Alien Death Mob | Nintendo Switch

Coming at you like candy confetti this colorful homage to classic arcade games of old pits you, a lone savior of humanity, against the invading alien forces. This event taking place in 2032. A date that is yet to hit the real world, and may or may not foreshadow future events for us ... 

Whether or not it is foreshadowing such an event this twin stick bullet hell shooter has you facing off against alien mobs, and waves thereof. All across the globe, and as a single player experience. Using power-ups you face-off against the invaders netting a high score as your efforts are tallied. In two different modes of play you will effectively quell the invasion or die trying ... over and over again.

My Time With Mortal Kombat 1

I've spent quite some time grinding MK1 for the cosmetics. Playing mostly the seasonal Invasion mode, and staying far the hell away from kombat league. I started off with the story which was a mediocre Marvel inspired multiverse segue into an infinite reasoning behind future releases. A lazy effort by MK11's storytelling standards, and a complete bastardization of previous setup plot points. Nothing that was carries over here other than Liu Kang's role as God. 

It is a rewriting of Mortal Kombat lore with the only familiar features being that of the returning kombat kast, and the MK tournament. Something that is given the least attention this go around. Everything is force fed, and half assed in regards to character building and tournament focus. Even gameplay and the new kameo gimmick comes off as a lazy effort.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III | Multiplayer Review In Progress

Call of Duty for 2023, an expansion turned into a full game experience, rehashes the old while brining with it some new features. Returning are a majority of the old maps with fresh visual adjustments, a score streak system with familiar score streak options, and a revamped loadout UI that changes the perk system to a gear system that is dependent upon armored vest selection. This along with an armory unlock for unlocking specific weapons, aftermarket gun parts, and items that allow for a more custom tailored experience which lets the player bypass the usual grind to some degree. 

QUOTE: About Self Love

"I believe the most common misconception of personal worth and value is that we think we only matter if others think we do. We are the ones living our lives not other people. Therefore we should be the one who matters above all else in our life. Love yourself. Know that you matter."

- Brad C. (OtakuDante)

irem Collection Volume 1 | PS5

Through the collective efforts of ININ Games, Tozai, and Ratalaika Games we get a glimpse back at late 80's and early 90's irem shmup history. With three irem published shoot 'em ups spanning across multiple platforms including that of arcade cabinets, the PC engine, PC Engine CD, NES, and Famicom. These shmups being the side-scrolling arcade exclusive 'X Multiply', and the more console friendly ports of top-down shmups 'Image Fight' and 'Image Fight II'. 

Each game, in their own way, coming at the player with decked out options galore. Returning from previous ININ and Ratalaika collections to this collaborative effort are the multiple graphics and control toggles. Complete with micro-manageable visual filters, mappable controls, difficulty settings, vibration options, and wallpapers. That and screen size selection. Additionally cheats return with an invincibility toggle across all three ports. That and DIP switch arcade only settings meant to offer oldschool mechanics, difficulties, and control alternatives. You even get a rewind feature for back stepping those fatal mistakes. With these challenging quarter munchers being the way they are it might very well be a welcome sight for completionists looking to earn all in-game trophies.

QUOTE: About Heroes

"Heroes. We all grew up admiring those outstanding individuals who were our heroes. Be it firefighters, doctors, teachers, soldiers, or even comic book superheroes. All those heroes did something good for the world in their own way, and made us want to be as good.

It made me think about the heroes of today, and what it means to be a hero in the modern world. The superficial traits or degenerate sexual preferences. Even known criminals are paraded around as heroes. Why do you think this is? It's by design and a part of socialism/communism/marxism. The collectivism therein. They don't want you aspiring to be a true hero of righteous moral values. They don't want anyone bold or brave enough to rise up against their corruption and tyranny. So they award people for basically being less than heroic. They want to inspire you to be as corrupt as they are, and in doing so perpetuate their rule through your adherence to their twisted social standards. Not for your benefit, but for theirs. For if there are no real heroes there is no hope for those seeking it." - Brad C. (OtakuDante)

Low Story | PS5 Review

Nothing makes you want to kick arse and take names like being drop kicked out of the top of a high rise apartment building by your creator. At least that's what sent this gun slinging Sackboy on a revenge rampage. After kissing the pavement and eating glass the stuffed protagonist grabs a conveniently placed gangster mask and a fedora then promptly heads out on a quest of vengeance sporting the new duds. 

For whom or what this revenge plot is directed is not made exactly clear. All that is clear is the walking platforming sim that follows is filled with combat situations where bullets are the only answer. Packing heat in three varieties our patchworked protagonist without a name deals death in spades. To demons, challenger samurai, and a giant one eyed cave dwelling anomaly. The scene transforming from a barely lit dystopian cityscape to an otherworldly dimension located just beyond a red door. Reminds me of a song ...

Smoots Pinball | PS4 Review

Smoots. What is a Smoot? This is a question I pondered while I tried to figure out my final verdict on this five table pinball package. All I know is that Smoots are basically tied to various sports style mobile games, and are miniature people-like representations of sports players. This is fitting in the case of this new pinball release as four out of the five tables are sports themed. Down to the pinball itself. You get a baseball, summer games, tennis, golf, and zombie table for one lowly price. Each with their own theme, balls, and special effects. Complete with extras in the form of unlockable 2D and 3D art assets. Is it all worth it though? That's the question that begs to be answered.

GUNHEAD | PS5 Review

If it's not broken don't fix it. That's the motto some game developers live by, and rightfully so. Alientrap's follow up to their original 2D space salvaging roguelike is a shining example of this. Borrowing the mechanics of the previous game, Cryptark, this new FPS focused adaptation merely changes perspective and graphics in an attempt to revitalize interests. Carrying over legacy content and characters with the same premise in tow. 

You are basically a mech pilot for hire doing salvaging missions for a xenotech gathering corporation. The payout for objectives being the motivation for your risky efforts. It seems these abandoned salvage vessels are home to hostile aliens and alien borne security tech. Taking out key components on your outings opens up the vessel to the intended salvaging, and ultimately your payday. 

Bem Feito | PS5 Review

The world of gaming is no stranger to creepypastas. From haunted game cartridges to haunted hardware, and even scary software there are many frightening tales of the supernatural to find out there involving video games and gamers alike. Bem Feito, a creepypasta in it's own right, takes that very premise and runs wild with it. Becoming a player focused 4th wall breaking experience through an emulated PC operating system and an obscure ROM of a game for an old handheld Jogaroto gaming device.

By browsing the emulated OS files we find email inquiries and locked content hinting about the mysterious game, and lack of a playable copy. Leading us, the player, to play through the Bem Feito game ourselves as we take on daily chores as the main protagonist Reginaldo. A lonely boy who only wants to be loved. Through chance meetings with strangers things begin to take a dark twist into the nightmare realm if certain criteria are met. 

Dungeons 4 | PS5 Review

Kalypso's RTS game series "Dungeons" returns in a comedic content rich 4th installment that's all about sibling rivalry. With the last Dungeon master lazing about due to his overwhelming victories he needs someone to do his lingering dirty work. Thus he summons the dark elf Thalya, his right hand general, to face off against the last remaining hero of the realm. That hero being Thayla's own stepbrother Tristen. Seems the two are at odds for Thayla having slaughtered their foster father, and Thalya herself is more than willing to confront Tristen over the matter. 

After sending Tristen running away in a heated confrontation on the overworld, and snapping the former dungeon master out of existence pop-culture style the next inline ruler Thayla attempts to rule the realm only to be captured shortly thereafter. Leaving the released formless evil to aid in her escape and her revenge plot, if only for it's own sake. 

Excessive Trim | PS5 Review

Panda Indie Studio, the developer known best for their retro inspired shmups, returns to the scene with an isometric roguelike that is truly out of this world. Featuring a pot smoking alien in a flying SAW-cer "Excessive Trim" has you harvesting weed and other psychedelic drugs as you mow over cattle, angry farmers, and tractors. It is this HIGH score fiasco that has the player seeking that sweet leaderboard fix as they progress level by level upgrading their lethal spacecraft for the platinum prize.

Air Twister | PS5 Review

Famed 1980's arcade game developer Yu Suzuki returns to bring to us what might be the most magical, and artistically designed rail shooter ever to grace a gaming console. It is a blend of oldschool 3D rail shooter gameplay like that seen in Space Harrier, Out Run, and Afterburner. Gameplay that is backed by the most wonderful rock opera soundtrack from Valensia. An experienced composer known for their work with QUEEN's greatest hits over the span of a few decades. 

All of this comes at you for a fair price, and includes the addition of mind blowing modern visuals that are utterly awe inspiring, in and of themselves. It's a full-on feast for the senses and an easy to pick up and play experience, that while challenging in it's own right, is equally as chill if not casual enough to enjoy. If you fancy short bursts of shoot 'em up style gameplay with enemy waves, and epic end bosses set to various sci-fi and fantasy themes then keep your wallet or purse ready for the release of this upcoming masterpiece!!!

MWII | Closing Thoughts

 As MWII's final season comes to a close, and MWIII is ushered in I find myself both anxious, and curious once again. Having stuck with MWII for the seasonal grind and updates I saw a once humble game turn slowly into something better. It may not have been the best experience, but it definitely got better. 

In this final Halloween themed season we saw the best battle pass offerings yet. Stuff worth buying into. Even at the Black Cell tier level. It featured staple Spawn characters, themed comic book weapons, baubles, and customization options that made Spawn's creator, Todd McFarlane, proud. As a Spawn fan it was the cherry on top of the cake. It sealed the deal, and made for some noteworthy additions to the carry over collection that will be usable in MWIII.

Zombie Town | PS4 Review

FunBox's "Zombie Town" is more or less a mobile game ported to console. It is a mission based brawler style zombie survival game in which selected survivors fight or survive against waves of zombies and zombie bosses on lane based streets. It's very much a rinse and repeat experience with several different mini-game types serving as missions with objectives in tow. 

You have accessible through a map a barricaded defense challenge, a run challenge, a hunt a target challenge, a fight a boss challenge, and a challenge set to a time limit. All encapsulated in a little block of street. As you complete each mission or challenge they will increase in difficulty with the zombie threat ramping up, and the need to upgrade becoming increasingly important. What carries you through is health power-up drops, ammo resupplies, and coins which can be spent later on hero and weapon upgrades.