Trepang2 | PS5 Review

Stealth gameplay and copious amounts of carnage are what this 2000's inspired FPS is all about. Coming from a studio named Trepang, Trepang2 takes on it's creator's namesake in a sequel that continues the sordid story of a test subject with superhuman abilities. A soldier for hire whose former allegiance with a certain taskforce pits him against a corporate entity known as Horizon. 

It is this corporation that dabbles in human and paranormal experimentation that sees protagonist 106 imprisoned and subjected to MKUltra levels of mental manipulation. Only for 106 to be later freed with the aid of Taskforce 27 in the opening of this game. Armed with weapons and paranormal abilities obtained in and prior to his escape from Horizon Blacksite-14, 106 rendezvous with Taskforce 27 to take on Horizon, and bring it down. Collecting intel, and amassing an arsenal worthy of dispatching the enemy, whomever they may be ...

QUOTE: Of Humans and Livestock

"Imagine being encouraged to behave like a feral animal to the point of losing all human decency. That's what's happening to the minorities who Democrats and Communists are supposedly helping. By enabling the worst acts humanly possible with zero repercussions it is turning these people into animals ... violent and unthinking animals. The leaders of the global government are no doubt watching it all unfold from afar laughing at the destruction of humanity they have orchestrated. Creating, in the chaos, human livestock that is reactionary, controllable through their emotions, and willing to do anything for scraps."

- Brad C. (OtakuDante)

Blackmail In Business | Cold War 2.0

We've seen some crazy stuff in the realm of politics these past several years. World leaders championing the communist and marxist ideology. Seemingly compromised by interests outside of their respective countries. Bypassing human rights and freedoms to usher in a totalitarian form of governance inline with certain anti-freedom loving dictatorships. Rumors are some of these bad actors among us are either being bribed or blackmailed by foreign operatives. Acting against the peoples' best interest whether willingly, or by force. What if I were to tell you this growing sphere of influence might have very well infiltrated the whole of the entertainment industry including gaming as well?

QUOTE: About the American Dream

"You know ... it's ironic really, the "American Dream". If you think about it those two words perfectly encapsulate our reality. We've been dreaming away our lives. Living a dream unable to see the nightmarish truth that was right in front of us all along. That we are slaves to a system that was designed to keep us asleep, and unaware. Committed to chasing the dream, but never living it. Our life's work serving as the chains that bind us to a perpetual cycle of generational servitude. To masters who see us as livestock, and cannon fodder for their selfish causes."

- Brad C. (OtakuDante)

Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless

If it's not broken don't fix it. Don't fix it, but maybe build upon it. That seems to be the mindset that NIS developers adhere to in regards to the ongoing Disgaea saga. As a returning reviewer, and a longtime series fan I find the continued usage of features that carry over into "Disgaea 7", and the former releases to be a welcome sight that is not disappointing in the slightest. It allows veteran players like myself to jump right in, learn the new tricks, and enjoy the new story content as well as the infamous grind. Even with new twists on older mechanics involved it's familiarity makes the series player feel welcome. 

The added fact that we get a new game with a new story and new characters made for modern consoles is a huge bonus. Needless to say, if you are a fan or a returning player you'll feel right at home once again. If you are a newcomer to the series you are in for a treat as well. The latest game is equally as inviting for those new to the series as it is to seasoned veterans due to it's standalone story, and everything being explained along the way via the usual tutorials. 

Maruchan | Cheddar Cheese Flavor Yakisoba - A Food Review

Most every kid knows of the wonders of instant ramen. That affordable MSG flavor packet inclusive kind that takes some water, and a microwave to prepare. The kind of sh*t college students survive on. You've got various flavors to choose from including, beef, chicken, creamy chicken, and even shrimp. There's a flavor for everyone, and everyone has a favorite go to flavor. Mine has always been the default chicken flavor, for those of you wondering. While instant ramen is fairly much the same across all brand names there's one that's stood out above the rest though. It is known as Maruchan. It is the brand most American ramen lovers enjoy. Myself included. 

Chipmonk! | PS4 Review

Move over Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! There's a new team of mutants in town! The medieval martial arts marsupials that are the Chipmonks come armed and ready to face off against the furry fiends of the forest who have stolen away their stockpile of food. As either Grey, Cheeks, or Red you'll put sword and paw to use as you fight brawler style against the mobs who are standing between you and your only food source. Traversing the seasons stage by stage you'll face both mobs and bosses while making use of magic mushrooms, an acorn supply of health, and a stock of three lives. Going solo, co-op, or pvp in a total of three distinctly different modes built around the retro inspired combat. 

Mortal Kombat 1 | WOKEALITY!!!

Before I begin I'd like to give a shoutout to my friend Mario who jokingly messaged me at the time of me playing through MK1's story mode. His message, "Wokeality" is part of this post's title for a good reason. What I'm about to tell you is no joke though. I'm not taking the piss, or spinning some completely unfounded tinfoil hat conspiracy theory. It is based on my direct observations of content contained within MK1's story mode as it pertains to irl goings on. It's about various details that are inserted for obvious political reasons, and quite possibly predictive programming. I have no doubt in my mind Ed Boon, and his team at Netherrealm purposefully included specific references that hint at something outside of the game. Possibly to showcase their allegiance to the woke ideology as well as the New World Order. 

TEOCIDA + ESTIGMA | PS5

Both Teocida, and Estigma come from a creator known for including hints of occult mysticism, religion, and demonology in his works. This intriguing indie game developer known as Vikintor has an art style that definitely seems to draw inspiration from such greats as H.R.Giger, but is original enough to be it's own unique thing. In his games Vikintor pulls all the tricks, and all the stops. From audio/visual distortion to subliminal messaging, body horror, and even occult symbolism you'll find a gaming experience like no other. It is this haunting amalgamation of dark and bizarre imagery along with cryptic storytelling and puzzle elements that brings these Frankensteinian horror delights of Vikintor's to life. Such is the case of the Teocida, and Estigma two for one deal!

QUOTE: Of Life & Death

 "We are more likely to die wanting than to live a fulfilling life. It is not in our pursuit of a better living that this happens, but in our complacency and championing of things and people which shorten our lives and rob us of opportunity. Our vices, and those whom we trust who are not trustworthy lead us to an untimely death."

- Brad C. (OtakuDante)

The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails (PS4)

Hailing from 2012 Nihon Falcom's, "The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails" gets the refurbished NISA treatment for modern consoles, namely the PS4. With this Westernized port players get to experience Nayuta's grand action adventure in a world filled with mystery and magic. As an adventurer with a tragic past Nayuta, and his friend Cygna set sail to learn more about the world around them as they each grow into respectful men through life experiences before eventually returning home.

Alien Corpses & Unity | The High Cost of Lies & Greed . . .

Things hit peak insanity this week as two world events became hot topics of discussion. One being the revealing of dead aliens, and the other Unity's greedy move in relation to indie game development. Both equally as concerning, and highly questionable. On the alien side of things we have to question the legitimacy of their existence now. Something that could have upended our entire historic reality if it were true. On the flipside, gaming as we know it has also been hit by something as questionable as aliens that could negatively effect both gamers and developers alike on an industry level ...

Mystic Gate | PS5 Review

Do you fancy a new adventure? A roguelike adventure? Well, if you do ZOO Corporation, and EastAsiaSoft have you sorted this September. The game in question is one called, "Mystic Gate". A game whose namesake fits the contents within. For in it you are a nameless and immortal adventurer on a quest to brave the God's gate, and it's set of monstrous trials in order to be granted one wish. 

Armed with a gun, an alternate weapon, and skills of the passive and active sort you set forth into the labyrinthine dungeons to face off against fiends of Godlike origin for the ultimate prize. All while looting the place for it's precious gems, and the gold needed to partake of the finer things back at the base, and within the winding pathways of the Mystic Gate.

QUOTE: Of Money & Mortality

"If you sit down and really think about it, all that we spend our money on is a waste. Even the food, clothing, and shelters used to meet our needs are harmful to us. Just as the hobbies that we indulge in that also do us harm in various ways. We live, eat, breathe, and take into our minds all these toxic things. Working our lives away to pay for them. Ultimately paying for our own undoing in the process. We pay for propaganda, we pay for poison, and we pay to serve those who could care less whether not we live or die. In all of that we wonder why we struggle to make a living. Not realizing that which we slave for does not serve us well. It does not make our lives any better."

- Brad C. (OtakuDante)

QUOTE: Of Unity & Division

 "Unity of a nations' people, or nationalism, strengthens that nation and creates a uniformly beneficial system of opportunities that benefits all under it's jurisdiction. Oppositely, a divided nation does not cater to the needs of the whole, but selectively to prioritized groups. It is in this biased division that civil conflict arises, and even more opportunities, freedoms, and resources are lost due to inner conflict."

- Brad C. (OtakuDante)

QUOTE: Of Complacency & Evil

"The normalizing of bad ideas and actions through psychologically manipulated complacency gives those who create the bad ideas, and who have others commit bad actions through those said ideas more power over those who would do those things for their cause. Even the slightest ignoring of the most seemingly harmless aspect of something bad okays that bad thing. It lets whomever would enact such bad dealings know that no one cares enough to stop them. That they could, metaphorically or quite literally, get away with murder ... among other things. That the risk is worth it even though it could lead to death or jail time."

- Brad C. (OtakuDante)

The Many Pieces Of Mr. Coo | PS4

Let me preface this review by saying that I've never in my life seen a game quite like "The Many Pieces Of Mr. Coo". It's one of those games that are so abstract in appearance that all is not made clear from the start, but definitely has a hidden meaning locked away in the sum of it's parts. In hindsight surrealism seems to be this point & click adventure's key selling point above all else. That, and whatever underlying message might be hidden within. I will say this ... I can see hints of creationism, the fall of empires, and even subject matter hinting at the prison that is bread & circuses. All centered around this small yellow cartoon character named Mr. Coo who loves apples, and bit of craziness on the side. 

Gourmet Warriors | PS5

Arcade brawlers of the 80's and 90's were something else, weren't they? Filled with interesting characters, weird worlds, and the options for co-op gameplay these video games of yesteryear were like no other. Likewise, PIKO's latest foray into that very niche, a beat'em up called 'Gourmet Warriors', aims to take gamers back to a time where things didn't have to make sense. A time when gaming was fun and the fun police were nonexistent. 

With this unusually timed retro inspired re-release we are privileged to play through one of the wackiest and most insane beat'em ups of our lifetime, "Gourmet Warriors". Through a trio of wonderfully weird main characters in the form of Bonjour, Mademoiselle, and Tres Bien we find a world that is literally Hell. Taking place in a demonic city known as Zeus our protagonists' world is plunged further into darkness by otherworldly warriors hellbent on opening up the gates of Hell, itself. Through some kickassery, taunting, and culinary cuisine these heroes set out to save the day!

Monochrome Mobius | PS5

Believe it or not, but 'Monochrome Mobius' isn't exactly a new IP. It is a game centered around, and based upon lore established by the 'Utawarerumono' series. Itself hailing from the tactical turn based JRPG side of the series known for it's visual novel instances which establishes the given story, and builds upon relationships between mainstay characters. This base series is recognized mostly for it's political intrigue, and feudal Japanese civilizations that are intertwined with mythological people who are a mixture of animal/human hybrids. Something that carries over here.