Task Force Kampas (PS4)

I have decided to do this review differently, and include my Youtube video review. I took to Twitch to stream some hands-on impressions, and go over the features and mechanics which I then exported to Youtube, and have in turn included here. As it turns out I found a shmup with potential lost to artificial difficulty. Through a narrow playing field, oppressive bullet hell/enemy population, and recovery options that reduce the long lived potential of a playthrough things are made much harder than they should be. It left me unable to make it past the first boss on Easy difficulty despite choosing different pilots with different perks that each offered a different advantage in regards to shot type and health. Visually the game is very appealing, and the soundtrack quite impressive. Sadly I found out that it was a game experience not worth buying into. Hopefully the developer can heed my advice, and improve upon this game or the next.

Grimvalor (Nintendo Switch)

Originally an iOS touch pad focused game, "Grimvalor" finds it's way to the Nintendo Switch in a competently readjusted port that makes the Metroidvania Soulsborne experience that it is all the more engaging and atmospheric in the console sense. Taking place in a cursed kingdom known as Vallaris the game puts you in the role of a nameless female or male scout who is assigned to search for the missing King Valor as encroaching monstrosities make their way in. Armed with dual weapons, Metroidvania mechanics, and equipment fitting for the task you will fight your way through multiple paths crossing both the land of Vallaris and the Nexus hub.

HyperParasite (PS4)

Oozing with 80's pop culture references, presidential pokes, and a dash of identity politics "HyperParasite" aims to entertain the gamer with an infinite rogue-like replay rich gameplay loop done up in a slight twin-stick shooter fashion. This semi-top down action packed alien adventure puts the player in control of a parasitic mass that is intent on reaching it's presidential target. All in hopes of conquering humanity via nuclear warfare through body snatching. Kind of like the current COVID-19 versus POTUS situation. Something that is oddly referenced in the game's opening cinematic where a Nick Fury looking Commander in Chief puts a bounty on the parasite's head giving the public a shoot on sight order in hopes of thwarting the end times ploy. With the parasite's ability to take control of a host's body though this means that those looking to capitalize will be killing their own kind if they miss the mark. In a villain versus hero situation how you fare as the alien invader will depend fully on how well you can utilize the game's unique mechanics. That, and how well you can make use of Wito's shop upgrades.

Fran Bow (PC): "Sneak Peek"

Recently, through Twitter I was contacted by a Swedish game developer (Natalia Figueroa) who has co-produced a game with her partner Isak Matinsson. This team of developers who run a game development studio called Killmonday has brought to my attention a very special PC based indie title. This indie, otherwise known as "Fran Bow" takes the innocence of childlike storybook imagery, and warps it six ways from Sunday. The psychological tale of gore ridden murder, and the fantastically twisted imagination of a girl named "Fran Bow" takes bold steps to impress a more mature audience. It could easily be compared to the tale contained within American McGee's "ALICE", but stands entirely on it's own with a wholly unique spin on insanity. It was the images of the game that Natalia had shared with me that really captured my attention. The surreal, and often times gory images had a Gothic tone that definitely peaked my morbid curiosity, and will no doubt capture the attention of many other like-minded gamers.

Upcoming Summer Review: "They Bleed Pixels"

I have been fortunate enough to secure some of the most interesting XBLIG titles out there, and I'm definitely thankful for the opportunity. Recently Spooky Squid Game's developer has informed me that I'm on the list of reviewers to receive 'They Bleed Pixels' for review. It's a gothic lo-fi platforming beat'em up with some very unique features. I would lie if I were to say I wasn't excited. This game may look simple in nature, but I think it will become a hit soon after it is released. The game is scheduled for release this summer, and I will get the review out there asap. Until then please enjoy the trailer to this awesome upcoming XBLIG title ...

PC Game Review: "Soldiers Are Dreamers"

Recently a good friend of mine introduced me to Peter Willington, the Host/Owner of 'InRetroSpectPodcast'. He asked me about reviewing a point, and click PC game he had created. Initially I was going to pass it up, but I figured I would give it a try. I'm usually not into PC games, but given it was a special request from a friend I decided to go along with it.