Tag: Games

Hardspace: Shipbreaker PC Review (Steam Early Access)

Once again it’s that time for me to say thanks to Focus Home Interactive for hooking me up with a review code to review excellent work.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to drift through space and just dismantle ships for salvage? To use the proper tool for the proper job and just slice through metal and rip off an antenna or power supply and wrangle it through space into the proper spot so it can be repurposed? Yea honestly I never wondered that either, but that is exactly what this game is. And you will have to do all that before you run out of oxygen. ( Unless you use the in-game option to shut that off.

Now hear me out, this does sound boring as hell, but do you know what else does? Farming Simulator, The Sims, and basically any racing game. All of which are pretty fun and this is no exception. Once you get used to the controls and the fact that just because you let go of the controls to move doesn’t mean you will stop moving, because that is how space works. The game is actually almost like a puzzle game, what’s the best way to dismantle everything and the most efficient way to do it? Of course, as your career goes on you will be able to dismantle bigger ships. The 15-minute time limit can be frustrating so you may want to shut it off as I mentioned earlier, but that is also part of the challenge.

The graphics and sound to this game I found to be amazing even on the average laptop that I use for gaming. It is by no means some sort of impressive juggernaut of gaming, as I am mostly a filthy console gamer that dabbles on my laptop mostly for the paradox grand strategy games. It just all fit nicely and actually had one of the best into music I have heard in recent gaming.

Unlike most games I review for a company I won’t give this a permanent score because I don’t want someone to see it in a month and say well damn it only gave it this, it is way better now or I can’t believe he gave that crap such a high score. This game is in early access and will be changing. This does feel like a game getting into early on tho because it could be exciting to see how this one grows, and I can’t stress this, for now, the score, FOR NOW, is 8/10 and we will certainly revisit this in a few months. Best wishes and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Crosscode PS4 Review

A few things I want to get out of the way before I begin. First as always, a huge thank you to the people over at Deck13 interactive and everyone involved in this game for tossing me this review copy. It was a magnificent throwback to the 16-bit era. And if you are one of those collectors that love the hard copy of things, they have you covered here at https://crosscode.inin.games/ where you can get it on PS4 or Nintendo Switch from a base version all the way up to collectors editions that are individually numbered. ( Also, I do NOT get any sort of kickback for mentioning that, they just asked me to include it and since I enjoyed the game I was happy to oblige) The last thing I wanted to say is that I do apologize for this review being later than they usually are. Like many, COVID has slowed some things up and caused some issues.

Now on to the review itself. Graphically, if you are looking for a AAA title with flashy graphics that will push the bar higher, this game isn’t made for you. They clearly made this game for those people that love the good old days of 16-bit era RPGs like  Secret of Mana or the newer Cosmic Star Heroine, except what many of you won’t know is this game came out a bit before Cosmic Star. About two years in fact. I would put the two games in the same class in terms of quality tho.

2-treeeee-2

The battle system is also pretty standard for the genre. You will walk around, run into enemies, and instead of entering a new scene for a battle you will stay and fight in that field in a fast-paced yet strategic way. You will have attacks from a distance or up close. It doesn’t do anything to reinvent the wheel, but it turns just fine.

The story is pretty unique, that isn’t always a compliment. I don’t have an issue with it, but I wasn’t entirely fond of it. The game starts with what is basically an interactive cut scene but it isn’t much explained until later. You then will play as Lea, a typical mute girl most old RPGs have, tho this game explains why she is mute. That is actually much appreciated. It will be explained that you are actually just more or less an avatar in an MMORPG called CrossWorlds. I won’t go much more into the story than that because I don’t want to spoil anything because while for me I didn’t enjoy I do think that was a personal preference. Others that I have talked to enjoyed it and thought I was insane.

Now the reason you are all here, do I recommend this game? Sure, the price is more than fair, and if you need something to scratch that nostalgia itch this will do more than that. I may even add it to my Nintendo Switch collection so I have an old school RPG in the go. 7/10, would absolutely buy this myself. Best wishes and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Ultracore Review (PS4)

As always, I want to give a huge shout out to the guys over at ININ games for tossing me a review code to this one. This game was set to release back in the 1990s but never saw the light of day. However thanks to some collaboration with the original team, we now get to see this beautiful game on the PS4 and Nintendo Switch 9 (and soon the Vita)

 

Ultracore is a simple game to describe. It is a Metroidvania style fast-paced action-filled bullet flying adventure. Of course, there is a story, and as always I’m not going to discuss it. You guys can go ahead and discover it for yourself. It has been a long time since I have simply played a game where all I needed to do was simply jump around kill enemies and, well let’s just say it, I more or less felt like I was playing Contra again.

The soundtrack was also excellent as well, it has that old school feel to it but with a new sound to it.

The game is simple to describe I will admit, but that doesn’t make the game itself easy. The usual challenges for this style of game are still there. There will be jumps that will test your skill and timing, enemies that you will need to know the pattern of.

There are also various weapons upgrades to use as you would expect from such a game.

The game isn’t perfect of course, it is a bit short and the controls are were a bit stiff for my taste. That being said, for fans of retro games and this style of game, this one is worth checking out. At 22.99 it felt like a fair price to me, I give it a 7/10. Best wishes and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Atomicrops Review (PS4)

 

As always, a huge shout out and thank you to the fine folks over at Raw Fury for tossing me a review copy of this game. It is always appreciated.

Atomicrops is a game unlike pretty much any other I have ever played. It starts out with you learning how to run a small farm, then someone just drops some nuclear weapons everywhere. You still have a farm but now everything is just mutated and trying to kill you and steal your crops, which are also alive. It’s cool tho, you have all the weapons you need to defend them.

The game takes place over the course of seasons as you would expect, tho you only have to survive a few days each season unlike games like Stardew Valley that each season lasts a full month. This is a good thing since this game is much more difficult, in fact, this game probably pissed me off more than any game I have ever reviewed, with no exceptions.

I mean that in a good way tho. As you play through the game you can only be hit so many times. There are ways to replenish your hearts but depending on how your run is going the roses needed to do so may be hard to come by or rarely dropped. This is part of the fun tho because while the enemies are closing in on you sometimes you have to choose, are you taking that hit and getting those seeds you need or are you going to let them go and possibly miss them?  Small tip, don’t take the hit.

The game starts out giving you just one character but you will unlock more, and they each have their own special skill to start with. You will also be able to unlock permanent upgrades for other playthroughs. See unlike other farming games you aren’t meant to run just one farm forever, you are meant to run a farm as long as possible until you inevitably fail, learn from it then start all over again. Obviously the better you get the longer those runs last, some people can make runs last for years at a time tho I am not one of them.

This game however is a good looking and fun game that is different from what most are used to. If you are looking for a challenge and something new, this is a game you are going to want to check out. The price is also more than reasonable. The game itself tho is a solid 8 out of 10 to me. Best wishes and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

Darius Cozmic Collection Console Review (PS4)

 

Before I start this review, as always, I like to say thanks for the review copy I was lucky enough to get. This time it comes from a company that is legendary Taito. I grew up playing their games and pumping quarters into machines with their logo on them so having them give me a title I was expecting to be blasted into the past.

If that is what you want here, a nostalgia trip back to your childhood in the arcade or sitting in front of your SNES blasting strange creatures collecting power-ups and saying just one more go in hopes that this time you will get just a little further than last time, you are going to be very happy with this collection.

The collection consists of nine versions of six titles, which at first I didn’t think I would appreciate but it was actually rather interesting to see the subtle and not so subtle differences between how the game changes between different releases. From just the minor graphical or sound changes or even just the different ways the weapons fire it was a great reminder that while in today’s world we talk about frame rates that change or lighting differences that many gaming fans just don’t even notice, back then you could truly see and hear vast changes from the arcade and home versions of a title. It truly is like looking backward in time at history, and it can be done quickly and easily by just going into the menu and returning to the game select screen.

The games are pretty faithful to their original releases, and they are far from easy. They are a throwback to a time when you had a couple of lives and continues and you had to beat the game or start all over again. They held up quite beautifully and the controls function smoothly on the PS4. Of the many times I died I never felt it was the fault of anyone but myself simply learning how to play a game I hadn’t experienced in over 20 years. This game won’t be for everyone, but for those looking for a challenge or that simply love retro gaming and gaming history, this one should not be missed. Taito is a legend for a reason, and this one has fond memories and is considered a classic for a similar reason because it stands the test of time.  I happily give this an 8/10. Best wishes and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

 

Redneck Ed Astro Monster Show Comes to PC This Year

 

Rustic Fantastic development studio and 101XP publishing team are excited to announce that the cosmic arcade-style beat ’em up Redneck Ed: Astro Monsters Show is coming to PC this year.

Redneck Ed: Astro Monsters Show is an arcade beat-’em-up set in an intergalactic game show. Forced to compete in gruesome challenges to reclaim his stolen face, Ed must endure this torturous reality show while also trying to take down the sinister forces behind this business we call show.

Featuring hand-drawn art inspired by cartoonishly grotesque animation like Ren & Stimpy, Redneck Ed: Astro Monsters Show takes players through some of the weirdest and wildest worlds imaginable. As you battle through waves of bloodthirsty aliens, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the inner workings of the most sadistic game show in the universe.

While making their way through the game’s worlds, the player will end up working towards one of several possible endings, determined by the set of side quests they choose to complete. Ed’s really gonna have to get his hands dirty by completing various tasks for the local aliens. Well, at least the ones who do not immediately want to kill him, that is!

To get an early look at Redneck Ed: Astro Monsters Show, a free demo will be available as part of the Steam Game Festival June 16th – 22nd. It’s only available for a limited time, so sign up here as a reminder to ensure you don’t miss out!

“I’ve always been a fan of strange alien worlds and arcade action, and with Redneck Ed: Astro Monsters Show I let my imagination run wild,” ssaid Olga Makushenko, Managing Director of Premium Games at 101XP. “It goes to some really outlandish places, but the whole thing is wrapped up in satire about showbiz, which has become more outlandish than ever in today’s world of reality TV and celebrity culture. Redneck Ed has been a trip to make and I can’t wait for people to lay eyes on its bizarre sights for the first time.”

Darius Cozmic Collections Coming to PS4 and Nintendo Switch June 16th

 

The Darius series pioneered horizontal Shoot ‘Em Up games and was developed by the legendary TAITO Corporation. The first Darius game wowed arcade going fans when it was

released in 1986 with its dedicated dual-display cabinet, imaginative enemy designs and revolutionary sound design.

The first Darius is set in a futuristic 2D world, where the player pilots a Silver Hawk craft alone, or with a second player, and shoots their way through enemy hordes, navigating tricky terrain and battling giant robotic sea creatures.  Armed with missiles, bombs and a forcefield, which can be powered up along the way, the players must defeat the alien invaders through a series of branching ‘zones’ to be victorious.

Numerous sequels and ports followed over the years, setting new standards for Shoot ‘Em Up excellence each time, from the outstanding soundtracks,  to the unforgettable, aquatic-lifeform-themed boss design and the innovative branching paths at the end of each section

The Darius Cozmic Collection represents the classic 2D history of this iconic Shoot ‘Em Up series. All games have been faithfully ported to modern consoles by M2 in Japan, so gamers can rest assured that these are absolutely high-quality ports with perfect performance – as one would expect from the retro game experts at M2.

Darius Cozmic Collection Console – Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4

This download collection includes 6 titles (9 versions) from the Darius home console series:

  • Darius II (Mega Drive, JP version)

  • SAGAIA (Genesis, US version)

  • SAGAIA (Master System, EU version)

  • Darius Twin (Super Famicom, JP version)

  • Darius Twin (Super NES, US version)

  • Darius Force (Super Famicom, JP version)

  • Super Nova (Super NES, US version)

  • Darius Alpha (PC Engine, JP version)

  • Darius Plus (PC Engine, JP version)

Price: 54.99€ / 44.99 GBP / 59.99 USD

 

Darius Cozmic Collection Arcade – Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4

This download collection includes 4 titles (7 versions) from the Darius arcade series:

  • Darius (Arcade, original version)

  • Darius (Arcade, new version)

  • Darius (Arcade, extra version)

  • Darius II (Arcade, Dual Screen version)

  • SAGAIA (Arcade, ver.1)

  • SAGAIA (Arcade, ver.2)

  • Darius Gaiden (Arcade)

Price: 39.99€ / 34,99 GBP/ 44,99 USD

CrossCode coming to PS4 and Nintendo Switch

 

ININ Games, Deck13 and Radical Fish Games are very excited to announce that the captivating JRPG CrossCode is coming to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation®4. With more than 400.000 digital copies sold for PC, CrossCode is finally coming to consoles.

 

CrossCode for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation®4 will be available in all major retail stores in Europe and North America starting from August 28th 2020. Furthermore, the exclusive and limited SteelBook® Edition and Collector’s Edition are available only at Strictly Limited Games starting today. The digital editions can soon be ordered in the Nintendo eShop and the PlayStation Store and will be released on July 9th 2020.

 

CrossCode is a retro-inspired 2D game that comes with a captivating sci-fi storyline and silky smooth physics. Magnificent worlds and a fast-paced combat system are combined with outstanding puzzle mechanics and lots of options for character growth. A strong main story and lots of side content allow you to spend up to 80 hours in the detailed, nostalgic pixel world.

CrossCode is set in the distant future, where you follow a player named Lea. Lea logs into a fictional MMO called CrossWorlds. Lea suffers from memory loss and is mute. The path to regain Lea’s memory is to play CrossWorlds, discover all the game locations and meet other players. Bit by bit as Lea’s memory returns, the mystery surrounding CrossWorlds will unravel – and you will discover why a mute player is stuck in this game in the first place.

CrossCode had seven years of community-driven development behind its creation and was hugely anticipated by a strong fanbase before its successful release on Steam.

CrossCode features:
* Abundant main story and side content

* Outstanding Retro-style music

* Great variety of puzzles

* Fast-paced combat system

* Combining the best of JRPG and action adventure games in a modern retro-styled look

* Discover a large SciFi world with 7 unique realms

* Fight more than 120 enemy types including 30+ boss fights

* Explore 7 vast dungeons with unique themes and puzzle mechanics

Already a hit with PC fans, quotes from the world’s leading gaming press include:

“It’s the 2D Zelda I’ve wanted for years.” – Kotaku.

“A masterpiece…it’s amazing that they were able to put such detail into such a vast game.” – IGN Japan.

CrossCode SteelBook® Edition The limited CrossCode SteelBook® Edition for PC, Nintendo Switch and PS4 features:

  • Game

  • Instruction Card

  • Manual

  • Variant reversible Cover

  • Original SteelBook®

  • Individually numbered limited Edition

The SteelBook® Edition is exclusively available at the Strictly Limited Games Partner Shop for €39.99. The PlayStation 4 SteelBook® edition is limited to only 2,000 copies worldwide. The Nintendo Switch SteelBook® edition is limited to 3,000 copies worldwide. The PC SteelBook® edition is limited to 3,000 copies worldwide.

CrossCode SteelBook® Edition The limited CrossCode SteelBook® Edition for PC, Nintendo Switch and PS4 features:

  • Game

  • Instruction Card

  • Manual

  • Variant reversible Cover

  • Original SteelBook®

  • Individually numbered limited Edition

The SteelBook® Edition is exclusively available at the Strictly Limited Games Partner Shop for €39.99. The PlayStation 4 SteelBook® edition is limited to only 2,000 copies worldwide. The Nintendo Switch SteelBook® edition is limited to 3,000 copies worldwide. The PC SteelBook® edition is limited to 3,000 copies worldwide.

SteelBook Edition for PS4, SW & PC

CrossCode Collector’s Edition

The limited CrossCode Collector’s Edition for PC, Nintendo Switch and PS4 features:

  • Game

  • Instruction Card

  • Manual

  • Variant reversible Cover

  • Original SteelBook®

  • Hardcover CE Box with magnetic lock

  • Original 2-Disc Soundtrack

  • Hardcover Book – CrossCode Compendium

  • 18 Stickers

  • Large Poster

  • Lea ‘Hi’ Keychain

  • Individually numbered limited Edition

The Collector’s Edition is exclusively available at the Strictly Limited Games Partner Shop for €59.99. The PlayStation 4 Collector’s Edition is limited to 1,500 copies worldwide. The Nintendo Switch Collector’s Edition is limited to 2,000 copies worldwide. The PC Collector’s Edition is limited to 2,000 copies worldwide.

CrossCode CE for PS4, NSW & PC

Jump King Out Now for PS4, XB1 and Nintendo Switch

 

Every point of progress is saved along the way… but so is every setback. Jumps that cause minor grievances one time may become the bane of your existence upon encountering them again. Experimenting with different routes or tactics is recommended as there are many paths to success in Jump King. All this is wrapped up in a nostalgic pixel art aesthetic, full of colorful characters and evocative locales.

Make no mistake, Jump King is an extraordinarily difficult game that will be relished by anyone looking for a tough but fair challenge. It’s sadistic enough to drive a seasoned gamer to tears, yet accessible enough due to its simple controls and mechanics for anyone to overcome its challenges – perseverance is key! Do you have what it takes to be the one true Jump King?

“Dear console gamers, you are not prepared for this emotional journey! Your soul will be put to the ultimate test in our platforming game where all you do is jump…. sounds simple, right?” said Erik Säll of Nexile. “Let’s just say it is not as easy as you might think. Much due to it being such a personal challenge; there is nearly no randomness in the game so it all comes down to your skill! Every mistake and success is your own. With perseverance and a bit of luck we believe anyone can beat Jump King though! We recommend every console gamer to take up this challenge, and now you can even do it from the comfort of your own sofa!”

 

Now I copy and pasted that from the email they sent me, but I will translate. This game is about jumping, a lot. And it will probably piss a lot of us off. But there is supposed to be a really REALLY hot chick at the top. I am hoping to give this one a try because I feel like the chick at the top is ugly as hell, but there is only one way to find out. Best wishes and may the gaming gods bring you glory.

HammerHelm Receives Massive Update in Steam Early Access

 

So I got an email from my friends over at Soedesco and they said hey Savior, well they used my real name, but anyway they said check this out. Our game HammerHelm got a massive update over on Steam’s early access. If you don’t mind we would love for you to have a look and maybe pass it along.

Now full disclosure, I have NOT played this game. They have not offered me a copy nor have I asked for one. I just watched the trailer and some gameplay and thought this is something you guys may like to check out. It has been out a bit and has 83% from 118 reviews on Steam which is a very positive rating. The general gameplay is simply built a town, which used to be 30 buildings and is now 45, and has over 100 items to craft. These are things like Birch and Cherry blossom trees and other things to just make your town look better.

They have also Increased the area you can build your town quite a lot, not that it looked small before but now it seems to be quite significant in size. You will need to keep your citizens happy, as you lead the dwarfs of HammerHelm in their dream to live above ground. That doesn’t mean you won’t be going underground and fighting monsters tho, as that will be a must as you finish an assortment of quest in action-based combat. This is one you guys definitely want to check out and enjoy the screenshots below. Best wishes and may the gaming gods bring you glory.