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. 

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.

Earth's Dawn (PS4)

Awesome. Stunningly surreal. Eerie. Awe-Inspiring. These are some of the descriptive words I'd choose to describe Rising Star Game's latest new-gen indie release, "Earth's Dawn". It reminds me of games like those from Vanillaware such as "Odin Sphere" yet it is done up in such a way to bypass even that sort of greatness with a more dark, mature, and foreboding tone. The animated marionette style characters, the post-apocalyptic science fiction setting, and the fast paced combo heavy gameplay come together so perfectly in blend I could recommend this game without going any further. Even the character customization is so deeply involved it's quite impressive in it's own right. I had ton of fun playing it, and I think you would too if you gave it a chance. For review sake though I will breakdown all the juicy details for you. I really want you to understand what this game is about, and what it offers you at the $29.99 price mark. I know that's a steep price for an indie, but I believe it is worth it, especially for the retail physical copy.

Sadame - "Assist" (3DS)

In my rush to get the review out to you guys I made a huge oversight. It wasn't particularly my fault though. With the game being digital, and void of tutorials certain things weren't so easily understood. One of said things was the "Assist" menu in the main menu listing. This feature didn't really open up to me until I was almost done with my first character playthrough, and until I had created additional characters to see what the character classes were all about. The 'Assist' function, or feature is pretty much how it sounds. By going into the menu of the same name, and assigning a second character that you are currently not playing that second character will accompany you in your playthrough. The character will kill enemies so long as that character is alive. The higher in level the assist character is the more likely it is to stay alive to the end. I will say that having an assist character to fight alongside you does make the problems of battling waves of lesser enemies easier, but it also acts as a double-edged sword in that boss battles will be even more short lived. In my opinion this feature only serves to add to the game's balancing issues, and in effect dumbs down gameplay even more.

Sadame (3DS)

If I were to summarize Rising Star Japan's "Sadame" by using other JRPGs in the genre as comparisons I'd say that it is a mixture of "Samurai Warriors", 'The Legend of Zelda", "Muramasa: The Demon Blade", and "Diablo 3". There are certain elements from each of these gaming experiences that seem to have inspired this action RPG. When it comes to the 'Samurai Warriors' comparison you'll find that the game plays heavily on actual Asian history, but does so in a fictional sort of way. It takes one of four character classes (Samurai, Ninja, Monk & Maiden), turns them into the protagonist, and pits them up against the lords of various dynasties who have been physically corrupted by karma. This act by act battle takes place much like 'Samurai Warriors' would, and has players guiding their character of choice to wave after wave of enemies in order to clear them out, and make it to the end boss for the same purpose.

The 'Legend of Zelda' comparison, on the other hand refers to the fact that the action in 'Sadame' is much like what you'd see in one of the older Nintendo DS games of that said series. You'll be traveling through various Japanese locales set in a feudal Japan in an almost top down fashion, and will be fighting both lesser enemies, and greater bosses as you loot the places for better items. As far as the "Muramasa" part of the game goes I say it's like that because the monsters, and demons within are very reminiscent of such a mythological representation. The creature design is similar to that of "Muramasa: The Demon Blade" in a lot of ways. Lastly, the 'Diablo 3' comparison comes into play simply because the game harbors a character customization setup that slightly mirrors what 'Diablo 3' has going on. The rarity of items is definitely there as is the gem placement, and spell usage. It's a set of features that not only compliments other parts of the game, but also gives it replay value. While those comparisons may sum up 'Sadame' at base level, let me go a little deeper into detail with what this 3DS game offers it's potential buyers ...

Kromaia Ω (PS4)

Mine eyes are ablaze with the aftermath of the light show spectacle that is "Kromaia Ω"! It burns! It burns!!! All joking aside do be aware that this shmup bares some intense lighting effects that are sometimes flashy. Those who are prone to having seizures, or who have a family history of seizures should probably avoid this game. Even those who can tolerate such loud, and vibrant displays should only play for short amounts of time at a time as it can definitely effect your vision afterwards ...

When it comes to "Kromaia Ω" I can't say I've really ever seen another 360 degree shoot 'em up like it. The first thing that comes to mind is that this revenge against the gods space shooter could easily be a VR game compatible with a virtual reality headset. It is visually immersive on the highest level, and definitely looks like new-gen material. Whether it warrants the $30 price tag will be subjective though. I think 'Kraken Empire', the developers behind this 'Rising Star Games' publication were trying to base their pricing on it's "WOW Factor", and I have to admit it is definitely impressive enough in those regards. As far as gameplay, and modes of play go it is a bit limited in what it offers, though the open universe you traverse is anything but small in scale. For those of you wondering 'Kromaia Ω' is, at heart a free roaming 360 degree shmup that takes in account simple objectives, and an ultimate goal which does not demand that you stay on a linear path. The objectives being the gathering of level advancing items, and the end goal being that of getting revenge for your father's/mother's death by shooting down four galaxy sized gods.

Akai Katana (Xbox360): "The Shmup Genre At It's Finest!!!"

Those of you who follow me on the various social sites that I frequent will likely have heard of my quest to obtain a review copy of 'Akai Katana'. It was by mere chance that I happened upon a trailer to this game while doing my routine search for review material earlier this year. Unknown to some of you I have actually been trying my best to secure retail games for review, and for the most part that venture has been a failure. It wasn't until I contacted 'Rising Star Games (The Developer Behind Akai Katana)' that a small glimmer of hope began to shine for me. Rising Star Games was more than glad to send me a copy of the game, and I'm truly grateful for that. While I do admit I was a little bit impatient in my wait for it's arrival I'm definitely glad I finally got it. If you guys don't have a clue what 'Akai Katana' is then allow me to enlighten you with my review of the game.