Tavern manager simulator (Steam Review)

Tavern Manager Simulator on Steam is another long line of Simulator games I have been checking out recently. This one was sent to me by One More time. The game itself is all in the name, you inherit a run-down tavern, clean it up, buy some beer, and start selling it to anyone who walks in. Take these profits to buy more beer and repeat. Do those until you can buy some upgrades. In between you will draw water from the well, wash mugs, and clean up after messy patrons.

Two Girls one Cactus

The issue with this game is while it looks solid enough, it gets boring very quickly. The game loop of buying single servings of beer and then selling them just doesn’t hold up very well. As you add more chairs and food into the mix without the ability to simply hire help gets tedious and frustrating. While you can get help through the use of a special fairy dust it isn’t really the same as simply hiring someone. It would have been nice to simply hire a tavern wench or hunk so to speak to sling beer for me or a cook to make life easier.

That isn’t to say the game is bad, there is fun to be had for many, just not for me. The game has very positive reviews on Steam with close to 3000 reviews, the game is definitely at least a 7/10. For me, there are just better options out there. Best wishes and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Scream 2022 (Scream 5)

Let us be perfectly clear from the start, Scream 4 was not a good movie. So when Scream was given a reboot/sequel (a requel as they call it in the movie) hopes were not high for many of us. The fact is I avoided this movie for years. I saw the original as soon as it left theaters back in 1996 in fact as I wasn’t old enough to see it while it was in theaters. It revitalized the horror franchise and is by many considered one of the most important horror movies of all time and I definitely understand the viewpoint, so watching the franchise decline after Scream 2 was a hit harsh.

This brings me to Scream 5. I went into this expecting a complete crap shoot and was greatly surprised. The gore and blood were back of course, but I loved that they completely steered into the concept that Scream itself spawned a movie in the world called Stab. With Stab falling off it made people want to reenact the movies to bring back better movies, hence why Scream is back.

Are you a bit confused? You probably should be, and that is what is great. Billy Loomis and his friend Stu went on a killing spree inspired by movies, which inspired a movie, which then inspired more killers obsessed with their movies.

This is what brings back beloved characters like Sydney and Dewey while introducing new characters Tara (Ortega) and Amber (Madison) which they fully recognize and say in the movie is the point of the movie because it’s what the killers want. Amber is of course the unknown daughter of Billy Loomis himself.

All in all, Scream 5 completely revitalizes what was once a dead franchise and it was done in an amazing way. Best wishes and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Collectible Card Shop Master (PS5 Review)

Collectible Card Shop Master was sent to me from Nostra Games which is always appreciated. It is one of many simulator games being released in recent months and I have to say it is kind of a mixed bag. You run a card shop, a premise anyone familiar with TCG Card Shop Simulator (Steam Review) will be familiar with. You name your shop, buy some supplies like card pack, dice, etc and sell them to customers.

Dont forget tables for people to play

The game is quite simple to get into, and its price point looks nice and functions well. Honestly, I was expecting a complete train wreck with glitches everywhere. This, however, is not the cash grab I was expecting. Outside of a few quality-of-life improvements I would like to see, for example, I hate having to put one card at a time on the card stands, this game has everything the Steam competitor has for the most part. Customers come and go, and if the price is too high they will let you know. There are plenty of options to let you set up your shop however you like, but not so many that they seem useless or get confusing.

As an added bonus, trophy hunters can get the platinum in about 20-30 minutes. That isn’t to say the game is short. Having the platinum simply isn’t linked to actual progression. They all have to do with opening card packs or selling items and waiting on customers. When you have it there are still plenty of things to unlock.

If you are on a console the game is good enough to scratch the itch, it is a 7/10. While I prefer the Steam release myself this is a good alternative that even as I write this received an update I haven’t played yet. I will update this if there is anything in it worth mentioning. Best wishes and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Monster Friday:The Phoenix

Bringing back an old tradition of a monster every Friday, a classic is The Phoenix. Lore for the Phoenix goes back well over 500 years to the Greeks and the Egyptians. It varies from culture to culture tho it always agrees it seems that it is a bird. In one such belief it will love exactly 500 years and build a nest where it will die in flames and from those ashes a new baby bird will be born. That will be the one and only Phoenix to exist at any one time.

  Other lore thinks that there can be multiple of them and when they die they are simply reborn from the ashes wherever they may be.

Obviously none of these are true but the Phoenix has become a symbol of rebirth and renewal. Many novels and stores also have them at odds with dragons for some reason that I never truly understood myself. Best wishes and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

A Simple Favor (2018)

A Simple Favor starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively is a dark comedy that struggles to let you in on the joke. Don’t let this lead you to believe it is a bad movie, because it is an amazing movie. Anna Kendrick is phenomenal as the Vlogger mom that is just too perfect for her own good.

  On the flip side,we have Blake Lively, the bitchy never apologize fuck whoever I want type. She is a pretty horrible mom despite the fact she is doing her best but she is always busy at work, tho she does like to drink a bit too much.

The pair strikes up an unlikely friendship because of their kids being friends at school. This results in an awkward playdate, some nights of drinking and then a death.

  When Emily (Blake) once again asks Stephanie (Anna) to pick the kid up from school Emily disappears for days only to be found dead in a lake. This will then lead to an entire quest for Anna to discover the truth behind Emily and her entire life. I won’t spoil it,but it absolutely worth watching. Best wishes and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

The Nameless – Slay Dragon Steam Review

The Nameless- Slay dragon is one of those games I wasn’t sure about, but Whisper Games is one of those companies I have always had a great relationship with and I had to take the chance. The Nameless- Slay dragon sits at over 1000 reviews on Steam and is very positive, and with very good reason. The newest Mythic Update has added a ton of content including a new game plus, new professions and so much more.

The game itself is a true RPG. Not just turned-based combat, but a tabletop RPG turned into a video game. Searching for things and talking to people will all increase skills and change outcomes, for better or worse. A bad early game roll had me fighting some trees at level one solo that decimated me, but an early lucky roll let me avoid an early battle with some elves and even got me some high-level items. These are the kind of things any DnD player will tell you create awesome memories.

Another great aspect of this game is the customization of characters. While characters do come with a sort of class given to them, how they develop is up to you. Your magic user can focus on one element or all of them. Do you want your ranger to have a dagger or a bow? Don’t limit yourself, do both if you want. Create a character that can steal items while slamming enemies with a huge axe if you want. I am not saying these are the optimal ways to play the game, but you can do it if you want.

if its a dragon, kill it. or don’t, I’m not your boss

The story itself is also deep, with a world covered in lore to discover. You not only are killing dragons in a world with elves and magic but there is a very good reason for it. The elves aren’t very popular, but again there is a very good reason for it. Most of it also isn’t the typical Elves and Humans are different so they hate each other, it goes back to a time living humans don’t remember but most elves can tell you in detail where it comes from.

With nice graphics, a fantastic story, plenty of replayability, and a price point of just under $20 there is no reason to hold off getting this game. 9/10, best wishes and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Libritopia: Librarian Simulator (Steam Review)

Librarian Simulator on Steam was sent to me by the fine folks over at Nuuvem and Little Giants. For those of you that have followed me for a long time you know I love simulator games like this. This one is actually rough for me to review. I will be honest right now, I did not like this one for a number of reasons.

First and most importantly, I never had any fun with it. The game loop is simple: books get delivered seemingly randomly, you put them on a shelf, and people borrow them. You don’t choose what books are in stock, and sorting them at the start is damn near impossible depending on what gets sent because the variety and how many shelves you have won’t really match up.

It is cool to see real-life books you have read.

Second, you only have two options for gameplay. You can play until you lose, or you can play for 15 days. You never really feel like you are building up a library so much as you are racing against the clock in a race to get as much done as fast as possible or to go as far as possible before it becomes impossible to keep customers happy.

The third thing I didn’t enjoy was simply that there never seemed to be a point I felt like I was doing anything other than doing busy work while playing the game rather than running the library.

Everything I said up until this point however is subjective. The game cost $7, and at that price point (and in early access) the game does look and sound nice. Far better than many games at that price point. Reading Steam reviews the game is also sitting at positive reviews, with many people saying the game is better while using its online co-op and this is honestly true. Having someone to help you sort books and find the customers what they want does make the game more enjoyable.

While for me the game wasn’t fun, the game functions well and is very reasonably priced. I will say it is a 7/10 and many people will find hours of enjoyment, I just was not one of them. Best wishes and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Demo Released for Innovative Tactical RPG Valor Of Man

ndie developer and publisher Legacy Forge is excited to announce the release of a playable PC demo for their upcoming tactical RPG with roguelike mechanics Valor of Man. Available to download now PC via Steam, the Valor of Man demo is your first chance to immerse yourself in the tactical action you can expect when the game launches via Steam Early Access later in 2025. 

Announcing Cast n Chill – Cozy Idle Fishing

We’re excited to announce Cast n Chill, a cozy idle fishing game for PC where you explore tranquil lakes, rivers, and oceans. Catch rare fish, upgrade your gear, and reel in legendary catches – all with your loyal pup by your side.

Like Rusty’s Retirement, it can run passively on your desktop or be actively played. Cast n Chill Steam

DISCOVER IMMORTAL LOVE IN VAMPIRE THERAPIST: COUPLES THERAPY

Even vampires must endure the emotional turbulence of relationships, something players will witness first-hand in Vampire Therapist: Couples Therapy. The brand-new DLC for Little Bat Games’ critically acclaimed debut title is available on Steam today! This expansion builds on the award-winning blend of comedy, history, and real-life therapy techniques that made Vampire Therapist a critical darling.

Players will slip back into the spurred boots of Sam Walls, a reformed cowboy turned accomplished therapist. Sam has his work cut out for him as he seeks to help two vampires, battling with both domestic and personal struggles, as well as social discontentment following their demises during bloody revolutions in France and Iran. 

But that’s not all! This juicy new helping of content takes place during the annual Bachfest in Leipzig — home of Johann Sebastian Bach— where a ghost of Leipzig haunts the streets. It’s Sam’s job to track down the troubled soul between therapy sessions.

Vampire Therapist: Couples Therapy will explore themes of revolt, duty to humanity, and the complications that can arise from age gaps – hey, what’s a couple hundred years when you’re in love? 

Check out the trailer for Vampire Therapist: Couples Therapy below: 

Vampire Therapist’s all-new DLCwill continue the hallmarks of Little Bat Games creations: deep, history-informed writing exploring systemic issues, screwball comedy, academic partnerships, best-in-class voice acting, and stunning artwork. Try your hand at analysing affairs of the heart and purchase today on Steam for £2.49/€2,99/$2.99. 

“In a time of political turmoil, we hope Vampire Therapist: Couples Therapy will help players process difficult questions about the citizen’s role in civil society and find a little respite in love and compassion. And if all else fails, we have vampire fart jokes.” said Cyrus Nemati, Creative Director of Little Bat Games.