Jack Holmes: Master of Puppets

A bit janky, and a bit dated this unofficial survival horror spin-off to the Sherlock Holmes franchise sees us taking on the role of Jack Holmes, supposed great-great grandson of the famous Sherlock, as he investigates a peculiar case. It is in this search for a certain Frederick R. that he finds more than he bargained for. 

Through basic exploration, and inquisitive sleuthing he finds himself in a world of puppets that are not what they seem. Seemingly infused with captives' organs, and body parts these haunting human-like manifestations stand between Jack and a case closed scenario. Getting to the bottom of it all will take both nerve, wit, and combat prowess.

TEARED | PS5 Review

Like the Epic of Gilgamesh, and the wonderous arcade era of the 70's and 80's, Juan-Mod's "TEARED" comes at us vividly in a fever pitched spectacle as we tour through a sneak peek of a neo-dystopian arcade wherein lies a TEARED arcade cabinet, and a lone observer in the guise of a resident feline.

Through the feline's eyes we gain access to the storied intro of the fantasy game, and it does not disappoint. There's a Viking looking lad, a dragon, and skeletons in a war that almost seems like Medieval Armageddon. As all seems lost, and the Viking sinks to the bottom of the ocean from whence he fought he is resurrected by a mermaid and her shed tear. It is from this point that we become a player of this obscured arcade cabinet, and fight as humanity's last hope against the all corrupting army of evil.

ArcRunner | PS5 Review

Not unlike HALO's own ring-like orbital space stations the Arc in 'ArcRunners' is also a self-containing satellite ecosystem for it's otherworldly inhabitants. Those inhabitants being robotic androids, and human cybernetic hybrids. All governed by an AI system that is there to maintain order. Unfortunately for the Arc, and it's robotic citizens a virus infiltrated the AI system turning all those tied to it into mechanized maniacs. 

Thanks to an onboard counter-intelligence operative though you were summoned, or rather re-atomized, to save the day. Using one of three class based builds including the soldier, ninja, and hacker you set forth to reclaim each district utilizing the dropped weaponry, and augment upgrades to your advantage. All in a goal to stop the virus at it's source.

PERISH | PS5 Review

A longing soul seeking sanctuary in Elysium is the driving force behind this sectional arena based FPS roguelike. From the haunted depths of the Greek underworld to the brilliant shores of Elysium our would be hero will makes his way through various rites, and trials as he seeks to defeat the guardians lying in wait. The ultimate prize being that of the release from eternal suffering. 

Using period inaccurate weaponry, power imbued crowns, special effect rings, throwing daggers, and consumables the hero trudges forward against a seemingly endless army of darkness that is Hellbent on stopping him dead in his tracks. The only guiding light being that of a priestess who leads the path forward as the orator of the epic adventure. 

Outer Terror | PS5 Review

Coming at you like a cosmic horror comic book with a survivor-like gimmick, VoxPop Games', "Outer Terror" attempts to deliver the fiendish frights alongside mission driven objectives spanning across 4 different horror stories. 

As a one or two player experience you'll choose the role of one of 10 unique survivors in cover art inclusive issues of "The Grey Death", "Frost Bite", "Killswitch", and "Other Side". Each character playable in the respective plots, and each with their own main weapon as well as special ability from the start. It is with weapons, and upgrades that these unlikely heroes and heroines will stack their arsenal of defensive and offensive options in an attempt to defeat the old gods who have returned to haunt humanity in the worst of ways.

Flightpath: Adventures in Venaris

Heavy on the storytelling, and rich in anime art EastAsiaSoft's latest foray into the shoot'em up genre via Illogic Games has us following closely the flight paths of three individuals as they take to the skies guns a blazing. This science fiction space adventure titled, "Flightpath: Adventures in Venaris" takes place across two separate modes including the story driven campaign and an endless roguelike mode that further builds upon the gimmicky flight path focus. 

Ship-wise though it's your fairly standard bullet hell shmup with a strong emphasis on upgrades, and upgrade management. As you collect coins/credits, and fulfill your role in the provided plot you'll stop and shop for multiple weapons, shields, armors, generators, and stackable boosts that will determine your ability to output the desired defensive and offensive results based upon an underlying overload mechanic.

Withering Rooms | PS5

Steeped in witchcraft, occult mysticism, and medieval medical malpractices of the early 19th century we find a haunting roguelike gameplay experience featuring a patient of the Mostyn House Asylum known only as Nightingale. It is this poor unfortunate soul that finds herself in a perpetual dream or nightmare, if you will. Doomed to repeat her horrific attempt at escape until she finds the key to getting out. 

This entails both combat, and a stealth approach as not everyone who resides in this place for choleric and psychiatric help are friendly. Avoiding conflict, and sometimes engaging in it while amassing the items necessary to stave off various afflictions, and death are the only way to wake up from this hellscape that was 18 years in the making.

Saviorless | PS5 Review

Very rarely do we get a game that is so epic in scale it reminds us of childhood favorite films. The kind of experience that lasts for generations as a cult classic among all who bare witness to it. I think Dear Villagers has that epic dark fantasy tale in their grasp with this latest Metroidvania, "Saviorless". 

Not unlike "The Neverending Story" we get a guided protagonist in the way of the androgynous long haired Antar. A young boy who is seeking a fabled heron as he makes his way to the Smiling Islands. A place of legend where one could become the savior. Keeping him from ever finishing his tale though are a family of three narrators who insist on having Antar repeatedly seek that which he desires. Thus controlling both Antar, and the story being told for all time. It is a metaphorical take on the dangers of free will versus guided fate as there are two other joining protagonists who break free of the narration later on in an attempt to complete their own destinies. All while Antar continues forth through gauntlets of perilous puzzle driven platforming stages as the potential savior.

The State Of Gaming Q2 2024

Gaming and drama seems to go hand in hand these days. We've got a war waging between influencers, developers, and gamers. The latest of which has been called "Gamer Gate 2". If someone isn't trying to cancel someone else over inserted ideas or the right to insert certain ideas it's not a normal day in the industry. I've thrown in my thoughts on occasion regarding this escalating conflict of interests, and have not shied away from saying what needs to be said. Calling out propaganda, and the using of fan favorite IP's as a means to push a message for what it is. As one should. 

That having been said Participating in this ongoing undoing of everything gaming can come at a cost, and I don't recommend blindly throwing opinions out on social media without knowing the risks, or knowing what you are talking about. There are some increasingly nefarious agents in the world of governmental control eyeing the current gaming battlefield, and they are keen on using it to further censor and silence dissent against their brand of politics through the gaming industry goings on. Resulting sometimes in threats of legal action, and invasive laws.

Call of Duty | Are Skins & Seasonal Updates Good Enough?

At the time of typing up this article I am waist deep in the current season's battle pass. The season was themed around "The Walking Dead", but also included guest characters from Dune as well as Warhammer 40K. The skin economy as such is one of the game's best achievements to date, especially in MWIII. The animated effects, tiers of skins, and the tracers all bring to the player a way to showcase their vested dominance/interest. That they are true supporting fans of the series willing to pay upwards of $20 a bundle to look cool in the heat of battle. Mind you I too have amassed quite the collection of skins, and could easily be considered a whale at this point. So this is not a dig at big spenders, nor is it a dig at the store offerings.

Astebros | PS4

Medieval mayhem ensues in this 2D platforming fantasy roguelike called, "Astebros". Coming on the scene as a pixeled precursor to the previously released "Demons of Asterborg" the story retroactively picks up the tale of the kingdom of Asterborg, and it's fall to minions of darkness. As one of three heroes including a Knight, A Ranger, and a Mage you venture forth under the king's command as you meet up with the designated guide who will be leading you on your adventure. It is through this mysteriously robed figure that you'll travel via horse and cart, individually or in 2 player co-op, as you fight through several themed lands to gain access to orbs that unlock further access to other more challenging areas near the vicinity of your camp.

Attack of the Karens | NS

Shmups meld with the roguelike genre in this meme made masterpiece that is, "Attack of the Karens". Taking the Karen meme and using it as the plot point for the futuristic retro inspired fight and flight efforts against city plaguing entitlement the game delivers comedic value in spades through textual conversation as well as fully voiced dialogue. This includes both the protagonist and the several cybernetic Karens. 

Equality VS Equity In The Industry

I want to make something very clear. I'm all for naturally applied diversity & inclusivity that does not insert characters or plot points that are propaganda pieces for furthering the divide. Call me oldschool, but I believe in equality, not equity. Equity conditions people to not work their best or excel in whatever they do. It makes them dependent upon a slave system that uses & abuses their struggles (which is made by the people they champion) for power and control.

The Legend of Legacy HD | PS5

From the 3DS to the PS5 "The Legend of Legacy" makes a bold return to modern consoles in a HD remastered format with it's turn based combat, characters with unique stories, and it's signature art design helmed by Tomomi Kobayashi intact. 

Following the discovery of a returning island not unlike that of the lost city of Atlantis seven protagonists with different goals in mind set forth to Avalon under the blessing of the King of Adventurers to explore the island's mysteries, loot treasure, and map out the areas for further exploration efforts. In a company of three these oddly paired adventurers venture onward to fulfill their own individual destinies. Among them are an elementalist, an amnesiac, a treasure hunter, a mercenary for hire, a frog prince, and others whose eyes are all set on the prize that is Avalon. 

The Problem With "Hateful Insertions" ... DEI, ESG & Gamer Gate 2.0

Well, it seems some lessons in life are hard learned and no matter how clearly you explain away the issues with an issue it will always go right over someone's head. One leading example of this is with the incidents of someone calling someone else racist while they themselves are acting the part. The lack of awareness of the underlying hypocrisy only serves to invalidate any claims the one arguing racism has, especially for those who aren't psychologically demoralized to the point they can't see the truth for the lies. 

Unfortunately a good portion of the population of world we all live in, and the society we inhabit therein has been conditioned to cling to old hatreds and to use that hate to grift for time in the spotlight as well as the resulting monetary gain. Perpetuating, and creating racism where there was none.

Rebel Transmute | PS5

As a cross between a Metroidvania and a soulsborne game, 'Rebel Transmute' boldly goes where most do not dare, and by that I mean with a protagonist that no one can connect with except on a representative level. Arrogant and pompous in her pursuit for her lost mother, Moon Mikono returns to an abandoned terraforming colony to seek closure ... 

Filled with angst and pride she crash lands on Terra 6 of Foray only to be put into stasis for 12 years by a left behind resident. After which she continues, with the aid of the newly turned humanoid robot, to pursue the location of Wendy Mikono, her mother and lead scientist of the previously mentioned terraforming effort. It seems the scientists, in their work a year prior, unwittingly unleashed a plague of sparkblood on the colony. Mutating all lifeforms from fauna to flora into hostile creatures. Creating an ecosystem catastrophe. Thus is the story, in gist. 

Juicy Realm | PS5

Juicy Realm enters the scene as an out of this world roguelike experience featuring a cast of quirky characters, and fruits gone bad. The plot is simple. A spacefaring seedling crash lands on a planet turning it's fruity inhabitants into malicious monsters hellbent on killing off the resident population. As one of 10 protagonists you join the battle alone or in co-op with a special weapon in hand, a passive ability, and a summon. It is with these tools that you'll take on the fruit hordes, and harvest their seeds for improving upon your base stats as well as your arsenal. Recruiting, as you do so, others willing to enter the fray.

Dead End City | PS5

90's arcade inspired vertical shoot 'em up "Dead End City" puts the pedal to the metal as it barrels forth at breakneck speed in this post apocalyptic road rage filled fight for survival. A plot not unlike that of Mad Max. Like it's cinematic inspiration, fuel is your lifeline and your vehicle your chariot with which to see you through a gladiatorial spectacle against the bosses of the badlands. Each chariot, and it's designated driver brings with them a unique weapon type that will assist in not only clearing waves of minions, and dealing the deathblow to gang leaders, but also the means with which to outlast your opponent if you are skilled enough.

Geometry Survivor | PS5

It's shapes versus ships in this shoot'em up survivor spinoff. Featuring a visual design similar to Geometry Wars, and gameplay reminiscent of hero survival games or auto-battlers this neon retro shooter keeps features minimal while offering 20 minute challenges that are each roguelike in nature. 

You'll be piloting one of eight geometric shapes as you dodge ships and bullet hell while your weapons and defenses automatically do their thing. Taking out the enemy while leaving behind nano-particles of the blue and yellow persuasion which, in turn, allows your shape to evolve the more you pick them up. All done while avoiding the loss of heart hits that can end a run prematurely. 

Inkulinati | PS5

In Inkulinati it's Tiny's versus Beasts on maniacally mapped out medieval manuscripts. Featuring roguelike turn based tactical 2D combat lightly akin to Magic the Gathering with some of history's most religiously inclined individuals as your player characters Inkulinati will have you dishing out damage as you try to best your opponent, and their armies of beastly critters. You'll find everything from demons with faces on their arse to donkey's that play the butt trumpet. Each with their own unique set of skills, weapons, and attack range. All inked like traditional manuscript art with accompanying animation. 

Using your ink well as your mana pool as well as chapter specific passive talents, and applied turn specific hand actions that will aide you in this task you'll eventually face off against the dealer of death, himself, as you draw to life an animalistic army for the ages. All as the apocalypse, in it's many forms, comes calling with it's own threat to both contestants.

Lords of Exile | PS4

Absolute power corrupts, absolutely. This is a hard lesson that our anti-hero Gabriel learns from a young age as a village's would be savior turned adversary. Following the lead of Galagar, a tyrant in his own right, Gabriel would try to become as powerful as the merciless marauders that killed his fellow villagers. 

Becoming Galager's right hand man though came with a price, and that price was paid by the blood of Gabriel's beloved. Galager eventually saw Gabriel as a direct threat during his time serving, and thus sent a message via murder to dissuade him from ever attempting the takeover of Galager's place in power. Unfortunately for Galager, Gabriel was hellbent on revenge after having been wronged. He set out with bloodlust on his mind, and a sword in his hand.

The Mobius Machine | PS5

The Mobius Machine might just be the most minimalist and magnificent Metroidvania to ever be released. It features a pint sized protagonist, or micronaut if you will, who finds himself in the middle of a perplexing situation where dream meets reality, perpetually. 

In his dreams he sees a machine that implodes on a mysterious alien planet. He pursues an exit afterwards only to be gobbled up by an alien creature of gargantuan proportions. Ultimately awaking to a distress signal from the Isolaris moon. Something that intergalactic law demands he attend to lest he face criminal penalty. It is upon making his way there though that he crash lands, loses his robotic companion Robbie, and finds himself in an eerily familiar place. A place he must scour for resources, and tools in order to escape.

Jubilee | PS5

Debt is a prison sentence in the making. A lesson learned by our fairytale female protagonist in this indie puzzle platformer known as "Jubilee". You find yourself, as the designated damsel in distress, locked away in a maze-like prison filled with gems, animals, and the odd cellmate who also finds themselves a prisoner of an unknown antagonist. Your backstory isn't initially known, but by discovering secret pages, and talking to the local lawbreakers you'll find your bearings quick enough. You'll learn in due time that you are facing a perilous collect-a-thon to collect enough gems to pay your way out of this Hell hold. 

Mustache In Hell | PS5

Waking up one day only to find himself in the hereafter John Mustache comes face to skull with the Grim Reaper. The big bad bone daddy himself. Seems Death has a proposition for the yet to be truly dead protagonist, and that deal entails recovering cubes that were stolen by Charon. Each cube being guarded by an afterlife adversary, and mobs of mythological minions. All contained within gated, and maze-like areas filled with puzzles, and enough items to see John through to the end. This includes everything from guns, and explosives to health items and extra lives. 

Dungeonoid 2 Awakening | PS5

Following in the footsteps of the brick breaking arcade legend Arkanoid, 'Dungeonoid 2 Awakening' continues with the legacy mechanics while building upon them in this RPG inspired indie sequel. In it four heroes including an individually named and background inclusive paladin, priest, sorcerer, and valkyrie fight weapon and spell against an evil priest who is attempting to resurrect the ultimate evil. An evil demon from the depths of hell who has been lying dormant for over 300 years. 

Utilizing the traditional brick breaking paddle, powerups, key items, and two attack types you will not only fight against the minions of darkness, but loot the lands, and upgrade your character of choice as the screen auto-scrolls upwards through 6 differently themed lands filled with obstacles. Each land, in turn, offering their own shops, treasures, and gems needed for enhancing the heroes' abilities. 

Be A Hero, Not A Victim

"If the world ever wants to know why all their heroes are degenerates and criminals it's, because the people who have power and influence over you don't want you to aspire to be a true hero. They want you ruining your own life, and your opportunities to be in a position to only peddle the propaganda of the truly powerful and influential.

Teppo and the Secret Ancient City

Legend tells of a hidden Amazonian city that once acted as a gateway to parallel worlds. A portal of sorts powered by colored diamonds. So says the Indigenous individual who in 1970 sparks up a curious conversation with famed explorer Teppo in a bar. As a man of opportunity Teppo knows when to take the lead and run with it, so he sets out on an adventure into the amazon wilds to collect the fabled diamonds, and secure his name in history. 

Dark Light | PS5 Review

Dark light aims to take the Metroidvania, Soulsborne, and Roguelike genres by storm in it's dark tale about ancient celestial beings, gods, demons, AI, and the last remnants of humanity. As a Dark Hunter recently revived by an AI drone you take up arms, and join humanity's last hope under the guidance of a designated AI facilitator. A celestial AI being sent to safeguard humanity, and bring them through these dark ages. 

At a hub of sorts you take on your obligated duty by utilizing the various vendors for preparedness and upgrade sake as well as a resident teleporter to venture out into the world and complete quest based objectives inline with three warring factions. As you traverse the map with a melee, and ranged weapon in hand alongside unique skills afforded by the faction roguelike system you'll earn currency, face foes, and best bosses as you deck out your loadouts with all the item drops that you find. Obtaining along the way elemental gems, body armor components, and new abilities used for traversal.

Jett Rider | PS5 Review

Sometimes publishers like to try to sneak something past paying players when they re-release a game. In some cases this occurs when they obtain a license for a previously published title. In which case they rename the game and add or remove content to make it seem like something new when it's obviously not. Seeing the gameplay preview of Jett Rider gave me Déjà vu  for that very reason ...

I knew I recognized it from somewhere else. Likely from a review I had previously done. Come to find out I wasn't wrong. Jett Rider is basically a castrated version of "Willy Jetman: Astromonkey's Revenge". By that I mean the monkey bits, and funny comic panel intro were removed. I could speculate all day as to why, but one way or another content has been removed, and the game has been renamed. I highly suggest you read my previous review of "Willy Jetman: Astromonkey's Revenge" for insight on Jett Rider as the gameplay remains the same even though story elements were cut. 

Anomaly Agent (Nintendo Switch)

Cyberpunk meets time travel in this humorous 2D action platformer by Phew Phew Games. A surprise indie hit on many levels ...

As Agent 70, a man of mystery sporting duds that look an awfully lot like they were ripped from an Austin Powers film, you find that you are in pursuit of the shattered shards of a time crystal that has you and your agency caught up in a distorting time loop. Across time you will chase, and deal with the enemy threat as you try to correct this peculiar predicament. Using weapons, fighting skills, and enhanced abilities afforded to you, you will face waves of minions and out of this world bosses. Both alone, and with tag-along companions you meet along the way. 

Saga of the Moon Priestess | PS5

Role reversal is a thing these days, especially in the realm of entertainment. Sometimes it's all about a dude in distress instead of a damsel. As is the case of EastAsiaSoft's latest 'Legend of Zelda' inspired indie game, "Saga of the Moon Priestess".

The plot is simple, but the exploration grand in this isometric dungeon focused action adventure. You take on the role of a Goddess faithful moon priestess named Sarissa. The would be savior of the missing prince who in a moment of weakness gave into the whims of evil to save his kingdom. Armed with a spear, and the guidance of the Goddess herself Sarissa ventures forth talking to persons of interest as she solves puzzles and works her way through the maze laden map. Using additional key items obtained from won boss battles in region based dungeons to unlock the path forward.

Lift the Veil | By Brad Carver

Below you will find my latest poem. A poem that speaks of things kept from plain sight. Things that will come to be known through the deeds of those that work behind the scenes to manipulate others. Truth always reveals itself, and is not disputable. You can live a lie, but the truth always comes calling. Enjoy this poem, and may it inspire you to look beyond the veil.

Nephenthesys | PS5 Review

In the world of shmups some games hit the mark, and others miss it by a longshot. EastAsiaSoft's Nephenthesys falls under the latter category. A shmup so absurdly difficult that it defeats the purpose of the genre. Before I get too far ahead of myself though let me give you the backstory, and the details ...

Nephenthesys starts as some shoot 'em ups do with space exploration in the future. Through said exploration revealing an alien adversary. In this case the year is 200X, and Earth has established a lunar base on the moon, and has set forth to exploring the universe starting with Mars. 

In their journey of discovery they stumble upon an unusual object that turns out to be a beacon for a large alien craft. In doing so they inadvertently attract the alien craft's attention. Ushering it towards engagement against Earth's own space force. As pilot Cobra1, and in various ships with unique shot types as well as drones that function as additional attacks or shields, you are to confront the incoming alien threat and assess the object in question.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III | Blackcell Season One Review

As most of you are aware by now Modern Warfare III's Blackcell battle pass is a premium edition of the standard battle pass that includes bonus Blackcell operator/weapon skins, and items not included in the standard edition. It'll run you about $30 per season, and includes 100 tiers to unlock through a meticulous grind offset by some free unlocks that give you a head start on others grinding the standard battle pass. Not only do you get free tier unlocks (upwards of 20), but you also get the harder to unlock end pass skins from the start. Letting you show off, in advance, what others will have to grind all 100 tiers to get.