Game Type DX | PS4 Review

Nathan Fouts of Mommy's Best Games has a storied past on the indie scene. He is one of many indie developers on the Xbox 360 platform that fought to be noticed, and eventually found his way in. I think of Nathan Fouts as one of the pioneers of the modern indie scene. A man who dared to challenge the status quo, and set himself apart from the ordinary. He was, and is still one of my favorite indie developers of all time. Seeing his works return as relevant as they ever were to new platforms is a welcome sight for sore eyes. I've seen the ups and downs of the indie genre as Nathan has, and watched as something that once flourished and encouraged originality, and creativity has now become a cash grab collective looking to game the system, and capitalize with the lowest effort rendered. Thankfully games like "Game Type DX" continue to exist to remind us of this struggle, and point out that the road to 'Triple A' isn't as clear cut as it might seem.

Super Chicken Jumper | PS4

Bullsh*t! Bullsh*t!! Bullsh*t!!! You say "Bullsh*t" out loud three times in front of your favorite gaming rig, and EastAsiaSoft's "Super Chicken Jumper" will Bullsh*t you. If you thought Flappy Bird was bad you ain't seen nothing yet. This randomly generated, and player predictive auto-runner/jumper has you attempting to do the impossible. In fact I don't think the game was actually meant to be beaten it's so stacked against your every effort. You actually earn trophies for dying a lot, and if that's not telling I don't know what is.

As a president appointed savior you, the chicken, must battle the evil that is XX. A terrorist organization that is creating monsters to take over the world. As a flightless master of disguise, gadgets, and weapons you are tasked with running, jumping, attacking, and dodging all manner of creatures and obstacles as you go to fight the fiend at the end of each set of runs. Each time you fail, the entire run from the creatures to the static obstacles, are randomized creating a pattern of threats that are both unpredictable, and also geared towards cheating you of your finish line victory. As short as each run may be it is a hard lesson in not giving up. Perhaps the hardest version of that lesson ever created. It will test your willingness to see it through to the end in every imaginable way. If you have anxiety issues be warned. It is wholly unforgiving, and rigged to read your every move.

Heidelberg 1693 | PS4 Review

If horror is your thing, and you don't mind a bit of gore laced with sacrilegious freak show oddities, "Heidelberg 1693" might just suit your fancy. This Victorian era mashup of the metroidvania genre, and "Ghosts & Goblins" games has you taking on the role of an unnamed Musketeer under the orders of the Sun King. It seems that the King's arch-nemesis the Moon King has been up to some nasty things. Conjuring up armies of the damned and grotesque in an attempt to end the Sun King's reign. As the Musketeer with a single bullet musket rifle, and a rapier on hand it is up to you to deal the deathblow to your King's sworn adversary, and his army of darkness. 

Orbital Bullet | Switch Review

In 4532 Columbus sailed the ocean blue ... just kidding, lol!!! In that dreadful year, however, someone was indeed setting out to conquer and that alien species was known as the Dread Corps. They had their eyes and hearts set on humanity's extinction, and humanity was already in a world of hurt. Suffering from their own population problems. Seems these last remnants of humanity had to up and arm themselves or face total annihilation. One such soldier, who in the heat of battle lost his life, managed to pull off a ghost in the shell moment and send his soul sailing right into a cyborg body. As fate would have it this lone soldier turned terminator is humanity's last hope, and it is he whom you will guide along alien worlds in search of the Dread Corps. and their leaders. Ultimately to stave off the impending doom.

Succubus With Guns | PS4 Review

Some games should never see the light of day. Games that reach hard for your money without deserving it should never ever be entertained. They should not be shown off for the clicks, nor should they be shilled to the public for moneymaking sake. SometimesYou's "Succubus With Guns" is such a game. It puts the "Ass" in "Asset Flips" quite literally. 

As the gamer you get to play as a weeaboo's wet dream. A sultry succubus that awakens from her slumber after a satanic ritual gone awry. In a mission to combat the spawning minions of Hell, and the corrupted undead her walking talking display of TNA (Tits N Ass) struggles to do even that. Through janky, and jittery gameplay with a whole host of problems the Arse-nal she's packing does little to help her as she trudges along wave after wave as if she's some Soulsborne anti-heroine. Blasting fools with hot lead, and slashing away with her claws, and sword. All in a wave based affair with end bosses that can be cheesed to death just by standing near them and attacking.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 | The Campaign

For those of you who have yet to buy or play through MW2's new campaign you don't have to worry about spoilers here. I will not go into detail about key plot points, story instances, or character roles. I will give you a basic take on the plot, and give you my honest thoughts on my experience with the campaign playthrough ...

Missile Command: Recharged | PS4

Atari once again gives a classic from their video game library the "Recharged" treatment. A score based, and modernized minimalist reimagining of the retro experience of the same name. This time around that game is none other than "Missile Command". Released just in time for it's 40th anniversary. While the mechanics of Missile Command, at base level, are the same the newer features included in this recharged edition ramp up the action significantly with power-ups, upgrades, and a bonus modifier system that changes the way the game is played, and the way that high scores are achieved. Accompanied by a mission mode objectives that will try even the most battle hardened Missile Command pros this budget bundle is the perfect test of skill for those willing to revisit the past, and take the challenge. 

Rule No. 1 | PS4 Review

Welcome to a game that's about as desperate as an e-girl flashing her naughty bits on a game streaming service for the resident simps' hard earned cash. This collection of mini-games, or modes if you so prefer, is as about basic as it gets. Including competitive score based mini-modes centered around a cringe worthy one-liner spewing female protagonist whose heart health determines her stay in the arena this blend of arcade antics is about as shallow as this intro paragraph reads. 

I speak of none other than EastAsiaSoft's "Rule No.1". A first person arena shooter, and arcade basketball sim wherein skill is determined by one's ability to beat an unfair undertaking filled with Bouncy Bois, and zombified girls who are out for blood. Armed with a pistol, and whatever other guns she can pick up our nameless heroine strafes around limited 3D space blasting the fool out of whatever comes her way. Additionally taking a break to shoot some hoops as if she were trying to win tickets for prizes at Chuck E. Cheese's pizza joint.

Sophstar | PS4 Review

Decked out, and on deck Sophstar follows the story of recruited space pilot Soph as she tries to unravel the mysteries of her origin, and make sense of the battle she is now a part of. Led by an admiral in command Soph pilots one of several ships with distinct weapon capabilities, and power levels. Following leads to distant planets, and outer space locations fighting against an adversary whose intent is to destroy Soph's fleet. Utilizing innate warp abilities combined with the firepower of future technology Soph braves the final frontier in an attempt to come to terms with her past, present, and future. 

Yomawari: Lost in the Dark | PS4

NISA's "Yomawari" series is their most deeply disturbing, but morally aligned creation to date. It combines tragedies centered around suicide, depression, bullying, and other mentally taxing things in a modern Japanese setting with a chibi anime art style. Something that transitions through said tragedies into a nightmarish 'Alice in Wonderland' style experience which takes in account local folklore. It is horror survival at it's core with telling twists for audiences willing to brave it's story. 

As Yuzu, in "Yomawari: Lost in the Dark", you find yourself being brutally bullied by classmates from the start. Being told to go to Hell, and to die. Written abuse that is furthered by unrelenting physical attacks, and hurled insults. Something that appears to be so routine for the young female protagonist to the point she seemingly takes the hint, and jumps off the top of the school building to end her sorrow. While this intro detail is pointed towards that definitive direction the truth of the situation is made unclear as Yuzu awakes in a darkened, and heavily haunted version of her world. Eventually taking the advice of a mysterious girl who leads her out of the snow covered wilderness, and guides her to breaking the supposed curse cast on her in her own darkened hometown. A brief acquaintance which soon leaves Yuzu alone to tread on foot the spirit filled district with flashlight in hand in search of a series of locations with memories tied to them. Something that Yuzu is told will break her curse before the 6am deadline, so that she can be reunited with the mystery guide.

Chivalry 2 | PS4 Review

Hot off the backs of "Chivalry I", Tripewire's 'Chivalry II" brings back cannonballs to the wall medieval madness and mayhem. With several modes of play to choose from, and a highly detailed class and character customization system players' battlefield bloodlust will be satiated if they can get past some of the game's issues. Playing like a mixture of an FPS, and a fighting game Chivalry II's mechanics, and historically mirrored confrontations between four different kingdoms is realized in the most intricately detailed fashion. 

Featuring true to the period weapon based tactics, and objectives dependent upon offensive and defensive strategies these epic skirmishes play out in a truly merciless fashion. While the combat, and carnage is mostly historically accurate the developers have taken liberties with their sometimes comical voice commands that will have you both screaming like a madman as you run forth into the fray, or hurling insults as you are taunting your adversaries as they crawl around bleeding out from their mortal wounds.

Killing Floor 2 | PS4 Review

Tripwire's "Killing Floor 2" is a long running and over-the-top horror themed FPS from yesteryear with squad roles in mind. It features wave and objective based combat with players taking on perks that act as militant style classes with special perk bonuses and skills meant to aid in clearing a monster filled match. It is this fun, fulfilling, and frantic formula that has kept this game from falling to the wayside over time. To this day fans still flock to each new seasonal event, and update to get their fix and fill. 

Teeming with both online, and offline features this solo or squad based shooter offers replay value in spades. Including everything from character, and weapon customization to a wealth of interesting maps to play on as well as Easter eggs to find, Killing Floor 2 kills it in more ways than one. Not only does it up the ante of available content with added gory creature effects in tow, but it also offers unrelenting bloody action with epic boss fights as well as a hard hitting soundtrack that is itself killer. To this day you will not be hard pressed on consoles to find some sort of sadistic enjoyment from this title and it's offerings.

Witchcrafty | PS4 Review

Heroes. What defines a hero? That's what SometimesYou's game, "Witchcrafty", aims to answer in a roundabout way. In a modern fairytale that's not quite all that it seems we find a nameless forest witch on mission to find out about a corruption that has swept the lands, and pitted once known allies against each other. After having awoken from a drunken slumber caused by a night of partying with the local satyrs our witch heroine in the making finds that the village has been attacked by disgruntled Goblins. Seemingly for unknown reasons. Seeking the advice of the village elder the witch embarks on a journey of discovery in order to get to the root of the problem. 

Kamiwaza: Way of the Thief | PS4

Hailing from 2006, and the PS2 console era this 2022 remaster is a smaller sized game that's big on it's unique mechanics. Developed by Acquire, and published by NIS, "Kamiwaza" tells the tale of a band of thieves that are not unlike the West's Robin Hood. A thief's guild known as the Silver Ravens. Noble in their cause they set out to rob from the rich to give to the poor in a post Edo period where invasion from the West is rife, and famine is afoot. 

Unfortunately, thieves Ebizo and his partner in crime Ainosuke find out that there's dissent among the ranks in their routine rogue mission. Some of the thief's guild have gone rogue killing the innocent while robbing them for more selfish reasons. Caught off guard by this, Ebizo rescues a potential child victim caught up in the chaos, and makes a run for it. Ten years forward, and he goes legit as a carpenter. Up until his newly adopted daughter falls ill. It is here that Ebizo's past as a thief comes calling home, and a decision is made out of desperation to fall back into old habits to find a cure for Suzuna. Bumping into old acquaintances, and hooking up with a new underground thief community for benefits Ebizo tries to remedy his situation.

Splatter - Zombiecalypse | NS Review

The world has seen some sh*t these days. From the threat of nuclear war to viral outbreaks one might not be too far off to expect a zombie apocalypse on 2022's bingo card. Hell, we all act like zombies with our eyes glued to the idiot box and smartphones as we consume mindless entertainment like a junkie looking for his next fix. High on dopamine, but short of critical thinking. Zombies, more or less. Even games have become a hot bed for these carnivorous cannibal corpses. 

This game, Splatter - Zombiecalypse, is no exception to that rule. As commonplace as it might be the zombie genre is always in season, regardless. Be it for Halloween or any other day of the year. Fitting in nicely, Splatter takes a top down twin stick shooter approach with story driven content, and arcade style additions meant to expand upon the game's core mechanics. At heart it is survival horror, but with a shooter angle set within a apocalyptic film noir scenario featuring a nameless protagonist who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Josh Journey: Darkness Totems

Donning a cartoon look not unlike that of Adventure Time's, and taking it's own spin on the arcade brawler genre, "Josh Journey" aims to impress, but misses it's target due to a handful of issues ...

Josh Journey and his dealings with the darkness totems begins, as any adventure would, with an epic intro summarizing the plot in a few short lived cutscenes. In these scenes devoid of speech and text we, the viewer, come to realize there's a fight of good versus evil going on. That a goddess of light is fighting against a god of darkness over the fate of the world. As fate would have it the god of darkness momentarily gains the upper hand unleashing some darkness totems onto the planet below. On that planet a misfit band of heroes and heroines led by Josh is warned by a herald that they are the only hope. Up in arms they take to the road battling baddies, and destroying totems a they grow ever closer to the source of the corruption. The god of darkness himself.

HOST 714 | PS4 Review

Addiction is a b*tch to deal with, and while addicts are often times looked down upon it is usually the helpless among us who cannot cope with the bad hand life had dealt them that succumb to it. The ones that end up in such a precarious predicament, unwillingly. As sad as it is some addicts never recover, and die prematurely due to their vices, but there are a select few who are willing to try anything to dig themselves out of the hole that they find themselves in. Such a person is represented through Squid, or Host 714 as he'll come to be known in this horrific tale of help gone wrong. Squid, being the admitted addict that he is, realizes he's hit rock bottom as a drug addict. That if he doesn't try to turn things around he will die miserably. 

Thus after hearing of a recovery program on a remote island with a 90% success rate he takes the chance to do just that. Unfortunately for him though this remote facility isn't what it seems, and the people running it, far less so. Ultimately caught up in some sadistic experiment involving a pain inducing viral injection Squid finds himself wanting out, and wanting out bad. Keeping him from that goal is the numerous guards on duty, and the fact that the pain build up gets so bad that he can't help but let out a loud groan in crippling agony ever so often. Realizing this he has to mind the searching guards, and staff as they hunt other escapees on route to freedom lest he never see the light of day.

Watcher Chronicles | PS4 Review

Following in the footsteps of established Soulsborne titles, Third Sphere Game Studios' "Watcher Chronicles" aims to tackle the 2D side of the genre in a unique way. Taking hints from games like Dark Souls, Elden Ring, and Salt & Sanctuary this cartoony, and seemingly lighthearted take stays true to the inspirations, but deviates ever so slightly allowing for more fast paced and fluid combat. 

As a female or male knight of your choosing you begin your journey through purgatory as you face off against a skeletal army of fallen angels known as the Watchers. These devilish denizens are hellbent on turning purgatory into literal Hell. You are all that stands between them, and that goal. Armed with a secondary, and primary weapon as well up to three rings you will use your might & magic as you slay the demons lying in wait. You will either succeed or fail trying. 

Roar of Revenge | PS4 Review

Coming at us like a Conan saga, "Roar of Revenge" introduces to us a story about a barbarian named Keel who is destined to stop the tyrannical rule of a lion-headed king known as Leomhann, and rescue his kidnapped brother. Instructed to seek out 4 fabled relics by the village elder in order to do so Keel journeys across the lands to find what he needs to stop his sworn enemy. Wielding only a sword, and collecting magic items along the way to assist Keel is able to navigate the danger, and puzzle ridden stages set before him. With his life on the line, and the weight of the world on his shoulders can Keel best the beast, and free the people?

Circus Electrique | PS4 Review

Zen Studio's "Circus Electrique" is a delightfully diverse display of turn based tactics and tent-alizing talent. Featuring a ragtag group of circus performers, their devoted Grandmaster, and the Grandmaster's niece all those involved come together to combat the afflicted automated Bobbies who have succumb to a bloodthirsty maddening. An event timed just right to make the grandmaster's revival of of his curious Circus Electrique look suspicious. It is up to this band of misfits to set the record straight, and undo the affliction that is taking it's toll on London's civilian population. While making headlines, and becoming the heroes of the day.