RemiLore: Lost Girl in the Lands of Lore (PS4)

I like Nicalis games. I like that they are their own unique thing. I like that the art style varies from most indie developers' creations, and I like more than anything that Nicalis is brave enough to mix things up with different genres. In the case of RemiLore this holds ever more true. Complete with a cutesy Japanese anime flair, likeable characters, a simple yet engaging story, and fun combat this hack-n-slash combo centered misadventure is one that will no doubt earn the attention of those willing to take a chance, and try it out.

Blade Strangers (PS4)

I have decided to approach this review differently than past reviews. I'm gonna ditch the artistic word play, and get to the point section by section. Those sections will include a story, characters, mechanics, modes, and visual/audio breakdown. By doing this I hope it will make digesting the information easier, and help you to find what you want to know about the game easier. Without further adieu here is my review of "Blade Strangers" for the PlayStation 4 ...

Ittle Dew 2 (PS4)

Before I was selected to review this game I had no idea what it was about or which studio developed it. Upon learning that it was a Nicalis creation though all my fears regarding the game's sequel nature, and it's possible poor indie quality subsided. I know I was quick to judge the game before even learning about it, but thankfully I did get to discover what "Ittle Dew 2" was all about. For those of you new to the 'Ittile (ittle) Dew' series you'll be glad to know that this "Legend of Zelda" inspired action/adventure RPG can be played, and experienced as if it were a standalone release. It's a game that follows the havoc wreaking path of an unlikely female adventurer named Ittle, and her talking and flying fox sidekick Tippsie. It seems the pair got stranded on an island this time around without a way off due to the destruction of their raft. As a result of said loss it is their ultimate goal to gather raft pieces in order to move onward to their next island adventure.

Upon washing up on shore the two traveling adventurers meet up almost immediately with a grumpy town leader who tells them to basically not embark on any adventures while there. He is definitely anti-adventure in those regards. To stop them he has his fellow citizens guard the various raft pieces within dungeons in hopes of scaring the duo off. As Ittle, with the tip guidance of your companion Tippsie you'll continue forward on your adventure regardless of the given warning while harassing the local townsfolk, trashing the objects in your path Link style, and looting the place for not only raft pieces, but also for items that will help you progress throughout the sectioned off island. There are secrets aplenty, and formidable foes spread widely across the island which stand between your path of adventure, and the stranding situation you currently face.

Full Mojo Rampage (PS4)

Though this game is published by Nicalis, and developed by 'Over The Top Games' it bares a distinct resemblance to the previous "The Binding of Isaac" games, if slightly so. It's as if they took the base formula of said mini-series, improved upon it, and made it into a new experience with a new theme. That theme being one of voodoo, magic, and the Loa death gods that surround said mythology. As the protagonist you take on the role of a willing voodoo apprentice sent out to do the bidding of your Loa master in quest driven fashion. You will face objectives that are made difficult by the spirits of the undead, and other voodoo related creations as well as the larger than life rival bosses that send out said minions. You'll even encounter side quests with things such as retro inspired goals, and rewarding multiple choice riddles. As usual the gameplay is done up in a semi-top down dungeon exploring way that is very much akin to the earlier 'The Legend of Zelda" adventures on the Nintendo DS. You'll find in place oddly reminiscent fixtures such as rooms that harbor vendors as well as rooms that contain helpful Loa spirits which will also aid you on your level by level objectives. As far as the art style goes the game has a sort of Tim Burton meets Jim Henson vibe about it. Everything from the character design to the level layouts are vividly portrayed in such a style, and are otherworldly in a way that you'd expect to see from something like Tim Burton's "The Corpse Bride".

The Binding of Isaac: AfterBirth (PS4)

Unlike some of you I was first able to play this deeply disturbing dungeon survival-horror game when it came out on the PS4 and PS Vita consoles a few years back. I had wanted to play it for so long, and finally being able to do so on one of my currently favorite gaming consoles was a privilege. I think what attracted my attention to it more than anything was the indie design which seemed to incorporate both "The Legend of Zelda (LoZ)" dungeon layouts, and a twin-stick shooter mechanic for the core combat. Of course the game itself has a lot more in store for the gamer than just that, and with this latest DLC expansion the game opens up even more so on said offerings.

What "The Binding of Isaac" had, and has going for it (for those of you who are unaware) is an immense replay value in a challenging pick up, and put down gameplay driven package. It features it's own unique protagonist, and an underlying story that is definitely not forgettable. There are plentiful encounters of creepy humanoid creatures, defiled denizens of the damned, and grotesque bosses of varying sorts which each bare their own pseudo-religious overtones. All of which Isaac (the protagonist) must face in the labyrinthine darkness of the basement he has been imprisoned in. It's a telling presentation that plays heavily on Isaac's troubled childhood, and the fanatical mother who is out to rid the world of his supposed evil ways. Much like a living nightmare Isaac himself has faced his many fears in the basement of his home with only the tears, and the power of his imagination to combat the very real threat before him. It is these tools which you must use in a twin-stick shooter fashion as Isaac to make your way to a final ultimate fight against your wayward mother.