Showing posts with label OtakuDante's Gaming Inferno. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OtakuDante's Gaming Inferno. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

CrossKrush (REVIEW)

Imagine if you will retiring at an old age in a house that's smack dab in the middle of a busy intersection. A long awaited vacation home situated supposedly far away from the hustle and bustle of a life left behind. Within this humble abode you finally have the time available to spend with your loving wife. After having spent most of your life dealing with your kids, and their drama you get to make good those vows you spoke so long ago. You choose to spend your retirement days alongside your dearly beloved listening to an old radio, and watching the news on an old tube style television. In your spare time you also dance the time away with your wife to an old record player that contains that one record with that one song which means the most to you, and her. A song that commemorates your first date, and the many anniversaries thereafter. 

Now imagine all those wonderful things stolen away by the noisy traffic that constantly collects not far from your newfound home. What do you do? Well, in the case of CrossKrush you get off of your soggy bottom, and take care of business. You've had enough of those young whipper snappers and their noisy vehicles, so you pack some explosives, and carry your cane out to the crossroads to deal some geriatric street justice. Blowing up cars, and beating them with your cane until they blow the f**k up! BOOM!!!

Monday, October 19, 2020

GROOD (REVIEW)

The machines have invaded so you built GROOD. That's about as deep as the story goes with this trippy shoot 'em up. Thankfully the game's mechanics, and brutal difficulty offer the player much more than just that one line introduction. In what could best be described as the rise of Skynet versus 'Batteries Not Included' we get a cute 'em up that has it's own unique damage taken, and damage dealt mechanics. All with a flying tube television that has a rocket booster, and a gatling gun strapped to it. Thus is GROOD ...

As GROOD you will basically be flying left to right blasting the fool out of mechanical enemies while dodging hazards, and avoiding death by repeated hits. Damage not only changes your lights from green to yellow, and finally to red as you take in the hits, but also breaks the fourth wall by putting cracks in your television screen. Obscuring your already impeded vision. In the process of screen shattering the game creates a visual color distortion that mirrors that of a real television malfunction. Going from dark, to rainbow colored, to grey scale, and even blurred. In the way of combat things are fairly straightforward, given the addition of a slowdown mechanic, and the weapon power-up/weapon upgrade system. 

Sunday, October 4, 2020

9th Dawn III (REVIEW)

Dubbed a "Collect-A-Thon" this sequel that is "9th Dawn III" harbors content from various RPG genres. Coming at you as an action rpg or dungeon crawler with mmo missions, monster collecting, crafting, and it's own card game it aims to impress on many different fronts. Though simplistic in design with it's top-down pixel constructed elements the town of Ashwick, the surrounding world, and it's would be hero come to the forefront offering up a grand adventure the likes of which is rarely seen, especially from an indie game. 

Thursday, October 1, 2020

WARSAW (REVIEW)

The date is August 1st, 1944. The last of the Polish resistance faces insurmountable odds from both the Nazis, and the Soviets. Each of which are closing in from both sides. In a last ditch attempt to defy the seemingly inevitable outcome they plan, and execute an underground uprising. Looting supplies, hitting targets, and fighting back while trying to maintain morale, and survive the war ...

Keeping true to the nature of the real world war that this game is based on Crunching Koalas, and their developers, through gameplay mechanics, emphasize that each choice made holds a potential dire consequence if not managed properly. Maintaining a tone of seriousness respectful of the source material. Strategy is king in Warsaw of 1944, and the stake is 952,000 innocent lives which decline each day that the war wages on. Can you lead the resistance to victory?

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

One Finger Death Punch 2 (REVIEW)

All hail the return of the ultimate test of reflexive combat! Packing more punch than that hammer scene from Old Boy, and more martial arts prowess than the IP Man himself (dare I say it) we find the journey of a pupil in training returning for yet another barrage of badass brawls. Utilizing attacks and defense that require precision timing along with the game's single button per side mechanic that in itself harbors multiple functions the path to perfection isn't so easily earned, but once it is achieved it is the most satisfying feeling you'll ever get from a kung fu video game experience. 

Along with the return of the series' staple mechanics tied to various enemy types and threats comes new modes of play, and newly added animations not seen since the first entry. New bloody bone crunching finishers finish off foes while background combo characters pop-up in time with the players' skilled application to further add to the visually pleasing spectacle of carnage. Also included in the mix of mortal combat is a newly introduced skill list of 26 skills that can all be added to effectively dumb down the challenge at hand with what amounts to earned and unlocked cheats. cheats so underhanded it might very well undermine the entire point of the game, but I digress ... You'll find returning as well the introductory tutorial which will give you a hands-on lowdown on controls, and mechanics. All just outside of the main single player journey mode that is stretched across several themed maps. Each map with points of interest that will reward you for your efforts. You'll also find lying in wait a new gauntlet mode which is the game's newer rogue-like feature that has you, and one life's worth of health, trying to best a set route of combat based challenges which incorporate the game's enemies and their mechanics. There's that, and survival. Survival, as it were, comes in a few different varieties. Each with their own gimmick centered around the single life series of fight until you die battles that take you up the tiers of an ancient tower per kill count. Increasing the overall challenge, and score rewards for the feat. All for bragging rights, no less.

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

CoD: MW | Season 6 ... Trick or Treat?

Bringing more treats than tricks Activision, and Infinity Ward's Season 6 of the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare battle pass presents some noteworthy additions to the growing cosmetic collection, and arsenal. For $10 you can gain access to the 100 tier grind for what looks to be Call of Duty's coolest season of offerings yet. Somewhat themed for Halloween it includes a bat take down named Edward, several Halloween themed gun blueprints, some Halloween themed baubles (key chains, stickers, emblems), and some new character skins. The skins this time include a Nikolai skin set with a trio of Nikolai disguises. You'll even gain access to the new operator Farrah as well. Freebies are nothing to shake your fists at either. You get two new weapons for the grind including a new bolt action marksman rifle (SP-R 208), and the (AS Val) auto-rifle. Those into the vehicle cosmetics will also find some creepy new Halloween skins that include bloody patterns as well as more monstrous creature designs. There's even a magic watch with a glowing green time display that raises outside of the watch's face.

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Ginga Force (PS4)

Coming at you like the hot take of a 90's anime saga, Ginga Force introduces the players to two aspiring and experienced pilots, the criminal task force they serve, and the world that they live in. Those pilots being Alex Heatburn, and Margarette Whitetail. A dynamic duo in leagues with an organization known as MSS, or Mitsurugi Security Service which calls an AI governed world known as Seventia home. Much like our people, and our world the once migratory residents of Seventia realized that over population was an issue. So much so that they made their way to new planets, colonized said planets, and did so until they no longer prioritized the birthing efforts of old. Adopting new technology, and engaging in new AI innovations including that of an AI governance system Specia the people of Seventia grew accustom to a new lifestyle. Not of colonization, but more so of building upon the utopia they've become a part of. Harnessing new power sources, and policing those that would step out of their way to disrupt civility. 

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

GORSD (PS4)

Creative and disturbing are two words that perfectly describe Springloaded's indie release, GORSD. Best likened to a Splatoon-like horror game of ancient Lovecraftian proportions this single player puzzle based adventure, and it's multiplayer counterpart brings something new to the table the likes of which I've never seen. With seven hours of gameplay in the singleplayer adventure along with eight different types of fill in the line competitive challenges you'll find either frustration or satisfaction in your failure or completion of the given objectives. As you trudge along in the guise of a womb-eye borne protagonist with tiny tentacles, or a bleeding worm mercifully spared death by the gods you'll find that the colored trail you leave behind, and the single bullet you can shoot, catch, and guide are your only means to victory within the gauntlet of trials set before you. Through the trials that are setup by the GORSD gods themselves within the world's temples that you find yourself in you'll have to prove your worth, or die trying. Again, and again and again ... It is a true testament of skills against friend or AI foe that will most certainly require your ability to master the mechanics.

Thursday, September 17, 2020

Moero Crystal H (REVIEW)

If adult anime humor is your thing, and you don't mind a wee bit of perversion then this definitive port of "Moero Crystal H" might be right up your alley. The game itself is centered around a fantasy world created by a certain Goddess of Creation. This Goddess created both humans, and monster girls to coexist in perfect harmony in their respective parts of the world. The land, and sky respectively. She also created the Panties of Light as well as the Bra of Darkness to keep them in check. Basically, two relics that keep the world, and it's inhabitants from being destroyed. Unfortunately for a traveling dude named Zenox, and the Guardian of the Panties and Bra (Luanna) a mysterious thief known as Dark Ottonias stole away the Bra of Darkness with the intent of doing some dirty things with it. Namely putting poor monster girls under a human hating spell. A spell that can only be undone in the most lewd of acts. That act being the destruction of certain clothing articles. It is through these awkward encounters, and the goal of stopping the end of the world that Zenox, Luanna, their panty thieving pal Otton, and the monster girls they recruit along the way will find the Bra thief, and whomever else that might be hiding in the shadows as well.

Monday, September 14, 2020

Minoria (REVIEW)

Warrior nuns, a holy kingdom under attack by witches, and a princess in peril. These are the things that make up Bombservice's spiritual successor to Momodora. With new visuals, a new story, new mechanics, and a fresh take on the metroidvania experience Minoria aims to lure those accustom to the developer's previous offerings as well as those new to it. Taking place in the kingdom of Ramezia a war waged between witches, and warrior nuns is in order. Started by the kidnapping of Princess Amelia this inquisition is one of penance and persecution. As Sister Semilla, and her companion Anna Fran you must make your way into harms way as you face the threat of witchcraft, and witches who are hellbent on using the princess in their diabolical ritual. Do you have what it takes to best a coven of evil???

Saturday, September 12, 2020

Pre-Order for Limited Edition Kholat (Nintendo Switch) is Available!!! - 3,800

For those of you unaware the previously released Kholat for PS4, and XB1 has made it's way onto the Nintendo Switch eShop. That, and a physical limited edition box set. This limited edition is limited to 3,800 copies only making it a worthwhile buy for diehard video game collectors. For those of you curious about the game's premise it is a supernatural tale based on the 1959 disappearance of a group of Russian hikers that went hiking into the Ural mountains. It's first person in nature with horror elements, and the usual clues and clippings strewn about for context sake. If you are a fan of this genre of games the limited physical edition by Red Art Games will set you back $30. Of course there's also the digital version at a much more affordable pricing as well that can be bought for playing on your Switch. 

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Party Hard 2 (REVIEW)

Sadistically satisfying is this stealth serial killer simulator. Teeming with many taboos including that of wanton murder, prostitution, and drug dealing 'Party Hard 2" once again puts you in the shoes of a serial killer insomniac known as the Party Hard Killer whose sleep is interrupted by obnoxious party goers. Going postal through pixelated perfection this serial killer that you control must utilize the environmental hazards around him, collected items found along the way, weapons on hand, preternatural abilities, and stealth to do the dirty deeds per checklist while avoiding an untimely death, and apprehension via the local police. Objectives are the key to completing each area themed episode, and unlocking the other protagonists as well as the underlying story at hand. Needless to say there are plenty of Easter eggs hidden among the rogue-like replays, and finding different ways to deal the death blow without being noticed in a timely fashion is where the true fun is to be had. If ever there was a 1,000 ways to die video game this would be it. That is if you consider the endless variety of deaths of the unsuspecting targets, and innocents who happen to cross your path to progress.

Saturday, September 5, 2020

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 (REVIEW)

Visually enhanced, retro inspired, and modernized for new player experience Activision's "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2" bundle aims to impress. Not only does it include crucial parts of the original releases in the form of memorable in-game content, skaters, and music, but it also adds some things from later entries. Namely Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5. Along with the old, and the new players get more than their money's worth even when putting down fifty dollars for the digital deluxe version. With the price on point, and the fun to be had this remastering of the older greats could very well revitalize interest in the franchise, and steer it back on course to where it should always be.

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

RPG Maker MV (REVIEW)

Kadokawa, and NISA's "RPG Maker MV" is an RPG creation tool that bypasses the tedious task of coding, and lets players do the technical adjustments via a series of tool and value menu screens. You'll be able to create full length RPGs from the ground up. Everything from character and enemy creation to event management, and battle systems. Even the map transitions are at your beckon call. While the game does offer a brief introduction to all of it through a hands on tutorial most of the learning will be done through the HELP menu, and play testing along the way. Through the tutorial you will learn the basics of menus, menu navigation, and the base functionality of all that's available including the ability to upload and share your creation through the companion app that will be made available on launch.

Friday, August 28, 2020

Immortal Realms: Vampire Wars (REVIEW)

Do you like vampires? Do you REALLY like vampires? If you do Kalypso might have something that you'll enjoy. That something being, "Immortal Realms: Vampire Wars". This tactical turn based RPG take on vampire warfare pits three clans of distinct pedigree against one another in a blood feud to end all blood feuds. In the trio of clans exists the Dracul, or the lineage of Vlad the Impaler. Powerhouses of might, and insatiable blood lust. There's that recognizable clan, and Nosfernus which are more creature-like versions of their ancestors. Bestial, and noted for tampering with necromancy. Lastly, is the Moroia clan. An elitest clan known for their use of magic. Within the lands of Nemire these clans, their lords, and their armies will face off against each other in battles across three individual campaigns. Campaigns that span the ages, and several acts each as they conquer key points of interests, build them up, recruit armies, and lead those armies into battle using the spells, and powers that are obtainable through said conquering. By blood, and magic the end war of the vampires will be waged, and who comes out victorious is up to you.

Thursday, August 27, 2020

Street Power Soccer (REVIEW)

Like NFL BLITZ, and NBA JAM this latest entry in the faux sports genre comes complete with arcade mechanics, and modes of play. It is known as 'Street Power Soccer', and it aims to bring an experience mildly rooted in real life soccer (futbol for my UK & European readers), but taken over almost entirely by more arcade-like features. Narrated, and taught via tutorial by the superimposed video presence of a well known French freestyler you'll be introduced to the world of freestyle soccer. Through inspiring speeches about never giving up, and committing to the craft with dedicated practice you'll find yourself pumped up along with the rhythmic tunes, and the dancing soccer stars. The controls are kept simple, and the modes of play broken down into several mini-game types with only one really competitive mode done up in more traditional 2v2, and 3v3 versus matches. It is a trippy around the world soccer experience performed on globally located courts that are designed for the types of trick shots, and unbelievable stunts you'll be pulling off. All for customization currency, and leaderboard fame.

Friday, August 14, 2020

Death end Re;Quest 2 (REVIEW)

Dark, and serious are two words one would not usually associate with a IFI game release. With "Death end Re;Quest 2" though that is exactly what you get. This mature rated JRPG sequel earns it's ESRB rating by including a protagonist subjected to unrelenting physical and emotional abuse. That and her resulting journey into what could be best described as descent into madness. As Mai the player gets plunged into a dreary, and hopeless reality as well as a seemingly unreal situation due to her parents dealings with her and her younger sibling, Sanae. Abandoned by her mother, and abused by her father Mai's only hope in life lies with knowing that her sister is better off in the company of her mother. This hope draws to an abrupt close early on though as Mai receives an enigmatic text message from her sister with an ominous warning attached. An event that falls into place right before a bloody confrontation with Mai's abusive father. Mai ends up discovering herself first hand that the preemptive warning which related to her sister's placement at the all girls dormitory called Wordsworth is itself steeped in mystery. Being located in a town that is shrouded in it's own religion, and hush-hush happenings only serves to further the intrigue as she finds herself the newest resident orphan. 

As Mai you will take on the day, and night task of finding out clues to your little sister Sanae's whereabouts. During the day you will interact with the dormitory's staff, and residents doing some sleuthing while at night you will venture out into the streets of Le Choara without authorization to do so facing the ghosts of it's peculiar past. Phantoms that may or may not be as real as Mai believes ...

Sunday, July 26, 2020

Mini Island Challenge Bundle (REVIEW)

Mini Island Challenge Bundle. I have no doubt that a lot of you wouldn't be able to guess what this indie game was by the title alone. It can be quite misleading, and without proper introduction one would likely never guess what it really is. That's why I'm here to help the developer, and publisher get your attention for one of the more unique action rogue-likes that the Nintendo Switch has to offer. Developed by MACKINN7, and published by Forever Entertainment SA this game that is "Mini Island Challenge Bundle" is a game that is home to a unique chibi race of mouse eared people who like to slide, dodge, and gun their way from start to finish in a lively world.

The game's gimmick involves the five RPG attributes that can be upgraded, and downgraded between each intermittent skirmish via dropped optional power-ups. Not only will you be boosting five different RPG stats that includes ATK, DEF, HP, LUK, and BTR through power-ups, but you will also be powering up for each consecutive fight according to stat priority. In the heat of battle you'll also be using the dodge mechanic or a slide, and the underlined (quite literally) indicator which will determine the amount of damage you take according to the attached stat markers. It's an interesting take on the rogue-like genre in that how well you power-up will determine how easy or how difficult the battles at hand will be.

Saturday, June 20, 2020

Octonaut (REVIEW)

The year is 20XX, and the Earth is in peril. Humanity is facing extermination due to an invading alien army. In a panic they call out for help, and the one hero that answers is a cartoony cephalopod known only as Octonaut. This flying, and projectile shooting orange octopus is humanity's last hope, and through eight stages reaching from the oceans surface to the far reaches of outer space itself he must brave the odds while facing the eight alien bosses that stand between him, and Earth's salvation.