Shinorubi | PS5 Review

Bursting forth like a badass bullet hell ballet filled with a clashing of neon colors this futuristic shmup about a group of ruling elite, and the alien mercenaries that seeks to topple them brings all the challenges and then some. 

Featuring 8 different pilots with their own unique backstories, and ships you face off against the Shinorubi King and his generals of the planetary BAAA empire across several unique modes of play. Your target being the group of power hungry persons of interest out to nab the universe's most powerful and mysterious resource. 

With an army of supporting generals led by the lead King's own daughter they aim to stop you in your tracks. One legend tells of the BAAA rulers' success, and another the thwarting of that success by mercenaries. The latter of which holds true story-wise in this particular game.

QUOTE: About Knowledge

 "Unlearn what you were taught so that you can learn the truth by and for yourself ...

Did you ever wonder why Adam and Eve were told not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good & evil, and why it meant certain death if they did? Knowing of something that has any part to do with evil is susceptible to corruption. Knowledge is not pure. It is not solely good. Therefore to know is to corrupt one's self. Did you know that not knowing enriches creativity. It helps us to excel, innovate, and create with no bounds. Trying to create freely in a known reality limits the creation, and the evolution therein. Knowing is a prison for the mind for everything is certain, and in that certainty, limited." - Brad C. (OtakuDante)

Happy Holidays From The Inferno!!!

It is that time of year. A time of celebration, of family, and of closure for our struggles within the past 365 days. We face uncertainty on many fronts as we move towards 2024, the new year. The world is more volatile than it's ever been. We're on the brink of world war III, and politics keeps on dividing and conquering us all. 

Somewhere in the midst of it all we still manage to partake of the bread and circuses as those in Rome did before their societal collapse. Distractions that only serve to momentarily stave off any worries or fears lingering in the backs of our minds. My hope is that in 2024 we don't get so distracted by the bread and circuses that we let our world fall apart any further. As Ayn Rand said, "You can ignore reality, but you cannot escape the consequences of ignoring reality".

Cookie Cutter | PS5 Review

Rogue Game's "Cookie Cutter" isn't a Cookie Cutter Metroidvania by most measures. Though mechanics may be genre familiar, and the labyrinthine layout of the map inspired this particular soulsborne hybrid hits home with some mature themes, and gameplay elements all it's own. 

Centered around a future of transhumanist tyranny brought on by the discovery of a new energy source by the ruling corporation, and the linked Garbanzo family we find a dystopia of souls enslaved in mechanical bodies known as Denzels. Slave driven servants designed solely to build a mecca for their masters. 

Shinji, a reluctant participant in the design of these maliciously manipulated machinations, decides one day to create her own Denzel free of influence in order to infiltrate the energy source's location, and to undo what has been done. A rebellious act that follows in a tale of love torn lesbian revenge so bloody it should be a Tarantino grindhouse flick.

Hell Well | PS5 Review

From shmups to weed smoking aliens in buzzsaw UFOs Panda Indie Studio's journey of indie innovation seems to know no bounds. In fact they've now gone off the deep end into satanic territory with a roguelike tower defense game called, "Hell Well". 

In Hell Well the player controls a satanic priest with a grimoire that can summon demons for defense at the expense of gathered angel's souls. Seems the angels have caught on to this priest's antics, and are in hot pursuit sending their own army to combat the growing demonic threat. As the priest your goal is simple. Survive waves of pursuing angels while reaping their souls, and summoning demons to continue your rampage until you topple the hierarchy and the boss angel at the end of a run.

Call of Duty MW3 Season 1 Update

It took a while, but season 1 of MWIII is finally here. It comes with a new Black Cell pass that is free for vault edition owners, or $30 for those with standard editions of the game. Cosmetics, and skins have taken on a new look, and are more than the usual gold and black color schemes in some cases. 

Alongside the new cosmetics comes new maps. One of which is the smaller map known as "Meat". Meat is a fast and frenetic close quarters map that takes in account all team based objective modes. Making shotguns, and melee weapons more viable, especially with off the radar loadouts. Paying attention to the mini-map, and your surroundings on this map are a tough undertaking as flanking points are plentiful.

Fortnite OG Recap

I spent the OG season of Fortnite with my two teammates who play regularly. We've stuck together since the permanent release of the Zero Build mode a few years back. It has been our go to mode for battle pass grinding, and has netted us some wins, some losses, and some bling. 

Going into the OG season we had our expectations set high. We were hoping, like others, that some of the original battle pass skins would return, but what we got was a sort of remix of those skins as well as a battle pass one third the size of the regular season's. Something Epic greedily charged premium price for. Outside of the battle pass grind the grind for crowns was trying in OG. The revamped map in Zero Build made things extra difficult. On top of that sweats were out in force. I managed to bank 3 Crown Royales in total wherein my team got 6 and 9, respectively. Of course I played a lot less this season than they did.

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.

QUOTE: Deleting History

"Everyone fighting for the rewriting of history, and erasure of historical truths are destroying their futures. You can hijack any invention, discovery, or accomplishment in history, but if it's a lie you don't have the legacy or knowledge it takes to live it up.

"Historyface". That's exactly what it is. Claiming to own a part of history without being a part of the actual historical context. And while you may fool the whole world you will be a fool for it. Not knowing your own past, and unable to shape a future based upon it." - Brad C. (OtakuDante)

VISCO Collection | PS4

We all love classic arcade games, right? We as gamers believe in their preservation, and hope to keep them around forever, or at least as long as humanity exists. Passing down, through that effort, historical experiences that future generations of gamers would need to fully understand how they got to where they are in regards to gaming innovation. Without that history gaming itself would lose it's origin story, and vital pieces of context between that fully flesh out the various industry and gamer related aspects that impacted the medium throughout the years. 

This in mind I have some sad news. For the first time I can recall QUByte Interactive has decided to sell an amazing arcade compilation from an obscure studio while not actually selling the gamer the collection. They immediately, upon access, have the gamer sign away their ownership of the very copy of the game they paid for. The EULA (End User License Agreement) states over and over that QUByte owns all copies, and that said copies could at some point be subject to termination. This, my friends, is one of the many dangers of supporting and going all digital. You literally do not own what you pay for. 

QUOTE: Repeating History

"The scariest thing I can think of facing society today is that while our history is being erased and changed to fit corrupt narratives the only ones who know the truth are elderly and dying. Our elders won't be around for much longer, and if we don't learn from them the facts before they pass future generations will never know the truth. All the values, morals, and experience will eventually be lost to time with no record, especially now that we are entering a digital age."

- Brad C. (OtakuDante)

QUOTE: Know Thy Enemy

"We're all being generationally genocided. Made to kill ourselves and others. Indirectly and directly so. Through the very life giving things we partake of we are taking in poisons. Through word of mouth and perpetuated lies our thoughts are being poisoned with hate, and a false sense of reality. If we cannot see this we cannot stop the cycle and hold accountable those who are doing this to us. Know thy enemy."

- Brad C. (OtakuDante)

Crymachina | PS5 Review

The lightly true-to-life sci-fi dystopian action RPG known as, "Crymachina" perfectly reflects our current human plight, and humanity's futile efforts towards transcending the limitations of itself through the 4th industrial revolution. This latest reflection of where society is headed, by the developers in leagues with NISA, comes with a bleak yet somewhat prophetic outlook regarding the last remnant of humanity, and it's pursuit of survival beyond self-inflicted extinction. Humanity's ultimate goal, in this case as in our own, being that of potentially resurrecting the population of Earth in a future where their newly produced cybernetic bodies are host to their human souls or harvested personal data. 

The Wanderer: Frankenstein's Creature | PS5

The story of Frankenstein is a twofold moral lesson about what it is to be the creator of life and what it is to live as a creation. On one side we have the creator creating through questionable means a mimicry of a man who he does not see as his ideal human counterpart when all things are said and done. A failed attempt at replicating the very process with which he too was created. 

On the flipside of the same creationist conundrum the created creature of a man struggles with his understanding of the world he's been birthed into. Wondering why his own creator would look at him with such disgust and why humanity, in general, would see him as a monster instead of one of their own. Fleeing the world he was born to fit into Frankenstein's creature seeks to find an understanding of it's own existence while trying to ward off hostility it does not understand. Thus is Mary Shelley's contribution to literature ...

Hero Survival | PS5

SometimesYou is one of the few publishers with onboard developers who truly think outside of the box. Each game, no matter how inline with gaming genres it may or may not be, always harbors a deeper meaning. These games with a moral message not only offer fun in spades, but also get those who would see the obvious ties to real life to reflect on our current reality, be it societal, political, or religious in nature.

With 'Hero Survival', an auto-battler with a hero twist, we find Jake (PWNMASTER69) summoned by the timemaster himself to prove his worth against insurmountable odds alongside famed personalities like Harrison Ford, John Rambo, Honest Abe, and Bram Stoker. Jake, and his famous heroic counterparts must live up to their persona or look like a fool in attempting to do so. Therein lies the game's deeper meaning ...

QUOTE: A Plague of Locusts

 "The one reason immigration will not work for anyone is that a country's resources are finite. No matter how you distribute those resources there will eventually be nothing for anyone. Not even those the resources were redistributed to.

RedRaptor | PS5 Review

If ever there was a middle ground for bullet hell shmups "RedRaptor" would fall smack dab in the middle of it. Somewhere between the more modern Raiden series, and the classic top-down NES shoot 'em ups of old like Xevious lies Novax Games', "RedRaptor". A shmup with a not so obvious backstory. As the pilot of 'Raptor 1' you take missions from Earth's defense command as per usual. 

With the available armaments of 'Raptor 1' you are lone wolfing it through the galaxy taking out enemy ships for somewhat unclear reasons, initially. Ultimately completing mission objectives while waiting a response from command regarding your request for backup. Armed with the usual bullet based weapons, wingmen satellites, and a concentrated energy beam you make your way from bottom to top navigating through obstacles, hazardous threats, and waves of static spaceships that are hellbent on ending you with a barrage of bullet hell.

QUOTE: About Picking Sides

"It's alright not to pick sides in a war when both sides are committing acts of evil. For to pick a side as if it were righteous when it clearly is not would be hypocrisy. In fact you'd be siding with evil in making a choice."

- Brad C. (OtakuDante)

What Truly Matters . . .

In life our pursuits as individuals and collectives vary. Some want fame and fortune. Others want happiness and worthwhile relationships. There are also those of us that want to find meaning and purpose in our existence. We all chase, sometimes blindly, after that which we desire. For me this life's journey, four decades in the making, has been somewhat of an eye opener in this regard. I began very immature, and oblivious to the goings on of the world around me. Conditioned to accept passed down teachings as the Gospel truth, down to the expected cycle of life. I lived selfishly, and hid myself from society. Only getting out into the world when it best suited my interests. Never seeking a marriage partner, or a life fit for those who have bought into the perpetual debt slavery system.

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.

Time, Money & Gaming | Resource Management Versus Hobby Upkeep

There's a lot of us these days who cannot afford to buy the latest releases. We're bending over backwards trying to pay the bills as earning a living grows more difficult by the second. In fact, between time and the pursuit of money there's a lot of limitations imposed upon us in life. Thus, as consumers, we have to be selective about what we spend our time an money on. Lest we end up regretting it later. 

As a gamer and film fanatic I, myself, have found that I've reduced the time spent on my favorite hobbies by a huge margin in my adult life. I only commit to short sessions of gameplay outside of review work, and spend the rest of the time trying to stay relevant in my review career. Connecting on my socials, and interacting with my audience to keep people interested, and up to date. My job, and life comes first in a lot of instances, as it should. 

QUOTE: Of Knowledge & Truth

 "The greatest lie that was ever told is that anyone alive today knows the truth. We none know the truth, and are kept from knowing that truth by learning from knowledge passed down to us. What we know for certain from that gained knowledge obscures what we don't know, and not one individual knows everything."

- Brad C. (OtakuDante)

Photo by RDNE Stock project

Rhapsody: Marl Kingdom Chronicles

This latest Rhapsody bundle release is not entirely new, but it brings with it two updated and upgraded JRPG adventures from the PS1 era that have never before been seen on Western shores. This includes both Rhapsody II, and Rhapsody III in their entirety. Each entry comes complete with the full experience plus bonus features, screen filters, and voice-overs for the English speaking audience.

Through magic, melody, and mischief you'll follow along as you play as a young princess seeking her prince, or as destined royalty facing off against rival kingdoms and an ancient evil. There's laughs aplenty, and enough song and dance to pull at your heartstrings. As serious as it can be at times these two games harbor a charm that is sometimes comedic by design. Something for nearly all ages looking for a lighthearted JRPG experience centered around turn-based strategy, creature combat, and party management.

Gord | PS5 Review

Steeped in mythology, and presented in a character driven campaign Team17's "Gord" turns this civilization sim experience into a micro-management heavy undertaking centered around the morals, faith, and sanity of a people under the leadership of the king's second in command. As fate would have it the Tribe of the Dawn has bent the knee to the powers that be, doing their bidding in exchange for any mercy that might be bestowed upon them for their allegiance. An allegiance to a conquering King whose aim is to mine the riches and resources of the surrounding areas while controlling the lives of it's native inhabitants.

Through a miserly old sage, and the small in stature second hand man to the King we find a story rich in survival, conquest, and magic. Putting to use the native population, their abilities, and the incantations of a rogue witch. Ultimately facing off against the darkness of wilds, and the darkness of those using others to feed their insatiable greed. 

QUOTE: Truth Or Lies?

"Censorship of information, and the lack of access to all points of view leaves a person susceptible to being fooled by liars. Moreover the censorship, alone, tells you all you need to know about those controlling the flow of information. That they think you are too ignorant to know the truth. Beyond that, that they can lie to you and you'll never know it."

- Brad C. (OtakuDante)

Photo by Amine Nur Güleşen

Dust & Neon | PS5 Review

Mary Shelley's vision of Frankenstein isn't lost on this cyberpunk meets western roguelike. Much like Mary's tale of re-animating the dead, Dr. Finkel of "Dust & Neon" does the same, but to a different end and at a different point in time. It seems the Wild West of the future is being overtaken by sentient robots, and the mad Dr. Finkel aims to be rid of them all. 

In a last ditch effort to bring to fruition the end to the meddlesome machines Dr. Finkel takes the remains of a long dead gunslinger, and melds him with modern technology. Creating a machine murdering monster that can never truly die. This horrific highwayman's role of course is the total extermination of robot kind, and through the offerings and arsenal provided by the mad doctor this unnamed and undead gun toting terminator will set out to do just that. Ultimately venturing out onto the open prairies, dust filled deserts, and tumbleweed infested towns with murder on his mind, and six shooter in his hand.

QUOTE: The American Dream

"We truly were born into slavery. A debt system that keeps us from being free. We never achieve the things we dream, because we are slaves to said system of debt based oppression. Constantly owing, but never owning."

- Brad C. (OtakuDante)

Photo by Gül Işık

Zombie Soup | PS5 Review

Seems Ricky has done caught that train to Busan!!! Ricky, the hero of Astrolabe Games' latest top down twin stick shooter, definitely ended up on the wrong side of town, El Prospero Town. After a long train ride, and having missed his intended stop Ricky ends up in El Prospero, unexpectedly. A high school graduated backpacker out to see the world in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

At this current stop, a Mexican themed ghost town that harbors a dark presence, Ricky finds an adventure of a lifetime beckoning as well as a damsel in distress for the saving. The remaining residents of El Prospero each hiding inside due to a zombie outbreak brought on by an odd harbinger of death known as MC Skull. In a chance meeting with a local girl named Ashley at the initial train exit, Ricky sets off a series of events in which rescuing the survivors is his key focus. Armed with whatever weapons he finds, a sense of humor, and a liking for burritos Ricky sets forth facing the impending zombie apocalypse.

ADORE | PS5 Review

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie it's ADORE!!! Just kidding, lol! Adore is a very serious matter. It's a bold and brazen Brazilian indie in which the developers at Cadabra Games implemented their own take on the staple monster capture gimmick often times associated with gameplay experiences like those featured in Pokemon. It went from being a roguelike initially to being a story driven action RPG with monster mastering mechanics. Set in a world with two warring Gods, and a people known simply as Adorers, Adore aims to capture the gamers' heart. 

As with all storied adventures, Adore begins with a backstory. Caught up in the aftermath of the downfall of their adored God Draknar at the hands of Ixer, a lone individual among the tribe of Adorers is blessed with the last divine essence, unknowingly. Destined to be Draknar's host body, and eventual means with which to end Ixer's usurped reign. A role not to be taken lightly. Thankfully, as the chosen Adorer Lukha has the innate power to tame and use creatures to fight for him. Cannon fodder of the creature kind.

Creepy Tale: Ingrid Penance | PS5

Welcome to Hell, or should I say welcome Ingrid to Hell!!!

This Creepy Brothers creation that is, "Creepy Tale: Ingrid Penance" introduces us to a truly vile little girl destined for damnation. This little girl known as Ingrid is prideful, and selfish. Hateful to her mother, and disrespectful to her grandmother. So full of herself that she'd rather stare at her reflection in a hand mirror than pay a visit to her elders. 

As with most stories with a moral this particular tale has the wayward Ingrid facing the consequences of her actions. Her sins, if you will. After tossing what was to be her grandmother's requested order of bread into a muddied trap Ingrid falls into Hell where she is promptly greeted by the very imp who saw that she got there. Through a puzzling gauntlet of traps Ingrid must prove her worth or lack thereof to this playful imp named Molek. 

Astro Flame: Starfighter | PS5

Coming from indie publisher SometimesYou, "Astro Flame: Starfighter" brings to the paying player a streamlined top-down vertical shmup that is both polished enough for the new generation of consoles, and minimalist by design. It is a campaign driven 15 stage space shooter with an implied story that is never fully fleshed out a cinematic intro. Leaving a lot to the imagination, but enough to let you know you are in a battle against a space armada. 

Filled with lucrative farming opportunities for green resources that can be spent on ship upgrades you will deck out your destroyer as you grind to perfection each stage according to a three star rating that takes in account the percentage of enemy ships you down in a given playthrough. As you fight fire with fire the soundtrack rocks in sync with the PS5 controller's haptic feedback feature. Creating an immersive experience that isn't too taxing on the nerves despite the bullet hell nature of the game.

MWII 2023 | The Content Evolution

Call of Duty's most recent release has been met with a lot of criticism. For a lot of players it fell short of what was promised, and what was expected. Balancing issues were hardly ever resolved, and most efforts from the development team seemed to go towards the monetization efforts, and adding new quality of life features that should have been there from the start. 

For me, the journey from start to this near finish has been bittersweet. I initially got my kicks camping unsuspecting players to death in multiplayer as I so often do, but found the late game to be lacking in said fun. I spent a majority of my efforts on maintaining a positive k/d, and grinding away at battle pass after battle pass. Sometimes this was satisfying, and other times it was infuriating. The anti-cheat that was supposed to counter cheating, and punish cheaters never worked. Not once did I see it work, especially in multiplayer. This alone was enough to ruin the experience for me, in the end.

QUOTE: Guilty By Association

"We all, in our lifetime, have been a friend or acquaintance to a person who did bad things. Sometimes we were caught in the crossfire for those bad things. Deemed guilty by association. The truth is we are not accountable for what other people do. We should never have to answer for their actions, or lack thereof. The same can be said for being collectively blamed for superficial reasons. Be it over race or gender. No one person is responsible for what others do. Unless the individual in question knew of, and participated in the bad deeds of the other person/s they should not be blamed."

- Brad C. (OtakuDante)

Photo by Yan Krukau

Gaining An Audience | The High Cost For Success In 2023 Business ...

As a seasoned entertainment reviewer I've tried all the tricks of the trade when it comes to gaining and earning a growing audience. I've stooped so low at one point as to apply clickbait tactics in my articles, and videos in response to other more user friendly methodologies failing. I've tried various time zone related social media link sharing tricks, and have even paid attention to what my metrics/analytics tell me about my audience, among other things. Also applying keywords, labels, and tags as a consistent go to SEO tactic. Something that has been met, like everything else, with results contrary to what leading industry analysts would tell you. 

Amidst all this tinkering and toying I've had my ups and downs, my growth and lack thereof. Never once though has one of my efforts shown a telltale sign outside of what I've observed in regards to the impact that certain topics of discussion and debate have on one's online business.

Metrics | Manipulation & Bias

Whether you want to believe it or not facts are facts, and I can prove everything I'm about to say beyond a shadow of a doubt. Ever since politics became the end all be all of all conversations online, the measure of one's worth in society, it has been leveraged unfairly by those in power. By those powerful elite who would use it to persuade their audience and supporters to rally for the their continued seat in power. Online this manipulation is broad and sweeping, wholly unavoidable. It covers everything from search engine priority to visibility of social sites for anyone conducting business. 

If you say something the powers that be don't like you are effectively buried in the algorithm, in the search engine, and on social media. The bad thing is that the main search engines have a monopoly on the flow of information, and have chosen to gate access to that information often times outright censoring that which they do not agree with. Creating a bias that favors their vocal minority, and casts the majority of fact based links completely out of view. They want to be the literal Ministry of Truth while stopping the spread of truth in it's tracks.

Idol Worship & The Entertainment Industry | A Retrospective Look

As far back as I can remember I have bought into movies, and supported them with my money and time. I amassed collections of VHS, DVDs, and Blu-rays thinking they were worth holding onto, and investing in. Some movies served as good memories of a past long gone while others inspired me with their messages and artistic creativity well beyond release. I even found some favorite actors and actresses while consuming the copious amount of content constantly distributed by Hollywood. Little did I know I'd be looking back in disgust some 30+ years later. Witnessing, in retrospect, the industry veil being removed, and it's underground evil revealing the corrupted state of moral decay that is the very foundation of modern bread & circuses as it relates to today's political movements/agendas. 

QUOTE: Of Fear And Worry

 "All of this fearmongering that we are witnessing in the world around us is meant to control us. Be it the fear of climate change, the pandemic, or whatever. It is meant to keep us in a perpetual state of fear, and limited by that fear. Causing us, in turn, to be reactionary in such a way that it benefits those in control, those who are running these fear campaigns.

The best thing you can do to counter this is not to worry. I know it's hard sometimes, but I personally like to remind myself of the serenity prayer in these instances, especially the parts about recognizing the things you cannot change, and only concerning yourself with those things that you can. Not everything can be fixed by us. We must remember that, and find peace in the fact that we are doing our part in changing the things we can."

- Brad C. (OtakuDante)

Photo by Pixabay

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons - Making New The Old

The year is 199X, and the world is living the aftermath of nuclear war. New York is now a rubble reduced dystopian nightmare ruled by four gangs. The Okada, Triangle, Royals, and Killers. In the midst of it all Billy and Jimmy Lee, the Double Dragon Duo, get drawn back into the heat of battle after their female partner in arms Marian is beaten in a gang incident while patrolling the streets. Against their leader Uncle Matin's wishes Billy, Jimmy, and Marian choose to take on each gang on their own turf. Racking up coins, and cash as they restore law and order to the city for the new sitting mayor.

Technology, Our Achille's Heel?

For the past 5 days I've been without internet, and cable. My window to the outside world was crippled. Only through my Smartphone was I able to check-in on my usual social media accounts, and that of itself is something I've tried hard to avoid. Dependency upon the smartphone is the last thing I want given where it's headed in relations to tyrannical one world governance. That's a topic for another day though. Today I want to discuss with you how hard it is to live without technology after having become so reliant on it's everyday usage. 

Diversity And Inclusivity In Gaming

Like my previous article discussing the controversy that is degeneracy in gaming this article will also touch base on a hot topic. That hot topic being diversity and inclusivity in gaming. 

As with all of the entertainment offerings these days diversity and inclusivity has seemingly become top priority, and not for the right reasons. It is more important than storytelling, and character building to everyone who champions it. As such a lot of what we get is nothing more than platforms for propaganda, and people turned into billboards for the current narrative. All as means to push divisive identity politics on anyone who dares pay for the experience. Oddly enough former president Barack Obama passed a bill prior to the boom of identity politics to allow propaganda to be used on the US population. This is a crucial piece of information that should be noted as it has had an impact on the diversity and inclusivity movements within the realm of entertainment, and media.

QUOTE: Of Influence And Motivation

"Why do we do the things we do? That's the question. Everything we've ever done was motivated by influences outside of our own state of awareness."

- Brad C. (OtakuDante)

Photo by Ba Tik

Degeneracy In Gaming | A Hot Topic

Since the revealing of Baldur Gate III's in-game bear shenanigans the developer has doubled down on it's included degeneracy. Noting the addition of genitalia customization within the game's character creation menu. Why I bring light to this is that the gaming industry has double standards in what it deems problematic, especially in regards to adult content. Often times we see developers forced to censor or cut out character features that attract the "male gaze". Be it nudity or partial nudity of females. At the same time certain other nude, partially nude, or sexually explicit features that cater to the LGBTQ+ community are let through with no censorship at all. This blatant hypocrisy obviously comes with a political agenda.

Music With A Message - KMFDM

We've all heard stories about older music containing hidden messages, and secretive meaning. Whether it be in reverse tracks, lyrics, or manipulated sound we've all heard tales of such tracks. I've personally grown to respect such things, what I refer to as the music that tells the future. Songs akin to George Orwell's "1984" as it aligns with today's political movements. 

While some of the bands I closely follow are niche you might have also heard of them given the time you were born. One such band that continuously produces songs that are meant to stir up the fight in the individual against the military industrial complex, and totalitarianism is none other than KMFDM. One song, in particular, stands out to me above the rest considering the declining state of America, and the Western world. The title of the song is, "New American Century", and in it's lyrics lies a warning. A warning of what complacency will do when facing tyranny. It's a very Orwellian song, and one I highly suggest you listen to if you listen to no others songs from their expansive catalogue. 

QUOTE: Of Power And Influence ...

"If the powerful and influential see you as such a threat that they try to cancel and censor you be proud of your accomplishment. It shows that they fear your power and influence."

- Brad C. (OtakuDante) 

Photo by Chloe

Risky Woods | PS4 Review

QUBytes and PIKO are at it again porting a hardly heard of classic to modern consoles for a new audience. This time around it's the 1992 Electronic Arts side-scrolling platformer, "Risky Woods". Risky Woods is all about a fantasy world in which an evil God named Draxos is challenged by the heroic Rohan. Rohan's mission is to free all the good monks who have been frozen in stone via a curse. Thus releasing wisdom from it's prison. Using an infinite throwing knife, and other useful weapons Rohan must face off against Draxos' minions and his four bosses. With each playthrough spanning four unique areas that in turn harbor two hardcore stages filled with risk and reward style opportunities.

Spirit Hunters: Infinite Horde | PS5

Just when you think you've seen all that a genre has to offer a developer like Creature Cauldron shows up to prove otherwise. By now most of you have heard of the latest gaming craze that is "Auto-Shooters". A genre sparked by the creation of Xbox's titular title 'Vampire Survivors'. Ever since the genre got kickstarted with that game's launch several developers have jumped on the bandwagon to give their own take on the given gameplay mechanics. Some creations proving to be simple reskins, and others showing a level of creativity and innovation that builds upon the base formula. 

In "Spirit Hunters" innovation is definitely a key selling point. Along with the traditional accumulation of meter to unlock skill upgrades comes a pet system, bonus challenges, and a skill tree that further unlocks in-game features. It gives the player more to grind for and a reason to continue playing.

Sea Horizon | PS5 Review

Mythology and seafaring adventures of the roguelike deckbuilding sort hits the PS5 with more bang for your buck in mind. Featuring a dice and card based system of combat, 10 classes of characters to play as, and three main modes to play in you'll find enough gameplay features to sink hours of your day into within "Sea Horizon". The replay value is high and the gameplay, equally as addictive. It is an easy to learn, but hard to complete pick up and put down type of experience that takes place in a world of mythological creatures, and deities which spans an entire world. 

With risk being rewarded for the attempt brave this world's wilds those who are willing and worthy will reap all the loot needed to complete the quests laid out before them. Should you fancy more than just lore there are two randomized modes offered after the main adventure that will keep you preoccupied.

Feeble Light | PS5 Review

Panda Indie Studio, and their signature shmup design returns with full-on familiarity. Like a reskinned or revamped version of prior releases "Feeble Light" does little to innovate or deviate from the beaten path. In it you control a living star with a heart. This star that you are barrels through randomly generated space levels, vertically, facing the darkness there. There's everything from undead Lovecraftian horrors, to corrupted stars, and even asteroid fields filled with plenty of telegraphed hazards. 

Your abilities to combat these threats, at base level, includes a slowdown that comes from holding down the fire button, as well as a basic shot, and a three tier bomb that builds up on the left behind stardust collected from fallen enemies. Outside of that it's a roulette wheel of randomized power-up drops that do a good many things. Making the only way to see it all through to it's end, RNGeezus.

Rainbow Snake | PS4 Review

As a gamer we've all, at some point or another, played the mini-game "Snake". Be it on the mobile phone, PC, or console. The game featuring simple yet challenging gameplay centered around an all consuming, and ever-expanding serpent that is contained within the confines of a digital arena. We who know, know that the point of the game is to grow as long in length as possible without hitting the surrounding barrier or running into our own lengthening body. That's "Snake", in a nut shell. 

Well, what if I were to tell you this game of old has made it's debut yet again on modern consoles in the form of a one dollar wonder known as "Rainbow Snake"? A trophy filled, and simplistic serpentine adventure that comes enhanced with rainbow pixels, 3D voxel backgrounds of prismatic color, and a soothing instrumental soundtrack for a zen-like experience ... would you bite?

Skautfold: Usurper | PS5 Review

Red Art Games, and their onboard developer Pugware bring to us what seems to be a continuation of the ongoing, and evolving Skautfold indie series. Unlike the first game though, "Skautfold: Usurper" goes the 2D metroidvania and soulsborne route. Taking the player on an action packed adventure as the villainous character Waltham who finds himself malformed, and tossed amongst London's corpses in some ungodly cesspit. Reeling from some previous encounter Waltham possesses the dead body of a knight to survive. The poor unfortunate soul that is Sagart has no choice, but to do the bidding of his new parasitic partner lest he returns to rot. Thus in a joint effort Sagart, being guided by Waltham, reluctantly pursues a fleeing Navigator who is the only way off of London. 

Army of Ruin | PS5 Review

Army of Ruin is Milkstone's resounding answer to the growing craze that is auto-shooters. While "Vampire Survivor", the OG auto-battler/shooter, held the crowd's attention for a while I think this creative take on the new genre is the definitive Usurper of the throne. It is a modernized budget priced new-gen game built for the PS5. Taking the genre to new heights with innovative features. The visuals are 3D in nature with a whimsical fantasy appearance accented by enhanced lighting and special effects. Not only is it a step above the competition visually, but content-wise it is also something more robust.

Centered around five fantasy realms with unique biomes, and mythical creatures 'Army of Ruin' has you taking on insurmountable odds against swarming mobs with experience gained abilities. Within these realms lie challenges that must be met in order to unlock more heroes, weapons, trinkets, and features which are the core offerings of "Army of Ruin". Against ranked play that rewards accordingly the higher the rank, and 10 waves per playthrough you will either come out of the fray victorious, or fail miserably attempting to survive. Thankfully all is not lost upon death, and coin earned during a gameplay session can be put towards permanent upgrades meant to make each following undertaking easier.

Brave Soldier - Invasion of Cyborgs

Aliens only want one thing, and it's disgusting. All joking aside the aliens or cyborgs in this run 'n gun action platformer actually want to steal Earth's resources, and destroy it after they're done ... which is pretty disgusting ...

As a lone gun toting soldier aware of this impending doomsday scenario you take up arms and face the threat as the would be savior of the world. Hence the title, "Brave Soldier - Invasion of Cyborgs". Spanning 30 stages of various terrains, and hazards you are tasked with clearing out the enemy, their explosives stockpile, and the bosses that lie in wait at every 10th stage. It's an undertaking made difficult by approach, bullet range, and limited health. Thankfully death is not the final nail in the old coffin though, and die as you might you can still pick back up with previous score in tow at the latest checkpoint. The reward for doing so? Saving humanity, and looting some priceless PlayStation trophies in the process ...

Raiden III x Mikado Maniax | PS5

NISA once again brings to us an impressively enhanced port from the popular Raiden shoot'em up series. This time in the form of "Raiden III x Mikado Maniax" for the PlayStation 5 console. As with "Raiden IV Mikado Mix" this latest rerelease returns with extra features not included in the original arcade cabinets. It includes a fully customizable soundtrack featuring three different styles along with different artists whose newer songs can be unlocked in the main mode of play simply by reaching score milestones. This in addition to applicable wallpapers earned in a similar fashion as well as art gallery entries, demonstration videos, and the ability to switch between TATE mode and other screen orientations are options tailor made for a player preferred experience. 

Beyond all that, the core game and it's 7 stages remain intact, but visually upgraded for the PS5, and more content rich than ever before. It is a bullet hell experience from yesteryear that caters to the gamer with features aplenty. 

Bat Boy | PS5 Review

Not unlike Power Rangers, or Big Bad Beetleborgs of television fame, 'Bat Boy' comes at you with all that Sentai Saturday morning glory packaged neatly inside of an 8-Bit Metroidvania platformer. Presented as a sports hero focused fight against all things evil it pits a gang of heroic sports loving friends against neighborhood pests as well as invading aliens from another dimension. Including the evil menace that is Lord Vicious, and his cronies.

As bat wielding Ryosuke, the titular "Bat Boy", you find yourself, one fateful night, at the mercy of the maniacal mastermind Lord Vicious as he wisps away your brainwashed friends in arms to a mysterious trial of darkness. Following in hot pursuit you set out to save your friends, and best the baddies. Utilizing your baseball bat, and bat swinging skills as you take the lead of a talking amnesiac crow.

Dark Quest 3 | PS4 Review

Don't be discouraged by the numbered entry of this Dark Quest console release. While it may be the third in a series it is easily a standalone adventure still worthy of your attention. Melding the quest focused traversal of tabletop RPGs, light deckbuilding mechanics, and RNG based roguelike elements 'Dark Quest III" has you controlling a band of heroes or heroines as they battle against a malevolent evil in the guise of a power-hungry wizard. 

It is this wizard turned to the dark side in vague Voldemort fashion that is the adventure's master. Through his ongoing narration via multiple choice encounters and situations you will build up your troupe of mismatched characters as they continue to travel the lands to the point of confronting the vile wizard himself. Hopefully defeating him, and returning to claim the fortune and fame ...

Monster Menu | PS5 Review

 NISA's latest IP, "Monster Menu", brings to the player a pint sized dungeon crawling roguelike with 'Triple A' trimmings. It is a pick up, and put down style of turn based RPG adventure centered around fully customizable anime characters of different classes who have found themselves lost in a dungeon with no supplies. 

To survive, and escape this seemingly impossible ordeal they must become bottom feeders, or scavengers of sorts. Feeding off of dungeon offal, and beastly bits. Utilizing a combat system akin to that of Disgaea's while minding four base stats that will effect performance, overall. It is through maintained HP, Hydration, Happiness, and Calories that the party will either make it out alive, or repeat their situation via an odd Groundhog day reoccurrence upon each failed attempt. Gaining access to more powerful gear, and weapons while simultaneously losing any leveling progress made until they finally traverse all floors of the dungeon.

Undergrave | PS4 Review

Qubyte's latest game, "Undergrave" is a tough as nails turn based tactical roguelike indie with puzzle elements included. It features a nameless cloaked protagonist who finds himself ferrying around in the void realm for a place to land. Devilish denizens, of course, are there awaiting his arrival as he does so. 

Murtop | Switch Review

Flynn's Arcade is at it again porting a new fangled retro/modern arcade experience to the Nintendo Switch. This time around their developer mashes up two well known retro gameplay gimmicks. Using the bomb blasting of 'Bomberman', and the mining mechanics of 'Dig Dug' they have created the perfect quarter munching challenge. Instead of inflating baddies you'll take control of a white rabbit named Murti with bomb dropping abilities who is hellbent on blasting the fool out of carrot thieving moles who are busy digging holes. Perhaps as a metaphor of the dangers of going down a rabbit hole, but I wouldn't dig too deeply into it ...

Afterimage | PS5 Review

Being the first PS5 Metroidvania I've played, 'Afterimage' did well enough to impress me on the visual front. It is up to par with new-gen standards in both the visual and audio department. As a Metroidvania it features a mostly linear progress path with the occasional side routes and backtracking for finding the hidden items, and boss fights that you'd have missed otherwise. Filled with a constant back and forth narrative between the main Goddess blessed protagonist Renee, and her pint sized partner Ifree we are provided a constant reflection of past events as well as a catching up to speed of the current goings on between gameplay sessions. Almost to nauseam.

It seems the world of Afterimage is not unlike that of the fabled lost city of Atlantis. A world of magic, and mystique. A world where it's people are lost without the presence of their Goddess, and unable to pass from the living into the life stream without the assistance of specialized individuals. In fact that's where the playable protagonist Renee, and her tag along tot Ifree come into play. They act as a means to help wayward souls on their journey from the ruins of their civilization. Using bone relics from the deceased to do so. 

Deathwish Enforcers | PS4 Review

For those of you who are unaware 'Limited Run Games' released a physical, and digital version of "Deathwish Enforcers" recently for both last-gen, and current-gen consoles. This 4 player co-op arcade style brawler/shooter brought with it Hollywood cops, and porn era naughtiness. Hoes and pimps for days!!! Using the old sex sells adage as their marketing ploy the developer pushed the envelope of common decency and modern day censorship by including pixelated nudity that actually went uncensored. 

Alongside the porn star nods, and the homage to such Hollywood heroes as Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry, and Charles Bronson's lead detective roles we find a world of 60's cinematic influence. All the pimps and prostitutes one could throw their money at as well as infamous crime lords from every facet of underground society. It is through this risque amalgamation of adult themes and antics that the developer tries to sell said product. Sadly, it does fall short in the gameplay department though ...

R-Type Final 3 Evolved | PS5 Review

Jumping from 'R-Type Final 2' on the PS4 to 'R-Type Final 3 Evolved' on the PS5 is quite the evolution, pun intended. From a graphical standpoint the visuals are mind blowing this time around! It's beyond what I had imagined games looking like before becoming a PS5 console owner. Seeing it play out in 4K, on a proper 4K HDTV really makes this game look richer than ever before, presentation-wise. Even the soundtrack is vastly more impressive in scope and scale. 

The gameplay, itself, is super responsive, and also takes gameplay up a notch with an added controller voice feature. Though the game does carry over a lot of what 'R-Type Final 2' offered it adds to it on a grand scale by including extra customization options, a new competitive mode, and a new game that is "R-Type Final 3 Evolved". To say it is a mere upgrade would be an understatement.

War Mongrels | PS4 Review

Developer Destructive Creations', through their game "War Mongrels", takes the gamer on a gritty and heart wrenching portrayal of fictional characters and events centered around and inspired by the very real World War II. Through the recorded account of Manfred, and a collective of joining rebels light is shed on several different Eastern Front scenarios. From a living penal colony escape to the rescuing of Jews on their way to extermination, and even a joint jail encounter the developer sets the key characters, their predicament, and their control commands up for stealth tactical navigation within the various locales. Forcing the gamer to mind things like line enemy of sight, and destructive environmental set pieces. Using mostly stealth application to go about undermining the enemy. 

Labyrinth of Zangetsu | PS4 Review

Harkening back to retro dungeon crawlers of old PQube's and Acquire's, "Labyrinth of Zangetsu" stays true to the set formula of the genre while lightly innovating with new mechanics, and forwarding a fantastical plot with class based create-a-characters placed in a corrupted feudal setting. Taking place in an ancient land ravaged by a miasmic plague of deadly ink the sole survivors seek and find refuge in the last safe haven known as the Ido temple wherein lies humanity's last hope. 

Led into the fray by a leader of tried and true mercenaries for hire comprised of various races and creeds who commit to the cause of Blightbane Proper they engage the enemy, willingly. They are a collective of committed combatants whose main job is to brave the ink infested Labyrinths in hopes of ridding the world of the corruption, and it is your job to lead them to victory ...

Nuclear Blaze | PS4 Review

Just as a small burning ember can set a whole forest on fire so goes the inferno that you are chasing to it's source within "Nuclear Blaze". As circumstances would have it, it is this very blaze that leads the lead character into some sort of military compound or secretive nuclear test facility hidden from plain sight. Starting off as a residential fire the battle at hand quickly escalates into a threat of nuclear proportions as things unfold. 

As the fire engulfs the surrounding location a nameless firefighter ventures forward from his troupe only to discover an underground complex that seems to be the source of the fiery carnage. Not stopping there he continues onward through gated access, and points of peril where mortal danger makes itself known time and time again. Utilizing the on person firefighter equipment to put out flames, and stopping by conveniently placed refill stations to refill his tanks as he ventures forth into the fray. Ultimately facing a problem that isn't as clear cut as it might seem. Something that is only made known through notes left behind.

The Creepy Syndrome | PS4

Encapsulated in a single quote the premise of this psychological horror anthology plays out as if the gamer is a patient who is looking to find themselves in sessions with a questionably motivated psychiatrist. The starting quote points to the fact that, like the patients here, we do not find ourselves, but instead create ourselves ... 

Through distinctly different gameplay sessions filled with horror elements, puzzle solving, and clue finding that are presented in different genres and gaming eras this quote rings ever true. We find five sessions in total featuring different people confronting different memories of life altering events that have led them to seek help. There's everything from a guilt trip brought on by the aftermath of a car accident to a cult where murder played a role in one's fall from grace. The sessions are short lived, and indie in nature with pixel designs built to compliment pathways of linear storytelling. Allowing the player to pause and take a break whenever they feel the tension becoming too much.

Fairy Fencer F: Refrain Chord | PS4

Have you ever gotten the feeling that you've been here or done that? Like a serious case of Deja vu? Well, in this latest Fairy Fencer F story the Fury wielder Fang, and Eryn his fairy partner are experiencing that very thing. From an initial clash leading to Fang's surprising death to his resurrection in a familiar prison things seem to be repeating themselves to some degree. Still on the pursuit of Furies, or weapons inhabited by Fairies, Fang and the gang carry on seeking to free the Goddess from her impaled state so that they can defeat the Vile God once and for all. Part of the way in though things take another twist, and through behind the scenes meddling between some mystery characters a new more dire turn of events presents itself. Wherein Fang isn't the Fang we remember, or so it seems ...

Ultra Pixel Survive | PS4 Review

Taking it one day at a time is all some of us can do to survive this mad world that we are living in. We work hard for a better tomorrow, but that better tomorrow always seems to be just out of reach. In a similar way Ratalaika Games' and GS Studios' "Ultra Pixel Survive" takes that idea of day to day survival, and makes it into a potentially unending experience wherein day and night cycles bring forth the benefits of farming and the battle against beasties. A lucrative opportunity if you can maintain your hunger, health, and stamina as you farm for materials to craft what needs to be crafted for long term living. In the face of insurmountable odds, no less.

Mangavania | PS4 Review

From mobile to console this mildly monochromatic Metroidvania that is 'Mangavania' brings with it a speedrun style undertaking presented in an episodic fashion. A timed action platforming experience where precision, and collect-a-thon elements collide to create a proper challenge. To the tick of the clock and three hearts the onboard protagonist must collect souls and save spirits as he deals with demons and works his way around maze-like environments. Utilizing tools like the wall jump, double jump, dash, sword slash, and bow to bypass obstacles and threats. Avoiding pitfalls and perils of the damage dealing sort all while earning gems that can be used to further unlock the previously mentioned abilities, or to try again should he succumb to an untimely death.

Hyper-5 | PS4 Review

After having landed on PC, "Hyper-5" finally makes it's way to consoles under the banner of publisher EastAsiaSoft. Carrying with it a polished, and well functioning port that could easily be compared with other shmup greats. Darius comes to mind in that regard. I realize in saying this though that I have a bad habit of comparing games that have obvious influences, but do bare in mind that while there are some similarities 'Hyper-5' does good to bring what once was hype back in the 90's to the next level. Putting the "Hype" in "Hyper". Both visually, and mechanics-wise. Tweaking, in it's wake, staple scoring and shooting gimmicks. Making modes that have been done time and time again fresh, and exciting. 

Below you will find an easy to consume series of sectional paragraphs detailing everything from the plot to the gameplay, and even the mechanics. I have spent enough time with the game that I can give you an honest opinion at the end as well, if you care for it.

Process of Elimination | PS4

Heavy on the plot, and light on the gameplay NISA's new IP, "Process of Elimination" lives up to it's name in more ways than one. It features, within it's many layers, an intertwining story involving the protagonist Wato Hojo. Wato, starting off as a fledgling detective working for an amateur detective agency, pursues his first suspect only to be drawn into a plot so thick and twisted that not even his familiarity to mystery novels could have prepared him for it. 

After finding out his supposed first suspect was actually the Senior detective of the DA (Detective Alliance), but not the target Wato finds himself potentially and surprisingly living out his detective dreams. Having been forcefully recruited though and against his will he finds himself, instead, waking up on a remote island three days later where things begin to fall apart in short order. Carrying in tow a haunting past memory of a childhood friend murdered, and aspiring to be the one who catches the infamous serial killer "The Quartering Duke" Wato and his world quickly becomes the stage of an unfolding Greek tragedy in which 13 quirky detectives share in his fight for finding out the who, what, where, when, and why of the given situation.