Fall of Light: Darkest Edition (PS4)

Before you read further into this review you need to understand I gave up on it at the very first level/stage, and for a valid reason. This game, which boasts about being like Dark Souls, is made artificially difficult through the control setup. The control arrangement, which cannot be remapped, is so awkward in design that it makes the fights and tasks at hand difficult where they would otherwise not be if the controls were mapped differently. I think the developer knew this, and that's why they chose to not allow the player to change the controls ...

Blacksea Odyssey (PS4)

Perma death, replay value, and indie charm. Sometimes features like these can go a long way in making a game great. In the case of Stage Clear Studios' "Blacksea Odyssey" though the gamble on such boasted features kind of falls short on greatness when that's the only thing it really has going for it. In "Blacksea Odyssey" the developer spins a brief tale about an intergalactic fishing tournament that happens ever so often. A competition among a select few space captains looking to make a name for themselves. Much like Captain Ahab from "Moby Dick" these space faring captains are after that big catch, or rather catches. The catch to catching these catches is that you have only two base tools to hook the various space beasts. This includes a spear, and a harpoon. That, and your spaceship from which said tools are ejected from. Relying on one chance to catch, or kill them all your captain of choice must not only hunt key targets and tear them apart via a harpoon for loot, but must also defend from attacking lesser creatures that are trying to stop you from catching that prize monster. As you hunt you'll gather dropped gold bits, special assist items, and new base weapons to aid you in your ongoing goal. It goes without saying that should you die in the maw of these Eldritch-esque horrors it's "Game Over!", and you'll have to start over in your attempt to become the number one space captain in the tournament.

Dead Ahead: Zombie Warfare - My Brief Thoughts And Opinions

Zombie indie games seem to be on the rise these days. Pun intended. Everywhere you look there seems to be a new zombie game of some sort popping up. I assume it's because of all the end time hysteria, and whatnot. Whatever the case may be "Dead Ahead: Zombie Warfare" attempts to capitalize on said trend like so many other games do. Does it succeed in being interesting, and different? I'd say for a zombie themed mobile style indie with RTS gameplay mechanics it does alright to that end. Like many mobile games of that kind though it's a quick to pick up, and easy to put down experience that definitely caters to the casual crowd. Not that that is a bad thing in this case. As far as the game goes it does have an objective, but not a really story. That objective, as simple as it may sound, is to get a bus load of people across areas that are both blockaded by debris, and guarded by waves of zombies. As the bus driver you pay for help with courage, and rage points that refill over time or can be refilled through single use items. Your help comes in the form of tools as well as weapon toting individuals that make their way from the bus to the guarded blockade to deal with the problem, and the threats at hand so that the bus can move on to the next area for supplies. Supplies in the game which are basically rewards are used to upgrade your ragtag RTS brigade, and make them more fit to handle the increasingly more difficult odds, and objectives. Supposing you use your resources, and manpower correctly you can earn up to a three star ranking per level, and loot the area as well. Of course that is the end goal. Completing each mission area with three stars, and on all difficulty settings.

WoblyWare's "Omega Strike" Does Decently What Retro Does Best

If you fancy indie games, particularly the sort that take inspiration from the retro gaming era, you might not be disappointed with "Omega Strike" for the PS4. It's a game that borrows a lot from such an age, but that does so in a way that is, at the very least, aesthetically pleasing and unique visually. It's a mixture of 'Mega Man', 'The Legend of Zelda II', and even 'Metal Slug'. If I dare say so myself. Along with these obvious nods it features blood and gore with a super soldier project gone wrong theme to boot. Of course you'll find that you have two different scientists behind it all. Both malevolent, and savior-like in the guise of a good professor, and a doctor gone mad. No doubt inspired by Mega Man's famous two doctors. The trick, or what makes this game different than others though is not so much the base gameplay, the doctors, or the given plot, but more so the main playable characters' functionality. As the player you at times control one of three different freedom fighters in a fight against Doctor Omega, and his mutant minions. The diabolical genius who concocted the super soldier serum, and in turn created his own army of super mutant soldiers. Each freedom fighter which can be swapped out on the go via the good Professor's teleporter device gives the players different weapon options, and special character functions that aid in getting further into the game as well as help to solve puzzles.

Rainbite's Playstation Indie "Reverie" Blends Two Nintendo Favorites While Doing It's Own Thing

As the PR description so boldly stated Rainbite's "Reverie" is inspired by games like "The Legend of Zelda", and "Earthbound". It features the retro dungeon exploring, and village antics that such games harbor. While there is definitely some inspirational elements at play from said games Reverie does good to create it's own unique lore via a story unfolding within a story. What I mean by that is that the game at hand begins by telling a tale akin to a Hawaiian fable regarding brothers who set out to sea to catch some fish. One of which fished up an island leaving the other brothers to be envious. In their jealousy the unlucky brothers drowned the brother who had found the island, and in that moment became bound by a curse on the very island that was discovered. Once this tale is established via story panels, and told through a textual conversation between two off screen characters we find out that the protagonist is a young boy named Tai who is aboard a ship bound for that very fabled locale. He is there to visit his Grandfather, and it is through that meeting of different generations that what once was considered legend comes to life in the form of an epic adventure. Tai ultimately sets out to calm the cursed brothers, and bring stability to the island community after an unusual earthquake shakes the land around them. He faces many worldly, and otherworldly threats along the way as he collects the relics needed to put all of the brothers to rest.

Intragames Indie "Survive! Mr.Cube" Utilizes Randomized Elements And Replay Value To It's Advantage

Such an odd, alluring, and unique take on the rogue-lite genre. This game that is "Survive! Mr.Cube" is perhaps one of the most simple rogue-lite experiences, but is one that holds it's own as engaging, and fun. The game begins by teasing the player with what appears to be a set in stone tale about a man, who on his way back to his beloved, stops by a pub and is greeted by a man with a pill. The protagonist that is Mr.Cube takes the pill, and wakes up in a world not his own. To get back home he must survive. That's simply it. With a sword in hand he must traverse the veil of darkness, face the foes therein, and loot the place for potions and weapons that will carry him through to a final portal home. As easy as that task may sound like Mr. Cube is faced with insurmountable odds in the form of powerful animal-like creatures, who like him wield weapons of varying sorts. Supposing Mr. Cube fails at his journey home all is not lost though, and in his stead will be a random assortment of protagonists who may or may not be fit for the journey themselves.

Streets Of Red Dares To Reinvent The Old Brawler Formula And Succeeds

A Shovel Knight, Link, Tron Bonne, and a Teenage Ninja cosplayer walk into a gaming convention ... It's the perfect segue for Secret Base Games' comical beat'em up, and the review thereof. At least I think so. This side scrolling nod to all things geek, and gaming culture known as "Streets of Red ~ Devil Dare Deluxe" goes full on 4th wall breaking with it's inclusive arcade mode story about an unlikely set of four poorly dressed cosplayers who are each tasked with battling hordes of the undead to supposedly save the world. While the story or plot behind this tongue-in-cheek action adventure into nighttime horrors of the unforgiving kind has it's own interesting setup all you really need to know is that some soul munching fairy offers the four protagonists the chance to save the world by killing off the infestation of zombies. By playing as one of four video game character themed cosplayers of the previously mentioned sort you will collect the souls for the fairy behind the scenes as well as loot the dead for all they're worth while you try to survive several sadistic nights of carnage, and bloodletting. A multiple stage engagement which begins with a Sonic the Hedgehog inspired stage intro screen along with Guilty Gear's starting catchphrase atop it, and ends with a series of final boss battles.

As you play through the game's many stages fighting off the various baddies therein you will find that nothing in the way of video game, or film lore is out of bounds for the developer of this pixel packed punching parade, and that as cliche as it might get, it breathes life into a dying genre with a unique gameplay system which plays out surprisingly well. Ultimately how you choose to use the given combo mechanics, fatalities, and special attacks at your disposal will determine what kind of loot is dropped. Loot which you can buy upgrades, continues, and even ... er, sorry. Almost spoiled something! The point being how you utilize the character specific abilities, and how well you manage your money throughout your playthrough will determine whether or not you survive the night ... nights. Supposing you don't survive you'll be faced with a dreaded perma death via the deletion of your save file. Meaning you'll have to start over from scratch. Thus a lot weighs on your ability to play the game properly. Skill is required.

10tons Shmup "Tesla vs Lovecraft" Is An Improbable Battle Of Genius And Madness

Like the epic battles between King Kong, and Godzilla 10tons studios takes two iconic characters from the world of man, and pits them against one another in a decisive battle made somewhat plausible yet not. In this battle of science versus fiction we find famed scientist Nikola Tesla battling horror author H.P.Lovecraft. A man whom had warned Tesla in a live demonstration that he did not know the powers he was meddling with. Those powers being free electricity for all. A tale we all know too well. After being imprisoned for the theatrical disturbance Lovecraft unleashes hell on Earth Eldritch horror style causing Tesla to counteract the threat with weaponized inventions of his own. Through mechs, augmented artillery, and perks of the shmup kind Tesla faces off against fiendish foe after fiendish foe in portal spawned waves powered by Cthulhu statues. Ultimately going between planes of existence including that of Arkham, the Aether, and Eldritch Tesla dares the adverse difficulty as he faces the monstrosities of old.

Project Xenon Valkyrie+ (PS4)

Diabolical Mind and COWCAT Games take a tried and true indie platforming formula, jazz it up with impressive pixel art, and seal the deal with challenging gameplay that isn't off putting, but actually fun. The game comes complete with a light sprinkle of established lore about evil from the dark side of the moon encroaching on a civilization's turf with the intention of destroying all that is good. Past the hieroglyphics inspired telling of the world's looming disaster you are plunged beyond the animated display that is the story's prologue into a hub world with a crashed ship housing three could be heroes and heroines as well as a portal leading deeper into the alien world, and a shop of godlike gear to help you slay the evil that awaits you further into the game. There are no tutorials given beyond the set plot, and only through clicking the button prompts in front of NPC characters and items are you able to figure out a little more about the world, objectives, and features that will aid you as you go along from portal to portal facing a host of various alien creatures in a variety of different stages. Thankfully nothing in the game is overly complicated, and if you've ever played a game like Mega Man or any other Metroidvania you will be able to pick up on things rather easily.

The Aquatic Adventures of the Last Human (PS4)

Nowadays climate change is an unavoidable topic of discussion. Whether you're online on social media, or offline having a conversation with family and friends somebody will bring up their side of the argument. Personally I'm a climate change denier. I feel there's a more sinister cause behind the change in weather, and that while it does deal with humankind's interference I think it's more controlled than one might think, and purposefully so. Enter Brad's conspiracy theory of storm seeding. A deep seeded theory for a different time, and place ...

At the end of the day everybody including myself likes to throw their two cents worth in on the subject, and while the topic of climate change is interesting enough to entertain it all boils down to a lot of assumptions, and uncertainty. We just don't know for sure. The developers of this particular game take that very notion into account in an extreme yet not so far fetched way themselves. While there is little story handed to the player in "The Aquatic Adventure of the Last Human" at the start the plot is hinted at continuously through a time referenced cinematic intro, and holo-deck recordings of a textual nature that allow the climatic demise of the human species to unfold in stride via a ambient Metroidvania experience.

When the game opens up we, the gamer, see a ship fly from Earth towards a wormhole during the Earth's future. The launch date into said void is 2971 AD to be exact. A time when Earth was flooded and frozen over due to the escalation of weather events, and it's surviving populous made to live in underwater cities as a last resort. The pilot enters the wormhole in search of a new place to live, but returns thousands of years later to a future Earth where humans were made extinct by their continued tampering of nature's creations. Seems they didn't learn their lesson the first time around, and thus the pilot of this story is left to find that out the hard way. Crash landing on the frozen watery planet the pilot dives deeper, and deeper ultimately discovering that he is the only human left, and that what lurks in the depths might just wipe out himself along with all of humanity's historical achievements.

Albert & Otto: The Adventure Begins (PS4)

Albert & Otto is an ambitious indie project in the making. It was created by the development team over at "K Bros Games", and is published by Digerati Distribution. This first part of a potentially four part mini series (assuming this game is a successful sale) mimics ever so slightly games like 'Limbo'. The game is a puzzle platformer like said game, and utilizes a similar type of flat coloring scheme with 2.5D level and character designs. The colors in this particular story driven adventure are a mixture of white, red, and black along with some other tones. Albert is represented with white, Otto with red, and the various background and environmental set pieces a mixture of said limited color palette. This, of course is all packaged with an underlying story. A story of a brother hunting for his abducted sister with the help of her left behind red rabbit.

The embedded story which takes place in 1939 Germany is suggestive at best in this entry point telling, but drops hints through in-game features as to what direction the developer/s will be taking the plot. As for me I couldn't quite figure it out due to the cryptic nature of the game, and this seems to be what the developer wants. They want the gamer invested in the story, and anxious for each new installment. They want us seeing it through to the end where everything is finally revealed as it really is. With things like message inclusive postcards featuring child-like drawings that hint at the missing sister's whereabouts, and a shattered picture puzzle made of collectible shards the journey from start to finish leaves a lot to the imagination, and could be interpreted in a couple of different ways if not more. One being a psychiatric hospitalization, and another a WWII era holocaust scenario, among other things.

Nine Parchments (PS4)

Nine Parchments is an enchanting indie game with a 'Triple A' flair. It embodies such cult movie classics as the Harry Potter series, and gaming genres such as that of Diablo, if ever so lightly. At base level the game is a singleplayer, or four player multiplayer experience with optional difficulties that are both rewarding, and challenging accordingly. The story that carries the adventure, and adventurers along for the ride is one regarding a certain Astral Academy where the wizard headmaster is found scolding his wayward pupils before they go off on their own in search of nine parchments of mystical powers that were lost in a lab explosion during their heated discussion. The journey, in the stead of the optional pupils, takes the wizards in training through linear paths and environments of the most beautifully rendered sort to end portals, and boss battles for the very things they are searching for. Between the beginning, and the end which is narrated in segmented storytelling fashion, and inclusive of individual voice actors' talents you'll unlock new spells, unlock new playable characters, and collect gear in the form of staves and hats. All while leveling up, upgrading your spells, and improving your skill tree for better survival in regards to the increasingly difficult enemy encounters that you'll face.

Let Them Come (PS4)

After having played through the entirety of 'Let Them Come' into a second playthrough, and having sampled it's two bonus modes I can honestly say this game is quite the unique indie adventure. From the trailers you've seen you've no doubt concluded it's a shooter with waves of enemies, but what you might not realize is this game is more akin to a tower defense style game than a shmup. The premise is quite simple, and the story fairly straightforward. As a mercenary for hire, and the only one left surviving after facing an alien infestation on a space freighter you are the only hope standing between a galactic takeover, and the death of the human species. At your disposal in your last stand you have a mounted rail gun with a variety of different ammo types as well as secondary throwing weapons, and add-ons that will help you withstand the seemingly endless barrage of creatures which will continuously advance towards you and your makeshift barricade. Much like the protagonist from Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy' films you also have a boombox which plays the several mixtapes you'll earn along the way. Through unavoidable death, and upgrades via score based currency you will upgrade your arsenal options, and face multiple waves of aliens before facing five intermittent epic bosses as you rock your 80's style tunes in style.

Cryptark (PS4)

Alien Trap Games' "Cryptark" on the PS4 is an interesting science fiction space shooter with rogue-like elements. At least that's what it's being played off as. I find it to be a somewhat annoying blend of Metroidvania, and shoot 'em up features with a sort of H.R.Giger and actual Metroid based inspiration. Of course rouge-like elements do play a part in all of that though. The game itself features four modes of play, and familiar mechanics that are setup in a way which adheres to a salvaging crew's logic. The four modes include a story driven "Campaign," an action oriented "Rogue Mode", "A Co-op Campaign", and an unlockable mode known as "Cryptark Excavation" ...

Demons Crystals (PS4)

BadLand Games' "Demons Crystals" fairly earns it's five dollar asking price. It's a classic arcade style shoot 'em up with a sort of Halloween theme going on. Centered around a story involving Urican demons, and the invasion of their world by three demonic overlords the game takes the gamer on a single, and multiplayer adventure filled with bright neon lighting, bullet hell encounters, and three unique modes of play. Either alone, or in the company of friends gamers can enjoy this wave based shmup in the guise of four different color coded Uricans as they face the hordes of the demonic armies before them, and the overlords themselves. Included in the package deal is an "Arcade Mode", a local "Multiplayer" with six game types, and a "Survival" mode for besting that highest leaderboard score. Some of the modes can be played alone while others are meant to be played via the oldschool couch co-op option.

Last Stitch Goodnight

Back in 2011 when I was busy covering indies on the Xbox 360 I had the pleasure of playing through one of the most memorable games of the XBLIG library. That game being Well Bred Rhino's "All the Bad Parts". It featured a unique style of animation that included 2D character creations done up in a jointed puppet style, and placed within interactive 3D backgrounds. That game like the "Last Stitch Goodnight" embodied narrative driven room by room exploration accomplished through interesting textual conversations, accompanying Charlie Brown inspired voice-overs, and a combat system that acted as a means to fight off the otherworldly threats at hand. The developer's dive into the unknown, and unusual kept me playing through that first game nonstop until I reached the climactic end finally finishing the story. It was the same for this latest game as well, but to a slightly different degree. As far as said recent game playthrough goes I was not disappointed in the slightest with the direction Well Bred Rhino's modern horror inspired Metroidvania took as it once again brilliantly tackled the enigma of life and death through the imagination of one of the most creative developers ever to grace the indie scene. It was a rare journey through a strange world with a complex, and well thought narrative. One that harbors an air of creepiness, 4th wall breaking, and genuine concern for the direction modern science is taking. That, and a nod to gender politics ...

Hobby Highlight ~ March 2017 (ARCHIVE)

COMIC BOOKS

From the golden age of comics to the modern day collectors have stuck by this artistic, and story inclusive hobby regardless of it's ups and downs. Starting at a lowly 5 cents a copy back in your great grandfather's days to the costly $5 printings of today comic books have evolved in both offerings, and value. The birth of indies, the introduction of TPB (Trade Paperbacks) / HC (Hard Covers), and cover art variations being of the more notable changes throughout the history of the collectible. Some of us like the more niche indies while faithful fans of the past stick by heroes, and heroines who have withstood the test of time. Hyped up by special story driven events including the death of characters, and sometimes the rebirth of the same it's hard not to get caught up in the collecting frenzy that is as varied as it is in the world of comic books. Some of us hoard our collections for future value while others love to read through the pages within, and enjoy the art that makes each story pop.

88 Heroes (REVIEW)

Do you know what today is? It's "88 Heroes" day!!! The day '88 Heroes' hits the PSN store! For those of you who have not read my preview article on the game you'll find that '88 Heroes' is a fast paced pixel platformer that incorporates the number 88 into it's gameplay in various ways. The story, which is short in nature involves an alien threat known as Dr.H8 who is threatening the Earth with total destruction via 88 nuclear warheads from outer space. His ultimatum includes a demand for 88 quadrillion dollars by a deadline of 88 minutes, or the impending doom will become a harsh reality. Unfortunately for Earth the regular heroes are busy elsewhere, so they send in 88 hero wannabes in their place. Everything from a an ominous hamster in a ball to a basketball player will have to use their odd abilities or lack thereof to traverse 88 stages filled with varying enemy, and non-enemy related obstacles in 88 minutes in order to face off against Dr.H8 in a final battle. Needless to say the fate of the world lies in the hands, paws, tentacles, or whatever of these 88 misfits.

88 Heroes (PREVIEW)

Bitmap Bureau's "88 Heroes" for the PS4 is the epitome of 80's geek culture done up in retro gaming fashion. Through deviously difficult gameplay, action packed 2D platforming levels, and 88 playable heroic misfits you'll see various hints of 80's entertainment culture scattered about in pixel form. Character designs included in the generational mash-up mock everything from 80's action and horror movie icons to video game characters from the 8bit era, and even computer references that only geeks will get, among other things. All of which is implemented in a unique theatrical way seen through the televised spy monitor, and commentary inclusive perspective of the game's main villain, "H8". A display in which you control, and use each of the randomly placed 88 heroes as well as their abilities, or lack thereof.

As far as objectives go you have a set time of 88 minutes to get through 88 levels, and stop H8 from doing his devilish deed. There are all sorts of enemies, and environmental hazards to face as you play through one of the games three modes. Those modes being the standard "88 heroes" inclusive playthrough, and two unlockable modes where you tackle the same obstacles with only one (Solo) to eight (Magnificent 8) heroes that are personally selected by you. While the levels themselves aren't randomly generated you will find in the base, and eight character modes that the heroes themselves provide that rogue-like element of surprise. It's an experience that will have you laughing at the ridiculousness of it all as well as crying when you realize how hard it is to beat.

Quest of Dungeons (PS4)

Upfall Studio's "Quest of Dungeons" is a procedurally generated, and turn based rogue-like RPG in the more classical, or retro sense. It takes the top-down dungeon-like formulas of games like 'The Legend of Zelda', adds a bit of humor, and a cliche adventuring focus along with endgame stats to make each playthrough notably different. You are given a choice of four different heroes including the warrior, the wizard, the assassin, and the shaman, and are placed inside a dungeon with the simple goal of surviving the perils therein as long as you can. You'll encounter plenty of traps, monsters, and boss creatures as you explore the rooms, and floors of each given area. Each hero in the game specializes in specific forms of combat according to character class, and can carry/use only character specific weapons. This along with your mortal coil that is a single life is to get you through to the end, and hopefully to the top of the game's global leaderboard rankings. As you tread the dungeon floors in the footsteps of your chosen protagonist you'll also be able to break objects, and loot chests for things like coins, health items, or even equipment. All of which can be used, and  equipped via a slot oriented inventory, or which can be sold/bought at the mysterious hooded merchant that resides in certain rooms within each dungeon floor. Whether or not you see the game to completion your stats will be tallied up at the end, and your ranking will be given accordingly.