Monday, February 7, 2022

Swords & Bones | Nintendo Switch

RedDeerGames' "Swords & Bones" is a pixel perfect indie with a pint sized protagonist. That protagonist being a mysterious knight of unknown origin, name, and age. A knight who has traveled back to his kingdom of Vestus to undo a curse brought on by the crowned usurper of the throne, the Wolf Demon. It seems the Wolf Demon not only took over the ruling class position, but turned Vestus into flaming Hell on Earth. Thus it is the knight's assumed duty to rid the land of the damned along with the curse, and bring an end to the Wolf demon's reign of terror. That's where you, the player, come in ...

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

The Dead Tree of Ranchiuna | PS4

EastAsiaSoft's "The Dead Tree of Ranchiuna" is a game with a title that no doubt peaks curiosity. Most would immediately think of a fantasy adventure centered around a dead tree which holds significance in the story being told, and to be fair they wouldn't be too far off. Though rooted somewhat in a human-like reality this walking simulator of a game uses conversations with ghostly apparitions and characters that represent past interactions to weave a tale of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. It is a tale centered around a main character named Andrei, and his trip down memory lane back through his abandoned village of Craiova, and into the ruinous wilderness that goes beyond it's boundaries. Along the way he collects, and shares his thoughts on life in general. Whether it be the city life he left to return home, or his village sweetheart, and the love interest therein he reflects often on past decisions he made. There's deep wisdom with each textually visible and voice acted reading of the dialogue that appears onscreen, and it comes only as you progress correctly through Andrei's world. Ultimately leading the player, through fantastical means, to a conclusion most gamers won't see coming.

Friday, January 28, 2022

Vagante | PS4 Review

Taking inspiration from the likes of Spelunky, but adding their own Roleplaying fantasy twist Blitworks brings to us the Soulsborne of roguelikes. The game that is "Vagante" is, in fact, an homage to both roguelikes like Spelunky, and hardcore games like the Soulsborne genre offers. It's a game that features randomly generated, and environmentally themed areas where up to four players can join together to loot, and plunder while avoiding the threats to life therein. As a Knight, Rogue, or Mage you'll use your given weapons including melee, projectile, and spells to confront the dungeons' ecosystem of creatures. As you progress through the dungeons you'll find plenty of looting opportunities that will reward equipment, weapons, and potions which can, in turn, be used to delve deeper into the cave you entered at the beginning of your playthrough. Even with a decked out explorer though death comes swiftly as insta-death perils lie in wait with "Surprise MF'er!!!" moments that will end a run quicker than you can say "WTF!?". Alone or with companions borrowed from the online matchmaking option you'll brave the odds or die trying. Death does not come without it's benefits though as backgrounds, or perks with additional RPG stats will help you along in your dangerous journey.

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Cake Invaders | PS4 Review

Do you fancy a Space Invaders fix, but want something that takes that oldschool arcade formula to the next level? Dare I say it, but I think EastAsiaSoft, and ZOO Games have just the game for you. At a budget price, no less. Complete with competitive value, and online leaderboards to conquer. The game in question is none other than "Cake Invaders". As the title suggests it's all about cakes, and invaders that want to devour said cakes. As an army of female space cadets sporting gatling guns you are tasked with defending the Baumkuchen cakes underneath your feet. The catch is that you face neverending waves of hungry invaders hellbent on suicide bombing, and shooting your Baumkuchen into oblivion. To counter the threat you have three types of ammo. One being infinite in supply, and the other two refillable through power-ups. That, and randomized perks that add such things as the aid of assisting space cadets, faster bullet fire, and protective shields for your Baumkuchen cakes.