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.