens have discovered a new Earth-like planet with intelligent life. To communicate with it's resident population they created a speed of light based messaging system known as "Cyberspace". The catch, as with our own internet, is that viruses have found a way in. Through operation Chameneon they send in a virtual messenger to manually deliver the message. This method takes place in cyberspace, and on the rails therein. In a 2D fashion, no less. 

As a cyber chameleon turned messenger you are literally tasked with surfing the web with a message in tow. Riding on the rails you must time your jumps as you transition the given lanes, and avoid hazards while you do so. Gravity, speed, and trajectory plays a big part of this as it keeps you grounded and on the path so long as you don't slingshot yourself out into the void. Aside from delivery goals collecting energy in the form of lightning bolts, and old PC floppies helps you to 100% your delivery. A common goal spread out among 4 worlds, and 80 stages.

Fortnite | Battle Pass & Zero Build ... Budget Gaming Tips 2022

These days gamers are limited on what they can or cannot buy in regards to video games. This includes full-on retail releases, DLC, and things like battle passes in free to play games. For a while now I have struggled in that area like most gamers. Where do I put my extra money each month? What do I buy into? These are questions I'm always asking myself. I am personally known for splurging on multiple releases each month including DLC, and even battle passes. Out of all of that I have learned that some things are more bang for your buck than others though. Whether it be the replay value, length of the game, or whether or not there is a plan for ongoing content what I buy depends wholly on those measures of worth. You could call me a budget gamer. A guy who purposefully seeks out the best deals. Be it day one releases that may become harder to find later on, or games on sale I buy what best benefits me. 

Rick Henderson | PS4 Review

EastAsiaSoft, and Fat Pug Studio brings to us, this week, an indie shmup roguelite with endless replay value and two ways to play. Featuring an endless mode that loops around in accordance to two different difficulty settings, and three pilots with their own individual ships. Mechanics-wise it's shmup of borrowed or inspired proportions titled after the game's main, but unrealized protagonist, Rick Henderson. It has a trio of weapons to use on the fly as well as a special attack unique to each pilot. That and a grazing mechanic that will call in the other two pilots for support when filled. As Rick Henderson, Ben x9 or the porcine Zoraxx you will basically be blasting through waves of asteroids, and alien spacecraft before going head to head with an enemy boss ship. All in the name of saving the universe. After each boss is bested you'll have a selection of four different perks that will add to, or improve upon your ship functions. Adding in an additional roguelite element to the shmup part of the game ...

Dusk Diver 2 | PS4 Review

In the most heavy handed way possible the developers of 'Dusk Diver 2' bring the player forcefully up to speed while forwarding the new plot. Through Yumo, and a colorful cast of anime inspired characters we find a story about an advanced race of beings called kunlunians, their Dragon Vein technology geared towards combating interdimensional chaos beasts, the chaos beasts themselves, and a Dragon Vein control system. This is all information presented front and center through contextual character dialogue, and catch up referencing via an in-game glossary. All of this made available alongside a constant barrage of mechanics tutorial messages that span the entirety of chapter one, and beyond.

Fast forward to the present, and Yumo along with her ragtag group of kunlunian partners are in the midst of developing new D.ARMS tech so that Yumo can better harness and separate herself from the Dragon Vein Control System. Ultimately utilizing a diverse set of attacks, and skills to battle the ongoing chaos beast threat, and a new enemy orchestrating things behind-the-scenes. Her transformative abilities gives her superpowers with which she serves her Boss, and the kunlunians who setup up shop in the human world to be mediators for the ongoing conflict between that realm and Kunlun. It is with her party of newfound friends that her battle is made easier. 

Slaycation Paradise | PS4 Review

Slaycation Paradise is the answer to a specific scientific question. That question being, "What if humans gained interdimensional travel capabilities, and were able to travel to alternate worlds?". The answer to said question is not all that surprising. Humanity has a bad habit of destroying their own planet. Of stripping it bare of all resources, and taking more than their fair share from nature. As it turns out the travelers of the future have taken that inherent human greed, and envy to the next level. Looting, and plundering the metaverse, and it's endless array of alternate Earths for fortune and power. 

The only thing that stopped them in this pursuit was a ban of moral measures enacted, because of the ramifications of such travel. Through a loophole though humans, as they so often do, exploited the system and turned the advanced technology into a lucrative business endeavor, regardless. Creating Slaycations, or rather violence ridden vacations, for people willing to pay to visit post-apocalyptic worlds in order to kill, steal, and destroy to their hearts' content. All you need is the cash, a boarding pass, some weapons, and the right connections to get you where you want to go. It's a modern family affair where wanton destruction is the reason for that round trip.

Yars': Recharged | PS4 Review

The Yars' games of yesteryear and Atari fame were not without their lore. As such it kind of saddens me to say that once again the developer dropped that aspect of the game in favor of gameplay. Minor complaints aside, this recharged reimagining of Atari's "Yars' Revenge" packs a helluva punch with it's gameplay presentation. Focusing mainly on two modes of play including arcade, and mission you'll find plenty to return to as you shoot or nibble your way to that top score. 

The gameplay objectives, regardless of mode, are not unlike the methods of a murder hornet setting up shop in a bee's hive. As one of two winged alien humanoids you have to harvest energy from protective honeycomb like barriers surrounding your enemies, and destroy defense cores/turrets in order to make vulnerable said enemy's super weapon that lies behind them all. All while dodging bullets, and one hit cannon blasts. Doing so fills up an energy gauge, and gains you pilot seat access to a super cannon that can deal the deathblow to your alien adversary in two well placed shots. Attempts at clearing these battles are governed mostly by your life stock of three hits, and your ability to dodge threats while minding the end goal with your variety of attack options. It is with those three hits, and your skills that you'll either succeed or fail at your mission. It goes without saying that you can go solo or have a friend tag along for some local co-op in both the arcade and mission modes.

Cursed to Golf | PS4 Review

Thunderful's 'Cursed to Golf' takes club swingin' to the next level, and when I say the "NEXT LEVEL" I mean purgatory. Like that line from the undead golfer in Bill Murray's "Scrooged" you find yourself 18 holes in on the final shot, and the next thing you know you're a worm's feast. Dropped down to the great below in an afterlife of perpetuated golf tournaments against some of history's greats. Through the guidance of the resident Scotsman, and local Eterni-Tee business owner you are given a tour, and how-to before being sent on your repeated roguelike adventure course by course to ascend back to life. Supposing you can master all 18 holes.

Super Bullet Break | PS4 Review

BeXide's "Super Bullet Break" brings to us a cute casting of funny female gamers, bubbly bullet babes, and nefarious buggo infested waifus sent out by Singulaladies to make game characters across a collection of mobile games self-aware. Through protagonists Akari, Hikaru, and Sumire we find a collective of like-minded gamer girls who have their antics playout through their mobile phones in short lived chat sessions. With Akari's contextual conversations, in particular, we are introduced to an inquisitive AI girl named Nayuta. A character, who through Akari's mobile device, contacts her telling her about an AI ploy to destroy her games and make the resident characters of each game as self-aware as the Singulaladies are. Those Singulaladies being the sentient AI who have gone rogue in an attempt to infect other characters with buggos that alter their perceptions. With the guidance of an in-game guide called Black Cat the girls of Super Bullet Break are out to win back their games. One bullet at a time ...

GigaBash | PS4 Review

Through "GigaBash" PassionRepublic Games delivers unto us a true passion project. A passionate power trip fantasy centered around, and inspired by 80's Kaiju cinema. Allowing players to live out Kaiju battle fantasies of epic proportions in a competitive arena style of combat. Complete with destructible buildings, and environments set in key locales. Offering up things that can be used as weapons, and alternative ways to dish out bigger damage as the behemoths go all out to be the king of the monsters. 

The game, through a comic book style story mode, also weaves a timeless tale of four specific titans, and a supporting cast of other titanic beasts that round out the roster to ten. Everything from a devilish looking volcano deity, to an alien lobster, a cult operated snail, a Gundam wannabe, an Ultraman clone, and more. Showcasing their origin story, and their fight against government agencies looking to secure the power they wield. All in all it's your basic Kaiju vs the world military complex story setup with a modern flair.

After Wave: Downfall | PS4 Review

Enter a futuristic world guarded by helicopter carried MegaCats. A world plagued by an alien invasion of the Deathrix kind, and the resulting cataclysmic flood the likes of which have not been seen since the days of Noah. That is what awaits the brave souls willing to take on the upstream challenge that lies in wait within 7 Raven Studios', "After Wave: Downfall". Through three tiers of story inclusive challenges, a brutally difficult arcade experience, and four extra gimmick filled bonus modes you take control of the world's last surviving heroes, and heroines. A ragtag group of kids on militarized jet skis that aim, not only to take down the Deathrix, but the mutated animal and plant life that was created due to a release of toxins from meteorites that were a prelude to the invasion itself.

Sword & Fairy: Together Forever | PS4

Hyped or not some games have a lot to live up to due to anticipation, especially when it's a game not typically seen in a certain region of the world. Games like "Sword & Fairy: Together Forever", for example, have a lot to gain or a lot to lose depending on audience favor. Being a part of the social gaming scene I can tell you now that the hype for this title is set pretty high, and has been from the start. People I follow have been singing it's praises, and anxiously awaiting it's launch since it was first announced. Personally, I was one of those gamers. I tend to seek out games, as a reviewer, which I believe have what it takes to impress. Something worth writing home about. Sometimes I get it wrong despite that natural ability to sift through BS though, and find myself deeply disappointed alongside everyone else. 

To that end I'm oddly in a tug-of-war of thoughts with this one after having played it, and experienced it first hand. I find myself neck deep in a love & hate relationship with the game, and therein lies my dilemma. Before I get too far ahead of myself please allow me to properly introduce you to "Sword & Fairy: Together Forever" ...

Turrican Anthology Vol. 1 & 2

This isn't the first attempt at reviving the Turrican franchise, but it sure as heck is the best. These two separate action packed anthologies come filled to the brim, and fit to bust with an overabundance of features and games. Each anthology harboring several series entries per bundle including the staple numerically ordered releases as well as the Super, and Mega spin-offs. You even get some rare editions of some of the titles including director's cuts, and score attack editions. All games, of which, host a fight of good versus evil and man versus the machine. An intergalactic tale of universal destruction, and slavery stopped only by a lone soldier in a Turrican Assault Suit who answers the call no matter how far away it may be. 

LootLite | PS4 Review

I don't know if this is a late April Fools joke or what, but for what it is JanduSoft's "LootLite" misses the mark for a proper indie roguelike, severely ...

About as basic as they come this semi-top down arcade dungeon looter has the lone player or two players locally through co-op choosing from eight different hero classes with a melee, special, and ultimate attacks beholden to their base build. These classes each harbor a unique starter weapon, a certain stock of health, and specific attacks centered around said class archetypes. Dealing specific damage as well. 

Customizable to a light degree these adventurers can change their hairstyle, and race at the beginning of a playthrough. Checking off the diversity, and inclusivity quota in one fell swoop. Leaving the last option to that of class type. Classes being Warrior, Mage, Assassin, Apothecary, Barbarian, Dragon Knight, Scavenger, and Necromancer. It is their goal, from ship to the top of the biome covered peninsula, to kill enemies, loot boxes, open chests, and pay for runes with collected coin for added buffs. Making it as far as they can, percentage-wise, in a given run.

Arsonist Heaven | PS4 Review

It's Summer. The world is on fire in so many ways. From the wildfires to the extreme heat temperatures we're all feeling the burn. To add to the heat EastAsiaSoft has decided to release "Arsonist Heaven" across multiple platforms including the PlayStation 4. This mutant extermination extravaganza has the corporate purifier on blast. A specialist who uses jetpacks, and flamethrowers to burn down baddies that have escaped a company experiment gone wrong. Call it quality control, call it pest control, or whatever. All you need to know is that to make bank, and keep your job you have to fry some fiends. Your only problem being the limited stock of fuel tanks, health, and jet fuel at your beckon call. Management of said resources is the key of coming out on the winning side of this backyard barbeque. 

Severed Steel | PS4 Review

Fast, frantic, and flashy is this futuristic parkour focused FPS known as "Severed Steel". A fight full of female empowerment shown through a handicapped protagonist who awakes in a secret facility with one arm severed. Hurt, and hot tempered this leading lady aims for all out revenge as she takes on a whole army of soldiers that are hellbent on stopping her from sabotaging company efforts, and killing those that wronged her. While her story is minimalist in nature, and shown only through brief and periodic story panels the objective is clear. Destroy targets, clean house, and make your anger known. Using one hand for guns, and the other for a prototype arm cannon you set out to hand out a dish that's best served cold, vengeance.

Hell Pie | PS4 Review

Normally a person wouldn't think of Hell as being a literal business. A place decked out with demon filled offices, and jobs catering to human torment. With a stock market all it's own, and Satan acting as the head of the company. That's exactly what you get though with Sluggerfly's take on Hell. In their game "Hell Pie" we bare witness to a corporate entity run by the king of the damned himself. A devilish dude who likes to keep his workers on blast. Harassing them for every dirty deed that he needs done. In this instance he goes searching for the in house baker only to ring up the demon of bad tastes. An impish little devil who is in the process of adding an extra ingredient to a bottle of milk. Sitting idly by in an office in some part of this establishment said demon was called up abruptly to fetch a pie for Satan's birthday. This leads to a curious collect-a-thon of sorts wherein ingredients must be found in various hub worlds through elevator access, and returned to the actual baker on duty to prepare the dessert.

Seduction - A Monk's Fate | PS4 Review

Parallaxed to Hell and back Koex Studio's 2D side-scrolling horror tale "Seduction: A Monk's Fate" aims to thrill, chill, and spill forth a narrative about love and lust from a religious and non-religious point of view.

As protagonist and resident monk in training, Lee, you find yourself a part of a monk managed monastery after having been dropped off as a child by your father. The father having been on the run over money issues, and those pursuing him over the debt. A father seeking refuge for him and Lee after having also supposedly been cheated on and left by his wife. Catching up years after said incident the left behind Lee is forced to face haunting visions of a pale faced lady as well as his mysterious past. That and his devotion to Buddha. Eventually phasing in and out of reality as he faces his demons. 

Hell Pages | Switch Review

When it comes to the occult you have faux satanic, or really satanic as a measure of evil. On that scale of value Medusa Head's "Hell Pages" definitely lands itself in the latter category with thematic elements that blend ultra violent imagery with nudity for added shock value. It's one of those gaming spectacles where the selling point is actually that shock value. Wherein the developer pushes whatever envelope, and crosses the line drawn into the sand to see if it's enough to make bank.

In the midst of the mature display what is left is a basic shmup setup centered around demon summoning gone wrong. That and in-fighting amongst demonkind for the throne of the desolated world. The game's story, in this regard, starts off way back in 1981 in a cabin in the woods where some absolute morons summon some demons through a cursed book. Seeing the error of their ways in real time as a legion of demons tries to force it's way through into the mortal realm they invoke the help of evil Goddess Skintae (or whatever?) to seal those demons back up. As it often happens though in such predicaments the seal wears over time. As such 37 years down the road all hell breaks loose on Earth. Humans become slaves, and food to the warring demons as said demons fight over who gets the throne. This is where Bael steps in to put an end to the war, and claim his rightful place among his fellow fallen. 

DreadOut 2 | PS4 Review

Starting off where DreadOut left off, DreadOut 2 continues with the story of an East Asian/Indonesian high school student named Linda. A victim of a previous tragic incident involving a school trip with her and her friends. That and the spirits of a forest which she had encountered and banished only to have inadvertently let loose the real evil hiding there. 

This haunting series of events continues, not yet fully explained, as Linda shifts in and out of the spiritual realm once again dealing with pursuing malevolent spirits. Utilizing her smartphone she channels her powers, and banishes them with a click of a button. It is with this phone that she can also locate helpful spirits like cats to guide her to where she needs to go as she comes to terms with the reality of her situation. As clear cut as said situation may seem at first Linda might not be the heroine she thinks she is as she too is being investigated for the prior incident by local authorities. She is the gossip of the town, and even she has doubts as to what has transpired.

Superola Champion Edition | PS4

I can haz Cheezeburger? Certainly. Yes, you can. Thanks to Undercoders and Jandusoft you can have all the cheeseburgers you want. Digitally made, and carbon footprint free. It may not be as satisfying in the traditional sense, but by guiding an Alpaca named Superola to collect all the cheeseburgers nabbed by alien hotdogs you can theoretically have as many cheeseburgers as you heart desires with no risk of heart attacks, to boot.

You see, in "Superola Champion Edition" you take on the role of resident Alpaca Superola as he runs, swims, skateboards, and a whole laundry list of other auto side-scrolling methods to the finish line within a multi-region kingdom. Collecting, as he goes, the left behind burgers which the hotdog aliens stole from Earth's citizens. With said burgers Superola can blast baddies acting as roadblocks by converting them into mouth lasers. Alternatively utilizing cool items like a pair of shades to help with his efforts as he traverses a kingdom filled with odd obstacles. A kingdom of varying environments, and Easter eggs of the retro gaming sort. Often times giving nods along the way to gaming classics such as Toki, Parodius, and Street Fighter to name a few. It is this charming auto-runner experience that will have you laughing out loud, and recognizing the developer's love for all things gaming as you face off in a gauntlet of stages and mini-games against space hotdogs ... in a hotdog bun ... with legs and arms, no less. 

HunterX | Nintendo Switch Review

Developer Orange Popcorn boldly brings to us an anime Soulsborne and Metroidvania hybrid done up in a 2.5D graphics style. A game about a devil hunter named Tsuki, and her sidekick devil pal, Marek. It follows the two protagonists as they descend upon a devil infested city overshadowed by a pink moon. Not immediately eluding to any prior plot points the journey forward is one of discovery wherein progress reveals what the hell is going on. As it were it seems Hunters were heroes of the Devil Wars. A group of individuals with occult powers that allow them to combat evil. Along with the aid of priestesses they do their bidding. In Tsuki's case she stumbles upon a city in ruins where hunters have mysteriously vanished. Thus Tsuki seeks answers through combat.

Krut: The Mythic Wings | PS4 Review

Starting off on a heavy handed note Blowfish Games' "KRUT: The Mythic Wings" forces it's story onto the player in a matter of minutes through textual/contextual conversation with poorly worded, and to the point plot points centered around a back and forth battle between two mystical East Asian races. One race being that of the winged bird-like Garuda or Krut, and the other Rock Ogres, which are as they sound. In the most compacted way possible their histories in battle are explained through the happenings of two fully engaged skirmishes that span a few paragraphs worth of text. Battles which saw the Garuda losing twice in the struggle, and the Rock Ogres only losing once, briefly. In both instances of time expansive plotted revenge a lone Krut survives the onslaught only to seek retribution, and to return to destroy the Rock Ogre Army for their merciless deeds.

The second go around, in the ongoing conflict, a Krut by the name of Veera carries on that legacy of failure and loses in kind to the Rock Ogre army once again only to fall into the ocean, and be swept ashore on a familiar fabled island. The island of Himmaphan. An island that holds the same power wielded by Veera's victorious ancestor. That being the Mythic Wings, or Silver Wings. In order to fully use the power bestowed upon him through the gifted wings Veera must collect six elemental energies of nature from guardians of the island in order to stand a chance against the empowered and emboldened Rock Ogre Army. As instructed by the mysterious island elder. Thus he sets out to do so. Slaying creatures, and guardians alike. Reaping them like our old Grim buddy.

Parasite Pack | PS4 Review

 A Perfect Pairing of Parasitic Puzzle Platformers. That's what you get when you buy into this two for one deal. Parasite Pack, a game published by Ratalaika Games and developed by Lowtek Games, comes complete with two arcade style retro redesigns centered around a tapeworm, and a flea. One game titled, "Flea", is an auto-jumping and blood collecting puzzle platformer. Wherein you jump around platform based obstacles collecting jars of blood for the local refu-fleas. In return for extra lives. As a flea your actions are limited, but effective enough to help you navigate trap and creepy crawly laden environments as you go about your blood harvesting. Only stopping on occasion to bump into larger fleas which will reward you in kind for the amount of blood you have collected. That and the occasional NPC or boss. All while jumping constantly like a flea with a tiny bit if height handling at your disposal as well as a suicide switch in case you get stuck. That is Flea.

Almost My Floor | PS4 Review

Murder, Mania, Mystery, and Missing Persons. These are the things making up Sometime You's  psychological horror game. A point and click comic book inspired adventure starring Alex, and a whole host of other interesting characters that each have a role to play in the disappearance of Alex's girlfriend. That, and other strange happenings at the apartment the story is centered around.

Alex starts the adventure off heading to his apartment. A few choices in with his morally split conscience helping guide his decisions and he's in the middle of an otherworldly nightmare in which he can't discern reality from the seemingly real horror he's witnessing. Possibly brought on by psychosis or a love for horror films Alex's world is turned topsy-turvy as he tries desperately to make sense of his elevator ride through Hell. Not stopping at his floor initially he is taken on a floor by floor ascent and descent filled with puzzling problems, and hazards of a demonic sort. Utilizing his cellphone, and things he finds along the way Alex, through your guidance, tries to make sense of his predicament. Either coming to terms with his role in his girlfriend's disappearance or realizing he is a part of the Devil's ploy.

Little Noah: Scion of Paradise | PS4

Cygames' "Little Noah: Scion of Paradise" is very much like a recipe passed down through the generations. Adopted, added to, and fine tuned to perfection for consumption. It's like a pinch of "The Binding of Isaac", a dash of "Diablo", and a flourish of "Devil May Cry". Part hack & slash platformer, part roguelite, and part JRPG "Little Noah" brings to the table a delectable meal of an experience worth savoring. Every moment, and every retry satisfying in the best ways. Never dull, and never frustrating.

Through the story of Noah Little, a tale about an airship pilot and alchemist who is in search of her father, we find a plot that plays out a lot like Groundhog Day of Bill Murray fame. A rinse and repeat trek through a kingdom in the sky wherein lies a cat who acts like Alice's white rabbit. The key to a deeper mystery. Paired with this walking talking feline Noah is bound and determined to not only repair her airship, and find her father, but also explore the ruins she has discovered. Ultimately facing off against a powerful antagonist in the process who also seems intent on looting the ruins for all it's worth.

Yurukill: The Calumniation Games | PS4 Review

 Produced in a Shojo, or Otome visual novel art style the criminal cast, and paired executioners of "Yurukill: The Calumniation Games" come to life in the harsh reality of a do or die amusement park ride spectacle meant to either establish innocence for one winner, or deal death to the deceivers. Part puzzle solving, part trial by evidence, and part shoot 'em up simulator this insane collection of character specific short stories culminates in an unfolding maniacal mystery hosted by the eccentric and oddly spoken fox masked Binko. The outcome is ultimately up to the player as they take on the role of 5 teams of supposed culprits accused of the most heinous crimes. Each trying to prove their innocence at the mercy of a joining executioner who has a kill switch tied to the poison needle device placed around each prisoners' neck. Choices will be made that will determine the outcome of the games at hand, and only one prisoner will leave Yurukill Land alive with the chance at freedom via retrial.

The Legend of Bum-bo | Another Man's Trash Is ...

Nicalis, in the not so distant past, has moved from their traditional dungeon crawling formula presented in 'The Binding of Isaac' to a more stylized 3D puzzle matching game in the prequel that is "The Legend of Bum-Bo'. This prequel of sorts which was originally released on PC comes complete with a new protagonist, and a new plot alongside turn based RPG mechanics. We are introduced briefly through animated cutscenes to the crudely spoken Bum-Bo who is actually a literal bum. He is a squatter living in a cardboard box outside of a house on a hill with nothing but a bag of trash, and a coin to his name. As fate would have it the monster residing in the house comes calling for Bum-Bo's coin. Making a dive into a nearby hole in the ground with Bum-Bo in hot pursuit. As with Isaac's descent into the demon plagued basement of his home Bum-Bo too faces similar foul fiends in the deep down below. From the decrepit turdlettes to the bigger and badder bosses he must use his trash bag contents to deal with the deadly, and devious denizens.

Disgaea 6 Complete | A Story Of Hope

Formerly known as "Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny" this complete port for the PS4 is a long time coming for fans of the series. It contains all character DLC, all the cosmetics, and new color palettes for customization. That and better graphics than the former Switch version. Intact is all of the game's main plot, and premise as well as the returning 'Super Reincarnation' mechanic tied to the main zombie underling, Zed. 

Zed, his frankensteined pug pal Cerberus, and a whole host of other quirky fun loving characters join his fight against the God of Destruction and the tyrannical overlords. Zed, himself, embodies the fight against all odds. A never give up, and never surrender attitude. By repeatedly doing the damage that he can, dying in the midst of battle, and being born again to repeat the process he whittles away at the competition with increasing strength. Forfeiting stats, and transporting to new worlds as he does so. Still with his mind set on the prize.

Pocky & Rocky Reshrined | PS4

Beautiful, and brutally challenging is the return of this retro classic. In the way of remasters it is more than an HD upgrade this time around, and by design features stage elements not seen in the original 80's arcade release. The game I speak of is none other than "Pocky & Rocky Reshrined". Formerly known in the East as "Kiki KaiKai". At heart it stays true to that original, and is still a manually driven shooter with multi-directional aiming. You take control of one of 5 characters that are gradually made playable, and available through Story mode progression. Each with their own take on gameplay mechanics, and involvement in the unfolding plot. This includes the titular shrine maiden Pocky, and her Tanuki partner Rocky. 

While minding the shrine one day, under a treaty of peace with the local Yokai and the fabled Gods of Fortune, Pocky's shrine maintenance is interrupted by a worried Rocky. Rocky comes calling with news of the Gods having broken the peace treaty. To figure out what's going on Pocky, and Rocky head out to deal with the problem. Unveiling in the process a hooded mystery man who seems to be the culprit ...

Rainbow Laser Disco Dungeon | Nintendo Switch Review

Playing out like a sentient AI's wet dream, 'Rainbow Laser Disco Dungeon' sees you combating a robot army in the year 2084 that has conquered mankind, and is hellbent on outlawing music and dance. A tool which the rebellious Dr. Dysco has weaponized for use against them. You play as a lone disco dancer sent forth to rescue said doctor so that the rainbow laser in his possession can be put to use. Using rhythm and guns you dance, and blast your way through a labyrinth of trap laden, and robot infested rooms which hold the keys to the exit as well as Dr. Dysco himself. 

As the music plays on shuffle so too do the pulse pounding techno-trance beats in sync with all of the moving parts of the elaborately constructed dungeon. Robots shoot to the rhythm, move to the rhythm, and supposing you can keep the beat better than them, will die by the rhythm. Disco dancing, as it were, is your and mankind's only hope for survival.

THE ORIGIN: Blind Maid | PS4 Review

Taking a new angle on survival horror, and mixing it loosely with the Paraguayan folklore tale of La Llorona, the developer Warani Studios, tries through "The Origin: Blind Maid" to earn the respect of genre enthusiasts. Blending the likes of the latest first person Resident Evil titles with alchemist elements, gun play, and modern day sleuthing the pulse pounding action comes to life. Following the lead character, which is a trope in the La Llorona cinematic tales, we find a corrupt Governor of Spanish descent who is running from justice for an undisclosed crime. 

Taking off with a hired hand he hits the road only to find himself in a waking nightmare in the middle of nowhere. The only tools for survival are his smartphone which lights the darkened pathways, some stress pills, and whatever he can find along the way to aid in his escape. Hints on where to go comes initially from tailing the runaway hired hand, Locating a map, and picking up clues that are haphazardly strewn about in the form of paper items, triggered events, and even paranormal recordings called Psychophonies which can be listened to through your headset as if you were the partially deaf protagonist, and be played back to decipher audio clues from key points of interest. It's a mixed bag of survival horror, the supernatural, and endurance elements. Complete with a crafting system, and tacked on corruption level based upon good or bad deeds rendered.

Spacewing War | PS4 Review

What do you get when you mix a side-scrolling shoot'em up, and a 2D puzzle platforming experience from the early Gameboy generation? Spacewing War!!! In a nutshell Spacewing War is exactly that. It is a low-rez horizontal shmup with platforming elements. In the game you pilot what amounts to Earth's last hope against an invading alien army. It seems an alien race who has polluted their own asteroid of a planet to the point of toxicity spotted Earth with hungry eyes. As one looking to escape planetary demise would do the aliens in question make a b-line to Earth in hopes of conquering it, and making it their new home. Humanity won't stand idly by though, and will send their finest to fight the threat ... 

Wonder Boy Collection | PS4 Review

ININ Games, and Ratalaika's joint venture into the world of Wonder Boy is a bold attempt at bringing back the series classics in their truest form with additional settings, and features not available in those initial releases. The collection itself consists of four titles. This includes Wonder Boy, Wonder Boy In Monster Land, Wonder Boy In Monster World, and Monster World IV. The collection of games housing, respectively, the main three protagonists including Wonder Boy himself, Shion, and Asha. All being games and fantasy adventures which hailed from the mid to late 80's. They were each published by SEGA, and created in kind by Westone. Much like the original retro releases the newly updated ports within this collection come complete with all the frustrating elements, and mechanics fully intact. It is, as I've said, a true to the original porting with an emulation that allows for player preferred tweaking. 

Pretty Girls Speed | PS4 Review

If you follow EastAsiaSoft's monthly indie releases you'll have likely heard of a series known as "Pretty Girls". The 'Pretty Girls' series is a series featuring a host of pretty anime girls that act as opponents in various card and board games. There's a few different card spin-offs as well as a mahjong series. Pretty Girls Speed, the game that this review is about, lies with the former category. The card oriented games. 

Those of you like me who have played cards growing up decades ago may have heard of a game called "War". Speed is basically a version of that. Playing it you have to be the first to rid your hand, and deck of all your cards to win. This is achieved by quickly slapping down cards in sequential order upon a growing stack of center cards before your opponent has the chance. Each player starts off with a shuffled half deck worth of cards, and draws four from it. Replacing a used card with a card from the deck every time a card is played. This is done until one player lays down their last card. Subjectively speaking this version of the card game comes complete with ten unique anime girls acting as the players you'll be playing against, Named, and scantily clad. Some sporting ears even. They are your opponents, and through two modes of play they will put your Speed skills to the test ...

TEN | PS4 Review

Ten rooms. Ten Seconds. That's the catchphrase of this brutal action/puzzle platformer by 'The Bworg'. While it's vague in description the game does carry with it more than just a series of timed brutal challenges created to the tune of ten. It is a game with a moral. A moral centered around an awoken clone, and a gauntlet of hazard filled rooms known as Sisyphus that are meant to be a test for whatever lies in wait at the end of the tenth floor. 

You awaken from a test tube in a laboratory known as Sisyphus addressed by it's AI controlled computer terminal as #1010. You are told you have no memories, and that your only out is perseverance. As you step foot into the first room it grows ever more evident that you are about to be put through the ringer, so to speak. A red floor saw that is out for your blood is ahead of you and you are tasked, as with every room to follow, to survive for ten seconds before you can move on. Everything is explained in the first few rooms, and it basically boils down to red being bad, orange being safe, and ticking time bombs being an instantaneous end to your existence if you do not collect them in time. Leaving the rest of the trials to be as easy or as hard an experience as you desire, in that regard. The main thing, above all else, is that you see it through to the end no matter what ...

Source Of Madness | PS4 Review

Source Of Madness is an inspired Soulsborne roguelike done up in Metroidvania fashion. It is an action adventure title centered around Lovecraftian horror, and a particular cult that must enact a ritual at the Third Gate in order to stop an invasion of otherworldly monstrosities. Ultimately to bring back into focus the Bloodshot Moon, and summon the aid of their God, Yog-Sothoth. 

As named cultists of specialist fame you will journey forth into the heart of darkness making your way to wherever the Third Gate lies. Along the way you will face off against grotesque AI generated creatures assembled together like a lump of limbs. Void of definitive description, but fear inducing all the same. At your disposal are two rings of power, trinkets, and support items that will come together to create a favored elemental build worthy of besting the beastly invaders. Boosting performative, and passive stats which will aid in your long term survival ...

Cotton Fantasy | PS4 Review

Cotton's adventures have become a shmup sensation here in the West. Leading to several releases not formerly known to the Western audience. On it's 30th anniversary the powers that be saw it fit to also release "Cotton Fantasy". Formerly known as "Cotton Rock 'N Roll". This updated, and modernized HD port is everything Cotton fans have dreamed of, and then some. A culmination of mechanics and features bringing the franchise to it's peak state. By reintroducing Cotton, and her fairy partner Silk in the company of six new playable characters from other series the developer has effectively improved upon the game's otherwise basic offerings. Creating new ways to play.

Underland: The Climb | PS4 Review

Hot off the heels of QUByte's 'Underland', the sequel "Underland the Climb" arrives on the scene trying to up the ante. As before it is a 2D puzzle platforming retro-like experience with physics, and fluid based puzzles presented on a level by level basis through increasingly complex challenges. This time around though you take control of a hooded female protagonist who is fed up with the invasion of monsters at her aunt's place. Her current residence. Taking the fight to the problem this rebellious young lass aims to end the world of the threat. At her disposal are tools, and abilities to interact with various mechanisms that will aid in her progress. Cycling through the function options is the key to success, but should she find herself stuck solving a puzzle she can restart it quickly to try something else.

Injection π23 'Ars Regia' | PS4 Review

Piggybacking off of Abramelin Games' previous two entries in the Injection π23 series, 'Ars Regia' continues at chapter 9 with the trippy psycho-supernatural survival horror antics bringing the players up to date with the protagonist's ongoing predicament. In the previous installment we found a man in a hoodie chasing his dog out into the street only to be wisped away into what can best be described as a darkened dream state filled with malformed horrors. Horrors that inhabit a vacant city with streets and derelict buildings. Including apartment doors mysteriously marked with the number 23 as if to give the protagonist a clue in this foreboding trip down a nightmarish rabbit hole. Something which continues onward in a similar fashion ...

Much like the genre that inspires this survival horror title you'll find that in order to progress through the provided narrative journey key items must be located, horrors avoided, and puzzles solved. Utilizing a decked out and detailed inventory system, access to a map, and an inspector's worthy compendium of files, audio cassette recordings, and interesting extras the protagonist will not only have to survive the ordeal, but sleuth his way through as well. Talking to key characters, and opening up points of interest guarded by creatures with a keen sense for approach. The only reprieve being stamina, the ability to run away, the ability to set traps, and consumables for restorative measures. That and the trusty weapon plus flashlight combo which is a staple feature for such an adventure.

Galacticon | Nintendo Switch Review

Flynn Arcade's "Galacticon" is the echoing answer to the ZX Spectrum's Jetpac. More or less. It is a spiritual successor to that early 80's platform shooter, and while there's obvious similarities everything that Jetpac achieved in the retro gaming realm back in the day was improved upon tenfold in Galacticon. With Galacticon you'll find a very retro looking experience that pays homage to the source material, but in an incredibly updated way. In a way that is centered around collecting species trapped by humans, and dropping them off in multiple teleportation pads. A contrasting effort to Jetpac's fueling up, and constructing of a rocket to get to the next level. 

In a similar fashion Galacticon also grants the player only three lives initially with which to make it as far as possible while completing objectives, shooting enemy craft, and using a species combo system to score bonus points. This is all done via an alien God/Machine hero who gets around on a jetpack that gains power from power-ups. 

Divination | PS4 Review

Divination. The seeking of one's future through fortune telling. It's a practice as old as time, and as humans we always seek that advantage of knowing even if it harms us in the end. For who would not want to be able to control their fate, their destiny? 

Mojiken's "Divination" tries, like the real practice of divining, to bring forth future predictions and enlighten those involved in the story using it's own brand of fortune telling. A brand involving disembodied robotic hands, and runes. Through guest visitations with a series of inquisitive questions, and the divination itself the ones seeking answers get the answers that the hands provide. For better or for worse. Through these sessions also unfolds a series of events tied to the suicide death of a governing A.I. known as Mother, and the domino effect her death and insight has brought upon the trans-humanist population of the given future dystopia. Having A.I. robots contemplating life, and humans struggling alongside them. Each trying to come to terms with their roles in life, and what life has afforded them.

Seven Pirates H | Nintendo Switch

Compile Heart and EastAsiaSoft seem to be a match made in horny heaven. Ever since the companies have decided to go rogue and against the grain by offering lewd content on the only modern gaming platform that will allow it they have gotten away with some rather controversial releases. Seven Pirates H is no different in that regard though it pushes the boundaries of decency a bit further than previous EastAsiaSoft titles. This touchy touchscreen release that is "Seven Pirates H" is all about breasts. Boobies, if you will. That and ill gotten pirate booty. 

It begins with the introduction of female pirate Parute Kairi, and her sailing misfortune. As fate would have it she bumps boobs with the infamous panty thief or monster boy Otton who actually hails from other Compile Heart titles. This time around though Otton is selling to the leading ladies his cure for flat chests. Booby training! Through booby training the girls of the game can raise RPG attributes, and learn new skills. Empowering them to take on the monster girls and boys of their world. Growing their breast size, cleavage, softness, and perkiness in the process. Through perfected party management in a turn based battle system these boob obsessed pillagers of pirate fame face the odds, loot, and plunder to their hearts content for all that they need to fulfill their perverted pirating fantasies. All at the promise of bigger, and better things ...

Ravenous Devils | PS4 Review

Paying homage to the infamous Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and his crazed female accomplice the developers over at Troglobytes Games have created a cooking simulator with a similar premise. A blend of murder and mealtime spearheaded by sinister shop owners Percival, and his beloved wife Hildred. These con artists, and partners in crime who have a bad habit disappearing their customers for product and moneymaking sake try to hide their dirty deeds through the guise of a multi-floor fashion boutique and indoor cafe wherever they set up shop. Their customers serve as cannibal cuisine as well as a means to gather the fabrics needed for Percival to tailor some fine threads for male and female patrons. Whereas Hildred acts as the resident chef. Honing her culinary skills as she learns new recipes to whet the appetites of those who are unknowingly addicted to the taste of human flesh. 

While they may have narrowly escaped their first failed attempt at this lucrative endeavor they have found themselves elsewhere doing the same dastardly thing, but this time at the beckon call of a mystery man who seemingly knows their secret. A man of wealth and taste, as it were. Caught between a bloody business scheme, and trying not to get outed by the mysterious Mr. J, Percival and Hildred must not only outwit their customers, and make bank doing so, but must also tend to their mystery manipulator as well.

Sorrowvirus: A Faceless Short Story | PS4 Review

Sorrowvirus is perhaps one of EastAsiaSoft's most haunting releases yet. Visually impressive, and audibly unnerving this walking simulator that takes place in purgatory has the player, as Wyatt Heyll, trying to break free from his paranormal predicament. Haunted by dolls from the 1940's, and the voices of those he left behind Wyatt tries desperately to discover the clues needed to escape his perpetuated torment. That torment taking place in a disjointed realm where locations, and people are represented by symbols of sorts. Ranging from ruinous rooms, curious corridors with furniture oddly placed amongst debris, humanoid figures draped in sheets, and a host of creepy puppet dolls. All bearing hints of a past existence mashed together like some twisted Wonderland labyrinth. A place where time passed means death by age, and the only thing to stave it off being safe rooms, and grandfather clocks happened upon along the way. 

Hints of an otherworldly apocalypse are made known the deeper Wyatt delves through found files within his altered reality. Details that reference various patients time in purgatory as well as his own. That and information surrounding the Sorrowvirus itself, and a desperate hunt for a cure. 

Shattered: Tale of the Forgotten King | PS4 Review

Beautiful, bleak, and bold by design. That is what I think of when I think of "Shattered: Tale of the Forgotten King". It is an ambitious soulsborne title with a fresh take on the genre, if lightly so. Filled to the brim with it's own fleshed out lore, and key characters it quickens the pace of combat, makes it more player friendly, and renders it more forgiving than anything that's come before it. It immerses the player in a darkness shrouded Limbo wherein the protagonist, a nameless wanderer, finds himself guided by a curious skeletal apparition known as Y'AAK. It is through this tour guide of sorts, and the many NPCs found along the way that the plot, and history behind the involved alien races are disclosed. Details hidden in and out of plain sight. There for those who want more than just combat or exploration. While the game does have it's own unique appearance, story, and world it does not innovate too much on the given mechanics though ...

Andro Dunos 2 | PS4 Review

Andro Dunos 2. The successor to the original Andro Dunos of Neo-Geo fame. By now you've likely heard your favorite shmup reviewer giving the game high praise, and touting it as the best shoot 'em up of the year. An ambitious kickstarter led sequel to the original experience released on multiple platforms including the 3DS. How does it really stack up though? Well, I'm here to give you the truth. Truth as far as my opinion allows. I've played all kinds of shmups in my lifetime, and know of all the sub-genres. I know good from bad, and even bad from the worst. Having spent time learning what Andro Dunos 2 is all about I believe I'm ready to give a proper critique, in that regard. So, hold onto your seats, and buckle up. You're in for one heck of a ride ...

Ayo the Clown | PS4 Review

I present to you a cute, and crass clown collect-a-thon titled "Ayo the Clown" that's all about casual or competitive gameplay. Starring Ayo the clown himself, and a whole host of other colorful characters that look as if they were ripped straight from a children's story book. While the main man with the master plan that is Ayo is a happy-go-lucky kind of chap his sweet dreams are abruptly shattered as he finds his pet pooch lost or stolen upon awakening one night, and as such sets out on an adventure trying to find him. Along the way, and by helping others in need, he gains the tools to face frightening foes as he collects the treasures needed to make it where he needs to be. 

Metal Tales: Overkill | PS4 Review

Well, it seems like Nicalis, and their "Binding of Isaac" franchise might have some competition, if lightly so. Out of seemingly nowhere "Metal Tales: Overkill" pops up with little to no marketing efforts, and probably for good reason. As it were this Euro-Metal roguelike unabashedly, and unashamedly capitalizes on the procedural dungeon layout, and features of Nicalis's cash cow. With an uncanny resemblance to the obvious source of inspiration it does little to deviate from that beaten path. Whereas Isaac treads his Mum's basement for salvation you are tasked, in "Metal Tales", as Axel or Eve to confront the evil that has consumed the Guitar Gods. All of which is done through dilapidated dungeon-like areas filled with the usual venue staples. Beer kegs, pinball machines, bars, and all that fun stuff plus some hazards to boot. 

With blazing electric guitars in hand the two protagonists of the comic book intro story dive head first into these various concert stages, and festivals in order to deal with the manipulated mosher minions, headbangers, groupies, screamers, back-ups, flying beverages, and finally the mutated Guitar Gods themselves. A brutal gauntlet of music heavy scenarios with all the bits and baubles needed to best the baddest baddies. Everything randomly placed in themed rooms to help you on your metal af mission.

Cathedral | PS4 Review

When one thinks of Metroidvanias they think of 2D platforming based map exploration, puzzle solving, boss fights, and looting. Decemberborn Interactive's nod to said genre that is "Cathedral" is no different in that regard. In fact it adheres so closely to tradition that it has a sense of familiarity by design. This extends through the pixel graphics, the chiptune soundtrack, and even parodied mentions of games that gave the developer inspiration.

 

From a starting standpoint Cathedral drops the player into the fray all willy-nilly with no clue as to who, why, when, what, or where. The only instructions you are initially given is to escape the cathedral which your re-animated corpse had found itself resurrected in. This includes navigating through several possible paths in order to gain the tools needed to make it further on. When it comes to capabilities in this task at hand you are a mysterious red knight with sword, and it is with that sword and other pieces of equipment found along the way that you are meant to progress. To progress to a point of understanding. You see, nothing about the game is explained outright. Not the story, or the character you find yourself playing as. It is only through progress, puzzle solving, and interactions with key characters along your journey that things gradually begin to make sense. That and a growing checklists of to-do quests involving the characters that you encounter. Giving you some sense of direction ...