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.