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.

The Future of Gaming | My Concerns

As a gamer, and game reviewer I've gotten to see the industry and industry offerings from all points of view. I've seen the good, and bad side of things. In this current generation alone I've witnessed what could best be described as a decline in gamer friendly business. Whether it be microtransactions, politics, pandering, poor online management, or the lack of a quality experience for the price there is an obvious trend towards not caring about the gamer. The industry big wigs, in their desperate search for continuous growth, have all but forgotten what made video games so great. They've forgotten who got them where they are. They've cut corners, ignored fans' pleas, and have done business in the worst sorts of ways. Their bottom line being the money to be made.

Starlit Adventures: Golden Stars (REVIEW)

Starlit Adventures, for those of you who don't yet know, was originally a mobile or iOS game that made it to the PS4, and other platforms a few years back. It was inspired by games like Dig Dug, and used a collect-a-thon setup as it's core gameplay feature. Though the game was free to play on all platforms prior to the release of this full non-monetized version certain features were locked behind a grind, and a paywall. Namely the premium suits or costumes that could be used by the two protagonists that you play as. The rest of the game, and modes of play were available though making the experience worthwhile as the suits you could buy were not mandatory for experiencing a full playthrough.

While there is a story mode, and an obvious story going on in Starlit Adventure's world it's not shown in-game, clearly. What you need to know in regards to the story is that Bo & Kikki are the heroes of the tale, and that they are out to collect, and restore the stars taken by a three-eyed villain named Naru who stole it from a tribe of star nosed creatures. It is this end goal of star recovery which is the basis for the gameplay loop found within the game's three modes of play.

Rock of Ages 3: Make & Break (REVIEW)

Rolling onto the PS4 platform like a pinball trying to hit it's target we find the latest entry in the 'Rock of Ages' series. This third entry into said series seems to be a make or break deal for Ace Team, and their joining developers/publishers. I think a lot is riding on this new entry. Perhaps even the future of the studio. On a personal note, and from personal experience I've quite enjoyed Ace Team games over the years. They are in a league of their own when it comes to the unique, and unusual. The 'Rock of Ages' series, in particular, has kept me entertained along with it's Monty Python-esque humor. How it uses boulder rolling shenanigans, and tower defense mechanics to create an experience unlike any other is commendable. I also enjoy greatly seeing what the developers can cook up in regards to their pseudo-historical take on storytelling. With 'Rock of Ages 3' the development team continues doing what they do best, in my opinion, but opt to add in an element of gameplay not previously seen before. This time around the developers not only want you engaging in the single player campaign mode, but also creating levels for the community to play on. It's something that could very well make or break the future for this niche franchise, and it's creators.