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.

Unexplored 2: The Wayfarer's Legacy

Big Sugar, and Lodomotion attempt to go full roguelike in "Unexplored 2: Wayfarer's Legacy", and that attempt may or may have not paid off in the end. The developers have not only established through this segmented roguelike action rpg sequel a complete and continued mythos, and randomly generated worlds that will end or continue with a completed run, but have also created a permadeath situation for custom characters who act as the heroes of the tale. Heroes who can pass on their legacy to successors willing to finish what was started. Through spent day and night cycles, exhaustive travel, inquisitive exploration, perplexing puzzle solving scenarios, and applied combat as these destined wayfarers you'll either come to terms with the task requirements at hand or fail miserably trying. 

Unlike most action rpg roguelikes there is no leveling in 'Unexplored 2', and no stat distribution to speak of. You are simply equipped with only what you can carry without being overburdened, and must use weapons, gear, and resources wisely as you fight against all hope, the strain of the burden at hand, and time itself. The trek from point A to point B taking it's toll with each passing day. Making resting/saving a must, and the luxuries of repair and cooking afforded by campsites, a necessity. Opening up a risk and reward system wherein actions taken or not taken will impact the very nature of your adventure, and the lifespan of the wayfarer, themselves. Packing on a social fortune system in which chance coin modifiers open up new buffs and debuffs for the price paid. Ultimately landing you where you need to be in order to destroy the staff that you carry, if you can make it that far.